bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell Wall Calcium and Hemicellulose Have a Role in the Fruit Firmness during Storage of Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.)
Authors: Olmedo Patricio , Zepeda Baltasar , Rojas Bárbara , Silva-Sanzana Christian , Delgado-Rioseco Joaquín , Fernández Kamila , Balic Iván , Arriagada César , Moreno Adrián A. , Defilippi Bruno G. , Campos-Vargas Reinaldo
Published: March 2021

The firmness of blueberry is one of its most significant quality attributes. Modifications in the composition of the cell wall have been associated with changes in the fruit firmness. In this work, cell wall components and calcium concentration in two blueberry cultivars with contrasting firmness phenotypes were evaluated at harvest and 30 days cold storage (0 °C). High performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulse amperometric detector (HPAEC-PAD) analysis was performed using the “Emerald” (firmer) and “Jewel” (softer) blueberry cultivars, showing increased glucose in the firmer cultivar after cold storage. Moreover, the LM15 antibody, which recognizes xyloglucan domains, displayed an increased signal in the Emerald cultivar after 30 d cold storage. Additionally, the antibody 2F4, recognizing a homogalacturonan calcium-binding domain, showed a greater signal in the firmer Emerald blueberries, which correlates with a higher calcium concentration in the cell wall. These findings suggest that xyloglucan metabolism and a higher concentration of cell wall calcium influenced the firmness of the blueberry fruit. These results open new perspectives regarding the role of cell wall components as xyloglucans and calcium in blueberry firmness.
Microscopic and Transcriptomic Analysis of Pollination Processes in Self-Incompatible Taraxacum koksaghyz
Authors: Wollenweber Tassilo Erik , van Deenen Nicole , Roelfs Kai-Uwe , Prüfer Dirk , Gronover Christian Schulze
Published: March 2021

The transition of the Russian dandelion Taraxacum koksaghyz (Asteraceae) to a profitable, alternative crop producing natural rubber and inulin requires the optimization of several agronomic traits, cultivation conditions and harvesting procedures to improve the yield. However, efficient breeding is hindered by the obligatory sexual outcrossing of this species. Several other asters have been investigated to determine the mechanism of self-incompatibility, but the underlying molecular basis remains unclear. We therefore investigated the self-pollination and cross-pollination of two compatible T. koksaghyz varieties (TkMS2 and TkMS3) by microscopy and transcriptomic analysis to shed light on the pollination process. Self-pollination showed typical sporophytic self-incompatibility characteristics, with the rare pollen swelling at the pollen tube apex. In contrast, cross-pollination was characterized by pollen germination and penetration of the stigma by the growing pollen tubes. RNA-Seq was used to profile gene expression in the floret tissue during self-pollination and cross-pollination, and the differentially expressed genes were identified. This revealed three candidates for the early regulation of pollination in T. koksaghyz, which can be used to examine self-incompatibility mechanisms in more detail and to facilitate breeding programs.
Comparative Study of Drought Stress Effects on Traditional and Modern Apple Cultivars
Authors: Mihaljević Ines , Viljevac Vuletić Marija , Šimić Domagoj , Tomaš Vesna , Horvat Daniela , Josipović Marko , Zdunić Zvonimir , Dugalić Krunoslav , Vuković Dominik
Published: March 2021

Genotype-dependent responses of apples to drought stress were evaluated between commercial and traditional apple cultivars. The results indicate different mechanisms of tolerance to investigated drought stress conditions. Chlorophyll fluorescence induction (OJIP) parameters, chlorophyll and carotenoid content, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), proline, phenols and leaf water content (WC) were measured. The traditional cultivar “Crvenka” confirmed the best tolerance to a drought stress condition, presenting higher photosynthetic efficiency, higher leaf water content, higher levels of chlorophyll content and lower lipid peroxidation with greater membrane stability. The commercial cultivar “Golden Delicious Reinders” showed decreased water content in leaves, increased lipid peroxidation levels and photoinhibition. Considering all results, the commercial cultivar “Golden Delicious Reinders” was adversely affected by drought, while traditional cultivars exhibited better tolerance to drought stress.
Wild Plants Used as Herbs and Spices in Italy: An Ethnobotanical Review
Authors: Motti Riccardo
Published: March 2021

Wild edible plants are an essential component of people’s diets in the Mediterranean basin. In Italy, ethnobotanical surveys have received increasing attention in the past two centuries, with some of these studies focusing on wild edible plants. In this regard, the literature in Italy lacks the coverage of some major issues focusing on plants used as herbs and spices. I searched national journals for articles on the use of wild food plants in Italy, published from 1963 to 2020. Aims of the present review were to document plant lore regarding wild herbs and spices in Italy, identify the wild plants most frequently used as spices, analyze the distribution of wild herbs and spices used at a national scale, and finally, to describe the most common phytochemical compounds present in wild plant species. Based on the 34 studies reviewed, I documented 78 wild taxa as being used in Italy as herbs or spices. The studies I included in this systematic review demonstrate that wild species used as herbs and spices enrich Italian folk cuisine and can represent an important resource for profitable, integrated local small-scale activities.
Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Anthocyanin-Rich Carrots: A Comparison between the Black Carrot and the Apulian Landrace “Polignano” Carrot
Authors: Blando Federica , Marchello Stefano , Maiorano Gabriele , Durante Miriana , Signore Angelo , Laus Maura N. , Soccio Mario , Mita Giovanni
Published: March 2021

