bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unified platform for genetic and serological detection of COVID-19 with single-molecule technology
Authors: Furth Noa , Shilo Shay , Cohen Niv , Erez Nir , Fedyuk Vadim , Schrager Alexander M. , Weinberger Adina , Dror Amiel A. , Zigron Asaf , Shehadeh Mona , Sela Eyal , Srouji Samer , Amit Sharon , Levy Itzchak , Segal Eran , Dahan Rony , Jones Dan , Douek Daniel C. , Shema Efrat
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic raises the need for diverse diagnostic approaches to rapidly detect different stages of viral infection. The flexible and quantitative nature of single-molecule imaging technology renders it optimal for development of new diagnostic tools. Here we present a proof-of-concept for a single-molecule based, enzyme-free assay for detection of SARS-CoV-2. The unified platform we developed allows direct detection of the viral genetic material from patients’ samples, as well as their immune response consisting of IgG and IgM antibodies. Thus, it establishes a platform for diagnostics of COVID-19, which could also be adjusted to diagnose additional pathogens.
Use of multivariate analysis as a tool in the morphological characterization of the main indigenous bovine ecotypes in northeastern Algeria
Authors: Bousbia Aissam , Boudalia Sofiane , Gueroui Yassine , Hadded Kamel , Bouzaoui Abdelkader , Kiboub Dounia , Symeon George
Published: July 2021

Sustainability in livestock farming requires monitoring of autochthonous breeds which are well adapted to the local environment. The morphometric measurements seem to be the first approach which can provide useful information on the suitability of animal genetic resources for selection. In this work, thirteen morphometric variables were used for the phenotypic characterization of 130 adult autochthones cattle randomly selected from 30 local farms in Guelma. There were cases from four commonly accepted and traditional ecotypes: Guelmois, Cheurfa, Sétifien and Fawn. The results showed several and significant positive correlations between the different variables. Correlations were analyzed using Varimax orthogonal rotation PCA and three factors were extracted, which explain more than 75% of the total variation in the four ecotypes. Stepwise discriminant analysis showed that 6 of the 13 variables had discriminatory power to define the phenotypic profile of the ecotypes. Canonical discriminant analysis indicated that the Sétifien ecotype is separate from the other three ecotypes. Mahalanobis distances were significant between the different ecotypes except for the distance between the Guelmois and Fawn ecotypes. The cross-validation procedure assigned 91.42% of the Sétifien animals to their genetic group, while the percentages of animals assigned to the Cheurfa, Guelmois and Fawn ecotypes were 80.00%, 65.71% and 53.33% respectively. The multivariate approach has proven to be effective in differentiating the four ecotypes, with clear morphological differences from the Sétifien ecotype that may benefit from a genetic improvement program for more sustainable genetic resources preservation.
Expression and role of lumican in acute aortic dissection: A human and mouse study
Authors: Chen Shao-Wei , Chou Shing-Hsien , Tung Ying-Chang , Hsiao Fu-Chih , Ho Chien-Te , Chan Yi-Hsin , Wu Victor Chien-Chia , Chou An-Hsun , Hsu Ming-En , Lin Pyng-Jing , Kao Winston W. Y. , Chu Pao-Hsien
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Aortic dissection (AD) is a life-threatening emergency, and lumican (LUM) is a potential Biomarker for AD diagnosis. We investigated LUM expression patterns in patients with AD and explored the molecular functions of Lum in AD mice model.

Methods

LUM expression patterns were analyzed using aortic tissues of AD patients, and serum soluble LUM (s-LUM) levels were compared between patients with acute AD (AAD) and chronic AD (CAD). Lum-knockout (Lum−/−) mice were challenged with β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) and angiotensin II (Ang II) to induce AD. The survival rate, AD incidence, and aortic aneurysm (AA) in these mice were compared with those in BAPN–Ang II–challenged wildtype (WT) mice. Tgf-β/Smad2, Mmps, Lum, and Nox expression patterns were examined.

Results

LUM expression was detected in the intima and media of the ascending aorta in patients with AAD. Serum s-LUM levels were significantly higher in patients with AAD than CAD. Furthermore, AD-associated mortality and thoracic aortic rupture incidence were significantly higher in the Lum−/− AD mice than in the WT AD mice. However, no significant pathologic changes in AA were observed in the Lum−/− AD mice compared with the WT AD mice. The BAPN–Ang II–challenged WT and Lum−/− AD mice had higher Tgf-β, p-Smad2, Mmp2, Mmp9, and Nox4 levels than those of non-AD mice. We also found that Lum expression was significantly higher in the BAPN-Ang II–challenged WT in comparison to the unchallenged WT mice.

