bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic Analysis of Sustainable Tourism in Baja California against COVID-19
Authors: Bernal Escoto Blanca Estela , Montero Delgado Nancy Imelda , Rivera Aguirre Flavio Abel
Published: April 2021

As a result of the health contingency caused by COVID-19, a large number of companies worldwide have been forced to drastically change their work processes in order to adapt to the current situation; however, the strategies proposed by governments around the world to deal with this crisis have been classified as seasonal by health specialists, implying that at some point it will return to normal. To this end, this study is developed through the implementation of four strategic models (strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats (SWOT) method, competitive advantage matrix, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) matrix, and the ERIC matrix: Eliminate—Reduce—Increase—Create)) that allow entrepreneurs in the tourism sector of the State of Baja California to face the consequences that the pandemic has generated in detriment of its competitiveness, which, in turn, will allow them to design competitive strategies that directly support the tourism sector of the entity, facilitating decision making to achieve the sustainable development of regional tourism. Observing that the main competitive advantage of the entrepreneurs in the studied sector is the fact that they are mostly part of the gastro-tourism cluster of Baja California since they receive support and joint promotion that allows them to generate a unique and inimitable competitive advantage.
Does Gender Climate Influence Climate Change? The Multidimensionality of Gender Equality and Its Countervailing Effects on the Carbon Intensity of Well-Being
Authors: Ergas Christina , Greiner Patrick Trent , McGee Julius Alexander , Clement Matthew Thomas
Published: April 2021

The carbon intensity of well-being (CIWB) (a ratio measuring the amount of CO2 emitted per unit of life expectancy at birth) is an increasingly popular way to measure the ecological efficiency of nations. Although research demonstrates that economic development typically reduces this efficiency, little research has explored the extent to which social equality improves it. This study uses panel data for 70 nations between 1995 and 2013 to assess how various aspects of gender equality affect the ecological efficiency of nations. We estimate a series of Prais-Winsten regression models with panel-corrected standard errors (PCSE) to assess how increases in the percentage of women in parliament, expected years of education for women, and the percentage of women in the labor force independently affect CIWB. Our findings indicate that across all nations, increases in the percentage of women in parliament and expected years of schooling reduce CIWB; however, increases in the percentage of women in the labor force increase CIWB. Our results further show that the relationship between different dimensions of gender equality and CIWB differs between more developed and less developed nations. Finally, we find that increases in the number of women in parliament and women’s education attenuate the relationship between women’s labor force participation and CIWB. We discuss the variation in our results by reviewing relevant eco-gender literatures and feminist economics.
Influence of Strategic Interrelationships and Decision-Making in Chilean Port Networks on Their Degree of Sustainability
Authors: Durán Claudia , Palominos Fredi , Carrasco Raúl , Carrillo Eduardo
Published: April 2021

An extensive literary review is carried out to determine the strategic and business advantages, and difficulties that non-smart ports must face to develop sustainability. Based on a two-port case study, the strategic text of the corporate missions of port administrators and operators is analyzed and classified in order to understand to what extend economic, social and environmental aspects are fulfilled. A conceptual model is designed for an information system based on indicators that can determine the state or degree of sustainability in the critical operational activities of the ports studied. A system is proposed that is based on a data warehouse core and a multidimensional database, which can be implemented in the ROLAP mode, allowing taking advantage of the good characteristics of relational databases without losing the OLAP approach. A discussion of the strategic feasibility of implementing this conceptual model of case study monitoring and its long-term benefits is delivered. The conclusions state that the development of this green technology requires cultural changes, public policy initiatives and the incorporation of new actors. In addition, more research is needed in this area to identify other relevant sustainable variables.
Environmental Regulation, Environmental Awareness and Environmental Governance Satisfaction
Authors: Geng Meng-Meng , He Ling-Yun
Published: April 2021

It is a problem worth thinking about whether the government’s environmental regulation policies can meet the residents’ requirements for environmental quality, and benefit the people. The study of the public’s subjective evaluation can more intuitively judge whether the government’s environmental regulation has realized “ecological benefits for the people”. Based on the data of the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) in 2013, this paper studied the impact of environmental regulation and environmental awareness on environmental governance satisfaction by an ordered probit model. The study found that environmental regulation has a significant positive impact on environmental governance satisfaction, while environmental awareness has a significant negative impact on environmental governance satisfaction. We also found that when public environmental awareness is taken into account, the positive relationship between environmental regulation and environmental governance satisfaction is affected. The robustness test proved this conclusion.
Diet of the Deep-Sea Shark Galeus melastomus Rafinesque, 1810, in the Mediterranean Sea: What We Know and What We Should Know
Authors: D’Iglio Claudio , Savoca Serena , Rinelli Paola , Spanò Nunziacarla , Capillo Gioele
Published: April 2021

We reviewed literature on the diet of the Galeus melastomus Rafinesque, 1810, from the Mediterranean Sea. Specific keywords (“Galeus melastomus diet”, “feeding habits”, “trophic position”, “biology”, “deep environment adaptation”) in the principal data sources, such as Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar were used. Seventeen studies conducted on the diet and trophic position of G. melastomus have been considered for Mediterranean Sea regions. The feeding habits have been analyzed in many areas of the western basin; instead, for the Tyrrhenian, Adriatic, and central Mediterranean Seas, information is outdated and fragmentary. In all investigated sub areas, the data showed that G. melastomus is an opportunistic demersal supra benthic predator, benthic feeder, and scavenger, that adapts its diet to the seasonal and geographical fluctuations of the prey availability. It occupies a generalist niche showing individual specialization. In all reviewed Mediterranean sub areas, the most important prey groups were crustaceans, cephalopods, and teleost fishes. Taxa percentage in its diet composition can vary depending on different habitats with ontogenetic development of individuals, depth (that is correlated with the ontogenetic development), seasonal availability, and distribution of different prey groups. Widening knowledge of G. melastomus feeding habits is a fundamental tool for better understand meso and bathy-pelagic ecosystems.
Disaster Risk Reduction Education in School Geography Curriculum: Review and Outlook from a Perspective of China
Authors: Gong Qian , Duan Yushan , Guo Fengtao
Published: April 2021

