bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral FX Interventions in Emerging Markets: the Colombian case
Authors: Parra-Polania Julian A. , Sánchez-Jabba Andrés , Sarmiento Miguel
Published: February 2022

Do oral FX interventions (i.e. announcements made by central bank officials and economic authorities) influence the exchange rate behavior in emerging economies? Following an event study approach, we evaluate whether this type of interventions in the Colombian FX market have an impact on the level or volatility of the exchange rate (U.S Dollar / Colombian peso). We find there is no conclusive evidence of a statistically significant impact. This finding consistently arises across different subsamples and parameters. Robustness tests based on the exchange rate authority that makes the announcement or the mechanism used for actual interventions yield the same conclusion. We interpret these findings as possible evidence of the fact that higher levels of uncertainty (and hence lower credibility levels) or the predominance of global over domestic factors may reduce the effectiveness of oral interventions in emerging economies.
Membangun Ketahanan Keluarga Di Masa Pandemi: Studi Fenomenologi Terhadap Bisnis Dropship Di Kota Langsa
Authors: Asnita Dessy
Published: February 2022

Dropshipping has an important role in family resilience, because one of the factors that support and hinder family resilience is economic problems. Dropshipping business is a solution and alternative that is quite attractive because it is easy to do with only a gadget and internet quota and does not spend a large amount of capital, is flexible (not bound by time). This dropship system business can help the family economy. During this pandemic, people must be more productive and innovative. This study aims to find out how to build family resilience through a dropshipping business during the covid-19 pandemic. This research was conducted with a qualitative approach with descriptive analysis and using a data collection system with observations, interviews and documentation. The methodology used is an enomenological study. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the way to build a dropshipping system for family resilience is to make products as attractive as possible and utilize digital media in the era of the Covid-19 pandemic.
ЕКОНОМІЧНА ПОЛІТИКА В УМОВАХ ІННОВАЦІЙНИХ ПЕРЕТВОРЕНЬ В УКРАЇНІ
Authors: БРЮХОВЕЦЬКА Ірина
Published: February 2022

Стаття присвячена дослідженню економічної політики в умовах інноваційних перетворень в Україні. Визначено особливості здійснення такої політики. Проаналізовано негативні наслідки від запропонованих Стратегією розвитку України від економічних перетворень відповідно до міжнародних зобов’язань у напрямку виконання "Угоди про асоціацію між Україною та ЄС". Встановлено, що економічна політика в умовах інноваційних перетворень в Україні повинна включати технічну модернізацію виробництв, справедливе оподаткування та державну підтримку підприємств, що відповідно плану розвитку країни мають перейти на якісно новий рівень роботи.
ПРОФЕСІЙНА ДІЯЛЬНІСТЬ ПУБЛІЧНИХ СЛУЖБОВЦІВ: АНАЛІЗ МОТИВАЦІЙНОГО АСПЕКТУ
Authors: ВЕСЕЛЬСЬКА Марина
Published: February 2022

Стаття присвячена науковому аналізу професійної діяльності публічних службовців, а саме мотивації їхньої діяльності. Головною ідеєю статті є формування розуміння важливості у повноцінній мотивації публічних службовців не лише матеріальними засобами, але і нематеріальними. В межах розвідок було визначено, що важливими чинниками, які впливають на мотивацію професійної діяльності публічних службовців є оцінювання, морально-психологічний клімат в колективі та ряд інших, які зазначаються в статті.
ЦИВІЛІЗАЦІЙНИЙ РОЗВИТОК УКРАЇНИ: СУЧАСНІ ВИКЛИКИ ТА МОЖЛИВОСТІ В ПРОСТОРІ ПУБЛІЧНОЇ ПОЛІТИКИ
Authors: ГОЛОВАЧ Наталія , ЗГАЛАТ-ЛОЗИНСЬКА Любов
Published: February 2022

Висвітлені основні проблеми цивілізаційного розвитку України, визначені їх наслідки. Обґрунтовано Новий управлінський курс цивілізаційного розвитку України. Розкрито основну сутність п’яти напрямів Нового управлінського курсу: 1) ідеологія еколюдиноцентризму, як напрям поглиблення діючої демократії в контексті збільшення зусиль турботи про долю людини через сприяння її самореалізації у всіх сферах життєдіяльності; 2) послідовний перехід всіх структур державної влади до культури системного (цільового) управління, кінцевою метою функціонування яких має стати підвищення рівня самореалізації людей (кінцевий результат фіксується індексом якості життя громадян); 3) системне формування потужного фундаменту громадянського суспільства в Україні через участь громадян в щорічному оцінюванні кінцевих результатів діяльності владних структур; 4) системна модернізація національної системи освіти в контексті формування нового покоління нації, здатного самореалізуватись в різних соціумах сучасного глобалізованого інформаційно і цифронасиченого світу; 5) формування ціннісної управлінської еліти в системі освіти і процесі професійної діяльності через налагодження зворотного зв’язку в рамках системного державного управління. Визначено ідеологічний базис розбудови Нової України на основі поглиблення демократії, спираючись на людиноцентризм гуманістичної спрямованості.
Effects of the concentration of manufacturing industry on Croatian regional growth
Authors: Sekur Tomislav , Marošević Katarina
Published: February 2022

