bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Methodology Shows Short Atmospheric Lifetimes of
Oxidized Sulfur and Nitrogen due to Dry Deposition
Authors: Hayden Katherine , Li Shao-Meng , Makar Paul , Liggio John , Moussa Samar G. , Akingunola Ayodeji , McLaren Robert , Staebler Ralf M. , Darlington Andrea , O'Brien Jason , Zhang Junhua , Wolde Mengistu , Zhang Leiming
Published: January 2021

Abstract. The atmospheric lifetimes of pollutants determine their impacts on human health, ecosystems and climate and yet pollutant lifetimes due to dry deposition over large regions have not been determined from measurements. Here, a new methodology based on aircraft observations is used to determine the lifetimes of oxidized sulfur and nitrogen due to dry deposition over (3–6) × 103 km2 of boreal forest in Canada. Dry deposition fluxes decreased exponentially with distance, resulting in lifetimes of 2.2–26 hours. Fluxes were 2–14 and 1–18 times higher than model estimates for oxidized sulfur and nitrogen, respectively, indicating dry deposition velocities which were 1.2–5.4 times higher than those computed for models. A Monte-Carlo analysis with five commonly used inferential dry deposition algorithms indicates that such model underestimates of dry deposition velocity are typical. These findings indicate that deposition to vegetation surfaces are likely under-estimated in regional and global chemical transport models regardless of the model algorithm used. The model-observation gaps may be reduced if surface pH, and quasi-laminar and aerodynamic resistances in algorithms are optimized as shown in the Monte-Carlo analysis. Assessing the air quality and climate impacts of atmospheric pollutants on regional and global scales requires improved measurement-based understanding of atmospheric lifetimes of these pollutants.
The friagem event in the central Amazon and its influence on micrometeorological variables and atmospheric chemistry
Authors: Camarinha-Neto Guilherme F. , Cohen Julia C. P. , Dias-Júnior Cléo Q. , Sörgel Matthias , Cattanio José Henrique , Araújo Alessandro , Wolff Stefan , Kuhn Paulo A. F. , Souza Rodrigo A. F. , Rizzo Luciana V. , Artaxo Paulo
Published: January 2021

Abstract. In the period
between 9 and 11 July 2014, a friagem event reached the Amazon region.
On 11 July, the southwest flow related to the friagem
converged with the easterly winds in the central Amazon. The interaction between these two distinct air masses
formed a convection band, which intensified over the Manaus region and the Amazon Tall Tower Observatory (ATTO) site. The
satellite images show the evolution of convective activity on 11 July, which led to 21 mm of precipitation at
the ATTO site. Moreover, the arrival of the friagem caused a sudden drop in temperature and a predominance of southerly
winds, which could be seen in Porto Velho between 7 and 8 July and in Manaus and the ATTO site from 9 to
11 July. The results of ERA-Interim reanalysis and Brazilian developments on the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System
(BRAMS) simulations show that this friagem event coming from the southwest, carries a mass of air with higher O3
and NO2 mixing ratios and lower CO mixing ratio compared to the air masses
present in the central Amazon. At Lake Balbina, the friagem intensifies the local circulations, such as the breeze phenomena.
In the Manaus region and at the ATTO site, the main effects of the friagem event are a decrease in the incoming solar radiation
(due to intense cloud formation), a large temperature drop and a distinct change in surface O3 and CO2
mixing ratios. As the cold air of the friagem was just in the lower
500 m the most probable cause of this change is that
a cold pool above the forest prevented vertical mixing causing accumulation of CO2 from respiration and very
low O3 mixing ratio due to photochemistry reduction and limited mixing within the boundary layer.
SLOCLIM: A high-resolution daily gridded precipitation and
temperature dataset for Slovenia
Authors: Škrk Nina , de Luis Martín , Čufar Katarina , Črepinšek Zalika , Kajfež Bogataj Lučka , Serrano-Notivoli Roberto
Published: January 2021

Abstract. We present a new publicly available daily gridded dataset of maximum and minimum temperature and precipitation data covering the whole territory of Slovenia from 1950 to 2018. It represents the great variability of climate at the crossroads between the Mediterranean, Alpine and continental climatic regimes with altitudes between 0–2864 m a.s.l. We completely reconstructed (quality control and gap filling) the data for the three variables from 174 observatories (climatological, precipitation and automatic stations) with the original records all over the country. A comprehensive quality control process based on the spatial coherence of the data was applied to the original dataset, and the missing values were estimated for each day and location independently. Using the filled data series, a grid of 1 × 1 km spatial resolution with 20,998 points was created by estimating daily temperatures (minimum and maximum) and precipitation, and their corresponding uncertainties at each grid point. In order to show the potential applications, four daily temperature indices and two on precipitation were calculated to describe the spatial distribution of: 1) the absolute maximum and minimum temperature; 2) the number of frost days; 3) the number of summer days; 4) the intensity of precipitation; and 5) the maximum number of consecutive dry days. The use of all the available information, the complete quality control and the high spatial resolution of the grid allowed for an accurate estimate of precipitation and temperature that represents a precise spatial and temporal distribution of daily temperatures and precipitation in Slovenia. The SLOCLIM dataset is publicly available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4108543 and can be cited as Škrk et al. (2020).
AQ-Bench: A Benchmark Dataset for Machine Learning on Global
Air Quality Metrics
Authors: Betancourt Clara , Stomberg Timo , Stadtler Scarlet , Roscher Ribana , Schultz Martin G.
Published: January 2021