In order to investigate the content evolution of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in the school geography curriculum in China, this research used the five dimensions of DRR learning framework, namely knowledge, response, action, participation, and integration, as a platform and a conceptual premise upon which to review the primary and secondary school geography curriculum standards from 1986 to the present. Geography as a carrier subject had been an integration approach of DRR in the national curriculum in China. Using the method of qualitative content analysis with the support of the software NVivo 12, we came to the following results: the DRR-relevant content in the geography curriculum standards that used for analysis in this research had undergone constant changes and finally reached a relatively stable state; the changes of DRR-relevant contents in primary school, middle school, and high school curriculum presented different characteristics. In the future geography curriculum reform, it is necessary to realize that the term disaster does not describe the natural event per se, but instead its impact on/consequences for infrastructure and society. It is bound to add more DRR-relevant content that belongs to the “action” dimension and the ‘participation’ dimension, especially at the primary and middle school stages, and to systematically incorporate the DRR-relevant content of the “integration” dimension into the school geography curriculum.
Locally Available Organic Waste for Counteracting Strawberry Decline in a Mountain Specialized Cropping Area
Authors: Soppelsa Sebastian , Manici Luisa Maria , Caputo Francesco , Zago Massimo , Kelderer Markus
Published: April 2021

Crop decline caused by soil borne fungal pathogens affects specialized cropping systems such as fruit trees and strawberry. A study was carried out to investigate the effectiveness of pre-plant application of waste-derived biomasses in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) to reduce that phenomenon. A field experiment was carried out in an alpine strawberry specialized valley in South Tyrol (Italy), in a long term cultivated field selected for yield reduction over recent years. In July 2018, one month before strawberry transplanting, a field experiment with four soil treatments was set up: anaerobic digestate (solid fraction) of liquid manure, compost from anaerobic digestate of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW), untreated control and Dazomet as chemical control. Plants were grown for two cycles (2019 and 2020). Dazomet always gave a significant (over 50%) increase in marketable yield per plant in both the years, anaerobic digestates did not improve strawberry production; compost from OFMSW gave phytotoxic effects in the first year, but improved strawberry yield like Dazomet in the second. Changes of rhizosphere bacterial populations and difference in root pathogen abundance, especially that of Dactylonectria torresensis, were correlated to the crop response to treatments. Findings suggest that waste-derived biomasses are a promising eco-friendly option for counteracting strawberry yield decline. Their positive impact was mostly linked to functional improvements induced by microbial variations. However, the use of such organic amendment requires careful evaluation of composition, doses and above all application times to reduce phytotoxic effects that in some cases can occur in the first months after application.
Citizen Science for Transformative Air Quality Policy in Germany and Niger
Authors: Lepenies Robert , Zakari Ibrahim Sidi
Published: April 2021

How can citizen science projects advance the achievement of transformative air quality-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Germany and Niger? We investigate the promise of using citizen-generated data (CGD) as an input for official SDG monitoring and implementation in a multidisciplinary project, based on activities undertaken in Niger and Germany ranging from surveys, action research, policy and legislative analysis and environmental monitoring in Niamey and Leipzig, respectively. We critically describe and evaluate the great potential, but very limited actual use of CGD sources for these global goals in both contexts from technical and policy perspectives. Agenda 2030 provides an opportunity to tackle indoor and outdoor air quality in a more integrated and transformative perspective. However, we find this agenda to be remarkably absent in air quality policy and monitoring plans. Likewise, we find no meaningful links of existing citizen science initiatives to official air quality policy. We propose how SDGs-aligned citizen science initiatives could make major contributions to environmental and health monitoring and public debate, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This however requires researchers to more strategically link these initiatives to policymakers and policy frameworks, such as SDG indicators and the governance structures in which they are embedded.
A Comprehensive Approach to the Design of a Renewable Energy Microgrid for Rural Ethiopia: The Technical and Social Perspectives
Authors: Emmanouil Stergios , Philhower Jason , Macdonald Sophie , Khadim Fahad Khan , Yang Meijian , Atsbeha Ezana , Nagireddy Himaja , Roach Natalie , Holzer Elizabeth , Anagnostou Emmanouil N.
Published: April 2021

