bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
АКСІОЛОГІЧНИЙ ПІДХІД ДО ФОРМУВАННЯ СОЦІАЛЬНОЇ КОМПЕТЕНТНОСТІ МАЙБУТНІХ ФАХІВЦІВ СОЦІОНОМІЧНИХ СПЕЦІАЛЬНОСТЕЙ У ПРОФЕСІЙНІЙ ПІДГОТОВЦІ
Authors: Tyulpa Т.М.
Published: April 2020

Стаття присвячена розкриттю сутності аксіологічного підходу до формування соціальної компетентності майбутніх фахівців соціономічних спеціальностей у професійній підготовці на основі розвитку у студентів ціннісного ставлення до життя, майбутньої професії, усвідомленого ставлення до її специфіки, вироблення власного стилю поведінки і світогляду як системи поглядів, переконань і установок.

Освіта є основним каналом цілеспрямованого внесення в суспільну свідомість пріоритетних цінностей шляхом формування соціальної компетентності майбутніх фахівців соціономічних спеціальностей. В якості пріоритетного завдання висувається розкриття цінностей особистості, її інтелектуального, морального потенціалу, що виражається в здатності вільно орієнтуватися в складних соціальних і професійних ситуаціях. Будучи формою самовизначення особистості, соціальна компетентність відображає дійсність не пасивно, а за допомогою суспільних відносин, не абстрактно, а крізь призму потреб особистості, модлює систему принципів і цінностей життєдіяльності людини, проєктує імперативи її дій і вчинків, отже має аксіологічну сутність, яка потребує постійного вдосконалення.

Виявлено, що аксіологічні пріоритети матимуть вирішальний уплив на формування соціальної компетентності майбутніх фахівців соціономічних спеціальностей, якщо: цілі професійної освіти спираються на аксіологічні орієнтири; зміст професійно-педагогічної підготовки відображає історичні й сучасні цінності майбутньої професійної діяльності; процес професійної підготовки базується на аксіологічних складових і підпорядкований логіці розвитку ціннісної сфери особистості; аксіологічні цінності характеризують життєву позицію майбутніх фахівців і реалізуються у професійній діяльності. Такий підхід обумовлює розгляд професійної підготовки майбутніх фахівців соціономічних спеціальностей як ціннісно-зорієнтованої діяльності. Позитивна ціннісна орієнтація на іншу людину утворює особистісно-професійне підґрунтя майбутнього фахівця соціономічної спеціальності під час професійної підготовки.
МІСЦЕ ЦЕРКОВНО-ПАРАФІЯЛЬНИХ ШКІЛ У СИСТЕМІ НАРОДНОЇ ОСВІТИ КАТЕРИНОСЛАВСЬКОЇ ГУБЕРНІЇ (друга половина ХІХ – початок ХХ ст.)
Authors: Biletskyi О.А. , Minaeva O.V.
Published: April 2020

Зважаючи на основні труднощі в сучасній освітній галузі, такі як знецінення загальнолюдських і національних ідеалів, втрати авторитета родини, автори статті роблять спробу звернутися до позитивного історико-педагогічного досвіду і звернути увагу на вирішення цих проблем через православну церковну мораль, що посідала достойне місце в народній освіті дореволюційної України. У статті виявлено і обґрунтовано роль церковних початкових шкіл Катеринославщини протягом пореформеного періоду; проаналізовано зміни у нормативно-законодавчих актах, що відображали політику уряду Російської Імперії, а також Святого Синоду за термін 1808–1900 рр.; за допомогою співставлення і обробки документації земських установ та статистичних списків документів освітніх інституцій пореформеного періоду визначено змістовне наповнення навчальних планів і програм церковно-парафіяльних училищ; визначено позицію авторитетних педагогів-демократів пореформеного періоду (К. Ушинського, М. Пирогова, С. Рачинського), які доводили важливість виховання на основі православної моралі; відображено неоднозначність відносин щодо освітньої справи між Катеринославською єпархією і губернськими земськими установами; через аналіз визначено основний вектор соціально-педагогічного цілепокладання, що проявився в поширенні елементарної безкоштовної освіти, що надавали церковнопарафіяльні училища Катеринославської губернії, та створенні морально-духовного підґрунтя, що забезпечувала Православна Віра.
The Effectiveness of Endophytic Fungi Origin of Potato Plant Roots in Coffee Skin Compost Media to Suppress Development of Potato Leaf Disease (Phytophtora infestans)
Authors: Fitriana Anna , Hakim Lukman , Marlina Marlina
Published: April 2020

Potato leaf blight is caused by Phytophthora infestans fungus is one of the important diseases in potato plants. The decrease in potato production due to P. infestans can reach 90%. Until now, P. infestans pathogen attack is an important problem and there is no fungicide that is really effective against the disease. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of endophytic fungi from potato roots in suppressing the development of P. infestans potato leaf blight disease carried out at University Farm Stasiun Riset Bener Meriah (UFBM) Syiah Kuala University Tunyang Village, Timang Gajah District, Bener Meriah Regency from May to October 2014. The method used is the experimental method. The results of this study indicate that endophytic fungi from the roots of potato plants in coffee skin compost media can suppress the development of leaf blight caused by P. infestans, endophytic fungi from potato plant roots in coffee skin compost media. The best results were found in B9 endophytic fungi isolates with the intensity of the pathogen attack P. infestans 48.00%, the intensity of damage to potato plants due to pathogen P. infestans and 2.60%, the weight of healthy tubers 332.4 grams.
Empowerment of Farmer Community Group in Sampali Village Together with Students of Agriculture Faculty Medan Area University in Barangan Banana Plants Development with Tissue Culture Banana Seeds,Suckers and Applications of Mycorrhiza
Authors: Suswati Suswati , Hutapea Sumihar , Indrawaty Asmah
Published: April 2020