Spatial concentration of economic activity is a phenomenon that has important implications for the development potential of the local, regional and national economy. This statement stems from two facts: first, there is a tendency of people and economic activity to concentrate in major cities and regions; and second, similar and connected companies sometimes agglomerate together at a particular location to take advantages of the external economies. This paper examines the effects of spatial concentration of manufacturing industry on Croatian regional growth. The industrial concentration (especially of the manufacturing sector) improves competitiveness among firms, enhances knowledge spillovers and increases the demand for labor and industrial products, leading ultimately to potentially higher growth rates. To examine the effects of concentration of manufacturing industry on Croatian regional growth, a panel analysis is conducted combining spatial (21 Croatian counties) and time (16 time periods) dimensions. The best way to measure concentration is by using the location formula to calculate location quotients weather on the basis of employment or gross value added. Therefore, the location quotients are independent variables of interest in the model whereas GDP, GDP p.c. and Gross value added of manufacturing put, regional economic prosperity and industrial output, respectively. Based on the results of the panel analysis it can be concluded that manufacturing industry is still an important factor of regional growth in Croatia, although its relative significance in Croatian economy is continuously declining over the last two decades.
3D betonnyomtatás : A gazdaságos házépítés forradalma
Authors: Szögi Tamás
Published: February 2022

Az építőipar területén az innováció és a digitalizáció kiemelten fontos szerepet kap napjainkban, hiszen legtöbben az egyszerűbb, olcsóbb és gyorsabb megoldásokat keresik a piacon való versenyképesség megtartásához. Az egyik ilyen innováció a 3D betonnyomtatás, mellyel akár szabadabb formavilágú, egyedülálló, íves szerkezeti elemeket is létrehozhatunk. A munkaerőhiány, a növekvő építőanyag árak, valamint a környezetszennyezés mind arra ösztönzik a beruházókat, hogy alternatív, hatékonyabb építésmódokat keressenek. Az automatizált technológiának köszönhetően pontosabb kivitelezés mellett csökkenthető a károsanyag-kibocsájtás mértéke is. A 2020-as évben készített TDK kutatásom során a betonnyomtatás gazdasági hatékonyságát elemeztem, majd az iparban jellemző árakat felhasználva összehasonlítottam a monolit vasbetonépítés költségeivel.
The womb: a site of domination and resistance in the Pre-emancipation British Caribbean
Authors: Xia Collin
Published: February 2022

Beginning in the 1780s, British Caribbean plantocracies faced the looming threat of slave trade abolition which would end the flow of enslaved labour fundamental to colonial plantation economies. Enslaved women’s function as the source of blackness and legal slave status made their wombs essential to a future without readily available slave imports. The general narrative centring the intensifying colonial domination of enslaved women’s wombs highlight abolitionists and slave owner’s deployment of slave women’s reproductive labour in a slave-breeding program that would produce a self-sustaining source of labour. This narrative neglects the agency enslaved women exerted in exacting control over their sexuality, marriage status, pregnancies, childbirth experience, and child-rearing process that jeopardised the institution of slavery in “gynecological revolt.” This essay privileges the feminized, unarmed, sexual, bodily defiance of enslaved women within the greater, often masculinized Caribbean slavery scholarship to argue that the womb was a site of intensifying colonial domination in the Age of Abolition but more significantly a site of women’s revolutionary struggle against slavery.
REFLECTIVE THINKING AND INQUIRY SKILLS AS PREDICTORS OF SELF-EFFICACY IN TEACHING MATHEMATICS
Authors: Saracoglu Mehtap
Published: February 2022

This study aims to show to what extent the variables of reflective thinking, inquiry skill and mathematics teaching self-efficacy belief affect each other, to show their rates of explaining each other, and to show whether inquiry skill is a mediating variable in the relationship between reflective thinking and mathematics teaching self-efficacy belief. The data which were collected to test the hypotheses regarding the relationships to be shown were evaluated with structural equation modeling. A relational screening model was used in the research. The participants of the study were 304 prospective primary school teachers studying in their third and fourth years in the Basic Education Department of Education Faculties in two different state universities in Turkey. As data collection tools, the “Reflective Thinking Level Determination Scale”, “Inquiry Skills Scale” and “Mathematics Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument” were used. According to the results of the study, reflective thinking affects mathematics teaching self-efficacy belief positively and significantly and explains it significantly. Reflective thinking affects inquiry skills positively and significantly and explains it significantly. Inquiry skill affects mathematics teaching self-efficacy belief positively and significantly. Reflective thinking and inquiry skill together explain mathematics teaching self-efficacy belief highly and significantly. Inquiry skill has a partial mediating effect between reflective thinking and mathematics teaching self-efficacy belief. Keywords: inquiry skill, mathematics teaching, prospective primary school teachers, reflective thinking, teacher education
Research on China's holistic teaching design: Theme evolution, realistic confusion and strategy optimization
Authors: Li Yaqiong , Xu Wenbin , Pan Yuchen , Xu Yiwen
Published: February 2022

