bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene Editing in Life Sciences
Authors: Patel Jeet , Berlew Erin
Published: July 2021

Gene editing technologies like the CRISPR-Cas9 system have forever changed the way we analyze genetics. As we now have a way to alter genetics, we can now investigate not just how a biological mechanism works, but wonder what we could do to make it better. This paper will discuss how biotechnology and gene editing are integrated into life sciences and biology, where most applications are found. It will be divided into four sections, each addressing how gene editing technology has advanced a field in life science. Firstly, the focus will be on viral detection systems SHERLOCK (Specific High-sensitivity Enzymatic Reporter UnLOCKing) and DETECTR (DNA Endonuclease Targeting CRISPR Trans Reporter), and their importance to the current global pandemic as well as other applications. Then the attention will be diverted into the rapidly popularizing work on gene drives and attempts to drive the evolution of populations of species to benefit mankind. Next, we will discuss the link between biotechnology and species resurrection while discussing ongoing efforts and the ethics of such massive biodiversity shifts. And finally, we discuss possible solutions for the world's hunger crisis using biotechnology with a section on genetically modified crops. I hope to properly explain the growing applications of gene editing by the end of this paper.
Impact of COVID-19 & Economic Outlook for Small Business – A Survey Based Study
Authors: Ramachandra Prashanth , Kent Johnny , Han Jaclyn
Published: July 2021

The unprecedented challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic not only continue to be a major public health concern, but also impose serious economic uncertainty on small businesses across the nation. To assess how small businesses2 were impacted in the first half of 2020 and gauge their economic outlook for the second half of 2020, I conducted an original survey of 86 companies. The results reveal several important metrics. First, 40% of surveyed companies drastically reduced operations for a duration of 1 to 2 months in first half of 2020, with most resorting to reduction of hours, furloughs, and/or layoffs. Second, 75% of companies sought Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, and every company that applied for PPP received approval. Third, 30% of companies forecast a decrease in revenue and reduction in staffing in the second half of 2020. Fourth, a trend of delayed receivables and increased expenses due to Covid-19 becomes evident.  Fifth, businesses overwhelmingly report an imminent need for a second stimulus relief from Congress to stabilize their operations and to avoid reductions in employment.
The Queen Square Brain Injury Clinic
Authors:   National Hospital, Queen Square, London, Sylvester Richard , Greenwood Richard ,   National Hospital, Queen Square, London, Julien Camille ,   National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, Eliot Brent ,   St Bartholomew’s & The Royal London Hospitals
Published: July 2021

There is recognition of the need for rehabilitation after TBI, but less for expert diagnosis at the level of pathology and impairment during rehabilitation. To minimise disability and cost and to maximise function, rigorous diagnosis of pathology and its consequences is required. A multidisciplinary Brain Injury clinic can provide a one-stop assessment, triage and subsequent follow-along for patients in the community after moderate-severe traumatic brain injury and enables prescription of the right treatment at the right time.
Exploration of HR Managers Perspectives in Hiring and Retaining Practices of People with Physical Disabilities
Authors: Shahid Naseem , Zahid Gulnaz
Published: July 2021

This study aims to explore employers’ attitudes and perceptions in hiring and retaining people with physical disabilities. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with eleven human resource managers working in the private sector of Islamabad. Transcripts comprising participants verbatim were analyzed using Thematic Analysis and a descriptive approach. The reliability of the research was established by ensuring credibility, dependability, transferability, and conformability. Inter-rater reliability was found satisfactory. Findings show six major themes namely employers’ attitude, policy awareness and implementation, perceived concerns and challenges by employers, barriers to employment of people with disability (PWD), provision of reasonable accommodation and, career development and retention policy. The research findings indicate that human resource managers generally have socially desirable, favorable attitudes towards the employment of people with disabilities. However, in-depth exploration indicated either attitudinal barriers or apprehensions to hire PWD due to the lack of resources and limitations in policy implementation. Findings show that small and medium-sized organizations face greater challenges in hiring and retaining PWD. Further, a dire need for governmental and legislative support to the employers is highlighted. Implications of research findings have been discussed.
Role of Forensic Evidence in Upholding Justice: Exploring Islamic Law and the Experience of Syariah Courts in Malaysia
Authors: Mohamad Abdul Basir , Ismail Nurbazla
Published: July 2021

In Islamic law of evidence, there are several forms of evidence commonly used by courts to establish facts. In today’s era, a form of evidence called forensic evidence has also emerged. A question then arises, what is the appropriate legal basis for acceptance of this forensic evidence in the Islamic law of evidence. This paper focuses on the evolution of the Islamic law of evidence and investigates the position of forensic evidence in Islamic law from sources such as the Quran, the Prophet’s traditions, and the practices of the Companions of the Prophet. In addition, this study also looks at the experience of the Malaysian Syariah Courts in terms of how forensic evidence is dealt with in hearing family law cases. The research design of this study is content analysis. Data were obtained by document analysis, including books, papers, journals, case reports, and other records relating to the role of forensic evidence. The methods used to interpret the data for this qualitative research are analytical and deductive. As a result, it can be said that forensic evidence is not an unfamiliar matter in the Islamic law of evidence. In fact, forensic evidence has been relied on by the Syariah Courts of Malaysia in making several decisions for certain cases in order to ensure that justice is upheld in society.
An Econometric Model for Nigeria’s Rice Market
Authors: Abdulsalam Rakiya Yakubu , Shamsudin Mad Nasir , Mohamed Zainalabidin , Abd. Latif Ismail , Wong Kelly Kai Seng , Buda Mark
Published: July 2021

