bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aplicaciones virtuales y su impacto en prevención del Covid-19 de la Facultad Ciencias de la Ingeniería, UTEQ, 2020
Authors: Pérez Toapanta Adriano Efraín , Bustillos Molina Irene Teresa , Martínez Porro Eudes , Cuesta Montalván Priscila Elizabeth
Published: March 2021

Las medidas de bioseguridad han sido diseñadas para salvaguardar la vida, actualmente en tiempo de pandemia originada por la enfermedad del COVID- 19 es cuanta más importancia cobra su aplicación, incorporando una serie de acciones para contrarrestar el virus, debido a que actualmente aún no existe un tratamiento específico o alguna vacuna que detenga la incubación del virus en humanos.  La presente investigación tiene como finalidad simular las principales actividades que se desarrollan en la Facultad de Ciencias de la Ingeniería y el área Administrativa de la FCI mediante las aplicaciones virtuales como AUTOCAD (diseño estructural), R comannder (análisis estadístico), y FLEXSIM (simulación en 3D) con el objetivo de detectar el posible comportamiento humano anticipándose a los hechos sin la necesidad de experimentar con vidas humanas. 

Luego del análisis de los resultados obtenidos, se concluye que el número total de personas sobrepasa el límite de la capacidad estructural de ambos edificios, adoptando el 30% de aforo existe una mejora de la actuación de las personas en el transcurso de sus actividades cotidianas, se constató una disminución de congestión de personas en los puntos críticos y es notorio el distanciamiento físico establecido por el COE Nacional, este porcentaje es el más idóneo tanto en el edificio FCI como el 

administrativo a excepción del auditorio que el 21% del aforo es lo recomendable. Finalmente se  proponen posibles alternativas de solución que minimizan el riesgo de contagio de la enfermedad COVID-19 durante el desarrollo de las actividades en FCI.
Biocombustible Sólido A Partir De Residuos Que Generan Los Procesos Agroindustriales Del Sector El Empalme
Authors: Villarroel Bastidas José , Macías Vera Josselin
Published: March 2021

El biocombustible sólido, se obtiene mediante la compactación o densificación de residuos, no contienen aglutinantes, aditivos ni otra sustancia que puedan deteriorar las calderas e instalaciones de calefacción, su contenido es 100% residuos de los procesos agroindustriales, la lignina actúa como aglutinante natural. Como objetivo principal es la preparación y caracterización física y química de la briqueta para ser utilizadas como biocombustible sólido, a los residuos Agroindustriales como: cascarilla de arroz, polvillo, cuesco y aserrín. Con un diseño de bloques completamente al azar y un arreglo factorial ABC que constó de 12 tratamientos y 2 réplicas lo que corresponde a 24 tratamientos. Los factores de estudio: Factor A (tipo de mezcla), Factor B (forma de las briquetas) y Factor C (tamaño de las briquetas). Para el proceso de compactación se diseñó y fabricó moldes de formas cilíndricas y rectangulares de 10 y 15 cm de altura. Se  determinó el mejor tratamiento mediante análisis físicos y químicos preparado con cáscara de arroz 4 %, polvillo 14 %, cuesco  10 %, Aserrín  12 %, de forma cuadrada con un tamaño de 10 cm, con las siguientes características: 4.35 % cenizas, 11 % de humedad, poder calorífico 5268.20 Kcal/ kg, densidad 1 g/cm3 y una fuerza de compactación de 6.51 PSI; al ser este el tratamiento sobresaliente con las características deseadas en una briqueta, se procedió a realizar pruebas de temperatura y tiempo de combustión, donde alcanzo un rango de (127- 240)ºC en un tiempo de 30 minutos para ser totalmente calcinada.
SARS-CoV-2: The Second Wave in Europe
Authors: Fokas Athanassios S , Kastis George A
Published: March 2021

Although the SARS-CoV-2 virus has already undergone several mutations, the impact of these mutations on its infectivity and virulence remains controversial. In this viewpoint, we present arguments suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 mutants responsible for the second wave have less virulence but much higher infectivity. This suggestion is based on the results of the forecasting and mechanistic models developed by our study group. In particular, in May 2020, the analysis of our mechanistic model predicted that the easing of lockdown measures will lead to a dramatic second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, after the lockdown was lifted in many European countries, the resulting number of reported infected cases and especially the number of deaths remained low for approximately two months. This raised the false hope that a substantial second wave will be avoided and that the COVID-19 epidemic in these European countries was nearing an end. Unfortunately, since the first week of August 2020, the number of reported infected cases increased dramatically. Furthermore, this was accompanied by an increasingly large number of deaths. The rate of reported infected cases in the second wave was much higher than that in the first wave, whereas the rate of deaths was lower. This trend is consistent with higher infectivity and lower virulence. Even if the mutated form of SARS-CoV-2 is less virulent, the very high number of reported infected cases implies that a large number of people will perish.
Public knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19 before resumption of work and production: A cross-sectional study in Zhejiang province (Preprint)
Authors: Huang Yangmei , Wang Meng , Jiang Caixia , He Xiaoyan , Zhang Qiong , Chen Yuyang , Chen Yuyang , Shang Xiaopeng
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

In an effort to mitigate the outbreak of COVID-19，China has taking a series of strict prevention and control measures. Official statistics show that the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths has been controlled since mid-February. On March 2, 2020, the emergency response level of major public health emergencies in Zhejiang, China, was adjusted from level one to level two. The Factory gradually resumed work and students go back to school day by day.

