bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cheap Nano-Adsorbents Based on Zno/Mineral Nanocomposites for Removal of Chloroform from Water Solution
Authors: Salehi-Babarsad Farzad , Derikvand Ehsan , Razaz Majid , Yousefi Ramin , Shirmardi Abbas
Published: December 2020

Background: Chloroform, as a hazardous chemical, can contaminate water resources via the reaction of chlorine as an antiseptic chemical with humic acids resulted from agricultural activities. In humans, chloroform may cause dizziness, heart disorders, and disorders of the nervous system. Hence, its removal is of crucial importance. Objectives: The current study aimed to propose cheap and efficient adsorbents to remove chloroform from water. Methods: Four different nanomaterials (ZnO, ZnO/graphene oxide (ZnO/GO), ZnO/GO/Zeolite, and GO/Zeolite nanocomposites) were prepared and characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images. Textural properties of the nano- adsorbents were evaluated using Brunauer Emmet Teller (BET) and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) techniques. Different isotherms and kinetic models were studied. The effect of pH on the removal efficiency of the nano-adsorbents was tested. Regenerability of the nano-adsorbents towards the removal of the chloroform was also evaluated. Results: XRD patterns and FESEM images of the nanocomposites confirmed lattice structures and nanoscale particle size of the prepared nanocomposites. According to the BET and BJH models, all samples had mesoporous structures. The BJH cumulative surface area of pores of ZnO, ZnO/GO, ZnO/GO/Zeolite, and GO/Zeolite nanocomposites were 8.5, 26.4, 17.2, and 20.8 m2/g, respectively. The best removal speed and efficiency were obtained according to the different isotherm and kinetic models for the removal of chloroform ZnO/GO nanocomposites. All adsorbents revealed characteristic adsorption in the pH range of 7 to 8. Conclusion: The ZnO/GO, a cheap and efficient nanocomposite, showed the best performance to remove chloroform from water samples due to its superior textural property. Hence, it can be used to remove chloroform from water for up to 5 cycles.
Long-term Recurrence of Endometriosis in Women with Subfertility Caused by Endometriosis: A Comparison of the Efficacy of Surgery and Assisted Reproductive Technology as Fertilization Treatment Approaches
Authors: Asadzadeh Niloofar , Chaichian Shahla , Ziadloo Mobina , Mirgaloy Bayat Shahla , Sheikhvatan Mehrdad
Published: December 2020

Background: The evolution of fertility treatment methods such as laparoscopic surgery and assisted reproductive technology (ART) leads to an increased chance for conception in women with endometriosis. However, it is still not clear which treatment is more likely to result in endometriosis recurrence. Objectives: The current study aimed at assessing the recurrence rate of endometriosis and its main determinants following fertility treatment with surgery or ART. Methods: The current historical cohort study was conducted on 51 consecutive women with endometriosis undergoing fertilization procedures, including laparoscopic surgery (n = 42) and ART (n = 9) in Tehran from 2006 to 2016. All patients with complete hospital records were enrolled in the study. The patients in the two groups were followed up for five years for endometriosis recurrence. Results: Within the follow-up time, the rate of endometriosis recurrence in patients of the surgery and ART groups was 28.6% and 44.4%, respectively, indicating no significant difference between the groups (P = 0.436). In this regard, the 1-, 2-, and 3-year recurrence-free survival rate in the ART group was 87.5%, 50.0%, and 50.0%, and in the surgery group was 96.9%, 90.6%, and 70.5%, respectively. Using the Cox proportional hazard modeling adjusted for baseline variables, the method of fertilization (ART or surgery) could not affect the rate of long-term recurrence of endometriosis (odds ratio = 1.428, 95% confidence interval: 0.177 - 9.900, P = 0.784). Conclusions: The method of fertilization treatment-e g, surgery, and ART- may not affect the rate of endometriosis recurrence in women with subfertility caused by endometriosis.
Ayrık Dalgacık Dönüşümü Bileşenlerine Ait İstatistiksel Veriler ile Epileptik EEG İşaretlerinin Sınıflandırılması
Authors: PALABAŞ Tuğba
Published: December 2020

Beynin elektriksel aktivitesindeki anormal değişimden kaynaklanan epilepsi hastalığının teşhisinde EEG işaretlerinin analizi ve sınıflandırılması oldukça önemlidir. Bu çalışmada durağan olmayan EEG işaretlerinin spektral analizinde başarılı sonuçlar elde ettiği bilinen ayrık dalgacık dönüşümü kullanılarak dalgacık katsayılar elde edilmiştir. Bu katsayılara ait en küçük değer, en büyük değer, standart sapma ve ortalamadan oluşan özellik vektörleri belirlenmiş ve model oluşturmadan sınıflandırma işlemi yaptığı için kısa sürede sonuç elde edebilen k en yakın komşuluk kNN algoritması ile de sınıflandırma işlemi gerçekleştirilmiştir. Yöntem 60 dakikalık 256 Hz örnekleme frekansına sahip nöbet ve nöbet dışı veriler ile test edilmiştir. Bu verilerin uzman doktor tarafından işaretlenmiş segmentlerinden 110 saniyelik nöbet verisi ve 110 saniyelik nöbet dışı veri %50 oranında örtüşme ile alınmış ve analiz için kullanılacak veri setleri oluşturulmuştur. İndirgenmiş vektörlerin kNN algoritması ile sınıflandırılması sonucunda nöbet ve nöbet dışı verinin doğru sınıflandırma başarısı % 83’e ulaşmıştır.
Dijital Medya Okuryazarlığı: Sorunlar, Uygulamalar ve Beklentiler
Authors: ÖZCAN Ali
Published: December 2020