In view of Ethiopia’s significant renewable energy (RE) potential and the dynamic interactions among the components of the Water–Energy–Food (WEF) Nexus, we attempted to incorporate solar and small-scale hydropower into the optimal design of an environmentally friendly microgrid with the primary goal of ensuring the sustainability of irrigation water pumping, while taking advantage of existing infrastructure in various small administrative units (kebele). Any additional generated energy would be made available to the community for other needs, such as lighting and cooking, to support health and food security and improve the general quality of life. The novelty of the study stems from the utilization of in situ social data, retrieved during fieldwork interviews conducted in the kebele of interest, to ascertain the actual needs and habits of the local people. Based on these combined efforts, we were able to formulate a realistic energy demand plan for climatic conditions typical of Sub-Saharan Africa agricultural communities and analyze four different scenarios of the microgrid’s potential functionality and capital cost, given different tolerance levels of scheduled outages. We demonstrated that the RE-based microgrid would be socially and environmentally beneficial and its capital cost sensitive to the incorporation of individual or communal machines and appliances. Ultimately, the social impact investigation revealed the design would be welcomed by the local community, whose members already implement tailor-made solutions to support their agricultural activities. Finally, we argue that extended educational programs and unambiguous policies should be in place before any implementation to ensure the venture’s sustainability and functionality.
Analysis of Predictive Maintenance for Tunnel Systems
Authors: Tichý Tomáš , Brož Jiří , Bělinová Zuzana , Pirník Rastislav
Published: April 2021

Smart and automated maintenance could make the system and its parts more sustainable by extending their lifecycle, failure detection, smart control of the equipment, and precise detection and reaction to unexpected circumstances. This article focuses on the analysis of data, particularly on logs captured in several Czech tunnel systems. The objective of the analysis is to find useful information in the logs for predicting upcoming situations, and furthermore, to check the possibilities of predictive diagnostics and to design the process of predictive maintenance. The main goal of the article is to summarize the possibilities of optimizing system maintenance that are based on data analysis as well as expert analysis based on the experience with the equipment in the tunnel. The results, findings, and conclusions could primarily be used in the tunnels; secondarily, these principles could be applied in telematics and lead to the optimization and improvement of system sustainability.
Faces of Marginal Housing in Romania
Authors: Hognogi Gheorghe-Gavrilă , Pop Ana-Maria , Marian-Potra Alexandra-Camelia
Published: April 2021

Marginal settlements may be defined as inhabited areas characterized by a series of negative features, typicallyethnic segregation, social discrimination, poor living conditions and conflicts, with impact on their dwellers and neighboring communities. In Romania, informal settlements were legislated in 2019; it subsequently became mandatory for the local authorities to spatially delimit them and formulate measures to improve living conditions. However, there are still numerous issues to be solved, from the lack of basic services (health, education) to the persistent poor living conditions or serious environmental problems. The Roma communities selected for our study are no exception. They are located on the outskirts of some cities or in their historical centers (Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, Timișoara, Baia Mare). Through content analysis, based on print and electronic media from the last 10 years (n = 150 news items), different aspects of marginal housing were illustrated. The results of the study revealed some particular aspects, namely: some of the Roma communities are relocated whilst some others are subject to environmental conflicts; funding addressing the quality of life of Roma ethnics seems to deepen the phenomenon of segregation among communities, most of the measures being limited to the creation of housing facilities.
The Principle of Sustainable Development as the Basis for Weighing the Public Interest and Individual Interest in the Scope of the Cultural Heritage Protection Law in the European Union
Authors: Kozień Adam
Published: April 2021

The concept of sustainable development is widely used, especially in social, environmental and economic aspects. The principle of sustainable development was derived from the concept of sustainable development, which appears in legal terms at the international, EU, national and local levels. Today, the value of cultural heritage that should be legally protected is indicated. A problematic issue may be the clash in this respect of the public interest related to the protection of heritage with the individual interest, expressed, e.g., in the ownership of cultural heritage designates. During the research, scientific methods that are used in legal sciences were used: theoretical–legal, formal–dogmatic, historical–legal methods, as well as the method of criticism of the literature, and legal inferences were also used. The analyses were carried out on the basis of the interdisciplinary literature on the subject, as well as international, EU and national legal acts—sources of the generally applicable law. Research has shown that the interdisciplinary principle of sustainable development, especially from the perspective of the social and auxiliary environmental aspect, may be the basis for weighing public and individual interests in the area of legal protection of cultural heritage in the European Union. It was also indicated that it is possible in the situation of treating the principle of sustainable development in terms of Dworkin’s “policies” and allows its application not only at the level of European Union law (primary and secondary), but also at the national legal orders of the European Union Member States.
Sustainable Competitive Advantage through Entrepreneurship, Market-Oriented Culture, and Trust
Authors: Ha Jun-Chul , Lee Jun-Woo , Seong Jee Young
Published: April 2021

In a rapidly changing business environment, the entrepreneurship of top management is essential for the survival and sustainable development of the enterprise. Building on the view of the strategic choice theory, this study identifies the relationship between entrepreneurship, market-oriented culture, and work engagement. Data were collected from 493 employees regularly working in small and medium-sized firms in South Korea. The results of this study indicate: (1) entrepreneurship (consisting of innovation, proactiveness, and risk-taking) has a significant positive influence on market-oriented culture, (2) entrepreneurship positively affects work engagement, (3) market-oriented culture has a significant positive effect on work engagement, (4) the effects of innovation and proactiveness on work engagement are significant, controlling for market-oriented culture, showing the partial mediating effect of market-oriented culture on work engagement, and (5) CEO trust moderates the relationship between risk-taking and work engagement. Theoretical and practical implications are suggested.
Mapping the Vulnerability of Groundwater to Wastewater Spills for Source Water Protection in a Shale Gas Region
Authors: Rosales-Ramirez Teresa Y. , Kirste Dirk , Allen Diana M. , Mendoza Carl A.
Published: April 2021