Sampali Village is an agricultural area that is very suitable for banana planting. Various types of bananas found in the village include Barangan, Kepok, Molen, Raja and banana Nangka . Banana shoots from harvested mother plants are used for development in new areas. Banana seedlings from the suckers appear healthy, but often these suckers die after 1-2 months of planting in new areas. This is because these bananas have been infected with fungal pathogen wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporm f. sp cubense and Ralstonia syzygii subsp. celebesensis causes of blood diseases. Both of these pathogens are the main cause of the low quality of banana seeds. The use of low-quality banana seedlings (sapling sources), high pest and disease attacks are the factors causing the reduced amount of banana planting land which results in low banana production in Sampali Village, Percut Sei Tuan District, Deli Serdang Regency. Banana farmer groups in the village of Sampali have never used and planted banana seedlings that were propagated by tissue culture. The objectives of the activity were: 1. Socialization and practice of propagation of banana seedlings from sucker . Mycorrhizal inoculant application when planting seedlings in a polybag. To increase the knowledge of farmer group members and also the  students of Agricukture Faculty,Universitas Medan Area the learning of banana propagation techniques is carried out in vitro at the Balai Benih Induk Hortikultura, Gedung Johor Medan . The method used to solve the above problems is the provision of material, the practice of making banana seedlings through the propagation of tillers and a visit to the Balai Benih Induk Hortikultura, Gedung Johor Medan. At the end of the activity, an increase in the knowledge and skills of participants in providing quality banana seeds is the source of banana propagation in the village Sampali
Assessment of the Larvicidal Efficacy of the Hexane-Leaf-Extracts of Selected Tropical Plant Species
Authors: D. D. S Bawo , Oyedeji Ayodele A. , Solomon Patrick B. , Briyai Frankland O. , Abowei Jasper F. N
Published: April 2020

The proliferation of mosquito vector in tropical countries has increased the prevalence of malaria with high morbidity and mortality burden. This research is concerned with the biolarvicidal efficacies of Cassia alata, Microdesmis puberula¸ and Spilanthes filicaulis extracted with hexane solvent, and screened against mosquito larva. Results on the negative control had no mortality on the larvae compared to the positive control, which had total mortality (p<0.05). The C. alata plant extracts was the most active with LC50 value of 25.26 ppm, followed by; M. puberula (32.83 ppm), and S. filicaulis (36.46 ppm). Based on the outcome of the larvicidal bioassay, Hexane-leaf-extracts of all plants can be recommended for the formulation of biolarvicide due to their efficacies.
The Role Corn Varieties on Biomass, Stomata and Cholorophyll on a Nutrient Stress
Authors: Bukhari Bukhari , Safridar Nuryulsen
Published: April 2020

This study conducted on Soil and Plant of Laboratory, Screen House Experimental Farms on 2016 July until December on Agricultural Faculty, Syiah Kuala University, Darussalam Banda Aceh, Indonesia. This study used a Randomized Completely Design (RCD) with 36 treatments and three replications. They are have two factors such as Varieties have 9 procedures, and nutrient stress have 4 treatments. The parameter was observed on biomass, a total of stomata and chlorophyll. The result showed that varieties and nutrient stress were significantly on biomass, the whole of stomata and chlorophyll. The best of biomass was found on Sri Kandi kuning, and the lowest was found on anoman 1. The best of a total of stomata was found on anoman 1 and the lowest was found on sukmaraja. The heavy of chlorophyll was found on bima and the lowest was found on anoman 1. The best biomass was found on the nutrient of stress in formula AB and the lowest was found on magnesium. The best stomata on nutrient stress were found on formula AB, and the lowest was found on magnesium. The heavy of chlorophyll on stress hara was found formula AB and the lowest was found on Kalium. The best combination on biomass was found Sri Kandi Kuning and formula AB, the lowest was found on anoman 1 dan magnesium. The best combination on stomata was found on gumarang and formula AB, dan the lowest was found on sukmaraja dan magnesium.
Survey on the Sale of Megaphrynium Macrostachyum (Marantaceae) Leaves in Gbado-Lite City and Surroundings (Nord Ubangi Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Authors: Ngbolua Koto-te-Nyiwa , Maurice Ngemale Gbiadiri , Colette Masengo Ashande , Jean-Pierre Ndolete Geregbia , Gédéon Bongo Ngiala , Apollinaire Ndanga Bikibo , Damien Tshibangu Sha Tshibey , Dorothée Tshilanda Dinangay
Published: April 2020