Birkaç yıl öncesine kadar kitap/gazete/dergi okumak, televizyon/film izlemek, müzik dinlemek, video oyun oynamak için çeşitli araçlara gereksinim söz konusu iken günümüzde iletişim teknolojilerinde yaşanan gelişmelere bağlı olarak tüm bu etkinliklere aynı anda tek bir cihaz sayesinde katılmak mümkündür. Bu yenilikler ve erişim kolaylığı medyayla bütünleşik bir yaşam tarzını mümkün kılmış, ‘sanal âlem’ toplumun kendisinin var olduğu gerçek bir mekâna dönüştürmüştür. Geleneksel medyada birer izleyici/okuyucu/dinleyici konumunda pasif roller alan birey, dijital medya ortamlarında katılımcı/üretici olarak pozisyonunu geliştirmiştir. Gelinen noktada, medyanın/aracın kendisi, tüketici/birey ve iletişim biçiminde yaşanan değişimlerin toplamı olarak dijital medya ortamları konusunda farkındalık düzeyi yüksek, eleştirel ve etkin bir şekilde kararlar alan sorumlu bireylerin yetişmesi büyük önem taşımaktadır. Bunun için geleneksel anlamda gazete, radyo ve televizyon gibi uygulanan medya okuryazarlığının dijital medya ortamlarına (internet, sosyal medya, mobil medya) uyarlanması gereklidir. Gelişen ve çeşitlenen dijital medya ortamlarında bireylerin etkin rol alması, araçlara ilişkin bilincin oluşması, içeriklerin doğru anlamlandırılması ve eleştirel bakış açısıyla yorumlanması en önemli konulardır. Basılı metinlerin okuryazarlığı topluma katılmak için bir ön koşul iken, günümüz yeni iletişim ortamlarında okuryazarlık yoğun enformasyon bombardımanına karşı eksiksiz ve doğru bilgilenmenin temel koşutu olmuştur. Bu çalışmada geleneksel medyadan dijital/yeni medyaya ‘okuryazarlık’ olgusunun dönüşümünün gerekliliği dijital medya okuryazarlığı uygulamaları üzerinden tartışılmıştır.
Individual and Institutional Religious Exemptions from Vaccines
Authors: Anders Cameo C. ,   The National Catholic Bioethics Center
Published: December 2020

Under federal law, an individual religious exemption from vaccines is valid when it is based on subjective, sincere beliefs rooted in religion but not dependent on the existence, veracity, or accurate understanding or application of denominational tenets or doctrines. Despite the subjective nature of the individual religious exemption, Catholic institutions may recognize or deny (under certain circumstances) individual religious exemptions on the basis of the institution’s own religious exemptions. For example, under the doctrine of the common good, the significant risk to the community presented by non-vaccinated individuals could be grounds for an institution to deny an individual’s otherwise valid religious exemption. This paper attempts to clarify the decision-making framework used by law to balance individual religious exemptions and compelling state interests, then proposes a similar decision-making framework, consistent with Catholic moral principles, for religious institutions to use when balancing individual conscience objections and compelling duties to society.
Evidence-based policing
Authors: Spasić Dragana
Published: December 2020

The concept of evidence-based policing is a relatively new approach to policing that has been drawing the attention of the scientific and professional public for more than two decades, and which was inspired by a broader movement, based on the notion of "evidence-based practice". Around the world associations (so called societies) have been set up to advance the idea of evidence-based policing trough conducting and disseminating police research. The intention of the academic and professional community is to create a knowledge base that will assist the police in making decisions regarding the implementation of particular strategies and tactics in order to achieve the desired goal. Despite the current relevance of this issue, a previously conducted survey among police officers and police educators from these areas has shown that a large number of them are not yet aware of the concept mentioned above. Bearing this in mind, as well as the fact that the majority of the respondents stated that they turn to journal Bezbednost when acquiring information about the latest topics and trends in the field of policing, the author here seeks to give brief but comprehensive description of the new concept. In order to make this possible, the first part of the paper gives an overview of the notion of evidence-based medicine and the early origins of the idea of evidence-based policing. The second part of the paper is devoted to defining the notion of evidence-based policing and to more closely defining the term "evidence" in this context. Finally, a model is presented, created by Sherman, that represents the proposed framework for incorporating this concept into the police decision-making process.
Economic-legal analysis of international investments
Authors: Stanković Vladan , Mrdak Gordana , Miljković Miloš
Published: December 2020

The subject of this paper is an analysis of advantages and disadvantages of international investments - foreign direct investment (FDI) with a brief overview of the Republic of Serbia and its level and structure of FDI. Foreign direct investment is an important factor in development, especially in developing countries and countries in transition. Countries in transition, which includes Serbia and all Western Balkan countries feel a lack of capital, so it is important for them to fill the gap with foreign direct investment. For countries with current account deficits, FDI is used to increase exports and alleviate current account deficit problems. Based on experience and theoretical consideration, the paper points out the necessity of changes in our business environment, in order for Serbia to use foreign direct investments (with all its negative characteristics) which can and must give a special contribution and impetus to its economic growth.
Analiza održivosti, dometi i ograničenja ekonomske politike Evropske unije
Authors: Ristić Kristijan , Marjanović Nataša , Miličković Milosav , Kadić Zlatko
Published: December 2020

