bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Test Volumes During Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Laboratory Stewardship Opportunity
Authors: Singh Ila R. , Dowlin Michael , Chong Thomas H. , Nakamoto Jon M. , Hilborne Lee H.
Published: March 2021

Context.—

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) changed the dynamics of health care delivery, shifting patient priorities and deferring care perceived as less urgent. Delayed or eliminated care may place patients at risk for adverse outcomes.

Objective.—

To identify opportunities for laboratory test stewardship to close potential gaps in care created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design.—

The study was a retrospective time series design examining laboratory services received before and during the COVID-19 pandemic at a large metropolitan health system serving women and children.

Results.—

Laboratory test volumes displayed 3 distinct patterns: (1) a decrease during state lockdown, followed by near-complete or complete recovery; (2) no change; and (3) a persistent decrease. Tests that diagnose or monitor chronic illness recovered only partially. For example, hemoglobin A1c initially declined 80% (from 2232 for April 2019 to 452 for April 2020), and there was a sustained 16% drop (28-day daily average 117 at August 30, 2019, to 98 at August 30, 2020) 4 months later. Blood lead dropped 39% (from 2158 for April 2019 to 1314 for April 2020) and remained 23% lower after 4 months.

Conclusions.—

The pandemic has taken a toll on patients, practitioners, and health systems. Laboratory professionals have access to data that can provide insight into clinical practice and identify pandemic-related gaps in care. During the pandemic, the biggest patient threat is underuse, particularly among tests to manage chronic diseases and for traditionally underserved communities and people of color. A laboratory stewardship program, focused on peri-pandemic care, positions pathologists and other laboratory professionals as health care leaders with a commitment to appropriate, equitable, and efficient care.
Particularity of human resources development in business entities in Central Serbia
Authors: Tot-Savić Tijana , Tot Vilmoš
Published: March 2021

In this paper, the authors aimed to examine the characteristics of Human resources development process in business entities in Central Serbia. The main hypothesis, which is confirmed in the paper, is that there are a statistically significant results of identification of Human resource development activities in organizations. The research involved 127 respondents who are employed at all three management levels in the organization in 86 business entities in Central Serbia. The research results indicate, among other things, deficiencies of Human resources development process, which is the basis for its improvement in order to achieve the main purpose in gaining competitive advantage.
Effect of soil moisture content, dynamic load and wheel slippage in measuring traction in an indoor traction bed
Authors: Tola A.F. , Sedara A.M. , Olatunde O.B. , Babalola A.A.
Published: March 2021

A study was conducted to determine the effect of soil moisture content, dynamic load and wheel slippage in measuring traction. A single wheel test rig was developed to enable fundamental research on traction studies on tropical soil at the department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering of Federal University of Technology, Akure. This facility consists of a moving carriage with a trolley that moves in either forward or reverse directions on rails well above a soil bin powered by 2.2 kW, three phase induction motor. The present facility set up was able to operate in either towing test mode for tire motion resistance studies or driving test mode for tire net traction and tractive efficiency studies. The test tire on the moving carriage was powered to rotate by a motor with additional pull provided by a cable-pulley mechanism connected to a tower with hanging dead weights. All controls on the moving carriage were activated from the main control console. The developed facility was successfully tested to determine tractive efficiency for narrow wheels at a particular inflation pressure on clay soil. The single wheel test rig facility worked well and the research indicates that wheel load, wheel slippage, soil moisture content and inflation pressure has great effect on traction efficiency. Traction efficiency decreased as the wheel load and wheel slippage increased. The developed single wheel testing facility can perform traction tests in controlled soil conditions to study the effect of soil, tire and moisture parameters on the performance of the system.
MATLAB optimization of production unit of a manufacturing firm
Authors: Ntunde Dilibe
Published: March 2021

This research work focused on how to maximize the profit of a mechanical manufacturing firm by optimizing the production units using MATLAB. This numerical analysis was manually done through the Simplex Method to model the production units into a linear mathematical equation that produces four major units which include standard aluminium spoon, bowl, pot and plates. Thereafter, a mathematical model was simulated using MATLAB2013b computational tool based on the previous input data of the mechanical firm and subjected to constraint equations based on the time required to finish each of the three products denoted p, q, r and s. The profit function was subsequently analysed to obtain the quantity of each product that will give maximum profit. The results of the manually calculated linear model corresponded with the MATLAB simulation that revealed that approximately <1 units, 17 units, 10 and 8 units of spoon, bowl, grinding teeth plate and pot respectively will have to be produced per day in order to obtain a maximum daily and monthly profit of #6,120.00 and #134,640.00. Businesses can thus be optimized and made more lucrative when resources and time available are allocated properly.
A case report of the inaccuracy of the questionnaire as a meriod of the patient's condition
Authors: Kostić Milutin , Munjiza Ana , Jakoviljević Ana
Published: March 2021

