bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ELABELA as a Marker of Gestational Complications – A Review
Authors: Sibiak Rafal
Published: July 2022

Adipose tissue secretes dozens of biologically active molecules known as adipokines or adipocytokines. Apelin receptor early endogenous ligand (ELABELA, also known as ELA or APELA) is a circulating signaling protein expressed in placental tissue that binds to apelin receptors. The first animal experimental findings suggested that the ELABELA deficiency might be responsible for the pathogenesis of preeclampsia--like symptoms, i.e., hypertension and proteinuria in mice. Exogenous ELABELA supplementation reverted preeclampsia symptoms and normalized fetal birth weight in mice. Several in vitro studies confirmed that ELABELA supplementation could improve trophoblast cell functions such as invasiveness and proliferation capacity. Thus, the ELABELA axis could serve as the target of innovative therapies for gestational complications. Nonetheless, most human studies do not support the thesis that disturbances in ELABELA secretion in early pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. Therefore, it is unlikely that ELABELA could serve as a novel early marker of preeclampsia in humans. Alterations in the ELABELA secretion have also been discovered among patients with other gestational complications such as GDM and fetal growth restriction.
The Influence of L-Methionine, DL-Methionine, and a Methionine Hydroxy Analog on Proliferation and Differentiation Potential of Avian Myoblasts
Authors: Savino Ronald J. , Vazquez-Anon Mercedes , Stefańska Katarzyna , Petitte James N. , Mozdziak Paul
Published: July 2022

Methionine is an essential amino critical to many cell functions including the synthesis of proteins. Supplementation of methionine in vivo is typically through L-methionine, DL-methionine, or a methionine hydroxy analog (MHA). The goal of this study was to compare the function of L-methionine, DL-methionine, and an MHA as a source of methionine to myoblasts in vitro. Avian myoblasts isolated from turkey embryos were plated in media containing varying concentrations of DL-methionine (DLM; 1.125 mg/mL or 0.56 mg/mL) or methionine hydroxy analog (MHA; 1.28 mg/mL or 0.64 mg/mL) as well as a methionine deficient negative control group and an L-methionine supplemented positive control group. The results of the proliferation assay exhibited cell division in the absence of methionine which was not significantly different than the positive control group. Results from the myoblast fusion assay revealed significantly greater myotube diameter between methionine supplemented groups compared to the methionine deficient negative control. The findings of this study show an ability for avian myoblasts to proliferate in the absence of methionine, the significance of which is discussed. Additionally, findings from the fusion assay suggest that DL-methionine and MHA are potential cost-effective substitutes for methionine supplementation during terminal differentiation of avian myoblasts.
English as a Foreign Language Teachers’ Techno-Cultural Awareness Levels and Self-Reported Competencies
Authors: Çakır İsmail , Kurnaz Yıldıray
Published: July 2022

Introduction:
In line with technological developments, many educational institutions offer students and teachers technical opportunities to benefit both inside and outside the schools. From the perspective of utilizing technology for a more effective language learning and teaching process, the present study aims to reveal techno-cultural awareness levels and self-reported competencies of secondary school English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers working in Turkey.

Methods:
A total of 36 secondary school teachers participated in the study, and data were collected through a questionnaire and focus group interview. The focus group interview was conducted after the quantitative data analysis so that the quantitative data results guided the focus group interviews.

Results:
The study’s findings show that participants have positive attitudes towards using technology in EFL classes However, most participants still feel they are not competent enough to utilize it for instructional purposes. In this context, all participants agree that the education they received during pre-service and in-service training offered by the Ministry of National Education (MoNE) is insufficient.

Discussion:
The results obtained from data analysis are in parallel with some other studies. According to the findings, pre-service teacher training programmes need to be developed in line with the needs and expectations of teachers and learners regarding the use of technology in language teaching. Furthermore, it is suggested that teachers should be supported with much more comprehensive in-service training programmes to keep them up-to-date. In this regard, professional development programmes based explicitly on improving teachers’ technological awareness would motivate them to teach and significantly impact their self-reported capabilities.

Limitations:
This study was limited to 36 participants working in secondary schools in the same province. Therefore, the results cannot be generalized to all language teachers. Furthermore, the data collection process was carried out using questionnaires and focus group interviews.

Conclusions:
What makes this study significant is that teachers are central to the research. From this point forth, the current study results reveal the analysis of the data obtained from a small province of Turkey. However, the study shows significant and representative results because the teachers included in the study are individuals with the same educational levels. They have graduated from different universities in Turkey, and their working environments somewhat reflect Turkey’s working environments. Considering the differences between teachers’ positive attitudes towards technology utilization in EFL classes and their capabilities, it is argued that in-service and pre-service training programmes should be reviewed to overcome these deficiencies and keep up with the new developments.
Adjustment to School as the Predictor of School Burnout in University Students
Authors: Özhan Mehmet Buğra , Boyaci Mehmet
Published: July 2022

Introduction:
Burnout emerges as a common problem during the university period when social competition and expectations from the individual increase, and daily life becomes increasingly complicated due to augmenting stress factors. The aim of this study was to examine whether the school burnout of university students can be predicted significantly by adjustment to school.