The introduction of subject literacy, the promulgation of "new curriculum standards", and the implementation and promotion of new teaching materials drive the transformation of school education methods and directly affect the transformation of research on teaching design. Therefore, the research on holistic teaching design focusing on the transformation of classroom teaching methods and pointing to the reform of classroom teaching is of important theoretical value and practical significance. By combing the researches on holistic teaching design of different subjects and different perspectives in the basic education stage, it is found that the relevant theoretical analysis and the holistic teaching design model or strategy provide a certain sense of guidance or reference for teaching practice. However, with the deepening of the holistic teaching design research, the problems in its research have gradually emerged: collaborative research needs to be deepened; the research horizon can be further expanded; the standardization of experimental research needs to be strengthened. Therefore, in terms of holistic teaching design research, it is necessary to explore new collaborative research models and innovate research methods to optimize collaborative research models, so as to promote the effectiveness and in-depth research; it needs to be integrated into interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary perspectives, so as to enhance the innovation of research by deepening discipline research and strengthening interdisciplinary research; experimental research needs to pay attention to the selection of experimental objects, the scientificity of experimental design, and the control of experimental factors, and the standardized analysis of experimental data is required, so as to effectively optimize the holistic teaching design model or strategy and improve the effectiveness and reliability of experimental research.
Transfer of Cosmetic Emulsion Cream Technology from Laboratory to Pilot Phase
Authors: Burakova M. A. , Abrosimova O. N. , Ladutko Yu. M. , Smekhova I. E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction. When transferring the technology of cosmetic emulsion cream from laboratory conditions to semi-industrial equipment, it is necessary to determine the critical process parameters that will allow achieving results without losing the quality of the final product.

Aim. The aim of the study is to confirm the effectiveness of the developed technology for the production of emulsion cream under scaling conditions.

Materials and methods. As active substances were used badan thick-leaved extract dry, salicylic acid, dimethicone, menthol and octypyrox; emollients – grape seed oil, coconut oil, castor oil; emulsifiers and co-emulsifiers – distilled monoglycerides, emulsion wax, anhydrous lanolin, Cremophor A25; humidifier – glycerin; alkaline agent, pH regulator – triethanolamine; preservative – Euxil 9010; fragrance – essential oil of rosewood, solvent – purified water. Phase mixing and emulsification were carried out in a PRS AR 403 planetary mixer (ERWEKA GmbH, Germany), dosing into a sealed plastic container was carried on an FDS II AR 403 ointment dosing unit (ERWEKA GmbH, Germany). The study of the physicochemical and structural-mechanical properties of the cream was carried out in accordance with GOST 29188.2-2014 and GOST 29188.3-91.

Results and discussion. Under scaling conditions, 3 pilot series of cosmetic emulsion cream for the prevention of dry seborrhea of the scalp based of badan thick-leaved extract dry have been developed. The cream obtained both in the pilot and laboratory phases met all the requirements of the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union (TR CU) 009/2011 "On the safety of perfumery and cosmetic products", which confirms the reproducibility of the developed production technology. A 20-fold increase in loading did not affect the methods of introducing the components and their percentage. To determine the possibility of technology transfer from laboratory conditions to semi-industrial production conditions, the technological characteristics of the equipment were analyzed for the ability to carry out the required technological process, using the Ishikawa diagram, risks were identified and causal relationships of the production. The most important indicators of the technological process have been established – these are the temperature, the number of revolutions of the mixer and the mixing time.

Conclusion. On the semi-industrial equipment of the GMP training center, the technology of obtaining a cosmetic emulsion cream based on badan thick-leaved extract dry. A causal diagram (Ishikawa diagram) was compiled. Taking into account possible risks in the production of emulsion cream (number of revolutions of the mixer, stirring time, temperature) made it possible to obtain a stable product that meets all the requirements of TR CU 009/2011 "On the safety of perfumery and cosmetic products". The reproducibility of the technological process is shown.
Quantitative Determination of Ivermectin in Polymer Microspheres
Authors: Mogaibo A. I. , Meleshko A. V. , Suslov V. V. , Rybchenko O. I. , Domnina Yu. M. , Kedik S. A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction. Ivermectin is known as a veterinary agent with a wide spectrum of action against endo-and exoparasites of farm animals, which makes its use promising. Therefore, the possibility of creating prolonged parenteral dosage forms using polymer biodegradable carriers is currently being investigated. To carry out their quality control, a method of quantitative determination of the active substance is necessary. Most of the previously proposed methods are characterized by time-consuming sample preparation, complex composition of the mobile phase or a long analysis time, therefore, during the development of an injectable prolonged preparation of ivermectin based on polycaprolactone microparticles, a new method for the quantitative determination of ivermectin was proposed, which is simple and suitable for use in production.

Aim. Development of a method for the quantitative determination of ivermectin in the composition of polycaprolactone microparticles and its validation.

Materials and methods. Microparticles with ivermectin were used as the object of the study. The method of quantitative determination of ivermectin in the test sample was developed on a high-performance liquid chromatograph Dionex UltiMate 3000 (Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA), equipped with a diode-matrix detector.

Results and discussion. In this paper, various conditions for the quantitative determination of ivermectin in the composition of polymer microparticles are studied. Based on the obtained data and results, a method has been developed that has optimal sample preparation and analysis conditions.