Scales for assessment of patients with depression are in use for several decades. Among the most used are Hamilton's depression scale and the younger Patient Health Questionnaire. Even though both are heavily used in research and clinical practice they are still controversial and with questionable usefulness. This case report shows that the question whether a patient is better or worse can be diametrically opposite depending on the scale used (using these two most influential ones as examples) and what are the reasons for this.
A cena política, a política da cena: Reflexões sobre modernidade na arquitetura teatral alemã
Authors: Oliveira Beatriz Magno Alves de
Published: March 2021

O presente trabalho teve como ponto de partida as proposições sobre espaço cênico trazidas pelo livro A revolução do teatro: conclusões sobre o Teatro dos Artistas de Munique do dramaturgo e encenador alemão Georg Fuchs. O artigo revisitou as arquiteturas teatrais desenvolvidas por artistas alemães do princípio do século XX e a partir delas, refletiu sobre as propostas políticas contidas nos trabalhos dos encenadores Max Reinhardt e Erwin Piscator. O objetivo aqui foi refletir sobre as relações entre espaço cênico e política, e como as mesmas foram determinantes na construção do teatro moderno.
A guide to United States cosmetic products compliance requirements
Authors: Benson Lisa , Reczek Karen K
Published: March 2021

This guide addresses the compliance requirements for basic cosmetics and soap. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) defines cosmetics as articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body ... for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance (FD&C Act, sec. 201(i)). Cosmetic products may include skin moisturizers, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail polishes, eye and facial make-up preparations, cleansing shampoos, permanent waves, hair colors, and deodorants, as well as any substance that is intended for use as a component of a cosmetic product.
Platformsøkonomiens udvikling i Danmark – stabilitet og forskelle
Authors: Ilsøe Anna , Larsen Trine
Published: March 2021

Platformsøkonomien er en af de digitale tendenser, der har opnået stor mediemæssig og politisk bevågenhed i de senere år. Amerikansk ejede platforme som Airbnb og Uber har været omdrejningspunktet for en del debatter om manglende skattebetaling, mangelfulde forsikringer og lokale protester. Via tilkøb af spørgsmål til Arbejdskraftundersøgelsen i henholdsvis 2017 og 2019 har vi søgt at belyse, hvordan platformsøkonomien bidrager til danskernes privatøkonomi. Resultatet viser et stabilt og forholdsvis begrænset bidrag både fra arbejdsplatforme som Happy Helper og kapitalplatforme som GoMore – også over tid. Samtidigt viser resultaterne, at de, der tjener penge via arbejdsplatforme og kapitelplatforme, tilhører meget forskellige grupper. Der er sjældent nogen, som gør begge dele – hverken i 2017 eller 2019.
Kan offentlig digitalisering vække tillid?
Authors: Kristensen Ebbe Elhauge , Brünner Frederik Nøhr , Duminski Emily
Published: March 2021

Digitalisering af den offentlige sektor betyder, at borgerne ikke kun skal have tillid til en fysisk sagsbehandler og myndighed – men også til digitale teknologier og systemer. Men hvordan kan myndigheder i Danmark understøtte borgernes tillid til offentlige digitale løsninger? Vi præsenterer en model for tillid til offentlige, digitale løsninger og offentlig digitalisering i en dansk kontekst (TODL-modellen). Vi konkluderer, at TODL-modellen kan være et udgangspunkt for at styrke tilliden til offentlige, digitale løsninger, men at bestræbelser på at gøre løsninger ”tillidsvækkende” kræver et tilsvarende fokus på, at løsningerne er ”tillidsværdige” i form af lovlighed, sikkerhed og etik.
Social entrepreneurship as a collaborative practice: Literature review and research agenda
Authors:   MSc., Doctoral Researcher, Leibniz-Institute for Regional Geography, Leipzig Schongauerstrasse 9, 04328 Leipzig, Germany, e-mail: s_kovanen@leibniz-ifl.de, Kovanen Sunna
Published: March 2021

Purpose: The aim of this article is, firstly, to explore and structure the emerging research on collaboration in social entrepreneurship, and secondly to tackle the identified gaps in the literature with a research agenda based on the communities and networks of practice theory. Methodology: The article relies on a systematic literature review, which summarizes the existing evidence base and critically evaluates major theoretical approaches. The analytical focus is on ambiguity and scales of collaboration. Findings: Three main research strands have been identified: first, community and public sector collaboration focusing on the participatory initiation of services by local communities; second, collaboration for resources and employment focusing on power relations between established organizations; and third, network- and micro-level collaboration focusing on collaborative governance of complex networks. A vaguely contextualized and non-critical approach to social entrepreneurship remains prominent; however, recent studies on community and network collaboration present nuanced approaches to scalarity and ambiguity. Implications for theory and practice: Existing research could benefit from explicit and broader theorization of collaboration, the analysis of ambiguous experiences and contexts and attending to the interplay between daily practices and larger-scale institutional change. The paper presents a compiled reference base and gives directions about future research and practice re-thinking social enterprise as a collaborative endeavor. Originality and value: The article contributes to social entrepreneurship studies by structuring the field and enhancing critical theory on the topic.
The moderating role of self-efficacy on the cognitive process of entrepreneurship: An empirical study in Vietnam
Authors:   Ph.D., Researcher/Lecturer, Institution/Organization: National Economics University, Vietnam, Room 1008, 10th floor, A1 building, National Economics University, 207 Giai Phong Street, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi, Vietnam, e-mail: doanhdc@neu.edu.vn, Cong Doanh Duong
Published: March 2021