Methods:
This study used a correlational survey model to investigate the burnout levels of university students in terms of their adjustment to university life. The sample of the study comprised a total of 334 students, enrolled in four different faculties of a university in Turkey. The data of this research were collected by using the “Adjustment to University Life Scale (AULS)”, “The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Form (MBI-SF)” and personal information form.

Results:
The findings obtained in this study showed that academic, social, and personal adjustment to university life among university students negatively and significantly correlated with school burnout that students experienced. In addition, personal, social and academic adjustment variables together significantly predict each of the exhaustion, cynicism and efficacy variables.

Discussion:
According to these results, academic, social, and personal adjustment to university life among university students negatively and significantly correlated with school burnout that students experienced. This situation indicates that as students’ academic, social, and personal adaptation to university life increases, they will experience less emotional burnout, become less cynical of their environment, and feel less personal inefficacy. In this context, it is thought that interventions that support adaptation to university life are an important factor that will protect students from the negative effects of burnout.

Limitations:
The sample of this study is limited to 334 participants. In addition, the findings of the study are limited to the sincere response of the participants to the instruments of the study and the qualifications of the measurement tools. In other words, this research has no claim of generalizability.

Conclusions:
According to the findings of the study, students with high adjustment to university life experience less academic burnout. In this context, both individual and group work to be conducted by the guidance and psychological counseling units of universities gain importance. It will be particularly beneficial to conduct studies for adjustment to university life, such as psycho-education, group psychological counseling, or peer guidance.
Attitudes of University Professors towards Distance Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hamida Souraya , Hazhazi Kamel , Kadri Abdelhafid
Published: July 2022

Introduction:
With the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to study the attitudes of university professors towards distance education during the home-quarantine period.

Methods:
The sample of the study included 426 professors from 37 universities across the country. The study used the questionnaire as a tool to collect information, based on electronic distribution. Besides, the descriptive method was used to analyse the results.

Results:
Findings revealed positive trends among university professors towards distance learning during the home-quarantine period. In addition, the results indicated that distance learning can be adopted by both sexes without any additional special features. Moreover, the finding demonstrated positive attitudes towards distance learning with non-significant differences concerning their speciality. It means that professors’ speciality was not a hindrance in the distance learning process. Furthermore, the results suggested that distance learning could be one of the promising pedagogical technologies for higher education in Algeria.

Discussion:
We conclude that the distance learning is a good alternative to the classic traditional system. Also, it facilitates the training and qualification process for the student. Moreover, professors have a positive attitude towards the distance learning process. In addition, the gender and the academic speciality do not affect the attitude among professors towards the use of distance learning.

Limitations:
The study results are only regionally generalisable because the study data were only collected in Algeria.

Conclusions:
Distance learning is a good alternative in these current circumstances. In addition, professors have a positive attitude towards the distance learning process.
Suitability of Selected Winter Cultivars of Wheat from Production of Wheat Beer
Authors: Belcar Justyna , Sekutowski Tomasz R. , Zardzewiały Miłosz , Gorzelany Józef
Published: July 2022

The study investigated the feasibility of three winter cultivars of wheat – Elixer, Rockefeller and Gimantis, for production of wheat beer. Reference samples were produced from commercially available wheat malt. The findings showed the beer produced from commercially available wheat malt presented the best sensory and physicochemical parameters, including real final fermentation of 70.11%. The results related to the investigated wheat cultivars showed good quality properties in the beer produced from malts obtained from Gimantis cultivar (content of CO2 – 0.58%), and from Rockefeller cultivar (alcohol content - 4.62% v/v). A similar relationship was observed in the sensory assessment. The findings related to beer produced from malt of Elixer wheat cultivar showed relatively low effectiveness of the production process (69.7%) and final beer fermentation (65.52%), and at the same time high contents of polyphenols (210 mg/dm3) and antioxidant activity. Wheat malts produced from Gimantis and Rockefeller cultivars can effectively be used as a raw material in beer production; on the other hand, malt from Elixer cultivar, found with higher antioxidant contents, may be used as an additive to be applied in a small quantity in the mashing process in order to enhance the beer in terms of its potential health benefits.
Quality and Technological Properties of Flour with the Addition of Aesculus Hippocastanum and Castanea Sativa
Authors: Sikora Fryderyk , Ochmian Ireneusz , Sobolewska Magdalena
Published: July 2022

