bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Scientific Advisory board resolution: Implementation of intermittently scanned Continuous Glucose monitoring in clinical practice to improve glycemic control
Authors: Peterkova V. A. , Ametov A. S. , Mayorov A. Y. , Galstyan G. R. , Laptev D. N. , Chernikova N. A.
Published: July 2021

The Scientific Advisory Board chaired by Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Peterkova V.A. was held 26 of November in Moscow to discuss the possibilities of continuous glucose monitoring technology (CGM) implementation into routine clinical practice in Russia in order to improve glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).

The main aims for Advisory board were to determine the most significant indicators and parameters for CGM to be implemented in practice from a practical point of view of LMWH, necessary for implementation in clinical practice, for different patients groups with diabetes.

The following questions and topics were raised within the discussion: the importance of additional indicators beyond glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) for glycemic control assessment in diabetes patients, CGM positioning in International and Russian clinical guidelines, the accuracy of CGM devises and approaches to its assessment, the role of education programs for diabetic patients, including trainings in correct use and data interpretation and analysis of CGM data obtained, clinical evidence analysis for CGM in randomized trials and real world evidence.
Perubahan Garis Pantai Menggunakan Citra Satelit Landsat di Pesisir Kecamatan Sayung, Kabupaten Demak
Authors: Ramadhani Yualita Prasida , Praktikto Ibnu , Suryono Chrisna Adhi
Published: July 2021

Wilayah pesisir Kabupaten Demak yang terletak di bagian utara Pantai Jawa merupakan yang rentan terhadap perubahan garis pantai. Perubahan yang serius ini perlu dilakukan pemantauan terus menurus. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk memperoleh informasi tentang perubahan garis pantai yang disebabkan oleh tingkat abrasi dan akresi yang terjadi di Kecamatan Sayung, Kabupaten Demak pada tahun 2013-2020. Metode penelitian ini dengan menggunakan metode deskriptif studi kasus dengan menggunakan teknologi penginderaan jauh. Metode penginderaan jauh yang digunakan untuk mengetahui perubahan garis pantai adalah dengan metode overlay (tumpang susun) garis pantai pada tahun yang berbeda dan Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan garis pantai Kecamatan Sayung dengan panjang pantai 20.953,59 m, telah mengalami abrasi pantai seluas 141,49 ha dan akresi sebesar 36,61 ha. Sehingga persentase tingkat abrasi sebesar 82% dan akresi sebesar 18%. Secara keseluruhan, rata-rata laju abrasi yang terjadi dalam kurun waktu periode 2013-2020 adalah sebesar 13,08 meter/tahun dan laju akresi sebesar 8,22 meter/tahun. Perubahan garis pantai yang terjadi dari tahun 2013 hingga tahun 2020 lebih banyak mengalami abrasi jika dibandingkan dengan akresi. The coastal area of Demak Regency, which is located on the northern coast of Java, is  vulnerable to shoreline changes. This serious change is necessary for ongoing monitoring. This research was conducted to obtain information about coastline change in coastal Sayung District of Demak Regency in 2013 until 2020. This research method is done by using descriptive method of case study by using remote sensing technology. The remote sensing method used to determine shoreline changes is overlay method and Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) in different years. Based on the research results can be seen the rate of change of coastline length of 20.953,59 m, shoreline changes that occur in the form of abrasion of 141,49 ha and changes in the form of accretion of 36,61 ha. So that the proportion of the abrasion rate is 82% and the accretion is 18%.Overall, the average rate of abrasion that occurred in the 2013-2020 period was 13.08 meters / year and the accretion rate was 8.22 meters / year. Coastlines that occur from 2013 to 2020 more experienced abrasion process when compared to the accretion process.
Pemetaan Kesesuaian Lahan Untuk Budidaya Rumput Laut Di Perairan Pulau Poteran, Kabupaten Sumenep, Jawa Timur
Authors: Ferdiansyah Hendra Irawan , Pratikto Ibnu , Suryono Suryono
Published: July 2021

