bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TÜRKİYE’DE SPORCU ÜCRETLERİNİN VERGİLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: ÇERİBAŞ Dinçer
Published: November 2020

Vergi, kamu hizmetlerinin yürütülmesi için Devletin ihtiyaç duyduğu en temel gelir kaynağıdır. Verginin Anayasa ile belirlenen temel ilkeler doğrultusunda adaletli ve dengeli dağıtılması, vergi sisteminin en önemli amacıdır. Vergi gelirlerinin önemli bir bölümünü gelir üzerinden alınan vergiler oluşturmaktadır. Ücret gelirleri, Gelir Vergisi Kanunu kapsamında vergilendirilmekte ve sporun desteklenmesi amacıyla, sporcu ücretlerinin vergilendirilmesi konusunda istisnai düzenlemeler yer almaktadır. Türk vergi sistemine bakıldığında, sporcu ücretlerinin vergilendirilmesine ilişkin olarak farklı dönemlerde farklı vergilendirme usullerinin uygulandığı görülmektedir. Bununla birlikte diğer ülkelerin vergi uygulamalarıyla karşılaştırıldığında, Türkiye’de sporcu ücretlerine uygulanan gelir vergisi oranlarının oldukça düşük olduğu ve bu konudaki istisnai düzenlemelerin vergi adaletinin sağlanmasında sorunlara yol açtığı tespit edilmiştir. Bu amaçla çalışmada sporcu ücretlerinin vergilendirilmesine ilişkin mevzuat değişiklikleri uygulama dönemleri itibarıyla incelenmiş ve temel vergilendirme ilkeleri ışığında, vergi adaletini zedeleyen uygulamaların giderilmesine yönelik olarak önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
Workers' Settlements in the Former Industrial City of Nikšić, Montenegro
Authors: Bojković Vladimir
Published: November 2020

By the end of the Second World War, Montenegro became one of the six republics (Serbia, Croatia Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Macedonia) that would later form the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Among the least developed republics, in the context of urbanisation, economy and industry, was Montenegro. Due to the different economic development of the republics, one of the basic goals of socialist management was the equal economic and social growth of all areas. Due to its geographical location and natural resources, Nikšić became the most important industrial centres of Montenegro that developed very rapidly in the post-war period. Among the industrial companies, the ironworks company "Boris Kidrič" had the greatest influence on the urban life of Nikšić. Due to the large numbers of workers required (at one period, the factory had 7500 workers), the ironworks financed the construction of a substantial number of settlements to provide accommodation for workers and their families. Humci and Budo Tomović are the typical workers' settlements built on the urban plans from the 60s. The task of this paper is to present for the first time a different typology of housing in the most significant industrial city of Montenegro, which was created by rapid urbanisation after the Second World War. In the context of architecture and urbanism, the golden age of industrial development of the Nikšić city gave a variety of typologies, especially in terms of housing. A more detailed study of this heritage is yet to begin.
Vulnerability of Ancient Dry-joint Masonry Towers
Authors: Gençer Funda , Hamamcıoğlu-Turan Mine , Duran Hasan Engin , Aktaş Engin
Published: November 2020

Since ancient times, different techniques have been favoured to provide the integrity of masonry buildings at risk from earthquakes. Earthquake consciousness and determination of related effective techniques have always been a challenging subject. In this study, morphologic characteristics affecting structural resistance of dry-joint masonry towers, and their impact on each other are examined with the help of the statistical analysis. The effectiveness of each characteristic is discussed in relation to the earthquake risk level of the regions to decipher awareness of precautions necessary for structural resistance of dry-joint masonry under earthquake risk in ancient periods.The methodology includes gathering morphologic data with the conventional site survey techniques of architectural restoration; visual analysis of the dataset; design of hypothetical towers by combining possible characteristics of real towers; quasi-static tilt analysis of hypothetical towers with MsPhysics 1.0.3 software; regression analysis of the collapse limits for different morphologic configurations with EViews 4 software, and the proposition of a vulnerability framework and application of the framework to case studies.The parameters affecting structural resistance are listed in the order of high to low impact as a staggering ratio, stone depth, ratio between block length and height, proportional relationship between height and length, opening area, number and position and the distribution of header stones. The application of the framework to case studies indicated consciousness awareness of the risk and the taking of precautions against lateral loading of dry-joint masonry in ancient periods.
Newman, Lesléa. Lovely: Poems. Sequim, WA: Headmistress Press, 2018, and Newman, Lesléa. I Carry My Mother. Sequim, WA: Headmistress Press, 2015.
Authors: Dwoskin Beth
Published: November 2020

