bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Student attitudes towards computer-assisted language learning and its effect on their EFL writing
Authors: Jahangard Ali , Rahimi Ali , Norouzizadeh Maral
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to assess the attitudes and perceptions of English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) students towards the use of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) programs and their perceived view on an online writing system that was developed in the present study by means of a questionnaire as well as an asynchronous discussion forum. An online writing system was developed and a sample of 30 EFL learners, studying at Sharif University of Technology in Iran, was assigned to the study. The CALL attitudes of the participants were assessed by a CALL questionnaire, which indicated that Iranian students attached a high value to CALL. Moreover, the comments of the participants that were posted on a discussion forum were analysed with the aid of Henriâ€™s framework (1992), which revealed the presence of certain concepts and themes within the views of learners towards the use of computers in their educational settings.

 

Keywords: Computer-assisted instruction (CAI), computer-assisted language learning (CALL), EFL writing, student attitudes.
The comparative effects of different gloss types through screencast on vocabulary learning and working memory of Iranian EFL learners
Authors: Tavasoli Mohammad Reza , Mowlaie Bahram , Majid Milad Abdol , Rahimi Ali
Published: August 2021

Screen cast as a viable digital tool to enhance vocabulary learning and retention is quite rare in many language contexts in Iran. It was stipulated that the application of different gloss types as a new pedagogical technique could be of value for this purpose. Therefore, the present study aimed at investigating the effect of different gloss types presented through screen cast on learning vocabulary and working memory (WM). For this purpose, 60 male Iranian EFL learners were assigned to three equal groups (i.e., two experimental and a control group). After pre-tests, the experimental groups were taught vocabulary through different gloss types (i.e., lexical and topic-level) by means of a screen cast presentation. The control group was instructed through traditional techniques. The analysis of the data in post-tests revealed that the experimental groups outperformed the control group. It is thus suggested that gloss types presented via screen cast can boost EFL learnersâ€™ vocabulary knowledge and WM. This result can have pedagogical implications for EFL teachers and material developers.

 

Keywords: Gloss types, screen cast, vocabulary learning, working memory.
World from children’s eyes: This is our World!
Authors: Guller Ebru , Tokuc Ayca
Published: August 2021

Knowledge and awareness of environmental and ecological issues, and the propensity to think and care about these issues from a wide perspective, i.e., environmental consciousness, are necessary, and can be improved by environmental education. This study aims to evaluate and improve environmental consciousness of children. This work shows the preliminary results of a workshop entitled ‘This is our world’. In this context, in the first stage, how the children see the world that they are living in is researched by examining their answers to the question ‘What kind of a place is the world?’ In the second stage, the children answered the question ‘What kind of a world do we want?’ and presented their ideas about the world they dream to live in. In the third stage, the children designed on balloons, which represented the world. Their answers and designs were collected via a semi-structured interview form and two- and three-dimensional visual materials, i.e., pictures and models. The data were evaluated through keywords related to their conceptual development and environmental consciousness. Content analysis and semiotic analysis were applied to the data. In addition, the written data, the visual data and the analysis results were triangulated to test for consistency between the data and analysis results. In conclusion, how to build a healthy world was examined by deciphering the children’s dream world.
Keywords: Environmental education, environmental perception, environmental consciousness, children
Connection of architectural education with the technological world in Northern Cyprus
Authors: Karaca Alp
Published: August 2021

Due to the developing economic and technological opportunities, our structural environment and living spaces vary. In line with the increasing supply and demands of human beings, technological developments are increasing day by day, and they are trying to meet the expectations. The technological developments that started with the French Revolution show themselves in our living spaces, in every environment, where human beings exist and play the first-order factor in our lives. There is a process where living spaces and designs change and technological developments restructure the social environment of human beings. Technology, which developed rapidly, especially after 1990, is no longer a necessity but has become an indispensable part of our social life. Today, our relations with each other are now in a direct connection with technology. While our living spaces are being renewed and changed so rapidly, todayâ€™s adequacy of architectural education should be questioned. Has the education given in architectural education been able to meet the rapidly increasing demands of human beings? Have technological opportunities been a part of architectural education and can they use it effectively? The answer to these questions will be tried to be answered within the scope of architectural education, which is the focus of the research. In particular, the extent to which architectural design, which has a great place in the virtual reality environment, is supported during the university education process will be explored and the relationship between technological developments and design education will be revealed. In addition to the resource and data analyses to be carried out at all universities that provide architectural education accredited by YOK throughout Northern Cyprus, the research will also include observation methods and reports.

 

Keywords: Architectural education, technology, living spaces, virtual reality, design, North Cyprus.
Göç olgusunun sosyal dişlanma ekseninde analizi
Authors: Gersil Gulsen
Published: August 2021