Perairan Pulau Poteran merupakan salah satu wilayah yang berlokasi di Kabupaten Sumenep, Jawa Timur. Budidaya rumput laut di Pulau Poteran terdapat beberapa kendala dalam pengembangannya, yaitu dari sarana prasarana perikanan yang kurang memadai, keterbatasan pemahaman sumber daya manusia, modal, kelembagaan serta penentuan lokasi budidaya rumput laut. Penggunaan teknologi Sistem Informasi Geografis (SIG) di bidang kelautan dapat memberikan gagasan yang baru dalam kesesuaian lahan untuk budidaya rumput laut. Tujuan dilakukan penelitian ini adalah menganalisa lahan yang berpotensi untuk budidaya rumput laut di perairan Pulau Poteran dan mengetahui luas lahan yang efektif untuk pengembangan budidaya rumput laut di perairan Pulau Poteran. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode eksploratif dengan pendekatan analisa kuantitatif untuk mengetahui tingkatan dan luasan kesesuaian lahan budidaya rumput laut di perairan Pulau Poteran. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa luas untuk kategori sangat sesuai (S1) sebesar 7.335,59 ha, sedangkan untuk kategori sesuai (S2) memiliki luas sebesar 17.990,11 ha dan kategori tidak sesuai (S3) memiliki luas sebesar 24.665,28 ha. Luas lahan yang efektif untuk pengembangan budidaya rumput laut di perairan Pulau Poteran sebesar 4.401,35 ha (60% dari luas sangat sesuai) dengan jumlah rakit yang dioperasikan sebesar 785.955 unit dengan ukuran rakit 7 x 8 m. The territorial waters of Poteran Island are one of the areas located in Sumenep Regency, East Java. There are some problems in seaweed cultivation of Poteran Island, which are facilities, fishery infrastructure, limited human resources, financial, and institutional and the determination of the location of seaweed cultivation. The use of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology in the marine field can give new idea in land suitability for seaweed cultivation. The purpose of this research is to analyze the potential for seaweed cultivation in the waters of Poteran Island and know the effective land area for the development of seaweed cultivation in the waters of Poteran Island. The research method used is an exploratory method with a quantitative analysis approach to determine the level and extent of the suitability of seaweed cultivation in Poteran island waters. The results showed that the area for the very suitable category (S1) amounted to 7,335.59 hectare, while the corresponding category (S2) has an area of 17,990.11 hectare and the unsuitable category (S3) has an area of 24,665.28 hectare. Effective land area for the development of seaweed cultivation in the territorial waters of Poteran Island amounted to 4,401.35 hectare (60% of the area is very suitable) with the number of rafts operated by 785,955 units with a raft size of 7 x 8 m.
Isolasi Glukosamin dari Limbah Cangkang Rajungan Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus,1758) (Malacostraca:Portunidae) dengan Hidrolisis Asam Klorida
Authors: Ghofari Miftahul Akhyar , Ridlo Ali , Pramesti Rini
Published: July 2021

ABSTRAK: Glukosamin merupakan monomer dari kitosan yang dapat diperoleh dari  limbah  cangkang rajungan (P pelagicus). Glukosamin dibutuhkan  dalam pembentukan dan perbaikan tulang rawan dan jaringan tubuh lainnya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui karakteristik glukosamin dari limbah cangkang rajungan. Proses isolasi kitosan rajungan terdiri dari deproteinasi dengan NaOH 3N, demineralisasi dengan HCl 1N, dan deasetilasi dengan NaOH 50%. Kitosan yang diperoleh dianalisis karakteristik dan derajat deasetilasinya, selanjutnya kitosan dihidrolisis secara kimia dengan larutan HCl 20% pada suhu kamar selama 4 jam. Glukosamin yang dihasilkan dihitung rendemen, loss on drying (LoD), tingkat kelarutan dan derajat deasetilasinya. Hasil penelitian menunjukan rendemen kitosan cangkang rajungan adalah 11,3%, berwarna putih, tidak berbau, kadar air 9,2%, kadar abu 5,4%, dan derajat deasetilisasi 90,8%. Rendemen glukosamin sebesar 8,6%, dengan nilai Loss on Drying 1,3%, kelarutan sebesar 72% dan derajat deasetilisasi sebesar 96,95%. Spektra infrared menunjukan adanya gugus -NH, -OH, -CH dan –C=O yang sesuai dengan yang terdapat pada glukosamin. ABSTRACT: Glucosamine is a monomer from chitosan which can be obtained from small crab shell (P pelagicus) waste. Glucosamine is needed in the formation and repair of cartilage and other body tissues. This study aims to determine the characteristics of glucosamine from small crab shell waste. The process of isolating chitosan from small crab shells consisted of deproteination with 3N NaOH, demineralization with 1N HCl, and deacetylation with 50% NaOH. The chitosan obtained was analyzed its characteristics and degrees of deacetylation, then chitosan was chemically hydrolyzed with 20% HCl solution at room temperature for 4 hours. The resulting glucosamine is then calculated yield, loss on drying (LoD), solubility level and degree of deacetylation. The results showed that the yield of chitosan crab shells was 11.3%, white, odorless, 9.2% moisture content, 5.4% ash content, and 90.8% deacetylation rate. Glucosamine yield was 8.6%, with a Loss on Drying value of 1.3%, solubility of 72% and the degree of deacetylation of 96.95%. Infrared spectra show the presence of -NH, -OH, -CH and -C = O groups that match those found in glucosamine
Methods for measuring soil water content
Authors: PEČAN Urša , ZUPANC Vesna , PINTAR Marina
Published: July 2021

Water has a significant influence on fundamental biophysical processes in the soil. It is one of the limiting factors for plant growth, which is why monitoring the water content in the field is particularly important in agriculture. In this article we present the methods currently used to measure the soil water content. We have described their functional principles, advantages, disadvantages and possible applications. Due to their widespread use in agriculture, we have focused on dielectric sensors, which are classified as electromagnetic methods. We have investigated the influence of soil properties on measurements with dielectric sensors and described possible methods for soil-specific calibration. In agriculture and environmental sciences, measurements of soil water content are particularly important for irrigation management. Irrigation based on measurements enables us to optimize the use of water resources and reduce the negative impact on the environment. For the correct functioning of such sensors it is necessary to check the suitability of the factory calibration function. Special attention is required when installing the sensors, as the presence of air gaps causes errors in the measurements.
Early detection of sources of resistance to the fall armyworm in some tropically-adapted maize varieties in Southern Nigeria
Authors: OLOYEDE-KAMIYO Qudrah Olaitan , ODEYEMI Oluwakemi Oluwaseyi
Published: July 2021