Conclusion

LUM expression was altered in patients with AD display increased s-LUM in blood, and Lum−/− mice exhibited augmented AD pathogenesis. These findings support the notion that LUM is a biomarker signifying the pathogenesis of injured aorta seen in AAD. The presence of LUM is essential for maintenance of connective tissue integrity. Future studies should elucidate the mechanisms underlying LUM association in aortic changes.
DENV NS1 and MMP-9 cooperate to induce vascular leakage by altering endothelial cell adhesion and tight junction
Authors: Pan Pan , Li Geng , Shen Miaomiao , Yu Zhenyang , Ge Weiwei , Lao Zizhao , Fan Yaohua , Chen Keli , Ding Zhihao , Wang Wenbiao , Wan Pin , Shereen Muhammad Adnan , Luo Zhen , Chen Xulin , Zhang Qiwei , Lin Luping , Wu Jianguo
Published: July 2021

Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-borne pathogen that causes a spectrum of diseases including life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Vascular leakage is a common clinical crisis in DHF/DSS patients and highly associated with increased endothelial permeability. The presence of vascular leakage causes hypotension, circulatory failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation as the disease progresses of DHF/DSS patients, which can lead to the death of patients. However, the mechanisms by which DENV infection caused the vascular leakage are not fully understood. This study reveals a distinct mechanism by which DENV induces endothelial permeability and vascular leakage in human endothelial cells and mice tissues. We initially show that DENV2 promotes the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression and secretion in DHF patients’ sera, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and macrophages. This study further reveals that DENV non-structural protein 1 (NS1) induces MMP-9 expression through activating the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Additionally, NS1 facilitates the MMP-9 enzymatic activity, which alters the adhesion and tight junction and vascular leakage in human endothelial cells and mouse tissues. Moreover, NS1 recruits MMP-9 to interact with β-catenin and Zona occludens protein-1/2 (ZO-1 and ZO-2) and to degrade the important adhesion and tight junction proteins, thereby inducing endothelial hyperpermeability and vascular leakage in human endothelial cells and mouse tissues. Thus, we reveal that DENV NS1 and MMP-9 cooperatively induce vascular leakage by impairing endothelial cell adhesion and tight junction, and suggest that MMP-9 may serve as a potential target for the treatment of hypovolemia in DSS/DHF patients.
Feminist humour’s disruptive potential: Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood and Rupi Kaur’s ‘I’m taking back my body’
Authors: Obbard Kiera
Published: July 2021

Using Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood and Rupi Kaur’s TEDxKC performance, ‘I’m taking back my body’, as case studies, this article examines how feminist humour is used by celebrities and public intellectuals to tell personal stories of oppression, trauma and inequality. Building on humour theory, feminist humour theory and affect theory, this article examines the potential of feminist humour as a rhetorical device to help storytellers tell difficult stories, to engage in acts of community-building and world-making, to challenge social inequalities and to enable social change. Ultimately, this article asks what we can learn from these examples, and how we can employ feminist humour in our own storytelling practices not only to disrupt power relations and establish solidarity, but also to imagine new, more equitable, worlds.
Doubling the fantasy, adapting the reel: Entertaining transmediation as a collaborative narrative strategy
Authors: Campanioni Chris
Published: July 2021

Can we move fan participation and the co-creation of storylines outside the sphere of the culture industry to better understand their potential functions for constructing individual subjectivity and empowering social change? With an attention to experiences of migration, exile and detainment, and through close readings of documentary The Wolfpack (2015), HBO’s bilingual horror comedy series Los Espookys (2019) and Manuel Puig’s novel, El beso de la mujer araña (1976), I argue that it is necessary to move beyond a speaker–audience dialectic, as in traditional storytelling, and towards transmediated activity, where static or linear temporal and spatial orders are both reproduced and subverted. By converging performance studies with border studies and phenomenology, this contribution counters assumptions about submissive viewership while unpacking the political utility of entertainment. Ultimately, ‘Doubling the fantasy, adapting the reel’ challenges what it means to be a ‘storyteller’ and what constitutes a useful ‘story’ in the context of political advocacy and activism.
Risk in the digital age: Comedian-activists and Trump’s cancel culture
Authors: Symons Alex
Published: July 2021

This article contributes to the study of comedians as activists by examining the campaigns by some of America’s most influential figures – Seth Rogan, Jim Carrey, Dave Chapelle, Amy Schumer, Roseanne Barr and Kathy Griffin. To varying degrees, these comedians all use their star images and personal stories to influence public debates through their stand-up, television work, and content on YouTube, Instagram and Twitter. By studying their activities in the media, their press coverage, and public reactions online, this article also presents an original examination of the way ‘Cancel Culture’ manifests, often hindering their activism. This includes identifying the polarizing influence of the ‘Canceller-in-Chief’ former president Donald J. Trump, and the risks suffered by comedian-activists in terms of their reputation, commercial prospects, and even their legality. Specifically, this article suggests that ‘Cancel Culture’ manifests as a spectrum of varying risk which can be shaped by the comedian’s star image and the degree of social transgression in their comedy.
An alternative future of digitized genetic information and digital procreation
Authors: Cong Frank
Published: July 2021

This research looks what happens to human reproduction when human genetic information is digitized. By employing speculative design as a transdisciplinary strategy to construct such an alternative future to open up public dialogues, it aims to stimulate audiences in an artistic way to deliberate two key questions: (1) how will biotechnology recondition and recontextualize the natural processes of genetic information (i.e. expression, replication, transmission and mutation) and our physiological processes (e.g. reproduction)? And (2) what might be the ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI) for using such biotechnology? To this end, this practice-based research introduces the ‘e-gamete Digital Procreation Service’ (2019) – a speculative design project that has been developed as an approach to invite audiences to a future scenario of network-transmitted genetic information and computer-simulated human procreation. The carefully designed future service (an ironic practice of commercialization) allows human reproduction to take place outside of the human body. Audiences are encouraged to contemplate what novel situations might occur within their own futures and to consider broader questions like how family, parenthood, marriage, etc. are redefined and what new social relationships might emerge. By employing speculative design as an artistic research tool/tactic to step outside the technical limitations and craft the future service, the project asks vital question about the future in a provocative and quasi-realistic manner. Thus, the research forms a unique entanglement of sensitive topics by dealing with future biotechnology and human reproduction.
Excellence in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Institutional policies, research and practices in Europe
Authors: Huet Isabel , Pessoa Teresa , Murta Fátima Teresa Sol
Published: July 2021

