bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Have Lifestyle Habits and Psychological Well-Being Changed among Adolescents and Medical Students Due to COVID-19 Lockdown in Croatia?
Authors: Dragun Ružica , Veček Nikolina Nika , Marendić Mario , Pribisalić Ajka , Đivić Gabrijela , Cena Hellas , Polašek Ozren , Kolčić Ivana
Published: December 2020

Objective: To investigate dietary habits, sleep and psychological well-being of adolescents and medical students during COVID-19 lockdown in Split, Croatia. Methods: We surveyed 1326 students during 2018 and 2019, and compared their responses with 531 students enrolled in May 2020. Perceived stress, quality of life (QoL), happiness, anxiety, and optimism were assessed as proxies of psychological well-being, using general linear modelling. Results: We found no substantial differences in dietary pattern between pre-lockdown and lockdown periods, including the overall Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence. However, the MD pattern changed, showing increased adherence to the MD pyramid for fruit, legumes, fish, and sweets, while cereals, nuts, and dairy intake decreased during COVID-19 lockdown. A third of students reported weight loss during lockdown, 19% reported weight gain, while physical activity remained rather stable. The most prominent change was feeling refreshed after a night’s sleep, reported by 31.5% of students during lockdown vs. 8.5% before; median length of sleep duration increased by 1.5 h. Lockdown significantly affected QoL, happiness, optimism (all p < 0.001), and perceived stress in students (p = 0.005). MD adherence was positively correlated with QoL and study time, and negatively with TV and mobile phone use in pre-lockdown period (all p < 0.001). Interestingly, higher MD adherence was correlated with less perceived hardship and greater happiness and QoL during lockdown. Conclusion: These insights provide valuable information for tailored interventions aimed at maintaining healthy lifestyle in young population. Given the numerous beneficial effects associated with MD adherence, modification of lifestyle through application of lifestyle medicine deserves a priority approach.
Development and Validation of a Salt Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ-Na) and a Discretionary Salt Questionnaire (DSQ) for the Evaluation of Salt Intake among French-Canadian Population
Authors: Gallani Maria Cecilia , Proulx-Belhumeur Alexandra , Almeras Natalie , Després Jean-Pierre , Doré Michel , Giguère Jean-François
Published: December 2020

We assessed the reliability and validity of a Salty Food Frequency Questionnaire for Sodium (FFQ-Na) and a Discretionary Salt Questionnaire (DSQ) developed for the French-Canadian population. The reliability was evaluated according to temporal stability over a 7–15 day interval (n = 36). Validity was evaluated by testing the tools against a 24-h urine sodium excretion (24 h Uri-Na) and a 3-day food record, and this at individual and group levels (n = 164). The intra-class coefficients (ICC) values for the test-retest of the DSQ, the FFQ-Na and the two questionnaires combined were 0.73, 0.97 and 0.98 respectively. Correlations of the FFQ-Na with the 24 h Uri-Na and the 3-day food record were 0.3 (p < 0.001) and 0.35 (p < 0.001) respectively. The DSQ showed no significant correlation with the reference measures. The correlation between the two methods combined were 0.29 (p < 0.001) with the 24 h Uri-Na and 0.31 (p < 0.001) with the 3-day food record. The results of Bland–Altman indicated that for the combined questionnaires, there was a bias of measurement (underestimation of intake), but it was constant for every level of intake according to the reference measures. Finally, the cross-classification indicated an acceptable proportion of agreement, but a rate between 20% and 30% of classification in the opposite quartile. In conclusion, the developed tools are reliable and showed some facets of validity.
Experiential Education in Pharmacy Curriculum: The Lebanese International University Model
Authors: Akel Marwan El , Rahal Mohamad , Dabbous Mariam , Mourad Nisreen , Dimassi Ahmad , Sakr Fouad
Published: December 2020

Experiential education is an essential component of pharmacy education in order to allow intern students to experience real conditions and training opportunities in different inpatient and outpatient settings. This paper provides a description of the pharmacy practice experiences (PPEs) in the Lebanese International University (LIU) 5-year bachelor of pharmacy (BPharm) and postgraduate doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) programs; focuses on the opportunities and challenges encountered; and presents a model for experiential education in Lebanon. Learning outcomes and thus students’ acquisition of predefined competencies are evaluated in actual practice settings through assessment tools. Our experiential education program aligns with the accreditation/certification criteria set by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and equips future pharmacists with the knowledge and skills to become major components in the healthcare team.
Combined Use of Vis-NIR and XRF Sensors for Tropical Soil Fertility Analysis: Assessing Different Data Fusion Approaches
Authors: Tavares Tiago Rodrigues , Molin José Paulo , Javadi S. Hamed , Carvalho Hudson Wallace Pereira de , Mouazen Abdul Mounem
Published: December 2020