he outbreak of fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, in Nigeria since 2016 had caused serious socio-economic problem to farmers. Twenty maize varieties adapted to the agro-ecologies of Nigeria were evaluated in five environments to identify varieties with resistance to the FAW for possible improvement and deployment. The evaluations were under artificial and natural infestation between 2017 and 2018. Data were collected weekly after infestation on severity and incidence of FAW and plant height. All trials were terminated at six weeks after sowing. Varieties SUWAN 1 SR, BR LNTP-Y C6, AMA TZBR-W C4 and TZBR ELD 4 C2 are good sources of resistance to FAW which could be used in improvement program
Diallel analysis of the duration of vegetation period in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) with increased lycopene content in the fruit
Authors: RUDAS Liudmila Andreevna , TORBANYUK Mariya Viktorivna , SYCH Zinovy Deonizovich
Published: July 2021

Five parental forms of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and twenty hybrids F1, were studied which were obtained by the complete diallel scheme (5 x 5). For genetic analysis (by Hayman, 1954; Jinks,1954) was used line №477 (sp,u), variety Alya (sp) with reduced  duration of vegetation period and three collection samples with the high lycopene content in fruits: Dark Green (hp-2dg), МО 112 (hp), Т˗3627 (Bc). The effects of the general (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) of the duration of vegetation period were determined and established character of inheritance. According to the results of research, the duration of vegetation period is controlled by additive-dominant genetic system. Inheritance occurs by type of over dominance, and in dry and hot summers which led to the prolongation of the duration of vegetation period, there is a tendency to incomplete dominance, but it is apocryphal. In genetic control a major role play non-additive effects of genes. The best reliable effects of the general combining ability (GCA) had line №477 and variety Alya. They can be recommended for the creation of heterotic hybrids and varieties.
The efficient market hypothesis is usually addressed indirectly: what happens if a direct approach is used instead?
Authors: Samsa Greg
Published: July 2021

A vast literature on putative market inefficiencies compares the results of an investment strategy which takes advantage of the putative inefficiency against a null hypothesis generated by the efficient market hypothesis (EMH).  Even if negative, such studies do not provide direct evidence in favor of the EMH.  To directly assess a key component of the EMH, namely that stock returns lack memory, we created 30-year portfolios by sampling annual market returns from 1926-2019 with replacement, and then compared the results with the historical record of actual 30-year returns.  Although centered on the correct amount, the EMH-based 30-year returns were notably more variable than the historical 30-year returns.   One possible explanation is that market returns regress toward their mean in the long term.   This demonstrates that while the EMH should be taken seriously, it need not always be taken literally.
Verbalization vs visualization: the issues of interaction and communication
Authors: Levintov Aleksandr
Published: July 2021

the article contrasts two technologies of distant education and scientific activity: visual (presentations) and verbal (by correspondence, Newtonian). The advantages and disadvantages of both technologies are considered, and a preference is given to writing aimed at thinking.
#StopTheSteal on Twitter: Social Media and Political Communication
Authors: Lipschultz Jeremy Harris
Published: July 2021

.
Security and Intelligence Challenges in Guinea-Bissau, Africa’s Narco-State and Issues Beyond Borders
Authors: Abiodun Dr. Temitope Francis , Fajimbola Dr. Joshua Olatunde
Published: July 2021

This paper focuses on the international security concerns in relation to the disquiets in the tiny West African state, Guinea-Bissau since independence. The country famously known as “narco-state” faces formidable challenges with weak governance negatively impacting on intelligence services. Intelligence and security reform is a building block of democracy, but this has been habitually weakened in Guinea-Bissau during the last four decades. The state remains one of the most fragile nations in the world having had its security culture totally perturbed, occasioned by the military rule since independence from Portugal in 1974. With over nine coup d’états that have been staged with a number of state administrations toppled coupled with an avalanche of internal conflicts, and prevalence of transnational phenomena (cocaine trafficking), and other traditional state-based challenges, the African narco-state has been left with a very weak governance structure, security, and intelligence services. The study examines Guinea-Bissau’s intelligence culture drawing from secondary sources to understand how intelligence has been shaped and how intelligence has influenced the country in the context of poverty and authoritarianism. The study examines the various factors that have shaped the state’s intelligence, analyzing the transformation and reform in the state’s defense and security sector. It provides recommendations so the Bissau-Guinean intelligence community can be more effective. This study uses secondary sources and makes use of descriptive and content analyses techniques.
Examining the Effect of Budgetary Controls on the Financial Performance of Oman Telecommunication Company.
Authors: AL Mahroqi Raya Mohammed
Published: July 2021

The budgeting process and budgetary control are one of the most important activities that have great importance in the techniques used for planning and monitoring activities and all the administrative and financial functions of the organization. This study aims to assess the effect of budgetary control on the financial performance of the Oman Telecommunications Company and verify the effectiveness of budgetary control techniques in the company, in light of the support and role of top management for budgetary control techniques in the company.

This study will allow financial managers in various companies to understand the nature of the work of budgetary control techniques, their importance, and the extent of the impact of each technique, and thus managers will be able to determine the best-used and appropriate techniques that will lead to raising efficiency in financial and organizational performance.