Goc olgusu, sadece goc sorunu ile mucadele eden ulkelerde degil, tum ulkelerin oncelikli olarak tartistiklari konular arasinda yerini almistir. Goclerin nedenleri; issizlik, yoksulluk, egitim cografi yapi, yoksunluk, siyasi veya istihdam kaynakli olabilir. Ancak gocun temel kaynagi isgucunun hareketliligidir. Kuresellesme sureciyle birlikte ortaya cikan gelir esitsizligi nedeniyle isgucu arz ve talebi ulusal sinirlari asarak uluslararasilasmistir. Her ulke gocle farkli bicimlerde; hedef ulke, kaynak ulke, transit ulke kavramlariyla yuzlesmek zorunda kalmistir. Dunyada 20 ila 30 milyon arasinda duzensiz goc gerceklestigi tahmin edilmektedir. Son yillarda, Turkiye cografi konumu nedeniyle gocmenlerin duzensiz olarak gecici ve transit gecis yolu olarak kullandiklari bir ulke durumundadir. Gelismis ulkeler nitelikli gocmenleri kabul etmekte dusuk nitelikli gocmenleri ise kabul etmemektedirler. Bu baglamda, goc sorunu sadece ekonomik boyutlari ile degil sosyal boyutlari ile de oldukca onemli bir sorundur. Gocmenlerin bulunduklari ulkelerde entegrasyon surecleri oldukca uzun ve guc olmaktadir. Gocmen olmalari nedeniyle issizlik ve buna bagli yoksulluk ve sosyal dislanma ile karsi karsiya kalmaktadirlar. Bu calismanin amaci, Son yillarda Turkiye’nin karsi karsiya kaldigi goc olgusunun kavramsal boyutlarinin belirlenerek, gocmenlerin karsi karsiya kaldiklari yoksulluk sorunlarinin yani sira sosyal dislanma boyutunun neden ve sonuclariyla analizi gerceklestirilecektir.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Goc, Gocmen, Issizlik, Yoksulluk, Sosyal Dislanma
Bilingualism and reading proficiency: Experiences of Armenian, Persian and Azeri students
Authors: Dadashi Mehdi , Soltani Ali , Rahimi Ali
Published: August 2021

The study presented here is an attempt to investigate the role of bilingualism in EFL studentsâ€™ reading comprehension proficiency, and to that end six classes of three high schools were randomly chosen. These high schools were Soghomonian (Armenian bilinguals), Taleghani (Turkish bilinguals) and Ershad (Persian monolinguals). They were given a questionnaire and a reading comprehension test and the obtained data were analysed through one-way analysis of variance test. The performance of the three groups was significantly different. Tukeyâ€™s HSD showed that the Armenian bilingual group was the first and best group and the Persian monolingual group was the second one; however, the Turkish bilingual group was the poor third. The results suggest that L1 literacy practices of the Armenian bilinguals have worked to their advantage to the extent that they have outperformed the other two groups. This has not been the case with the Turkish bilinguals whose lack of L1 practices has worked to their detriment.
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Keywords: Bilingualism, literacy, reading comprehension, EFL students.
Örgütsel bağlılık sivil havacılık kabin ekipleri üzerine bir araştırma
Authors: Arisoy Burcu , Bicer Yumak Emsal Merve
Published: August 2021

Örgütlerin amaçlarına ulaşmasında en önemli etken, yapılan işin kalitesidir. Bir işin kalitesi de insan faktörüne bağlıdır. Bu nedenle, örgütler amaçlarını gerçekleştirmek için insan kaynağına sürekli yatırım yapmalı ve örgüt bünyesinde tutmaya çalışmalıdır; yani çalışanların örgüte olan bağlılıklarını artırmalıdırlar. Çalışan memnuniyeti ile örgütsel bağlılık arasındaki ilişkiye yönelik yapılan araştırmalarda, memnuniyetin örgütsel bağlılık boyutları üzerindeki etkileri araştırılmıştır. Araştırmaların ortak sonucuna göre; genel olarak çalışan memnuniyeti ve örgütsel bağlılık arasında istatistiksel açıdan anlamlı ilişkiler ortaya çıkmıştır. Bu çalışmada, havacılık sektöründeki çalışanların memnuniyetlerinin artmasıyla çalışanların örgüte karşı bir bağlılık duyacağı ve bunun sonucunda müşterilere daha kaliteli hizmet verileceği varsayılmıştır. Sivil havacılık sektöründe kabin ekipleri, her havayolu şirketinin ön hattını temsil etmekte ve hizmet kalitesinin sağlanmasında önemli bir rol oynamaktadırlar. Bu nedenle örgütsel bağlılık her organizasyon için yaşamsal bir öneme sahip olmaktadır. Bu araştırma, bir havayolu şirketinden rasgele seçilmiş 100 kabin görevlisinin, bağlı olduğu şirkette çalışmaktan ne derece memnun olduğunu ve bu memnuniyetinin ya da memnuniyetsizliğinin hangi faktörlere bağlı olduğunu ortaya koymayı amaçlamaktadır. Aynı zamanda yaş, cinsiyet, medeni durum, deneyim (görev süresi), eğitim durumu gibi bazı demografik özellikler açısından farklılık gösterip göstermediğinin tespit edilmesi de araştırmanın amaçları arasında yer almaktadır. Araştırmanın verileri anket yöntemi ile toplanmıştır. Bu bağlamda, çalışma iki bölümden oluşmaktadır. Birinci bölümde, örgütsel bağlılığa ilişkin kavramsal çerçeve sunulmuş ve örgütsel bağlılığı etkileyen faktörler literatüre uyumlu bir şekilde ifade edilmiştir. İkinci bölümde ise araştırma bulguları ve bu bulgulara ilişkin değerlendirmeler yapılmıştır. Kabin görevlilerinin örgütsel bağlılık düzeylerinin çeşitli boyutlarının, yaş, cinsiyet, görev süreleri, bulundukları pozisyon ve eğitim durumlarına göre farklılaştığı tespit edilmiştir. Kabin ekiplerinin çalışan memnuniyeti ve örgütsel bağlılık arasındaki ilişkide pozitif yönlü ve anlamlı ilişki olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Sivil havacılık sektöründe yer alan örgütlerin çalışan memnuniyeti ve bağlılıklarını arttırmaya yönelik uygulamalar tavsiye edilmektedir. Örgütsel bağlılık kavramı gelecek yıllar içinde örgütler açısından önemi koruyacaktır.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Çalışan Bağlılığı; Çalışan Memnuniyeti, Kabin ekibi; Örgütsel Bağlılık, Sivil Havacılık
Ubiquity of cyberchondria among Teachers: the case of basic and higher education institution (HEI) Teachers in Southern Philippines
Authors: Roble Dennis Balanay , Lomibao Laila Salvaña , Maglipong Maria Virginia Jones Valdez
Published: August 2021