OBJECTIVE

The prime objective of this study is to explores the knowledge, attitude and practice towards COVID-19 before resumption of work and production in Zhejiang province.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted across 11 regions in Zhejiang province from March 13 to March 23, 2020. The survey instrument consists of demographic characteristics, 10 items on knowledge, 4 items on attitudes, and 10 items on practices. Our statistical analyses are based on descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 51,640 participants were enrolled, nearly two thirds (67.1%) were female, around half the participants (44.1%) was aged 31 to 40 years. The highest proportion of the respondents had an education level of bachelor degree or higher (36.8%). The largest group of occupations are business service workers (35.4%) and students (26.4%), most participants were live in urban (93.1%). Results show that most of respondents (84.4%) have good knowledge towards COVID-19. The participants demonstrated higher awareness of transmission (89.8%) and incubation period (74.6%), but lower in symptoms (57.1%). More than half of participants (58.7%) show relax than before, nearly 85.4% of participants are optimistic and believe that the epidemic will end in three months. A large majority of participants (87.0%) show well preventive action. Almost 93.1%, 96.5% and 95.0% wore face masks when going out in public, using tissues or handkerchiefs cover their nose and mouth when they coughing or sneezing, practiced proper hand hygiene by frequently washing their hands respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that female, with the education level of bachelor or higher, medical staff, urban resident, with good knowledge level and optimistic attitude participants were more likely to have well practice to avoid COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that residents in Zhejiang province had a relatively good awareness of COVID-19 before the resumption of work and production, as well as optimistic attitudes and appropriate practices. Efforts should be directed towards raising the awareness of the disease to improve their practices in the current COVID-19 pandemic, especially eliminate student’s anxiety.
udents’ Challenges and Their Professional Development during Online Teaching Process in Albania
Authors: Roseni Dr. Emilda , Koroshi Dr. Alnida (Shano)
Published: March 2021

Global pandemic situation caused of COVID-19 brought challenges in every aspect of our lives. One of the greatest challenges in our country was educational institutions closure. Aleksandër Moisiu University-Durrës in Albania was one of the first higher education institutions that implemented online teaching through different platforms such as “Google Classroom”, “Google Meet”, and “Zoom”. Even though it was an unusual situation, both lecturers and students had to adapt these new but not easy conditions. The purpose of this research was to gather data from students’ opinions regarding the ability of Aleksandër Moisiu University to provide knowledge in the context of online learning and to examine students’ attitude towards exclusively online learning. This research was conducted using a qualitative methodology collecting data through focus groups held in Google Meet with 45 students studying in Bachelor and Master Degree programme, in the department of foreign languages at Aleksandër Moisiu University. Findings of the research will serve universities and policy makers when predicting improvements in educational system.
PROCESS DEVELOPMENT, OPTIMIZATION AND VALIDATION OF MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF ALLOPURINOL
Authors: CHISHTI SAYYED MOHSINA , MANOCHA NIMITA
Published: March 2021

Objective: The objective of the present research work is to identify the critical parameters in the process that affect the quality of the finished product. The processs validation of the manufacturing process for Allopurinol tablet USP, 300 mg to be manufactured with change in manufacturing site and with increased batch size.

Methods: Prior to Scaling up to production, pilot batches were manufactured. Three consecutive commercial batches are to be produced using similar test equipment and in full compliance with cGMP and existing SOPs. Critical process parameters of the machine was set within operating range and was not exceeded upper and lower control limits during process operation. Equipment were operated within its assigned control limits, which shows upon scale up into new site, the specification for hardness did not meet requirements that had been set during development. There was no significant effect observed on thickness, friability, disintegration, dissolution, uniformity of dosage and were found within specification. Pre process batch was challenged by manufacturing product at upper and lower processing limits and circumstances which pose the greatest chance of process or product failure compared to ideal condition.

Results: Based on the data obtained from pre-process validation batch, operating ranges for compression force and machine speed had been established. Collected data shows robustness around these parameters and there is increased confidence that the process can be successfully scaled up under target conditions for these parameters.

Conclusion: From this study, it was concluded that process was optimized and gave a reproducible product that meet predetermined quality requirements and do so consistently and reliably.
Tribunal do júri virtual: em busca da harmonização entre as soluções emergenciais ocasionadas pela pandemia do novo coronavirus e a observância dos preceitos constitucionais
Authors: Rodrigues Ronald Pinheiro , Malta Nigel Stewart Neves Patriota
Published: March 2021