The initial ‘idea’ for the book emerged during the seminar Sharing of Innovative Pedagogical Practices that occurred at the University of Coimbra (Portugal) in 2018. Like all ‘good ideas’, this one originated in a conversation between colleagues from the University of Coimbra and the University of West London in the United Kingdom. The ‘idea’ of this book was to move away from sharing experiences related to teaching and learning in higher education in just one or two countries, but instead to organise a more European view about the policy, research and teaching practices that are shaping the way our students learn, academics teach and do research. We have a total of 16 chapters from academics in Portugal, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, and the Czech Republic.
The book is organised in four interrelated themes: (1) policy and quality; (2) professionalisation of teaching and academic development; (3) research and teaching nexus; and (4) pedagogy and practice.
Enjoy reading the book!
Percepción de las camaristas de hoteles en Cancún sobre su situación laboral: una perspectiva cultural del género en turismo
Authors: Balbuena Vázquez Antonia , López López Álvaro
Published: July 2021

Este estudio aborda desde una perspectiva cultural del género, las condiciones laborales de las camaristas de hoteles en Cancún, México. Para ilustrar este tema se entrevistaron a profundidad a diez empleadas que trabajaron o trabajan en la zona hotelera de este famoso centro turístico. Se procesaron los datos en el software cualitativo Atlas.ti y ello permitió saber que su limitada educación formal, bajo nivel económico y condición de migración, son factores que inciden en que soporten condiciones laborales que, aunque pudieran ser extenuantes, son percibidas por ellas como positivas, frente a las dificultades para su inserción en el mercado laboral regional. En general todas estas trabajadoras perciben salarios bajos en el sector hotelero, sin embargo, tienen como incentivo principal -a fin de mantenerse en esta profesión- la expectativa de obtener propinas.
La influencia de los factores políticos en la externalización de servicios de información turística
Authors: Garulo Ramón Carlos , Díez Sánchez Juan José , Sellers Rubio Ricardo
Published: July 2021

La legislación española establece, como norma general, que las administraciones públicas deberán prestar los servicios públicos con sus propios medios y que, solo cuando carezcan de éstos, podrán externalizar la prestación de determinados servicios. En este sentido, el servicio de información turística es uno de los servicios que las administraciones tienden a externalizar en mayor medida al requerir de una mayor flexibilidad horaria para atender a las necesidades de los turistas. Así, el objetivo general de este trabajo se centra en analizar la potencial influencia que pudieran tener determinados factores políticos en la propensión a externalizar los servicios de información turística a nivel municipal. A tal efecto, se ha diseñado una investigación que recoge la situación de los servicios de información turística en la provincia de Alicante durante el año 2019. Los resultados obtenidos indican que no existe una mayor o menor propensión a externalizar en función del partido político que gobierna ni en base al partido que tiene las competencias en materia de turismo dentro de la corporación municipal. Sin embargo, los resultados señalan que la forma de gobernanza sí ejerce una influencia, de forma que las corporaciones en las que se gobierna con una mayoría absoluta tienden a externalizar los servicios de información en mayor medida que las corporaciones con un gobierno de coalición. Estos resultados sugieren que los factores de externalización podrían no corresponderse con las potenciales reducciones de coste o mejoras en la eficiencia que aducen algunas corporaciones para externalizar dichos servicios.
El papel de las empresas trasnacionales en la promoción y desarrollo del enoturismo. Estudios de caso etnográficos en México y España
Authors: De Jesús Contreras Daniel , Medina F. Xavier
Published: July 2021

El objetivo del presente artículo consiste en analizar el desarrollo del enoturismo en dos territorios rurales de América y Europa a partir del estudio de una empresa trasnacional líder en la producción de vinos espumosos y en la venta de experiencias turísticas. Siguiendo un planteamiento metodológico cualitativo que retoma como métodos al estudio de caso y a la etnografía multisituada, se analizaron las prácticas de la empresa para su posicionamiento como referente de la producción vitivinícola y del enoturismo en los territorios estudiados. Los resultados muestran cómo esta empresa reproduce un modelo de negocio global a través de alianzas estratégicas y mediante la movilización de recursos económicos, políticos y sociales, consolidando una marca-territorio que emplea para promocionar sus productos y servicios. Se concluye que la participación de esta empresa en el enoturismo sirve como estrategia de asentamiento, reafirmación de estatus y reconocimiento de liderazgo en el sector vitivinícola.
La revitalización urbanística de los destinos turísticos del litoral: Una alternativa para los municipios turísticos mediterráneos valencianos
Authors: Del Alcázar Indarte Héctor , Ferrandis Martínez Adrián
Published: July 2021