The internet is a potential source of medical information. However, it can also be a source of increased anxiety and distress among people. This anxiety due to excess searching for medical information online is known as cyberchondria. Even before the COVID-19 global pandemic, research suggest that teachers’ performance and productivity can also be negatively influenced by stress and anxiety. This study aimed to evaluate the cyberchondria constructs among teachers in the basic and higher education institutions in Cagayan de Oro City using the Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS-15). Data are collected among the 143 basic and higher education teacher-respondents and results revealed that the majority of them are affected with compulsion (81.81%), distress (93.71%), excessiveness (98.6%) and reassurance (90.91%) constructs of cyberchondria with excessiveness construct being severely affected. There are only 28.67% of the teacher-respondents who are affected by mistrust of a medical professional. Further analysis showed that the cyberchondria constructs are independent and teachers from the basic and higher education institutions shared the same level of cyberchondriasis. Hence, it can be concluded that there is a high prevalence of cyberchondria among teachers and it is recommended that strategic interventions and measures need to be designed and implemented by school administrators to preserve teachers’ wellbeing and foster positive teaching performance and students’ learning outcomes.
Esnek Çalışma Ortamındaki Çalışanlarda Öz Kontrol ve Öz Yönetim, İçsel Motivasyon ve Mutluluk İlişkisine Dair Bir Araştırma
Authors: TAŞ Mehmet Ali , TORTUMLU Muhammet
Published: August 2021

Bu araştırmanın amacı; çalışanların öz kontrol ve öz yönetim algıları, iş hayatındaki içsel motivasyonları ve mutluluk düzeyleri arasındaki ilişkiyi ve etkileşimi ortaya koymaktır. Özellikle çalışanların öz kontrol ve öz yönetim algılarının içsel motivasyon aracılığıyla çalışanların mutluluğunu etkileyip etkilemediği ortaya konulmaya çalışılmaktadır. Buradan hareketle amaçlı örneklem yöntemi ve anket tekniği kullanılarak 221 katılımcıdan veri toplanmıştır. Örneklem kitlesi ise İstanbul ilinde, bilişim sektöründe esnek çalışma sistemine göre faaliyet gösteren işletmelerdeki çalışanlardan oluşmaktadır. Analiz sonuçlarına göre öz kontrol ve öz yönetimin hem içsel motivasyonu hem de mutluluğu anlamlı ve pozitif şekilde etkilediği ortaya çıkmıştır. Bunun yanında içsel motivasyonun da mutluluğu anlamlı yordadığı tespit edilmiştir. Araştırmanın en önemli sonucu ise, öz kontrol ve öz yönetimin mutluluk ile ilişkisinde, içsel motivasyonun tam aracılık rolüne sahip olduğudur. Sonuç olarak, kişinin öz kontrol ve öz yönetim düzeyinin yükselmesi, çalışanların içsel enerjiyle çalışmasını sağlamaktadır. Bu durumun aynı zamanda çalışanların mutluluğuna da yansıdığı görülmektedir.
Gelişmiş Ülkelerde Doğrudan Yabancı Yatırım Çıkışları İle Yurt İçi Yatırımlar Arasındaki Nedensellik İlişkisi
Authors: AYDIN Nur
Published: August 2021

Bu çalışmanın amacı gelişmiş ülkelerde doğrudan yabancı yatırım çıkışları ile yurt içi yatırımları arasındaki nedensellik ilişkisini incelemektir. Çalışma, dokuz gelişmiş ülke için (ABD, Almanya, Fransa, Hollanda, İngiltere, İrlanda, İsviçre, Japonya ve Kanada) 1985-2018 dönemi için ele alınmıştır. Çalışmada doğrudan yabancı yatırım çıkışları ile yurt içi yatırımlar arasındaki nedensellik ilişkisi yatay kesit bağımlılığı ve homojeniteye izin veren panel Granger nedensellik testiyle incelenmiştir. Çalışmanın yatay kesit bağımlılığı ve homojenlik testi sonuçlarına göre serilerde yatay kesit bağımlılığı vardır. Ayrıca çalışmanın eğim katsayıları beklentilere uygun şekilde homojendir. CADF panel birim kök testi sonuçlarına göre ülke ve paneli oluşturan seriler düzey değerinde durağan değildir. Panel Granger nedensellik sonuçlarına göre ise gelişmiş ülkelerde doğrudan yabancı yatırım çıkışlarından ana ülkenin yurt içi yatırımlarına doğru tek yönlü bir nedensellik ilişkisi vardır.
Investigation of the Relationship between Influencers and Generation Z in the Context of Uses and Gratifications Theory
Authors: YAMAN Deniz , ÇAKIN Ömer
Published: August 2021