The study of alternative food sources or ingredients that can partially replace or enrich today’s food is a perspective direction. The possibility of using horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) and chestnut (Castanea sativa) fruits in the baking industry as an admixture to wheat flour has been determined. The addition of flours from these fruits at a level of 10% increases the number of minerals in the flour mixture and also enriches the mixture in saponins, coumarins, and tannins. However, it is necessary to remove excess saponins from horse chestnut. The amylograph has shown that flour from horse chestnut fruit has optimal parameters for baking mixed bread. Farinograph tests showed that a 10% addition of ground horse chestnut to wheat flour had the best baking properties. Mixtures with 10 and 15% chestnut addition showed the best baking characteristic.
Microbiological Quality and Organoleptic Property of Meat and Fish Preserved with Oil from Dacryodes Edulis Seed
Authors: Oniyide Temitope Julianah , Ogidi Clement Olusola , Akinyele Bamidele Juliet
Published: July 2022

The bioactive compounds contributing to aroma and natural antimicrobial potential of oil from Dacryodes edulis seed can be harnessed in food industries as food preservatives. This study therefore, reveals the preservative effect and organoleptic property of meat and fish preserved with oil from D. edulis seed. Proximate and mineral analysis of oil were carried out using standard methods. Preservative quality of oil on fish and meat was investigated at 4°C and 37°C. Organoleptic property of preserved fish and meat was determined using trained panellists. Fat, protein, carbohydrates, crude fibre, ash and moisture content of oil from D. edulis seed are 55.7%, 18.7%, 10.8%, 7.1%, 4.6% and 3.1%, respectively. Potassium (106.5 µg/g) and phosphorous (102.5 µg/g) have the relatively highest values compared (p<0.05) to other minerals like zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium, and sodium. Better preservative property of oil was observed on fried fish and meat kept at 4°C with no microbial growth. The highest microbial load (3.95 × 106 cfu/g) occurred in fresh chicken coated with oil from D. edulis seed after 7 days of preservation. Fish and meat fried with oil from D. edulis seed were well accepted (9.00) than those fried with groundnut oil (3.50). Oil from D. edulis seed is an edible oil that can be utilized as alternative vegetable oil with natural preservatives and embedded nutrients.
Differences in the Pollen Content of Varieties of Polish Honey from Urban and Rural Apiaries
Authors: Gamrat Renata , Puc Małgorzata , Gałczyńska Małgorzata , Bosiacki Mateusz , Witczak Agata , Telesiński Arkadiusz
Published: July 2022

The value of honey as a natural food product is influenced by its pollen content, with the dominant type of pollen conferring specific medicinal properties. The present study examines the pollen spectra of 31 honeys from urban (linden, acacia, polyfloral, honeydew) and rural (rape, acacia, polyfloral, honeydew) apiaries in Poland. The pollen in content in honey ranged from 0.2 to 88 %. In total, 76 plant taxa were identified, 21 of which were assigned to forms A, B and C. Higher pollen grain content and a greater diversity of honey plant taxa were found in the urban honey, particularly polyfloral honey; this could be attributed to the rich variety of plants found in urban green areas compared to rural areas ones.
Biochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Different Preparations from Microbial Waste of the Beer Industry
Authors: Chiseliţa Natalia , Chiseliţa Oleg , Beşliu Alina , Efremova Nadejda , Tofan Elena , Sprincean Ana , Daniliş Marina , Rotari Doina , Rotaru Ana
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the biochemical composition and antioxidant activity of different natural preparations obtained from the yeast biomass of beer industry waste. It was found that the preparations had a valuable biochemical composition, high antioxidant activities, a broad spectrum of immunoactive and essential amino acids, and that their protein and carbohydrate contents varied depending on the extraction stage and solvent. In conclusion, the varied biochemical composition, significant antioxidant and enzymatic activities, the innocuousness of Saccharomyces yeasts for living organisms, suggest that the obtained preparations can be an excellent source of biologically active substances and that their high biological activity presents a considerable potential for animal husbandry, food industry and cosmetics.
Accrual-based and cash-based earnings management in Algeria: substitution or complementary
Authors: Bilal Kimouche
Published: July 2022

Managers are often employed many alternatives for earnings management following their objectives or the financial reporting objectives; the commonly used are the accrual-based and cash-based earnings management. The literature reveals that managers adopt the two strategies in different ways, suggesting a mixed relationship between them. Hence, this study investigates the relationship between the two strategies of earnings management in Algeria, whether it is a substitute or complementary. The study included 30 Algerian companies during 2011-2019, so a total of 270 firm-year observations were employed. Accrual-based earnings management was measured through the modified-Jones model, while cash-based earnings management was measured through the abnormal cash flows model. According to the results, Algerian companies engage more in accrual-based earnings management and employ the two strategies as substitutes, which explains the strong and negative effect of accrual-based on cash-based earnings management. We argue that companies engage first in accrual-based earnings management, and then they shift towards cash-based earnings management due to auditors’ scrutiny. Furthermore, we found a positive and a medium effect of return on equity on cash-based earnings management, which reflects the managers’ desire to adjust operating cash flows consistent with the reported earnings. Finally, the results indicated that company ownership, company listing, and the nature of financial statements do not affect cash-based earnings management.
Is the effect of public debt on inflation symmetric or asymmetric? Evidence from the Gambia
Authors: Aimola Akingbade U. , Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: July 2022