In Africa, the importance of NTFPs in the livelihood security is well recognized and these products represent vital sources of income for poor population. However, the sales chain of Marantaceae leaves is informal in Gbado-Lite and there is no information available on this sector for the promotion of the sale of NTFPs at the local level to reduce poverty and protect the environment as well as to conserve biodiversity. This survey shows that mostly female (55%) carries out the sale of Marantaceae leaves in Gbado-Lite. Among traders, 37.5% are illiterate, 32.5%, 20% and 10% have a secondary, primary and university education respectively. Regarding the marital status, 52.5% of respondents are divorced, 25% are widows and 22.5% are married. While 40% of respondents are unemployed, 30% are farmers while housewives and pupils account for 17.5% and 12.5% respectively. Our respondents know seven other non-woody forest products. These include: Mushrooms (27.5%), Caterpillars (22.5%), Marantaceae leaves (20%), honey (17.5%), snails and game (5% each) and vines (2.5%). Marantaceae leaves are first used for food packaging (47.5%), food preservation (35%), building material (10%). The forest accounts for 52% of the total harvesting habitat of Marantaceae leaves. It is followed by fallow (25%), fields (15%) savannah (8%) respectively. This sale allows the schooling for children (27.5%); health care (20%); food purchase (17%); beverage purchase (12.5%). The majority of respondents believe that these leaves are not well managed after use and therefore pollute the environment because of the lack of a waste collection structure. Yet, they are biodegradable and should be used to make compost for crops in Gbado-Lite.
SISTEM MULTIPLE CROPPING TANAMAN SAYURAN SEBAGAI ALTERNATIF PENINGKATKAN PENDAPATAN PETANI DI CURUP UTARA REJANG LEBONG
Authors: Fitriani Dwi , Podesta Fiana , Harini Ririn
Published: April 2020

The events have been held in farmer Group Manggala Curup Village and farmer Group Melati Siguring Village, Sub-district North Curup, District Rejang Lebong. Most of farmers in Curup Village and Seguring Village, Sub -district North Curup, plant vegetable plants in monoculture and do not us e a good quality of seed. Farmers have good potential to improve the result and the income with avoiding crop failures or the plummeted of market price. These things will be able to be covered by other plants that can be obtained with intensive use of land by using multiple copping to vegetable plants that have high economy and use of good quality of seeds. The purpose of doing training are (1) farmer group has knowledge about intensification of land using multiple cropping and good quality of seeds (2) farmers are able to be producer of seeds in order to decrease the cost incurred in the next growing season and increace the income. The methods that will be used in training are (1) counselling and education about the agriculture of multiple cropping, good quality of seed, and the way to get good quality of seeds (2) production of demonstration plot (demplot) trial to apply multiple cropping and good quality of seeds. (3) Mentoring system of farmer group. The result of the activity is being able to improve insight of farmer, in the terms of intensification land by using multiple cropping and good quality of seeds. Besides that, farmers can produce their own seeds to the next growing season. The income of farmers in multiple cropping systems of vegetable plants will be higher if it is compared with monoculture system.Keywords: vegetable plant, multiple cropping, good quality of seed
Identification of the possible therapeutic targets in the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor pathway in a cohort of Egyptian hepatocellular carcinoma complicating chronic hepatitis C type 4
Authors: Mabrouk Nada M.K. , Elkaffash Dalal M. , Abdel-Hadi Mona , Abdelmoneim Salah-ElDin , Saad ElDeen Sameh , Gewaifel Gihan , Elella Khaled A. , Osman Maher , Baddour Nahed
Published: April 2020

Background: Molecular targeted drugs are the first line of treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to its chemo- and radioresistant nature. HCC has several well-documented etiologic factors that drive hepatocarcinogenesis through different molecular pathways. Currently, hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of HCC. Therefore, we included a unified cohort of HCV genotype 4-related HCCs to study the expression levels of genes involved in the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) pathway, which is known to be involved in all aspects of cancer growth and progression.

Aim: Determine the gene expression patterns of IGF1R pathway genes in a cohort of Egyptian HCV-related HCCs. Correlate them with different patient/tumor characteristics. Determine the activity status of involved pathways.

Methods: Total ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted from 32 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of human HCV-related HCCs and 6 healthy liver donors as controls. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) using RT2 Profiler PCR Array for Human Insulin Signaling Pathway was done to determine significantly up- and downregulated genes with identification of most frequently coregulated genes, followed by correlation of gene expression with different patient/tumor characteristics. Finally, canonical pathway analysis was performed using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software.

Results: Six genes – AEBP1, AKT2, C-FOS, PIK3R1, PRKCI, SHC1 – were significantly overexpressed. Thirteen genes – ADRB3, CEBPA, DUSP14, ERCC1, FRS3, IGF2, INS, IRS1, JUN, MTOR, PIK3R2, PPP1CA, RPS6KA1 – were significantly underexpressed. Several differentially expressed genes were related to different tumor/patient characteristics. Nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species production pathway was significantly activated in the present cohort, while the growth hormone signaling pathway was inactive.