The aim of the study is to determine which needs of Generation Z individuals obtain satisfaction from influencers, who are described as the mechanism of action of social media, and to examine to which extent these satisfaction levels differ in the context of the Uses and Gratifications Theory. The survey method is preferred for the collection of research data; also, Snowball Sampling and Convenience Sampling methods are used in selecting the sample to represent the research population. During the online creation of the survey form, the Google Forms application is used, and the link of the form is made available to the participants via Internet. In the context of research, data is collected from 614 participants, and the responses of 513 individuals who have the necessary prerequisites are evaluated. In the data analyses stage, SPSS 22.0 package program is utilized. The data are subjected to Independent Sample T-Test and ANOVA analyzes in order to determine whether there are any differences between the level of participation of the individuals in the expressions in the scale. According to the results, it is determined that there are statistically significant differences between the participation levels of the individuals.
COVID-19 Related Misconceptions and Prevention Practices Among the Public in a Southeastern City in Nigeria
Authors: Iloanusi Sorochi , Mgbere Osaro , Iloanusi Nchebe-Jah Raymond , Yunusa Ismaeel , Essien Ekere J.
Published: August 2021

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic brought several misconceptions that could hinder individuals from taking necessary measures to prevent infection, thus, undermining the public health containment efforts. We aimed to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 related misconceptions and their associations with demographic characteristics and prevention practices in Onitsha city in Anambra state, Nigeria.
Methods: We analyzed data from a cross-sectional survey of 140 adult residents of Onitsha city in Anambra state, Nigeria, conducted in March 2020. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to describe the study population and determine the associations between COVID-19 misconceptions, demographic characteristics, and implementation of COVID-19 prevention practices. Data management and statistical analyses were conducted using SAS JMP Statistical DiscoveryTM Software version 14.3 (SAS Institute, Cary, North Carolina, USA).
Results: The participants’ average age was 34.5 (SD: ±10.9) years, and most were males (54.3%). Misconceptions about COVID-19 among the study population resulted in markedly reduced compliance with nearly all prevention practices. Some participants believed that COVID-19 would not spread in Nigeria (34.4%, p<0.0001), was not fatal (10.8%, p<0.0001), can be prevented and cured through spiritual means (48.2%, P <0.0001), use of herbs (13.6%, P <0.0001), use of antibiotics (11.4%, p<0.0001) and that COVID-19 vaccine was available (25.4%, p<0.01). Misconception about the possibility of COVID-19 spread was significantly associated with non-compliance to all prevention practices (P<0.05) except travel restrictions.
Conclusions and Implications for Translation: Our study suggests the need for the government to tailor interventions targeting the common misconceptions in Onitsha in order to improve the public’s trust and compliance with recommended COVID-19 prevention practices. Misconception has become a significant public health challenge, primarily as its prioritization over scientific evidence and guidelines directly affects the pandemic preparedness and control efforts and may cause more people to be at risk of contracting COVID-19.
 
Copyright © 2021 Iloanusi et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0.
HOW TECHNOLOGICAL MINERALOGY CAN SOLVE PROBLEMS OF INTEGRATED PROCESSING OF MINERAL RAW
Authors:   All-Russian Scientific-Research Institute of Mineral Resources named after N. M. Fedorovsky, OZHOGINA Elena , KOTOVA Olga ,   Yushkin Institute of Geology KSC UB RAS
Published: August 2021

The development of mineral resources of solid mineral resources goes mainly together with problems because of natural factors, which determines current position of modern technological mineralogy. We paid particular attention to problems of mineralogical study of refractory ores of natural and technogenic genesis, associated with technical, technological and economic factors. We showed that many provisions of “Strategy for the development of Russian industry for the processing, utilization and disposal of industrial and consumer wastes for the period up to 2030” are related to the field of technological mineralogy. Intensive development and improvement of physical methods of mineralogical analysis resulted in need for their metrological support. Creation of a strict metrological basis for quality control of mineralogical works ensures the reliability of results of performed researches. The formation of new methods and techniques, both research tools and technologies for studying the composition, structure and properties of solid minerals, contribute to understanding interrelationships of mineral phases and resulting spatial and temporal patterns of coexistence of minerals in rocks, ores and other natural and technogenic formations. We considered achievements, problems and prospects for the development of technological mineralogy, an algorithm for the application of its methods and approaches in the management of complex processing of mineral raw. The main emphasis is placed on the development of scientific and methodological prerequisites for solving problem of rational development of mineral raw, the maximum possible extraction and integrated use of all minerals (both main and accompanying), expansion and strengthening of the mineral resource base in the light of the global challenges of the economic and environmental doctrines of modern civilization. The studies of complex mineral systems increasingly use information technologies “big data”. For the best solution of complex tasks of geological and technological mapping and mineragenic research, methods of remote sensing using the Landsat program are becoming popular. We emphasized importance of interactive forms and methods of teaching mineralogical research for specialists from organizations of different departmental affiliation.
PROSPECTS FOR CREATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGIES FOR PROCESSING OF SUBSOIL WASTE USE
Authors:   All-Russian Research Institute of Mineral Raw Materials named after N. M. Fedorovsky, KURKOV Alexander , ANUFRIEVA Svetlana ,   All-Russian Research Institute of Mineral Raw Materials named after N. M. Fedorovsky, TEMNOV Alexander ,   Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation
Published: August 2021