A dynamic econometric model of Nigeria’s rice market was designed to serve as a base for future policy analyses. Using time-series data spanning 38 years, the model contains four structural equations representing paddy area harvested, paddy yield, per capita demand, and producer price variables. Estimates for these equations were obtained using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) cointegration approach. Results of the paddy production and yield sub-models showed that paddy area harvested, and paddy yield was price inelastic. Furthermore, the paddy area harvested responded favourably to technological advancement. For the demand sub-model, estimated own price and cross-price elasticities showed that rice has an inelastic demand response, with wheat being a substitute. A series of validation tests strengthened the reliability of the model for use as an empirical framework for forecasting and analysing the effects of changes in policies such as rice import tariff reforms on production, consumption, retail price, and imports.
Turning Environmental Strategies into Competitive Advantage in the Malaysian Manufacturing Industry: Mediating Role of Environmental Innovation
Authors: Ong Tze San , Lee Ah Suat , Teh Boon Heng
Published: July 2021

The environmental literature has focused on examining how firms leverage environmental innovation to convert environmental challenges into driving forces of competitive advantage. This paper enhances the knowledge on the implementation of environmental strategies in the Malaysian manufacturing industry by examining the impacts of environmental shared vision and environmental strategic focus on competitive advantage in the greening of the industry. The Smart PLS technique was used to analyse data collected from 124 Malaysian manufacturing firms on their environmental strategies as well as their implications for competitive advantage and environmental innovation. The findings suggest that environmental innovation mediates the positive exchange between firms’ environmental strategies and competitive advantage. The study provides valuable information for manufacturers in crafting their corporate competitive strategies, policies, and action plans. The direct and indirect roles of environmental innovation in fostering competitive advantage suggest that manufacturers should prioritise their environmental activities by enhancing innovation outcomes to achieve a successful green business status.
Veganism Sentiments and Preferences among Muslims
Authors: Mohd Zaki Muhammad Nasrullah , Jamaludin Mohammad Aizat , Mohd Nor Nur Suriya , Azlan Aishah
Published: July 2021

Veganism has become a significant lifestyle which is being religiously practiced by people from across the globe as their routine. To date, the Muslims also followed suit with the trend of veganism in the quest of practicing a healthy lifestyle. Nonetheless, concerns arise on the degree of acknowledgement by the Islamic teachings on such diets which advocate for omitting animal products in one’s daily meal. Therefore, this paperwork seeks to identify the elements of veganism from the viewpoints of various perspectives of Muslims, based on their sentiments and personal preferences in order to examine the relevance of veganism as a lifestyle to be exercised by Muslims. Research data were collected from secondary sources which includes journals, books, papers and internet resources to retrieve information on veganism, vegetarianism and the Islamic theme regarding the issue. This research is important because it will resolve the existing conflict to understand whether the practice of veganism is present in Islam or otherwise. Two elements of veganism are animal rights and vegan diet. The concept of veganism is not existed in Islamic tradition but Islam has its own concept and practices on animal rights. Meanwhile, vegan diet is accepted to be practiced by Muslims as long as according to Islamic rulings.
Kesusasteraan Melayu dan Persuratan Baru: Satu Pengamatan Kritis Tentang Sambutan Kesarjanaan
Authors: Azhan Nudra Shafini Halis , Abdul Rani Mohd. Zariat , Muhammad Salmah Jan Noor
Published: July 2021