Conclusions: The gene expression patterns identified in this study may serve as possible therapeutic targets in HCV-related HCCs. The most frequently coregulated genes may serve to guide combined molecular targeted therapies. The IGF1R pathway showed evidence of inactivity in the present cohort of HCV-related HCCs, so targeting this pathway in therapy may not be effective.
Individual and Society With in The Postmodern Ethos
Authors: SEDRATA Yasser
Published: April 2020

This paper will address the notion of the incommensurable, subjective, and the relativistic tendency of the Post Modern epistemology in judging the social, cognitive, and the political identifiabilities. The legacy of Michelle Foucault and Jack Derrida, which came as a reaction against the entire Enlightenment project, has undermined which was considered as the basic referential testimonio that organize and stratify the epistemological patterns of thought, and gave rise to a new paradigmatic reciprocity that emphasized valuelessness, absence of univocity, and irrationality, in addition, to social, ethnic constructability, and partial subjective finality in holding truth judgmentality. In this paper, the researcher will territorialize the problematic within the triangle of: epistemological relativity, social egalitarianism, and the system of valuelessness that postmodern system calls for. In the light of the latter, we will try to raise the question that under the pretext of incommensurable objective truth, how can we establish an interrelated egalitarian cross cultural atmosphere that insures equal representation for all constituents of the society without conscious or unconscious ideological tendencies that Foucault and Leotard have argued about? Also, how the valueless system is manifested in social relationships, and to which extent is it considered legitimate reactionary counter-argument that is meant to perpetuate certain streamline of thought? The researcher will adopt an investigative qualitative method that analyses the aforementioned in the light of postmodern philosophy.
Pedagogy vs. Market Needs: An Appraisal of a Graduate Program in Translation and Interpreting
Authors: Aïda Seddik
Published: April 2020

The paper is an evaluation of the professional MA program in Translation and Interpreting in a higher education institution in Tunisia. Two research questions were explored in order to investigate whether the program prepares students for the market needs and to present a complete picture revealing insights from multiple sources. Data were collected in two phases through the use of six instruments including a questionnaire for MA students, a questionnaire for former students, a questionnaire for teachers, a structured interview with the MA coordinator, structured interviews with employers and a qualitative content analysis of the course distributions of the MA program. Data analysis revealed that the program responds to the market needs in translation but not in interpreting. All stakeholders strongly agreed on the need for more practice in interpreting. Based on these findings, some recommendations were put forward. These include mainly the need to reconsider the pedagogy by increasing the amount of learning time, involving additional subjects such as soft, life and marketing skills, and providing professional practices, namely internship opportunities.
The Importance of Cultural Monuments in Greece: How the Cultural Management Is A Definitive Factor for The Sustainable Development in Region of Epirus?
Authors: Efthymios Spyridon Georgiou
Published: April 2020

This paper is focused on the anthropology of space, in architectural and cultural monuments of the mountainous village of Konitsa. Epirus is region that presents a harmonious collaboration between nature and people. The purpose of the anthropological research approach was focused on the way in which the dynamics of cultural heritage are perceived by local residents.

The main research question concerns the perceptions of the social actors of the village of Konitsa regarding the cultural monuments in the region. The methodology of fieldwork had as a key tool the use of interviews, charts, discussions with the locals, walks, tours and visits as well as observation of locations, people and monuments.

The inhabitants currently living in the wider area of Konitsa, are directly related to the tangible reality of history, folklore and tradition of monuments, something that can be easily detected through a wide range of aspects of the region’s ‘’social life’’ (Appadurai & Kopytoff, 1986). Although the cultural and traditional heritage refer to the past, they have a significant impact on the present era and they also have the ability to determine the future. (Bulter & Rowlahds, 2012).

The cultural management is an advantage of Konitsa and the cooperation with the social associations, for example agriculture partnerships, can reduce the unemployment as well as the immigration and help in the economic development. This research paper is based on the fieldwork and theoretical lessons in the Summer School Konitsa 2016 of Border Crossing Network.
A’RAF SÛRESİ 189 VE 190. AYETLERİN MEALİNİ YENİDEN DÜŞÜNME
Authors: IŞIK Şemsettin
Published: April 2020

Yüce Allah, Kur’an-ı Kerim’de muhatabın zihnini meşgul edecek hususlara dair gerekli şekillerde bilgilendirmeler yapmıştır. Özellikle kâinatın ve onun seçkin varlığı olan insanın yaratılışı hakkında çeşitli ayetlerde gereği veçhile malumat vermiş ve yaratılış gerçeğinin arka planında yer alan varlığına ve âlemlerin yegâne sahibi olduğuna dikkat çekmiştir. Hatta bu meseleye, imanî bir boyut kazandırmak suretiyle üzerinde durmuş ve mutlak hâkimiyetini hiçbir varlıkla paylaşmayacağını ısrarla belirtmiştir. Bu bağlamda ilk insanın yeryüzünde hayata başlaması ve daha sonra ondan bütün insanların türemesinden bahsedilmiştir. Akabinde biyolojik yönden çoğalma esnasında sebep-sonuç ilişkisinden hareketle şirke bulaşılmaması için A’raf suresi 189 ve 190. ayetlerde gerekli şekilde uyarı yapılmıştır. Ne yazık ki, yapılan bu ikazın boyut ve buutlarını anlamak için yapılan meal ve tefsir çalışmalarına İsrailiyyatın katılması ile daha da karmaşık bir hâle gelmiştir. Böylece ilk insan ve ilk peygamber Hz. Âdem’in, yeryüzünde Allah’a şirk koşan ilk kişi olup olmadığı tartışılır olmuştur.
Yapılan bu çalışma, söz konusu ayette bahsedilen şirk hususunun Hz. Âdem’in zürriyetine yönelik olduğu ve böyle bir duruma düşülmemesi için gerekli uyarının yapıldığı anlayışı üzerine temellendirilmiştir. Kur’an-ı Kerim’in bütünlüğü ve adı geçen ayetlerin bağlamı da buna mümkün kılmıştır.
Impact of High Intensity Exercise on Muscle Morphology in EAE Rats
Authors: WENS I. , DALGAS U. , VERBOVEN K. , KOSTEN L. , STEVENS A. , HENS N. , EIJNDE B. O.
Published: April 2020