Conclusion. As a result of the development, the conditions for the analysis were selected, which allow us to evaluate the quantitative content of ivermectin in the sample. The method was validated for the parameters specificity, analytical area, linearity, trueness, repeatability, intermediate precision.
La gestión de la calidad organizacional y las competencias administrativas: una revisión de literatura.
Authors: Marín Álvarez Yudi , Bermúdez Héctor L.
Published: February 2022

El artículo presenta la revisión de literatura realizada como marco teórico de una investigación tendiente a la comprensión y la discusión de las competencias administrativas del gerente del sector industrial metalmecánico y su incidencia en la gestión de la calidad. La revisión se realizó en algunos textos pioneros, así como en los principales handbooks de estos campos de estudio y en las bases de datos donde reposan las publicaciones especializadas. Esta revisión constituye una oportunidad para comenzar a identificar, en posteriores estudios, las competencias administrativas necesarias en los gerentes, e indagar cómo estas coadyuvan a la eficacia de la gestión de la calidad organizacional.
MODELAGEM 3D
Authors: Silva Danilo Gelloni da , Santana José Henrique Varjão , Dias Gustavo Coser Monteiro
Published: February 2022

O presente trabalho propôs atualizar o projeto de uma caldeira aquatubular desenvolvido no ano 2019, pelos alunos do curso de Tecnologia em Manutenção Industrial, na Fatec Sertãozinho, para fins de aprendizagem. Dentre as necessidades de atualização foram detectadas a ausência da gaveta para recebimento da fuligem oriunda do processo de combustão, assim como, de um sistema que permitisse a movimentação segura desta, uma vez que a massa total poderá ser da ordem de 400 kg. Além dessa atualização do projeto, foi proposta a substituição de soldas entre tubos, na confecção da parede d’água, por soldas entre os tubos e elementos comunicadores, como, por exemplo, os “tees”, a fim de reduzir o tempo de manufatura dessa estrutura. Adicionalmente à adição de um sistema para a movimentação e recebimento da gaveta de fuligem na parte externa da caldeira, foi realizada uma análise estrutural via elementos finitos da parte inferior do equipamento, de modo a atestar a segurança da solução adotada. Diante das intervenções realizadas no projeto foi possível concluir pela vantagem que os softwares de modelagem 3D oferecem aos projetistas, assim como à etapa de manufatura em si.
Studi Penerapan Akuntansi Pesantren Pada Yayasan Islamic Center Mu’adz Bin Jabal Cabang Kendari
Authors: Nurdin Emillia , Labangu Yuli Lestari , Ismah Iffah Zatil
Published: February 2022

This study aims to analyze the application of pesantren accounting at the Kendari Branch of Mu'adz bin Jabal Islamic Center Foundation. Data collection methods use documentation, library research, and interviews.The analytical method used in this research is descriptive method. Descriptive method is a method that describes the state of the object under study based on the facts that exist. This study uses Pesantren Accounting Guidelines issued by IAI and BI in 2018 as a basis for making financial statements of the Foundation Islamic Center Mu'adz Bin Jabal. The results of this study indicate that the Kendari Branch of Mu'adz bin Jabal Islamic Center Foundation has not been able to apply Pesantren Accounting Guidelines in the Presentation of Financial Statements. The Kendari Branch of Mu'adz bin Jabal Islamic Center Foundation has compiled financial reports, but is only limited to monthly income and expenditure, due to the absence of staff with accounting education background so that the knowledge and understanding of preparing financial statements in accordance with applicable Financial Accounting Standards is still lacking. This may be enough for the foundation, but in the future with a bright prospect, the preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting standards is needed.
Application of Psychrotolerant Antarctic Bacteria and Their Metabolites as Efficient Plant Growth Promoting Agents
Authors: Styczynski Michal , Biegniewski Gabriel , Decewicz Przemyslaw , Rewerski Bartosz , Debiec-Andrzejewska Klaudia , Dziewit Lukasz
Published: February 2022

Iron is the fourth most abundant element on earth. However, its low bioavailability is a key plant-growth limiting factor. Bacteria play an important role in plant growth promotion since they produce specific secondary metabolites that may increase macro- and micronutrient accessibility in soil. Therefore, bacterial-derived iron chelators, as well as surface-active compounds, are recognised as essential to plant welfare. In this study, three cold-active Antarctic bacterial strains, i.e. Pseudomonas sp. ANT_H12B, Psychrobacter sp. ANT_H59 and Bacillus sp. ANT_WA51, were analysed. The physiological and genomic characterisation of these strains revealed their potential for plant growth promotion, reflected in the production of various biomolecules, including biosurfactants (that may lower the medium surface tension of even up to 53%) and siderophores (including ANT_H12B-produced mixed-type siderophore that demonstrated the highest production, reaching the concentration of up to 1.065 mM), increasing the availability of nutrients in the environment and neutralising fungal pathogens. Tested bacteria demonstrated an ability to promote the growth of a model plant, alfalfa, increasing shoots’ length and fresh biomass even up to 26 and 46% respectively; while their metabolites increased the bioavailability of iron in soil up to 40%. It was also revealed that the introduced strains did not disrupt physicochemical conditions and indigenous soil microbial composition, which suggests that they are promising amendments preserving the natural biodiversity of soil and increasing its fertility.
Gut Microbiota Associated With Effectiveness And Responsiveness to Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Improving Trait Anxiety
Authors: Wang Zonghua , Liu Shuang , Xu Xiaoxiao , Xiao Yufeng , Yang Min , Zhao Xiaoyan , Jin Cancan , Hu Feng , Yang Shiming , Tang Bo , Song Caiping , Wang Tao
Published: February 2022