Problemi sa kojima se suočavaju velike privrede Evrope poput Nemačke i Francuske, minimalni privredni rast, rekordna nezaposlenost, priliv izbeglica, mala verovatnoća privrednog oporavka zemalja članica, ojačan američki dolar i pojačana kontrola američkih banaka nad svim bankarskim transakcijama širom sveta (radi sprečavanja izbegavanja plaćanja poreza) jesu "globalni" razlozi što je sve manje ulaganja u evropske privrede. Kriza javnih finasnija i kriza zajedničke valute evro već godinama unazad usporavaju ekonomski rast i prospretitet EU.
Teacher's attitudes on ambient teaching implementation in the beginning of environmental education
Authors: Bajić Milica , Kozoderović Gordana , Marić Mia
Published: December 2020

In everyday practice, teachers are faced with the choice of appropriate and adaptable models of environmental learning and the possibilities for their realization in practice. Ambient Teaching (AT) provides a flexible approach to the implementation of comprehensive environmental education. The research in this paper was aimed at examining the structure of teachers' attitudes on the application of ambient teaching in initial ecological education. Tasks of the research are focused on the analysis of attitudes on the application of ambient teaching, attitudes on the efficiency of its application to environmental education, as well as attitudes on the efficiency of its implementation by involving schools in eco-projects. The socio-demographic questionnaire and questionnaire for measuring attitudes were applied as the instruments of methodology. The sample consisted of 80 teachers from three primary schools from the territory of the Novi Sad municipality. The obtained results indicate that teachers have a positive attitude to the implementation of ecological content through ambient teaching. However, in order to more frequently apply this way of teaching, it is necessary for the schools to take part in a specific ecological project and achieve better quality education for both teachers and students.
Lēmumatbalsta metodes, algoritmi un rīki elektroenerģijas tirgus dalībniekiem
Authors:   , Baltputnis Kārlis
Published: December 2020

Elektroenerģijas tirgus dalībniekiem nepieciešams optimizēt savus procesus, lai nezaudētu konkurences cīņā. Turklāt efektīva tirgus darbība ir atkarīga arī no uzņēmumiem un iestādēm, kas organizē un regulē to, t.i., tirgus operatoriem, energosistēmas operatoriem un politikas veidotājiem. Šajā disertācijā dalība elektroenerģijas tirgū un tā darbība ir apskatīta no vairākām pusēm, t.i., tiek piedāvātas lēmumu pieņemšanas atbalsta metodes, algoritmi un rīki gan elektroenerģijas tirgus dalībniekiem, gan politikas veidotājiem. Darbā izstrādātas lēmumu pieņemšanas atbalsta metodes, algoritmi un rīki saistībā ar liela apjoma enerģijas akumulācijas tehnoloģijām (darbības plānošana, ietilpības izvēle), kaskādē esošām hidroelektrostacijām (darbības plānošana, hidroagregātu izvēle) un ar siltumenerģijas pieprasījuma prognozēšanu, kas ir priekšnosacījums efektīvai koģenerācijas staciju dalībai elektroenerģijas tirgū. No otras puses, politikas veidotāju lēmumu pieņemšanas atbalsts realizēts ar modelēšanu, novērtējumu un rekomendācijām saistībā ar lielo koģenerācijas staciju ietekmi uz elektroenerģijas tirgu un no tā izrietošām iespējām mainīt šīm stacijām piešķirto valsts atbalstu. Šo atšķirīgo jautājumu kopīga pazīme ir mērķis palielināt elektroenerģijas tirgus darbības efektivitāti, taču no dažādām perspektīvām.
THE ESSENCE OF PEDAGOGICAL DIAGNOSTICS AND STIMULATION IN THE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT OF A MILITARY HIGHER INSTITUTION
Authors:   Air Force Academy, Izosimov D.V.
Published: December 2020

The main aspects of the university educational environment are viewed. The basic notions are studied, various scientific points of view regarding educational environment peculiarities are presented. This notion development is described. The essence of educational environment in modern pedagogy is analyzed. Important characteristics of educational environment including variability and integrity are highlighted. In addition, the essence of pedagogical diagnostics and the stages of its development are discussed. The recognition character of diagnostic activity and the levels of its implementation are revealed, the objects of diagnostics are listed. The concept of pedagogical stimulus is considered; its essence, the main characteristics and basic functions of pedagogical stimulation are studied in detail. The paper defines the limits of the use of pedagogical stimulus in practice. In addition, the methods of pedagogical stimulation that affect the success of pedagogical work are described in detail.
PROJECT LEARNING TECHNOLOGY AT HIGHER SCHOOL AS A PRACTICAL TRAINING FORMAT
Authors:   International Institute of Design and Service, Popova N.A.
Published: December 2020