Purpose: This study investigates the moderating role of self-efficacy on the cognitive process of entrepreneurship among Vietnamese students. Specifically, this study explores the moderating effects of entrepreneurial self-efficacy on the relationships between attitude towards entrepreneurship, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention to become entrepreneurs. Methodology: By adapting the theory of planned behavior and using data collected from 2218 students in Vietnam, the author utilizes a meta-analytic path analysis in order to show that entrepreneurial intention is strongly influenced by attitude towards entrepreneurship, followed by self-efficacy and perceived behavioral control. Particularly, structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test the model fit and hypothesis. Findings: The study indicates that subjective norms have both direct and indirect effects on entrepreneurship intention. Moreover, although the moderating impacts of self-efficacy on the relationships between subjective norms and perceived behavioral control is insignificant, the research study indicates that self-efficacy moderates the correlation between attitude towards entrepreneurship and start-up intention. Implications for theory and practice: Besides its contributions to entrepreneurship literature, this study also contributes to practices and implications at universities in Vietnam. Originality and value: These findings also illustrate that the theory of planned behavior can be appropriately implemented in the research context of emerging economies such as Vietnam. In addition, the study shows that the relationship between attitude towards entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial intention is moderated by entrepreneurial self-efficacy.
Do Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) Lectins Influence Isometric Contraction of Non-diseased Human Mesenteric Arteries ex vivo?
Authors:   Department of Electroinduced and Adhesive Properties, Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria, Dimitrova Daniela , Nikolova Biliana ,   Department of Electroinduced and Adhesive Properties, Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria, Bogoeva Vanya ,   Department of Molecular Biology of Cell Cycle, Institute of Molecular Biology “Acad. Roumen Tsanev”, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria, Robev Bozhil ,   Hematology Clinic, Department of Medical Oncology, University Multi-Profile Hospital for Active Treatment (UMHAT) “St. Ivan Rilski”, Sofia 1606, Bulgaria, Tsoneva Iana ,   Department of Electroinduced and Adhesive Properties, Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria, Dimitrov Stanislav ,   Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Military Medical Academy, Sofia 1606, Bulgaria, Kadinov Boris ,   Department of Synaptic Signalisation and Communications, Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
Published: March 2021

Mistletoe (Viscum album L., VA) lectins (MLs) are plant lectins with potent anticancer activity. Although wide use of VA extracts in curing cancer, the effects of purified MLs on human vasculature in term of possible side effect of the lectin has not yet been reported. The present study was aimed to investigate isometric contractions of isolated human mesenteric arteries during MLs application. The contractile response of arteries was studied using Mulvany-Halpern myograph and the isometric contractions under MLs’ treatment were examined in artery segments with either intact endothelium or after endothelium removal. Furthermore, the effect of the lectin was assessed in arterial preparations in basal tension, in arteries precontracted with 42 mM KCl as a depolarizing stimulus or endothelin-1 (ET-1) as a potent receptor-operated agonist of vascular smooth muscle contraction. The results showed that MLs (1 to 100 nM) failed to affect the high K+-induced contractions of both endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded arteries. The contractions of tissue preparations without endothelium in basal tone or after ET-1 (1 nM) treatment were also not affected by the application of MLs. The observed mild effect of MLs on the contractility of human vasculature may potentially be beneficial with MLs-based anticancer therapy without vascular side effects.
Complex Analysis of New Unique Human Society Life in Eight Coordinate System
Authors:   Laboratory of Bioconversion and Biosynthesis of Microbial Metabolites, Department of Biotechnology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 26, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria, Kroumov Alexander , Scheufele Fabiano ,   Graduation Program of Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering, Federal University of Technology – Paraná – UTFPR, 19 Cristo Rei Str., 85902-490, Toledo, Paraná, Brazil, Zaharieva Maya ,   Department of Infectious Microbiology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 26, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria, Módenes Aparecido ,   Postgraduate Program, Department of Chemical Engineering and Nucleus of Biotechnology, West Parana State University, Campus of Toledo, 645 Faculdade Str., Jd. La Salle, 85903-000, Toledo, Paraná, Brazil, Trigueros Daniela ,   Postgraduate Program, Department of Chemical Engineering and Nucleus of Biotechnology, West Parana State University, Campus of Toledo, 645 Faculdade Str., Jd. La Salle, 85903-000, Toledo, Paraná, Brazil, Borba Carlos ,   Postgraduate Program, Department of Chemical Engineering and Nucleus of Biotechnology, West Parana State University, Campus of Toledo, 645 Faculdade Str., Jd. La Salle, 85903-000, Toledo, Paraná, Brazil, Espinoza-Quiñones Fernando ,   Postgraduate Program, Department of Chemical Engineering and Nucleus of Biotechnology, West Parana State University, Campus of Toledo, 645 Faculdade Str., Jd. La Salle, 85903-000, Toledo, Paraná, Brazil, Najdenski Hristo ,   Department of Infectious Microbiology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 26, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
Published: March 2021