Book review: Newman, Lesléa. Lovely: Poems. Sequim, WA: Headmistress Press, 2018, and Newman, Lesléa. I Carry My Mother. Sequim, WA: Headmistress Press, 2015.
Sivan, Miryam. Make It Concrete. New York, NY: Cuidono Press, 2019.
Authors: Eisman Carrus Merle
Published: November 2020

Book review: Sivan, Miryam. Make It Concrete. New York, NY: Cuidono Press, 2019.
Schmoozing with My Sisters: At-Home Ethnography in Brisbane’s Jewish Community
Authors: Creese Jennifer
Published: November 2020

Within anthropology, there is a distinguished history of Jewish ethnographers and ethnographic research on Jewish life. There is also a wealth of “insider anthropology” conducted by Jewish anthropologists in their own Jewish communities. Of these, many take a feminist anthropological approach, actively interrogating the power dynamics at play within and around the communities they discuss, and within the ethnographic relationship itself. In this essay, the author reflects on her own experiences as a feminist and insider anthropologist in Brisbane’s Jewish community. The essay discusses the negotiation of the dual roles of insider and scholar, and the ways in which feminist epistemological approaches work within this negotiation.
Marriage as Ruse or Migration Route: Jewish Women’s Mobility and Sex Trafficking to Argentina, 1890s-1930s
Authors: Yarfitz Mir
Published: November 2020

The victim narrative of the international anti-white slavery movements of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century highlighted the suffering of prostituted women entrapped by violent men. Due to both antisemitic exaggeration and the reality of Ashkenazi Jewish networks of international sex work management in this period, Jews faced particular scrutiny as traffickers, and organized internationally with non-Jewish reformers against the phenomenon. Reformers often decried the shtile khupe, a Jewish religious marriage ceremony without a civil component, as a key trafficking technique. Drawing on League of Nations archives, court records, and the Yiddish, Spanish, and English press, this essay provides a granular social history of marriage and associated relational strategies for cross-border migration and structuring Jewish sex work on the ground in early-twentieth-century Buenos Aires. Evidence from sex workers and their managers pushes against these victimization narratives, reframing marriage as a method to achieve transnational mobility and improve labor and living conditions. Historical and contemporary feminist responses to trafficking share rhetorical strategies and critiques – in both past and present, transnational sex work can be analyzed in a migratory rather than coercive context, centering individuals making difficult choices from among limited options.
Intelectuais, partido político e práxis revolucionária no pensamento de Antonio Gramsci – um estudo a partir de A questão meridional
Authors: De Almeida Leandro Cabral
Published: November 2020