Los municipios del litoral mediterráneo valenciano aumentaron sensiblemente su superficie construida por la irrupción de la actividad turística a mediados del siglo XX. A pesar de las ventajas iniciales, los problemas surgidos sobre el espacio urbano, por la naturaleza del modelo de desarrollo turístico utilizado, los dirigen hacia una pérdida progresiva de su atractivo turístico. Ante esta circunstancia, se hace necesario intervenir sobre el espacio urbano, no solo para renovar el destino turístico sino también para corregir los problemas urbanos generados durante las últimas décadas en unos municipios que supeditaron sus decisiones exclusivamente a las necesidades turísticas. Una opción viable y más sostenible, a medio y largo plazo, implica cambiar el modelo de desarrollo, tomando como referencia las características de la ciudad tradicional. Sin embargo, la viabilidad y el grado de consecución de esta transformación estará en función de las particularidades del espacio urbano existente en cada caso. El resultado dependerá del modelo de ciudad (Pública o Doméstica) tomado como referencia para su desarrollo y de las características urbanas (Compacta, Mixta o Dispersa) que le sean propias.
Methodological Review of impact studies of airports: A qualitative and quantitative proposal for the Airport of Málaga-Costa del Sol
Authors: Caballero Galeote Lidia , García Mestanza Josefa
Published: July 2021

Airports have become fundamental axes of the economy of many countries. In Spain, the airports managed by Aena1 ended 2019 with more than 274.4 million passengers, which was 4.4% more than the previous year. They are not only important for tourism but also for other sectors that depend on imports and exports. For years, the impact measurements have included the IO tables, but we are now questioning whether they constitute the best measurement model. The research reveals that the main problem is the application of different methodologies used by airports and countries. For this reason, we propose a model to measure the economic impact of the Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport that incorporates the importance of the tourism. This study is conceived as a guide for studying the impacts of any airport around the world. The review reveals that the social accounting matrix with changes in the variables involved is the best available measurement model. The conclusions reflect that the qualitative point of view is necessary. This can provide data that, together with previous studies, will result in multidisciplinary research that will allow us to gain a much deeper understanding of these infrastructures. The conclusions have practical and theoretical implications for impact studies.
Sofística y filiosofía. Dos perspectivas sobre enseñar a aprender
Authors: Sturm Sean
Published: July 2021

Como profesores universitarios, ¿somos herederos de los principios sofistas o de las ideas de Sócrates, el filósofo? ¿Enseñamos a los estudiantes habilidades como la ética académica y estrategias como la escritura y destrezas de estudio, que ofrecen acceso directo hacia la competencia institucional, o extraemos conocimiento de nuestros estudiantes, provocando sabiduría en ellos y desarrollando lo que los griegos denominaron ethos (carácter) y fidelidad hacia una forma de pensamiento? En resumen, ¿enseñamos una destreza o un bien? El primer acercamiento es sofístico (derivado de los maestros griegos de la retórica, los sofistas), y persigue producir eficientes trabajadores del conocimiento. El segundo acercamiento es socrático, o filosófico (después del maestro griego de filosofía, Sócrates), y busca producir buenos ciudadanos. Como estos antiguos nombres y términos sugieren, estamos ante un problema con una larga tradición, pero también es un problema con resonancia local contemporánea en cuanto al estado de la educación terciaria, tanto en Aotearoa/Nueva Zelanda, donde vivo y enseño, como en nuestra coyuntura histórica. Mi pregunta, aquí, hace referencia a cómo nosotros, profesores universitarios, podríamos negociar esta dicotomía binaria: cómo podríamos enlazar estas dos posiciones y, por lo tanto, quizá trascenderlas.
La perspectiva de la sostenibilidad en la sociedad del conocimiento interconectado: gobernanza, educación, ética
Authors: Aznar Minguet Pilar , Martínez Agut Mª Pilar
Published: July 2021

El presente artículo pretende estimular la reflexión sobre la introducción de la perspectiva de la sostenibilidad en las nuevas sociedades de la información y del conocimiento sustentadas por las TIC, y caracterizadas por una globalización que dista mucho de ser inclusiva. Implica la construcción de un sistema mundial que promueva la búsqueda de la calidad ambiental, la justicia social y una economía equitativa y viable a largo plazo. La UNESCO ha señalado tres caminos básicos para conseguirlo: la gobernanza, la educación y la éticaLa gobernanza puede propiciar una conectividad social equitativa, cambios en los modelos de producción y consumo y la búsqueda y aplicación de soluciones reales a la problemática socio-ambiental.  La educación puede propiciar una formación permanente de personas críticas, responsables y comprometidas con actitudes de respeto y armonía con el medio natural y social;  organismos internacionales como la OCDE,  Naciones Unidas y Gobiernos, a través del desarrollo de sus sistemas educativos, han ido conformando el modelo de formación por competencias, entre las cuales las competencias para la sostenibilidad son consideras clave. Y todo ello desde enfoques éticos que orienten las capacidades humanas a pensar, actuar y promover la defensa de la vida en nuestro planeta.
Sociedad del conocimiento y entorno digital
Authors: Barroso Jerez Clara
Published: July 2021