Several studies have identified the impact of total public debt on inflation. These studies are based on the assumption of a symmetric relationship between these variables. However, because different governments react to changes in total public debt (positive or negative) differently, this study employed the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) technique to investigate the nature of the link between total public debt and inflation in the Gambia for the period from 1978 to 2019. The results indicate an asymmetric relationship between total public debt and inflation, irrespective of whether the analysis was conducted in the short run or long run. The coefficient of a positive shock in total public debt is statistically significant in the short run and in the long run, suggesting the inflationary effect of positive variation in total public debt in the Gambia. On the other hand, the effect of a negative shock is not statistically significant in the short run or in the long run. These findings reinforce the need for government to approach increase in public debt with caution to minimise volatility in inflation. Overall, this study provides a fresh insight into the optimal estimation technique for testing the public debt–inflation nexus through a nonlinear approach.
Development of an Adaptive Genetic Algorithm to Optimize the Problem Of Unequal Facility Location
Authors: Budi Hendrik Setia , Elveny Marischa , Zhuravlev Pavel , Jalil Abduladheem Turki , Al-Janabi Samaher , Alkaim Ayad F. , Saleh Marwan Mahmood , Shichiyakh Rustem Adamovich , Sutarto
Published: July 2022

The problem of unequal facility location involves determining the location of a set of production equipment whose dimensions are different, as well as the interrelationships between each of them. This paper presents an efficient method for optimizing the problem of unequal facility layouts. In this method, the genetic algorithm is improved and developed into an adaptive genetic algorithm. In this algorithm, the mutation operator is applied only when the similarity of chromosomes in each population reaches a certain level. This intelligence prevents jumps in situations where they are not needed and reduces computational time. In order to measure the performance of the proposed algorithm, its performance is compared with the performance of conventional genetic algorithms and refrigeration simulators. Computational results show that the adaptive genetic algorithm is able to achieve higher-quality solutions.
Optimizing the Multi-Level Location-Assignment Problem in Queue Networks Using a Multi-Objective Optimization Approach
Authors: Syah Rahmad , Elveny Marischa , Soerjati Enni , Guerrero John William Grimaldo , Jowad Rawya Read , Suksatan Wanich , Aravindhan Surendar , Voronkova Olga Yuryevna , Mavaluru Dinesh
Published: July 2022

Using hubs in distribution networks is an efficient approach. In this paper, a model for the location-allocation problem is designed within the framework of the queuing network in which services have several levels, and customers must go through these levels to complete the service. The purpose of the model is to locate an appropriate number of facilities among potential locations and allocate customers. The model is presented as a multi-objective nonlinear mixed-integer programming model. The objective functions include the summation of the customer and the waiting time in the system and the waiting time in the system and minimizing the maximum possibility of unemployment in the facility. To solve the model, the technique of accurate solution of the epsilon constraint method is used for multi-objective optimization, and Pareto solutions of the problem will be calculated. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis of the problem is performed, and the results demonstrate sensitivity to customer demand rate. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the proposed model is able to greatly summate the customer and the waiting time in the system and reduce the maximum probability of unemployment at several levels of all facilities. The model can also be further developed by choosing vehicles for each customer.
Designing a Green Supply Chain Transportation System for an Automotive Company Based On Bi-Objective Optimization
Authors: Syah Rahmad , Nasution Mahyuddin. M , Shol Vladimir Vladimirovich , Kireeva Natalia , Jalil Abduladheem Turki , Chen Tzu-Chia , Aravindhan Surendar , Abood Emad Salaam , Alkaim Ayad F.
Published: July 2022

Recently, due to the increasing awareness of communities regarding environmental issues and environmental regulations, companies have evolved to provide products with lower prices and better quality to retain and attract customers. Economics should also pay attention to environmental goals. Therefore, it is essential to provide a supply chain model that can consider both economic and environmental objectives. In this paper, the green direct supply chain network is presented to an automotive company, including five suppliers, primary warehouses, manufacturing plants, distributors, and sales centers. The objectives of this model are to minimize the total cost of construction, transportation, and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions during forwarding network transportation at all levels. The proposed model is also drawn using the weight method, which is one of the methods for solving multi-objective problems, and the solution of the model part. Ultimately, it has been discussed how much the automobile company should focus on reducing carbon dioxide so that managers can determine the best solutions from the Pareto border according to their organization’s priorities, which can be environmental or financial.
Duality Notions in Real Projective Plane
Authors: Coghetto Roland
Published: July 2022