The impact of high-intensity exercise on disease progression and muscle contractile properties in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) remains unclear. Control (CON) and EAE rats were divided into sedentary and exercise groups. Before onset (experiment 1, n=40) and after hindquarter paralysis (experiment 2, n=40), isokinetic foot extensor strength, cross sectional area (CSA) of tibialis anterior (TA), extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus (SOL) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were assessed. EAE reduced muscle fiber CSA of TA, EDL and SOL. In general, exercise was not able to affect CSA, whereas it delayed hindquarter paralysis peak. CON muscle work peaked and declined, while it remained stable in EAE. BDNF-responses were not affected by EAE or exercise. In conclusion, EAE affected CSA-properties of TA, EDL and SOL, which could, partly, explain the absence of peak work during isokinetic muscle performance in EAE-animals. However, exercise was not able to prevent muscle fiber atrophy.
Inhibition of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Does Not Improve the Course of Congestive Heart Failure and the Development of Renal Dysfunction in Rats With Volume Overload Induced by Aorto-Caval Fistula
Authors: ČERVENKA L. , MELENOVSKÝ V. , HUSKOVÁ Z. , SPORKOVÁ A. , BÜRGELOVÁ M. , ŠKAROUPKOVÁ P. , HWANG S. H. , HAMMOCK B. D. , IMIG J. D. , SADOWSKI J.
Published: April 2020

The detailed mechanisms determining the course of congestive heart failure (CHF) and associated renal dysfunction remain unclear. In a volume overload model of CHF induced by creation of aorto-caval fistula (ACF) in Hannover Sprague-Dawley (HanSD) rats we explored the putative pathogenetic contribution of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), active products of CYP-450 dependent epoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism, and compared it with the role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Chronic treatment with cis-4-[4-(3-adamantan-1-yl-ureido) cyclohexyloxy]benzoic acid (c-AUCB, 3 mg/l in drinking water), an inhibitor of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) which normally degrades EETs, increased intrarenal and myocardial EETs to levels observed in sham-operated HanSD rats, but did not improve the survival or renal function impairment. In contrast, chronic angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition (ACEi, trandolapril, 6 mg/l in drinking water) increased renal blood flow, fractional sodium excretion and markedly improved survival, without affecting left ventricular structure and performance. Hence, renal dysfunction rather than cardiac remodeling determines long-term mortality in advanced stage of CHF due to volume overload. Strong protective actions of ACEi were associated with suppression of the vasoconstrictor/sodium retaining axis and activation of vasodilatory/natriuretic axis of the renin-angiotensin system in the circulating blood and kidney tissue.
The Skin Remodeling in Type 1 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance Animal Models
Authors: KNAŚ M. , WOŁOSIK K. , ZALEWSKA A. , MIKUCKA-NICZYPORUK A. , KASACKA I. , NICZYPORUK M.
Published: April 2020

The skin matrix metalloproteinase 3, tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and collagen III content changes in type 1 diabetes and insulin resistance treated with insulin and metformin were studied. Healthy adult male Wistar rats were obtained from experimental animal house, Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Medical University in Bialystok. The rats were divided randomly into five groups of 8 rats each. Control rats were injected intraperitoneally by NaCl. Type IDDM was induced by a single injection of Streptozocin. Insulin resistance was induced by a high-fat diet. The chosen groups of rats were also treated with insulin or metformin. ELISA Kits (USCN Life Science, China) were used to measure content of matrix metallo-proteinase 3 (ELISA Kit for Matrix Metalloproteinase 3 – MMP3), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (ELISA Kit for Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinase 2 – TIMP2) and content of collagen type 3 (ELISA Kit for Collagen Type III – COL3). The results were reported as a median. The statistical significance was defined as p<0.05. Type 1 diabetes and insulin resistance have significantly reduced the quality of the skin, shown by the increase in content of matrix metalloproteinase 3 and the decrease in content of tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase 2. Type 1 diabetes and insulin resistance have reduced the quality of the skin expressed by type III collagen content decrease but for future studies it is recommend to determine rat interstitial collagenase, MMP-13, as well. Insulin and metformin treatment improved the quality of the diabetic skin, demonstrated by the type III collagen content increase.
Modulation of Cardiac Connexin-43 by Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ethyl-Ester Supplementation Demonstrated in Spontaneously Diabetic Rats
Authors: RADOSINSKA J. , KURAHARA L. H. , HIRAISHI K. , VICZENCZOVA C. , EGAN BENOVA T. , SZEIFFOVA BACOVA B. , DOSENKO V. , NAVAROVA J. , OBSITNIK B. , IMANAGA I. , SOUKUP T. , TRIBULOVA N.
Published: April 2020