The necessity to introduce project learning technology at higher school is updated as, firstly, it is a new education format in practical training introduction at a legal level, secondly, it allows to form student’s professional competences and, thirdly, to meet the employers’ requirements to the quality of professional training of specialists. Concrete practical experiences of introducing project learning technology within project weeks at a private educational institution of higher education “International Institute of Design and Service” is described.
Accurate measurement of optical fiber time delay based on frequency domain reflectometry
Authors: Zhao Tian-Ze , Yang Su-Hui , Li Kun , Gao Yan-Ze , Wang Xin , Zhang Jin-Ying , Li Zhuo , Zhao Yi-Ming , Liu Yu-Zhe ,   School of Optics and Photonics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China,   R & D Center, Beijing Research Institute of Telemetry, Beijing 100076, China
Published: December 2020

Optical fiber time delay system has been widely used in optical-controlled phased array antenna, radar distributed network, interferometric optical fiber hydrophone and high-speed photoelectric chip. These applications require high-accuracy and high-stability time delay generated by the system. Time delay measurement directly determines the precision and resolution of the system. Therefore, high-precision time delay measurement method is of great significance in developing the optical fiber delay system. In this paper, progress and problems of optical fiber time delay measurements are discussed. A new method of precisely measuring the time delay in optical fiber is proposed. We use the frequency domain reflectometry (FDR) to avoid the discrepancy between measuring range and measuring precision, which exists in both time-of-flight (TOF) method and phase discrimination approach. An intensity modulated 1064 nm laser signal is used as a light source. The modulation frequency is tuned from 10 MHz to 200 MHz in steps of 0.5 MHz. The spectrum of echo signal is obtained by measuring the amplitudes and phases of echo signals at different frequency points. The delay information is obtained via the inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT). The precision of delay measurement in our method is determined by step size of frequency variation, and a higher-precision measurement is realized by using interpolation zero algorithm. Since our method is not to modulate the optical frequency, but to control the frequency of the modulation signal loaded on the electro-optic modulator, it is easy to achieve the high-precision and high-linearity frequency modulation. In this paper, theoretical analysis and time delay measurement are used to compare the FDR method with conventional TOF measurement method. The accurate measurement of 33–200 ps is realized, and measurement error is lower than 7 ps. We also design an incremental measurement experiment to study the resolution of the FDR method, which achieves a delay resolution of 3.3 ps. The influence of temperature jitter is analyzed to prove the reliability of experimental results. It proves that the FDR method has a higher measuring accuracy than the TOF method. The time delay measurement precision can be further improved by expanding the modulation bandwidth. Our method is to be applied to an optical fiber delay system to improve the precision and resolution of system delay.
On a New Analytic Theory of the Moon's Motion I: Orbital Angular Momentum
Authors:   Marin Drinov Academic Publishng House, Calvet Ramon González
Published: December 2020

A new analytic theory of the Moon's motion is deduced from the Lagrangian of the Sun-Earth-Moon system expressed with relative velocities. In its first-order approximation, the first-degree terms of the ratio of distances from Earth to the Moon and to the Sun are taken. The calculated relative variation in the Moon's orbital angular momentum is resolved into components whose integrals yield the inclination of the orbital plane, the ecliptic longitude of the ascending node and the norm of the angular momentum as functions of the angle between the Moon and the ascending node.
Direct Construction of a Bi-Hamiltonian Structure for Cubic Hénon-Heiles Systems
Authors:   Marin Drinov Academic Publishng House, Sottocornola Nicola
Published: December 2020

The problem of separating variables in integrable Hamiltonian systems has been extensively studied in the last decades. A recent approach is based on the so called Kowalewski's Conditions used to characterized a Control Matrix \(M\) whose eigenvalues give the desired coordinates. In this paper we calculate directly a second compatible Hamiltonian structure for the cubic Hénon-Heiles systems and in this way we obtain the separation variables as the eigenvalues of a recursion operator \(N\). Finally we re-obtain the Control Matrix \(M\) from \(N\).
Common cell type nomenclature for the mammalian brain
Authors: Miller Jeremy A , Gouwens Nathan W , Tasic Bosiljka , Collman Forrest , van Velthoven Cindy TJ , Bakken Trygve E , Hawrylycz Michael J , Zeng Hongkui , Lein Ed S , Bernard Amy
Published: December 2020

The advancement of single-cell RNA-sequencing technologies has led to an explosion of cell type definitions across multiple organs and organisms. While standards for data and metadata intake are arising, organization of cell types has largely been left to individual investigators, resulting in widely varying nomenclature and limited alignment between taxonomies. To facilitate cross-dataset comparison, the Allen Institute created the common cell type nomenclature (CCN) for matching and tracking cell types across studies that is qualitatively similar to gene transcript management across different genome builds. The CCN can be readily applied to new or established taxonomies and was applied herein to diverse cell type datasets derived from multiple quantifiable modalities. The CCN facilitates assigning accurate yet flexible cell type names in the mammalian cortex as a step toward community-wide efforts to organize multi-source, data-driven information related to cell type taxonomies from any organism.
Metabolic control of cellular immune-competency by odors in Drosophila
Authors: Madhwal Sukanya , Shin Mingyu , Kapoor Ankita , Goyal Manisha , Joshi Manish K , Ur Rehman Pirzada Mujeeb , Gor Kavan , Shim Jiwon , Mukherjee Tina
Published: December 2020