O Poder Judiciário brasileiro tem buscado promover as devidas adequações às mudanças causadas pelo novo coronavírus (Sars-CoV-2), com a realização de audiências e diversos outros atos processuais, mediante instrumentos de videoconferência. Este artigo aborda a proposta do Conselho Nacional de Justiça (CNJ) de virtualização, nesse período, das sessões do tribunal do júri, à luz dos preceitos constitucionais sobre a matéria. A problematização centra-se na busca pela harmonização entre as soluções emergenciais surgidas no contexto pandêmico com as diretrizes encartadas na Recomendação nº 62/2020 do referido órgão de controle interno do Poder Judiciário. Discutem-se questões variadas, com ênfase no debate constitucional, sobre critérios afetos ao tribunal do júri, como o prejuízo argumentativo, a proeminência do procedimento especial e a aplicabilidade das disposições legais de videoconferência ao rito sob análise, além daquelas atinentes ao sigilo das votações e da incomunicabilidade dos jurados, com apontamentos para medidas desencarceradoras. A partir de metodologia fundada em revisão de literatura especializada, com abordagem qualitativa, formula-se um juízo crítico acerca da inconstitucionalidade da pretensão de virtualização do procedimento especial do júri, proposta que se deu especialmente sob o pretexto inadequado de efetivação do princípio constitucional da razoável duração do processo.
Admissibility of evidence and international criminal justice
Authors: Krzan Bartlomiej
Published: March 2021

International criminal procedure combines elements of accusatorial and inquisitorial legal traditions, thus constituting a unique amalgam. Because of the broader scale and the complexity of international criminality to be addressed by international criminal courts and tribunals, it may seem interesting to look at developments and their hitherto experience through the lens of the admissibility of evidence. The presented paper scrutinizes the respective law and practice of the International Military Tribunals, the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and for Rwanda, and the International Criminal Court, and also makes some general observations on the admissibility of evidence from the perspective of international judiciary as a whole, i.e. not only confined to international judicial bodies of a criminal character.
The rule of admissibility of evidence in the criminal process of continental Europe
Authors: Skorupka Jerzy
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a doctrinal review of the rule of admissibility of evidence in the criminal process of continental Europe, which can be understood narrowly as applying exclusively to the question of acceptability, i.e. determination what evidence can be admitted. This rule can also be understood in broad terms and applied to determine not only the admissibility of evidence but also its relevance and adequacy. Much attention was paid to the functions performed by the admissibility rule, especially its guarantee function. The state of scientific discussion on the recognition of unlawfully obtained evidence as “inadmissible evidence”, and the author’s views on this issue were also presented.
Relación entre satisfacción con el tratamiento para diabetes y control glucémico en pacientes mayores de edad
Authors: Toledo Hernández Angélica , Liévanos Beltrán Merily A. , Santillán Godínez Alejandra
Published: March 2021

Objetivo: evaluar la satisfacción del tratamiento para diabetes y su asociación con el control glucémico en pacientes que acuden a un módulo de control metabólico (Diabetimss). Métodos: estudio transversal analítico. Participaron pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (dm2) mayores de dieciocho años inscritos en el programa Diabetimss del Hospital General Regional con Medicina Familiar (hgr/mf) No.1 del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (imss); el muestreo fue no probabilístico por casos consecutivos. Se utilizó el cuestionario Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (dtsq), se indagaron aspectos sociodemográficos, así como valores de hemoglobina glucosilada para determinar control glucémico. Resultados: se evaluaron 125 pacientes del módulo Diabetimss, 44.7% de los pacientes menores de 65 años presentó control glucémico y 95.8% señaló estar muy satisfecho con su tratamiento para diabetes. 68.9% de los pacientes mayores de 65 años tuvo un adecuado control glucémico y 93.1% refirió estar muy satisfecho con su tratamiento. Se realizó análisis bivariado mediante la prueba estadística exacta de Fisher para ambos grupos de edad no obteniéndose significancia estadística. Se obtuvo una or a nivel general de 0.04 (ic95% 0.16 - 5.76; p 0.96) entre control glucémico y satisfacción con el tratamiento. Conclusiones: no existió una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre control glucémico y satisfacción con el tratamiento para diabetes. Se deben de buscar estrategias alternas que fortalezcan el control metabólico en pacientes con dm2.
Effect of Eggplant Root Extracts on the Growth of Storage Fungi of Wheat Grains and Their Ability for Aflatoxin Production in Babylon Silos in Iraq
Authors:   Biological Control Techniques Department, Technical College, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, Al Musayeb, Babylon, Iraq, E, Kadhm Iman Jawad , Kareem Hadi ,   Biological Control Techniques Department, Technical College, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, Al Musayeb, Babylon, Iraq, E, Segar Silan  Hussein ,   Biological Control Techniques Department, Technical College, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, Al Musayeb, Babylon, Iraq, E
Published: March 2021

Kadhim, I.J., F.H. Kareem and S.H. Segar. 2021. Effect of Eggplant Root Extracts on the Growth of Storage Fungi of Wheat Grains and Their Ability for Aflatoxin Production in Babylon Silos in Iraq. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 39(1): 29-38. Seed-borne fungi adversely affect seed germination and seedling vigor and results in economic loss to farmers. In the present study, the antifungal activity of aqueous and alcohol extracts from eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) roots against fungi isolated from local wheat grains stored in the old Hilla silo and the new Hilla silo in Babylon, Iraq were investigated during the growing season 2017-2018 by using the poisoned food technique. The ability of the isolated fungal species for aflatoxins production was assayed. The results obtained showed that the aqueous extract contained flavonoids, whereas the alcohol extract contained flavonoids and alkaloids. Three fungal species associated with stored wheat grains were isolated, namely: Aspergillus niger, Penicillium notatum and Fusarium oxysporum. It was found that the extracts had a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of these fungi grown on potato dextrose agar medium compared with the control at P=0.05. At a concentration 36 مجلة وقاية النبات العربية، مجلد 39 ،عدد 1( 2021 ) of 10 mg/ml, the alcohol extract had a significantly higher inhibition rate which reached 91.11, 88.88 and 91.11%, on the three fungi, respectively, as compared to 86.66, 86.66 and 83.33% for the aqueous extract, respectively. The results also showed that Aspergillus niger and Penicillium notatum were able to produce aflatoxins. Keywords: Aflatoxins, alcohol extract, aqueous extract, flavonoids.
Detection and Molecular Characterization of Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV) Spread Along the Syrian Coast
Authors:   Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University & Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University (SPU), Syria, Mouhanna Ahmad , Ali Hasan Oos ,   Biological Control Studies and Research Center (BCSRC), Faculty of Agriculture, Damascus University, Syria, Harhoush Al- Obaidi Hind Naaman ,   Al-Mansour, Ministry of Trade, Baghdad, Iraq
Published: March 2021