Abstract. With the AQ-Bench dataset, we contribute to the recent developments towards shared data usage and machine learning methods in the field of environmental science. The dataset presented here enables researchers to relate global air quality metrics to easy-access metadata and to explore different machine learning methods for obtaining estimates of air quality based on this metadata. AQ-Bench contains a unique collection of aggregated air quality data from the years 2010–2014 and metadata at more than 5500 air quality monitoring stations all over the world, provided by the first Tropospheric Ozone Assessment Report (TOAR). It focuses in particular on metrics of tropospheric ozone, which has a detrimental effect on climate, human morbidity and mortality, as well as crop yields. We validate these data as a machine learning benchmark by providing a well-defined task together with a suitable evaluation metric. Baseline scores obtained from a linear regression method, a fully connected neural network and random forest are provided for reference. AQ-Bench offers a low-threshold entrance for all machine learners with an interest in environmental science and for atmospheric scientists who are interested in applying machine learning techniques. It enables them to start with a real-world problem relevant to humans and nature. The dataset and introductory machine learning code are available at https://doi.org/10.23728/b2share.30d42b5a87344e82855a486bf2123e9f (Betancourt et al., 2020) and https://gitlab.version.fz-juelich.de/toar/ozone-mapping . AQ-Bench thus provides a blueprint for environmental benchmark datasets as well as an example for data re-use according to the FAIR principles.
Development and evaluation of 0.05° terrestrial water storage
estimates using CABLE land surface model and GRACE data
assimilation
Authors: Tangdamrongsub Natthachet , Jasinski Michael F. , Shellito Peter
Published: January 2021

Abstract. Accurate estimation of terrestrial water storage (TWS) at a meaningful spatiotemporal resolution is important for reliable assessments of regional water resources and climate variability. Individual components of TWS include soil moisture, snow, groundwater, and canopy storage and can be estimated from the Community Atmosphere Biosphere Land Exchange (CABLE) land surface model. The spatial resolution of CABLE is currently limited to 0.5° by the resolution of soil and vegetation datasets that underlie model parameterizations, posing a challenge to using CABLE for hydrological applications at a local scale. This study aims to improve the spatial detail (from 0.5° to 0.05°) and timespan (1981–2012) of CABLE TWS estimates using rederived model parameters and high-resolution meteorological forcing. In addition, TWS observations derived from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite mission are assimilated into CABLE to improve TWS accuracy. The success of the approach is demonstrated in Australia, where multiple ground observation networks are available for validation. The evaluation process is conducted using four different case studies that employ different model spatial resolutions and include or omit GRACE data assimilation (DA). We find that the CABLE 0.05° developed here improves TWS estimates in terms of accuracy, spatial resolution, and long-term water resource assessment reliability. The inclusion of GRACE DA increases the accuracy of groundwater storage (GWS) estimates and has little impact on surface soil moisture or evapotranspiration. The use of improved model parameters and improved state estimations (via GRACE DA) together is recommended to achieve the best GWS accuracy. The workflow elaborated in this paper relies only on publicly accessible global datasets, allowing reproduction of the 0.05° TWS estimates in any study region.
The effect of confinement due to COVID-19 on seismic noise in Mexico
Authors: Pérez-Campos Xyoli , Espíndola Víctor H. , González-Ávila Daniel , Zanolli Fabila Betty , Márquez-Ramírez Víctor H. , De Plaen Raphael S. M. , Montalvo-Arrieta Juan Carlos , Quintanar Luis
Published: January 2021

Abstract. The world experienced the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic by the end of 2019, beginning of 2020. Governments implemented strategies to contain it, most based on lockdowns. Mexico was not the exception. The lockdown was initiated in March 2020 and with it, a reduction on the seismic noise level was witnessed by the seismic stations of the national and the Valley of Mexico networks. Stations located in municipalities with more than 50,000 people usually experience larger seismic noise levels at frequencies between 1 to 5 Hz, associated with human activity. The largest noise levels are recorded in Mexico City, with the largest population in the country. The largest drop was observed in Hermosillo, Sonora, however, it was also the city with the fastest return to activities, which seems to correlate with a quick increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases. Mexico initiated a traffic-light system to modulate the re-opening of economic activities for each state. Therefore, since 1 June, noise levels reflect, in general, the colour of the state traffic light. Furthermore, the reduction in the noise level at seismic stations has allowed identification of smaller earthquakes without signal processing. Also, people in cities have perceived smaller or distant quakes.
An unsupervised learning approach to identifying blocking events:
the case of European summer
Authors: Thomas Carl , Voulgarakis Apostolos , Lim Gerald , Haigh Joanna , Nowack Peer
Published: January 2021