In this article, we check with the Mizar system [1], [2], the converse of Desargues’ theorem and the converse of Pappus’ theorem of the real projective plane. It is well known that in the projective plane, the notions of points and lines are dual [11], [9], [15], [8]. Some results (analytical, synthetic, combinatorial) of projective geometry are already present in some libraries Lean/Hott [5], Isabelle/Hol [3], Coq [13], [14], [4], Agda [6], . . . .

Proofs of dual statements by proof assistants have already been proposed, using an axiomatic method (for example see in [13] - the section on duality: “[...] For every theorem we prove, we can easily derive its dual using our function swap [...]2”).

In our formalisation, we use an analytical rather than a synthetic approach using the definitions of Leończuk and Prażmowski of the projective plane [12]. Our motivation is to show that it is possible by developing dual definitions to find proofs of dual theorems in a few lines of code.

In the first part, rather technical, we introduce definitions that allow us to construct the duality between the points of the real projective plane and the lines associated to this projective plane. In the second part, we give a natural definition of line concurrency and prove that this definition is dual to the definition of alignment. Finally, we apply these results to find, in a few lines, the dual properties and theorems of those defined in the article [12] (transitive, Vebleian, at_least_3rank, Fanoian, Desarguesian, 2-dimensional).

We hope that this methodology will allow us to continued more quickly the proof started in [7] that the Beltrami-Klein plane is a model satisfying the axioms of the hyperbolic plane (in the sense of Tarski geometry [10]).
Relationship between the Riemann and Lebesgue Integrals
Authors: Endou Noboru
Published: July 2022

The goal of this article is to clarify the relationship between Riemann and Lebesgue integrals. In previous article [5], we constructed a one-dimensional Lebesgue measure. The one-dimensional Lebesgue measure provides a measure of any intervals, which can be used to prove the well-known relationship [6] between the Riemann and Lebesgue integrals [1]. We also proved the relationship between the integral of a given measure and that of its complete measure. As the result of this work, the Lebesgue integral of a bounded real valued function in the Mizar system [2], [3] can be calculated by the Riemann integral.
Improper Integral. Part I
Authors: Endou Noboru
Published: July 2022

In this article, we deal with Riemann’s improper integral [1], using the Mizar system [2], [3]. Improper integrals with finite values are discussed in [5] by Yamazaki et al., but in general, improper integrals do not assume that they are finite. Therefore, we have formalized general improper integrals that does not limit the integral value to a finite value. In addition, each theorem in [5] assumes that the domain of integrand includes a closed interval, but since the improper integral should be discusses based on the half-open interval, we also corrected it.
The 3-Fold Product Space of Real Normed Spaces and its Properties
Authors: Okazaki Hiroyuki , Nakasho Kazuhisa
Published: July 2022

In this article, we formalize in Mizar [1], [2] the 3-fold product space of real normed spaces for usefulness in application fields such as engineering, although the formalization of the 2-fold product space of real normed spaces has been stored in the Mizar Mathematical Library [3].

First, we prove some theorems about the 3-variable function and 3-fold Cartesian product for preparation. Then we formalize the definition of 3-fold product space of real linear spaces. Finally, we formulate the definition of 3-fold product space of real normed spaces. We referred to [7] and [6] in the formalization.
Assessing transformations in peri-urban areas using GIS: A case of Pune city, India
Authors: Lad Ketaki Suhas , Petkar Arati Siddharth
Published: July 2022

The unplanned expansion of cities has become a serious concern in India these days. They exert pressure on the city’s resources, resulting in uncontrolled expansion and unliveable circumstances. As a result, there is a need to design certain techniques to reduce this issue in order to have planned growth both within and outside the city. In this research, the demographic, physical and environmental transformations of the peri-urban areas of Pune City have been analysed using GIS and parameters have been suggested to develop a selection index to help identify the areas having urban traits and suggest separate urban local bodies for their governance and planning.

Highlights for public administration, management and planning:

•

Peri-urban regions experience a lot of changes as they transition from rural to urban features, and assessing these changes using GIS is critical for better planning of such areas’ development.