Mouhanna, A.M., A.A. Ali Hasan and H.N.H. Alobaidi. 2021. Detection and Molecular Characterization of Watermelon Mosaic Virus (WMV) Spread Along the Syrian Coast. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 39(1): 47-54. Identification of local isolates of Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) was investigated using serological and molecular methods. A total of 293 leaf samples from watermelon, zucchini, pumpkin, cucumber, pepper, beans and potato, with symptoms suggestive of virus infection, were collected from fields in two Syrian governorates (Latakia, Tartus) along the Syrian coast. DAS-ELISA tests revealed the presence of WMV in watermelon, zucchini, pumpkin and cucumber samples, with an average relative incidence of 36.95, 26.31, 29.27 and 37.70%, respectively. The infection of pepper with Watermelon mosaic virus was reported for the first time in Syria, with an average relative incidence of 2.94%. WMV was not detected in potato and beans, and these results were confirmed by RT-PCR. The local WMV isolate Cu4 was grouped with an Iranian isolate [EU660584.1] with 98.9% sequence identity. A Turkish isolate [EU660579] was grouped with local WMV isolate Wa2 with 98.3% sequence identity. Furthermore, two local isolates Zu6 and Cu8 represented one sub-group with 99.3% sequence identity. Keywords: Watermelon mosaic virus, DAS-ELISA, RT-PCR, CI, Phylogenetic Tree.
MICROEMPREENDEDORES INDIVIDUAIS FORMALIZADOS BUSCAM MAIS MICROCRÉDITO DO QUE AQUELES NÃO FORMALIZADOS?
Authors: Fraga Luana dos Santos , França Marco Tulio Aniceto , Bagolin Izete Pengo
Published: March 2021

No ano de 2008 foi implementada a Lei Complementar nº 128, que criou a figura do Microempreendedor Individual. Além de estabelecer condições especiais para que os trabalhadores por conta própria se tornassem legalizados, tinha entre os objetivos facilitar o acesso ao crédito. No entanto não são conhecidos, por meio de métodos de avaliação de impacto, os efeitos da lei sobre tal propósito. Assim, o estudo tem como objetivo estimar o efeito da Lei Complementar 128/2008 sobre a busca ao microcrédito por meio das metodologias de Propensity Score Matching (PSM) e Balanceamento por Entropia. Para tanto, foram utilizados os microdados da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílio, do ano de 2014. Os resultados mostram que os Microempreendedores Individuais formalizados apresentam mais chances de buscarem microcrédito do que aqueles não formalizados, em uma magnitude entre 10,6%, segundo a metodologia de Balanceamento por Entropia a 11,6%, segundo o PSM por vizinho mais próximo. A evidência sugere que a Lei Complementar nº 128 está cumprindo o objetivo relacionado ao acesso ao crédito, pois a busca é o primeiro passo para o acesso e uma importante fonte de informação sobre as condições de aquisição do microcrédito.
INVESTMENTS IN COMPANIES WITH NEGATIVE EQUITY: THE RETURN IS WORTH THE RISK?
Authors: Cescon José Antonio , Decourt Roberto Frota , Costa Luciana de Andrade
Published: March 2021

This study analyzed the return and risk of an investment portfolio, composed only of shares of companies listed in B3 that presented Negative Equity (NE), in the period from 1998 to 2019. Considering the Efficient Market Hypothesis (FAMA, 1970), the rationality of investors, the stock market on the stock exchange, in relation to companies with PLN, theoretically should not be active or provide abnormal positive returns to investors, since, technically, companies would be insolvent. The method used was to build a portfolio for assets that had at least one year of trading on the stock exchange and had NE in this period. The number of shares (assets) was fluctuating, starting with 2 and ending with 44 shares. The results of the Portfolio were compared to a risk-free investment (Interbank Deposit Certificate – CDI) and a similar risk investment (Brasil 50 Index - IBrX50), this as a control portfolio. The results found indicate that it is possible to obtain abnormal positive results, but do not meet the risk and return ratio when compared to a risk-free investment. However, when compared to other risky investments, investing in companies with NE may make sense, since a portfolio with no judgment criteria presents a more attractive risk and return ratio than stock indexes. This study contributes to the literature, as it brings to the academic world the universe of companies with NE, notably concerning the returns that these companies can provide to investors and, also for being an unprecedented study in this approach in Brazil.
Preparation of thermosensitive PNIPAm-based copolymer coated cytodex 3 microcarriers for efficient non-enzymatic cell harvesting during 3D culturing
Authors: Darge Haile , Chuang Shun-Hao , Lai Juin-Yih , Lin Shuian-Yin , Tsai Hsieh-Chih
Published: March 2021