The carrot is one of the most cultivated vegetables in the world. Black or purple carrots contain acylated anthocyanins which are of special interest to the food industry for their stability and nutraceutical characteristics. Anthocyanin-rich fruits and vegetables have gained popularity in the last ten years, due to the health benefits they provide. In this paper, the characterizations of the bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacities of different anthocyanin-containing carrots (a black carrot—BC, and a local purple carrot, the “Polignano” carrot—PC), compared to the commercial orange carrot (OC) (lacking of anthocyanins), are reported. The anthocyanin profiles of the polyphenolic extracts of BC and PC were similar, but differences were observed at quantitative levels. The total anthocyanin content in BC was more than twice that in PC (13.84 ± 0.61 vs. 5.64 ± 0.48 mg K Eq. g−1 DW). Phenolic acids (mostly chlorogenic acid) were also present at high level in anthocyanin-rich carrots compared to OC. High polyphenol content accounted also for a high reducing capacity (evaluated by Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, FCR), and antioxidant capacity (evaluated by TEAC and ORAC assays) which were the highest for BC (FCR value: 16.6 ± 1.1 mg GAE. g−1 DW; TEAC: 76.6 ± 10.6 µmol TE. g−1 DW; ORAC: 159.9 ± 3.3 µmol TE. g−1 DW). All carrot genotypes (mostly OC) were rich in carotenoids (BC 0.14 ± 0.024; PC 0.33 ± 0.038; OC 1.29 ± 0.09 mg. g−1 DW), with predominance of α and β-carotene, in OC, and lutein in BC. PC showed the highest malic acid and sugar (glucose plus fructose) content. In conclusion, while BC is remarkable for nutraceutical features, the local genotype (“Polignano” carrot) is worth considering in genetic biodiversity conservation programme.
Molecular Characterization of Three B-1,4-Endoglucanase Genes in Pratylenchus loosi and Functional Analysis of Pl-eng-2 Gene
Authors: Mirghasemi Negin , Fanelli Elena , Jamali Salar , Sohani Mohammed Mehdi , De Luca Francesca
Published: March 2021

Pratylenchus loosi is an important root-lesion nematode that causes damage to tea plantations in Iran and all over the world. The present study reports on the characterization and evolution of three ß-1,4-endoglucanase genes: Pl-eng-2, Pl-eng-3 and Pl-eng-4. The gene structure of Pl-eng-2 was fully determined with the predicted signal peptide and devoid of the linker domain and carbohydrate-binding domain, while Pl-eng-3 and Pl-eng-4 were only partially sequenced. The transcription of Pl-eng-2 was localized in the secretory esophageal glands of all life stages, but it was upregulated in male and female stages. The exon/intron structures of Pl-eng-2, Pl-eng-3 and Pl-eng-4 confirmed that they resulted from gene duplication followed by sequence and gene structure diversification with loss of the linker domain and carbohydrate-binding domain during evolution. A phylogenetic analysis further confirmed that nematode endoglucanases resulted from the horizontal gene transfer of a bacterial gene, as Pl-eng-3 showed sister relationships with the CelB cellulase of Bacillus subtilis. Silencing Pl-eng-2 by in vitro RNA interference produced a 60% decrease of the transcript level. The reproductive ability of silenced P. loosi showed a 35% reduction of eggs and larval stages compared to untreated nematodes, suggesting that this gene is involved in the early steps of invasion.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of the CsFHY3/FAR1 Gene Family and Expression Analysis under Biotic and Abiotic Stresses in Tea Plants (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Liu Zhengjun , An Chuanjing , Zhao Yiqing , Xiao Yao , Bao Lu , Gong Chunmei , Gao Yuefang
Published: March 2021

The FHY3/FAR1 transcription factor family, derived from transposases, plays important roles in light signal transduction, and in the growth and development of plants. However, the homologous genes in tea plants have not been studied. In this study, 25 CsFHY3/FAR1 genes were identified in the tea plant genome through a genome-wide study, and were classified into five subgroups based on their phylogenic relationships. Their potential regulatory roles in light signal transduction and photomorphogenesis, plant growth and development, and hormone responses were verified by the existence of the corresponding cis-acting elements. The transcriptome data showed that these genes could respond to salt stress and shading treatment. An expression analysis revealed that, in different tissues, especially in leaves, CsFHY3/FAR1s were strongly expressed, and most of these genes were positively expressed under salt stress (NaCl), and negatively expressed under low temperature (4 °C) stress. In addition, a potential interaction network demonstrated that PHYA, PHYC, PHYE, LHY, FHL, HY5, and other FRSs were directly or indirectly associated with CsFHY3/FAR1 members. These results will provide the foundation for functional studies of the CsFHY3/FAR1 family, and will contribute to the breeding of tea varieties with high light efficiency and strong stress resistance.
Demonstration of Dynamics of Nanosecond Discharge in Liquid Water Using Four-Channel Time-Resolved ICCD Microscopy
Authors: Prukner Václav , Schmidt Jiří , Hoffer Petr , Šimek Milan
Published: March 2021