•

This study provides parameters and creates a selection index to determine if periurban regions have high or low urban traits, and then determines whether those areas should be combined with current municipal boundaries or formed into new urban local bodies using the ArcGIS software.
Muscari baeticum (Scilloideae, Asparagaceae), a new addition to the native flora of Tunisia and third report to Mediterranean Africa
Authors: Mokni Ridha El
Published: July 2022

Muscari baeticum, originating from western Europe, is here recorded as new from the central eastern part of Tunisia. So far, it was known only from Algeria and Morocco within the southern part of the Mediterranean basin. Description of the species as well as first data about its ecology in Tunisia together with geographical distribution and diagnostic features of closely related species are given. Photographic illustrations of the new reported taxon and an updated key to the Muscari species in North Africa are also provided.
Phytosociological and ecological peculiarities of Festuca pallens Host in Ukraine
Authors: Didukh Yakiv , Vasheniak Iuliia , Bednarska Iryna
Published: July 2022

This article deals with phytosociological and ecological requirements of the vulnerable species Festuca pallens in Ukraine. Based on the analysis of 51 relevés, we have recognized the occurrence of Festuca pallens in three associations within the Festuco-Brometea class. Some communities where Festuca pallens occurs have transitional stages of succession to forest edge vegetation according to the expert system classification. In addition, we evaluated the ecological differences among occupied habitats using Didukh’s phytoindication scales and concluded that the most important ecological factors are soil humidity, nitrogen content, soil aeration, salt regime, carbonate content, thermoregime, and climate continentality. Finally, we evaluated the threats to the existence of these communities with the presence of Festuca pallens, taking into account climate change and other impacts of anthropogenic activities (illegal mining, recreation, afforestation).
Syntaxonomical survey of cork oak forests (Quercus suber L.) in the province of Tizi Ouzou, Kabylia, Northern Algeria
Authors: Meddour Rachid , Sahar Ouahiba , Bouxin Guy
Published: July 2022

This study is a contribution to the knowledge of the floristic composition and syntaxonomical significance of Quercus suber woodlands of Tizi Ouzou province, which represent the last remnants of ancient forests. The field surveys were taken in several locations representative of cork oak woodlands, using the Braun-Blanquet method. A matrix of 96 phytosociological relevés and 160 plant taxa was treated with clustering analysis and correspondence analysis. These multivariate analyses showed congruent results and allowed the definition of four main clusters of cork oak woodlands, corresponding to four syntaxa according to synecological and syndynamic gradients. They belong to three associations, of which one is newly described, and two subassociations. They are: Sileno imbricatae-Quercetum suberis ass. nov., a mesophilous association newly described here, on siliceous soils and in the humid ombrotype; Cytiso villosi-Quercetum suberis, a mesophilous association, with two subassociations: quercetosum canariensis, and myrtetosum communis, this later reported for the first time in the study area, and both localized in the humid ombrotype and confined on markedly acid soils; Erico arboreae-Myrtetum communis, thermophilous secondary shrubland association developed in the subhumid ombrotype, on flysch substrates, also identified for the first time in this area. Syntaxonomic, synecological and syndynamic considerations are given for each syntaxon.
First record of the Nearctic Ozognathus cornutus (LeConte, 1859) (Coleoptera: Ptinidae: Anobiinae) in Cyprus
Authors: Demetriou J. , Kakiopoulos G. , Martinou A.F.
Published: July 2022

The Nearctic spider beetle Ozognathus cornutus (LeConte, 1859) is recorded for the first time in Cyprus during entomological surveys on alien Eucalyptus spp. The biology of this alien species is still understudied. A short overview of the species distribution and ecology in the Mediterranean is presented, adding a new host plant for the beetle.
Showcase Festivals: Gatekeepers and Bridge Builders in the Music Industries
Authors: Thorkildsen Kjersti Livesdottir , Rykkja Anders
Published: July 2022

Showcase festivals are industry events comprising artist showcases and conferences. It may be argued that showcase festivals are an understudied offline field, since their role in configuring and maintaining a festival-like arena and providing a meeting place for the music industries remains largely unexplored from a scholarly point of view, as well as underappreciated and underestimated within the mainstream academic community. Their purpose is to present artists hoping to attract the attention of the core audience: industry professionals looking for new talent to sign and represent. The article provides an empirical study of the Nordic showcase festival by:Larm using theories of gatekeeping, fields and capital.
Constructing a Transformative Sustainability Pedagogy: Teacher Empowerment for a Sustainable Future
Authors: Bedford Timothy
Published: July 2022