Visible and near infrared (vis-NIR) diffuse reflectance and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) sensors are promising proximal soil sensing (PSS) tools for predicting soil key fertility attributes. This work aimed at assessing the performance of the individual and combined use of vis-NIR and XRF sensors to predict clay, organic matter (OM), cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH, base saturation (V), and extractable (ex-) nutrients (ex-P, ex-K, ex-Ca, and ex-Mg) in Brazilian tropical soils. Individual models using the data of each sensor alone were calibrated using multiple linear regressions (MLR) for the XRF data, and partial least squares (PLS) regressions for the vis-NIR data. Six data fusion approaches were evaluated and compared against individual models using relative improvement (RI). The data fusion approaches included (i) two spectra fusion approaches, which simply combined the data of both sensors in a merged dataset, followed by support vector machine (SF-SVM) and PLS (SF-PLS) regression analysis; (ii) two model averaging approaches using the Granger and Ramanathan (GR) method; and (iii) two data fusion methods based on least squares (LS) modeling. For the GR and LS approaches, two different combinations of inputs were used for MLR. The GR2 and LS2 used the prediction of individual sensors, whereas the GR3 and LS3 used the individual sensors prediction plus the SF-PLS prediction. The individual vis-NIR models showed the best results for clay and OM prediction (RPD ≥ 2.61), while the individual XRF models exhibited the best predictive models for CEC, V, ex-K, ex-Ca, and ex-Mg (RPD ≥ 2.57). For eight out of nine soil attributes studied (clay, CEC, pH, V, ex-P, ex-K, ex-Ca, and ex-Mg), the combined use of vis-NIR and XRF sensors using at least one of the six data fusion approaches improved the accuracy of the predictions (with RI ranging from 1 to 21%). In general, the LS3 model averaging approach stood out as the data fusion method with the greatest number of attributes with positive RI (six attributes; namely, clay, CEC, pH, ex-P, ex-K, and ex-Mg). Meanwhile, no single approach was capable of exploiting the synergism between sensors for all attributes of interest, suggesting that the selection of the best data fusion approach should be attribute-specific. The results presented in this work evidenced the complementarity of XRF and vis-NIR sensors to predict fertility attributes in tropical soils, and encourage further research to find a generalized method of data fusion of both sensors data.
Systematic Review on Which Analytics and Learning Methodologies Are Applied in Primary and Secondary Education in the Learning of Robotics Sensors
Authors: Amo Daniel , Fox Paul , Fonseca David , Poyatos César
Published: December 2020

Robotics technology has become increasingly common both for businesses and for private citizens. Primary and secondary schools, as a mirror of societal evolution, have increasingly integrated science, technology, engineering and math concepts into their curricula. Our research questions are: “In teaching robotics to primary and secondary school students, which pedagogical-methodological interventions result in better understanding and knowledge in the use of sensors in educational robotics?”, and “In teaching robotics to primary and secondary school students, which analytical methods related to Learning Analytics processes are proposed to analyze and reflect on students’ behavior in their learning of concepts and skills of sensors in educational robotics?”. To answer these questions, we have carried out a systematic review of the literature in the Web of Science and Scopus databases regarding robotics sensors in primary and secondary education, and Learning Analytics processes. We applied PRISMA methodology and reviewed a total of 24 articles. The results show a consensus about the use of the Learning by Doing and Project-Based Learning methodologies, including their different variations, as the most common methodology for achieving optimal engagement, motivation and performance in students’ learning. Finally, future lines of research are identified from this study.
Bed-Based Ballistocardiography: Dataset and Ability to Track Cardiovascular Parameters
Authors: Carlson Charles , Turpin Vanessa-Rose , Suliman Ahmad , Ade Carl , Warren Steve , Thompson David E.
Published: December 2020

Background: The goal of this work was to create a sharable dataset of heart-driven signals, including ballistocardiograms (BCGs) and time-aligned electrocardiograms (ECGs), photoplethysmograms (PPGs), and blood pressure waveforms. Methods: A custom, bed-based ballistocardiographic system is described in detail. Affiliated cardiopulmonary signals are acquired using a GE Datex CardioCap 5 patient monitor (which collects ECG and PPG data) and a Finapres Medical Systems Finometer PRO (which provides continuous reconstructed brachial artery pressure waveforms and derived cardiovascular parameters). Results: Data were collected from 40 participants, 4 of whom had been or were currently diagnosed with a heart condition at the time they enrolled in the study. An investigation revealed that features extracted from a BCG could be used to track changes in systolic blood pressure (Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.54 +/− 0.15), dP/dtmax (Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.51 +/− 0.18), and stroke volume (Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.54 +/− 0.17). Conclusion: A collection of synchronized, heart-driven signals, including BCGs, ECGs, PPGs, and blood pressure waveforms, was acquired and made publicly available. An initial study indicated that bed-based ballistocardiography can be used to track beat-to-beat changes in systolic blood pressure and stroke volume. Significance: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no other database that includes time-aligned ECG, PPG, BCG, and continuous blood pressure data is available to the public. This dataset could be used by other researchers for algorithm testing and development in this fast-growing field of health assessment, without requiring these individuals to invest considerable time and resources into hardware development and data collection.
Minimal Tissue Reaction after Chronic Subdural Electrode Implantation for Fully Implantable Brain–Machine Interfaces
Authors: Yan Tianfang , Kameda Seiji , Suzuki Katsuyoshi , Kaiju Taro , Inoue Masato , Suzuki Takafumi , Hirata Masayuki
Published: December 2020