Abstract. Atmospheric blocking events are mid-latitude weather patterns, which obstruct the usual path of the polar jet streams. They are often associated with heat waves in summer and cold snaps in winter. Despite being central features of mid-latitude synoptic-scale weather, there is no well-defined historical dataset of blocking events. Various blocking indices (BIs) have thus been suggested for automatically identifying blocking events and are frequently used to study their occurrence historically as well as in climate model simulations. However, BIs can show significant regional and seasonal differences and therefore several indices are typically applied in parallel to test scientific robustness. Here, we introduce a new blocking index using self-organizing maps (SOMs), an unsupervised machine learning approach, and compare its detection skill to some of the most widely applied BIs. To enable this intercomparison, we first create a new ground truth time series classification of European blocking based on expert judgement.We then demonstrate that our method (SOM-BI) has several key advantages over previous BIs because it exploits all of the spatial information provided in the input data and avoids the need for arbitrary thresholds. Using ERA5 reanalysis data (1979–2019), we find that the SOM-BI identifies blocking events with a higher precision and recall than other BIs. We present case studies of the 2003 and 2019 European heat waves and highlight that well-defined groups of SOM nodes can be an effective tool to reliably and accurately diagnose such weather events. We further compare the skill at detecting historic blocking events by applying our new SOM-BI to several meteorological variables that are associated with the study of blocking, including geopotential height, sea level pressure and four variables related to potential vorticity. The 500 hPa geopotential height anomaly field is the variable that most effectively supports the identification of blocking events with our new approach. Finally, we evaluate the SOM-BI performance on around 100 years of climate model data from a pre-industrial simulation with the new UK Earth System Model (UK-ESM1). For the model data, all blocking detection methods have lower skill than for the ERA5 reanalysis, but SOM-BI performs noticeably better than the conventional indices. SOM-BI performs well using at least 20 years of training data, which suggests that observational records are sufficiently long to train our new method effectively. Overall, our results demonstrate the significant potential for unsupervised learning to complement the study of blocking events in both reanalysis and climate modelling contexts.
Visions of New Student Activism
Authors: Brady Jacqueline
Published: January 2021

Introduction to Volume 118: New Student Activism
Atlas de la flora alóctona de Madrid, I. Monilophyta-Gymnospermae
Authors: Enríquez de Salamanca Álvaro , Gabriel y Galán Moris José María
Published: January 2021

En este artículo se incluye la primera parte del atlas de flora alóctona de la Comunidad de Madrid, que incluye los taxones de helechos y gimnospermas. Únicamente se han considerado taxones que crecen fuera de zonas urbanas, parques y jardines, tanto introducidos como naturalizados. En total se han analizado 49 taxones, 2 de helechos y 47 de gimnospermas (33 Pinaceae y 14 Cupressaceae). De ellos, se han considerado 34 taxones (1 Salviniaceae, 22 Pinaceae, 11 Cupressaceae) incluyendo mapas de distribución, mientras que en otros 15 su presencia es dudosa en la actualidad o están únicamente localizadas en zonas urbanas. Dominan las especies de Pinaceae como resultado de las plantaciones forestales realizadas. Buena parte de las especies consideradas tienen capacidad para naturalizarse (se tiene constancia en 19 de ellas), pero por lo general su capacidad de expansión es limitada, no siendo invasoras; únicamente Azolla filiculoides Lam. tiene un comportamiento invasor, aunque su distribución en Madrid parece estable.
Expanding the value of CLIL: Perspectives from primary to higher education
Authors: Alvarez Ayure Claudia Patricia
Published: January 2021

The world continues to evolve, where globalization has been the driving factor behind changes in society, thereby creating challenges that could be seen as opportunities in education. Areas such as collaboration, teamwork along with intercultural awareness and communication are just a few of the areas that are being addressed in the educational arena amongst practitioners. Approaches such as Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), Content Based Instruction (CBI) and English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) have proven to be viable options for bi/multilingual educational environments across the globe. This editorial discusses research from four continents – the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East (The United States of America, Taiwan, Iran, Mexico, Turkey, Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Italy) – reporting on the diversity in integrating content and language in bi/multilingual teaching environments. Key issues such as children’s literature and CLIL, reading comprehension in English as a Foreign Language (EFL), language objectives in lesson plans and assessment in content-based instruction. Furthermore, EMI and the internationalization of higher education, teachers’, and students’ beliefs on the use of Spanish in an advanced English classroom and the implementation of CLIL in the field of pharmacology will also be discussed, where insights into how content and language are integrated at the different educational levels.
Puerto Rican Teachers’ and Students’ Beliefs toward Spanish Use in the English Classroom as a Way to Motivate Students
Authors: Mari Vanessa , Carroll Kevin S
Published: January 2021

This paper documents English teachers’ and advanced English students’ perspectives on the use of Spanish in the English classroom in Puerto Rico. Using qualitative data collection methods such as interviews and focus group data, the researchers document the ways that many English teachers on the island justify their use of Spanish in the English classroom as they work to make their teaching more comprehensible. Nevertheless, the advanced students from both public and private schools who participated in this study offer a note of caution regarding the use of too much Spanish in the English classroom. Ultimately, findings suggest that many English teachers consciously or unconsciously adopt a translanguaging approach that needs to be assessed critically depending on the language proficiency and confidence of the students in their classrooms.
Polydactyly of the Foot: A Review
Authors: Kelly Derek M. , Mahmoud Karim , Mauck Benjamin M.
Published: January 2021