La existencia y extensión del entorno digital ha hecho posible la difusión generalizada de los instrumentos informáticos mediante los que el acceso a la información se ha ampliado como nunca en la historia de la humanidad. A pesar de haberse analizado las consecuencias de este fenómeno y señalarse los posibles efectos no deseados en lo que se han denominado ‘brechas digitales’ originadas por las diferencias de acceso a la sociedad de la información por razones socioeconómicas, poco se ha explorado lo que el entorno digital supone para la construcción del conocimiento y el desarrollo de la sociedad del conocimiento.El entorno digital es un instrumento muy potente en el acceso a la información, pero, por sí mismo, no incrementa las posibilidades de construcción de conocimiento y desarrollo humano, lo que puede señalar un nuevo riesgo de ‘brecha digital’: la vinculada a la diferencia de capacidades entre los individuos que dominan competencias y estrategias básicas necesarias para construir conocimiento, y los que sólo son usuarios pasivos de las informaciones a que se accede a través del entorno digital.El presente trabajo explora cuestiones asociadas a diferencias individuales en las capacidades necesarias para utilizar las ventajas del entorno digital en el acceso y construcción de conocimiento válido, y defiende que el dominio de conocimientos previos mediatiza los procesos construcción de conocimientos a partir de las informaciones a que accede cada individuo en el entorno digital, determinando su papel como individuo capacitado para la participación en el desarrollo de la sociedad del conocimiento.
Primeros lenguajes y últimas tecnologías para la educación
Authors: Vera Vila Julio
Published: July 2021

Este artículo es una reflexión acerca de cómo el aprendizaje de cada ser humano y el desarrollo cultural de la especie están vinculados a la posibilidad de traducir la realidad –lo que pensamos, lo que sentimos, nuestras interacciones- a sistemas de signos que, al tener significados compartidos, enriquecen nuestra comunicación intra e interpersonal. El lenguaje oral fue la primera tecnología, pero al estar muy bien preparados genéticamente para él, lo aprendemos por inmersión; todos los demás, desde la escritura a los hipermedia, requieren ser bien enseñados y mejor aprendidos.Concluimos destacando la necesidad de aprovechar las ventajas de todas las tecnologías hoy disponibles, para tratar de salvar la brecha digital sin olvidarnos de otras, como la lectoescritora, que están en la base de las nuevas tecnologías; necesitamos para ello una teoría y una práctica de la educación que integre su complejidad y evite caer en reduccionismos simplistas.
Camino sagrado, camino de violencia y poder en la cordillera del Pariacaca
Authors: Farfan Lobaton Carlos
Published: July 2021

En este estudio trataremos de demostrar, que desde tiempos antiguos hubo una estrecha relación entre los oráculos de Pariacaca y Pachacamac a través de caminos sobre las cuencas del Rímac, Lurín, Mala y Cañete. Esta relación no se reduce al carácter sacro de ambos, sino a una respuesta de control territorial y los recursos económicos, estructurado en un paisaje sagrado, donde se fundan los asentamientos a lo largo de ambos márgenes de estos ríos. Los asentamientos estuvieron interconectados por una red vial que fueron el soporte de una permeabilidad entre los pueblos. Sin embargo, a la llegada de los incas estos escenarios fueron incorporados a la administración inca a través de procesos violentos de enajenación de sus tierras, pueblos y deidades, implantándose instalaciones administrativas, sagradas y de almacenaje, consecuentemente la fisonomía del paisaje social y sagrado cambio y los caminos elevaron su nivel, convirtiéndose en Qhapaq Ñan, especialmente los de Pachacamac-Pariacaca-Xauxatambo por el valle de Lurín, el del valle de Mala y Cañete, cuyas rutas confluyen en la Cordillera del Pariacaca, escenario sagrado. Posteriormente, estas rutas, se utilizaron como instrumento de coerción que trastoco la estructura social de estos pueblos. Los argumentos que fundamentan este poder, es el control económico en su dimensión sagrada y simbólica, donde subyace el control de las fuerzas productivas, consecuentemente el control económico, como es la circulación de los bienes y servicios y principalmente las dicotomías: producción – consumo y almacenamiento – redistribución.
La enseñanza de la Historia en Italia, entre pasado, reformas y horizontes futuros
Authors: Borghi Beatrice , Montanari Debora
Published: July 2021

El artículo expone los ejemplos más sobresalientes de las etapas que han caracterizado las reformas de la enseñanza en Italia, desde los currículos educativos del Ochocientos hasta las recientes normativas nacionales en materia de educación cívica y del patrimonio. En los últimos veinte años se han llevado a cabo diferentes reformas legislativas (Moratti 2003, Gelmini 2008, Buona Scuola 2015), cada una de las cuales introdujo significativos cambios, que todavía continúan vigentes en los programas curriculares. Veremos una descripción general desde la eliminación del examen estatal en el quinto año de la Escuela Primaria, la alternancia de prácticas obligatorias en las secundarias de II grado y la formación obligatoria y permanente de los docentes en activo; hasta la reciente aprobación en 2019 de la Ley sobre la educación cívica, como tema independiente, aunque relacionado con los programas de orden y grado, cuya introducción tuvo lugar en el curso 2020/2021. En las conclusiones se ofrecen unas orientaciones para la mejora de las prácticas didácticas llevadas a cabo en estas décadas sobre la capacitación de los profesores, y se reflexiona acerca de la profesionalidad del docente, su tenacidad, aspiraciones y nuevos horizontes.
Study of Photophysico-chemical and Antimicrobial Photodynamic
Properties of Visible Light Active Azometal(II) Complexes
Authors: Teja H.B. , Bhojya Naik H.S. , Amith Nayak P.H. , Prabhakara M.C.
Published: July 2021