Previous data suggest that type 1 diabetes mellitus leads to the deterioration of myocardial intercellular communication mediated by connexin-43 (Cx43) channels. We therefore aimed to explore Cx43, PKC signaling and ultrastructure in non-treated and omega-3 fatty acid (omega-3) treated spontaneously diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats considered as type 2 diabetes model. Four-week-old GK and non-diabetic Wistar-Clea rats were fed omega-3 (200 mg/kg/day) for 2 months and compared with untreated rats. Real-time PCR and immunoblotting were performed to determine Cx43, PKC-epsilon and PKC-delta expression. In situ Cx43 was examined by immunohistochemistry and subcellular alterations by electron microscopy. Omega-3 intake reduced blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol in diabetic rats and this was associated with improved integrity of cardiomyocytes and capillaries in the heart. Myocardial Cx43 mRNA and protein levels were higher in diabetic versus non-diabetic rats and were further enhanced by omega-3. The ratio of phosphorylated (functional) to non-phosphorylated Cx43 was lower in diabetic compared to non-diabetic rats but was increased by omega-3, in part due to up-regulation of PKC-epsilon. In addition, pro-apoptotic PKC-delta expression was decreased. In conclusion, spontaneously diabetic rats at an early stage of disease benefit from omega-3 intake due to its hypoglycemic effect, upregulation of myocardial Cx43, and preservation of cardiovascular ultrastructure. These findings indicates that supplementation of omega-3 may be beneficial also in the management of diabetes in humans.
Pandemic Politics: Timing State-Level Social Distancing Responses to COVID-19
Authors: Adolph Christopher , Amano Kenya , Bang-Jensen Bree , Fullman Nancy , Wilkerson John
Published: April 2020

Social distancing policies are critical but economically painful measures to flatten the curve against emergent infectious diseases. As the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 spread throughout the United States in early 2020, the federal government issued social distancing recommendations but left to the states the most difficult and consequential decisions restricting behavior, such as canceling events, closing schools and businesses, and issuing stay-at-home orders. We present an original dataset of state-level social distancing policy responses to the epidemic and explore how political partisanship, COVID-19 caseload, and policy diffusion explain the timing of governors’ decisions to mandate social distancing. An event history analysis of five social distancing policies across all fifty states reveals the most important predictors are political: all else equal, Republican governors and governors from states with more Trump supporters were slower to adopt social distancing policies. These delays are likely to produce significant, on-going harm to public health.
On the $x$--coordinates of Pell equations that are products of two Padovan numbers
Authors: Ddamulira Mahadi
Published: April 2020

Let $ \{P_{n}\}_{n\geq 0} $ be the sequence of Padovan numbers defined by $ P_0=0 $, $ P_1 = P_2=1$, and $ P_{n+3}= P_{n+1} +P_n$ for all $ n\geq 0 $. In this paper, we find all positive square-free integers $ d \ge 2$ such that the Pell equations $ x^2-dy^2 = \ell$, where $ \ell\in\{\pm 1, \pm 4\} $, have at least two positive integer solutions $ (x,y) $ and $(x^{\prime}, y^{\prime})$ such that each of $ x$ and $x^{\prime}$ is a product of two Padovan numbers.
On the $x$--coordinates of Pell equations that are products of two Pell numbers
Authors: Ddamulira Mahadi , Luca Florian
Published: April 2020

Let $ (P_m)_{m\ge 0} $ be the sequence of Pell numbers given by $ P_0=0, ~ P_1=1 $, and $ P_{m+2}=2P_{m+1}+P_m $ for all $ m\ge 0 $. In this paper, for an integer $d\ge 2$ which is square free, we show that there is at most one value of the positive integer $x$ participating in the Pell equation $x^{2}-dy^{2} =\pm 1$, which is a product of two Pell numbers.
When the Pendulum is stuck! – Invisible Agonists and Babies in Prison
Authors: Crewe Helen
Published: April 2020

There is an international consensus that babies can be accommodated by prisons to live with their mothers from new-born. This situation appears to be settled, however their existence is invisible and to some it could be “unthinkable” to have babies in prison. Politicians and reformers are continually struggling to shape criminal justice policies to influence what is “thinkable” or “unthinkable”. The agonist perspective has been used to explore the contexts of the United States (Goodman, Page and Phelps, 2017), Scotland (Page, Phelps and Goodman, 2019) and Canada (Goodman and Dawe, 2015). The significance of this paper is the role of international alliances and the work of people within the United Nations, as well as activists in Australia and Canada. In particular, concerns from people at an international level have led to important developments within the human rights framework that affect women and children.
Collective identity: a navigator in domestic and international politics The case of Montenegro’s debate on NATO-accession
Authors: Osmanovic Semira
Published: April 2020

The field of identity politics has lately been successful in mapping out the connection between identity and alliance formation, as well as demonstrating how identity shapes political attitudes and policy choices. Based on these findings, the aim of this study is to contribute to the emerging field by investigating how identity was contained and contested in Montenegro’s parliamentary debate on NATO accession in 2015. Montenegro provides with an exceptional empirical window for studying identity in politics, because of the competing national identities: Montenegrin and Serb, which further are affiliated to country’s party politics. The results of the study demonstrated contestation, and the use of identity as a tool by which the dominating groups attempted to promote and influence their interests and goals. Finally, this study calls for a wider integration of identity perspective in understanding domestic and foreign politics, as well as the connection between these two.
Nytrox as “Drop-in” Replacement for Gaseous Oxygen in SmallSat Hybrid Propulsion Systems
Authors: Whitmore Stephen A.
Published: April 2020