Kajian ini bertitik tolak daripada sorotan literatur yang mendapati adanya dua kutub pandangan umum tentang gagasan Persuratan Baru cetusan Mohd. Affandi Hassan. Kutub yang pertama cenderung menerima Persuratan Baru sebagai sebuah gagasan pemikiran sastera yang berasaskan Islam. Manakala, kutub yang kedua pula dilihat kurang menyenangi Persuratan Baru kerana terlalu keras dalam mengkritik kesusasteraan Melayu moden. Walau bagaimanapun kedua-dua kutub pandangan ini lebih bersifat umum dan diasaskan pada pendapat serta pengalaman peribadi. Hal ini mengundang penelitian ilmiah terhadap “sambutan kesarjanaan”, iaitu penemuan dan penilaian yang diberikan oleh para sarjana serta pengkaji dalam bentuk tulisan-tulisan ilmiah terhadap Persuratan Baru. Lanjutan permasalahan di atas, kajian ini menggariskan tiga objektif untuk dicapai. Pertama, mengenalpasti idea-idea utama berkaitan Persuratan Baru yang dibincangkan dalam kajian-kajian ilmiah yang dikaji. Kedua, mengorganisasi kajian-kajian ilmiah yang dikaji berdasarkan fokus perbahasannya. Ketiga, merumuskan pencapaian Persuratan Baru sebagai sebuah gagasan pemikiran sastera berdasarkan sambutan kesarjanaan yang diberikan oleh para sarjana dan pengkaji. Kajian ini menerapkan pendekatan analisis teks bagi meneliti sembilan buah kajian ilmiah mengenai Persuratan Baru. Hasil analisis mendapati bahawa Persuratan Baru menerima sambutan kesarjanaan yang meliputi pengenalannya sebagai sebuah gagasan pemikiran, perbincangan mengenai sumbangannya dalam konteks sejarah dan tradisi sastera Melayu moden, perbahasan mengenainya sebagai kerangka analisis teks sastera, dan perbandingannya dengan tradisi sastera yang lain. Sambutan kesarjanaan ini dengan sendirinya memantapkan lagi korpus kesarjanaan mengenai Persuratan Baru, khususnya memperluaskan lagi sempadan bagi usaha-usaha penyelidikan dan kesarjanaan yang selanjutnya.
Research on the application of a new Model of Hospital Pharmacy Teaching Based on Mobile Teaching Platform
Authors: Li Fukun
Published: July 2021

The pharmacy professional knowledge points are rich and fragmented, and the knowledge points need to be penetrated and connected during the application process, which requires high students’ learning ability and knowledge theory. In the era of the widespread application of Internet technology, the mobile teaching platform is used to help the teaching mode change It has become a hot topic in current education research. Based on the application advantages of the mobile teaching platform in the new mode of hospital pharmacy teaching, this article analyzes the necessity of setting up online courses for the hospital pharmacy major and proposes corresponding optimization countermeasures based on a series of problems encountered in the practice process. Strengthen the development of teaching models and build a new model of hospital pharmacy teaching that is coordinated online and offline.
Problems and Optimal Measures of College Art Management Specialty
Authors: Pan Luo-min
Published: July 2021

Art management major in colleges and universities is a typical interdisciplinary subject, which covers the main categories of art and management. In the development of colleges and universities, art management disciplinary research characteristics. There are still a series of problems in the art management major in colleges and universities. Only by solving these problems can the art management major in colleges and universities develop better and lay a better foundation for the cultivation of talents. This paper studies the art management major in colleges and universities analyzes the problems existing in the process of professional development and summarizes the practical measures to solve the problems of art management major in colleges and universities.
Research on the Application of Information Teaching in English Teaching in Higher Vocational Colleges
Authors: Shi Yu-hui
Published: July 2021

With the continuous development of modern multimedia information technology, the traditional English teaching method has shown a backward trend. Nowadays, most higher vocational colleges apply modern information technology to teaching, which can enrich the content of English courses taught by teachers and make the English teaching classroom in higher vocational colleges more efficient and harmonious. By promoting the application of information technology in English teaching, we can better promote the enthusiasm of students in higher vocational colleges, enhance their interest in learning, and then improve their English level.
APPROACHES TO CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION IN THE CONTEXT OF INTERDISCIPLINARY DISCOURSE
Authors:   Candidate of Economic Sciences, Leading Researcher, Institute of Economics, CS MES RK, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Ruzanov Rashid , Rezer Tatyana ,   Professor, Department of Theory, Methodology and Legal support of  the  State  and  Menicipal  administration  of  UrFU named after B.N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russia, Zhandossova Sholpan ,   PhD, Chief researcher, Institute for Philosophy, Political Sciences  and  Religious  Studies  CS  MES  RK,  Almaty, Kazakhstan
Published: July 2021

The paper is aimed at analysis of the corruption notion and approaches to its study in different subject fields. The subject of the investigation are the proceedings of foreign scientists describing the corruption phenomenon within philosophy, economics, jurisprudence, psychology, anthropology, political science, sociology, and cultural science. The survey research of the corruption concepts within the indicated disciplines provides an opportunity to determine the corruption motives. The revealing of these motives allows developing the corresponding measures on the corruption fight. The important conclusion of the research is a statement that the most complete and practically applicable is the institutional approach based on the integration of the corruption understanding in different sciences and considering the corruption as a phenomenon resulting directly from the interaction and formal and informal rules of activity in individual society. The corruption is mainly based on informal rules (or institutes) that are supported by trust and reputation of the society participants. When in the institutional systems the informal institutes become more adapted in the social life there are gaps between formal and informal institutes. The scientific relevance of the research is determined by its contribution into the development of the interdisciplinary approach to the corruption investigation. The trends of future investigations are determined by an opportunity to conduct further researches using the described interdisciplinary approaches to the corruption study. The practical applicability of the results is in its application while elaboration of programs on decreasing negative effects of corruption on the life of society.
The Prospect of Forming a Unified Kazakh Nation in the Context of the Modernization of Public Consciousness
Authors:   PhD, Leading Researcher, Institute for Philosophy, Political Science and Religious Studies of the CS MES RK, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Aitymbetov Nurken , Abdir Kulzya ,   Professor, Taraz Regional University named after M.Kh. Dulati, Taraz, Kazakhstan, Tukhmarova Shyrynkul ,   Candidate of Political Science, Senior Lecturer, Kyzylorda State University named after Korkyt Ata, Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan
Published: July 2021