As for the research methodology used in the study, the survey method based on questionnaires and interviews was used. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, correlations, and regression analysis. Microsoft Excel was used to analyze the collected data. As for the interview, they were analyzed by descriptive and explanatory methods.

The results indicated that there is a positive relationship between budgetary control and the financial performance of the company, the differential impact of budgetary control techniques, and the confirmation of the company’s use of the technique of variance analysis and accounting responsibility, as well as the importance of budgetary control procedures. The results also indicate the importance of support and the role of top management for budgetary control techniques.

Several recommendations were made through the results of this study. The recommendation was made on the need to understand and implement the company’s adjustment of funds technique for its importance in improving and raising the company's financial performance significantly in the company.

Keywords:      Budgetary Control, Organizational Financial Performance,

                        Budgetary Control Techniques, Budgeting
Ship Handling Training for Collision Avoidance: Education via Group Work
Authors: Kunieda Yoshiaki , Shimada Asami , Kashima Hideyuki , Murai Koji
Published: July 2021

In shipping, which is one of the drivers of the world’s economy, many marine accidents continue to occur, such as ship collisions and grounding. To prevent marine collision accidents, there is a strong demand to improve seafarers’ skills through training. Therefore, practical and simulation training sessions are carried out. However, these cannot be considered sufficient because of cost and time constraints. Therefore, the authors proposed a training method in which a group of students set the situation themselves by adding restrictions on actual cases of ship handling for collision avoidance and then discuss and present it. In this training method, ship training instructor assessment and an anchoring experiment were carried out, both of which obtained good evaluations. The anchoring experiment showed a difference of up to 27.5% in the achievement rate between the proposed training and previous training. Regarding ship handling for collision avoidance, as much as a 45.5% difference in achievement rate was observed. These are considered to have the effect of encouraging active thinking by the proposed training method. In addition, the effect of considering the ship handling for collision avoidance for many situations can be thought. Furthermore, it was considered to be the effect of discussions in group work.
International configuration in the post-Covid 19 era from constructivism’s perspective view
Authors: Sun Rachel
Published: July 2021

The global outbreak of Covid-19 pneumonia in 2020 has instantly changed the appearance of the world and caused a sudden change in the interaction pattern of international actors. Actors at all levels have survived the current situation for more than a year under the premise of being forced to change. However, actors at all levels who are unwilling to succumb to the impact of the current epidemic are aiming to restore their pre-epidemic lifestyles, and are drawing up plans to rebuild the international order and respond to new challenges, including the current vaccine policies of various countries-how to respond appropriately demands on a global scale. Therefore, all past political and democratic issues have been repositioned in the post-epidemic era of environmental changes to be verified again. Most members of the international community have strengthened multilateralism in their cooperation in the fight against the epidemic. However, the Trump administration's “America First” and unilateralism pose the greatest challenge to the international multi-polarization pattern and a fair and reasonable world order. Therefore, analyzing and studying changes in the international pattern and world order under the epidemic will help improve practice and theoretical consciousness, and promote the construction of contemporary new international relations and a community with a shared future for mankind. This article attempts to analyze the international configuration in the post-Covid 19 era from the perspective of Windt's constructivism.
The Performance of Pomoghono Ritual on the Muna Ethnic Community at Muna Regency, Southeast Province, Indonesia
Authors: Aso La , Taena La , Karsadi . , Tamburu La , Diysi La , Salimu La
Published: July 2021

The Muna ethnic community comprises a variety of traditions with the pomoghono ritual amongst those still practiced to date. This ritual is related to the life cycle of each member of the community, including death. The purpose of this research is to analyze the performance and symbolic meaning of the pomoghono ritual in the Muna ethnic community by using the theory of semiotics proposed by C.S. Pierce. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources through (1) observation, (2) in-depth interviews, and (3) documentation. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive-qualitative and interpretive analysis. The results showed that the ritual performance in Muna community started with the following: (a) the installation of permanent gravestones in the ritualized grave; (b) watering, burning incense, and reciting prayers; (c) reciting the haroa turantana prayer at the family home of the corpse. It also showed that the ritual consists of a variety of symbolic meanings which are directly related to the human body as seen from the contents of the haroa turuntana offerings.
Do Computer and Foreign language literacy affect native language (L1) reading strategies?
Authors: Mavrogianni Aristea , Vassilaki Εleni , Sarris Apostolos , Yachnakis Emmanuel
Published: July 2021

This research investigates metacognitive awareness, students reading strategies preferences and their correlation to independent demographic and educational variables. Data were gathered through the MARSI-2fGR inventory administered to a random sample of 632 students aged 12-24 from 68 schools in various urban, semi-urban and rural regions in Greece. The alternative factorial structure of the MARSI-2fGR inventory comprised of two factors, namely textor and textout, standing for text-oriented and beyond text reading strategies that Greek secondary students use. Results showed significant differences in favour of the textor reading strategies compared to the textout. It seems that other parameters affect the reading strategies preferences more than the family's socioeconomic status. Both variables of foreign language knowledge and computer literacy showed statistically significant differences. Therefore, it appeared that the more literate someone is in foreign languages and computers, the more reading strategies he/she declared to use. This research sheds new light on the way that Greek students read academic or school-related material.
Solar Motion and Lunar Eclipses in Philolaus’ Cosmological System
Authors: Couprie Dirk L.
Published: July 2021