The article presents deep and complex analysis based on the changes of life of human society during the COVID-19 pandemic. The World as never before has a global common enemy and everyone is in danger doesn’t matter where he lives and what is the occupation. The life new dimensions are considered as an 8-coordinate system where the new 4 coordinates – coronavirus, “virus” of poverty, “virus” of chronically ill people and scientists as new leading factor of the world. It means, a simple solution for prevention and regulation of pandemic doesn’t exist. Countries and outbreaks are represented by 4 everlasting coordinates – three for space and for time measurement. The life of human society is conditionally divided of 4 hierarchic levels. Interactions between them have to be studied by scientists from all areas in order to win this word challenge where all humans are on the same side of the barricade. The presented analysis could be extremely useful for explanation the errors made by leaders and to show them that the new reality requires relevant and effective decisions based on scientific complex analyzes and taking into account the four hierarchic levels of knowledge.
Local projections of layer Vb-to-Va are more prominent in lateral than in medial entorhinal cortex
Authors: Ohara Shinya , Blankvoort Stefan , Nair Rajeevkumar Raveendran , Nigro Maximiliano J , Nilssen Eirik S , Kentros Clifford , Witter Menno P
Published: March 2021

The entorhinal cortex, in particular neurons in layer V, allegedly mediate transfer of information from the hippocampus to the neocortex, underlying long-term memory. Recently, this circuit has been shown to comprise a hippocampal output recipient layer Vb and a cortical projecting layer Va. With the use of in vitro electrophysiology in transgenic mice specific for layer Vb, we assessed the presence of the thus necessary connection from layer Vb-to-Va in the functionally distinct medial (MEC) and lateral (LEC) subdivisions; MEC, particularly its dorsal part, processes allocentric spatial information, whereas the corresponding part of LEC processes information representing elements of episodes. Using identical experimental approaches, we show that connections from layer Vb-to-Va neurons are stronger in dorsal LEC compared with dorsal MEC, suggesting different operating principles in these two regions. Although further in vivo experiments are needed, our findings imply a potential difference in how LEC and MEC mediate episodic systems consolidation.
Effectiveness of TESOL Teachers Continuous Professional Development: Perspectives form Oman
Authors: Al Balushi Khadija
Published: March 2021

Teacher continuous professional development (CPD) is perceived as a significant way of improving schools, increasing teacher quality, and enhancing student learning (Vangrieken et al., 2017; Day, 1999). Therefore, educational scholars and policy makers demand CPD opportunities for teachers to help them enhance their knowledge and develop new instructional practices. However, the effectiveness of CPD initiatives and the impact they have on teaching and learning is questionable as reported by many research studies both locally in Oman and internationally (e.g. Al-Balushi, 2017; Antoniou & Kyriakides, 2013). This paper reports the findings of a study, which critically examined the effectiveness of the CPD activities run by the Ministry of Education-Oman for TESOL teachers and the impact of these activities in improving schools, increasing teacher quality and improving the quality of student learning. Data were collected using questionnaires, observations, semi structured and focus-group interview with EFL teachers in Oman. The findings revealed that a number of factors affect English teachers’ CPD in Oman; some of these factors facilitate teachers access to CPD and its’ success while others inhibit that. The data indicates that CPD timing and location can facilitate teachers’ access to CPD while workload and family responsibilities are key inhibitors to CPD access. The findings further showed that suitability and relevance of CPD activity in terms of the topics presented in it and the ideas discussed was reported as an important factor to effective CPD whereas CPD done by unqualified teacher educators can hinder the success of CPD. The study further indicated that the centralised top-down nature of the current CPD system seems to negatively affect the success of CPD in the in-service TESOL context in Oman. The findings suggest that the role of teachers themselves in the provision of CPD is significant; the way teachers are currently marginalized and seen as grateful recipients of CPD do not provide the conditions for intelligent and responsive teaching profession
An Investigation of Metadiscourse Features in Applied Linguistics Academic Research Articles and Master’s Dissertations
Authors: Alharbi Sultan H.
Published: March 2021