The article examines the prospect of the formation of the Kazakhstani civil nation as a consequence of the process of implementing state programs in the field of interethnic relations, strategic planning of these processes in the context of the modernization of the public consciousness of Kazakhstani society. As the historical experience of the formation of nations shows, spiritual modernization actively influences the processes of changing the national consciousness of peoples. In this regard, the authors consider such aspects of the formation of national identity as national history, the idea of social harmony and peace as interrelated necessary foundations of modernization processes. Accordingly, on this basis it is necessary to form a national identity based on the principle of citizenship, which should be a consolidating moment for representatives of all ethnic groups and confessions. Therefore, the main thing from the point of view of the tasks set in the article is the study of the main directions of state policy in the field of the formation of a single nation, which is assumed to be one of the consequences of the spiritual revival of Kazakhstani society.
THE PHENOMENON OF ISLAMIC IDENTITY IN THE RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL CONTEXT OF ISLAMIC PHILOSOPHY
Authors:   PhD,   Leading   Researcher,   Kazakhstan   Institute   for   Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Bektenova Madina , Seitakhmetova Natalya ,   Professor,  Doctor  of  Philosophical  Sciences,  Chief  Researcher,  Institute  for  Philosophy,  Political  Science  and  Religious  Studies  of  the CS MES RK, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Toktarbekovа Laura ,   PhD,   Leading   Researcher,   Institute   for   Philosophy,   Political  Science  and  Religious  Studies  of  the  CS  MES  RK, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Published: July 2021

The authors of the article, through the prism of the formation of Islamic identity in traditional Islamic society, try to identify the main cultural, philosophical and religious concepts of the phenomenon of Islamic identity. The 21st century is becoming a century of global changes. The world of Islam and the world around Islam are changing. Wars, revolutions in the Islamic world, mass migrations of Muslims to Western Europe, the promotion of radicalism, terrorism, the development of a zero degree of tolerance in open societies, inter-confessional and intra-confessional intolerance once again served to open up in the humanities the problem of modernizing Islamic consciousness, Islamic philosophical and cultural thought, and also the main issues of the relationship between Islamic tradition and modern conditions. Islamic identity as the main component of the Islamic worldview today must be correlated with the new conditions of political, socio-economic and cultural transformation. Nevertheless, for an adequate understanding and knowledge of Islamic identity, it is important to conceptualize its foundations associated with the religion of Islam itself and the Islamic tradition. Islamic consolidation around the Islamic system of values forms the Muslim ummah, which is one of the main components of Muslim self-identification.
PHENOMENON OF RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHY Article one. Religion as a world-relationship modality
Authors:   Professor,  Doctor  of  Philosophical  Sciences,  Chief Researcher, Institute for Philosophy, Political Science and Religius Studies of the CS MES RK, Almaty, KazakhstanХамидов А.А., Khamidov Aleksandr
Published: July 2021

A series of articles is devoted to clarifying the essence of the phenomenon of religious philosophy. The first raises the question of the essence, origin and evolution of religion as a specific world-attitude modality. The basic concepts of religion are analyzed and their positive and negative aspects are clarified. It was found that those phenomena that are traditionally defined in religious studies as early forms of religion are not. It was also established that religion did not arise from the moment of the formation of society and culture, but only at a very late stage in the evolution of primitive culture. Religion is viewed as a complex, multi-level phenomenon. The main levels are characterized. It is shown that the core of any religion is the value-volitional intention and striving for the imaginative image-representation of the sacred Beginning, which is otherwise defined as a specifically religious faith. Other levels of religion as integrity are analyzed – the level of praxis (cult) and the organizational level.
Models of Secularity in Modern Religious Studies
Authors:   PhD, Leading Researcher, Institute for Philosophy, Political Science and Religious Studies of the CS MES RK, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Altaikyzy Aikerim
Published: July 2021

The scientific article is devoted to the definition of concepts and models of secularity in modern religious studies. The author analyzes the theories of a number of scientists and makes an attempt to determine the positive and negative forms of secularism. The study also examines the relationship between religion and the state apparatus of some countries from the point of view of socio-humanitarian knowledge.
Formation of Terrorist Groups
Authors:   PhD  student,  Egyptian  University  of  Islamic  Culture Nur-Mubarak, nurlan.abzhet@mail.ru, Abzhetov Nurlan , Zhumashova Zhuldyz ,   PhD, Acting Head  of  Department of Religious Studies, Egyptian  University  of  Islamic  Culture  Nur-Mubarak, stellazhuldyz@yahoo.com, Almukhametov Aliy ,   Professor, Egyptian  University  of  Islamic  Culture  Nur-Mubarak,  alirauf59@mail.ru, Almaty, KazakhstanАбжетов Н.С., Альмухаметов А.Р., Жұмашова Ж.А.
Published: July 2021