In this paper, three problems that have hardly been noticed or even gone unnoticed in the available literature in the cosmology of Philolaus are addressed. They have to do with the interrelationships of the orbits of the Earth, the Sun, and the Moon around the Central Fire and all three of them constitute potentially insurmountable obstacles within the context of the Philolaic system. The first difficulty is Werner Ekschmitt’s claim that the Philolaic system cannot account for the length of the day (νυχϑήμερον). It is shown that this problem can be solved with the help of the distinction between the synodic day and the sidereal day. The other two problems discussed in this paper are concerned with two hitherto unnoticed deficiencies in the explanation of lunar eclipses in the Philolaic system. The Philolaic system cannot account for long-lasting lunar eclipses and according to the internal logic of the system, during lunar eclipses the Moon enters the shadow of the Earth from the wrong side. It is almost unbelievable that nobody, from the Pythagoreans themselves up to recent authors, has noticed these two serious deficiencies, and especially the latter, in the cosmology of Philolaus the Pythagorean.
The Disposition Effect under the Reference Dependent Smooth Model of Ambiguity
Authors: Iwaki Hideki , Yoshikawa Daisuke
Published: July 2021

The disposition effect is a commonly observed puzzle in financial markets. Several theoretical explanations for the disposition effect have been provided; however, it remains unresolved. We attempt to explain the effect by incorporating ambiguity attitudes that vary depending on the reference point. We extend the smooth model of ambiguity by Klibanoff, P., M. Marinacci, and S. Mukerji. 2005. “A Smooth Model of Decision Making under Ambiguity.” Econometrica 73: 1849–92 to depend on the reference point. Numerical examples show that the disposition effect is more pronounced under our reference-dependent smooth model of ambiguity if the investor gets her/his utility from the realized gains and losses.
Molecular record for the first authentication of Isaria cicadae from Vietnam
Authors: Lao Thuan Duc , Van Trinh Hanh , Vuong Loi , Tien Vu Luyen , Huyen Le Thuy Ai , Dinh Hiep Minh , Truong Nguyen Binh
Published: July 2021

The entomopathogenic fungus T011, parasitizing on nymph of Cicada, collected in the coffee garden in Dak Lak Province, Vietnam, was preliminarily morphologically identified as Isaria cicadae, belonged to order Hypocreales and family Clavicipitaceae. To ensure the authenticity of T011, phylogenetic analysis of the concatenated set of multiple genes including ITS, nrLSU, nrSSU, Rpb1, and Tef1 was applied to support the identification. Genomic DNA was isolated from dried sample T011. The PCR assay sequencing was applied to amplify ITS, nrLSU, nrSSU, Rpb1, and Tef1 gene. For phylogenetic analysis, the concatenated data of both target gens were constructed with MEGAX with a 1,000 replicate bootstrap based on the neighbor-joining, maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony method. As the result, the concatenated data containing 62 sequences belonged to order Hypocreales, families Clavicipitaceae, and 2 outgroup sequences belonged to order Hypocreales, genus Verticillium. The phylogenetic analysis results indicated that T011 was accepted at subclade Cordyceps and significantly formed the monophyletic group with referent Cordyceps cicadae (Telemorph of Isaria cicadae) with high bootstrap value. The phylogenetically analyzed result was strongly supported by our morphological analysis described as the Isaria cicadae. In summary, phylogenetic analyses based on the concatenated dataset were successfully applied to strengthen the identification of T011 as Isaria cicadae.
Non-invasive morphological characterization of cellular loofa sponges using digital microscopy and micro-CT
Authors: Mohammed Iman , Bernhardt Ricardo , Schubert Markus , Hampel Uwe
Published: July 2021

Loofa sponge is a naturally-grown and decomposable material providing high specific surface area and high porosity for potential application as an environmentally-friendly catalyst carrier. In this work, cellular samples of various loofa types cut from different fiber network regions of the fruits were studied in detail using non-invasive imaging techniques. Digital microscopy was applied to characterize the cellular fiber network, which revealed a honeycomb structure in the core region and a sandwich structure in the wall region. Furthermore, reconstructed three-dimensional (3D) morphological images of the loofa samples obtained via micro-tomography (micro-CT) were utilized to extract the geometrical properties cell size, window diameter and strut thickness as well as porosity and volume-specific surface area. The reconstructed loofa samples revealed porosities of about 92% and specific surface areas up to 2057 m2/m3. In addition, the geometrical properties of manufactured solid foams (ceramic and polyurethane) were also determined via micro-CT and compared with loofa sponge. Finally, the different characteristic cell dimensions were employed to predict the porosity and specific surface area with available geometrical correlations. Deviations between correlation and measurement data (±16%) can be attributed to the peculiarity of the loofa cellular fiber network, which is somewhat different from the tetradecahedral-shaped geometry commonly used as the basis for most of the available correlations.
Towards peace in Europe: on legal linguistics, prosperity and European identity – the European Reference Language System for the European Union
Authors: Luttermann Claus , Luttermann Karin
Published: July 2021