Pediatric foot polydactyly presents in a wide variety of deformities from single extra digits attached only by a narrow soft-tissue connection to complex central foot duplications with tarsal bone duplication. The goal of surgical reconstruction is a stable, mobile, pain-free foot with five cosmetically appealing toes that allows for normal footwear and painless ambulation. This review covers the incidence, genetics and embryology, classification, presentation and natural history, physical examination, radiographic assessment, and surgical intervention for all types of foot polydactyly.
The Effect of Operating Room Size on Orthopaedic Surgical Site Infection Rates
Authors: Tantillo Tyler , Petrone Brandon , Stapleton Erik , Frane Nicholas , Matai Prashant , Lutsky Larry , Schilling Mary , Armellino Donna , Katsigiorgis Gus , Bitterman Adam
Published: January 2021

Objective:

With many preventable causes of surgical site infections (SSIs) identified, the effect of operating room (OR) size on SSI rates has not been assessed. This study investigated the effect of OR size on incidence of SSIs for orthopaedic procedures.

Background:

SSIs remain a common complication within the perioperative realm. Responsible for increasing length of hospitalization and costs, SSIs result in a decreased quality of life for patients.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 11,163 patients who underwent orthopaedic surgery—including total knee and hip arthroplasties, laminectomies, and spinal fusions—between January 2018 and January 2020 were reviewed. Total net square footage (NSF) of all ORs was recorded, and incidence of SSIs was calculated. Cases were categorized based on the size of the OR (small: 250 to 399 NSF; medium: 400 to 549 NSF; and large: 550 to 699 NSF). Chi-square analysis compared infection rates between the different OR sizes, and a binary logistic regression model identified other predictors of infection.

Results:

Overall, 137 patients (1.2%) developed an SSI. Of these infections, 16 (11.7%) occurred in small ORs, 83 (60.6%) in medium ORs, and 38 (27.7%) in large ORs. The incidence of SSIs was 0.7% in small ORs, 1.3% in medium ORs, and 1.8% in large ORs. Factors found to significantly impact SSI's included medium-sized ORs, younger patients, procedure type (fusions and emergencies/traumas), longer procedures, and higher American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (>3).

Conclusion:

Our study shows that OR size in addition to various other perioperative parameters plays a role in the rate of SSIs for orthopaedic procedures.

Level of Evidence:

Retrospective Cohort Study; Level III Evidence
A Community Orthopaedic Residency Approach to Education and Training During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Oguayo Chris C. , Chu Jennifer , Jones Alan L.
Published: January 2021

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly affected all facets of everyday life including the practice of medicine. Hospital systems and medical practices have evolved to protect patients, physicians, and staff and conserve personal protective equipment and resources. Orthopaedic practices have been specifically affected by social distancing and stay at home guidelines, limiting in-office practice and elective surgery restrictions. This, in turn, has had an effect on resident education. Previous literature has been published regarding how academic programs have adjusted to these changes. However, the effects on smaller orthopaedic residencies with nonacademic faculty has not been discussed. The orthopaedic residency at Baylor University Medical Center of Dallas is a fifteen-resident program with a combination of hospital employed and private practice faculty. We adjusted our resident education in mid-March 2020 to keep residents safe while trying to maximize surgical and clinical education and outside research.

Goals:

Our goals were to come up with a plan allowed for continuing high-level patient care and resident education while protecting residents and limiting burnout.

Model:

We devised a four-team system with five-day call periods. Interactions between teams were strictly minimized. We also moved to a web-based academic curriculum and devised a system for safe resident participation in surgical cases. The model has been adjusted based on attending and resident feedback.

Conclusion:

Until we develop effective treatments or vaccination for COVID-19, there is a possibility that it will be an ongoing threat. Resident education must also adapt to the changing environment while continuing to provide residents safe opportunities for patient care, didactic education, and research. We believe we have come up with a sustainable, adaptable model for resident education during this challenging time.
Microbiological Quality and Sensory Aspects of Greek Yoghurt With the Addition of Carambola Jam (Averrhoa carambola)
Authors: Gregório Mailson Gonçalves , Brito Alícia Nayana dos Santos Lima de , Mascarenhas Nágela Maria Henrique , Neto Moisés Sesion de Medeiros , Silva Luís Paulo Firmino Romão da , Silva Semirames do Nascimento , Araújo Morgana Aragão , Oliveira Airton Gonçalves de , Wanderley Roberta de Oliveira Sousa , Matos Joana D’arc Paz , Rodrigues Larissa Monique de Sousa , Moraes Maria Suiane de , Reis Carolaine Gomes dos , Santos Francislaine Suelia dos , Leite Daniela Dantas de Farias , Silva Polyana Barbosa da , Vieira Agdylannah Felix , Rodrigues Raimundo Calixto Martins , Costa Magaly Morgana Lopes da
Published: January 2021