Enzymatic detachment of cells might damage important features of cells
and could affect subsequent function of cells in various applications.
Therefore, non-enzymatic cell detachment using thermosensitive polymer
matrix is necessary for maintaining cell quality after harvesting. In
this study, we synthesized thermosensitive PNIPAm-co-AAc-b-PS and
PNIPAm-co-AAm-b-PS copolymers and LCST was tuned near to body
temperature. Then, polymer solutions (5% w/v, 10% w/v, and 20% w/v)
were spin coated to prepare films for cell adhesion and thermal-induced
cell detachment. The apha-step analysis and SEM image of the films
suggested that the thickness of the films depends on the molecular
weight and concentration which ranged from 206 nm to 1330 nm for
PNIPAm-co-AAc-b-PS and 97.5 nm to 497 nm for PNIPAm-co-AAm-b-PS. The
contact angles of the films verified that the polymer surface was
moderately hydrophilic at 37°C. From cell attachment and detachment
studies, RAW264.7 cells, were convincingly proliferated on the films to
a confluent of >80 % within 48 days. However, relatively
more cells were grown on PNIPAm-co-AAm-b-PS (5%w/v) films and
thermal-induced cell detachment was more abundant in this formulation.
As a result, commercial cytodex 3 microcarrier was coated with
PNIPAm-co-AAm-b-PS (5%w/v) and interestingly enhanced cell detachment
with preserved potential of recovery was observed at low temperature
during 3D culturing. Thus, surface modification of microcarriers with
PNIPAm-co-AAm-b-PS could be vital strategy for non-enzymatic cell
dissociation and able to achieve adequate number of cells with maximum
cell viability, and functionality for various cell-based applications.
Keywords: surface coated microcarriers; thermosensitive polymer;
non-enzymatic cell detachment
Geographic parthenogenesis in the brown alga Scytosiphon lomentaria (Scytosiphonaceae): sexuals in warm waters and parthenogens in cold waters
Authors: Hoshino Masakazu , Hiruta Shimpei , Croce Maria , Kamiya Mitsunobu , Jomori Takahiro , Wakimoto Toshiyuki , Kogame Kazuhiro
Published: March 2021

Geographic parthenogenesis (GP), a phenomenon where parthenogens and
their close sexual relatives inhabit distinct geographic areas, has been
considered an interesting topic to understand the adaptation to marginal
habitats and the role of hybridization in evolution. Reports of GP from
land and freshwater are numerous, however, this occurrence has been
rarely reported on from the sea. Brown algae are mostly marine and are
thought to include numerous obligate parthenogens; still, little is
known about the distribution, origin, and evolution of parthenogens in
this group. Here we report a novel pattern of GP in the isogamous brown
alga Scytosiphon lomentaria. Sex ratio investigation demonstrated that,
in Japan, sexual populations grew in the coast along warm ocean
currents, whereas female-dominant parthenogenetic populations grew
mainly in the coast along a cold ocean current. In the two localities
where sexual and parthenogenetic populations were parapatric,
parthenogens grew in more wave-exposed areas than sexuals. Population
genetic and phylogenetic analyses, including those based on genome-wide
single nucleotide polymorphism data, suggested that: (1) parthenogens
evolved at least twice in S. lomentaria, (2) parthenogens did not
originate from inter-species hybridization, (3) new parthenogenetic
lineages have arisen from hybridizations between parthenogens and
sexuals, and (4) parthenogens have a wider distribution than sexuals. We
also showed that the production of sex pheromones, which attract male
gametes, has been independently suppressed/lost in two parthenogenetic
lineages. This parallel suppression/loss of the sexual trait may
represent the direct origin of parthenogens, or the regressive evolution
of a useless trait under asexuality.
A Comparison of National Water Model Retrospective Analysis Snow Outputs at SNOTEL Sites Across the Western U.S.
Authors: Garousi-Nejad Irene , Tarboton David
Published: March 2021

This study compares the U.S. National Water Model (NWM) reanalysis snow
outputs to observed snow water equivalent (SWE) and snow-covered area
fraction (SCAF) at SNOTEL sites across the Western U.S. This was done to
evaluate and identify opportunities for improving the modeling of snow
in the NWM. SWE was obtained from SNOTEL sites, while SCAF was obtained
from MODIS observations at a nominal 500 m grid scale. Retrospective NWM
results were at a 1000 m grid scale. We compared results for SNOTEL
sites to gridded NWM and MODIS outputs for the grid cells encompassing
each SNOTEL site. Differences between modeled and observed SWE were
attributed to both model errors, as well as errors in inputs, notably
precipitation and temperature. The NWM generally under-predicted SWE,
partly due to precipitation input differences. There was also a slight
general bias for model input temperature to be cooler than observed,
counter to the direction expected to lead to under-modeling of SWE.
There was also under-modeling of SWE for a subset of sites where
precipitation inputs were good. Furthermore, the NWM generally tends to
melt snow early. There was considerable variability between modeled and
observed SCAF that hampered useful interpretation of these comparisons.
This is in part due to the model grid SCAF essentially being binary
(snow or no snow) while observations from MODIS are much more
fractional. However, when SCAF was aggregated across all sites and
years, modeled SCAF tended to be more than observed using MODIS. These
differences are regional with generally better SWE and SCAF results in
the Central Basin and Range and differences tending to become larger the
further away regions are from this region. These findings identify areas
where predictions from the NWM involving snow may be better or worse,
and suggest opportunities for research directed towards model
improvements.
In silico tracking of SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1 structural variants in helix-turn-helix motif
Authors: Rezaei Shokouh , Pereira Filipe , sefidbakht yahya
Published: March 2021

SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein 1 (Nsp1) is a virulence factor that
inhibits the innate immune response and translation of host mRNAs.
Despite the relevance of Nsp1, few studies have been conducted to
understand the effect of mutations on Nsp1 structure and function. Here,
we provide a molecular dynamics simulation of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-1
Nsp1 conformational changes. Our data supports the idea that SARS-CoV-2
Nsp1 has a less compact structure than SARS-CoV-1 Nsp1. Moreover,
several mutations in the helix-loop-helix motif of Nsp1 C-terminal that
may affect the interactions of the Nsp1-ribosome complex were
investigated. Disordered regions in Nsp1 probably affect host-virus
interactions, cross-species transmission, and virus-host range. Overall,
these findings reinforce the importance of studying Nsp1 conformational
changes in new variants and its effect on virulence of SARS-CoV-2, by
altering inhibition potency of host mRNA translation efficiency.
Göstergebilimsel Bir Yorum: Yazınsal Anlatılarda Söylemin Duygusal Boyutu ve Söz
Authors: Kalelioğlu Murat
Published: March 2021

Edebiyat, dilsel ve dilsel olmayan göstergelerin sıra dışı dizilişiyle üretilen sanatsal alanın en önemli temsilcilerinden biridir. Kısa hikâye ise, üretim sürecinde farklı türden göstergelerle karşı karşıya kalınan, edebiyatın önemli türlerinden biridir. Dilsel bir ileti olan bu tür kısa hikâye anlatılarında anlatı kişilerinin davranış ve tutumlarıyla ilgili birçok göstergeyle karşı karşıya kalınabilir. Bu göstergeler sevinç, coşku, üzüntü, ağlama, sarılma, kucaklaşma gibi anlatı kişilerinin ruh durumunu ortaya koyan davranışsal-duygusal göstergelerdir. Dilsel olmayan (dildışı) evrende kurulan bu göstergeler bazen tek başına bir anlam ifade etmeyebilir. Ancak bunlar belirli bir bağlam içinde dilsel göstergelere destek amacıyla kullanıldığında anlamsal açıdan çok şey ifade ederler. Bu durum da dilsel olmayan gösterge türlerinin dilsel olan (diliçi) göstergelerle kurulan anlama katkı sağladığını ortaya koyar. Burada önemli olan dildışı göstergelerin, diliçi göstergelerle birlikte kullanımındaki uyumudur. Bu uyum varsa, üretilen bildiri güçlenir ve etkisini arttırır, yoksa iletinin gücü ve etkisi azalır ve bildiri anlaşılmaz bir hal alır. Bu çalışmada, edebi bir tür olan kısa hikâyelerde söylemin davranışsal-duygusal boyutunun nasıl üretildiği ve bu üretim sırasında dilsel olmayan göstergelerin duygusal alanın oluşmasına ne tür katkılar sağladığı araştırılmaktadır. Araştırma, söylemi üreten sözceleme öznesinin iç dünyasını, farklı durum ve olaylar karşısında değişen ruh durumunu ve dışavurum biçimlerini açıklamaya çalışan söylem göstergebiliminin sunduğu olanaklar çerçevesinde gerçekleşmektedir. Çalışma boyunca Paris Göstergebilim Okulu’nun temsilcilerinden Jacques Fontanille’in söylem göstergebilimi kuramı çerçevesinde ele alınan söylemin duygusal boyutunun ve bu boyutun ‘duygusal uyanış, düzenleme, tutku, heyecan ve töreselleştirme’ evreleri çözümlenmiştir.
Can Continuous Disclosure Defaults Be Attributed to Big 4 versus Non-Big 4 Auditor Differences?
Authors: Smaili Nadia
Published: March 2021

The numerous scandals attributed to lack of independence on the part of Big 4 auditors have reignited one of the most controversial issues in the accounting profession: Do Big 4 auditors provide higher audit quality? The objective of this paper is to examine whether the auditor's reputation affects non-compliance with disclosure obligations and the type and number of defaults detected by the Ontario Securities Commission. Using an internet-based list published by the Ontario Securities Commission in February 2020, I develop a sample of 286 firms consisting of 143 issuers in default and their 143 matching firms. Results show that the presence of a Big 4 auditor is associated negatively with the various default types and the number of defaults. One implication of these findings is that hiring a reputable auditor may prevent firms and shareholders from being on the “shame list.”