There is a growing interest in the use of electrocorticographic (ECoG) signals in brain–machine interfaces (BMIs). However, there is still a lack of studies involving the long-term evaluation of the tissue response related to electrode implantation. Here, we investigated biocompatibility, including chronic tissue response to subdural electrodes and a fully implantable wireless BMI device. We implanted a half-sized fully implantable device with subdural electrodes in six beagles for 6 months. Histological analysis of the surrounding tissues, including the dural membrane and cortices, was performed to evaluate the effects of chronic implantation. Our results showed no adverse events, including infectious signs, throughout the 6-month implantation period. Thick connective tissue proliferation was found in the surrounding tissues in the epidural space and subcutaneous space. Quantitative measures of subdural reactive tissues showed minimal encapsulation between the electrodes and the underlying cortex. Immunohistochemical evaluation showed no significant difference in the cell densities of neurons, astrocytes, and microglia between the implanted sites and contralateral sites. In conclusion, we established a beagle model to evaluate cortical implantable devices. We confirmed that a fully implantable wireless device and subdural electrodes could be stably maintained with sufficient biocompatibility in vivo.
Soil Lead Concentration and Speciation in Community Farms of Newark, New Jersey, USA
Authors: Goswami Omanjana , Rouff Ashaki A.
Published: December 2020

Farmed urban soils often bear legacies of historic contamination from anthropogenic and industrial sources. Soils from seven community farms in Newark, New Jersey (NJ), USA, were analyzed to determine the concentration and speciation of lead (Pb) depending on garden location and cultivation status. Samples were evaluated using single-step 1 M nitric acid (HNO3) and Tessier sequential extractions in combination with X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS) analysis. Single-step extractable Pb concentration ranged from 22 to 830 mg kg−1, with 21% of samples reporting concentrations of Pb > 400 mg kg−1, which is the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) limit for residential soils. Sequential extractions indicated lowest Pb concentrations in the exchangeable fraction (0–211 mg kg−1), with highest concentrations (0–3002 mg kg−1) in the oxidizable and reducible fractions. For samples with Pb > 400 mg kg−1, Pb distribution was mostly uniform in particle size fractions of <0.125–1 mm, with slightly higher Pb concentrations in the <0.125 mm fraction. XAFS analysis confirmed that Pb was predominantly associated with pyromorphite, iron–manganese oxides and organic matter. Overall results showed that lowest concentrations of Pb are detected in raised beds, whereas uncultivated native soil and parking lot samples had highest values of Pb. As most of the Pb is associated with reducible and oxidizable soil fractions, there is a lower risk of mobility and bioavailability. However, Pb exposure through ingestion and inhalation pathways is still of concern when directly handling the soil. With increasing interest in urban farming in cities across the USA, this study highlights the need for awareness of soil contaminants and the utility of coupled macroscopic and molecular-scale geochemical techniques to understand the distribution and speciation of soil Pb.
Processes in the Unsaturated Zone by Reliable Soil Water Content Estimation: Indications for Soil Water Management from a Sandy Soil Experimental Field in Central Italy
Authors: Di Matteo Lucio , Spigarelli Alessandro , Ortenzi Sofia
Published: December 2020

Reliable soil moisture data are essential for achieving sustainable water management. In this framework, the performance of devices to estimate the volumetric moisture content by means dielectric properties of soil/water system is of increasing interest. The present work evaluates the performance of the PR2/6 soil moisture profile probe with implications on the understanding of processes involving the unsaturated zone. The calibration at the laboratory scale and the validation in an experimental field in Central Italy highlight that although the shape of the moisture profile is the same, there are essential differences between soil moisture values obtained by the calibrated equation and those obtained by the manufacturer one. These differences are up to 10 percentage points for fine-grained soils containing iron oxides. Inaccurate estimates of soil moisture content do not help with understanding the soil water dynamic, especially after rainy periods. The sum of antecedent soil moisture conditions (the Antecedent Soil moisture Index (ASI)) and rainfall related to different stormflow can be used to define the threshold value above which the runoff significantly increases. Without an accurate calibration process, the ASI index is overestimated, thereby affecting the threshold evaluation. Further studies on other types of materials and in different climatic conditions are needed to implement an effective monitoring network useful to manage the soil water and to support the validation of remote sensing data and hydrological soil models.
Ambition Meets Reality: Mission-Oriented Innovation Policy as a Driver for Participative Governance
Authors: Rabadjieva Maria , Terstriep Judith
Published: December 2020