Objective

Mindfulness-based interventions have been widely demonstrated to be effective in reducing stress, alleviating mood disorders, and improving quality of life; however, the underlying mechanisms remained to be fully understood. Along with the advanced research in the microbiota-gut-brain axis, this study aimed to explore the impact of gut microbiota on the effectiveness and responsiveness to mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) among high trait anxiety populations.

Design

A standard MBCT was performed among 21 young adults with high trait anxiety. A total of 29 healthy controls were matched for age and sex. The differences in gut microbiota between the two groups were compared. The changes in fecal microbiota and psychological indicators were also investigated before and after the intervention.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, we found markedly decreased bacterial diversity and distinctive clusters among high trait anxiety populations, with significant overgrowth of bacteria such as Streptococcus, Blautia, and Romboutsia, and a decrease in genera such as Faecalibacterium, Coprococcus_3, and Lachnoclostridium. Moreover, MBCT attenuated trait anxiety and depression, improved mindfulness and resilience, and increased the similarity of gut microbiota to that of healthy controls. Notably, a high presence of intestinal Subdoligranulum pre-MBCT was associated with increased responsiveness to MBCT. Decreases in Subdoligranulum post-MBCT were indicative of ameliorated trait anxiety. The tryptophan metabolism pathways were significantly over-represented among high responders compared to low responders.

Conclusion

The significantly increased diversity post-MBCT added evidence to gut-brain communication and highlighted the utility of mycobiota-focused strategies for promoting the effectiveness and responsiveness of the MBCT to improve trait anxiety.

Clinical Trial Registration

chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR1900028389.
Kynurenines in the Pathogenesis of Peripheral Neuropathy During Leprosy and COVID-19
Authors: Oliveira Jéssica Araujo da Paixão de , Athaide Mariana Martins de , Rahman Atta Ur , de Mattos Barbosa Mayara Garcia , Jardim Marcia Maria , Moraes Milton Ozório , Pinheiro Roberta Olmo
Published: February 2022

Inflammatory disorders are associated with the activation of tryptophan (TRYP) catabolism via the kynurenine pathway (KP). Several reports have demonstrated the role of KP in the immunopathophysiology of both leprosy and coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). The nervous system can be affected in infections caused by both Mycobacterium leprae and SARS-CoV-2, but the mechanisms involved in the peripheral neural damage induced by these infectious agents are not fully understood. In recent years KP has received greater attention due the importance of kynurenine metabolites in infectious diseases, immune dysfunction and nervous system disorders. In this review, we discuss how modulation of the KP may aid in controlling the damage to peripheral nerves and the effects of KP activation on neural damage during leprosy or COVID-19 individually and we speculate its role during co-infection.
Recent Advances and Future Directions in the Understanding of Mucormycosis
Authors: Garre Victoriano
Published: February 2022

Mucormycosis is an emerging infection caused by fungi of the order Mucorales that has recently gained public relevance due to the high incidence among COVID-19 patients in some countries. The reduced knowledge about Mucorales pathogenesis is due, in large part, to the historically low interest for these fungi fostered by their reluctance to be genetically manipulated. The recent introduction of more tractable genetic models together with an increasing number of available whole genome sequences and genomic analyses have improved our understanding of Mucorales biology and mucormycosis in the last ten years. This review summarizes the most significant advances in diagnosis, understanding of the innate and acquired resistance to antifungals, identification of new virulence factors and molecular mechanisms involved in the infection. The increased awareness about the disease and the recent successful genetic manipulation of previous intractable fungal models using CRISPR-Cas9 technology are expected to fuel the characterization of Mucorales pathogenesis, facilitating the development of effective treatments to fight this deadly infection.
Relationship Between Asperities and Velocity Pulse Generation Mechanism
Authors: Han Lu , Tao Zhengru , Cao Zelin , Tao Xiaxin
Published: February 2022