JEL Classifications: G38; G34; G32.
Insider Sales under the Threat of Short Sellers: New Hypothesis and New Tests
Authors: Wang Kemin , Wang Rencheng , Wei K. C. John , Zhang Bohui , Zhou Yi
Published: March 2021

Using the Regulation SHO program as a quasi-experiment, we document that the threat of short selling has a negative effect on the volume of opportunistic insider selling and a positive effect on its profitability for each transaction. These effects are stronger among firms with higher litigation risk, greater media coverage, and executives who have more of their firms' stock-related holdings. We further find robust evidence when we extend the analyses to short selling deregulations in the Chinese and Hong Kong stock exchanges. Overall, our findings suggest that short sellers play a disciplinary role in opportunistic insider selling.

Data Availability: Data are available from the public sources cited in the text.

JEL Classifications: D8; D53; G14; G18.
The Informational Role of Investor Relations: Evidence from the Debt Market
Authors: Kim Eunjee , Sethuraman Mani , Steffen Thomas D.
Published: March 2021

We explore the role of investor relations (IR) in debt markets. Using earnings announcements as a laboratory, we examine whether, when, and to what extent IR departments help credit investors assimilate information. We find that the presence of IR decreases (increases) the negative (positive) impact on CDS spreads stemming from bad (good) earnings news, suggesting that IR efforts improve information precision and reduce transparency risk. Cross-sectional analyses suggest that IR matters more when uncertainty is high and creditors are concerned about the credit risk implications of firm performance. We also find that IR firms receive higher credit ratings and fewer covenants when issuing bonds, and CDS markets react less negatively when IR firms' bond ratings are downgraded below investment grade. Because firms choose their IR activities, we show that our inferences are robust to multiple methods of addressing endogeneity. Overall, we find that IR departments are influential in debt markets.
UAV-Assisted NOMA-Based Network with Alamouti Space-Time Block Coding
Authors: YILMAZ Tayfun , AYRANCI Ahmet Aytuğ , BACANLI Emre , İLHAN Hacı
Published: March 2021

In this study, a 3-user system was considered in the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Assisted (UAV-Assisted) Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access-Based (NOMA-Based) communication network. In the network, UAV communicates with users on the ground via two antennas using the Alamouti Space-Time Block Coding (A-STBC) technique. It is considered that there are two separate scenarios where user links are designed with one antenna and two antenna systems. In the study, Monte-Carlo simulations were carried out to understand the effects of using the A-STBC technique in UAV-Assisted NOMA-Based communication networks and increased antenna diversity in receiver and transmitter in the network to the performance of the system. For the benchmark, the downlink NOMA network was used, where the receivers and the UAV are designed with a single antenna. In the simulation results, with the A-STBC technique in the system and increase in diversity, the effects of Path Loss (PL) and environmental factors on error performance were examined. Especially in high Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) values, it has been observed that the effects of these destructive factors on error performance are highly minimized. Also, the use of A-STBC technique and the increase in diversity in the system provided considerable SNR gain. Moreover, it has been observed that full diversity gain can be achieved when the A-STBC technique is used in the UAV-Assisted downlink NOMA-Based communication system.
Inner structure and kinematics of the Sushchany-Perga fault zone of the Ukrainian Shield according to the tectonophysical study
Authors: Mychak S.V. , Farfuliak L.V.
Published: March 2021

The field tectonophysical works were carried out in the upper reaches of the Ubort River basin along the Zolnia-Maidan-Kopischany fault. The research aim was determination of the inner structure and kinematics of the Sushchany-Perga fault zone of the western pfrt of the Ukrainian Shield. For investigation of fracturing and structural-textural elements of rocks the structural-paragenetic method of tectonophysics was used. It was determined that formation of the Sushchany-Perga fault zone continued during at least five phases of deformation. They were accompanied by the formation of differently oriented shear zones: Khmelivka, Sushchany, Perga, Rudnia-Khochin, Lopatychi. The Khmelivka and Sushchany shear zones are similar to striking of the Nemyriv and Khmelnik fault zones of the Ukrainian shield, which belong to the Nemyriv stage of faulting (~1.99 Ga). The Rudnia-Khochin and Perga phases are related to the fact that the Sushchany-Perga fault zone was quite active during the junction of the Fennoscandia and Sarmatia microplates. We have established that the development of thrust fault and normal down throw fault type shears, which took place in an area of compression and extension, respectively, is associated with the formation period of the Perga granitoids complex (1.80—1.70 Ga).This alternation of the compression and extension conditions has led to formation of the ore occurrences and deposits within the Perga tectonic joint. This investigation found that the Sushchany-Perga fault zone arose in the Late Paleoproterozoic at the Nemirov stage of fracture formation, simultaneously with Goryn, Lutsk, Teteriv and Nemyriv fault zones as a result of the junction of two ancient microplates — Fennoscandia and Sarmatia.
English Language Pronunciation Barriers Encountered by the Expatriate Students at King Saud University, Riyadh
Authors: Vadakalur Elumalai Kesavan , Sufian Abdullah Mohammad , P Sankar Jayendira , R Kalaichelvi
Published: March 2021