The microscopic physical mechanisms of micro-discharges produced in liquid waters by nanosecond high-voltage pulses are quite complex phenomena, and relevant coherent experimentally supported theoretical descriptions are yet to be provided. In this study, by combining a long-distance microscope with a four-channel image splitter fitted with four synchronised intensified charge-coupled device detectors, we obtained and analysed sequences of microscopic discharge images acquired with sub-nanosecond temporal resolution during a single event. We tracked luminous filaments either through monochromatic images at two specific wavelengths (532 and 656 nm) or through broadband integrated UV–vis–near infrared (NIR) discharge emission. An analysis of the sequences of images capturing discharge filaments in subsequent time windows facilitated the tracking of movement of the luminous fronts during their expansion. The velocity of expansion progressively decreased from the maximum of ~2.3 × 105 m/s observed close to the anode pin until the propagation stopped due to the drop in the anode potential. We demonstrate the basic features characterising the development of the luminous discharge filaments. Our study provides an important insight into the dynamics of micro-discharges during the primary and successive reflected high-voltage pulses in de-ionised water.
Effect of Extrusion on the Crystalline Structure of Starch during RS5 Formation
Authors: Cabrera-Ramírez Angel H. , Cervantes-Ramírez Eliel , Morales-Sánchez Eduardo , Rodriguez-García Mario E. , Reyes-Vega María de la Luz , Gaytán-Martínez Marcela
Published: March 2021

Amylose is well known to be organized helically with six glucose per turn, allowing it to form complexes with various ligands. This interaction can be affected by the type of crystalline structure present in the starch sources. This study evaluated the effect of extrusion on the crystalline structure of starch during RS5 formation. Rice and potato starches were extruded at 100 °C and 15 rpm with 5% and 10% oleic acid (OA), then the physical, thermal, paste properties, and resistant starch content (RS) were evaluated. Potato starch extruded with 10% OA showed granules embedded in a gelatinized starch matrix. The X-ray revealed that rice (orthorhombic) and potato (hexagonal) structures remain unchanged even after extrusion. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) evidenced the formation of type IIa amylose-lipid complexes in OA treatments, where potato extruded with 10% OA had the highest enthalpy (0.9 J/g). Moreover, the extruded potato showed the highest pasting temperature (87.19 °C), supporting the complex formation. The RS was reduced from 15.8 (isolated) to 4.14 mg/100 mg (extruded 10% OA) in rice. For potato, RS decreased from 17 to 13 mg/100 mg (isolated and extruded 10% OA). Overall, these findings suggest a tendency in potato starch (ortho-rhombic) to interact with OA during the extrusion process, promoting a crystalline lamellae growth when extruded with 10% OA; therefore, changing their properties.
Reused Plant Fried Oil: A Case Study with Home-Made Soaps
Authors: Antonic Bojan , Dordevic Dani , Jancikova Simona , Tremlova Bohuslava , Nejezchlebova Marcela , Goldová Kristýna , Treml Jakub
Published: March 2021

The study aimed to analyze the possibility of waste frying oil utilization in home-made soap production. Soaps were made from unheated and fried rapeseed, sunflower and palm oils that had total polar material (TPM) values up to 24%. Physicochemical and microbial analyses were performed on produced samples to check their quality. The hardness increased with the degradation level of rapeseed and palm oils, and opposite findings were obtained for sunflower-made soaps. The highest malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were recorded for sunflower oil-made samples, with the maximum of 6.61 µg/g, and the lowest for the palm oil-made samples, with the maximum of 0.94 µg/g. The antimicrobial assessment showed no significant (p > 0.05) differences between control soap samples and soaps made of oils with the highest TPM value. Gram-positive bacteria (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: MRSA) were the most sensitive chosen microorganisms, compared to Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts. The obtained results did not show exact differences between experimentally produced soap samples from fried or not fried oils; these findings highlight the potential of home-made soap production from this byproduct.
Practical Computational Approach for the Stability Analysis of Fuzzy Model-Based Predictive Control of Substrate and Biomass in Activated Sludge Processes
Authors: Vallejo LLamas Pedro M. , Vega Pastora
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a procedure for the closed-loop stability analysis of a certain variant of the strategy called Fuzzy Model-Based Predictive Control (FMBPC), with a model of the Takagi-Sugeno type, applied to the wastewater treatment process known as the Activated Sludge Process (ASP), with the aim of simultaneously controlling the substrate concentration in the effluent (one of the main variables that should be limited according to environmental legislations) and the biomass concentration in the reactor. This case study was chosen both for its environmental relevance and for special process characteristics that are of great interest in the field of nonlinear control, such as strong nonlinearity, multivariable nature, and its complex dynamics, a consequence of its biological nature. The stability analysis, both of fuzzy systems (FS) and the very diverse existing strategies of nonlinear predictive control (NLMPC), is in general a mathematically laborious task and difficult to generalize, especially for processes with complex dynamics. To try to minimize these difficulties, in this article, the focus was placed on the mathematical simplification of the problem, both with regard to the mathematical model of the process and the stability analysis procedures. Regarding the mathematical model, a state-space model of discrete linear time-varying (DLTV), equivalent to the starting fuzzy model (previously identified), was chosen as the base model. Furthermore, in a later step, the DLTV model was approximated to a local model of type discrete linear time-invariant (DLTI). As regards the stability analysis itself, a computational method was developed that greatly simplified this difficult task (in a local environment of an operating point), compared to other existing methods in the literature. The use of the proposed method provides useful conclusions for the closed-loop stability analysis of the considered FMBPC strategy, applied to an ASP process; at the same time, the possibility that the method may be useful in a more general way, for similar fuzzy and predictive strategies, and for other complex processes, was observed.
Special Issue “Advances in Machine Learning and Deep Learning Based Machine Fault Diagnosis and Prognosis”
Authors: Djeziri Mohand , Bendahan Marc
Published: March 2021