Studies in different animal model systems have revealed the impact of odors on immune cells; however, any understanding on why and how odors control cellular immunity remained unclear. We find that Drosophila employ an olfactory-immune cross-talk to tune a specific cell type, the lamellocytes, from hematopoietic-progenitor cells. We show that neuronally released GABA derived upon olfactory stimulation is utilized by blood-progenitor cells as a metabolite and through its catabolism, these cells stabilize Sima/HIFα protein. Sima capacitates blood-progenitor cells with the ability to initiate lamellocyte differentiation. This systemic axis becomes relevant for larvae dwelling in wasp-infested environments where chances of infection are high. By co-opting the olfactory route, the preconditioned animals elevate their systemic GABA levels leading to the upregulation of blood-progenitor cell Sima expression. This elevates their immune-potential and primes them to respond rapidly when infected with parasitic wasps. The present work highlights the importance of the olfaction in immunity and shows how odor detection during animal development is utilized to establish a long-range axis in the control of blood-progenitor competency and immune-priming.
The invasive coccinellid Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a less suitable host for parasitism than resident species
Authors: Romero Violeta , Zaviezo Tania , Grez Audrey A.
Published: December 2020

Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) has invaded most continents in the world, including South America. In Chile, it became invasive after 2010, turning into a dominant species in coccinellid guilds in alfalfa crops, where it coexists with the introduced species Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) and the native species Eriopis chilensis Hofmann, the populations of which declined after the invasion of H. axyridis. One of the echanisms attributed to the success of invasive species is the enemy release hypothesis (ERH), which predicts that natural enemies will have a lesser impact on the invasive species in the newly invaded areas than on resident species. Dinocampus coccinellae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a cosmopolitan parasitoid of coccinellids, which vary in their suitability to parasitism according to species and location. The present study evaluated whether H. axyridis is a less suitable host than H. variegata and E. chilensis for D. coccinellae by assessing each step in the parasitism process, from oviposition to adult emergence in field and laboratory conditions. In the field, successful parasitism in H. axyridis (7%) was significantly lower than in H. variegata (33%) and E. chilensis (36%). H. axyridis was also the only species in which failed parasitoid larval development was greater than successful parasitism (adult emergence). In the laboratory, D. coccinellae never successfully oviposited in H. axyridis, while it did in the other two species. These results suggest that in Chile, H. axyridis is a less suitable host than the resident species for D. coccinellae. This mechanism, among others, may explain the dominance of this species in this early stage of invasion
Transitioning to the safe and just space inside ‘the doughnut’ by means of agroecological niche food systems: insights from Chile and Uruguay
Authors: Rossing Walter A.H. , Kormelinck Annemarie Groot , Alliaume Florencia , Dogliotti Santiago , Duncan Jessica , Huenchuleo Carlos , Klerkx Laurens , Trienekens Jacques , Gaitán-Cremaschi Daniel
Published: December 2020

To operate within the safe and just operating space captured by the doughnut metaphor, sustainability transitions are needed in the food system. Niche food systems with highly distinct practices and organization constitute a treasure chest of alternatives from which society can build new futures. Policy has little awareness of niche food systems and their potential contributions to sustainability transitions. Importantly, this limits society’s ability to adapt. Here, we review findings from an ongoing scientific project into different components of the vegetable food systems in Chile and Uruguay. The aim of the project is to investigate options for transitioning to low- or no-pesticide vegetable food systems. The results show: 1. the presence of promising alternative vegetable food systems in Chile, which are, however, highly marginalized and disempowered; 2. a diversity of vertical and horizontal producer arrangements in Uruguay and the need for value-driven as well as market-driven engagement; and 3. major possibilities for improving production systems to arrive within the doughnut by taking a systems perspective at the farm scale that includes the farm families and their networks. Consequences of these findings for alternative vegetable food systems are discussed.
Transformative education in agroecology: student, teacher, and client involvement in colearning
Authors: Francis Charles A. , Nicolaysen Anna Marie , Lieblein Geir , Breland Tor Arvid
Published: December 2020

Educational methods have evolved rapidly in agroecology, which is a complex and holistic field without a long history or the formal tradition of any single academic discipline. Definitions of agroecology have evolved from its initial conception as a marriage of agriculture with ecology, to an aggregation of different paths including science, practices, and movements, and recently as a broad appreciation of the ecology of food systems. In contrast with traditional courses that begin with a history of the discipline and review the contributions of early leaders, we have embraced phenomenology to firmly establish roots in students’ learning through their experiences interacting with farmers and practitioners in food systems. We have pursued close collaborations among students, teachers, farmers, processors, retailers, consumers, and government officials to build ownership of the learning process in a transdisciplinary education model. Working together in the learning landscape, we have codeveloped visions of sustainable systems for the future. As a team, we are searching for meaning and applications to help advance substantial changes in the production and consumption of food and more importantly, a transformation in thinking about educational alternatives. Our learning program’s focus is catalyzing the student journey by developing five competencies: observation, dialogue, participation, reflection, and visioning. Implementing the program requires fundamental changes towards colearning involving students, instructors, and stakeholders, plus modifications in the institutional environment. With well-focused skills and practice, our graduates are prepared to deal with a complex and unpredictable future, where many of the questions and challenges are yet to be discovered. By involving students and others in design, this becomes a process of empowering each participant to take responsibility for their education and preparing them for lifelong learning with the motivation to be an active and responsible agent of change.
Agroecological initiatives in Hungary and their Central European aspects
Authors: Székács András , Roszík Péter , Balázs Katalin , Podmaniczky László , Ujj Apolka
Published: December 2020