The article describes the history of terrorism, its development, purpose and methods used. It also provides a brief overview of the social significance of the various periods from ancient times to the present. The works of scientists dealing with this issue provide a comprehensive review of the threat of terrorism in society and the main aspects of the spread of terrorism around the world, its negative impact on domestic and international processes, and describe the ideological basis of terrorism. The research topic in the work is the reconstructed meanings and feelings of the concept typical of the epochs under consideration and the procedures and consequences of their perception. The concept does not exist outside of social discourses that work with it for a specific purpose. Therefore, the topic of our attention is the role in this struggle, which has always become a socio-political struggle of various discourses in society, through the interpretation and assessment of certain ideological positions in the social sphere, as well as the conceptual complex of terrorism. From this point of view, the deepest topic of our interest is the social pragmatics based on the discursive strategies of social forces that apply and conceptualize this phenomenon.
Religious-ethical Framework of Islamic Economics
Authors:   PhD  student,  Senior  Lecturer,  Nur-Mubarak  Egyptian University of Islamic Culture, Almaty, KazakhstanИслам экономикасының діни-этикалық негіздері, Stambakiyev Nurzhan
Published: July 2021

The article studies relation between ethics and economics to what role moral and economic principles play in Islamic economics. The article includes introduction, two sections and conclusion. The first section discusses a relation between ethical norms and economics. We attempted to critically analyze moral and ethical norms proposed by the western economists such as Jean-Baptiste Say, Leon Walras, Alfred Marshal in XIX century. Muslim social scientist Ibn Khaldun and French thinker Jean-Jacques Rousseau proposed not to consider an individual only as economic unit but develop his other aspects and potential as part of their economic research. The second section considers how far ethical norms of Islamic economics were researched. The article emphasizes that norms and principles of Islamic economics derive from Quran and Sunnah, researches ethics of those economic principles. To be exact, we will determine that Islamic economics is based on fair trading, economic equality, property protection and scrutinize each that aspect. The research results will prove that moral and ethical norms play a crucial role in general economic science, ethical norms of Islamic economics consist an integral part of economic decisions and actions.
Abay’s «Tolyk Adam» ın the Age of Globalization
Authors:   Innovative Eurasian University, Syzdykova Dametay , Tashimova Aisulu ,   Innovative Eurasian University
Published: July 2021

The article attempts to identify the conceptual philosophical ideas of the great thinker Abai in the conditions of the modernizing Kazakh society, in the age of globalization and information technologies, to reveal the ideological potential of Abai's creativity in solving the problems of spiritual development of Kazakhstan. In the era of globalization and post-industrial society, it is important to form spiritual values of a person, therefore, without claiming to cover all aspects of Abay's work, namely, on the material of the work «Words of Edification», the authors investigated the nature and essence of the philosophical and ideological ideas of the great thinker to understand the concept of «tolyk adam». This concept of «tolyk adam» will contribute to the formation of national identity and spiritual development of the people as an intellectual nation. Abai criticized traditions that did not correspond to high morals. The great thinker founded a new worldview, new spiritual values, which are fundamentally different from everything that was in the traditional culture of the Kazakhs. Abay developed a new ideal of a perfect person, «tolyk adam», who strives for knowledge, is a highly moral person, recognizes freedom of choice and responsibility. The moral code of the great humanist: «Adam bol», which means the ability to navigate in this world and the ability to choose and take responsibility, these words of Abai should become a reference point for generations.
Fundamental As Fewer Bits
Authors: Bollinger Terry
Published: July 2021

A physics theory predicts precise experimental results for some set of naturally occurring phenomena. Consequently, every well-formed physics theory is equivalent to a computer program that uses input descriptions of specific experimental setups to generate the outputs expected from those setups. The Kolmogorov complexity (or Kolmogorov minimum) of such a computer program is the program that uses the smallest number of bits to represent the largest possible of such input-output data pairs accurately. The principle of concise prediction asserts that the theory whose program length is shortest for a given set of experimental inputs and results is the one most likely to lead to deeper insights and new physics.
Pruning Acer rubrum at Planting Impacts Structure and Growth After Three Growing Seasons
Authors: Gilman Edward
Published: July 2021

Branches present in the tree crown at planting can become obstructions in urban landscapes, requiring large pruning cuts later and possibly creating weak structure by growing upright to comprise a large section of the crown. Pruning at planting, currently a discouraged practice, could shorten or remove selected branches and thus improve the structure of a newly planted tree. Acer rubrum L. trees planted into soil from 170 L containers were pruned at planting to subordinate the largest primary branches, or not. Pruning induced a 26% reduction in total cross-sectional area in the five largest primary branches. This sizable reduction in growth on pruned branches resulted in a significant reduction in aspect ratio of the largest (11%) and three largest (10%) branches. The negligible pruning wound from raising the crown on pruned trees would result in little trunk dysfunction when branches are later removed for clearance, and the debris would be minimal. Tree height growth after three growing seasons was unaffected by pruning; the 8% slower trunk diameter growth might be difficult to recognize in a landscape. Bending stress required to tilt trunks three growing seasons after planting was equivalent with or without pruning.
Leaf-Gas Exchange of Five Tree Species at Urban Street Sites
Authors: Gillner Sten , Korn Sandra , Roloff Andreas
Published: July 2021