The need to decide the problem of growing accumulation of waste for the purposes of sustainable development and the creation of a closed-loop economy, improving the rational use of natural resources stimulate the creation of conditions for improving the efficiency of the use of waste generated during subsoil use – the main and separate group of production and consumption waste. The Considered legislative initiatives of the Government of the Russian Federation on improving the state regulation of the use of subsoil waste are considered. Technological and environmental limitations of involvement in the development of subsoil use waste are considered. The article provides an overview of modern technologies and equipment for processing mineral raw materials that are promising for involving in the processing of subsoil use waste. Examples of the development and commercial implementation of technologies for extracting valuable components from subsoil use waste are presented. Improving the processes of processing mineral raw materials and the experience of processing man-made raw materials in Russia and the world provide prerequisites for the creation of new non-waste (or) low-waste methods for processing subsoil use waste ensuring high extraction of valuable components and the use of non-metallic components.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MINING COMPLEX OF THE MURMANSK REGION: MINIMIZATION OF MAN-MADE IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Authors:   Institute of Industrial Ecology Problems of the North - a separate subdivision of the Federal Research Centre “Kola Science Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, MASLOBOEV Vladimir , MAKAROV Dmitry ,   Institute of Industrial Ecology Problems of the North - a separate subdivision of the Federal Research Centre “Kola Science Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, KLYUCHNIKOVA Elena ,   Institute of Industrial Ecology Problems of the North - a separate subdivision of the Federal Research Centre “Kola Science Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences”
Published: August 2021

The Murmansk region is a region with the largest enterprises of the mining complex of the Russian Federation: KF JSC “Apatit”, JSC “Kola MMC”, JSC “Olkon”, JSC” Kovdorsky GOK”, JSC” North-West Phosphorus Company”, LLC”Lovozersky GOK”. They provide the majority of the country’s demand for phosphate ores, zirconium raw materials (baddeleyite), niobium, tantalum, and rare earth metals. In addition, the mining and processing of copper-nickel, iron and chrome ores, nepheline and ceramic raw materials, facing stone and building materials is carried out. At the same time, the activities of enterprises have a very negative impact on the environment. The issues of environmental safety in the extraction and processing of minerals, storage of mining waste in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation are of particular relevance. The definition of sustainable development in relation to the mining industry is given. The concepts of available best technologies, circular economy, and “green growth” are considered from the point of view of their contribution to sustainable development. It is shown that the sustainable development of enterprises at the present stage is impossible without improving the environmental friendliness of production. The article analyzes the legislation of the Russian Federation and the practice of its application to identify mechanisms that promote sustainable development and eliminate barriers to the implementation of this concept in the mining industry. New technological solutions have been developed for mining enterprises of the Murmansk region, aimed at reducing aero-technogenic emissions, cleaning waste (mine) water, processing tailings of enrichment as man-made deposits, which allows both to minimize man-made environmental impacts and to increase the full use of mineral raw materials. Thus, the expediency of using the principles of “green growth” for the development of economic development policies in the Arctic is justified.
FLOTATION REAGENTS FOR FINELY DISSEMINATED GOLD EXTRACTION FROM UNENRICHED ORES AND TECHNOGENIC PRODUCTS
Authors:   IPKON RAS, MATVEEVA Tamara
Published: August 2021

At the present stage of development of the mineral resource base of precious metals, the wider involvement of refractory ores and technogenic products in the mineral processing is playing a very important role. It is due to these types of mineral resources the main Russian and foreign companies plan to get the increase in the production of gold and other precious metals. Refractory ores are characterized by low content and uneven distribution of valuable components, emulsion dissemination of gold, complex material composition, flotation active silicate and carbonaceous rock components. The main technologies for their processing include combined schemes that provide intensive preliminary preparation of ore, fine and ultrafine grinding. Creation of effective reagents for flotation of fine classes of noble metals, selective depression of gold-free sulfides, like pyrite, pyrrhotite, arsenopyrite, and rock minerals is one of the recognized innovative solutions for intensifying the enrichment process of this type of raw material. The studies performed at IPKON RAS in the framework of the scientific school of Academician V.A. Chanturiya helped to develop and substantiate the novel selective reagents-collectors of dithiocarbamate type (DEDTCm, OPDTC, DBDTC, MDTC) and herbal modifiers that possess complexing properties in relation to noble metals and provide an increase in the recovery of valuable components of gold by 5-7%. A set of analytical methods - scanning electron (LEO 1420VP, Carl Zeiss) and laser microscopy (KEYNCE VK-9700, Shimadzu), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (ARL ADVANT’X), ICP –MS (Agilent 725 ICP-OES, Agilent Technologies), X-ray diffractometry (DRON-2.0, XRD 7000, Shimadzu), potentiometry, titrimetric analysis, methods of mathematical statistics helped to study the adsorption layer of the reagents on natural minerals and model sulfides with micro- and nanosized gold. Using an original technique for quantitative assessment of the reagent coating by image analysis (SLM), the surface area of the mineral occupied by the reagent was calculated. A method for selective flotation of gold-containing sulfides using OPDTC and oak bark extract has been developed and tested in the separation of the collective gold-arsenic concentrate of the Olympiada deposit. It showed the possibility of obtaining a gold-pyrite concentrate with an arsenic content of less than 2%. The prospect of using plant modifiers for gold recovery during flotation of complex ores has been substantiated.
INNOVATIVE PROCESSES OF DEEP AND ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE PROCESSING OF TECHNOGENIC RAW MATERIALS IN THE CONDITIONS OF NEW ECONOMIC CHALLENGES
Authors:   Institute of Comprehensive Exploitation of Mineral Resources named after Academician N. V. Melnikov Russian Academy of Sciences, CHANTURIA Valentin , SHADRUNOVA Irina ,   Institute of Comprehensive Exploitation of Mineral Resources named after Academician N. V. Melnikov Russian Academy of Sciences, GORLOVA Olga ,   Nosov Magnitogorsk State Technical University
Published: August 2021