Source water protection in areas of shale gas development encompasses identifying areas that are the most vulnerable to groundwater quality deterioration due to spills of natural gas production wastewater. This study uses the density-dependent flow and transport code TOUGH2 to quantify the time and distance of travel of saline wastewater plumes for different hydrogeological settings in Northeast British Columbia. The models were designed to address three main factors identified from the DRASTIC method for vulnerability assessment: (1) depth to water, (2) impact of vadose zone, and (3) conductivity of the aquifer materials. The vadose zone permeability and depth to water table are dominant controls on the wastewater migration rate and footprint. Overall, the vulnerability in the region is relatively low, with exceptions near river valleys and areas with shallow water tables. The vulnerability maps can be used as a preliminary risk assessment tool, as they are based on the main factors influencing the potential of a wastewater spill to contaminate an aquifer.
Electrochemical Comparison on New (Z)-5-(Azulen-1-Ylmethylene)-2-Thioxo-Thiazolidin-4-Ones
Authors: Ungureanu Eleonora-Mihaela , Popescu (Apostoiu) Mariana , Tatu (Arnold) Georgiana-Luiza , Birzan Liviu , Isopescu Raluca , Stanciu Gabriela , Buica George-Octavian
Published: April 2021

Three (Z)-5-(azulen-1-ylmethylene)-2-thioxo-thiazolidin-4-ones are electrochemically characterized by cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and rotating disk electrode voltammetry. The electrochemical investigations revealed that the redox potential is influenced by the number and position of the alkyl groups, and the possible oxidation mechanism is proposed. These compounds, after their immobilization on glassy carbon electrodes during oxidative electropolymerization, were examined as complexing ligands for heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions through adsorptive stripping voltammetry.
Tricomi’s Method for the Laplace Transform and Orthogonal Polynomials
Authors: Ricci Paolo Emilio , Caratelli Diego , Mainardi Francesco
Published: April 2021

Tricomi’s method for computing a set of inverse Laplace transforms in terms of Laguerre polynomials is revisited. By using the more recent results about the inversion and the connection coefficients for the series of orthogonal polynomials, we find the possibility to extend the Tricomi method to more general series expansions. Some examples showing the effectiveness of the considered procedure are shown.
Revisiting the Planet Mass and Stellar Metallicity Relation for Low-Mass Exoplanets Orbiting GKM Class Stars
Authors: Jiang Jonathan , Zhao Daniel , Ji Xuan , Xie Bohan , Fahy Kristen
Published: April 2021

The growing database of exoplanets has shown us the statistical characteristics of various exoplanet populations, providing insight towards their origins. Observational evidence suggests that the process by which gas giants are conceived in the stellar disk may be disparate from that of smaller planets. Using NASA’s Exoplanet Archive, we analyzed the relationships between planet mass and stellar metallicity, as well as planet mass and stellar mass for low-mass exoplanets (MP < 0.13 MJ) orbiting spectral class G, K, and M stars. We performed further uncertainty analysis to confirm that the exponential law relationships found between the planet mass, stellar mass, and the stellar metallicity cannot be fully explained by observation biases alone.
The Mink Circovirus Capsid Subunit Expressed by Recombinant Baculovirus Protects Minks against Refractory Diarrhea in Field
Authors: Wang Lidong , Zhang Yanyan , Chen Teng , Mi Lijuan , Sun Xuefei , Zhou Xintao , Miao Faming , Zhang Shoufeng , Liu Ye , Hu Rongliang
Published: April 2021

Mink refractory diarrhea is a seasonal disease that occurs in many mink farms in China. Mink circovirus (MiCV) has been recognized as the causative agent of the disease. The aim of the study was to develop a subunit vaccine against mink refractory diarrhea. A recombinant baculovirus strain expressing the capsid protein was constructed using the baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS). A subunit vaccine was developed based on the capsid protein with appropriate adjuvant. Then, a field trial was carried out in two districts in order to evaluate the efficiency of the subunit vaccine. The field trial indicated that in total, only 1.8% of the minks developed typical diarrhea in the vaccinated group compared with 74.5% in the control group. The vaccination could significantly reduce the infection rate of MiCV among the mink herds and could restrain the virus’ shedding from feces. Furthermore, the vaccinated group had a higher average litter size in the following year compared to the control group. Collectively, the results indicated that the subunit vaccine based on the capsid protein can provide reliable protection against MiCV infection.
Molecular Characterization of Closely Related H6N2 Avian Influenza Viruses Isolated from Turkey, Egypt, and Uganda
Authors: Mercan Yavuz , Atim Gladys , Kayed Ahmed E. , Azbazdar M. Ekin , Kandeil Ahmed , Ali Mohamed A. , Rubrum Adam , McKenzie Pamela , Webby Richard J. , Erima Bernard , Wabwire-Mangen Fred , Ukuli Qouilazoni A. , Tugume Titus , Byarugaba Denis K. , Kayali Ghazi , Ducatez Mariette F. , Koçer Zeynep A.
Published: April 2021

Genetic analysis of circulating avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in wild birds at different geographical regions during the same period could improve our knowledge about virus transmission dynamics in natural hosts, virus evolution as well as zoonotic potential. Here, we report the genetic and molecular characterization of H6N2 influenza viruses isolated from migratory birds in Turkey, Egypt, and Uganda during 2017–2018. The Egyptian and Turkish isolates were genetically closer to each other than they were to the virus isolated from Uganda. Our results also suggest that multiple reassortment events were involved in the genesis of the isolated viruses. All viruses contained molecular markers previously associated with increased replication and/or pathogenicity in mammals. The results of this study indicate that H6N2 viruses carried by migratory birds on the West Asian/East African and Mediterranean/Black Sea flyways have the potential to transmit to mammals including humans. Additionally, adaptation markers in these viruses indicate the potential risk for poultry, which also increases the possibility of human exposure to these viruses.
Role of Envelope Glycoprotein Complexes in Cell-Associated Spread of Human Cytomegalovirus
Authors: Weiler Nina , Paal Caroline , Adams Kerstin , Calcaterra Christopher , Fischer Dina , Stanton Richard James , Stöhr Dagmar , Laib Sampaio Kerstin , Sinzger Christian
Published: April 2021