As a response to the grand societal challenges reflected in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the transition towards sustainability has gained momentum in recent years, as has the debate on mission-orientation in innovation policy. Harnessing the positive transformation potential for innovation, is about collaboratively exploring complex and uncertain pathways, especially when the goal is sustainable local economic development. Nevertheless, the demand for participatory approaches posed by the re-emergence of mission-orientated innovation policy, and the conditions for their successful implementation at the local level, particularly in the framework of economic development, are poorly understood and not yet in the focus of the current debate. This article conceptualises participation as a new mode of governance for sustainable local economic development, and links it to mission-orientation in innovation policy. We differentiate forms, degree of involvement and target groups, as well as highlight the underlying rationales and modes of interactions. Based on action-research carried out over three years in the city of Bottrop, Germany, we conceptualise an ideal-typical practice of participatory governance. Our findings show that firms are willing to participate in sustainable local economic development, only if they can internalise at least part of the value-added.
Real Estate, Economic Stability and the New Macro-Financial Policies
Authors: Carrasco-Gallego José A.
Published: December 2020

The influence of real estate on finance and the whole economy has captured significant attention, especially since the aftermath of the Great Recession, because of the potential of this sector to destabilize markets. This paper explores the other way around: housing markets’ capacity to stabilize the economy through different macroprudential policies facing several types of shocks to achieve financial stability as a driver of sustainability. Specifically, a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model is used to evaluate the effectiveness to stabilize the economy of different macroprudential tools based on the loan-to-value ratio for real estate, on the countercyclical capital buffer for the financial sector and a combination of both tools, facing a housing price shock, a technology shock and a financial shock. The model presents three types of agents (borrowers, entrepreneurs and banks) in an economy with a real estate market, a financial sector, a labor market and a production sector. The government can use different macroprudential policies to stabilize the economy, leaning against the wind of several shocks to achieve economic and financial sustainability. The assessment of the effectiveness of each policy shows that, in the case of a housing sector shock and a technology shock, the more effective policy is the one based on a countercyclical rule on the loan-to-value ratio for the real estate sector as a macroprudential tool. Furthermore, with a house price shock, if the macroprudential authority applies a macroprudential policy based on the countercyclical capital buffer, the shock may be exacerbated. Additionally, when there is a financial shock, the macroprudential authority may face a trade-off between several macro-financial policies depending on its objective. Therefore, it is not recommendable to automatically apply a macroprudential policy without a meticulous analysis of the nature of the shock that the economy is experimenting with and how different policies can stabilize or destabilize the different markets and, therefore, reach higher or lower sustainability.
Decarbonization of Maritime Transport: Is There Light at the End of the Tunnel?
Authors: Psaraftis Harilaos N. , Kontovas Christos A.
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this paper is to assess the status and prospects of the decarbonization of maritime transport. Already more than two years have passed since the landmark decision of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in April 2018, which entailed ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships. The paper attempts to address the following three questions: (a) where do we stand with respect to GHG emissions from ships, (b) how is the Initial IMO Strategy progressing, and (c) what should be done to move ahead? To that effect, our methodology includes commenting on some of the key issues addressed by the recently released 4th IMO GHG study, assessing progress at the IMO since 2018, and finally identifying other issues that we consider relevant and important as regards maritime GHG emissions, such as for instance the role of the European Green Deal and how this may interact with the IMO process. Even though the approach of the paper is to a significant extent qualitative, some key quantitative and modelling aspects are considered as well. On the basis of our analysis, our main conjecture is that there is not yet light at the end of the tunnel with respect to decarbonizing maritime transport.
Rural Tourism as a Development Strategy in Low-Density Areas: Case Study in Northern Extremadura (Spain)
Authors: Nieto Masot Ana , Ríos Rodríguez Nerea
Published: December 2020

The appearance of new trends and models of tourism consumption has allowed the proliferation of rural tourist facilities in northern Extremadura. This article analyzes the economic, social, and heritage (natural and cultural) variables to relate them to the tourism offer and demand in these areas. The present study used geostatistical techniques such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and their spatial location through Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to determine the distribution and degree of incidence of these variables in the territories. The results obtained confirm the existence of imbalances in the tourism sector, which made it possible to determine which tourist territories have implemented the best lines of action to receive visitors, increase economic income, and preserve the population in rural areas with deficiencies in their tourism development.
Evidence-Based Assessment of Student Performance in Virtual Worlds
Authors: Palomo-Duarte Manuel , Berns Anke , Balderas Antonio , Dodero Juan Manuel , Camacho David
Published: December 2020

Virtual Worlds (VWs) are popular tools for teaching/learning in the twenty-first century classroom. The challenge remains however, to provide the means by which teachers could sustainably analyse and assess the performance of large groups of students in such environments. Unfortunately, external game features such as game scores and play duration have turned out to be unfair in some assessments. In this context, a case study was carried out in a foreign language course, illustrating how teachers could easily retrieve a number of performance indicators from VW-interaction logs and harness them to conduct a fine-grained analysis of students’ performance, while facilitating at the same time valuable tools for their assessment. Objective performance indicators in a server database were made accessible using an end-user development programming language. This way, a range of data visualisation methods could be employed to contrast different assumptions regarding learner performance when playing a VW-based game, which was designed to help CEFR A1 level students to learn German. This way, factors such as randomisation of game tasks, which could negatively affect learner performance, were alleviated.
Pilot Off-Peak Delivery Program in the Region of Peel
Authors: Mousavi Kianoush , Khan Sabrina , Saiyed Sabbir , Amirjamshidi Glareh , Roorda Matthew J.
Published: December 2020