The current study comparatively investigated the employment of metadiscourse items in 40 post-method sections/chapters of research articles (RAs) and master’s dissertations (MAs) in the field of applied linguistics. Utilizing Hyland’s (2005a) model of metadiscourse in analysing metadiscourse elements detected in both sets of texts, the findings indicated that interactive metadiscourse features were more frequent in both sets of texts than interactional metadiscourse items, and that the master’s dissertation subcorpus included significantly higher occurrences of most metadiscourse devices. Results indicated that transitions are the most used category of metadiscourse in research articles and master’s dissertations, while hedges are the most frequent interactional metadiscourse category used in both subcorpora. Results also showed that the master’s dissertation subcorpus consists of significantly higher occurrences of some metadiscourse devices, which might be due to the nature of both genres. The findings have important implications, particularly for L2 student writers, by facilitating their understanding of metadiscourse use in this field. The study concludes with the limitations, as well as recommendations for future research.
Assessing the Reading Skills of the Saudi Elementary Stage EFL Learners
Authors: Alshammari Hammad Ali
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this research was to investigate the current practices of assessing L2 reading skills of Saudi EFL elementary stage learners. The research also attempted to offer more effective assessment tools of L2 reading skills than the current ones. For this purpose, a sample of (30) elementary stage EFL classes were observed, and (15) teachers of these classes were interviewed. The collected data were recorded, organized, coded, analyzed, and interpreted qualitatively. The findings revealed that most EFL learners and their instructors practice learning/teaching L2 reading skills driven by exams, focus more on bottom-up approach, and committed to the assigned reading materials ignoring extracurricular ones. Almost all the observations and interviewees’ responses indicated that the assessment measures are affected by the poor learning/teaching practices of the L2 reading skills. It was implied that in order to improve the assessment tools of the L2 reading skills, the teaching practices must be improved first.
On Context and Second Language Acquisition: The Rural Urban Dichotomy in Cameroon
Authors: Mbibeh Louis
Published: March 2021

The complexity of the linguistic environment in Cameroon raises the question of context and its role in the acquisition of another language. This paper draws a dichotomy between learners in such contexts considered rural and those regarded as urban or cosmopolitan2. Using the irregular verb as a yardstick, an evaluation of the acquisition of irregular verb patterns by 80 final year primary school learners from 2contexts in the Northwest Region of Cameroon was done. Oral and written tests were administered to check learners’ acquisition of verb inflectional categories, verb tenses and general written and oral productions. The findings reveal similar trends in the acquisition of inflectional categories and verb tenses by learners in both contexts and divergent trends in general oral and written productions. For instance, learners in both contexts had similar challenges using the Vs, Ved and Ven inflections with a very low average frequency of 26% and with a high frequency of 67.2 % for the Ving and Vo inflections. Though learners in the urban centres had higher degrees of efficiency in oral productions, their counterparts in the rural areas had more challenges in verbal as against written productions. The paper concludes that second language acquisition is not a consequence of a unilateral context but a result of a plethora of other factors both within and without the learning environment with evident pedagogic implications for stakeholders in the second language acquisition industry.
Assessment of Health Perception of School Going Girls in West Bengal, India
Authors: Das Rama , Chakraborty Anannya , Acharya S. K.
Published: March 2021

The present study assessed perception, practices and impact, resultant to a process of seamless exposure to cognitive, affectional and actionable pursuits to health, nutrition and hygiene related stimuli,. The study was conducted in Barrackpore-II block of North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal, India. One hundred and ninety four (194) School going teenage girls aged between 10-19 years were randomly selected for the study. The study reveals that the health perception of an individual depends on the education, mother’s education, family income and diet of that concerned person.
Garlic (Allium sativum L.): Overview on its Biology and Genetic Markers Available for the Analysis of Its Diversity in West Africa
Authors: So Timothée Kouassi Agbo , Abdou Rabiou , Sani Idi Saidou , Toudou Abdoul Karim , Bakasso Yacoubou
Published: March 2021

Garlic belongs to the Allium genus, which includes more than 750 species divided into more than 60 taxonomic groups. It is cultivated in many countries throughout the world for the bulb and used as a spice and functional food. The plant vegetatively propagates. This review will focus on origins, biology, analysis of genetic diversity, pharmacological properties of garlic. It appears from this synthesis that the Allium sativum species is derived from Allium longicuspis and is native to Central Asia. Studies on the analysis of genetic diversity through morphological markers revealed a wide variation in the color, shape and number of cloves and the ability to flower. Biochemical markers such as Esterase (EST), Phosphoglucomutase (PGI), Malate Deshydrogenase (MDH), and Diaphorase (DIA as well as molecular markers such as Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP), and Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRS) Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) were successfully used. RFLPs or RAPD are the most used for assessing genetic variability within asexually reproducing garlic species. Work using SSRs markers is limited in garlic relative to other crops.
Stated Preferences for the Adoption of IFRS and UK GAAP: Case Study Vignettes
Authors: Hsu Yu-Lin , Reid Gavin C.
Published: March 2021