The role of viral envelope glycoproteins, particularly the accessory proteins of trimeric and pentameric gH/gL-complexes, in cell-associated spread of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is unclear. We aimed to investigate their contribution in the context of HCMV variants that grow in a strictly cell-associated manner. In the genome of Merlin pAL1502, the glycoproteins gB, gH, gL, gM, and gN were deleted by introducing stop codons, and the mutants were analyzed for viral growth. Merlin and recent HCMV isolates were compared by quantitative immunoblotting for expression of accessory proteins of the trimeric and pentameric gH/gL-complexes, gO and pUL128. Isolates were treated with siRNAs against gO and pUL128 and analyzed regarding focal growth and release of infectious virus. All five tested glycoproteins were essential for growth of Merlin pAL1502. Compared with this model virus, higher gO levels were measured in recent isolates of HCMV, and its knockdown decreased viral growth. Knockdown of pUL128 abrogated the strict cell-association and led to release of infectivity, which allowed cell-free transfer to epithelial cells where the virus grew again strictly cell-associated. We conclude that both trimer and pentamer contribute to cell-associated spread of recent clinical HCMV isolates and downregulation of pentamer can release infectious virus into the supernatant.
Evaluation of an Automated High-Throughput Liquid-Based RNA Extraction Platform on Pooled Nasopharyngeal or Saliva Specimens for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR
Authors: Chu Allen Wing-Ho , Yip Cyril Chik-Yan , Chan Wan-Mui , Ng Anthony Chin-Ki , Chan Dream Lok-Sze , Siu Ryan Ho-Ping , Chung Cheuk Yiu Tenny , Ng Jessica Pui-Ling , Kittur Harsha , Mosley Garrett Lee , Poon Rosana Wing-Shan , Chiu Ricky Yin-To , To Kelvin Kai-Wang
Published: April 2021

SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR with pooled specimens has been implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic as a cost- and manpower-saving strategy for large-scale testing. However, there is a paucity of data on the efficiency of different nucleic acid extraction platforms on pooled specimens. This study compared a novel automated high-throughput liquid-based RNA extraction (LRE) platform (PHASIFY™) with a widely used magnetic bead-based total nucleic acid extraction (MBTE) platform (NucliSENS® easyMAG®). A total of 60 pools of nasopharyngeal swab and 60 pools of posterior oropharyngeal saliva specimens, each consisting of 1 SARS-CoV-2 positive and 9 SARS-CoV-2 negative specimens, were included for the comparison. Real-time RT-PCR targeting the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp/Hel gene was performed, and GAPDH RT-PCR was used to detect RT-PCR inhibitors. No significant differences were observed in the Ct values and overall RT-PCR positive rates between LRE and MBTE platforms (92.5% (111/120] vs. 90% (108/120]), but there was a slightly higher positive rate for LRE (88.3% (53/60]) than MBTE (81.7% (49/60]) among pooled saliva. The automated LRE method is comparable to a standard MBTE method for the detection of SAR-CoV-2 in pooled specimens, providing a suitable alternative automated extraction platform. Furthermore, LRE may be better suited for pooled saliva specimens due to more efficient removal of RT-PCR inhibitors.
Evaluation of DNA-Launched Virus-Like Particle Vaccines in an Immune Competent Mouse Model of Chikungunya Virus Infection
Authors: Rayner Jonathan O. , Kim Jin Hyun , Roberts Rosemary W. , Wood Raphael Ryan , Fouty Brian , Solodushko Victor
Published: April 2021

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection can result in chronic and debilitating arthralgia affecting humans in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, yet there are no licensed vaccines to prevent infection. DNA launched virus like particle (VLP) vaccines represent a potentially safer alternative to traditional live-attenuated vaccines; however, fully characterized immunocompetent mouse models which appropriately include both male and female animals for preclinical evaluation of these, and other, vaccine platforms are lacking. Utilizing virus stocks engineered to express mutations reported to enhance CHIKV virulence in mice, infection of male and female immunocompetent mice was evaluated, and the resulting model utilized to assess the efficacy of candidate DNA launched CHIKV VLP vaccines. Results demonstrate the potential utility of DNA launched VLP vaccines in comparison to a live attenuated CHIKV vaccine and identify gender differences in viral RNA loads that impact interpretation of vaccine efficacy and may have important implications for future CHIKV vaccine development.
Impact of Natural Hazards on Forest Ecosystems and Their Surrounding Landscape under Climate Change
Authors: Vido Jaroslav , Nalevanková Paulína
Published: April 2021

In the last decades, the increasing frequency of natural hazards has impacted forest ecosystems and their surroundings [...]
Oily Wastewater Treatment: Overview of Conventional and Modern Methods, Challenges, and Future Opportunities
Authors: Abuhasel Khaled , Kchaou Mohamed , Alquraish Mohammed , Munusamy Yamuna , Jeng Yong Tzyy
Published: April 2021