A medical grade nitrous oxide (N2O) and gaseous oxygen (GOX) “Nytrox” blend is investigated as a volumetrically-efficient replacement for GOX in SmallSat-scale hybrid propulsion systems. Combined with 3-D printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), the propellants represent a significantly safer, but superior performing, alternative to environmentally-unsustainable spacecraft propellants like hydrazine. In a manner analogous to the creation of soda-water using dissolved carbon dioxide, Nytrox is created by bubbling GOX under pressure into N2O until the solution reaches saturation. Oxygen in the ullage dilutes N2O vapor and increases the required decomposition energy barrier by several orders of magnitude. Thus, risks associated with inadvertent thermal or catalytic N2O decomposition are virtually eliminated. Preliminary results of a test-and-evaluation campaign are reported. A small spacecraft thruster is first tested using gaseous oxygen and 3-D printed ABS as the baseline propellants. Tests were then repeated using Nytrox as a “drop-in” replacement for GOX. Parameters compared include ignition reliability, latency, initiation energy, thrust coefficient, characteristic velocity, specific impulse, combustion efficiency, and fuel regression rate. Tests demonstrate Nytrox as an effective replacement for GOX, exhibiting a slightly reduced specific impulse, but with significantly higher volumetric efficiency. Vacuum specific impulse exceeding 300 s is reported. Future research topics are recommended.
The Triple Logic and Choice Strategy of Rural Revitalization in the 70 Years since the Founding of the People’s Republic of China, Based on the Perspective of Historical Evolution
Authors: Zhang Dongsheng , Gao Wei , Lv Yiqing
Published: April 2020

Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has continuously improved and developed the rural system, deepened rural reform, and promoted the process of agricultural and rural modernization. This paper constructs an analytical framework of rural revitalization and explores the logical law behind it from the three aspects of theoretical evolution, historical evolution, and realistic development. Then, on the basis of summarizing the existing rural revitalization path model, in view of the lack of industrial, ecological, cultural, and other rural revitalization path development models, the paper explores the general principles of rural revitalization path selection and puts forward a realistic choice: First, the key breakthrough of rural revitalization will be achieved through the construction of a rural revitalization planning system, land system reform, and green development. Second, the connotation and extension of concepts, such as “small farmers”, “industry prosperity”, and “rural areas”, are objectively analyzed and evaluated, so as to promote rural revitalization and avoid the risks and challenges that it may face in practice.
Genetic and Metabolic Diversity of Soil Microbiome in Response to Exogenous Organic Matter Amendments
Authors: Gryta Agata , Frąc Magdalena , Oszust Karolina
Published: April 2020

Loss of organic matter content of cultivated soils is observed in many regions of Europe. The possibility of using organic waste as a soil additive that enriches the soil with organic matter and essential components is important in soil quality protection and waste management. This research concerned the influence of six organic wastes—two industrial composts, three digestates and meat bone meal—on soil microbial properties. The study of functional microbial diversity concerns the determination of the catabolic capacity of bacterial, fungal and anaerobic communities in relation to carbon substrates in metabolic profiling plates (Biolog® ECO, FF, AN (Biolog Inc., Hayward, CA, USA)). The assessment of genetic diversity was made on the basis of analysis of the restriction profile of ammonia-oxidizing archaea. Additionally, soil dehydrogenases activity was determined. The research showed that the type of organic waste used had an influence on the microbiological parameters. The application of exogenous organic matter caused increases in functional and genetic microbial diversity. The nature of the noted changes was short term and periodic. The values of the microbiological parameters in soils with organic waste were similar to those of the control samples. This indicates an improved microbiological balance and stability of the soil environment after the application of exogenous organic matter.
Benefits and Limitations of Decision Support Systems (DSS) with a Special Emphasis on Weeds
Authors: Kanatas Panagiotis , Travlos Ilias S. , Gazoulis Ioannis , Tataridas Alexandros , Tsekoura Anastasia , Antonopoulos Nikolaos
Published: April 2020

Decision support systems (DSS) have the potential to support farmers to make the right decisions in weed management. DSSs can select the appropriate herbicides for a given field and suggest the minimum dose rates for an herbicide application that can result in optimum weed control. Given that the adoption of DSSs may lead to decreased herbicide inputs in crop production, their potential for creating eco-friendly and profitable weed management strategies is obvious and desirable for the re-designing of farming systems on a more sustainable basis. Nevertheless, it is difficult to stimulate farmers to use DSSs as it has been noticed that farmers have different expectations of decision-making tools depending on their farming styles and usual practices. The function of DSSs requires accurate assessments of weeds within a field as input data; however, capturing the data can be problematic. The development of future DSSs should target to enhance weed management tactics which are less reliant on herbicides. DSSs should also provide information regarding weed seedbank dynamics in the soil in order to suggest management options not only within a single period but also in a rotational view. More aspects ought to be taken into account and further research is needed in order to optimize the practical use of DSSs for supporting farmers regarding weed management issues in various crops and under various soil and climatic conditions.
Germination and Emergence Responses of Alfalfa, Triticale and Quinoa Irrigated with Brackish Groundwater and Desalination Concentrate
Authors: Kankarla Vanaja , Shukla Manoj K. , Picchioni Geno A. , VanLeeuwen Dawn , Schutte Brian J.
Published: April 2020