Our aim is to see if the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is beneficial. Our methodology involved both quantitative methods (with non-parametric tests) and qualitative methods (with case study vignettes) in a complementary way, as in the ‘mixed method’. Our objective was to use a formal metric, adapted from economic choice theory, to analyze choosing behavior in firms over financial reporting standards, using calculated ratio and net utilities. Our evidence and analysis are based on a random sample of twenty-one UK firms. From these firms, primary source data were collected, using questionnaires and fieldwork interview tools, to enable the testing of our hypothesis that the adoption of IFRS was beneficial. Using robust non-parametric statistical tests, we found that public firms which had to adopt IFRS, as a matter of necessary policy compliance, often perceived this imposed choice to be unbeneficial, refuting our null hypothesis. This finding is highly statistically significant. The implication of our qualitative evidence was that this perception of lack of benefit in adopting IFRS created a voice for regulatory change.
Chlorophyll Content in Leaves of Wheat as Influenced by Inorganic, Organic and Integrated Sources of Nutrient Application
Authors: Vishwakarma Megha , Kulhare P. S. , Tagore G. S.
Published: March 2021

Field experiments were conducted during winter season of 2018-19 and 2019-20 with three sources of nutrient  viz., inorganic, organics (FYM, VC and biofertilizers) and their integration as main treatments and five levels [S1-0 (0-0-0 kg NPK ha-1), S2-100% (120-60-40 kg NPK ha-1), S3-150% (180-90-60 kg NPK ha-1), S4-200% (240-120-80 kg NPK ha-1) and S5-Soil Test based (STV) NPK i.e. 149-176-33 kg ha-1 in split plot design with three replications. The chlorophyll content (‘a’, ‘b’ and total) in leaves and Soil Plant Analyzer Development (SPAD) value were recorded at crown root initiation (CRI), tillering, jointing and milking stage of wheat. The pooled data of findings revealed that the treatment with inorganic sources showed significant increase in the SPAD readings (9.62, 15.54, 23.77 and 29.83), chlorophyll ‘a’ (0.76, 0.83, 1.47 and 0.63 mg g-1 leaf tissue), ‘b’ (0.44, 0.78, 0.87 and 0.57 mg g-1 leaf tissue) and total (1.19, 1.64, 2.25 and 1.14 mg g-1 leaf tissue) chlorophyll content in leaves over organic source at all the growth stages.

All the levels of nutrient were significantly increased the chlorophyll content and SPAD value over control at all the stages except chlorophyll ‘a’ at jointing and milking stage. However, amongst the levels 150% and 200% NPK were found significantly superior to 100% NPK for SPAD value (8.32 and 8.71 at CRI and 12.56 and 12.19 at tillering), chlorophyll ‘a’ (0.73 and 0.70 mg g-1 leaf tissue at CRI), chlorophyll ‘b’ (0.46 and 0.45 mg g-1 leaf tissue at CRI, 0.68 and 0.71 mg g-1 leaf tissue at tillering and 0.53 and 0.59 mg g-1 leaf tissue at milking), respectively.

The interaction results suggested that the 200% NPK with inorganic and integrated sources significantly superior to 100% NPK for chlorophyll ‘a’ content at jointing and milking stage. The application of 150% and 200% NPK with inorganic source were found significantly higher over the same level of NPK with integrated source of nutrient for total chlorophyll content and SPAD value at all the growth stages except 150% NPK for total chlorophyll at jointing and milking stage and SPAD value at milking stage. The correlation between SPAD value and chlorophyll ’a’, ‘b’, total were found significantly and positively at all growth stages. Coefficient of determination values between SPAD and chlorophyll content showed linear relationship at all the growth stages.
Antitumor effects of low‐dose tipifarnib on the mTOR signaling pathway and reactive oxygen species production in HIF‐1α‐expressing gastric cancer cells
Authors: Egawa Noriyuki , Tanaka Tomokazu , Matsufuji Shohei , Yamada Kohei , Ito Kotaro , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Okuyama Keiichiro , Kitajima Yoshihiko , Noshiro Hirokazu
Published: March 2021

Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) suppress tumor aggressiveness in several malignancies by inhibiting Ras signaling. However, treatment of cells with a low dose of the FTI tipifarnib suppresses the expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and results in antitumor effects without inhibiting the Ras pathway. Although we previously reported that elevated HIF‐1α expression is associated with an aggressive phenotype in gastric cancer (GC), little is known about the antitumor effects of FTIs on GC. In this study, we examined the relationship between the antitumor effects of low‐dose tipifarnib and HIF‐1α expression in GC cells. Under normoxic conditions, HIF‐1α was expressed only in MKN45 and KATOIII cells. The inhibitory effect of tipifarnib on HIF‐1α was observed in HIF‐1α‐positive cells. Low‐dose tipifarnib had antitumor effects only on HIF‐1α‐positive cells both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, low‐dose tipifarnib inactivated ras homolog enriched in brain (Rheb)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in HIF‐1α‐positive GC cells. Our results that the antitumor effects of low‐dose tipifarnib are at least partially mediated through suppression of mTOR signaling and HIF‐1α expression via inhibition of Rheb farnesylation and reduction in ROS levels. These findings suggest that low‐dose tipifarnib may be capable of exerting an antitumor effect that is dependent on HIF‐1α expression in GC cells. Tipifarnib may have potential as a novel therapeutic agent for HIF‐1α‐expressing GC exhibiting an aggressive phenotype.
Moving out of town? The status of alien plants in high‐Arctic Svalbard, and a method for monitoring of alien flora in high‐risk, polar environments
Authors: Bartlett Jesamine C. , Westergaard Kristine Bakke , Paulsen Ingrid M. G. , Wedegärtner Ronja E. M. , Wilken Florian , Ravolainen Virve
Published: March 2021