Industrial developments in the oil and gas, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and food sector have contributed to the large production of oily wastewater worldwide. Oily wastewater pollution affects drinking water and groundwater resources, endangers aquatic life and human health, causes atmospheric pollution, and affects crop production. Several traditional and conventional methods were widely reported, and the advantages and limitations were discussed. However, with the technology innovation, new trends of coupling between techniques, use of new materials, optimization of the cleaning process, and multiphysical approach present new paths for improvement. Despite these trends of improvement and the encouraging laboratory results of modern and green methods, many challenges remain to be raised, particularly the commercialization and the global aspect of these solutions and the reliability to reduce the system’s maintenance and operational cost. In this review, the well-known oily wastewater cleaning methods and approaches are being highlighted, and the obstacles faced in the practical use of these technologies are discussed. A critical review on the technologies and future direction as the road to commercialization is also presented to persevere water resources for the benefit of mankind and all living things.
Influent with Particulate Substrate, Clean, Innocuous and Sustainable Solution for Bulking Control and Mitigation in Activated Sludge Process
Authors: Cisterna-Osorio Pedro , Calabran-Caceres Claudia , Tiznado-Bustamante Giannina , Bastias-Toro Nataly
Published: April 2021

This research studies the incidence of the type of substrate, soluble or particulate, in the emergence, development, and inhibition of bulking in activated sludge systems. It was evaluated using the sludge volume index (SVI), mixing liquor-suspended solids (MLSS), microscopic analysis of biomass, and effluent suspended solids (ESS). In the first experiment, four sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) were fed with soluble substrate at a fixed mass, while the mass of the particulate substrate varied, as those (saccharose mass/flour mass) ratios were 3:1, 3:2, 3:3 and 3:4., with a deficit ranging from 20 to 30% compared to the ratio recommended. The four SBRs have similar MLSS, IVL, and ESS. From day 30, with a deficit from 80 to 90%, the influents have ratios 1/1 and 1/2 until 48 days. The SBRs present IVL between 600 and 730 mL/g and ESS from 370 to 440 mg/L; unlike influents with ratios 1/3 and 1/4, they present IVL between 170 and 185 mL/g, and ESS from 260 to 270 mg/L. The favorable effect of particulate matter is categorical. In the second set of experiments, two SBRs were studied: SBR 1 fed with saccharose, and SBR 2 with flour; there is a lack of nutrients causing bulking in SBRs. Once the nutrient deficiency condition is changed in day 11 to excess, after 22 days, the SVI was 190 mL/g, ESS was 360 mg/L, and MLSS was 2000 mg/L for influents with saccharose; the influent with flour, with an SVI of 80 mL/g, ESS of 100 mg/L, and MLSS of 4000 mg/L, shows faster and more consistent recovery with the particulate substrate. Therefore, the proposal is to add particulate substrate-like flour to active sludge plants facing bulking. It is a clean, innocuous and sustainable alternative to processes that use chemical reagents.
Actualización de las investigaciones arqueológicas en el Espinal Nororiental: el sitio Arroyo Cululú 1 (AC1) (Esperanza, provincia de Santa Fe)
Authors: Galligani Paula Elisabet , Balducci Fernando , Sartori Julieta Isabel
Published: April 2021

En este artículo se presenta una actualización de las investigaciones efectuadas en el sitio arqueológico Arroyo Cululú 1 (AC1), localizado en la cuenca homónima, en las cercanías de la localidad de Esperanza (departamento Las Colonias, provincia de Santa Fe). A pesar de las inundaciones periódicas que sufre el sitio, se pudo acceder en varias oportunidades, realizándose recolecciones superficiales en los años 2016 y 2017 y excavaciones sistemáticas en el 2018. A partir de las tareas de campo, se halló gran cantidad de materiales cerámicos ―fundamentalmente lisos, con escasa presencia de tiestos con decoración―, elementos arqueofaunísticos ―dentro de los que se destacan taxa como Lama sp. y Ozotoceros bezoarticus― y tres entierros humanos, con distintas modalidades de inhumación. El objetivo de esta comunicación es presentar los resultados de los análisis del registro recuperado durante las dos últimas intervenciones (2017 y 2018), en conjunto con los datos obtenidos de la primera prospección (2016). Se espera que la nueva información generada contribuya a lograr un conocimiento más profundo de los grupos cazadores-recolectores-pescadores que habitaron el Espinal santafesino en el pasado, y a incluir esta zona en los debates que se desarrollan desde la arqueología regional.
Circulación y uso de obsidianas en la costa norte del golfo San Jorge (provincia de Chubut, Argentina) durante el Holoceno tardío: primeros resultados
Authors: Banegas Anahi , Gómez Otero Julieta , Pérez Alberto Enrique
Published: April 2021

En este trabajo se presentan los resultados del análisis físico-químico (ED-XRF) y tecnológico de 21 artefactos de obsidiana procedentes de la costa norte del golfo San Jorge. Se identificaron cinco grupos químicos correspondientes a cuatro fuentes secundarias distantes entre 435 y 280 km del área. Tres fuentes son de localización conocida: Pampa del Asador (PDA1) al Sur, y Sacanana (S1) y Telsen/Sierra Negra (grupos T/SN1 y T/SN2), al Norte. La cuarta, Meseta de Somuncurá (MS), aún desconocida, estaría también ubicada al Norte. Dos dataciones radiocarbónicas —1950 14C AP y 1640 14C AP— señalan el uso de esta roca desde por lo menos el Holoceno tardío. En los muestreos líticos las obsidianas muestran baja frecuencia, en contraste con las abundantes materias primas locales (sílices, xilópalos y calcedonias), de excelente calidad para la talla. Predominan los artefactos pequeños, la mitad presenta reserva de corteza y las lascas superan levemente a las láminas. Los grupos tipológicos están representados por desechos, instrumentos y un núcleo. Se interpreta la explotación de rodados chicos y la ejecución in situ de todas las etapas de la reducción lítica. Se comparan y discuten estos resultados con los de otros muestreos de obsidianas de Patagonia central argentina.
Consumo y manipulación de plantas por parte de los grupos humanos que habitaron las sierras de Córdoba durante el Holoceno tardío (2707-383 años AP). Un aporte desde los microrrestos vegetales contenidos en tártaro dental humano
Authors: Tavarone Aldana , Colobig María de los Milagros , Fabra Mariana
Published: April 2021