Fault diagnosis and failure prognosis aim to reduce downtime of the systems and to optimise their performance by replacing preventive and corrective maintenance strategies with predictive or conditional ones [...]
Analysis and Characterization of Metallic Nodules on Biochar from Single-Stage Downdraft Gasification
Authors: Sharma Tejasvi , Ratner Albert
Published: March 2021

Biochar, which is a byproduct of gasification, is used in a wide range of fields such as water filtration, agriculture, and electronics, to name a few. The metals in the biomass were thought to end up either in the ash or distributed throughout the biochar. In this study, the goal was a more thorough characterization of biochar resulting from a single-stage downdraft gasifier. One of the first observations was that some metals actually localize into small (~25 micron diameter) metallic nodules on the biochar surface. Further analysis included ultimate and proximate analysis, Brunauer–Emmert–Teller (BET) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Biomass fuel included corn grains, soybeans, and wood pellets, with wood biochar showing the highest fixed carbon content, at 91%, and the highest surface area, at 92.4 m2/g. The SEM analysis showed that certain minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, nickel, silicon, and copper, formed nodules with over 50% metal mass next to pores in the carbon substrate. Aluminum, chlorine, magnesium, and silicon (in certain cases) were mostly uniformly distributed on the biochar carbon substrate. Corn biochar showed a high concentration in the nodules of 9–21% phosphorus and up to 67% potassium. Soybean biochar showed a similar trend with traces of iron and nickel of 2% and 4.1%, respectively, while wood biochar had a significant amount of potassium, up to 35%, along with 44% calcium, 3% iron, and up to 4.2% nickel concentrations. A morphology analysis was also carried out.
How to Identify Potentials and Barriers of Raw Materials Recovery from Tailings? Part I: A UNFC-Compliant Screening Approach for Site Selection
Authors: Suppes Rudolf , Heuss-Aßbichler Soraya
Published: March 2021

Mapping the raw material (RM) potential of anthropogenic RMs, such as tailings, requires a comprehensive assessment and classification. However, a simple procedure to quickly screen for potentially viable RMs recovery projects similar to reconnaissance exploration of natural mineral RMs is missing. In this article, a quick and efficient approach to systematically screen tailings storage facilities (TSFs) is presented to evaluate if a particular TSF meets the criteria to be assessed in a more advanced study including costly on-site exploration. Based on aspects related to a TSF’s contents, physical structure, surroundings, potential environmental and social impacts, and potentially affected stakeholders, it guides its user in compiling the information at local scale in a structured manner compliant with the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC). The test application to the TSF Bollrich (Germany), situated in a complex environment close to various stakeholders, demonstrates that a quick and remote assessment with publicly accessible information is possible. Since an assessment of tailings under conventional classification codes from the primary mining industry neglects relevant aspects, it is concluded that tailings should be considered as anthropogenic RMs. The developed screening approach can help to create a TSF inventory which captures project potentials and barriers comprehensively.
Design and Modification of a High-Resolution Optical Interferometer Accelerometer
Authors: Yao Yuan , Pan Debin , Wang Jianbo , Dong Tingting , Guo Jie , Wang Chensheng , Geng Anbing , Fang Weidong , Lu Qianbo
Published: March 2021

The Micro-Opto-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MOEMS) accelerometer is a new type of accelerometer that combines the merits of optical measurement and Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) to enable high precision, small volume, and anti-electromagnetism disturbance measurement of acceleration, which makes it a promising candidate for inertial navigation and seismic monitoring. This paper proposes a modified micro-grating-based accelerometer and introduces a new design method to characterize the grating interferometer. A MEMS sensor chip with high sensitivity was designed and fabricated, and the processing circuit was modified. The micro-grating interference measurement system was modeled, and the response sensitivity was analyzed. The accelerometer was then built and benchmarked with a commercial seismometer in detail. Compared to the previous prototype in the experiment, the results indicate that the noise floor has an ultra-low self-noise of 15 ng/Hz1/2.
National Identity and Integration Challenges of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Recipients
Authors: Paschero Sofia , McBrien Jody
Published: March 2021