Agroecology initiatives were first implemented within Central and Eastern Europe in Hungary in the 1980s in response to the environmental and ecological problems of intensive, agrochemical-based agricultural technology. The agroecology sector has grown substantially ever since and is currently facing its second boom, yet Hungary’s level of organic farming remains substantially below the average level in the European Union (EU) and in the Visegrad Group countries (the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia). This review summarizes early and recent agroecology developments in Hungary in the context of the region and the EU in a broader sense, mainly regarding scientific research and policy aspects. The 10-fold growth of the organic agriculture sector in Hungary over the last two decades brings Hungary somewhat closer to the average EU level and is discussed in relation to the regulating legal environment, i.e., the EU’s harmonized Rural Development Program. In addition, the European Green Deal envisions a reduction in pesticide use by 50% by 2030 and supports agroecology to reduce excess fertilization, increase organic farming and reverse biodiversity loss. Hungary pursues these goals through, among others means, the transnational joint initiative of the Visegrad countries, BIOEAST. The environmental risks jeopardizing agroecology are summarized in a systematic context, covering not only agricultural organic microcontaminants but also agricultural biotechnology products and issues in energy utilization efficacy. Related past and current research projects, as well as Hungary’s involvement in the international advancement of agroecology, are outlined.
Challenges for agroecology development for the building of sustainable agri-food systems
Authors: Salazar Osvaldo , Rojas Claudia , Baginsky Cecilia , Boza Sofía , Lankin Gabriela , Muñoz-Sáez Andrés , Pérez-Quezada Jorge F. , Pertuzé Ricardo , Renwick Leah L.R. , Székács András , Altieri Miguel
Published: December 2020

Environmental and social crises in agriculture have led to growing recognition that more ecologically sustainable and socially just food and agricultural systems are needed. This thematic number of the International Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources gathers the papers submitted to the workshop “Challenges for agroecology development for the building of sustainable agri-food systems,” an OECD Co-operative Research Programme-sponsored conference. The aim of the workshop was to promote the transition from conventional agriculture towards agroecology as a science, practice and social movement through sharing the experiences of different OECD countries: Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United States. The main topics discussed at the workshop included i) agroecology development in OECD countries: local experiences and international collaboration; ii) agroecology as a social movement and related public policies; iii) agroecology education to promote sustainable agri-food systems; and iv) science, innovation and technologies in agroecological systems. While not a comprehensive assessment of the state of agroecology in OECD countries, this thematic number integrates diverse perspectives on some main research and policy advances and uncovers some existing gaps in agroecology practice as an approach for transitioning towards ecologically sustainable and socially just agricultural systems
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Presenting with Self Injurious Behaviour
Authors: Muddasani Varsha , Sannegowda Raghavendra Bakki
Published: December 2020

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is an emergency condition produced as an ill effect of certain drugs. Tetrad of symptoms includes fever, muscle rigidity, autonomic features and altered mental status. Pathophysiology underlying this condition is dopamine receptor blockade or depletion of dopamine. Author presented a case of 45-year-old female, alcoholic with symptoms of self-mutilating behaviour such as finger biting and tongue bites, elevated Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) levels and no signs of autonomic dysfunction. Differential diagnosis included was malignant hyperthermia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, serotonin syndrome, lethal catatonia, meningitis/encephalitis, heat stroke and anticholinergic toxicity. Final diagnosis of neuroleptic malignant syndrome was made according to Caroff SN and Mann SC criteria. She was treated with bromocriptine with an improvement in her condition. Clear workup including identification of other systemic and neuropsychiatric conditions with overlapping symptoms is important for accurate diagnosis of this condition.
Why Some Mothers Could Be Saved and Not Others? Evaluating Different Phases of Delay in Causing Maternal Near Misses and Maternal Deaths
Authors: Nath Banashree , Nagpal Kashika , Rajamani Nandini , Gaikwad Harsha S
Published: December 2020