Gramsci produziu um conjunto volumoso de textos, publicados em jornais e revistas operários, acumulados até 1926. Se atentarmos para esse material verificaremos o foco sobre temas da atualidade política vivenciada por Gramsci, atravessada pelo combate ao fascismo, por sua perspectiva crítica em relação ao partido, por sua leitura própria do marxismo e da revolução em seu país. O enfoque sobre esses escritos pode nos ajudar a compreender a origem do seu pensamento, seu desenvolvimento em seus vínculos com as lutas políticas concretas, seus elementos constituintes, a perenidade de alguns temas por toda a sua obra. Como é o caso do papel dos intelectuais e do partido político. Possivelmente, esses temas constituem desde sua mais jovem perspectiva política as duas bases sobre as quais Gramsci desenvolve ao longo do escopo de seu pensamento a questão da hegemonia do proletariado. O objetivo do presente trabalho é analisar como esses temas são apresentados no célebre ensaio A questão meridional. Trata-se de colocar em destaque o tema dos intelectuais relacionando-o a noção de práxis e a concepção de partido político, considerando que suas formulações refletem também a necessidade de empreender uma acurada análise das lutas de classes que historicamente se desenvolviam na Itália.
Conflitos em torno do Ministério da Educação: está em curso uma crise de hegemonia?
Authors: Gawryszewski Bruno , Monteiro Joyce Pitz
Published: November 2020

O presente texto tem como objetivo discutir se está em curso uma crise de hegemonia no Brasil, partindo dos conflitos para montagem da equipe a ocupar os cargos de primeiro, segundo e terceiro escalão no Ministério da Educação nos primeiros quatro meses do governo Bolsonaro. Para tanto, o texto está estruturado em quatro momentos: 1) na introdução, apresentamos o sentido conceitual sobre crise de hegemonia nos termos de Gramsci; 2) reconstituição dos conflitos no Ministério da Educação; 3) exposição e análise da Estratégia Democrático-Popular durante os governos petistas; 4) considerações finais, em que apresentamos a conclusão de que a crise de hegemonia pode ser vislumbrada como uma concreta perspectiva, a depender de fatores como a perda de apoio de demais frações da classe dominante e a irrupção da luta por parte da classe trabalhadora.
Interfaith Figures Communication Model in Building Religious Harmony in North Labuhanbatu Regency
Authors: Kholil Syukur , Yusnadi Yusnadi , Sihombing Ibrahim
Published: November 2020

This study about Interfaith Figures Communication Model in Building Religious Harmony in North Labuhanbatu Regency deals with the awareness of interfaith leaders in Labura of the importance of living harmoniously between religious communities, it is important for them to disseminate their understanding of how to build harmony and harmony between religious communities at the root of the clump (community). Therefore, religious figures "berkampenye" to the community about the importance of building a harmonious and harmonious life among communities adhering to different religions in Labura. Research that researchers do is field research (Field Research) which is included in the type of qualitative descriptive research, therefore, in the data collection process, researchers will make field observations behavior in Paud Al Ummah delitua. Thus the creation of dialogue (communication) between religious leaders has rational reasons behind it, including such as the existence of religious plurality in society, the desire to communicate in an effort to understand each other, and the creation of cooperation in society.
The Influence of Economic Growth of Middle Society in the New Normal Era Based on Information Technology Applications in Central Kalimantan
Authors: Ondrie Yely
Published: November 2020

The main objective of this research is to determine the positive and negative impacts of the economic growth of the middle class in the new normal era based on information technology applications in Central Kalimantan. This research uses descriptive analysis, the type of data used is primary data and secondary data. The results of the research are three variables that are very influential on the economic growth of the middle class, namely natural resources, human resources, and capital stock. Meanwhile, the most influential is human resources or labor. The positive side of society has creativity in maintaining the family economy from all aspects using technological progress and sufficient capital accumulation. The negative impact for the middle and lower class communities, many employees of oil palm plantations and also other companies were terminated for an unclear period of time, the small business sector, such as the procurement of basic necessities, is sometimes not a cheap price but there are commodities that are more expensive due to lack of supply.
The Evaluation of Countercyclical Policy Implementation in Facing the Impact of the Spread of COVID-19 (Study on Central Kalimantan Bank Pension Fund)
Authors: Trisia Ike
Published: November 2020