Innovative processes of deep and complex processing of technogenic raw materials in the context of sustainable development of the mining industry and the economic challenges facing the mining industry should ensure the transition to a circular economy and the maximum use of natural resources. The article reflects the priority scientific and technological research on the involvement of technogenic mineral resources in efficient processing. Presented, developed at ICEMR RAS, including jointly with universities, research and production organizations and enterprises, modern innovative processes of deep and environmentally friendly processing of refractory mineral raw materials of complex material composition (tailings of enrichment of non-ferrous and noble metal ores, poor off-balance ores, slags ferrous and nonferrous metallurgy, sludge of metallurgical production) and hydro-mineral technogenic resources (acidic mineralized bottom-dump waters of mining enterprises of the copper-zinc complex of the Urals, saponite-containing circulating waters of diamond processing factories). Among other things, new directions in the field of selective disintegration of finely dispersed mineral raw materials based on energy effects and deep processing of slags are outlined; increasing the selectivity of enrichment processes; combined processing of technogenic raw materials; resource-saving processing of technogenic and hydro-mineral resources, obtaining secondary products from processing waste. It is shown that in the face of new economic challenges, Russia has sufficient scientific and technological potential in the field of deep and environmentally safe processing of technogenic raw materials in the form of developed and, to varying degrees, tested innovative resource-saving technologies that correspond to the world level, and in a number of technologies are superior to it.
PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ELECTROCHEMICAL METHODS FOR MODIFYING THE PROPERTIES OF DIAMONDS AND ORE PULP COMPONENTS DURING THE SEPARATION OF DIAMOND-BEARING KIMBERLITES
Authors:   Mirninsky Polytechnic Institute of the Branch of the North- Eastern Federal University named after M. K. Ammosov, DVOICHENKOVA Galina , CHANTURIA Elena ,   National Research Technological University “MISIS”, TIMOFEEV Alexander ,   Institute of Complex Mineral Resources Development Problems after Academician N. V. Melnikov, CHERNYSHEVA Elena ,   JSC «Coraline Engineering»
Published: August 2021

The main deposits of kimberlite ores located in the regions of Western Yakutia are enriched at the ALROSA diamond extraction factories using a similar technology, in which the maximum completeness of extraction and safety of diamond crystals is ensured by the stages of schemes. The bulk of diamond crystals is extracted in the processes of heavy medium, sticky and foam separation, the effectiveness of which is determined by the properties of diamonds, kimberlite minerals and the media separating them. The article presents the results of theoretical and experimental studies carried out by ICEMR RAS together with the largest universities in Russia, scientific and industrial enterprises of ALROSA. It is shown that the use of combined energy methods of destruction and removal of hydrophilizing formations on diamond crystals provides hydrophobization of their surface in the processes of sticky and foam separation. It has been established that the efficiency and economic indicators of the process of dense medium separation of diamond-containing raw materials are due to the stability of the technological properties of the weighting agent of the ferrosilicon medium and the suspension prepared on its basis. The method for modifying the corrosion resistance of ferrosilicon by nitriding its surface has been substantiated and tested. The proposed method makes it possible to create a protective shell on the surface of the granules, preventing their destruction upon contact with corrosive components of the water-air environment. Semi-industrial tests have established the possibility of increasing the extraction of diamonds into concentrates for sticky and foam separation by 4 and 5.2%, respectively. The results of laboratory tests have confirmed the possibility of reducing the corrosion rate of ferrosilicon by 5-6 times in the process of dense medium separation.
ASSESSMENT OF VULNERABILITY IN AGRICULTURAL LAND IN FLOOD PRONE AREAS AND APPLICATION OF MOBILE SMART PHONE IN PROVIDING FLOOD HAZARD INFORMATION IN LAM RIVER BASIN (VIETNAM)
Authors:   Hanoi University Natural Resources and Environment, DUNG Nguyen , MINH Dang ,   Thuy loi University, AN Bui ,   Thuy Loi University, NGA Nguyen ,   Vietnam National Academy of Public Administration
Published: August 2021