Approximately 650,000 children and young adults currently reside in the United States with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, providing them with temporary legal status to reside in the country. We explored the phenomenon of how five DACA recipients experienced their national identities and how it contributed to their acculturation patterns using in-depth semi-structured interviews. We interpreted their comments through the theoretical lens of Berry’s (1997) acculturation theory and Edensor’s (2002) emphasis on everyday life as a critical factor of national identity. Although the participants had the desire to remain in the United States and be a part of U.S. culture, everyday realities of discrimination, and challenges accomplishing common life tasks taken for granted by American peers (getting a driver’s license, travelling, working, obtaining financial aid for higher education) kept the participants from fully integrating into American society and gaining a sense of belonging.
Women Academics in the World of Neoliberal, Managerial Higher Education
Authors: Sims Margaret
Published: March 2021

In my last years in academia, I have experienced the intimidating impact of pettybureaucracy and top-down micromanagement that typify managerialism in higher education today. In this paper I use my own experiences to reflect on why this is happening, attempting to gain understanding that can support others still working in the sector to survive and ultimately thrive. I argue that neoliberalism operates as an ideology, shaping the way we perceive and act in the world. In higher education, it is enacted through managerialism, together creating a social imaginary that defines what is expected of managers and what is expected of workers. Women are particularly vulnerable in this social imaginary given that the challenges they face in the workforce are attributed to their own shortcomings rather than any systemic barriers. Women face choices as to how to operate in this social imaginary, but all choices have consequences that need to be understood and managed. Ultimately, systemic disadvantage will not change without significant action taken by collectives of women who have a clear vision of better alternatives.
Population and Housing (Mis)match in Lisbon, 1981–2018. A Challenge for an Aging Society
Authors: Garha Nachatter Singh , Azevedo Alda Botelho
Published: March 2021

Over the past four decades, Lisbon’s population has witnessed some notable changes in its growth, age structure, conjugal patterns and ethnic diversity. These changes have affected the size, composition and structure of households, which in turn modified the demand for housing in Lisbon. At the same time, some changes were also made to the housing stock, especially in size, but also in the replacement of small apartment buildings with large residential apartment blocks. However, the discrepancies between demographic changes and the housing stock have created new challenges for the housing market in Lisbon to provide adequate housing to all households in the city. Using data from the 1981–2011 census obtained from IPUMS International, population estimates from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) and other secondary sources, this article identifies and measures the magnitude of (mis)matches between existing housing stock and housing needs of the population in Lisbon. Theoretically, this article adds to the knowledge about the relationship between population and housing dynamics in large cities. Empirically, it provides evidence on the existence and magnitude of (mis)matches in Lisbon’s housing market and explores the underlying dynamics behind them. Lastly, it offers some policy tools and recommendations to address these (mis)matches.
Normality Testing of High-Dimensional Data Based on Principle Component and Jarque–Bera Statistics
Authors: Song Yanan , Zhao Xuejing
Published: March 2021

The testing of high-dimensional normality is an important issue and has been intensively studied in the literature, it depends on the variance–covariance matrix of the sample and numerous methods have been proposed to reduce its complexity. Principle component analysis (PCA) has been widely used in high dimensions, since it can project high-dimensional data into a lower-dimensional orthogonal space. The normality of the reduced data can then be evaluated by Jarque–Bera (JB) statistics in each principle direction. We propose a combined test statistic—the summation of one-way JB statistics upon the independence of the principle directions—to test the multivariate normality of data in high dimensions. The performance of the proposed method is illustrated by the empirical power of the simulated normal and non-normal data. Two real data examples show the validity of our proposed method.
Enhancing the Intention to Preview Learning Materials and Participate in Class in the Flipped Classroom Context through the Use of Handouts and Incentivisation with Virtual Currency
Authors: Chang Yi-Hsing , Lin Jin-Yu , Lu You-Te
Published: March 2021

The flipped classroom approach is an emerging instructional approach that integrates digital technology. This approach has been applied in several fields, and it has demonstrated considerably higher learning effectiveness than conventional teaching modes. Common problems in its implementation that directly or indirectly affect learning effectiveness include students’ low intention to preview learning materials and low class participation. To overcome these problems, the present study sought to increase students’ intention to preview learning materials and participate in class through the implementation of educational activities integrated with an incentivisation system using a virtual currency and the provision of handouts. Students in two programming classes in the information management department of the participating university were divided into the experimental and control groups. The intention to preview learning materials, levels of class participation, and learning effectiveness were all significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group.
Deriving Soil Quality Criteria of Chromium Based on Species Sensitivity Distribution Methodology
Authors: Liu Yuxia , Zhou Qixing , Wang Yi , Cheng Siwen , Hao Weiduo
Published: March 2021