This research is a qualitative descriptive study that aims to determine the implementation of countercyclical policies that have been implemented by the Central Kalimantan Bank Pension Fund in dealing with the impact of the spread of COVID-19. The data processed in this study were obtained using interview techniques and supplemented with secondary data which was accessed from various sources. The results of this study indicate that the Bank Kalteng Pension Fund has implemented the provisions of the countercyclical policy as in the Financial Services Authority Circular Letter Number S-10 / D.05 / 2020. In implementing the countercyclical policy, the Bank Kalteng Pension Fund implements the Relaxation of Periodic Report Submission, Implementation of Fit and Proper Tests through Video Converence and Investment Shift to Low Risk Investments.
Problematics of the Implementation of Mediation in the Pakam Deli Serdang Religious Court
Authors: Sitompul Roswita
Published: November 2020

Marriage is something that is considered very sacred in human life and it is as a family for humans to continue their offspring, every human tries to fight to maintain the plume of his household in order to survive, but in terms of the fact that many households have many problems due to many factors. The government in its position as a supervisor and to maintain the presence of community members establish PERMA NO 1 2016 which regulates that every case submitted to the Religious Court must be carried out with mediation. This research is descriptive empirical which data is sourced from primary and secondary data, data collection is done by conducting field research, observations and interviews. The results of the study shows that mediation is failed because: a. the lack of human resources in the Lubuk Pakam Religious Court because there are only 5 Judges, it is not comparable with the current cases and not all Judges can also act as Mediators. b. Unprofessional Attorney who only wants the case to be settled by litigation. c. The parties have unanimous their decision to divorce because they hold too long a longstanding grudge.
Why do we make safe behaviour so hard for drivers?
Authors: Williamson Ann
Published: November 2020

Despite significant improvements in road safety in Australia and developed countries over some decades, the downward trend in fatalities and serious injuries has slowed markedly, and even stalled. New strategies are needed to turn this trend around. Current road safety philosophy, the Safe System, has been effective, but needs broadening to increase the scope of solutions. The Safe System accepts that road users make errors and that the road system should be forgiving of those errors. This leads to countermeasures that emphasise limiting consequences of crashes like lowered speeds, crashworthy vehicles and roads. The problem is that conceptualising road-user error as inevitable ignores the fact that many road-user errors are caused by poor design of the road system including roads, vehicles and road rules. It means road safety
overlooks productive avenues for prevention of road-user error and crashes. This paper discusses this issue with Safe System and provides examples of poor road system design that make it difficult for road users to behave safely. This includes poor road rules like inappropriate speed limits, inadequate road design such as poor signage and confusing lane-marking, inadequate vehicle design that limits vision or provides false visual information, as well as problems with driver-assistive technologies: cruise control, automated driving and warning systems. In each case the paper discusses how poor
design fails to account for human capacities making it hard for road-users to behave safely. Importantly the paper looks at solutions to these problems and provides some new principles for Safe System.
Hypertonia és Covid-19 – II. rész
Authors: Székács Béla , Kékes Ede , Nagy Judit , Kovács Tibor
Published: November 2020

A szerzők áttekintik azokat a komponenseket és mechanizmusokat a keringésszabályozásban alapvető jelentőségű két nagy regulációs rendszerben, amelyek belső egyensúlya és kapcsolatai a SARS-CoV-2 fertőzés során kórosan változnak, és ezáltal fokozzák a súlyos klinikai állapotba torkollással fenyegető tüdő- és szisztémás gyulladás állapotot. Megvizsgálják azt a kérdést, hogy a fertőző ágens szervezeti celluláris behatolásának potenciális elősegítésén túl, az áldozatok között kiugróan magas arányszámú idős hypertoniás betegek RAS-gátló gyógyszerelése hogyan befolyásolja ezeket a változásokat, feltételezhető-e különbség az ACEi és ARB támadáspontú kezelési rendszer anti-, proinflammatorikus befolyása között a Covid-19-járványban. Az áttekintés a koronavírus-fertőzésre adott közvetlen immunológiai választ jelentősen meghaladó gyulladás patomechanikai hátterére fókuszál: az idős hypertoniás betegeknek alapállapotban is fennálló immunmódosulásainak jelentőségére és a kulcskomponensekre, mint angiotenzin-II, ACE-2, angiotenzin- 1–7, bradikinin, ARB, ACEI. A következtetésben a SARS-CoV-2 fertőzött (idős) hypertoniás betegek RAS-gátló kezelésében a támadáspont optimalizálásának mérlegelése ajánlott.
THE VERTICAL ARRANGEMENT OF LATHE MACHINING CENTERS: THE TREND OF MACHINE TOOLS OR JUST A VARIETY OF MACHINES?
Authors: Bodnarchuk Andrey I. , Petrov Pavel V.
Published: November 2020