Floods are considered to be one of the most costly natural hazards in the Lam river basin causing infrastructure damages as well as devastating the affected area and relatively high death toll. So prevention is necessary for shielding lives and properties. The flood management on the Lam River basin has been considering for many years to minimize damages caused by flooding. The flood hazard zoning map is one of the indispensable tools to provide information about hazard and risk levels in a particular area and to perform the necessary preventive and preparedness procedures. The multicriteria decision analysis based on geographic information systems is used to build a flood hazard map of the study area. The analytic hierarchy process is applied to extract the weights of six criteria affecting the areas where are prone to flooding hazards, including rainfall, slope, relative slope length, soil, land cover, and drainage density. The results showed in 91.32 % (20103.83 km2) of the basin located in the moderate hazard zones to very high hazard zones. Accordingly, this study also determined 4 vulnerability levels to agricultural land including low, medium, high, and very high. About 94% of the total area of agricultural land in the basin are classified into moderate to the very high hazard of flood vulnerability. The paper presents a method that allows flood risk areas in the Lam River basin to receive information about flood risks on a smartphone, making them more aware.
Assessment of physicochemical and radon-attributable radiological parameters of drinking water samples of Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand
Authors: Singh Prakhar , Nautiyal OP , Joshi Manish , Kumar Ankur , Ahamad Taufiq , Singh Kuldeep
Published: August 2021

This study evaluates the quality of drinking water samples (sample size = 52) taken from various locations of Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand. The parameters include physiochemical properties viz. total dissolved solids (TDS in mg/L), electrical conductivity/salinity (µS/cm), pH and radiological dose attributable to radon in water (µSv/y). TDS values for the tested samples varied within the range of 18–434 mg/L with average value of 148 mg/L. Electrical conductivity and pH for these samples was measured as 36–868 µS/cm (average: 296 µS/cm) and 6.8–8.2 (average: 7.2), respectively. Radon activity concentration for these water samples was measured using scintillation-based radon monitor, immediately after sampling at the location site. Radon activity concentration was measured as 0.6–81.9 Bq/L with an average value of 17.8 Bq/L. The paper also estimates the annual effective ingestion dose (µSv/y), annual effective inhalation dose (µSv/y) and total effective dose (µSv/y) attributable to radon in drinking water samples. Spatial patterns for the observed variations have also been interpreted for the dataset obtained over the terrestrial region.
Transcriptional reprogramming of skeletal muscle stem cells by the niche environment
Authors: Soleimani Vahab , Lazure Felicia , Farouni Rick , Sahinyan Korin , Blackburn Darren , Hernández-Corchado Aldo , Perron Gabrielle , Lu Tianyuan , Ragoussis Ioannis , Crist Colin , Perkins Theodore , Jahani-Asl Arezu , Najafabadi Hamed
Published: August 2021

Adult stem cells are indispensable for tissue regeneration, but the number and regenerative capacity of stem cells declines with age. Whether the decrease in stem cell function is the cause or consequence of the aging of a tissue is unclear. Evidence suggests that the niche environment plays a critical role in the regulation of adult stem cell function6-10. However, quantification of the niche effect on stem cell function is an unmet challenge. Using muscle stem cells (MuSCs) as a model, we show that aging leads to a significant transcriptomic shift in MuSC subpopulations. By combining in vivo MuSC transplantation, multi-omics and computational methods, we show that the expression of approximately half of all age-altered genes in MuSCs can be restored by exposure to a young niche environment. Age-related genes whose expression is not restored exhibit altered chromatin accessibility and are associated with differentially methylated regions between young and aged cells. Our findings establish that the expression of the majority of age-related altered genes that are not epigenetically encoded is readily restorable by exposure to a young niche environment. The stem cell niche may therefore be an important therapeutic target to mitigate the negative consequences of aging on tissue regeneration.
Molecular description of meningeal solitary fibrous tumors/hemangiopericytomas compared to meningiomas: two completely separate entities
Authors: Apra Caroline , Guillemot Delphine , Frouin Eléonore , Bouvier Corinne , Mokhtari Karima , Kalamarides Michel , Pierron Gaëlle
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Meningeal solitary fibrous tumors (SFT), like all SFT, are defined by NAB2-STAT6 fusion and share clinicopathologic similarities with meningiomas, the most frequent meningeal tumors. Our aim is to establish the molecular identity of meningeal SFT and seek molecular prognostic factors. Methods: RNA sequencing and whole exome sequencing (WES) were performed in STAT6-positive SFT and grade 2–3 meningiomas, and data concerning other soft tissues tumors was obtained from the local database. Uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP), individual gene expression and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were performed. Results: RNA clustering shows that SFT share a common molecular signature, different from any other type of tumoral tissue. Meningeal SFT aggregate with other SFT, with no clinical or histological subgroup. Comparison of genes expressions suggests significant over-expressions of ZIC2, ZIC3, ZIC5, GABBR2, TP53 in CNS-SFT. The pathogenic TP53 c.743G > T variant, previously undescribed in SFT, was found in one sample of meningeal SFT during malignant progression. Conclusions: Meningeal SFT are molecular counterparts of extra-meningeal SFT, completely separate from meningiomas. They might develop from the same tissues and benefit from the same treatments as SFT.
Pyrolysis of Lemon Peel Waste in a Fixed-bed Reactor and Characterization of Innovative Pyrolytic Products
Authors: ABIDI Samira , Trabelsi Aïda Ben Hassen , Mihoubi Nourhène Boudhrioua
Published: August 2021