Off-peak delivery (OPD) is the delivery of goods during the evening and overnight hours. This strategy has the potential to alleviate peak period congestion, improve efficiency of delivery firms, and reduce emissions. This paper investigates benefits and challenges of a pilot OPD program in the Region of Peel, with the goal of informing potential broader implementations of OPD. In contrast to other previously implemented OPD projects, this OPD pilot focuses on deliveries in suburban areas. Three firms, delivering to 14 pilot retail stores, participated in the OPD pilot in the Region of Peel from March to August 2019. The analysis shows that during the six-month pilot, the average speed of the trips that were made in off-peak hours, from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. the next day, is 18.1% faster than those that happened in day-time hours. Furthermore, the total greenhouse gas emissions/km decreased by 10.6%, and emissions factors for air quality pollutants, including CO, NOx, PM10, and PM2.5 reduced by 10.8% to 15.0% in off-peak hours. Results for service times varied between firms, but on average increased by 15.2%, indicating activities in the off-peak hours at the retail stores that prevented overall improvements in service time compared to day-time deliveries. A post-pilot interview was done with logistics managers of the three firms, which provides rich insights about challenges, successes, and ways that the OPD program could be improved.
Appropriate Use of Lime in the Study of the Physicochemical Behaviour of Stabilised Lateritic Soil under Continuous Water Ingress
Authors: Okeke Chukwueloka , Abbey Samuel , Oti Jonathan , Eyo Eyo , Johnson Abiola , Ngambi Samson , Abam Tamunoene , Ujile Mgboawaji
Published: December 2020

Lime stabilisation is one of the traditional methods of improving the engineering properties of lateritic soils for use as subgrade and foundation materials for the construction of road pavements and highway embankments. Understanding the mechanical performance of lime-stabilised lateritic subgrades in terms of their durability under continuous water ingress will improve environmental sustainability by conserving scarce natural resources and reducing the environmental impacts of repair and replacement of pavements. However, there are several conflicting reports on the durability of lime-stabilised soils subjected to continuous water ingress and harsh environmental conditions. Therefore, this paper evaluates the influence of leaching on the physicochemical behaviour and durability of lime-stabilised lateritic soil under continuous water ingress, simulating the typical experience in a tropical environment. Variations in the strength and durability of the lateritic soil at various lime contents (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, and 20 wt.%) and soaking periods (3, 7, 14 and 28 days) were evaluated by performing the California bearing ratio tests before and after subjecting the lime-lateritic soil (LLS) samples to continuous leaching using two modified leaching cells. Furthermore, physicochemical analysis was performed to assess the variation of cation concentrations and changes in the physical properties of the pore fluid as the leaching time progressed from 3 to 28 days. The results show that the minimum strength reduction index of the soil corresponds to its lime stabilisation optimum (LSO). Electrical conductivity decreased monotonically and almost uniformly with an increase in leaching time, irrespective of lime content. So, too, was calcium concentration and to a lesser degree for pH and potassium concentration. Adverse changes in the physicochemical behaviour of the LLS samples occurred at lime contents below and slightly above the optimum lime content of the soil. Whereas permanent pozzolanic reactions occurred at lime contents above the LSO and thus resulted in a 45-fold increase in strength and durability. The results are significant for reducing the detrimental effect of the leaching-induced deterioration of flexible pavements founded on tropical floodplains.
One Health and Neglected Tropical Diseases—Multisectoral Solutions to Endemic Challenges
Authors: Peterson Jennifer K. , Bakuza Jared , Standley Claire J.
Published: December 2020

One Health is defined as an approach to achieve better health outcomes for humans, animals, and the environment through collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts [...]
The Main Molecular and Serological Methods for Diagnosing COVID-19: An Overview Based on the Literature
Authors: Machado Bruna , Hodel Katharine , Barbosa-Júnior Valdir , Soares Milena , Badaró Roberto
Published: December 2020

Diagnostic tests have been considered as the main alternative for the control of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as a correct diagnosis allows for decision making when facing the disease, particularly as there is a lack of effective therapeutic protocols and vaccines. Thus, in this review, we summarized the main diagnostic approaches currently available for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans based on studies available in article databases. The tests can be organized into two main categories: nucleic acid-based tests, recommended for the initial detection of the virus, and serological tests, recommended for assessing the disease progression. The studies have shown that the performance of diagnostic methods depends on different factors, such as the type of samples and the characteristics of each assay. It was identified that the positivity of the tests is mainly related to the onset of symptoms. We also observed that point-of-care diagnoses are considered as one of the main trends in this area, due to the low-cost and simplicity of the assay; however, the analytical performance must be critically analyzed. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical role of diagnostic technologies in the control of infectious diseases.
Association between the Microsatellite Ap243, AC117 and SV185 Polymorphisms and Nosema Disease in the Dark Forest Bee Apis mellifera mellifera
Authors: Ostroverkhova Nadezhda V.
Published: December 2020