Chromium (Cr) is one of the most severe heavy metal contaminants in soil, and it seriously threatens ecosystems and human health through the food chain. It is fundamental to collect toxicity data of Cr before developing soil quality criteria/standards in order to efficiently prevent health risks. In this work, the short-term toxic effects of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) on the root growth of eleven terrestrial plants were investigated. The corresponding fifth percentile hazardous concentrations (HC5) by the best fitting species sensitivity distribution (SSD) curves based on the tenth percentile effect concentrations (EC10) were determined to be 0.60 and 4.51 mg/kg for Cr (VI) and Cr (III), respectively. Compared to the screening level values worldwide, the HC5 values in this study were higher for Cr(VI) and lower for Cr(III) to some extent. The results provide useful toxicity data for deriving national or local soil quality criteria for trivalent and hexavalent Cr.
Chronic Political Instability and the HIV/AIDS Response in Guinea-Bissau from 2000 to 2015: A Systematic Review
Authors: Galjour Joshua , Havik Philip , Aaby Peter , Rodrigues Amabelia , Mpinga Emmanuel Kabengele
Published: March 2021

Guinea-Bissau suffers from political instability and an unusually high HIV/AIDS burden compared to other countries in the West Africa region. We conducted a systematic review on the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Guinea-Bissau during the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) period (2000–2015), which dovetailed with a period of chronic political instability in the country’s history. We searched published works on the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Guinea-Bissau for references to chronic political instability. Six databases and the grey literature were searched, informed by expert opinion and manual research through reference tracing. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. The search yielded 122 articles about HIV/AIDS in Guinea-Bissau during the MDG years. Biomedical, clinical, or epidemiological research predominated public health research production on HIV/AIDS in Guinea-Bissau in this period. Six articles addressing themes related to chronic political instability, including how political instability has affected the HIV/AIDS disease response, were identified. The results suggest the importance of considering a broader political epidemiology that accounts for socio-political aspects such as governance, human rights, and community responses into which any national HIV/AIDS response is integrated.
Perspectives on New Vaccines against Arboviruses Using Insect-Specific Viruses as Platforms
Authors: Carvalho Valéria L. , Long Maureen T.
Published: March 2021

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are global pathogens circulating endemically with local explosive outbreaks and constant encroachment into new locations. Few vaccines against arboviruses exist; most for humans are in development or clinical trials. Insect-specific viruses (ISVs) offer a unique platform for expression of arbovirus proteins, through the creation of ISV/arbovirus chimeras. Studies have shown promising results of these vaccines with several advantages over their wild-type counterparts. In this review, we discuss the current status of these potential vaccines using ISVs.
No Such Thing as a Free-Rider? Understanding Drivers of Childhood and Adult Vaccination through a Multicountry Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Verelst Frederik , Kessels Roselinde , Willem Lander , Beutels Philippe
Published: March 2021

Increased vaccine hesitancy and refusal negatively affects vaccine uptake, leading to the reemergence of vaccine preventable diseases. We aim to quantify the relative importance of factors people consider when making vaccine decisions for themselves, or for their child, with specific attention for underlying motives arising from context, such as required effort (accessibility) and opportunism (free riding on herd immunity). We documented attitudes towards vaccination and performed a discrete choice experiment in 4802 respondents in The United Kingdom, France and Belgium, eliciting preferences for six attributes: (1) vaccine effectiveness, (2) vaccine preventable disease burden, (3) vaccine accessibility in terms of copayment, vaccinator and administrative requirements, (4) frequency of mild vaccine-related side-effects, (5) vaccination coverage in the country’s population and (6) local vaccination coverage in personal networks. We distinguished adults deciding on vaccination for themselves from parents deciding for their youngest child. While all attributes were found to be significant, vaccine effectiveness and accessibility stood out in all (sub)samples, followed by vaccine preventable disease burden. We confirmed that people attach more value to severity of disease compared to its frequency, and discovered that peer influence dominates free-rider motives, especially for the vaccination of children. These behavioral data are insightful for policy and are essential to parameterize dynamic vaccination behavior in simulation models. In contrast to what most game theoretical models assume, social norms dominate free-rider incentives. Policy-makers and healthcare workers should actively communicate on high vaccination coverage, and draw attention to the effectiveness of vaccines while optimizing their practical accessibility.
VILNIAUS MIESTO PAJAMOS: SVARSTYKLĖS IR SAIKAVIMAS XV–XVIII A.
Authors: Klovas Mindaugas
Published: March 2021