Increasing human population has raised the demand for food and forage production for a secure future. Current agriculture is challenged by increasing salinity and decreasing vegetation, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Western United States, especially, New Mexico is confronting continued drought, sodic soils, and degrading rangelands. Groundwater is increasingly used to supplement surface water for irrigation, despite being brackish, with an EC greater than 3 dSm−1. One way to supplement irrigation water supply is to desalinize brackish groundwater using a reverse osmosis (RO) process and utilize the RO concentrate to irrigate food and forage crops. The objective of this study were to determine the germination and emergence of three species, alfalfa (Medicago sativa-VNS (variety not stated)), triticale (×Triticosecale (VNS)), and quinoa (Chenopodium californicum-hand selected from native stand in S. California), when irrigated with brackish and RO concentrate waters. A germination experiment was conducted with alfalfa, triticale, and quinoa for 20 days in growth chambers set at their optimum germination temperatures of 29/18 °C, 17/7 °C, and 17/7.2 °C day/night, respectively, with a 12-hour photoperiod. An emergence experiment was conducted with the same species under controlled conditions in a greenhouse. In both the experiments, seeds were irrigated with four irrigation water salinity treatments (EC 0.7 dSm−1 (tap water as control)), 4.0 dSm−1 brackish groundwater (BGW), 8.0 dSm−1 reverse osmosis concentrate (RO), and 10.0 dSm−1 (BGW + NaCl) irrigation. Germination %, and emergence %, mean germination and emergence time, germination and emergence index, Timson’s index and Timson’s modified index were calculated. Results showed triticale had the highest germination % (80.5% as soils main effect and 87.84 % as species main effect irrespective of salinity) and emergence % (91.25% with control and BGW, 87.19% with RO) while quinoa was the most sensitive to salinity. Sand soil was favorable promoting higher germination up to 8 dSm−1 and clay soil promoted good emergence in alfalfa and triticale. The mean germination and emergence time was the shortest for triticale followed by alfalfa and longest for quinoa. This clearly demonstrates triticale as a promising salt tolerant forage species that can be cultivated in dry and degraded rangelands.
Response of Soil Bacterial Community and Pepper Plant Growth to Application of Bacillus thuringiensis KNU-07
Authors: Jo HyungWoo , Tagele Setu Bazie , Pham Huy Quang , Kim Min-Chul , Choi Seung-Dae , Kim Min-Ji , Park Yeong-Jun , Ibal Jerald Conrad , Park Gun-Seok , Shin Jae-Ho
Published: April 2020

Many Bacillus species are among the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that promote the growth of many different plant species. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Bacillus thuringiensis KNU-07 on the growth of pepper plants and the soil microbiota. We also designed primers specific for the strain KNU-07 to monitor the population in pepper-cultivated soil. Accordingly, a strain-specific primer pair was designed using a database constructed from 16,160 complete bacterial genomes. We employed quantitative PCR (qPCR) to track the abundance of the strain KNU-07 introduced into pepper-cultivated soil using the strain-specific primers. Our study revealed that the strain was found to possess plant growth-promoting (PGP) activities, and it promoted the growth of pepper plants. The soil bacterial community structure due to the application of the PGPR strain was significantly changed after six weeks post-inoculation. In addition, based on qPCR analysis, the population of the introduced strain declined over time. In this study, application of a PGPR strain increased the growth of pepper plants and changed the soil bacterial community structure. The successful results of monitoring of a bacterial strain’s population using a single strain-specific primer pair can provide important information about the quantification of bio-inoculants under non-sterile soil conditions.
Autonomous Mowers Working in Narrow Spaces: A Possible Future Application in Agriculture?
Authors: Sportelli Mino , Pirchio Michel , Fontanelli Marco , Volterrani Marco , Frasconi Christian , Martelloni Luisa , Caturegli Lisa , Gaetani Monica , Grossi Nicola , Magni Simone , Raffaelli Michele , Peruzzi Andrea
Published: April 2020

Autonomous mowers are becoming increasingly common in public and private greenspaces. Autonomous mowers can provide several advantages since these machines help to save time and energy and prevent operators from possible injuries. Current autonomous mowers operate by following random trajectories within areas defined by a shallow-buried boundary wire that has the purpose to generate an electro-magnetic field. Once the electro-magnetic field is perceived by the autonomous mower, the machine will stop and change direction. Mowing along random trajectories is considered an efficient solution to manage areas with a variable number of obstacles. In agriculture, autonomous technologies are becoming increasingly popular since they can help to increase both the quantity and quality of agricultural products by reducing productive cost and improving the production process. Thus, even autonomous mowers may be useful to carry out some of the agricultural operations that are highly time consuming. In fact, some autonomous mowers designed and realized to work in vineyards and home vegetable gardens are already available on the market. The aim of this study was to compare the work capacity of six autonomous mowers that move along random trajectories in areas with a high number of obstacles to assess if these machines may be employed in some agricultural contexts. The six autonomous mowers were split in three groups based on their size (large, medium, and small) and were left to work in two areas with equal number of obstacles but different layouts. The first area (Site A) had a square shape and an extension of 23.04 m2, in order to keep the autonomous mowers enclosed inside it. The second area (Site B) had a square shape and an extension of 84.64 m2, in order to have a part of the area with no obstacles. The layout and the size of the two areas affected the autonomous mowers performances in different ways. The six autonomous mowers working on Site A obtained similar results and higher performances compared to the same mowers working on Site B. All the autonomous mowers proved to be able to mow more than 89% of Site A after 2 h and more than 98% of Site A after 5 h. On Site B small size autonomous mowers obtained the best results mowing more than 83% of the area with obstacles after 2 h and more than 98% of the area with obstacles after 5 h. However, specific work settings allowed larger autonomous mowers to improve their efficiency, obtaining similar results compared to smaller autonomous mowers.