The microsporidian Nosema parasites, primarily Nosema ceranae, remain critical threats to the health of the honey bee Apis mellifera. One promising intervention approach is the breeding of Nosema-resistant honey bee colonies using molecular technologies, for example marker-assisted selection (MAS). For this, specific genetic markers used in bee selection should be developed. The objective of the paper is to search for associations between some microsatellite markers and Nosema disease in a dark forest bee Apis mellifera mellifera. For the dark forest bee, the most promising molecular genetic markers for determining resistance to nosemosis are microsatellite loci AC117, Ap243 and SV185, the alleles of which (“177”, “263” and “269”, respectively) were associated with a low level of Nosema infection. This article is the first associative study aimed at finding DNA loci of resistance to nosemosis in the dark forest bee. Nevertheless, microsatellite markers identified can be used to predict the risk of developing the Nosema disease.
The Impacts of Climate Variability on Crop Yields and Irrigation Water Demand in South Asia
Authors: Ahmad Qurat-ul-Ain , Biemans Hester , Moors Eddy , Shaheen Nuzba , Masih Ilyas
Published: December 2020

Accurate (spatio-temporal) estimation of the crop yield relation to climate variables is essential in the densely populated Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra (IGB) river basins of South Asia for devising appropriate adaptation strategies to ensure regional food and water security. This study examines wheat (Triticum aestivum) and rice (Oryza sativa) crop yields’ sensitivity to primary climate variables (i.e., temperature and precipitation) and related changes in irrigation water demand at different spatial (i.e., province/state, districts and grid cell) and temporal (i.e., seasonal and crop growth phase) scales. To estimate the climate driven variations in crop yields, observed and modelled data applying the Lund-Potsdam-Jena managed Land (LPJmL) model are used for six selected study sites in the IGB river basins over the period 1981–2010. Our statistical analysis underscores the importance of impacts assessments at higher spatio-temporal scales. Our grid cell (aggregated over study sites) scale analysis shows that 27–72% variations in wheat and 17–55% in rice crop yields are linked with temperature variations at a significance level of p < 0.001. In the absence of irrigation application, up to 39% variations in wheat and up to 75% variations in rice crop yields are associated with precipitation changes in all study sites. Whereas, observed crop yields show weak correlations with temperature at a coarser resolution, i.e., up to 4% at province and up to 31% at district scales. Crop yields also showed stronger sensitivity to climate variables at higher temporal scale (i.e., vegetative and reproductive phases) having statistically strong negative relationship with temperature and positive with precipitation during the reproductive phase. Similarly, crop phase-specific variations in climate variables have considerable impacts (i.e., quantity and timing) on irrigation water demand. For improved crop water planning, we suggest integrated climate impact assessments at higher spatio-temporal scales which can help to devise appropriate adaptation strategies for sustaining future food demand.
Evaluation of Seasonal Groundwater Quality Changes Associated with Groundwater Pumping and Level Fluctuations in an Agricultural Area, Korea
Authors: Ha Kyoochul , Lee Eunhee , An Hyowon , Kim Sunghyun , Park Changhui , Kim Gyoo-Bum , Ko Kyung-Seok
Published: December 2020

This study was conducted to evaluate seasonal groundwater quality due to groundwater pumping and hydrochemical characteristics with groundwater level fluctuations in an agricultural area in Korea. Groundwater levels were observed for about one year using automatic monitoring sensors, and groundwater uses were estimated based on the monitoring data. Groundwater use in the area is closely related to irrigation for rice farming, and rising groundwater levels occur during the pumping, which may be caused by the irrigation water of rice paddies. Hydrochemical analysis results for two separate times (17 July and 1 October 2019) show that the dissolved components in groundwater decreased overall due to dilution, especially at wells in the alluvial aquifer and shallow depth. More than 50% of the samples were classified as CaHCO3 water type, and changes in water type occurred depending on the well location. Water quality changes were small at most wells, but changes at some wells were evident. In addition, the groundwater quality was confirmed to have the effect of saltwater supplied during the 2018 drought by comparison with seawater. According to principal component analysis (PCA), the water quality from July to October was confirmed to have changed due to dilution, and the effect was strong at shallow wells. In the study areas where rice paddy farming is active in summer, irrigation water may be one of the important factors changing the groundwater quality. These results provide a qualitative and quantitative basis for groundwater quality change in agricultural areas, particularly rice paddies areas, along with groundwater level and usage.
A Semi-Theoretical Model for Water Condensation: Dew Used in Conservation of Earthen Heritage Sites
Authors: He Xiang , Wang Sijia , Zhang Bingjian
Published: December 2020