The pyrolysis of LPW was carried out in a laboratory fixed-bed reactor at final temperature of 300°C, 400°C and 500°C with an incremental heating rate of 10°C/min, under N2 atmosphere. The maximum yields of bio-oil, biochar and gas were 16.66 wt.% (at 400°C), 66.89 wt.% (300°C) and 54.6 wt.% (500°C), respectively. The recovered biochar FTIR characterization reveals that it is a promising precursor to produce carbon materials, biofertilizer and for solid fuel applications. The bio-oil chemical characterization (GC-MS and FTIR analyzes) shows its richness with innovative compounds such as squalene, d-limonene, ß-Sitosterol and phenol, suitable for applications agriculture, biochemical and pharmaceutical industries. The pyrolytic oil presents also good properties, suitable for its use as an engine fuel or as a potential source for synthetic fuels. The recovered pyrolytic gas has a maximum calorific value around 12 MJ/kg with an average composition of CO (up to 75.87 vol.%), of CH4 (up to 5.25 vol.%) and of CnHm (up to 1.48 vol.%). The results could be applied by citrus farmers and agri-food industrials for large scale application to ensure a sustainable waste management of their citrus by-products and to guarantee economic benefits.
COVID-VAC: The second global study of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance
Authors: Lazarus Jeffrey , Wyka Katarzyna , White Trenton , Picchio Camila , Rabin Kenneth , Ratzan Scott , Leigh Jeanna Parsons , Hu Jia , El-Mohandes Ayman
Published: August 2021

This one-year follow-up study investigated COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in 23 countries. In June 2021, 75.2% of respondents reported to accept the vaccine, of which 49% had received at least one vaccine dose and 51% were willing to get it once available to them. Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance include perceived safety and trust in science, as measured by a novel COVID-VAC score, and personal experience with COVID-19. Males, healthcare workers, well-to-do people, those with university degrees, and those whose physician recommended vaccination were more likely to accept it. Trust in governmental ability to address COVID-19 was weakly associated with vaccine acceptance. Respondents strongly supported vaccination to travel internationally, but weakly supported vaccinating children for school attendance. Hesitancy rates remain high in LMICs. Health policymakers should aggressively communicate vaccination need and inform accurately about efficacy and safety compared to disease risk, and healthcare workers need a greater vaccine communications role.
High individual heterogeneity of neutralizing activities against the original strain and 9 different variants of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Jaafar Rita , Boschi Celine , Aherfi Sarah , Bancod Audrey , Bideau Marion Le , Edouard Sophie , Colson Philippe , Chahinian Henri , Raoult Didier , Yahi Nouara , Fantini Jacques , SCOLA Bernard LA
Published: August 2021

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, several SARS-CoV-2 variants have sequentially emerged. In France, most cases were due to spike D641G-harbouring viruses that descended initially from the Wuhan strain, then by variant of B.1.160 lineage we called Marseille-4 since the summer of 2020, which was followed by the alpha (UK) and beta (South African) variants in early 2021. We determined the neutralizing antibody (nAb) titres in sera from convalescent individuals previously infected by these 4 major local variants and from vaccine recipients to the original Wuhan strain and 9 variants, including two recent circulating delta (Indian) isolates. The results show high interindividual heterogeneity in nAbs, especially according to the variant tested. Unexpectedly, the major variations among nAbs are based on the genotype responsible for the infection. Patients previously infected with the beta and B.1.160 variants had the lowest nAb titres. The highest titres were observed in patients vaccinated with the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, even with antibodies against the delta variant.
Clonally expanded CD8 T cells characterize Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 4
Authors: Marazzi Ivan , Campisi Laura , Chizari Shahab , Gromova Anastasia , Arnold Frederick , Mosca Lorena , Mei Xueyan , Fstkchyan Yesai , Beharry Cindy , Ho Jessica , Korobeynikov Vlad , Prazich Jack , Bennett Craig L , Ostrow Lyle , Lunetta Christian , Shneider Neil , Jiang Ning , Spada Albert R La
Published: August 2021

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, causing progressive loss of voluntary muscle control1,2. ALS heterogeneity includes the age of manifestation, the rate of progression, and the anatomical sites of symptom onset. In addition, disease-causing mutations in specific genes have been identified and are used to catalog different subtypes of ALS3. Interestingly, several ALS-associated genes have been shown to affect immune functions, and a variety of aberrant inflammatory events have been reported in patients and mouse models4-11, suggesting that specific immune features can also account for ALS heterogeneity. ALS4 is characterized by juvenile-onset and slow progression12. After experiencing mild symptoms during their childhood, ALS4 patients show motor difficulties by their 30s, and most of them require walkers or wheelchairs by their 50s. ALS4 is caused by dominant mutations in the gene SETX. Using Setx knock-in (KI) mice carrying the ALS4 causative L389S mutation, we discovered an immunological signature consisting of clonally activated CD8 T cells specifically in the central nervous system and blood of KI animals. Expansion of antigen-specific CD8 T cells mirrors disease progression. Bone marrow transplantation experiments indicate an essential role of the immune system in ALS4 neurodegeneration. Furthermore, we found that clonally expanded CD8 T cells circulate in the peripheral blood of ALS4 patients. Our results provide evidence of an antigen-specific CD8 T cell response linked to ALS4, and can serve not only to unravel specific disease mechanisms, but as a potential biomarker of disease activity.