The search for nutritious and practical foods during consumption is one of the challenges of the food industry and Greek yogurt with added fruit meets these needs. Therefore, the aim was to prepare Greek yogurt with the addition of different concentrations of carambola jam, as well as to analyze its microbiological quality and its sensory acceptance. Three formulations of Greek type yoghurts were prepared with the addition of different concentrations of star fruit jam F1 (10), F2 (15) and F3 (20)%, respectively, where they were subjected to microbiological analysis (coliforms at 45 °C, Estaf. coag.positiva (UFC/g) and Salmonella sp.) and sensory analysis, being analyzed the index of sensory acceptance and the intention to buy. The three formulations produced showed excellent microbiological results, that is, all the results obtained are within the standards established by current legislation. With regard to sensory analysis, the formulation F1 (10%) presented the highest acceptance rate in all sensory attributes, with higher values of AI above 85% and with purchase intention close to “certainly would buy the product”. Therefore, the yogurts elaborated in this research have the ideal microbiological safety for consumption, without compromising the consumer’s health and with excellent sensory acceptance
Interobserver Variation of PD-L1 SP142 Immunohistochemistry Interpretation in Breast Carcinoma: A Study of 79 Cases Using Whole Slide Imaging
Authors: Hoda Raza S. , Brogi Edi , D'Alfonso Timothy M. , Grabenstetter Anne , Giri Dilip , Hanna Matthew G , Kuba M. Gabriela , Murray Melissa P. , Vallejo Christina E. , Zhang Hong , Reis-Filho Jorge S. , Wen Hannah Y.
Published: January 2021

Context.—

The Ventana programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) SP142 immunohistochemical assay (IHC) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as the companion diagnostic assay to identify patients with locally advanced or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer for immunotherapy with atezolizumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting PD-L1.

Objective.—

To determine interobserver variability in PD-L1 SP142 IHC interpretation in invasive breast carcinoma.

Design.—

The pathology database was interrogated for all patients diagnosed with primary invasive, locally recurrent, or metastatic breast carcinoma on which PD-L1 SP142 IHC was performed from November 2018 to June 2019 at our institution. A subset of cases was selected using a computerized random-number generator. PD-L1 IHC was evaluated in stromal tumor-infiltrating immune cells using the IMpassion130 trial criteria, with positive cases defined as immunoreactivity in immune cells in 1% or more of the tumor area. IHC was interpreted on whole slide images by staff pathologists with breast pathology expertise. Interobserver variability was calculated using unweighted κ.

Results.—

A total of 79 cases were assessed by 8 pathologists. Interobserver agreement was substantial (κ = 0.727). There was complete agreement among all 8 pathologists in 62% (49 of 79) of cases, 7 pathologists or more in 84% (66 of 79) of cases, and 6 pathologists or more in 92% (73 of 79) of cases. In 4% (3 of 79) of cases, all of which were small biopsies, pathologists' interpretations were evenly split between scores of positive and negative.

Conclusions.—

The findings show substantial agreement in PD-L1 SP142 IHC assessment of breast carcinoma cases among 8 pathologists at a single institution. Further study is warranted to define the basis for discrepant results.
Physical and mechanical properties of edible films made from non-exportable Ecuadorian bananas
Authors: Criollo-Feijóo Juliana , García-González Carlos Alberto , Ayala-Armijos José Humberto , Martínez-Mora Edison Omar , Cuenca-Mayorga Fabián Patricio
Published: January 2021

This study set out to determine the physical and mechanical properties of edible films made from native starch extracted from non-exportable Ecuadorian bananas (Musa sapientum L.). The following treatments were applied: 0.5% starch - 0.25% glucose (T1), 0.5% starch - 0.5% glucose (T2), 1% starch - 0.25% glucose (T3), and 1% starch - 0.5% glucose (T4). Variables such as physicochemical properties, amylose content, maximum gelation temperature, and the morphology of native starch granules were assessed. Variables in the film, such as thickness, opacity, film solubility, and tensile strength, were also measured. The fruit used in this study was composed of 88.55% starch (dry basis, 15.35% amylose). The starch granules had a dominant ovoid morphology with an average diameter of 25 - 30 μm. The peak gelatinization temperature was 73.80 °C. The maximum value for viscosity was 3,836 cP at 86.8 °C. Films that presented good malleability, thickness, transparency, tensile strength, and low solubility were obtained from T4, which turned out to be the best treatment.
Adição da macroalga Kappaphycus alvarezii em rações de frangos de corte na fase inicial
Authors: Quirino Sônia Maria de Brito Marques , Quaresma Débora Vaccari , Dilelis Felipe , Freitas Leonardo Willian de , Machado Cleriston Andrade , Vellozo Eduardo , Lima Marcos Fabio de , Lima Cristina Amorim Ribeiro de
Published: January 2021