Near-fault ground motion records often capture instances of pulse-like behavior, where a burst of energy is expressed as large wave amplitude that occur over short time. The pulse-like ground motion can cause serious damage to long-period structures. Using numerical simulations of near-fault ground motions, we analyze the mechanisms involved in the generation of velocity pulses in the 1994 Northridge Earthquake and the 1979 Imperial Valley Earthquake. The degree to which the asperities affect the pulse generation process is investigated by identifying individual velocity pulses from the superposition process of sub-fault ground motions. Pulse indicators Ep and PGVp represent pulse characteristics in the ground motions at the stations located near the epicenter (near-epicenter stations) and the stations located along the forward rupture propagation direction of the asperity (rupture-direction stations), respectively. To observe the effects of the asperities and the spatial relationship between the pulse-like ground motion stations and the asperities, we determine the contribution of the sub-fault motions to the pulse amplitude. Furthermore, we analyze the pulse indicators and the frequency components using simulated ground motions from two different slip distributions. The near-epicenter station ground motions, produced by homogeneous slip distribution, exhibit higher pulse amplitude and more concentrated low-frequency energy than those generated by the inhomogeneous slip distribution. The rupture-direction station ground motions, produced by inhomogeneous slip distribution, present higher pulse amplitude and more concentrated low-frequency energy than those generated by the homogeneous slip distribution. Our analysis reveals that during the fault rupture process, the pulse energy and the pulse amplitude are influenced by both the slip distribution on the fault plane and the spatial relationship between the seismic station and the asperity.
Did the Communication Barriers During the Lockdown Reduce Students’ Satisfaction?
Authors: Li Juan , Li Sitan , Hu Jianbo , Zhong Caixia , Liu Pan
Published: February 2022

The lockdown control measures implemented against the pandemic of COVID-19 have had a global effect on various aspects of our lives as a society. Considering the impact of the lockdown caused by COVID-19 on adolescents, we conducted practical longitudinal research on the changes in adolescent satisfaction before and after lockdown. A total of 221 students aged 13–19 years from a professional adolescent football school in China participated in a self-report satisfaction questionnaire before and after the lockdown. The results showed that the satisfaction of adolescents improved significantly after the lockdown. There were significant differences based on age in the improvement rate, but the correlation between the students’ home regions (and how they were affected by COVID-19) and satisfaction improvement was not significant. To examine the possible reasons behind the improvement in adolescent satisfaction, we then analyzed in detail the online teaching and training methods implemented by the school during the lockdown. Based on this investigation, we outlined recommendations to guide future practice. This research is expected to deepen the theory and practice associated with the development of Chinese adolescent teaching, which may be applied to other training institutions.
Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge: Implementation of a Didactic Proposal for Preservice History Teachers
Authors: Ciriza-Mendívil Carlos D. , Lacambra Ana Mendioroz , Hernández de la Cruz José M.
Published: February 2022

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) now form part of virtually all aspects of our daily lives, including education. However, teacher training in digital competence has been pushed into the background, especially in social sciences and in history instruction, in which digitalization and the use of ICTs is an opportunity for improvement and educational innovation. Consequently, proposals integrating the various types of knowledge into the training of history teachers are still rare and scarce. To solve this problem, this study presents a mixed quantitative and qualitative analysis using a pre- and posttest questionnaire with a sample of 235 students of the primary education degree at the Public University of Navarre who took part in an innovative didactic proposal that was implemented using the technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) model based on digitized primary sources in three resources: PARES (Spanish Archive Portal), EUROPEANA, and BNE (National Library of Spain). The primary aim of this study was for preservice teachers to develop digital competence in teaching social sciences by integrating the technological, pedagogical and content knowledge types using the TPACK model. There were three specific objectives. The first was analyzing the digital knowledge of students following a primary education degree concerning the use of ICTs in history instruction. The second was implementing a didactic proposal in the teaching social sciences course based on the TPACK model by integrating ICTs and history instruction using Spanish and European digitized primary historical sources. Finally, the third was evaluating the impact of this didactic proposal on developing the knowledge types linked to the TPACK model, especially content knowledge (CK) and its technological content knowledge (TCK) and pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) combinations.
Differences in Hip Geometry Between Female Subjects With and Without Acute Hip Fracture: A Cross-Sectional Case-Control Study
Authors: Wang Ling , Yang Minghui , Liu Yandong , Ge Yufeng , Zhu Shiwen , Su Yongbin , Cheng Xiaoguang , Wu Xinbao , Blake Glen M. , Engelke Klaus
Published: February 2022

Background and Purpose

Although it is widely recognized that hip BMD is reduced in patients with hip fracture, the differences in geometrical parameters such as cortical volume and thickness between subjects with and without hip fracture are less well known.

Materials and Methods

Five hundred and sixty two community-dwelling elderly women with hip CT scans were included in this cross-sectional study, of whom 236 had an acute hip fracture. 326 age matched women without hip fracture served as controls. MIAF-Femur software was used for the measurement of the intact contralateral femur in patients with hip fracture and the left femur of the controls. Integral and cortical volumes (Vols) of the total hip (TH), femoral head (FH), femoral neck (FN), trochanter (TR) and intertrochanter (IT) were analyzed. In the FH and FN the volumes were further subdivided into superior anterior (SA) and posterior (SP) as well as inferior anterior (IA) and posterior (IP) quadrants. Cortical thickness (CortThick) was determined for all sub volumes of interest (VOIs) listed above.

Results

The average age of the control and fracture groups was 71.7 and 72.0 years, respectively. The fracture patients had significantly lower CortThick and Vol of all VOIs except for TRVol. In the fracture patients, cortical thickness and volume at the FN were significantly lower in all quadrants except for cortical volume of quadrant SA (p= 0.635). Hip fracture patients had smaller integral FN volume and cross-sectional area (CSA) before and after adjustment of age, height and weight. With respect to hip fracture discrimination, cortical volume performed poorer than cortical thickness across the whole proximal femur. The ratio of Cort/TrabMass (RCTM), a measure of the internal distribution of bone, performed better than cortical thickness in discriminating hip fracture risk. The highest area under curve (AUC) value of 0.805 was obtained for the model that included THCortThick, FHVol, THRCTM and FNCSA.