Introduction: The factors playing key role in determining death and survival among the Maternal Mortality (MM) and Maternal Near Miss (MNM) cases are multidetermined and interdependent. It ranges from initial illness to perception of patients to seek healthcare services and initiation of management at primary health care settings. Aim: To evaluate the factors responsible for causing delay at different phases and thereby assess the key determinants of survival and death of mothers. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was undertaken at the tertiary care centre and teaching hospital in northern India from October 2015 to December 2016. Study population consisted of all women who were identified as MNM and MM which occurred at Centre. Attendants accompanying the patient, mostly nearest kin who were able to give details of her health were questioned. Details regarding the sequence of events that caused her severe morbidity were taken right from recognition of morbid status to landing up in the tertiary setup. Approximate duration of delay for each case of MNM and MM was assessed. Any delays in accessing or receiving medical care were recorded, if available. Data Entry was done on MicroSoft Excel spreadsheet. Proportions were calculated for qualitative data. Mean score with confidence interval was calculated for quantitative data. Qualitative data was analysed by Chi-Square test and t-test was applied for quantitative data. Results: Out of 31,111 live births during the study period, there were 249 maternal near miss cases and 131 maternal deaths. Delay in women seeking help was observed in a total of 92.36% of cases in MNM group and 97.70% of cases in MM group (p=0.034). The study discovered significant differences when referral status (p=0.4904) as well as when number of referrals (p=0.041) were considered. There was a significant difference between the women of the two groups who reported only first phase delay (p=0.033). The major pregnancy related morbidities were haemorrhage and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy with delay more than 12 hours survived the acute insult but were unable to cope with dysfunction of multiple organs and passed on after prolonged intensive care whereas in cases of Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH), delay >6 hours were observed with extremely poor prognosis. Conclusion: Delay in taking decisions to seek healthcare is a major cause of MM. There is a little difference in outcome in terms of survival and death of mothers with delay in any of three phases despite increased intervention taken in adequate referral facilities. Precious time lost in deferral and referral contributes immensely to poor prognosis of mothers as compared to direct referral to an adequate health facility.
Anti-Inflammatory Markers IL-10 and IL-35: Role in Developing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Bahar Adele , Akha Ozra , Bordbar Mahdi , Abediankenari Saeid , Mohammadpoor Rezaali , Ehsani Zohreh , Kashi Zahra
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Inflammatory state is considered as the pathogenesis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Cytokines can cause insulin resistance and maybe the molecular basis of inflammation in Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Aim: To assess the level of Interleukin-10 (IL-10) in addition to a new anti-inflammatory cytokine marker Interleukin-35 (IL-35) in pregnant women with and without GDM. Materials and Methods: Participants in the study included 29 pregnant women with GDM (case group) and 29 healthy pregnant women (control group). Blood levels of IL-10, IL-35, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) were measured in all participants. Independent t-test and Chi-square test were used for data analysis. Quantitative data between three gestational subgroups (<29, 29-32 and >32 weeks) in each GDM and control group were compared by ANOVA test. The p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean levels of IL-10 were 1.03±0.85 and 0.83±0.57 pg/mL (p=0.284) and the mean IL-35 concentrations were 10.2±8.1 and 8.8±4.3 pg/mL (p=0.437) in GDM and control groups, respectively. The mean CRP and ESR levels were higher in the GDM group than the controls but the differences were not statistically significant. In the GDM group, IL-10 was significantly lower at the early stage of pregnancy (<29 weeks) compared to the later stage (>32 weeks) (p=0.04), but this was not true in the control group. There was no significant difference between the mean level of IL-35 at different gestational ages in both GDM and control groups. Conclusion: The present study showed the decreased level of anti-inflammatory marker IL-10 in the late stage of pregnancy in diabetic women especially during the last weeks of gestation. New inflammatory marker IL-35 was not statistically significant in GDM subjects.
Photoaffinity labeling of acetylcholine receptor in millisecond time scale
Authors: Muhn Peter , Fahr Alfred , Hucho Ferdinand
Published: July 2002

Photoaffinity labeling of acetylcholine receptors can be performed with a time resolution allowing to discriminate reaction sites within the receptor protein in its different functional states. This is achieved by a combination of a stopped‐flow apparatus with a high energy pulse laser. The photoaffinity label used is the lipophilic cation [3H]TPMP+ which has been shown to be a non‐competitive antagonist and a specific ion channel blocker. AChR in its resting (channel closed) and active (channel open) state incorporates the label mainly into the α‐polypeptide chain of the receptor. Only several hundred milliseconds after mixing AChR with agonist labeling of δ‐chains becomes significant.
A developmentally regulated gene product from Dictyostelium discoideum shows high homology to human α‐L‐fucosidase
Authors: Müller-Taubenberger A. , Westphal M. , Noegel A. , Gerisch G.
Published: July 2002

A cDNA library of poly(A+)‐RNA has been prepared from membrane‐bound polysomes of Dictyostelium discoideum and screened for clones hybridizing to mRNA species that encode developmentally regulated proteins. The clone investigated in this paper recognizes a 1.8 kb transcript that accumulates strongly between the growth phase and aggregation stage. Stimulation of cells with pulses of cAMP enhances the accumulation. The amino acid sequence derived from a complete cDNA and from a genomic clone displays extensive sequence identity to human liver α‐L‐fucosidase. The D. discoideum DNA sequence encodes a 50.5 kDa polypeptide with a hydrophobic signal peptide at the N‐terminus. Antibodies against a synthetic peptide corresponding to amino acids 262–275 of the deduced protein sequence recognize a developmentally regulated 50 kDa protein in D. discoideum that is recovered in the particulate fraction.
Pro → Ala‐35 Rhodobacter capsulatus cytochrome c2 shows dynamic not structural differences
Authors: Gooley Paul R. , MacKenzie Neil E.
Published: July 2002

Comparative analysis of nuclear Overhauser effects show that the time average conformation of the wild‐type and mutant Pro → Ala‐35 Rhodobacter capsulatus cytochrome c
2 are indistinguishable. The ring resonances of Phe‐51 and Tyr‐53 show that their ring flip rates increase in P35A. NH proton exchange studies show that the exchange rates of the NH of Gly‐34 and the NπH of His‐17 increase by ≈ 102 in P35A suggesting that their respective hydrogen bonds are destabilized in this protein. However, 3
αNH.
1H and 15N chemical shift data argue that these bonds are intact. These data are compatible if the replacement of a Pro with an Ala residue forms a cavity or increases local flexibility thus reducing steric hinderance and increasing solvent accessibility.
The first observation of O2− generation in in situ lungs of rats treated with drugs to induce experimental acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Takahashi Atsushi , Nakano Minoru , Mashiko Shinro , Inaba Humio
Published: July 2002