Investigaciones arqueológicas y arqueobotánicas en la región serrana de la provincia de Córdoba han dado cuenta de la manipulación de una amplia diversidad de especies vegetales desde al menos 2000 años AP, combinando recolección y caza con cultivo a pequeña escala. Sin embargo, las diferencias entre las plantas seleccionadas en los distintos valles así como la cronología de la incorporación de plantas cultivadas aún sigue siendo tema de debate. En este contexto, el presente trabajo contribuye a esta problemática a partir del estudio de microrrestos vegetales contenidos en el cálculo dental de 25 individuos adultos procedentes de la región serrana de Córdoba (2707 ± 61 - 383 ± 58 14C años AP). Se realizó un recuento de los distintos tipos vegetales hallados considerando dos momentos, que representarían cambios en las estrategias de subsistencia (previo y posterior a 1200 años AP), y la procedencia regional (valles de Punilla, Traslasierra y Calamuchita). Los resultados sugieren el consumo y/o la manipulación de Geoffroea decorticans y Prosopis sp. y por primera vez, de Trithrinax campestris a lo largo de todo el Holoceno tardío. A su vez, revelaron la incorporación hacia 1200 años AP de Zea mays (Poaceae), seguida de Cucurbita sp., Phaseolus sp. y Solanum sp.
HPLC-PDA DETERMINATION OF PSEUDO TARAXASTEROL (Ψ-TARAXASTEROL)IN DIFFERENT COUSINIA SPECIES
Authors: PAŞAYEVA Leyla , FATULLAYEV Hanifa , KILIÇ Şehmus , ÜSTÜN Osman , TUGAY Osman
Published: April 2021

Cousinia Cass. is one of the widespread genera of Asteraceae family. There is a large number ofpharmacological activity studies on this genus and it has not yet been examined phytochemically in detail. Pseudo taraxasterol (ψ-taraxasterol) is a pentacyclic triterpene with different pharmacological activity such as antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory. In this report, we aimed to evaluate the ψ-taraxasterolcontent, which isolated from C. stenocephala in seven Cousiniaspecies by high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA)method. According to quantitative analyses the highest content of ψ-taraxasterol was detected in C. davisiana, C. stenocephala, and C. ramosissima extracts (0.423±0.004, 0.395±0.004 and 0.374±0.000 g/100gextract, respectively). This is the first report on the quantification of pseudo taraxasterol by HPLC-PDA method in this genus, and this result will shed new lights on the advanced biological activity studies on species of this genus.
KEMOTERAPİ ALAN MEME KANSERLİ HASTALARA BAKIM VEREN YAKINLARININ YAŞAM KALİTESİ
Authors: ESKİMEZ Zehra , KÖSE TOSUNÖZ İpek , ÖZTUNÇ Gürsel , YEŞİL DEMİRCİ Pınar , PAYDAŞ Semra , KUMAŞ Gülşah
Published: April 2021

Çalışma, kemoterapi alan meme kanserli hastalara bakım veren yakınlarının yaşam kalitelerini belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Tanımlayıcı olarak gerçekleştirilen çalışma, bir üniversite hastanesinin onkoloji polikliniğine başvuran meme kanseri tanısı almış 77 hasta yakını ile yürütülmüştür. Verilerinin toplanmasında, “Hasta Yakını Bilgi Formu” ve “Kanser Hastasına Bakım Veren Aile Üyelerinin Yaşam Kalitesi Ölçeği” kullanılmıştır. Meme kanserli hastaya bakım veren yakınlarının yaş ortalamaları 46.78+11.59 olup çoğunluğu 50 yaş üstü, erkek ve evlidir. Hasta yakınlarının “Fiziksel Sağlık Durumu” alt boyut puan ortalamaları ile eğitim düzeyleri; “Tanıya Yaklaşım Durumu” alt boyut puan ortalamaları ile yaş grupları, bakım verenin cinsiyeti, eğitim durumu, hasta bireye yakınlık ve hasta ile aynı evde yaşama durumu arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılıklar olduğu saptanmıştır. “Destek ve Ekonomik Etkilenme Durumu” alt boyut puan ortalaması ile eğitim durumu, hasta bireye yakınlık, hasta ile aynı evde yaşama ve hasta ile ilgilenen başka kişi varlığı arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir ilişki olduğu belirlenmiştir (p<0.05). Kemoterapi alan meme kanserli hastalara bakım veren yakınlarının yaşam kalitelerinin düşük düzeyde olduğu, özellikle yaşam kalitesinin psikolojik-manevi sağlık, fiziksel sağlık ve tanıya yaklaşım boyutunun olumsuz etkilendiği belirlenmiştir. Hastaların tedavi süreçlerini ve hastalıkla başa çıkabilme çabalarını olumlu etkileyebileceğinden hastaya bakım veren yakınlarının yaşam kalitelerinin iyileştirilmesi ve periyodik aralıklarla değerlendirilmesi önerilmektedir.
ÇOCUK KLİNİKLERİNDE ÇALIŞAN HEMŞİRELERDE MERHAMET DÜZEYİ VE MERHAMET YORGUNLUĞU
Authors: TANRIKULU Gözdenur , CEYLAN Burcu
Published: April 2021