Dew is a common but important phenomenon. Though water is previously considered to be a threat to earthen heritage sites, artificial dew is showing potential in relic preservation. A model of dew prediction on earthen sites will be essential for developing preventive protection methods, but studies of dew formation processes on relics are limited. In this study, a two parameter model is proposed. It makes approximations according to the features of earthen heritage sites, assuming that a thin and steady air layer exists close to the air–solid interface. This semi-theoretical model was based on calculations of the mass transfer process in the air layer, and was validated by simulations of laboratory experiments (R > 0.9) as well as field experiments. Additionally, a numerical simulation, performed by the commercial software COMSOL, confirmed that the difference between fitting parameter δ and the thickness of assumed mass transfer field was not significant. This model will be helpful in developing automatic environmental control systems for stabilizing water and soluble salts, thus enhancing preventive protection of earthen heritage sites.
“Konbanwa, Terrace House Wa”: a moral contemporânea e a busca por autenticidade num reality show japonês
Authors: Urbano Krystal , Araujo Mayara
Published: December 2020

O artigo busca refletir sobre a importância do conceito de autenticidade na construção da experiência contemporânea dos reality shows produzidos no Japão, em particular, na franquia Terrace House (TV Fuji, 2012 - Presente). Utilizando uma metodologia baseada em uma observação sistemática dos episódios da segunda temporada de Terrace House: Boys & Girls in the city (2015 - 2016) disponível no catálogo da Netflix Brasil, argumentamos que as condições de convivência criadas pela produção do programa, que manifesta-se de maneira mais contundente na suposta ausência de um “roteiro” a ser seguido, seriam as ideais para a revelação da autenticidade dos participantes desse reality show, numa perspectiva moral e filosófica não-ocidental. Nossa hipótese central é que a ausência estratégica de regras de convivência previamente estabelecidas pela produção do programa para os participantes de Terrace House: Boys & Girls in the city interagirem entre si, seriam capazes de reforçar ainda mais a noção de “bem comum”, bastante valorizada na sociedade japonesa, além de favorecer a adoção de “máscaras sociais” condizentes às expectativas morais e sociais nos modos de agir dessa mesma sociedade.
Memória tecnocultural em Aquarius
Authors: Pires Julherme José , Kilpp Suzana
Published: December 2020

O tema deste artigo é a atualização da memória tecnocultural na imagem cinematográfica. Partimos do conceito de memória de Bergson (2010) e investigamos a sua incidência em objetos tecnoculturais. Pensar em termos tecnoculturais é reconhecer a estrutura projetual, o design dos objetos investigados, relativizando a separação premeditada entre arte e técnica, e entender os objetos enquanto expressões de inúmeros tempos e espaços, dotados de sentidos fluidos. Nossa costura teórica também evidencia como imagens de diferentes naturezas técnicas se contagiam de forma independente entre si. Abordamos esse processo comunicativo a partir do filme Aquarius (2016), de Kleber Mendonça Filho. Demonstramos como e quais devires tecnoculturais se atualizam nas técnicas e nas estéticas, nas montagens e nos planos narrativos de Aquarius, que transforma o arquivo em seu próprio tema, propondo uma espécie de “prática da memória”. O filme faz remissões aos Anos 70, propondo duas dimensões narrativas, e um conflito geral entre as utopias da Era de Aquário e do neoliberalismo. O modo como estabelece essa montagem dá continuidade a um devir tecnotropical, coalescendo e tensionando utopias, imagens e formas de uma corrente artística brasileira de vanguarda.
A Socio-Pragmatic Analysis of Social Media Comments on Online Learning at the Time of COVID 19
Authors: Hasan Atyaf , Idrees Fatima Abdul Ghany
Published: December 2020