The Co(II) and Mn(II) complexes with octahedral geometries of the type [Co(L)2(H2O)2] and
[Mn(L)2(H2O)2] were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV-visible spectra,
powered XRD and photoluminescence. Both metal(II) complexes were prepared with
4-[(Z)-(8-hydroxyquinolin-5-yl)diazenyl]-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrazol-3-one. The
complexes were evaluated for in vitro antimicrobial photodynamic activity against Gram-positive,
Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. The cell inhibition rate was found to be 80-96%. in vitro Cytotoxic
studies were performed for the synthesized complexes against human melanoma (A-375) and human
primary glioblastoma (U-87) cell lines by MTT assay where Co(II) complex showed potential inhibitory
efficiency with IC50 value of 115 μg/mL when compared to Mn(II) complex.
Silica-Supported Fe(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) Complexes as Efficient Catalysts to Esterification of Levulinic acid with Polyol
Authors: Hossain Md. Anwar , Voon Lee Hwei
Published: July 2021

Biomass-derived feedstocks were used to synthesize a new polyol-based ester for biolubricant production to overcome the dependence on mineral oil. Although biomass-derived oil is a potential alternative to polyol ester, upgrading is inevitable before using it as a biolubricant. Levulinic acid (model acid), obtained from a bio oil, was used for the esterification of two polyols, for example, neopentyl glycol (NPG) and trimethylolpropane (TMP), in the presence of ligand metal Fe(II), Co(II), and Ni(II) complexes as catalyst. Silica-supported Fe(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes viz. [Fe(Tyr)(Amp)]Cl·SiO2, [Co(Phe)(Bpy)]Cl·SiO2 and [Ni(Leu)(Phen)]Cl·SiO2 were synthesized by the reaction of ligands [L-phenylalanine (Phe), L-tyrosine (Tyr), L-leucine (Leu), 4,4′-bipyridine (Bpy), 2-aminopyridine (Amp) and 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen)] with respective metal(II) chloride salts. All the metal complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility, TGA/DTA, FTIR, powder-XRD and SEM methods. The catalytic activities of the complexes were further investigated via esterification of two polyols (e.g. neopentyl glycol and trimethylolpropane) by biomass-derived levulinic acid (LA). Herein, iron(II) complex was found to be more active, demonstrating its better efficiency as a catalyst towards the esterification of levulinic acid for synthesizing ester-based oils.
Antithrombotic, Antihemolytic Activities and Protein Conjugation
Properties of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Turbinaria ornata
Authors: Venkatesan Amalan , Antony Samy Jose Vinoth Raja , Anantha Sayanam Rajeswari Ranga , Rajendran Jayaprakash , Natesan Vijayakumar
Published: July 2021

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles synthesized from Turbinaria ornata weed extract was carried
out. Because these seaweeds are largely unexplored and contain botanical molecules that promote
bimolecular reduction. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) cause a rise in the accumulation of
clotting factors, platelets and procoagulant activity, both of which lead to thrombotic and hemolytic
diseases. The silver nanoparticles were initially characterized using spectroscopic analysis to validate
the biomolecules of Turbinaria ornata involved in nanoparticle reduction. A detailed study on the
effectiveness of silver nanoparticles on antithrombolytic activity in adult blood samples confirms the
interaction of nanoparticles with platelets and blood vessels, which is significant in the production of
thrombosis and cardiovascular diseases. The antihemolytic activity was tested to assess the percentage
of blood clot lysis in order to confirm the ability to scavenge hydrogen peroxide in a concentration
dependent manner. The protein conjugation and binding activities of major, secondary, and tertiary
structures were also investigated in silico. Thus, Turbinaria ornata seaweeds with reduced silver
nanoparticles demonstrated increased antithrombotic and antihemolytic activities, suggested that they
could be used as novel therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases.
in situ Chemical Synthesis of PANI by Using Aromatic Carboxylic
Acid as Dopant for Detection of Ammonia at Room Temperature
Authors: Khanapure Renukacharya Ganapati , Awate Sharad Kashinath , Patil Suresh Vasant
Published: July 2021

In this work, polyaniline (PANI) film was successfully synthesized by in situ chemical polymerization
technique by using aromatic carboxylic acids like benzoic acid, p-methoxybenzoic acid and
p-nitrobenzoic acid, doped in presence of ammonium persulphate as an oxidant. Electric conductivity
study of doped polyaniline has been studied concerning temperature. Surface composition morphology
and structure of synthesized carboxylic acid doped polyaniline were characterized via different methods
such as the electrical conductivity by two probes, UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray
diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The PANI based ammonia gas sensor was
synthesized by using, benzoic acid, p-methoxybenzoic acid and p-nitrobenzoic acid as dopant which
has excellent selectivity towards NH3 and 28, 426 and 327% response of ammonia gas at 100 ppm
concentration, respectively at room temperature.
MicroShade; A Bridge to the Future of Efficient Shading Design
Authors: Arjmand Mazidi Habib
Published: July 2021