Foi realizado um experimento para avaliar a digestibilidade de nutrientes, o desempenho zootécnico e parâmetros de qualidade óssea de frangos de corte alimentados, de um a 21 dias de idade, com rações contendo níveis crescentes da macroalga Kappaphycus alvarezii. O total de 150 frangos da linhagem Cobb 500® foram distribuídos em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos, seis repetições e cinco aves por repetição. O ensaio de metabolismo utilizado foi o de coleta total de excretas, do 15º ao 20º dia. Os parâmetros ósseos avaliados foram o índice de Seedor, resistência a quebra e cinzas ósseas. A macroalga seca e moída foi adicionada às rações de frango de corte nos valores de 0%, 0,5%, 1,0%, 1,5% e 2,0%; em substituição ao inerte caulim. A adição de Kappaphycus alvarezii não influenciou os parâmetros de desempenho, os parâmetros de qualidade óssea e os coeficientes de retenção de cinzas e do fósforo. Na avaliação da digestibilidade das rações foram observadas reduções (p<0,05) na energia metabolizável aparente e nos coeficientes de digestibilidade da matéria seca, da proteína bruta e da energia bruta com a inclusão da alga. A alga Kappaphycus alvarezii apresenta potencial como aditivo nas rações de frangos de corte, mas deve ser considerada a possível diminuição da digestibilidade da dieta.
Singularities of digital flexor tendons in the Catalan Pyrenean Horse
Authors: Parés-Casanova Pere M. , Bermúdez Enara
Published: January 2021

The gross anatomy of the digital flexors tendons and the distal accessory ligament of the Catalan Pyrenean Horse, an equine trait breed from Catalonia (NE Spain), is presented here. Research has been based on the dissection of isolated 10 right forelimbs, 10 left forelimbs, six right hindlimbs and five left hindlimbs (total 31 distal limbs) from clinically normal yearlings, about 12 months of age. Tendons dimensions tended to be bigger than those reported in the literature, probably due to breed, age, bodyweight, withers height and exercise programme. Distal accessory ligament was sometimes absent. Data intend to serve as standard manual data for this breed but also for other trait breeds, being the present study the first one on the subject.
Communicating Sustainable Tourism in English and Italian: A Contrastive Analysis
Authors: Lazzeretti Cecilia
Published: January 2021

Sustainable tourism has become a popular field of research over the last decades; yet, while acknowledging that sustainable tourism requires communication strategies different from those of mainstream tourism, scholars have paid little attention to this area of language. Based on two parallel corpora, this study explores the discursive representation of sustainable tourism in web communication in English and in Italian. The methodological framework adopted is that of Corpus Assisted Discourse Studies. The analysis suggests that the Italian representation of sustainable tourism is characterized by a distant stance towards readers and relies on a strong polarization between ‘good’ tourism and ‘bad’ tourism. Communication in English instead relies on proximal person deixis and on the creation of value around responsible tourism by means of factual information rather than on mere evaluation.
Brain functional networks associated with social bonding in monogamous voles
Authors: López-Gutiérrez M Fernanda , Gracia-Tabuenca Zeus , Ortiz Juan J , Camacho Francisco J , Young Larry J , Paredes Raúl G , Díaz Néstor F , Portillo Wendy , Alcauter Sarael
Published: January 2021

Previous studies have related pair-bonding in Microtus ochrogaster, the prairie vole, with plastic changes in several brain regions. However, the interactions between these socially relevant regions have yet to be described. In this study, we used resting-state magnetic resonance imaging to explore bonding behaviors and functional connectivity of brain regions previously associated with pair-bonding. Thirty-two male and female prairie voles were scanned at baseline, 24 hr, and 2 weeks after the onset of cohabitation. By using network-based statistics, we identified that the functional connectivity of a corticostriatal network predicted the onset of affiliative behavior, while another predicted the amount of social interaction during a partner preference test. Furthermore, a network with significant changes in time was revealed, also showing associations with the level of partner preference. Overall, our findings revealed the association between network-level functional connectivity changes and social bonding.
Temperature-dependent fasciation mutants provide a link between mitochondrial RNA processing and lateral root morphogenesis
Authors: Otsuka Kurataka , Mamiya Akihito , Konishi Mineko , Nozaki Mamoru , Kinoshita Atsuko , Tamaki Hiroaki , Arita Masaki , Saito Masato , Yamamoto Kayoko , Hachiya Takushi , Noguchi Ko , Ueda Takashi , Yagi Yusuke , Kobayashi Takehito , Nakamura Takahiro , Sato Yasushi , Hirayama Takashi , Sugiyama Munetaka
Published: January 2021

Although mechanisms that activate organogenesis in plants are well established, much less is known about the subsequent fine-tuning of cell proliferation, which is crucial for creating properly structured and sized organs. Here we show, through analysis of temperature-dependent fasciation (TDF) mutants of Arabidopsis,root redifferentiation defective 1(rrd1),rrd2, androot initiation defective 4(rid4), that mitochondrial RNA processing is required for limiting cell division during early lateral root (LR) organogenesis. These mutants formed abnormally broadened (i.e. fasciated) LRs under high-temperature conditions due to extra cell division. All TDF proteins localized to mitochondria, where they were found to participate in RNA processing: RRD1 in mRNA deadenylation, and RRD2 and RID4 in mRNA editing. Further analysis suggested that LR fasciation in the TDF mutants is triggered by reactive oxygen species generation caused by defective mitochondrial respiration. Our findings provide novel clues for the physiological significance of mitochondrial activities in plant organogenesis.
Differential Impact of School Segregation in the Performance of Native and Non-Native Students in Spain
Authors: Murillo F. Javier , Belavi Guillermina
Published: January 2021