Conclusion

There were substantial differences in total and cortical volume as well as cortical thickness between fractured and unfractured women across the proximal femur. A combination of geometric variables resulted in similar discrimination power for hip fracture risk as aBMD.
Identifying Environmental Endocrine Disruptors Associated With the Age at Menarche by Integrating a Transcriptome-Wide Association Study With Chemical-Gene-Interaction Analysis
Authors: Lu Mengnan , Feng Ruoyang , Qin Yujie , Deng Hongyang , Lian Biyao , Yin Chunyan , Xiao Yanfeng
Published: February 2022

Menarche is the first occurrence of menstrual bleeding and one of the most important events of female puberty. Alarmingly, over the last several decades, the mean age at menarche (AAM) has decreased. Environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs) are chemicals that may interfere with the endocrine system, resulting in adverse developmental, immunological, neurological, and reproductive effects in humans. Thus, the effects of EEDs on fertility and reproduction are growing concerns in modern societies. In this study, we aimed to determine the influence of genetic and environmental factors on AAM. We used data from an AAM genome-wide association study of 329,345 women to conduct a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) with FUSION software. As references, we determined the gene-expression levels in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries, uterus, and whole blood. We performed Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses using the significantly dysregulated genes identified by the TWAS. Using the STRING database, we also generated a protein–protein-interaction network to analyze common AAM-specific genes identified by the TWAS with different tissues. We performed chemical-related gene set enrichment analysis (CGSEA) and identified significant TWAS genes to uncover relationships between different chemicals and AAM. The TWAS identified 9,848 genes; among these, 1580 genes were significant (P < 0.05), and 11 genes were significant among the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, uterus, and whole blood. CGSEA identified 1,634 chemicals, including 120 chemicals significantly correlated with AAM. In summary, we performed a TWAS (for genetic factors) and CGSEA (for environmental factors) focusing on AAM and identified several AAM-associated genes and EEDs. The results of this study expand our understanding of genetic and environmental factors related to the onset of female puberty.
Responses of Above- and Belowground Carbon Stocks to Degraded and Recovering Wetlands in the Yellow River Delta
Authors: Shao Pengshuai , Han Hongyan , Yang Hongjun , Li Tian , Zhang Dongjie , Ma Jinzhao , Duan Daixiang , Sun Jingkuan
Published: February 2022

Wetlands reserve a large amount of organic carbon (C), playing a key role in contributing global C stocks. It is still uncertain to evaluate wetland C stocks due to wetland disturbance or degradation. In this study, we performed the degraded and recovering wetlands to estimate aboveground C stocks and soil organic C (SOC) stocks at the depth of 1 m in the Yellow River Delta. Our results showed that the recovering wetland sequestered 1.67 Mg C ha–1 aboveground, approximately three times higher than those (0.56 Mg C ha–1) of degraded wetland, and recovering wetland stored more SOC of 51.86 Mg C ha–1 in the top 1 m soils, approximately two times higher than those (26.94 Mg C ha–1) of degraded wetland. These findings indicate that the transformation between degraded and recovering wetlands is associated with the conversion of wetland C sources and sinks. The shifts in aboveground C stocks and SOC stocks were mainly attributed to changed biotic (i.e., aboveground biomass and photosynthetic C) and abiotic (i.e., soil water, salinity, SOC and N contents, and SOC compounds) factors. The improved soil water, salinity, and nutrient enhance C reservoir, sequestering more C in aboveground vegetation and storing more SOC via photosynthetic C input of plant litter and root exudates in recovering wetland than in degraded wetland with poor soil conditions. The relationships among wetland C stocks, plant, and soil properties indicate plant-soil interaction driving wetland ecosystem C stocks in degraded and recovering wetlands. Our research suggests that wetland restoration highlights a positive response to “carbon neutrality” by efficiently sequestering C above- and belowground.
Amelioration of Endotoxemia by a Synthetic Analog of Omega-3 Epoxyeicosanoids
Authors: Shikuma Akira , Kami Daisuke , Maeda Ryotaro , Suzuki Yosuke , Sano Arata , Taya Toshihiko , Ogata Takehiro , Konkel Anne , Matoba Satoaki , Schunck Wolf-Hagen , Gojo Satoshi
Published: February 2022