The article analyzes vertical lathes from a retrospective point of view, defines the stages of formation and development of such machines. The advantages of vertical lathes are analyzed, and an attempt is made to find out the prospects for the development of such machines. The purpose of this work is to clarify the scope of rational use of vertical lathes. The results of calculations proving the advantages of such machines in terms of saving production space in comparison with the horizontal layout are presented.
DEVELOPMENT OF A SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE COMPLEX OF THE INTELLECTUAL TACTICALE MAP
Authors: Frolova Margarita V. , Sharapov Artem A.
Published: November 2020

The existing tactile maps, their methods of production are analyzed. The main problems are identified. The terms of reference worked out. The primary electronic component base was selected. Two modules have been developed: for collecting information from tactile map sensors and analyzing the received data.
HOLOGRAPHIC INTERFEROMETRY AS A NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING METHOD
Authors: Gurevich Аndrei V. , Bernik Tatyana S.
Published: November 2020

This article discusses the possibilities of holographic interferometry when used in various fields of activity, such as optical processing of received information, optical-electronic instrumentation, interferometry, laser technology, registration and control of fast processes, non-destructive testing of test objects.
DEVELOPMENT OF AR INFORMATION PLATFORM FOR ORGANIZING SCIENTIFIC AND METHODOLOGICAL EVENTS
Authors: Kalinin Alexander S. , Voronkin Evgeny Y.
Published: November 2020

It is very important to have a functional information platform, access to which will not be difficult for users. Therefore, the implementation of such a platform often in the web-space in the form of a separate informative site with many pages to help users navigate. The development of an information system in a web-space is divided into frontend development related to the design of the structure, design, page layout, and backend development related to the work of the database, server part, etc. Using a functional information platform as a university information system to automate the department’s research process will greatly simplify the paper and organizational component of the department’s work. This includes accepting applications for events and notifying participants about future events and their results, with the further possibility of finalizing the university’s information system and adding various functionalities. To solve this problem, the main aspects of a web development, various tools, automation tools for developing an information platform are considered.
DEVELOPMENT OF A SMART LED LIGHT LAMP
Authors: Mamaev Daniil S. , Sharapov Artem A.
Published: November 2020

The article presents the process of developing a smart LED lamp. This device acts as a weather station, a security system and an ergonomic small lamp. The smart LED lamp can be used by ordinary citizens, gardeners or companies. By connecting the lamp to the Internet, it is possible to view information about the environment and the status of the security system from anywhere in the world. The electrical circuit of the device, a simulated 3D model of the case, assembled prototype, mobile application are given. The basic details necessary for the functioning of this device are determined. The result of the operation of the device is shown.
THE COMBINATION OF THE SIGHTING CHANNEL WITH PROJECTION CHANNEL DISPLAY MORE INFORMATION
Authors: Homan Danil A. , Kovalenko Vladimir V. , Parko Irina V.
Published: November 2020