The article analyses Vilnius City revenues from scales and meterage in the 15th-18th century. The right of the city of Vilnius to acquire scales and thus receive income was for the first time documented in the Privilege of Grand Duke Sigismund Kęstutaitis (Žygimantas Kęstutaitis) of 23 September 1432. The city retained such right until the very end of the 18th century. The regulatory aspects of scales operations were for the first time laid down in the sovereign’s entail of 1536: the magistrate and the merchants’ community would assign a treasury steward each to monitor it. Disagreements between
the magistrate and the merchants’ community were accountable for the fact that in the 1640s the issue was readdressed and on 5 August 1647 an instruction for treasury stewards used throughout the 18th century was issued. The weighing house employed two treasury stewards, a scales clerk, and loaders. On average they worked 23–25 days a month, though at times it was required to work with no days off. City revenues from the scales before the occupation of 1655–1701 could have amounted to 3,000 threescores of groschen (or 35 percent of the total annual revenue). In 1662–1701 the average of scales income was 2,784 Lithuanian auksinas (or 32 percent of the total annual revenue), in 1712–1755 it plummeted to 723 auksinas (19 percent), and in 1757–1792 soared again to 2,529 auksinas (12 percent). Starting with 1757, the amount received from scales revenues in the city treasury doubled, though in general the proportion of this type of income decreased as a new gates tax was introduced in the
city and other tariffs were increased. Expenses of the city related to scales maintenance were rather small and usually confined to a dozen or so auksinas for minor repairs of the weighing house, scales maintenance, firewood, etc. Additional expenses included paper required by the scales clerk and his salary (100–300 auksinas). The scales were always directly supervised by the city’s officials and there were no possibilities to rent them. It has not been established exactly when the city was granted the right
of corn and other bulk product meterage, though income of this type had been documented since the 1620s. In 1662–1701 the average of such revenues amounted to 780 auksinas (or 8.9 percent of the total annual income), in 1712–1748 it decreased to 115 auksinas (4 percent), in 1749–1767 – to 6 auksinas (1.6 percent), and at least starting with 1772 the city did not receive this type of income whatsoever. As of the 1720s, merchants started keeping barrels at their places and paying taxes. Revenues from privately kept barrels were received in 1727–1779, on average amounting to 78 auksinas. Starting with 1781, due to unknown reasons, this type of income was no longer received at the city treasury. In the second half of the 17th-18th century, expenses related to the purchase of new barrels and iron binding of old ones were episodic though could account for up to 99 auksinas and even exceed the meterage income.
Dietary and marital profile by partner weight asymmetry
Authors: Philippe Jessica , Bergeron Marie-Ève , Côté Marilou , Bégin Catherine
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to compare heterosexual mixed-weight (one overweight and one healthy weight partner) and matched-weight couples on their relationship functioning and eating behaviors. One hundred seventy- four adult couples were recruited and grouped based on their body mass index. They completed a survey online. It was expected that mixed-weight couples would report poorer marital satisfaction and more eating related problems than matched-weight couples, especially among couples with overweight women and healthy weight men. Results showed that men from mixed-weight couples were less satisfied of their relationship and their sexuality compared to men from matched-weight couples. Thus, a gap between partners’ weight seems to be associated with men’s dissatisfaction, no matter which partner is overweight. However, this weight asymmetry has no impact on women’s satisfaction. These findings provide an informative contribution to scientific literature on the impact of weight asymmetry on couple relationship.
Gamers and Video Games Users: What’s the Difference?
Authors: Argento Amanda , Mill Devin , Carmichael Victoria , Mettler Jessica , Heath Nancy
Published: March 2021

The term “gamer” is commonly used to refer to individuals who play video games frequently. However, building on Self- Determination theory (SDT) and the Dualistic Model of Passion (DMP), we argue that it may be more theoretically and practically useful to operationalize individuals as “gamers” versus “non- gamers” based on their identification and passion for gaming rather than based on how frequently individuals play video games. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to compare four groups, those who identify as gamers or non-gamers with those who have frequent use or not, on independent variables of gaming engagement, motivation, and problematic gaming. Participants (N = 1,050; 70.1% males; Mage = 23.74 years, SD = 6.48 years) completed measures online. Results revealed that identifying as a gamer was a stronger predictor of levels of gaming engagement, motivation, and problematic gaming compared to frequent use. Findings highlight the potential of SDT and DMP for understanding gamer characteristics.
Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Communication
Authors: Falconer Tasha
Published: March 2021

Intimate partner violence and sexual communication are two areas of research that have been extensively studied, but only few findings connect these areas. This literature review will examine the research that has been done on intimate partner violence, sexual communication and the connections between these two variables. In the light of the discoveries in this field of research, a U shape model is proposed to explain the connection between sexual communication and intimate partner violence. With this information, preventive interventions could be created to stop intimate partner violence before it happens.
Infrahumanization and Mental Travel: Effects of Temporal Orientation on Perceived Humanness
Authors: Malik Mohammad
Published: March 2021

According to the self-centric future hypothesis, mental simulations of future events, future-oriented mental time-travel may incorporate mental representations of the self. This experiment tests the self-centric future hypothesis in the context of infrahumanization. Mental simulations with current self-knowledge are constructed when people think of the future, which may influence the level of humanness they would attribute to strangers. It was predicted that participants in a future-oriented mindset, given their self-centric mental representation of the future, would be less likely than participants in a past-oriented mindset to infrahumanize strangers. There was not a significant direct effect of temporal focus on perceived humanness found. Effects of temporal focus on level of rated humanness were moderated by valence of emotional experiences attributed to others, such that the hypothesis was supported for negatively valenced emotional experiences only. Perceived humanness ratings were significantly higher in the future-oriented than in the past-oriented condition for negatively valenced indicators.
Les profils des familles bénéficiaires de l’allocation migrants au prisme des évolutions démographiques et migratoires
Authors: Eremenko Tatiana
Published: March 2021