The European Union is a legal community of hundreds of millions of people, established in a single market through European law. This is tied to language and translation into 24 official languages, each with equally authentic status. However, this leads to considerable legal differences between Member States and underscores the dominance of English, at the Court of Justice that of French (monolingualism), both of which have no legal foundation. Rule-of-law order (Rechtsstaatlichkeit) is created by the European Reference Language System (Europäisches Referenzsprachensystem), which is presented here as a tool for the urgently required reform of the language laws in the European Union: Not having a hegemonial focus on a single language (and thus on a single legal world) or on the exclusivity of some few languages, it offers a legal-linguistic basis of communication with all treaty languages of the European Union for a clear European law and prosperity. The official languages of the Member States thus preserve the mother tongue reality of the citizens in the sense of the subsidiarity principle (multilingualism). In this way, the citizens and their Union acquire a legally valid voice and identity. This seems necessary in the face of the present restructuring of the world, in order to maintain peace for the people in Europe and to continue promoting their well-being. The basis is legal linguistics (Rechtslinguistik).
Stillbirths preceded by reduced fetal movements are more frequently associated with placental insufficiency: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: ter Kuile Madeleine , Erwich Jan Jaap H.M. , Heazell Alexander E.P.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Maternal report of reduced fetal movements (RFM) is a means of identifying fetal compromise in pregnancy. In live births RFM is associated with altered placental structure and function. Here, we explored associations between RFM, pregnancy characteristics, and the presence of placental abnormalities and fetal growth restriction (FGR) in cases of stillbirth.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was carried out in a single UK tertiary maternity unit. Cases were divided into three groups: 109 women reporting RFM, 33 women with absent fetal movements (AFM) and 159 who did not report RFM before the diagnosis of stillbirth. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine associations between RFM/AFM, pregnancy characteristics, placental insufficiency and the classification of the stillbirth.

Results

AFM or RFM were reported prior to diagnosis of stillbirth in 142 (47.2%) of cases. Pregnancies with RFM prior to diagnosis of stillbirth were independently associated with placental insufficiency (Odds Ratio (OR) 2.79, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.84, 5.04) and were less frequently associated with maternal proteinuria (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.07, 0.62) and previous pregnancy loss <24 weeks (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.07, 0.70). When combined, AFM and RFM were less frequently reported in twin pregnancies ending in stillbirth and in intrapartum stillbirths.

Conclusions

The association between RFM and placental insufficiency was confirmed in cases of stillbirth. This provides further evidence that RFM is a symptom of placental insufficiency. Therefore, investigation after RFM should aim to identify placental dysfunction.
Postnatal diuretics, weight gain and home oxygen requirement in extremely preterm infants
Authors: Williams Emma E. , Gunawardana Shannon , Donaldson Nicholas K. , Dassios Theodore , Greenough Anne
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Diuretics are often given to infants with evolving/established bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) with the hope of improving their pulmonary outcomes. We aimed to determine if diuretic use in preterm infants was associated with improved pulmonary outcomes, but poorer weight gain.

Methods

An observational study over a 5 year period was undertaken of all infants born at less than 29 weeks of gestation and alive at discharge in all neonatal units in England who received consecutive diuretic use for at least 7 days. Postnatal weight gain and home supplementary oxygen requirement were the outcomes. A literature review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and crossover studies was undertaken to determine if diuretic usage was associated with changes in lung mechanics and oxygenation, duration of supplementary oxygen and requirement for home supplementary oxygen.

Results

In the observational study, 9,457 infants survived to discharge, 44.6% received diuretics for at least 7 days. Diuretic use was associated with an increased probability of supplementary home oxygen of 0.14 and an increase in weight gain of 2.5 g/week. In the review, seven of the 10 studies reported improvements only in short term lung mechanics. There was conflicting evidence regarding whether diuretics resulted in short term improvements in oxygenation.

Conclusions

Diuretic use was not associated with a reduction in requirement for supplemental oxygen on discharge. The literature review highlighted a lack of RCTs assessing meaningful long-term clinical outcomes. Randomised trials are needed to determine the long-term risk benefit ratio of chronic diuretic use.
Src-1 and SP2 promote the proliferation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Yang Yuanyuan , Liu Hongyu , Hu Hongyi
Published: July 2021

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high morbidity and morality, especially in Southern China. Transcription factors intensively participate in the initiation and development of NPC. This study aimed to investigate the roles of Src-1 in NPC. mRNA level was determined by qRT-PCR. Western blot was carried out for the protein level. CCK-8 assay was performed to determine cell viability, colony formation for NPC cell proliferation, and transwell for cell migration and invasion ability. The results showed Steroid receptor coactivator 1 (Src-1) was overexpressed in SNE-2 and 6-10B. The expression of Src-1 and SP2 was in positive correlation. Overexpression of Src-1 promoted the cell viability, colony formation, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), manifested by the increase of migration and invasion ability, while knockdown of Src-1 exerted opposite effects. Additionally, knockdown or overexpression of SP2 reversed the effects of overexpressed or downregulated Src-1, which was reversed by the depletion of SP2. Moreover, Src-1 interacted with SP2 to regulate EMT-related genes such as E-cad, N-cad, Vimentin, and ZEB1, and proliferation- and apoptosis-related genes, such as bax, cytochrome c, and cleaved caspase3 and bcl-2. Thus, blocking the interaction between Src-1 and SP2 may be a therapeutic target for inhibiting the metastasis of NPC.
Study of Weldability for Aluminide Coated Steels through A-TIG Welding Process
Authors: Zala Arunsinh B. , Jamnapara N. I. , Badheka Vishvesh J. , Sasmal C. S. , Sam Shiju , Ranjan Mukesh
Published: July 2021