Along with many benefits of daylight in interior space, undesirable solar heat gain and glare have been always challenging. Shading strategies like overhang, louvers, manual and automatic blinds, etc.; are to control unfavorable direct sunlight. Solar UV, IR, and glare control glazing materials are increasingly used instead of shading design, especially for high-rise buildings. Notwithstanding the advantages of solar control glazing, there is a concern about how LowE glazing affects the overall daylight availability in a space. On the other hand, in lack of shade, glare is still a big challenge for solar control glazing strategies. In this study, a
MicroShade strategy (solar control coating with 37% VT) is proposed in between interior heat-control clear-glass panes and based on an optimized shading design. A single 12’ * 16’ office room is then studied based on a
MicroShade window for south orientation and is compared with an ASHRAE 90.1 code approved LowE glazing strategy (65% VT) without shade. Annual daylight simulations show that totally LowE glass window contributes to higher available daylight. However, close to the window, the
MicroShade system has less undesirable illuminance (above 2000 lux), and possible glare. The result of glare simulations, for 7 representative days during hot and warm seasons (5 times per day), show not many differences. Although probably due to reflections of
MicroShade materials in general
MicroShade system shows 1-2 DGP higher than the other two systems, for the times that solar angle is lower,
MicroShade plays a better role in terms of glare control.
Hepatic Cysts as a Manifestation of Polycystic Kidney Disease (Polycystic Liver Report of 2 Mother-Son Cases)
Authors: N Osnaya-Romero , S Conrado , P Dautt
Published: July 2021

Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disease that can lead to high blood pressure and kidney failure. In Mexico, 4.5% of patients with kidney failure are carriers of this disease; the liver is another of the organs affected by this disease that can manifest as abdominal pain and a mass effect in the abdominal cavity; we present 2 cases of polycystic kidney and liver disease (mother and child), in addition to describing the clinical manifestations, two different stages of the disease are shown, being a hereditary disease it is suggested that once a case is identified, an abdominal ultrasound is performed to first-degree relatives in search of cystic lesions to indicate preventive measures that help us preserve the overall well-being of the patient.
Metagenomics approaches in microbial ecology and research for sustainable agriculture
Authors: Meunier Robert , Bayır Saliha
Published: July 2021

Technologies such as next generation sequencing (NGS) are transforming research fields at the methodological, conceptual, and organizational level. They open up new possibilities and bring with them new commitments and inherent limitations. We show from a philosophy of science perspective how NGS-based metagenomics has transformed microbial ecology and, with it, parts of agricultural soil science, which integrate ecological approaches with the aim to inform agricultural practices. We reconstruct agricultural science as design science (sensu Niiniluoto) and describe how the possibilities, commitments, and limitations of metagenomics approaches in microbial ecology shape values, situation assessments, and recommendations for interventions of soil microbiology in the context of sustainable agriculture.
A contrastive study of grammatical metaphors in abstracts of Chinese MA theses and expert academic writing
Authors: Huang Ziou , Yu Hui
Published: July 2021

As a significant indicator of College students’ ability in academic English communication, academic papers, especially their condensed abstracts require various writing techniques among which the use of grammatical metaphors (GMs) is typical. To improve the English academic writing level of Chinese postgraduate students, it is significant to compare their use of GMs with that in expert research articles. On the basis of Halliday’s reclassification of GMs, this study aims to compare the characteristics of GMs in abstracts of MA theses and expert research articles (RAs). It is found that there is universal use of nearly all GM types in both groups. The two groups are similar in that they share the top five most frequently used GMs, and there are no significant differences in the use of more than half of the GM types. However, the overall GM frequency of expert RAs is significantly higher than that of MA theses. Significant differences are also found in the use of six GM types. Furthermore, some correlations between certain GM types found in expert RAs are missing in MA theses. Reasons for these differences may include the limited understanding of GM, the underdeveloped cognitive ability, the genre differences, and the first language differences. Based on these findings, implications for teaching and learning are discussed.
Critical review on microfibrous composites for applications in chemical engineering
Authors: Yang Yi , Zhu Huiqi , Bao Lulu , Xu Xuhui
Published: July 2021

Microfibrous composites (MCs) are novel materials with unique structures and excellent functional properties, showing great potential in industrial applications. The investigation of the physicochemical properties of MCs is significant for accommodating the rapid development of high-efficiency chemical engineering industries. In this review, the characteristics, synthesis and applications of different types of previously reported MCs are discussed according to the constituent fibres, including polymers, metals and nonmetals. Among the different types of MCs, polymer MCs have a facile synthesis process and adjustable fibre composition, making them suitable for many complex situations. The high thermal and electrical conductivity of metal MCs enables their application in strong exothermic, endothermic and electrochemical reactions. Nonmetallic MCs are usually stable and corrosion resistant when reducing and oxidizing environments. The disadvantages of MCs, such as complicated synthesis processes compared to those of particles or powders, high cost, insufficient thorough study, and unsatisfactory regeneration effects, are also summarized. As a result, a more systematic investigation of MCs remains necessary. Despite the advantages and great application potential of microfibrous composites, much effort remains necessary to advance them to the industrial level in the chemical engineering industry.
Денежно-кредитное регулирование в России и ЕС
Authors: Antyushina Victoria , Bazhan Anatoliy , Gusev Kirill , Iokhin Viktor , Kuznetsov Alexey , Nevskaya Natalia , Olenchenko Vladimir , Pischik Viktor , Fedorov Valentin
Published: July 2021