The article demonstrates an action research approach for constructing Transformative Sustainability Pedagogy (TSP) to empower teachers for a sustainable future. The starting point for the TSP was a Transformative Education for Gross National Happiness (GNH) teacher action research project in Bhutan (2010–2013) – a collaboration between the author, co-researcher and the Royal Education Council. Two Leadership Training Courses (LTC) were developed for teachers from seven schools based on critical/transformative pedagogy. The aim of the courses was to empower the teachers to carry out action research to infuse their schools with GNH principles and practices. The project concluded in 2013, and the results showed that the LTC transformative pedagogy and action research approach had successfully empowered teachers to act and promote GNH in their schools. Nine years on, the author re-analyzed the project data to identify the empowering pedagogical principles and construct TSP grounded in ecological principles and values.
Preserving World Cultural Heritage: Social Justice and Sustainability Competencies via Socially-Oriented Interdisciplinary Education
Authors: Vázquez-Villegas Patricia , Ruiz-Cantisani María Ileana , Caratozzolo Patricia , Lara-Prieto Vianney , Ponce-López Roberto , Martínez-Acosta Mariajulia , Torres Anthony , Sriraman Vedaraman , Martínez-Ortiz Araceli , Membrillo-Hernández Jorge
Published: July 2022

The world’s cultural heritage (customs, practices, places, objects, artistic expressions, and values that signify a legacy of the history of humanity) provides identity to communities. In Mexico, the case of the World Heritage City of Xochimilco involves a sustainable agroecological system designed by its ancient inhabitants more than 500 years ago. Currently, the biodiversity and the chinampas (floating agricultural gardens) are at risk due to inconsistent government oversight and the lack of incentives for communities to carry on with the culture of agricultural production on Lake Xochimilco. Through a Challenge-Based Learning, a culturally relevant academic experience for university students was designed to involve them in preserving biodiversity while developing research and problem-solving skills. Satisfaction surveys and course evaluations indicated that this didactic methodology encouraged students to consider their connection to social justice issues and prompted them to expand their knowledge in their different disciplines. Socially-oriented experiential learning is an effective pedagogy that fosters a sense of social responsibility in students.
Competences for Sustainable Development Goals: The Challenge in Business Administration Education
Authors: Dias Bárbara Galleli , Onevetch Raquel Teodoro da Silva , Santos Joyce Aparecida Ramos dos , Lopes Gabriele da Cunha
Published: July 2022

This research aims to answer the following question: How to advance in the development of competences aimed at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in business administration education? An exploratory literature review was conducted to discuss human competences for the SDGs and to propose advances for their conception and development in undergraduate courses in Business Management. The discussion was based on the guidelines established by the main body engaged in the cause, UNESCO. Education for sustainable development (ESD) guided the proposal of this study for the operationalization of competences for the SDGs, organized into: i) information used in the development of competences for the SDGs; ii) how competences should be defined; iii) competency based ESD content; iv) expected results from the operationalization of competences and v) who is involved in the process.
Role of Social Justice in the Relationship Between Cultural Intelligence and Attitude Toward Teaching Profession
Authors: Karataş Kasım , Han Bünyamin
Published: July 2022

The research investigated the role of social justice in the relationship between cultural intelligence and attitude toward teaching profession. For a sustainable education, social justice and cultural intelligence are seen crucial in teaching profession. The data of the study were collected from 404 prospective teachers studying at a state university in Turkey by using a paper-based survey. For collecting the data, “Cultural Intelligence Scale (CIS)” developed by Ang et al. (2007) and adapted into Turkish by Ilhan and Cetin (2014); “Social Justice Scale (SJS)” developed by Torres-Harding et al. (2012) and adapted into Turkish by Cirik (2015); and “Attitude Scale of Teaching Profession” developed by Üstüner (2006) were used. A structural model was established and conducted to hypothesize the research questions. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to validate the measurement and structural model. The SEM-based mediating analysis using SPSS AMOS was employed to test the hypothesized relationships. According to the results, cultural intelligence predicted the attitude towards the teaching profession and also social justice. Moreover, social justice was found to be in the full mediating role in the relationship between cultural intelligence and attitude towards the teaching profession. The research concluded that social justice was an important factor in increasing cultural intelligence competencies of teacher candidates to enhance their positive attitude towards teaching profession.
Present and Future of Teacher Education Admission: Perspectives From Europe
Authors: Pipere Anita , Kravale-Pauliņa Mārīte , Oļehnoviča Eridiana
Published: July 2022

The article presents small-scale qualitative research that reveals the views of teacher education (TE) experts from different geographical regions of Europe on teacher education admission criteria (TEA) today and in the future world. This exploration would open the international debate on the future need to reinvent the TE, TEA, and rethink the qualities of the TE candidates in a sustainable TE framework for the wide diversity of European countries. Data were collected from ten experts using a qualitative questionnaire with eight open questions, including one multiple choice question. Inductive and deductive qualitative content analysis was performed on the qualitative data collected. This study gives voice to professionals in TE and TEA, allowing them to express concerns, perspectives, and visions of current and future TE and TEA. In light of the cultural, social, political, and educational context in several European countries, the findings illustrate the scope of similar and unique discourses that are considered crucial in educational politics and decision making on the national, regional and pan-European scale.
The case for Southwest Finnic: areal or genetic grouping?
Authors: O’Rourke Patrick
Published: July 2022