To achieve higher efficiency in high-temperature environments, 9Cr-1Mo steels (also known as P91 steels) are promising candidates in power plants, petrochemical industries, heat exchangers, and nuclear applications. To enhance the performance against harsh environments, such as high-temperature oxidation and corrosion during operations, adding aluminum oxide (Al2O3)/iron aluminide (FeAl) coating through the aluminizing process has been found promising. Such coatings have been considered reliable for resistance to liquid-metal corrosion against flowing lead-lithium liquid breeders and against tritium permeation in blanket modules of fusion reactors. However, the welding process for aluminized coated steels is a challenge and is scarcely reported. The aluminum-rich coating at the top may alter the metallurgy of weld metal and subsequently the mechanical properties after welding. To investigate the same, preliminary bead-on-plate trials with a novel activated-tungsten inert gas welding process has been attempted for the first time. Bead-on-plate welding samples were prepared (with the same welding parameters) with five different fluxes, such as iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3), nickel (II) oxide (NiO), copper (II) oxide (CuO), cobalt tetroxide (Co3O4), and Al2O3, for aluminized coated 9Cr-1Mo steel. The resultant weld metal microstructure was evaluated using optical and electron microscopy, elemental analysis using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, phase analysis using X-ray diffraction, and Vickers hardness testing. It was observed that the presence of oxide-type fluxes results in arc constriction, which thereby affects the depth of penetration. The weld metal prepared with Fe2O3 flux demonstrates a superior depth-to-width ratio compared to other fluxes. An analysis for delta ferrite was also carried out and was observed to be present in Fe2O3 flux welds only. A detailed analysis of the weld metal under different activated fluxes is presented in the paper. The outcome of this work presents the feasibility of the welds of aluminized 9Cr steels as relevant for fusion reactor applications.
COUNTEN, an AI-Driven Tool for Rapid and Objective Structural Analyses of the Enteric Nervous System
Authors: Kobayashi Yuta , Bukowski Alicia , Das Subhamoy , Espenel Cedric , Gomez-Frittelli Julieta , Wagle Narayani , Bakshi Shriya , Saha Monalee , Kaltschmidt Julia A. , Venkataraman Archana , Kulkarni Subhash
Published: July 2021

The enteric nervous system (ENS) consists of an interconnected meshwork of neurons and glia residing within the wall of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. While healthy GI function is associated with healthy ENS structure, defined by the normal distribution of neurons within ganglia of the ENS, a comprehensive understanding of normal neuronal distribution and ganglionic organization in the ENS is lacking. Current methodologies for manual enumeration of neurons parse only limited tissue regions and are prone to error, subjective bias, and peer-to-peer discordance. There is accordingly a need for robust, and objective tools that can capture and quantify enteric neurons within multiple ganglia over large areas of tissue. Here, we report on the development of an AI-driven tool, COUNTEN (COUNTing Enteric Neurons), which is capable of accurately identifying and enumerating immunolabeled enteric neurons, and objectively clustering them into ganglia. We tested and found that COUNTEN matches trained humans in its accuracy while taking a fraction of the time to complete the analyses. Finally, we use COUNTEN’s accuracy and speed to identify and cluster thousands of ileal myenteric neurons into hundreds of ganglia to compute metrics that help define the normal structure of the ileal myenteric plexus. To facilitate reproducible, robust, and objective measures of ENS structure across mouse models, experiments, and institutions, COUNTEN is freely and openly available to all researchers.
Role of NMDA Receptors in Adult Neurogenesis and Normal Development of the Dentate Gyrus
Authors: Åmellem Ingrid , Yovianto Glen , Chong Hai Tarng , Nair Rajeevkumar Raveendran , Cnops Vanja , Thanawalla Ayesha , Tashiro (田代　歩) Ayumu
Published: July 2021

The NMDA receptors are a type of glutamate receptors, which is involved in neuronal function, plasticity and development in the mammalian brain. However, how the NMDA receptors contribute to adult neurogenesis and development of the dentate gyrus is unclear. In this study, we investigate this question by examining a region-specific knock-out mouse line that lacks the NR1 gene, which encodes the essential subunit of the NMDA receptors, in granule cells of the dentate gyrus (DG-NR1KO mice). We found that the survival of newly-generated granule cells, cell proliferation and the size of the granule cell layer are significantly reduced in the dorsal dentate gyrus of adult DG-NR1KO mice. Our results also show a significant reduction in the number of immature neurons and in the volume of the granule cell layer, starting from three weeks of postnatal age. DG-NR1KO mice also showed impairment in the expression of an immediate early gene, Arc, and behavior during the novelty-suppressed feeding and open field test. These results suggest that the NMDA receptors in granule cells have a role in adult neurogenesis in the adult brain and contributes to the normal development of the dentate gyrus.
Metodyka szkolenia lotniczego w lotnictwie wojskowym II Rzeczypospolitej (wybrane zagadnienia)
Authors:   Lotnicza Akademia Wojskowa w Dęblinie, Marciniuk Andrzej
Published: July 2021