В брошюре предпринят сравнительный анализ денежно-кредитной политики ЕЦБ и Центрального банка РФ с целью выявить недостатки, устранение которых могло бы способствовать совершенствованию системы регулирования денежного оборота в нашей стране. Авторы работы считают, что одним из главных таких недостатков служит однобокая ориентация российской монетарной политики исключительно на борьбу с инфляцией, что определяет низкий уровень монетизации национальной экономики и тормозит экономический рост. Показано, что в отличие от России, в еврозоне и во многих других странах эта политика направлена на сочетание усилий по стимулированию экономического развития и ограничению инфляционных тенденций. Значительное место в работе отведено исследованию участия центральных банков РФ и ЕС в цифровизации сферы денежного оборота. Несмотря на некоторые различия в позициях, авторы приходят к единому выводу, что осторожное отношение обоих регуляторов к использованию криптовалют основано на правильном понимании природы последних и их роли в современной экономике.
Коалиционные правительства в современной Европе: шансы и риски
Authors: Schweitzer Vladimir , Ananyeva Elena , Sindeev Alexey , Fedorov Sergey , Kaninskaya Galina , Alekseenkova Elena , Yakovlev Pyotr , Yakovleva Naila , Kvashnin Yuri , Oskolkov Peter , Okhoshin Oleg , Plevako Natalia , Gribovsky Vasily , Kandel Pavel , Olenchenko Vladimir , Guseletov Boris
Published: July 2021

Авторский коллектив анализирует взаимоотношения парт- нёров по коалициям в правительствах большинства стран – членов Европейского союза, их деятельность в последние два десятилетия. Рассмотрены причины как достижений, так и неудач коалиционных правительств. Авторы полагают, что крупнейшие партии стран Евросоюза в целом пока не готовы определить в коалиционных взаимоотношениях с другими политическими силами чёткие ориентиры своей стратегии и своего конкретного политического курса.
ПРОБЛЕМЫ ТРАНСФОРМАЦИИ ЕВРОПЕЙСКОЙ БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ В РАБОТАХ РОССИЙСКИХ ПОЛИТОЛОГОВ
Authors: Sindeev Alexei
Published: July 2021

Монография посвящена изучению проблем трансформации ев- ропейской безопасности российскими политологами. Эмпириче- скую базу составили статьи, вышедшие в период с апреля 2014 по март 2020 г. в восьми научных журналах: «Современная Европа», «Мировая экономика и международные отношения», «Актуальные проблемы Европы», «Научно-аналитический вестник Института Европы РАН», «Вестник МГИМО (У)», «Вестник Дипломатиче- ской академии МИД России: Россия и мир», «Международные процессы», «Международная жизнь», что позволило выявить об- щие и особенные черты в подходах отечественных политологов. Поставлены дискуссионные вопросы, которые могут способство- вать успешному продолжению исследований проблем европейской безопасности и сопровождающих её трансформационных процес- сов. Работа будет полезна магистрантам, аспирантам и исследова- телям, занимающимся европейской безопасностью, связанными с ней феноменами и процессами.
Booming Then, Sputtering Now
Authors: Woo Michael
Published: July 2021

This article reviews the post-World War II mass production of houses in Los Angeles and the roots of today’s housing shortage. Even with a high production rate, minorities and low-income Angelenos have experienced racial barriers and displacement. Today, L.A.’s homeless population is disproportionally Black, while home ownership is disproportionally white. The article concludes with four proposals for responding to today’s shortage of affordable and racially equitable housing.
Propagation velocity model of stress waves in larch wood (Larix gmelinii) three-dimensional space with different moisture contents
Authors: Wei Xiwen , Sun Liping , Zhou Hongjv , Yang Yang , Wang Yifan , Gao Yang
Published: July 2021

Based on the effects of stress wave propagation in larch (Larix gmelinii) wood, the propagation mechanism of stress wave was explored, and a theoretical model of the propagation velocity of stress waves in the three-dimensional space of wood was developed. The cross and longitudinal propagation velocities of stress wave were measured in larch wood under different moisture contents (46% to 87%, 56% to 96%, 20% to 62%, and 11% to 30%) in a laboratory setting. The relationships between the propagation velocity of stress waves and the direction angle or chord angle with different moisture contents were analyzed, and the three-dimensional regression models among four parameters were established. The analysis results indicated that under the same moisture content, stress wave velocity increased as the direction angle increased and decreased as chord angle increased, and the radial velocity was the largest. Under different moisture contents, stress wave velocity gradually decreased as moisture content increased, and the stress wave velocity was more noticeably affected by moisture content when moisture content was below the fiber saturation point (FSP, 30%). The nonlinear regression models of the direction angle, chord angle, moisture content, and the propagation velocity of stress wave fit the experiment data well (R2 ≥ 0.97).
Russian čut’: puzzles of grammaticalization
Authors: Плунгян В. А. , Рахилина Е. В. , Орехова М. И.
Published: July 2021

The paper analyzes some non-trivial properties of the Russian particle čut’ (≈ ‘a little’) as well as its reduplicated counterpart čut’-čut’ used as a discourse marker. The rapid grammaticalization of čut’ started around the 17th century resulted in the coexistence of three types of values: quantitative (‘small quantity’), avertive (followed by negation and often by bylo), and immediate (‘as soon as’). This is a peculiar polysemy; what makes it even more peculiar is the fact that a large part of quantitative values related to nominal quantity is a very recent development and not an early inheritance as one might a priori expect.
Old Lithuanian plęšti
Authors: Smoczyński Wojciech
Published: July 2021

Old Lithuanian plęšti ‘rejoice, jump in joy, dance’ may be interpreted as a back-formation from *plenšoti, a verb borrowed from Old Polish plęsać.