This paper was aimed to find out: (1) EFL learners of pre-service teaching program’s knowledge of collocation, and (2) EFL learners of pre-service teaching program’s perception about their knowledge of collocation and on collocation teaching in EFL setting. The data was collected from EFL learners of pre-service teaching programs of IKIP Muhammadiyah Maumere in Maumere East Nusa tenggara, Indonesia. To collect the data, a multiple choice of collocation test that consisted of thirty items was administered and 9 item of questionnaires about their perception toward collocation teaching materials, collocation learning methods, and collocation teaching techniques.  The findings revealed that the average percentage of EFL learners of pre-service teaching program’s collocation errors through statistical analysis using SPSS 25.0 was 51, 50% (an average of 4.85 errors per participants). It was identified that 56.30% grammatical errors (an average of 10.68 errors per participants) and 42.60% lexical errors (an average of 10.54 errors per essay) were found. This implies that the most frequently committed errors were in the grammatical category. The study also revealed that 80% of EFL learners of pre-service teaching program agreed that the role of collocation in teaching and learning vocabulary was very important. 43% of them mostly learn collocations from the course book. They agreed that the most suitable level to learn o r teach collocations are from around elementary. They learn collocation bacause It is important for language proficiency while 30% of them said that techniques do you use in learning collocations was through translating. 40% of them agreed that reading was language skill(s) would be the most effective in learning collocations. The causes their collocational errors were 43% of them agreed that there is interference from Indonesia.
Extensive Reading on Wattpad and Its Benefits to Students' English Skills: Students' Perceptions
Authors: Permatasari Intan , Wijayanto Agus , Kristina Diah
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to explore students’ perception’s towards Extensive Reading on Wattpad platform as well as its benefits to students’ English skills. Extensive Reading enables students to read a great deal amount of reading materials based on their personal interests and level of comprehension which is actually applied outside the class room for most people consider it as reading for pleasure. It has also been known that Extensive Reading has many benefits in improving students’ language skills. The advancement of technology over the years allows people to do many activities online, including Extensive Reading activity. Thus, Wattpad is considered to have enormous and various reading materials that can support extensive reading for the students. This study is a case study. The data were obtained from an in-depth interview with the participant who were two undergraduate students majoring English Education from a state university in Indonesia. The participants were selected purposively for the reason they were known to have been doing extensive reading activity on Wattpad for a quite long time, specifically for more than three years. The research findings showed that students have positive perceptions towards Extensive Reading on Wattpad which are categorized into three elements namely cognitive, affective, and conative. Four notable benefits of Extensive Reading on Wattpad were also mentioned by the students such as it contributed in unconsciously improving students’ writing skills, vocabulary mastery, speaking skills, as well as listening skills.
PERSEPSI RISIKO DAN BIAS KOGNITIF DALAM PENCEGAHAN PENULARAN COVID-19 DI JAWA BARAT, INDONESIA
Authors: Nastiti Anindrya , Kusumah Siska Widya Dewi , Wangsaatmaja Addina , Dwina Roosmini , Sundana Eka , Sutadian Arief
Published: December 2020

COVID-19 telah menjadi tantangan kesehatan masyarakat global dan merupakan penyakit dengan transmisibilitas yang tinggi. Untuk itu, masyarakat harus melakukan tindakan pencegahan untuk membatasi penyebaran COVID-19. Elemen kunci seseorang untuk melakukan tindakan preventif untuk melindungi dirinya dan orang lain adalah persepsi terhadap risiko. Persepsi risiko ini dapat terdistorsi oleh berbagai bias kognitif yang dapat mendera masyarakat. Dengan menggunakan metode survey daring (dalam jaringan) terhadap 391 responden di Jawa Barat, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memahami persepsi risiko terhadap pencegahan penularan COVID-19 dan bias kognitif yang menyertainya. masih terdapat responden yang merasa yakin benar bahwa Indonesia relatif aman dari COVID-19 karena beriklim tropis, COVID-19 dapat disembuhkan hanya dengan meminum obat herbal atau pengobatan tradisional lainnya, dan merasa aman untuk bepergian ke tempat umum. Sebanyak 74,9% responden bersedia menjalani vaksin, dan 25,1% responden tidak bersedia menjalani vaksin. Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa persepsi responden terhadap COVID-19 masih perlu ditingkatkan agar perilaku masyarakat pada masa Adatasi Kebiasaan Baru (AKB) tetap mematuhi protokol kesehatan. Selain itu, pengetahuan tentang vaksin pada responden perlu ditingkatkan melalui pemberian informasi yang lebih strategis dan masif.
The development of a new deformation regime for microstructure refinement in solid railway axles by hot deformation optimization
Authors: S Yershov , G Levchenko , Wu Kaiming , Zhou Wen , Rui Ke
Published: December 2020

Goal. During the production of railway axles, the main target is to obtain a uniform metal structure with a grain size not larger than number 5 across the entire section of the produced axle. Moreover, in accordance with the demands of railway axle consumers, the differences in grain size numbers should not exceed 2. However, due to multi-stage processing and repeated heating of axle material, the fulfillment of aforesaid requirements is very difficult and the differences in grain size numbers are usually found as 4. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a special deformation regime for controlling the sizes and the uniformities of metal grains in the finished product. Methods. We employed experimental and theoretical investigations to reveal the microstructure refinement in the deformation zone of the produced railway axle. The experimental investigation was carried out under the production conditions, whereas the theoretical investigation was performed based on the theory of plasticity and finite element method. Results. Furthermore, the regularities of process parameters in the deformation zone were revealed; hence, a new deformation regime was developed, and consequently, the quality of the finished railway axle was improved. Scientific novelty. Rolling of solid railway axle required special de-formation regimes that differed from the deformation regimes for rolling of other types of products. Deformations in vertical and edging directions with edging reduction were less penetrative to the central zone of the billet as compared to surface layers, thus resulting in an increase in energy consumption and equipment load of the rolling mill. Rolling with edging reduction caused a worse de-formation at the central zone of the billet in the box caliber.Rolling without edging reduction caused large deformations in central layers of the billet and led to a significant improvement in the metal structure of the axle.