For street trees, site-specific soil and microclimate conditions can restrict growth, health, and longevity for many species. Many urban sites are characterized by a high amount of impervious surface and paved areas resulting in a high rate of surface runoff, low infiltration into soil, and strong reradiation effects. In maintaining the ecologic and economic benefits of street trees through future decades, it is essential to establish species with a high tolerance to stressful urban environments. Researchers measured leaf-gas exchange of Acer platanoides, Acer pseudoplatanus, Platanus × hispanica, Quercus rubra, and Tilia platyphyllos to assess stomatal conductance, transpiration, and net photosynthesis at impervious urban sites in the city of Dresden, Germany. The results show significantly higher leaf-gas exchange rates for the species Platanus × hispanica and Quercus rubra, compared to the species Acer platanoides and Acer pseudoplatanus. The significantly higher mean values of water-use efficiency of Platanus × hispanica and Quercus rubra, and in particular the values during the selected periods with a high vapor pressure deficit, indicate more economical water consumption.
A Borer-Specific Assessment Scheme for Identifying Sentinel Trees to Delimit Invasive Borers in Urban Forests
Authors: Hughes Gabriel , Sadof Clifford , Ginzel Matthew
Published: July 2021

Aggressive insects like the emerald ash borer [Agrilus planipennis (Fairmaire)] (EAB) increasingly threaten the health of the urban forest. Early detection of exotic wood-boring pests is critical for rapid response efforts, and allows for effective management while populations are relatively low. During street tree inventories, arborists record subjective rankings of tree condition and pest incidence; however, the extent of insect attack is rarely quantified. Moreover, it is unknown how the assessment of tree vigor provided by city foresters during these inventories relates to the likelihood of wood-borer infestation. In this study, researchers developed a borer-specific tree vigor assessment scheme to rapidly evaluate street trees, and to identify when EAB populations begin to grow exponentially based on the health of the forest. This scheme incorporates common indicators of EAB attack, including canopy thinning and epicormic sprouts, as well as attack by common native wood-boring insects. This scheme was used to track the health of ash trees from 2010 to 2013 in one urban forest with advanced symptoms of EAB decline and one without (Indianapolis and Lafayette, Indiana, U.S., respectively). Trees declined more rapidly in Indianapolis where emergence holes from native borers were positively correlated with EAB in infested areas. Over the course of the study, first detections of EAB occurred on progressively weaker trees at both sites, suggesting that early detection of incipient EAB populations can be improved by surveying apparently healthy trees.
The Costs of Maintaining and Not Maintaining the Urban Forest: A Review of the Urban Forestry and Arboriculture Literature
Authors: Vogt Jess , Hauer Richard , Fischer Burnell
Published: July 2021

Existing urban forest literature is strongest in its quantification and qualification of the benefits and care of trees, and not in its ability to assess the results of lack of investment in trees. This paper presents the results of a literature review on the “Costs of Not Maintaining Trees” commissioned by the ISA Science and Research Committee. The authors summarized the literature from within the field of arboriculture/urban forestry to answer the questions: What are the costs of maintaining trees and the urban forest? And, What are the costs of not maintaining trees? Present here is a detailed summary of the literature on the costs of maintenance and lack of maintenance for types of tree care commonly included in municipal budgets (planting, pruning, removal, pest and disease management) and a brief review of costs associated with less-studied types of tree care (including tree risk management; watering; mulching; fertilizing and nutrient management; staking, cabling, and bracing; tree protection; and infrastructure repair). The authors suggest that future literature should aim to examine the influence of maintenance regimes on costs and tree outcomes, including examining how the frequency, intensity, duration, and extent of tree maintenance activities is connected to the structure, function, and benefits of trees.
Why Opt-in to a Planting Program? Long-term Residents Value Street Tree Aesthetics
Authors: Locke Dexter , Roman Lara , Murphy-Dunning Colleen
Published: July 2021