The English language pronunciation is a sub-skill of speaking modules during the learning process of a second language. Accurate pronunciation is not followed enough by Bangladesh students in speaking English It was found that the participants face barriers while pronouncing English. However, it is ignored and even provided the least attention by them. In order to explore the pronunciation barriers of vowels and consonants of Bangladesh expatriate learners and to identify remedial measures, this study stresses about four aspects of pronunciation: vowel confusion and insertion, missing stress sounds, sounds’ errors cause of written form, and absence of fricatives. The study emphasizes on the value and status of pronunciation and overcame the approach of it among Bangladesh expatriate students. A pronunciation test was conducted with 8 Bangladesh expatriate learners with an age range of 20-25 years and the participants were asked to pronounce 7-8 words in every aspect, recorded their voice and documented for analysis along with observation of the Bangladesh expatriate learners at King Saud University. The study reveals that Bangladeshi students have many errors on the way to the correct vocalization of English sounds, which are mainly the influence of their mother tongue. Bangladeshi Learners could not make the distinction between long and short vowels. To overcome this problem, learners need to participate pronunciation practice in the formal assessment process in addition to language lessons and also focus their attention on conversation through multimedia.
Global Issues in ESP Classroom: Challenges and Opportunities in Higher Education
Authors: Diachkova Yana , Sazhko Lilia , Shevchenko Liudmyla , Syzenko Anastasiia
Published: March 2021

In English for Specific Purposes, one of the challenges is to transform teaching and learning into a process, which focuses on the development of professional skills, enables students to become successful learners of the target language, and makes them more aware of the local and global environments. This paper aims to analyse key challenges that teachers and learners face in the classrooms and suggest a way of integrating global issues into the process of development of professional soft and hard skills. The paper studies the existing ESP literature in terms of presence of global issues, explores the perceptions of global issues among university students in Ukraine, outlines the correlation between professional skills and global competence. The findings suggest that there are numerous advantages of introducing materials based on global issues into the teaching process as it has synergetic effect of fusing professional skills, soft skills and global competence. The paper concludes that this fusion improves the skill set of a future professional and has a positive impact on the quality of higher education in general.
The Low Co-occurrence of Nominalization and Hedging in Scientific Papers Written by Chinese EFL Learners
Authors: Liu Xiao
Published: March 2021

This article hypothesizes that one of the reasons for Chinese EFL learners’ rigid use of nominalization and insufficient use of hedging in academic writing can be attributed to the unclear understanding of the relationship between these two expressions. The aim of the research is to first prove and then explain the possible co-occurrence of nominalization and hedging in scientific papers, with the intention of deepening Chinese EFL learners’ understanding of the reasons for their possible co-occurrence. After a corpus-assisted statistical analysis of sixty abstracts selected from leading scientific journals written by native English speakers, it’s been found that there is indeed a tendency for nominalization and hedge to co-occur both at the textual-level and clause-level. Besides, a tentative analysis is conducted to explain the pattern of their co-occurrence. It has been observed that the number of nominalized expressions in clauses is inversely correlated with the probability degree of hedging, and the position of nominalization in the clause (theme or rheme) influences the generalization level of hedging. The research results could shed light on the pedagogic approach in improving Chinese EFL learners’ academic writing by making evident that the elusive Grammatical Metaphor competence could be enhanced by deepening the understanding of the inter-relationship between seemingly different in-congruent expressions like nominalization and hedges.
Uncovering New Paths to Adaptation: A Case Study of Malaysian English as a Second Language Pre-service Teachers
Authors: El Masry Taghreed , I Alzaanin Eman
Published: March 2021

This study aims to explore how English as a Second Language ESL Pre-Service Teachers (PSTs) employ adaptation strategies in response to the surrounding constraining context to develop their professional identities. The research question is “How do pre-service teachers (PSTs) employ adaptation strategies to develop their professional identity (PI) during their simulated teaching class and practicum?”. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews and classroom observation from PSTs in a Malaysian university and public secondary schools in Kuala Lumpur. Findings showed that the positive notions of belonging to a Community of Practice (CoP) proved to be applicable in the simulated teaching class context, so PSTs used their adaptation process of observation-experimentation and evaluation to attempt different teaching practices. Nonetheless, the positive notions of the CoP were inapplicable in the teaching practicum context. Hence, PSTs struggled to construct their Professional Identity (PI) and had to alter their adaptation strategies to negotiate PI construction. The study concludes with some recommendations for further use. Program designers need to consider social interaction and integration within the professional context. That could enable adaptation processes to enhance PSTs’ PI development.
Challenges and Strategies in Teaching Speaking Skills to the Yemeni EFL Learners at Aden University: A Case Study
Authors: Mahboob Ahmed Al-Hassaani Abdulbari , Fadhl Mahmood Qaid Abdulkarim
Published: March 2021

This study focused on Yemeni EFL learners of second-year level, Department of English, College of Education/Saber, Aden University. Yemeni learners started to study English in class seven at the age of about 14, and this is a problem for Yemeni EFL learners. Besides, Yemeni EFL learners’ problems were inadequate syllabus and inappropriate teaching materials of English-speaking skills course. The researchers identified a problem existing in the classroom. The learners in this college faced difficulties in their study of English-speaking skills at Aden University. This was because of their limited background in English. They felt anxiety and fear of making mistakes. The study’s main objective was to examine the difficulties faced by the Yemeni EFL learners in English-speaking skills course at Aden University. The study contributed to finding remedies to the Yemeni EFL learners’ problems in English -speaking skills. It would also help syllabus designers, teaching materials writers, learners, and teachers at Aden University. We conclude that the Yemeni EFL learners need enough time to practice English-speaking skills at Aden University. The current syllabus and teaching materials for teaching English-speaking skills need to be changed and developed to match the learners’ needs in the labor market.