There is evidence of the impact of school segregation on students’ academic achievement, but it is debated whether the extent of this impact is dependent on students’ socioeconomic status, or on their native or non-native condition. This research addresses the problem in Spain, seeking to determine how immigrant and socioeconomic segregation affect the academic achievement of native and non-native students. With this aim, the PISA study database was specially exploited by means of two-tier Multilevel Models, estimating school segregation through the Hutchens Square Root Index. Specifically, the study estimates the influence of school segregation on students’ academic achievement in the subjects of Mathematics, Language and Science. The results confirm that school socioeconomical and immigrant segregation affect students’ academic achievement differently. Whereas socioeconomic segregation negatively affects both groups in all three subjects, immigrant segregation affects non-native students more strongly. Thus, data shows school segregation on socioeconomic grounds is always significant, and always has a considerable impact on achievement, regardless of students’ national origin. School segregation reproduces and accentuates conditions of social injustice. To counter its harmful effects, it is necessary to act first and foremost on socioeconomic segregation, as this causes the most devastating effects in education, particularly for non-native students.
The Teacher-Student Relationship in the Use of Social Network Sites for Educational Purposes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Camas Garrido Laura , Valero Moya Aída , Vendrell Morancho Mireia
Published: January 2021

This paper aims at exploring the educational scholarly writing on the teacher-student relationship and performance within the use of Social Network Sites (SNSs) for educational purposes. To that end, a systematic review of 111 journal articles focused on young people, and found in ten relevant databases (ERIC, SCOPUS, WOS, JCR (SSCI), DOAJ, EBSCO, ISOC, REDIB, JSTOR, and PsycARTICLES), has been performed. The results show continuity in the roles of educators and students between physical and virtual spaces. This homogeneous conceptualisation is grounded on student-centred theories. Also, the existence of a theoretical confrontation between the figurative dichotomy of vertical (distance) and horizontal (closeness) teacher-student relationship is revealed and discussed. While most of the reviewed studies focused on requirements for technical training, the need for acquiring digital cultural knowledge is stressed. Finally, some of the educational implications of the ethical dimension of the teacher-student relationship in digital spaces are exposed.
Performativity of Materials in Learning: The Learning-Whole in Action
Authors: Carvalho Lucila , Yeoman Pippa
Published: January 2021

Contemporary educational practices have been calling for pedagogical models that foreground fexibility, agency, ubiquity, and connectedness in learning. Tese models have, in turn, been stimulating redevelopments of educational infrastructure –with physical contours reconfgured into novel complex learning spaces at universities, schools, museums, and libraries. Understanding the complexity of these innovative learning spaces requires an acknowledgement of the material and digital as interconnected. A ‘physical’ learning space is likely to involve a range of technologies and in addition to paying attention to these ‘technologies’ one must understand and account for their physical sites of use as well. Tis paper discusses the infuence of materiality in learning, using an analytical approach that situates learning activity as an emergent process. Drawing on theories that foreground socio-materiality in learning and on the relational perspective ofered by networked learning, we call for a deeper understanding of the interplay between the physical (material and digital), conceptual, and social aspects of learning, and their combined infuence on emergent activity. Te paper argues that in order to successfully design for innovative learning, educators need to develop their capacity to trace the intricate connections between people, ideas, digital and material tools, and tasks –to see the learning-whole in action.
There Is No ‘Virtual Learning’: The Materiality of Digital Education
Authors: Gourlay Lesley
Published: January 2021

The distinction between face-to-face and distant digitally-mediated educational engagement is a complex one, and the two modes are often combined in practice, via ‘blended learning’ or the use of a VLE to support campus-based teaching. The current Covid-19 pandemic has thrown this distinction into relief, in a context where educationalists have been forced to move to fully distant engagement in a very short timeframe. This paper explores how this predicament has brought to the fore the nature of our engagement with digital knowledge practices and screen-based communication, arguing that the notion of ‘virtual learning’ is a flawed one. Instead, adopting a sociomaterial perspective, it argues that all aspects of digital engagement are in fact grounded in material and embodied entanglements with devices and other artefacts.
The Topologies of Data Practices: A Methodological Introduction
Authors: Decuypere Mathias
Published: January 2021

This paper offers a methodological framework to research data practices in education critically. Data practices are understood in the generic sense of the word here, i.e., as the actions, performances, and the resulting consequences, of introducing data-producing technologies in everyday educational situations. The paper first distinguishes between data infrastructures, datafication and data points as three distinct, yet interrelated, phenomena. In order to investigate their concrete doings and specificities, the paper proposes a topological methodology that allows disentangling the relational nature and interwovenness of data practices. Based on this methodology, the paper proceeds with outlining a methodical toolbox that can be employed in studying data practices. Starting from nascent work on digital education platforms as a worked example, the toolbox allows researchers to investigate data practices as consisting of four unique topological dimensions: the Interface of a data practice, its actual Usage, its concrete Design, and its Ecological embeddedness - IUDE.
Philately’s Implications in Ecological Education Via Romanian Thematic Joint Issues (III) - Regarding the 1st Colaboration with WWF
Authors: Cioruța Bogdan-Vasile , Pop Alexandru Leonard
Published: January 2021