Sepsis, a systemic inflammatory response to pathogenic factors, is a difficult to treat life-threatening condition associated with cytokine and eicosanoid storms and multi-organ damage. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid, are the precursors of potent anti-inflammatory lipid mediators, including 17,18-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (17,18-EEQ), the main metabolite of EPA generated by cytochrome P450 epoxygenases. Searching for novel therapeutic or preventative agents in sepsis, we tested a metabolically robust synthetic analog of 17,18-EEQ (EEQ-A) for its ability to reduce mortality, organ damage, and pro-inflammatory cytokine transcript level in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endotoxemia, which is closely related to sepsis. Overall survival significantly improved following preventative EEQ-A administration along with decreased transcript level of pro-inflammatory cytokines. On the other hand, the therapeutic protocol was effective in improving survival at 48 hours but insignificant at 72 hours. Histopathological analyses showed significant reductions in hemorrhagic and necrotic damage and infiltration in the liver. In vitro studies with THP-1 and U937 cells showed EEQ-A mediated repression of LPS-induced M1 polarization and enhancement of IL-4-induced M2 polarization of macrophages. Moreover, EEQ-A attenuated the LPS-induced decline of mitochondrial function in THP-1 cells, as indicated by increased basal respiration and ATP production as well as reduction of the metabolic shift to glycolysis. Taken together, these data demonstrate that EEQ-A has potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that may support therapeutic strategies for ameliorating the endotoxemia.
Sea Urchin Removal as a Tool for Macroalgal Restoration: A Review on Removing “the Spiny Enemies”
Authors: Miller Kelsey I. , Blain Caitlin O. , Shears Nick T.
Published: February 2022

Kelp and macroalgal forests provide the ecological foundations of many temperate rocky reef ecosystems, but have regionally declined, often due to sea urchin overgrazing and the formation of urchin barrens. Sea urchin removal has long been used to investigate kelp-sea urchin dynamics and is increasingly being promoted for kelp forest restoration. In this review, we assess the methods and outcomes of sea urchin removal experiments to evaluate their potential use and feasibility as a tool for restoring macroalgal forests. Seventy-nine sea urchin removal projects were reviewed from temperate subtidal rocky reef systems between 1975 and 2020. Removal methods were often not reported (35%), but included manual culling, including crushing (25%) and chemical application (quicklime, 9%), or relocating sea urchins (13%). Only a small percentage of removals were large in scale (16% > 10 ha) and 92% of these utilized culling. Culling is often the most practical method of urchin removal, but all methods can be effective and we encourage development of new approaches that harvest and utilize low-quality urchins. Urchin removal led to an increase in macroalgae in 70% of studies, and a further 21% showed partial increases (e.g., at one or more sites or set of conditions). Restoration effectiveness is increased by removing essentially all sea urchins from discrete areas of urchin barrens. Sea urchin removal provides a simple, relatively cheap, and effective method that promotes kelp recovery within urchin barrens. However, sea urchin removal does not address the underlying cause of elevated sea urchin populations and is unlikely to provide a long-term solution to restore kelp forests and full ecosystem function on its own. We therefore suggest that if sea urchin removal is considered as a tool for kelp forest restoration, it should be incorporated with other management measures that aim to increase kelp forest resilience and biodiversity (e.g., marine protected areas, predator protection or enhancement). This will ensure that kelp restoration efforts have the greatest ecological, socio-economic and cultural outcomes in the long-term.
The Number and Distinct Clustering Patterns of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels in Nerve Terminals
Authors: Eguchi Kohgaku , Montanaro Jacqueline , Le Monnier Elodie , Shigemoto Ryuichi
Published: February 2022

Upon the arrival of action potentials at nerve terminals, neurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles (SVs) by exocytosis. CaV2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 are the major subunits of the voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) responsible for increasing intraterminal calcium levels and triggering SV exocytosis in the central nervous system (CNS) synapses. The two-dimensional analysis of CaV2 distributions using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-digested freeze-fracture replica labeling (SDS-FRL) has revealed their numbers, densities, and nanoscale clustering patterns in individual presynaptic active zones. The variation in these properties affects the coupling of VGCCs with calcium sensors on SVs, synaptic efficacy, and temporal precision of transmission. In this study, we summarize how the morphological parameters of CaV2 distribution obtained using SDS-FRL differ depending on the different types of synapses and could correspond to functional properties in synaptic transmission.
Sexual Dimorphism in Balance and Coordination in p75NTRexonIII Knock-Out Mice
Authors: Abbasian Mahdi , Langlois Annick , Gibon Julien
Published: February 2022

The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) is implicated in various biological functions during development and adulthood. Several animal models have been developed to identify the roles of p75NTR in vivo and in vitro. P75NTRExonIII knock-out mice are widely used to study the neurotrophin receptor and its signaling pathways. Similar to other models of p75NTR knock-out (p75NTRExon IV KO) or conditional knock-out (p75NTRfl/fl) mice, p75NTRExonIII knock-out mice present severe abnormalities in walking, gait, balance and strength. The present study identifies a sexual dimorphism in the p75NTRExonIII knock-out strain regarding balance and coordination. Using Kondziela’s inverted grid test, we observed that p75NTRExonIII knock-out males performed poorly at the task, whereas p75NTRExonIII knock-out females did not exhibit any defects. We also observed that female p75NTRExonIII knock-out mice performed significantly better than male p75NTRExonIII knock-out mice at the beam balance test. There were no differences in strength, skin innervation, or the number of ulcers on the toes between p75NTRExonIII knock-out males and females. The literature regarding the role of p75NTR in behavior is controversial; our results suggest that studies investigating the role of p75NTR in vivo using p75NTR knock-out mice should systematically report data from males and females.