Bu çalışma, çocuk kliniklerinde çalışan hemşirelerin merhamet düzeyi ve merhamet yorgunluğunun belirlenmesi amacıyla tanımlayıcı türde çalışılmıştır. Araştırmanın örneklemini Konya ilinde bulunan ve kurum izni alınan kamu, özel ve üniversite hastanelerinin çocuk kliniklerinde çalışan 192 hemşire oluşturmuştur. Araştırmanın verileri Ocak 2019’da toplanmaya başlanmıştır. Veriler “Bilgi Formu”, “Merhamet Ölçeği”, ve “Çalışanlar İçin Yaşam Kalitesi Ölçeği’nin “Merhamet Yorgunluğu Alt Ölçeği” ile toplanmıştır. Verilerin analizinde sayı, yüzde, ortalama, standart sapma, Mann Whitney U testi ile Kruskal Wallis testi kullanılmıştır. Anlamlılık p<0.05 olarak kabul edilmiştir. Çocuk kliniklerinde çalışan hemşirelerin merhamet düzeyi puan ortalamasının 98.55±11.44 ve merhamet yorgunluğu puan ortalamasının 14.09±8.79 olduğu ve aralarında negatif yönlü, zayıf düzeyde ve istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir ilişki olduğu bulunmuştur (r=-0.179; p=0.013). Mesleği tercih etme ile merhamet düzeyi arasında, çalışılan servis, mesleği ve çalışılan bölümü tercih etme durumu ile merhamet yorgunluğu arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark bulunmuştur (p<0.05). Araştırma bulguları doğrultusunda hemşirelerin demografik ve klinik özelliklerine göre merhamet düzeylerinin yüksek, merhamet yorgunluğu düzeylerinin düşük olduğu sonucuna varılmıştır ve merhamet ile merhamet yorgunluğu arasında ters bir ilişki olduğu, hemşirelerin merhamet düzeyi arttıkça merhamet yorgunluğu düzeyinin azaldığı tespit edilmiştir.
ФИЛОСОФИЯ В ШКОЛЕ: ТРИЛОГИЯ УМА
Authors: Ротенфельд Ю.
Published: April 2021

Не секрет, что образование находится сегодня в кризисе, причина которого — в непонимании законов
общественного развития, которые также, как и законы окружающей природы имеют принудительный характер. Нарушая эти законы, человек подвергает себя опасности. Выходит, что образование и воспитание людей в рамках традиционной педагогической парадигмы «диктатуры разума», состоящее в достижении целостности понимания ими окружающей реальности, не справляется со своими задачами. Чтобы изменить ситуацию в контексте формирования правильных представлений об окружающей действительности в середине 70-х годов возникла идея пересмотреть учебный процесс в школе, с тем, чтобы кардинальным образом изменить мышление людей, начав развивать его с раннего детства. Инициаторами выступили ученые Института Развития Философии для детей (Нью-Джерси, США) под руководством профессора философии М. Липмана, предложившего обучать школьников философии с детского сада по 12-ю ступень, что соответствует полной программе средней школы с 6 до 17 лет и может преподаваться в младших курсах колледжей.
НАУКА И ОСВІТА В КОНТЕКСТІ СУЧАСНИХ ВИМОГ
Authors: Трусей Л. Г.
Published: April 2021

Одним з основоположних принципів педагогіки є принцип науковості. Без безперервного розвитку
науки створити систему освіти актуальну часу неможливо. Відсутні фундаментальні наукові розробки загального характеру які б були фаховим інструментом в соціальній практиці. Окремі міждисциплінарні дисципліни не в змозі відповісти на всі питання сьогодення. Очевидно, на наш погляд, що деякий набір міждисциплінарних дисциплін системно об’єднаних на принципах міжсистемних взаємодій сформує достатній, з точки зору повноти, інструментарій вивчення та прогнозування соціальних явищ. Актуальність теми підкреслюється тим, що складність та швидкість змін соціальних процесів надалі буде збільшуватись
ФИЗИЧЕСКАЯ АБСТРАКЦИЯ «СВОБОДНАЯ ЭНЕРГИЯ» В ТЕОРИИ И ПРАКТИКЕ
ИНДИВИДУАЛЬНОЙ И СОЦИАЛЬНОЙ КУЛЬТУРЫ ЗДОРОВЬЯ
Authors: Апанасенко Г. Л. , Гончаренко М. С. , Прасол С. Д.
Published: April 2021

Введение физической абстракции «свободная энергия» [10, 6, 12] из биологии и физиологии в глоссарий
культуры здоровья [2, 3] означает появление в валеологии — нового предмета изучения и объекта управления в деятельности функциональных систем организма и популяции [1] в изменяющихся эндо-экзогенных условиях их жизнедеятельности организма и популяции.
Изучение изменений энтропии расширяет эвристические и герменевтические возможности этой методологии познания и описания физиологических и социальных феноменов в культуре здоровья.
В культуре здоровья энтропия как показатель перераспределения свободной и связанной энергии между
функциональными системами организма и социальными институциями приобрела ключевое значение в постановке, осмыслении и разрешении валеологических и социально-экономических проблем, порожденных фантастическим прогрессом производственных технологий в XXI веке.