Many cities are making substantial capital investments in urban tree planting. Residents play active and diverse roles in enhancing and protecting the urban forest, and are therefore critical to many municipal-level policy objectives. The way residents perceive and value the urban forest can have implications for achieving urban forestry goals through residents and volunteers. However, urban residents are not a monolithic block or homogenous category; instead, they have diverse opinions, needs, and constraints. Moreover, relatively little is known about how residents hear about available resources, such as free trees, and decide to ‘opt-in’ to tree planting initiatives, choosing to plant and maintain trees on or near their properties. The focus of this study was to address three questions about participation in a request-driven program that provides free street trees to residents of New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.: 1) Who requests trees through this program? 2) How did the requesters hear about this program? 3) Why did residents request free street trees? Survey respondents were primarily long-term residents of New Haven; mostly learned about the opportunity from their neighbors; and requested a street tree to replace a removed tree, because they value the aesthetics, and to a lesser extent the environmental benefits. Future research should systematically investigate differences between participants and non-participants in local tree planting initiatives, exploring possible trends across cities and programs. Such studies would identify opportunities and barriers to engaging private residents in efforts aimed at increasing canopy.
The Linear Index of Tree Appraisal (LITA) Model for Economic Valuation of Large Urban Trees in Sweden
Authors: Östberg Johan , Sjögren Johan
Published: July 2021

Economic valuation of urban trees is important for their management and to ensure that such trees are maintained and protected. However, numerous models for valuing urban trees are currently available, which has led to great variation in the final price. It has also resulted in multiple models being used within the same country, thus confusing the courts. Against this background, researchers examined whether the horizontal cross-sectional area of the tree should be used as the basis for extrapolating tree replacement cost in a linear fashion. Researchers also developed a model, the Linear Index of Tree Appraisal (LITA) model, which uses tree cross-sectional area to extrapolate from a band of known prices to a base price for any desired tree size, which can then be adjusted using an appropriate factor depending on tree vitality/damage. The LITA model is easy to use and to update, does not have any limitations concerning tree species or sizes, and does not rely on subjective judgments except in assessment of tree damage. It provides a simple method for determining the replacement cost of urban trees and is thus designed to work where ‘soft’ values are sometimes difficult to justify.
Effect of Eight Container Types and Root Pruning During Nursery Production on Root Architecture of Acer rubrum
Authors: Gilman Edward , Paz Maria , Harchick Chris
Published: July 2021

There is a general understanding that roots deflect when striking solid nursery container walls, and that on trees with good vitality this occurs within weeks of shifting into larger containers. Root architecture is poorly understood when observed in containers with walls constructed of porous plastic and of materials other than plastic. The objective of this study was to measure impacts of container type, root pruning when shifting to a larger container, and cardinal direction on root architecture in nursery containers up to the #45 size (approximately 170 L). Trunk diameter in #45 containers varied less than 5 mm among eight container types and was not impacted by root pruning. More root growth occurred in the northern than southern half of containers. Container type had a small impact on root architecture; in contrast, root pruning by shaving the periphery of the root ball at each shift had a large impact. Shaving when shifting dramatically reduced the percentage of trees graded as culls and suppressed stem-girdling root formation compared to not shaving. Shaving shifted deflected woody root mass from the interior of the root ball to the exterior, making it simple to remove peripheral roots when planting into the landscape.
Frequency, Severity, and Detectability of Internal Trunk Decay of Street Tree Quercus spp. in Tampa, Florida, U.S.
Authors: Koeser Andrew , McLean Drew , Hasing Gitta , Allison R. Bruce
Published: July 2021

Wood decay is a factor considered in all commonly accepted tree risk assessment methods; however, few studies have attempted to assess its presence in the urban forest or its predictability given visual cues and site factors. A random sampling of trees situated on hurricane evacuation routes was inventoried and assessed for risk in the city of Tampa, Florida, U.S. In addition to a basic visual assessment, a sampling of larger diameter (>30.5 cm) live oak (Quercus virginiana) and all large diameter laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia) trees were tested with a resistance-recording drill to determine the amount of decay present (looking specifically at the sound-wood-to-stem-diameter ratio). Overall, 56.9% of the trees tested had some level of decay, though the incidence of decay was higher in laurel oak (67.4%) than in the live oak (29.4%). Additionally, tree species (P < 0.01), diameter (P < 0.01), and the presence or absence of visual decay indicators (P = 0.03) were all significant predictors of decay presence.
Engaging Residents in Street Tree Stewardship: Results of a Tree Watering Outreach Intervention
Authors: Moskell Christine , Bassuk Nina , Allred Shorna , MacRae Pat
Published: July 2021

Street trees provide numerous environmental, community, and health benefits, but municipal urban forestry programs often lack the public resources to adequately maintain trees, particularly in the time immediately following planting. Watering trees in the first three years after planting is critical for tree survival. A quasi-experimental design was used to test whether an outreach intervention impacted residents’ street tree watering behavior, and whether their watering behavior enhanced soil moisture, an important outcome for tree growth. Residents at mailing addresses for trees in the treatment group received educational materials about watering, while the control group received no educational materials. Soil moisture data was collected weekly at every tree throughout the growing season (May–September 2012) and used as a proxy for residents’ watering behavior. Results indicate that the postcards had a positive impact on residents’ watering behavior, but that the impact diminished over time. While the impact of the postcards on soil moisture was not statistically significant, the evaluation of the outreach intervention has practical significance for future educational efforts to engage residents in street tree watering.
Urban Tree Growth Characteristics of Four Common Species in South Germany
Authors: Moser-Reischl Astrid , Rötzer Thomas , Pauleit Stephan , Pretzsch Hans
Published: July 2021