Rising human activity in the Arctic, combined with a warming climate, increases the probability of introduction and establishment of alien plant species. While settlements are known hotspots for persistent populations, little is known about colonization of particularly susceptible natural habitats. Systematic monitoring is lacking and available survey methods vary greatly.

Here, we present the most comprehensive survey of alien vascular plant species in the high‐Arctic archipelago of Svalbard to date, aimed at (i) providing a status within settlements; (ii) surveying high‐risk habitats such as those with high visitor numbers and nutrient enrichment from sea bird colonies; (iii) presenting a systematic monitoring method that can be implemented in future work on alien plant species in Arctic environments; and (iv) discuss possibilities for mapping alien plant habitats using unmanned aerial vehicles.

The systematic grid survey, covering 1.7 km2 over three settlements and six bird cliffs, detected 36 alien plant species. Alien plant species were exclusively found in areas of human activity, particularly areas associated with current or historic animal husbandry. The survey identified the successful eradication of Anthriscus sylvestris in Barentsburg, as well as the rapid expansion of Taraxacum sect. Ruderalia over the last few decades.

As there is currently no consistent method for monitoring alien plant species tailored to polar environments, we propose a systematic methodology that could be implemented within a structured monitoring regime as part of an adaptive monitoring strategy towards alien species in the Arctic.
Story Maps and Visual Narrative
Authors: Seemann Jörn
Published: March 2021

As visual storytelling devices, visual narratives and story maps have become increasingly important to geography, both as primary sources for interpretation and as ways of representing the world. Initially, literary geographers embraced the concept of narrative in their studies when they investigated the relations between space and literature. However, with the emergence of new and sophisticated information technologies, geographers and scholars from neighboring fields began to focus on how to visualize events, processes, and stories beyond static maps and images. Frequently taken as synonyms, visual narratives and story maps are now considered powerful forms of visualization employed in research, education, and a wide range of areas and projects that emphasize spatial dimensions.
Restructuring of Public Primary and Secondary Education in the United States
Authors: DeMuynck Erin
Published: March 2021

Shifts toward high‐stakes standardized testing, privatization strategies such as charter schools and voucher programs, and closures of traditional neighborhood schools have transformed what, how, and where students learn. While often framed as solutions to uneven educational outcomes, policies and programs based on principles of competition and efficiency have instead contributed to deepening inequities and increasing school segregation by race, class, and disability. Public education restructuring is co‐constitutive with broader social, political, and economic contexts, and as such relates closely to spatial processes such as uneven urban development and community‐based resistance.
Migration and Health
Authors: Bordoloi Sudarshana
Published: March 2021

Unprecedented increases in the flow of internal and international migrants in recent times have presented myriad challenges in the ways migration affects the lives of diverse groups of people in the multistage and long‐drawn migration process. The vast body of academic literature on migration and health examines the relationship between geographical mobility and migration of people across geographical spaces and the resultant health implications for migrants and host populations in different countries of origin, transit, and destination. Contemporary research draws attention to the health vulnerabilities of migrants of different categories and the restrictive health policy frameworks in different societal contexts that have long‐term implications for the physical and mental wellbeing of migrants. Future directions call for holistic approaches in migrant health rights frameworks that include aspects of culturally competent health care, transnational perspectives on health and migrant communities, and inclusive methodological frameworks to conduct research on migration and health.
Supraglacial River Networks
Authors: Rippin David M. , Rawlins Lauren D.
Published: March 2021

Supraglacial river networks are systems of channels cut down into the surface ice of glaciers, ice sheets, and ice shelves by flowing water. They are important because the water they carry, and indeed the water that creates them, is a product of ice melt. The movement of water through these channels toward the margins of ice bodies, where it is eventually evacuated, represents the removal of mass from glaciers and ice sheets. Supraglacial river networks are highly seasonal, due to the requirement for flowing water in their creation. Here, in addition to considering their importance and temporal evolution, the entry also addresses their geometry and size, as well as the role that they play in impacting the reflectance of an ice surface, and in delivering water to subglacial locations where it can influence ice dynamics. Supraglacial river networks are relatively understudied, yet here it is shown that they are of the utmost importance in the field of glaciology.
Country
Authors: Cox Kevin R.
Published: March 2021