Cet article examine l’évolution des profils des familles bénéficiaires de l’allocation migrants, composées de travailleurs migrants en France avec des enfants restés au pays, dans la période 1968-2018. Alors que le nombre de familles bénéficiaires résidant dans les principaux pays d’origine hors Europe (Algérie, Maroc, Tunisie, Turquie, Sénégal et Mali) augmente dans un premier temps, une forte baisse est observée depuis les années 1980. En 2018, moins de dix mille familles bénéficiaires à l’étranger sont recensées. Ces familles, à l’exception du Mali, comptent de moins en moins d’enfants à charge, signalant l’absence de leur renouvellement. Si les évolutions démographiques et migratoires expliquent une partie de ces résultats, ils doivent être replacés dans un contexte plus général caractérisé par les difficultés croissantes des migrants et leurs familles d’accéder à leurs droits sociaux.
Tinjauan Kriminologis Pola Penjualan Kosmetik Illegal di Kota Bima
Authors: Syamsuddin  , Zuhrah  , Haryati Tia
Published: March 2021

Penjualan kosmetik ilegal  di Indonesia sangat berkembang pesat, lebih khususnya di Wilayah Kota Bima. Berbagai cara dilakukan para pelaku usaha untuk meraup banyak keuntungan, salah satunya dengan memproduksi dan memperdagangkan kosmetik ilegal. Produk kosmetik ilegal merupakan produk yang tidak memiliki izin edar dan tidak memenuhi   syarat   peredaran   sediaan  farmasi   dan   alat   kesehatan dan/atau  kosmetika berdasarkan Peraturan Menteri Kesehatan Republik Indonesia Nomor 72 Tahun 1998. Produk kosmetik illegal ini tentu dapat menimbulkan dampak negatif bagi kesehatan. Efek samping kosmetik menimbulkan kekhawatiran pengguna kosmetik yang tetap ingin menjaga penampilan mereka.  Adapun rumusan  masalah  dalam  penelitian  ini  adalah:  1)  Apakah  faktor penyebab  terjadinya  penjualan  kosmetik  ilegal  secara bebas  di Kota Bima?  2)  Bagaimana  peran  Loka  Pengawas  Obat  dan  Makanan  (POM) dalam mengawasi penjualan kosmetik illegal di Kota Bima? 3) Apakah akibat hukum bagi pelaku usaha yang menjual kosmetik illegal secara bebas?. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode penelitian hukum Empiris atau disebut penelitian lapangan. Penelitian ini didukung dengan data primer sebagai data utama dan data sekunder sebagai data pendukung.Dari hasil penelitian didapatkan bahwa kesulitan ekonomi, banyaknya permintaan, ingin meraup banyak keuntungan serta kurangnya pengawasan menjadi faktor penyebab terjadinya penjualan kosmetik ilegal secara bebas. Sedangkan peran Loka POM yaitu melakukan pengawasan secara berkala serta melakukan uji sampling kandungan kosmetik berdasarkan analisa resiko. Adapun sanksi hukum bagi pelaku usaha yang menjual kosmetik ilegal yaitu sanksi administratif, saknsi pidana dijerat dengan Pasal 196 dan Pasal 197 Undang-Undang Kesehatan Nomor 36 Tahun 2009, dan sanksi perdata
Нравственная элита: формирование, место и роль в обществе
Authors: Куксачёв Николай
Published: March 2021

В переломные исторические моменты остро встает вопрос о силах, способных сплотить общество на принципах нравственности и морали. Такой объединяющей социальной группой автору видится нравственная элита. В работе сделана попытка выделить наиболее важные черты, характеризующие данную социальную группу, проанализировать социальные и психологические трудности, с которыми приходится сталкиваться представителям данной группы при реализации своих устремлений. Выделены важнейшие принципы, которыми обуславливается формирование нравственной культуры данной группы общества
Фундаментальность проблемы бытия и существования в перспективе истории философии
Authors: Чупров Александр
Published: March 2021

Статья посвящена фундаментальной проблеме философии – диалектике бытия и существования. Автор исходит из того, что основной вопрос философии – это вопрос об истине, который в своей сущности тожественен вопросу о бытии и формах его существования. Специфику философского познания, отличающей его как от научного, так и религиозного познания, автор усматривает в осмыслении мира конечных вещей (мира существования) как опосредования я-бытия и бытия всеобщего. В статье дан краткий обзор развития такого подхода в истории мировой философской мысли.
Гидронимы как источник изучения хоролого- -хронологических аспектов овладения этнокультурным ландшафтом: на примере могилевской области Беларуси
Authors: Шарухо Игорь
Published: March 2021

Топонимы являются важнейшим элементом национальной идентификации. Каждая страна имеет собственное топонимическое поле. Наиболее устойчивый элемент любого топонимического поля – гидронимы. В статье дается анализ 700 основных гидронимов Могилевской области Беларуси по 8 языковым группам: кельтские, германские, балтские, славянские и другие. Гидронимы рассмотрены как источник изучения пространственных и временных аспектов овладения этнокультурным ландшафтом.
I Ogólnopolska Studencko-Doktorancka Konferencja Kół Naukowych „Wyzwania bezpieczeństwa na początku trzeciej dekady XXI w.”, Siedlce 24 września 2020 r.
Authors: Storska Paulina
Published: March 2021

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