Urban trees are important, green features of cities. However, knowledge of the size development of frequently planted tree species, which is the basis for modeling environmental benefits of urban trees, is mostly limited. Within this study, allometric relationships for tree structures like tree height, crown parameters, and leaf area were developed for 4 common urban tree species in South Germany (horse chestnut [Aesculus hippocastanum], small-leaved lime [Tilia cordata], black locust [Robinia pseudoacacia], and plane tree [Platanus × hispanica]). Growth and size differences between different tree species, cities, and planting sites (street, park, square) were analyzed. Moreover, the above- and belowground growing conditions were compared and their influences on growth analyzed. Marked differences in the structural development between species were found, mostly due to their species characteristics. Fast growing species (e.g., R. pseudoacacia) also showed fastest development of the tree structures compared to other species. Differences between cities were minor, especially for trees younger than 100 years, whereas the variation of growing conditions within cities strongly influenced their growth. Park trees mostly had greater tree structures compared to trees at other growing sites, though this was also species-dependent. Above- and belowground conditions varied between species, cities, and sites (street, park, square), with obstacles (trees, buildings) south of the trees having a negative influence on crown growth. These patterns can be helpful for better planning of green features in cities. They provide a basis for urban tree management based on the growing space requirements of tree species and their ecosystem service provision.
Sacrospinous hysteropexy – an alternative in primary surgical treatment of apical compartment prolapse
Authors:   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of the Pardubice Region a.s., Pardubice, Czech Republic, Homola Prokop , Hensel Germund , Košťál Milan
Published: July 2021

Summary Objective: To present a surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse and its outcomes according to the literature. Methods: PubMed database search. Conclusion: Pelvic organ prolapse is a common diagnosis with prevalence around 40% of female population. Vaginal delivery, especially with levator ani trauma, increasing age and obesity are the basic risk factors. Native tissue repair is a possible surgical treatment. Unfortunately, concomitant hysterectomy is still a very common procedure. It is established that uterus plays a passive role in pelvic organ prolapse. Sparing of the uterus keeps the original fixation structures and compartments intact and provides a solid tissue to anchor the stitches. Patients with benign and malign uterine diseases cannot have their uterus spared. In sacrospinous hysteropexy, nonabsorbable sutures are passed through the namesaked ligament on one or both sides to elevate the uterus. Several studies and their metaanalyses show comparable anatomical and functional outcomes with shorter operation time, decreased blood loss, faster recovery and lower complication rates in comparison with hysterectomy and uterosacral ligament fixation. In a prospective randomized control trial, sacrospinous hysteropexy provides significantly lower reoperation rate for apical compartment prolapse in a long-term follow-up. It is a safe and effective procedure for patients who wish to keep their uterus in place. Sacrospinous hysteropexy is an alternative in primary surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.
Cine, modernización y ciencia
Authors: Méndez Rojas Diana Alejandra
Published: July 2021

En 1962 la Fundación Rockefeller (FR) estrenó el documental Harvest, diseñado para difundir los alcances de los programas agrícolas que, desde la década de 1940, había iniciado mediante acuerdos colaborativos con distintos países latinoamericanos. Harvest se dirigió a una audiencia especializada –en Estados Unidos– conformada por personal del gobierno y de agencias privadas dedicadas a la asistencia técnica internacional, así como por científicos y estudiantes del área agrícola. Fue, por tanto, una campaña de propaganda interna que privilegió al cine como difusor. Desde la historia transnacional el artículo analiza la concepción del documental, su proceso de producción y su distribución. La investigación propone que –apelando a la audiencia estadunidense– la narrativa del documental se dirigió a afirmar la idea de que la FR había establecido un modelo de asistencia técnica que podrían retomar otros programas. En el marco de las campañas de diplomacia cultural que Estados Unidos dirigió hacia América Latina para el fomento de la unidad hemisférica, durante la Guerra Fría. Asimismo, el documental buscó evidenciar el creciente papel de la FR en la articulación de redes e intercambios científicos, desde los cuales se internacionalizó un modelo de modernización agrícola que en 1968 fue nombrado: revolución verde.
3BL y las dimensiones de la responsabilidad social
Authors: Cuevas Moreno Ricardo
Published: July 2021

Este artículo tiene por objetivo estudiar los límites de la tridimensionalidad que está a la base de la responsabilidad social de las empresas y la gestión socialmente responsable. Para ese propósito usamos el método de la dialéctica confrontando la versión convencional que nace del triple bottom line (3BL) y las dimensiones de la responsabilidad social de las empresas (herramienta de la administración, ideológica y doctrinaria). El resultado general es que la gestión socialmente responsable se encuentra en una perpetua contradicción entre la ley de ganancia que preside la empresa y su responsabilidad frente a la comunidad y la Naturaleza. No obstante, el estudio de la responsabilidad social de las empresas a partir del 3BL y las dimensiones ideológico y doctrinaria pueden ser complementarios para un estudio crítico de esta disciplina.