Flying personnel have been trained in Dęblin for over 100 years. In the interwar period, we entered the group of the few countries in the world that had their own aviation education. Our flying personnel were widely praised for their professional and combat training. Unfortunately, most of the achievements of our pre-war aviation didactics have been forgotten. During the war, most of the material achievements of our aviation didactics were destroyed. The article presents some of the results of research on this issue at the Military Aviation Academy.
Wybrane problemy edukacyjne dzieci imigrantów. Znaczenie przestrzeni i miejsca w ich procesie adaptacji
Authors:   Uniwersytet Opolski, Krasnodębska Anna
Published: July 2021

The issue of children adaptation was presented based on the example of two immigrant groups. The results of research into two immigrant children groups were taken into consideration: Polish immigrant children in Norway (conducted in 2010-2013) and Ukrainian immigrant children in Poland (conducted in 2018). The educational process and their becoming a migrant pupil were shown from the perspective of their experiences. Moreover, the study presented the children's relationship with peers from the accepting country, their engagement and status in the group. The theory of an actor-network (ANT), created by Bruno Latour, was used. The social roles of teachers, peers, space (the one in the country of origin and the one built and emotionally marked in the accepting country) were emphasized.
Twórczość uczniów I etapu edukacyjnego w opinii nauczycieli
Authors:   Uniwersytet w Białymstoku, Walewska Marta
Published: July 2021

Children’s creativity, which stimulates all of the cognitive and emotional processes, influences the development of their personality. It is also a natural therapeutic instrument as a child expresses their own thoughts and feelings through the process of creation. Literature distinguishes four main areas of children’s creativity: artistic, verbal, musical, and kinaesthetic. Both teachers’ knowledge on creativity and their sensitivity play a key role in the development of creativity in children within the school environment. This article presents my own qualitative research results on the perception of creativity of first stage students by their teachers. Six participants with strong preference for artistic tendencies were examined in the study. The conducted analysis showed that teachers’ preferences for artistic tendencies support an atmosphere suitable for artistic activities within the classroom.
Peningkatan Kualitas dan Kemampuan Belajar Jarak Jauh Mahasiswa Universitas Terbuka
Authors: Maulidia Sri , Kuswanti Eko , Arisanty Melisa , Wiradharma Gunawan , Widiyanto Widiyanto
Published: July 2021

Pembelajaran jarak jauh saat ini menjadi primadona untuk diikuti oleh semua orang. Kondisi pandemi Covid19 menjadi alasan mengapa banyak lembaga pendidikan akhirnya harus memutuskan untuk menerapkan pembelajaran jarak jauh. Saat lembaga pendidikan lainnya belum menerapkan belajar jarak jauh, Universitas Terbuka sudah sejak lama menerapkan belajar jarak jauh tersebut. Kunci sukses belajar jarak jauh adalah implementasi keterampilan belajar mandiri. Masalahnya, menerapkan belajar jauh tidak mudah bagi sebagian besar masyarakat, khususnya mahasiswa Universitas Terbuka sendiri.  Terlebih mahasiswa Unversitas Terbuka berasal dari berbagai kalangan, dari kalangan pejabat pemerintah hingga ada juga anak jalanan yang sangat perlu perhatian dari berbagai pihak. Salah satu yayasan yaitu yayasan Rabbani Sufi Institut Indonesia adalah yayasan yang menaungi peningkatan kualitas hidup anak jalanan. Banyak dari anak jalanan yang dikuliahkan di Universitas Terbuka dengan harapan dalam menunjang kehidupan yang lebih baik. Terkait permasalahan pembelajaran jarak jauh, perlu adanya pelatihan peningkatan kualitas kemampuan atau keterampilan belajar jarak jauh sehingga nantinya mahasiswa yang berasal dari anak jalanan ini bisa sukses kuliah di Universitas Terbuka. Pelatihan ini memberikan kontribusi nyata dalam peningkatan motivasi dan kualitas kemampuan pembelajaran jarak jauh mahasiswa dari Yayasan Rabbani Sufi Institut Indonesia.
Waste management: a study on generating organic fertilizer from oil and grease trap systems
Authors: Rojas-Vargas Julián , Mora-Barrantes José , Herrera-Vargas Pablo , Arias-Zuñiga Vinicio
Published: July 2021

The grease and oil trap systems (GOTS) of four university food service establishments (FSE) were assessed and treated to evaluate the potential use of the sludge collected to produce compost. The sludge collected from each FSE was kept in a drying bed for 30 days (SDB), during which time calcium oxide was frequently added for stabilization. The sludge deposited monthly was reduced to half after the drying process and was then deposited in a composter and mixed for a period of 22 days with constant agitation. The compost obtained was treated with degrading enzymes and was denominated enzymatic composting (EC), while the remaining compost was not treated with enzyme and was denominated non-enzymatic compost (NEC). The total composting cycle of the sludge lasted 83 days, during which time various physical and chemical analyzes were conducted in the three types of substrates (SDB, NEC, and EC).  The total time of the research was 2.5 years.  The percentages of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium suggest the use of the three substrates as organic fertilizer. A recommendation resulting from this research is to evaluate the sludge quality by mixing it with other substrates such as fruit peels with high nitrogen content and the sludge from wastewater treatment systems.