As a central explanatory concept in human geography, “country” remains undertheorized. For the most part it is treated as a container for empirical materials. The division of the world into territorially bounded, relatively homogeneous units raises numerous questions, including how they came about, what functions they fulfil, and how they affect the geography of the world. As recognizable entities, countries come into being along with the growth of capitalism and centralized states. They are highly particular in all moments of the social process, with the exception that, for the most part, their economies operate along capitalist lines. The formation of a world market exercises pressures for policy responses, but particularity means that these will be highly variable, generating quite different patterns of urbanization and uneven development. Countries then play a role in the formation of a global institutional system which in turn influences them.
History of Geography (Not Identical to Historical Geography)
Authors: Ferretti Federico
Published: March 2021

This entry does not pretend to be exhaustive in summarizing the burgeoning field of international scholarship in the history of geography. It does not even pretend to be a compendium of any possible narrative to be defined a “history of geography.” Rather, it will focus on some current methods and research tools in the broadly defined area of the philosophy and history of geography. In this way, it will provide the reader with the most relevant updates to understand why this “subdiscipline,” which is still considered a relatively peripheral one by several geographers, has been showing special vibrancy in the last few years. This renewed interest in geography's histories is based on the increasing extension of the places, periods, authors, and definitions which are currently investigated by scholars, who generally use the theoretical and methodological tools of the spatial turn and of contextual readings in the history of science that successfully challenged internalism, essentialism, and positivism in reading the geographical traditions. An important part of current scholarship is now committed to radicalize, internationalize, and decolonize the histories of geography, by increasingly addressing the richness, complexity, and diversity of a plurality of “geographical traditions” rather than one “geographical tradition.”
Environmental Humanities
Authors: Castree Noel
Published: March 2021

The term “environmental humanities” was coined early in the new millennium. It describes diverse forms of research, teaching, and public outreach spanning several humanities disciplines, from philosophy and anthropology to history and large parts of human geography. Historically, the humanities have explored people's distinctly “human” characteristics over and above their shared biological capacities. For most of their twentieth‐century history, humanities disciplines tended to bracket environmental issues: like the social sciences, they mostly analyzed human ideas and activities separately from nonhuman things such as climate, water, and forests. The environmental humanities challenge this bracketing, noting that our “humanity” is achieved in relationship with the biophysical world, in both a symbolic‐hermeneutic and a material sense. In recent years, the environmental humanities have grown in size. They have also become more institutionalized within and between numerous countries. Additionally, significant and ongoing attempts to make them more visible and influential have occurred. In large part, this is because escalating human impacts on the Earth have instilled real urgency among many humanists. They wish to shape the “conversation of humankind” that will, they hope, be sufficiently rich and inclusive to allow humanity to navigate through what is called “the Anthropocene.” According to a number of geoscientists, this is the new planetary epoch humans have inadvertently created. As the epoch unfolds, it could threaten human wellbeing on a very large scale, having already involved massive change to the nonhuman world. This entry offers a comprehensive overview of the environmental humanities. It first defines and traces their evolution since the late 1960s before explaining their recent expansion. It then identifies arguments in favor of the environmental humanities. It goes on to consider recent recommendations made about their future trajectory. It ends with a brief discussion of how geographers are shaping this large and complex field of research, teaching, and public outreach. No one discipline dominates work in the environmental humanities, but geographers have been key players for some time and will remain so for the foreseeable future.
Race, Ethnicity, and Disparities in Rheumatology Educational Materials
Authors: Strait Adrienne , Graf Jonathan , Margaretten Mary , Yazdany Jinoos , Goglin Sarah
Published: March 2021

Objective

To characterize the representation of dark skin color in clinical images across 4 major rheumatology training resources.

Methods

We gathered images of patients with rheumatic diseases from the American College of Rheumatology Image Library, UpToDate, the New England Journal of Medicine Images in Clinical Medicine and Clinical Cases filtered by “Rheumatology,” and the 9th edition of Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. Investigators used Fitzpatrick's skin phototypes to independently code images depicting visible skin as “light” (skin types I to IV), “dark” (skin types V to VI), or “indeterminate.” The representation of dark skin in clinical images was compared to the representation of Asian, Native American, and Black individuals within the US Census population and within lupus cases nationally.

Results

Of the 1,043 patient images included in the study, 13.4% had dark skin, 84.0% light skin, and 2.6% indeterminate skin color. Dark skin was underrepresented significantly in rheumatology educational materials and lupus images when compared with the representation of Asian, Native American, and Black individuals within the US Census population (13.4% versus 20.6%; χ2 = 32.8, P < 0.001) and in published studies of patients with systemic lupus erythematous (22.6% versus 44.2%; χ2 = 20.0, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Darker skin tones are significantly underrepresented in major rheumatology clinical image banks. Improving representation of racial and ethnic minorities in rheumatology education materials can better equip trainees to recognize and diagnose cutaneous manifestations of rheumatic diseases in these groups.