This article discusses a group of South Finnic languages and/or dialects that share common phonological features. These languages and dialects are Livonian, Mulgi South Estonian, Island North Estonian and Western North Estonian, all deriving from Proto-Finnic. In contemporary Finnic taxonomy, the first language to diverge from Proto-Finnic was South Estonian, followed by Livonian, and later by North Estonian and Votic. Nevertheless, all the mentioned languages have converged after their initial divergence, resulting in an areal grouping called South Finnic. The contribution of this article is to assess linguistic features shared by the mentioned languages and dialects and what their nature can reveal. I argue that the features point to a new understanding of Finnic taxonomy in that the addition of a narrower group of Southwest Finnic can be justified as a Finnic branch.
Reliability Analysis of Stone Columns Bearing Capacity
Authors: Guechi Yazid , Bordjiba Abdelhak
Published: July 2022

Reliability analysis and stone columns techniques are widely used, with an increasing trend, in different geotechnical engineering problems. Design methods of stone columns is still based on deterministic approach, in spite some degree of uncertainties is associated with soil and stone column parameters. In the present work, reliability analysis of bearing capacity of stone columns is examined; using three methods of reliability analysis, First Order Second Moment FOSM, Point Estimate Method PEM, and Monte Carlo simulations MCs. Parametric analysis using all variables involved in stone columns design has been conducted. Distributions of random variables involved in stone columns design are considered either as normal or lognormal. The random variables correlation effect is examined. The study has allowed to evaluate parameter uncertainty effect on reliability index of stone columns, and has permitted to figure out reduced set of parameters that must be considered as random in reliability analysis of stone columns beside sensitivity analysis.
Biological Denitrification of Water Intended for Human Consumption
Authors: Matei Alexandru , Racoviţeanu Gabriel , Vulpaşu Elena
Published: July 2022

Nitrate is the most common form of nitrogen in water. The presence of nitrates in drinking water can harm human health, this is why the maximum concentration of nitrates in potable water is imposed by law. The main treatment technologies used for treating this kind of water are reverse osmosis, ion exchangers, electrodialysis and biological denitrification. The goal of this paper is to determine the efficiency of biofilters in reducing the ammonium concentrations in water, depending on the carrier/filtration media used in the biofilters, the C:N:P ratio used and contact time between water and the attached biomass. The paper is based on the result obtained during experimental tests in which the concentration of nitrates in the raw water was 150 mg/l.
General Equations of Non-Degenerate Conics
Authors: Mihai Radu-Ioan
Published: July 2022

In this article, we present a method to obtain equations of non-degenerate conics in an initial Cartesian frame (xOy), starting from their canonical expressions in another Cartesian frame (x′′Cy′′).
Government Expenditure and Economic Growth in Euro Area Countries
Authors: Cenc Helena
Published: July 2022

In this article, the author examines the impact of government expenditure on economic growth. A review of empirical studies shows that researchers have found a negative link between government spending and economic growth in most cases. This paper is based on yearly data between 1995 and 2020 in euro area countries, with the application of linear regression on panel data. The main purpose is to determine whether government spending affects economic growth and, if so, how. Based on the econometrics model applied, the author established that in panel data, government expenditure has a negative impact on economic growth, more precisely, if government spending as a share of GDP increases by 1%, economic growth decreases by 0.509%. In addition, there is a significant negative relationship between government expenditure and economic growth for each country as well as the entire panel.
Presentation of so far undetermined bird remains from the Pliocene of Beremend 26 and Csarnóta 2 and 4 (Baranya county, South Hungary)
Authors: Kessler Jenő (Eugen) , Horváth Ida
Published: July 2022

The authors have defined at the order, subfamily, family or genus level the very fragmentary and small-size bird bone material from the three Pliocene-age sites in southern Hungary (Beremend 26, Csarnóta 2 and 4), which is in the collection of the Museum of the Hungarian Institute of Geology and Geophysics. The non-catalogued bone fragments remaining from the already examined material were identified. The number of taxa identified is 26, of which one species is new to science. The new species (Pliogallus csarnotanus n. sp.) belongs to a hitherto disputed genus, which is thus recognised through the newly defined material. Of the rest of the material, only Paleocryptonix hungaricus Jánossy, 1991 and Glaucidium baranensis Kessler, 2010 have been identified to species level, the Gallinula, Porzana, Merops, Garrulus, Nucifraga finds to genus level, while the other 18 taxa have been identified only to subfamily or family level (Perdicinae, Columbidae, Alaudidae, Hirundinidae, Panuridae, Paridae, Sittidae, Certhiidae, Muscicapidae, Turdidae, Sylviidae, Motacillidae, Prunellidae, Laniidae, Sturnidae and Fringillidae), or only to order level (Charadriiformes, Coraciiformes).