To investigate O2
− generation in in situ lungs of rats treated with drugs to induce experimental acute respiratory distress syndrome, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or endotoxin were injected into rats, who had been continuously infused with 2(methyl‐6‐[p‐methoxyphenyl]‐3,7‐dihydro‐imidazo[l,2‐α]pyrazin‐3‐one (MCLA) and the chemiluminescence in in situ lung was detected by a sensitive photon counter. In PMA‐treated rats, two phases of chemiluminescence over non‐specific chemiluminescence were observed. The first phase luminescence was sensitive to Cu‐Zn superoxide dismutase, while the second phase chemiluminescence was less sensitive to Cu‐Zn Superoxide dismutase. Similar chemiluminescence was detected in the rats treated with endotoxin instead of PMA, but not in neutropenic rats.
Characterization of a discontinuous epitope on annexin II by site‐directed mutagenesis
Authors: Thiel Carsten , Weber Klaus , Gerke Volker
Published: July 2002

Recombinant annexin II mutants were generated to identify amino acids involved in the formation of the discontinuous epitope of the monoclonal antibody H28. Analysis of the various mutant proteins by immunoblotting and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay revealed that residues Lys27, Arg62, Glu65, and Arg67 are indispensable for H28 reactivity. Residues in equivalent positions are also in close proximity in the recently determined X‐ray structure of annexin V, a different member of the same family of Ca2+/lipid‐binding proteins. Thus annexins II and V show a similar three‐dimensional folding in this region of the molecule. Consequently, the Ca2+ binding sites and the residues phosphorylated by pp6Osrc (Tyr23) and protein kinase C (Ser25) most likely reside on opposite sides of the annexin II molecule.
Effect of starvation on glucose transport and membrane fluidity in rat intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Gupta P.D. , Waheed A.A.
Published: July 2002

Studies on the surface area of microvilli (MV), fluidity of brush border membranes (BBM) and d‐glucose uptake were carried out in rat intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) during progressive starvation and under re‐feed conditions. The surface area of MV, fluidity of BBM and d‐glucose transport through IEC membranes showed an increase during starvation when compared to well‐fed controls. Re‐feeding experiments restored the control values of all the three parameters within a short time. The results showed that the increase in d‐glucose transport through IEC membranes during starvation is due to increased surface area of MV and increased fluidity of BBM.
Detection of GTP‐binding proteins in barley aleurone protoplasts
Authors: Wang Mei , Sedee Norbert J.A. , Heidekamp Freek , Snaar-Jagalska B.Ewa
Published: July 2002

We report the existence of several families of GTP‐binding proteins in barley aleurone protoplasts. Partial purified plasma membrane proteins were separated by SDS‐PAGE, transferred to a nitrocellulose filter and incubated with either antisera raised against a highly conserved animal G protein α subunit peptide/or Ras protein, or with [α‐32P]GTP. Two sets of proteins of M
r = 32–36 kDa and 22–24 kDa were strongly recognized by the antisera. Binding of [α‐32P]GTP was detected on Western blots with proteins of M
r = 22–24 kDa and 16 kDa. Binding was inhibited by 10−7–10−6 M GTPγS, GTP or GDP; binding was not affected by 10−6‐10−5 M ATPγS or ADP. The kinetics, specificity and the effects of phytohormones in a [35S]GTPγS binding assay were also studied in isolated plasma membranes of barley aleurone protoplasts.
Processing of complex between urokinase and its type‐2 inhibitor on the cell surface
Authors: Ragno Pia , Montuori Nunzia , Vassalli Jean-Dominique , Rossi Guido
Published: July 2002

Complexes between the urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its type‐2 inhibitor (PAI‐2) are bound by a cell‐surface receptor for uPA and rapidly cleaved into two fragments of 70 and 22 kDa. The 70‐kDa fragment contains the active site of uPA and PAI‐2, while the 22‐kDa species was identified as the amino terminal fragment of uPA, that binds specifically to the receptor. When the experiment is performed at 4°C, both fragments remain bound to the cell surface and can be eluted by acid treatment. We therefore postulate that after the binding of the uPA‐PAI‐2 complex, a new binding site for the 70‐kDa species becomes available. This additional binding favours the cleavage of the complex into the 70‐and 22‐kDa fragments; the 70‐kDa species is endocytosed or released, while the 22‐kDa fragment remains on the cell surface to prevent the binding of intact uPA.
Cloning and expression of a complementary DNA encoding a high affinity human neurotensin receptor
Authors: Vita N. , Laurent P. , Lefort S. , Chalon P. , Dumont X. , Kaghad M. , Gully D. , Le Fur G. , Ferrara P. , Caput D.
Published: July 2002

A human neurotensin receptor (hNTR) cDNA was cloned from the colonic adenocarcinoma cell line HT29. The cloned cDNA encodes a putative peptide of 418 amino acids with 7 transmembrane domains. The amino acid sequence of the hNTR is 84% identical to the rat NTR [Neuron, 4 (1990) 847‐854]. Transfection of this cDNA into COS cells results in the expression of receptors with pharmacological properties similar to those found with HT29 cells. Northern blot analysis using the hNTR cDNA probe indicated a single transcript of 4 kb in the brain, the small intestine and blood mononuclear cells.