Continuing the extensive project to promote protected natural heritage and biodiversity, we decided, this time, to emphasize the collaboration of the Romanian postal administration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and its purely philatelic interpretations, introducing in scientific circulation the idea of thematic philately for endangered species protection. In this sense, the first topic addressed is the first issue of Romanian postage stamps dedicated exclusively to protected animals in Romania, published in early 1977. From that date until now, at the end of 2020, Romanian philately has been enriched, on quite rare occasions (3-4 in number), with the most interesting and original issues at the same time. As mentioned, the purpose of this paper is to make known to the public and to widely promote the term of protection and sustainable management of endangered species, as an alarm signal on the deplorable condition in which various species of fish, birds or even mammals are treated. For some of these species not to disappear, it was decided to pass them under the protection of the law, where the WWF also has a special contribution through its initiatives. The results of the research undertaken underline the mass character of thematic philately and the fundamental role - as an ambassador of knowledge promotion - that it has played over time. Regarding the philatelic issues that address this thematic, we can say that they successfully highlight the implications of WWF along with those of the Romanian postal administration in promoting the natural capital to be protected, but especially the impressive work of collectors of philatelic effects, as well as of those who used the postal service.
Wiener Index of Fuzzy Graph by Using Strong Domination
Authors: Emrany Saqr H. AL- , Shubatah Mahiuob M. Q.
Published: January 2021

Aims/ Objectives: This paper presents a new method to calculate the Wiener index of a fuzzy graph by using strong domination number s of a fuzzy graph G. This method is more useful than other methods because it saves time and eorts and doesn't require more calculations, if the edges number is very larg (n). The Wiener index of some standard fuzzy graphs are investigated. At last, we nd the relationship between strong domination number s and the average (G) of a fuzzy graph G was studied with suitable examples.
Assessment of the Efficacy of Nebulized 3% Hypertonic Saline versus Nebulized Adrenaline in Infants with Acute Bronchiolitis
Authors: Elkhateeb Nancy Elsayed Abdel Gawad , Hamza Mohamed Bassiony , Shafiey Rasha Mohamed Gamal El , Razik Ahmed Mohamed Abdel-
Published: January 2021

Aims: The aim of the work was to assess the efficacy of nebulized 3% hypertonic saline versus nebulized adrenaline in treatment of acute bronchiolitis in infants as supportive therapy with conventional therapy.

Place and Duration of Study: Pediatric Pulmonology Unit (PPU), Tanta University Hospital (TUH), was applied during the period from April 2019 to April 2020.

Methodology: We included ninety infants with moderate to severe acute bronchiolitis were selected, enrolled in the study and randomized into 3 groups: Group A: thirty patients were received nebulized 3% hypertonic saline plus conventional therapy. Was started from first day of admission till RADI score became 4. Group B: thirty patients were received nebulized adrenaline plus conventional therapy. Was started from first day of admission till RADI score became 4. Group C: thirty patients were received conventional therapy. Was started from first day of admission till RADI score became 4. They were subjected to history taking, clinical assessment and investigations (CXR, ECHO, CBC and CRP). Follow up done in Chest Clinic four day after discharge.

Results: There was statistically significant difference between studied groups as mean duration of O2 supplementation was significantly shorter in group B than in  group  A than in group C (p-value<0.05). On admission, mean RR in group B was significantly higher than those in groups A and C (p-value=0.05), On 5th day, mean RR in group B was significantly lower than those in groups A and C (p-value= 0.05). On admission, mean HR in group B was significantly higher than those in groups A and c (p-value =0.05) On 5th days, mean HR in group B was significantly lower than those in groups A and C (p-value= 0.05), with no statistically significant difference between groups A and C. length of hospitalization in studied groups group B showed significantly shorter need for hospital stay than that in groups A and C, with no statistically significant difference between group A and C.

Conclusion: When comparing between inhalation of adrenaline and hypertonic saline 3% in acute bronchiolitis adrenaline improve RD, oxygenation and decrease length of hospitalization.
Controlled Release of Bi-Layered EGCG Tablets Using 3D Printing Techniques
Authors: Sharma Satish Kumar , Bhatt Pankaj
Published: January 2021

Epigallo-catechin Gallate (or EGCG) is a polyphenol which is withdrawn from green tea and is commercially available as Epigallocatechin gallate. Epigallo-catechin gallate is known to have been used as dye and food colorants, but it also has many medicinal properties like anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and anti-cancer. Keeping these medical properties in mind, in the present research paper, a 3D printing technique evolving a desktop based 3D printer to extrude tablets along with the active drug ingredient and other excipients that are used as binders and disintegrants. The method adapted in the formulation of a3D printed tablet in this research makes the tablet suitable for immediate and sustained release and does not affects it’s certain physical and mechanical properties such as hardness, friability, and weight variation. The tablets which are extruded from the 3D printer are the bi-layer tablets with controlled release. With the involvement of the 3D printer, the cost of printing the bi-layered tablets have found to be very low which makes the method cost efficient. The output bi-layer tablet has been developed using various analysis and specified standard apparatus and method so that the set standards of the tablet does not get affected. The immediate release and the sustained release methods were studied separately. The final stage of the research completes when the 3D printed tablets with set time intervals for the initial and sustained release and without changing the set mechanical properties of the tablet are obtained.