This article describes a method of combining the sighting channel and the projection channel, which can be used in optical systems for various purposes, in which there is a prism with a mirror coating, especially sights, or systems with the output of a large amount of information, for example, rangefinders. The analysis of the factors reducing the qualitative efficiency of optical sights. The technical proposal for the implementation of this method and the expected result - the creation of an optical sight with advanced functionality by reducing radiation losses in the projection channel and reducing the parallax between the images of the target and the luminous sighting mark. The practical results of the layout of the node working on this method are shown. The results of full-scale tests showed a low light transmission coefficient of the system, however, when applying the OLED display and the reflecting layer, the possibility of increasing light transmission was not taken into account, due to the combination of spectral sample layers working on reflection for the sighting and transmission for the projection channels. The results of full-scale tests proved the possibility of combining the sighting and projection channels by applying OLED microdisplay on the reflecting face of the prism.
APPLICATION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODELING IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION
Authors: Kilnevaya Maria I. , Lipovskaya Tatiana V. , Larina Tatiana V.
Published: November 2020

The article discusses the advantages and opportunities of designing a technological process using three-dimensional modeling, as well as making the most technological decisions at the main stages of the product life cycle.
STAGES OF ESTABLISHING BOUNDARIES OF SECURITY ZONES OF MAIN GAS PIPELINES
Authors: Bugaeva Irina A. , Mitrofanova Natalia O. , Norkin Vladimir I.
Published: November 2020

The article discusses the procedure for preparing documents for inclusion in the unified state register of real estate (USRRE) of protected areas of gas pipelines. Some technological features of the performance of these works and emerging problems are also considered. The study is based on the practical experience of the authors. The following methods were used to write this work: theoretical analysis, generalization, synthesis, comparison, grouping, and other analytical methods.
IMPROVEMENT OF LAND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN THE NOVOSIBIRSK REGION
Authors: Solovyeva Elena D. , Tkachuk Tatyana A. , Kem Darya A.
Published: November 2020

The article presents the composition and characteristics of the use of land resources of the Novosibirsk region. Land administration by the state is carried out by the executive bodies of state power at the level of the Russian Federation and its subjects, the legislative body in the field of rule-making, and also by local authorities. A review of the state and use of land by categories and forms of ownership was made with the result, which received positive as well as negative aspects in the management of land resources of the Novosibirsk region. As a result of the analysis of the activities of state structures managing land resources, tendencies to duplication of tasks and powers were discovered.
Talking about space: The role of parent and child sex on the frequency of parental spatial talk, and its association with child numeracy and school readiness
Authors: Fink Elian , Hughes Claire , Hendriks Henriëtte , Farran Emily K , Gilligan-Lee Katie
Published: November 2020

Parental talk plays an important role in facilitating children’s cognitive development and academic success, with parental spatial language shown to independently facilitate children’s spatial abilities. However, work in this field has almost exclusively focused on mothers leaving many unanswered questions: (1) Do mothers and fathers vary in their spatial talk to children? (2) What is the interplay between parent and child sex with respect to parental spatial talk? (3) Is the role of parental spatial talk for child outcomes the same for mothers and fathers? The current study observed 66 families engaging in mother-child and father-child block play at 24- and 48-months-of-age, coding parental spatial talk. At 48 months children’s numeracy skills and school readiness was assessed. We found no differences in spatial talk between mothers and fathers to their sons or daughters at either 24- or 48-months-of-age. Only father spatial talk was associated with child school readiness.
Cultured Meat: A Mind Genomics Cartography of a Technology in its Infancy
Authors: Moskowitz Howard , Gere Attila , Roberts Derek , Nagarajan Divya , Harizi Ariola
Published: November 2020

Respondents evaluated combinations of messages about the emerging technology of cultured meat, these messages created to be meaningful to a non-technical person, and dealing with the sensory, technical, and sociological aspects of cultured meat. The data suggest that the respondent does not understand what cultured meat ‘means’, and may agree with statement which directly negate each other. There are three poorly-defined mind-sets underlying the Mind-Set-Focus on ingredients and on product form; Mind-Set 2-Focus on sustainability and ingredients; Mind-Set 3-Focus on ethical and social issues as well as on product form. These three mind-sets are intertwined within the population, and cannot be separated by conventional geo-demographics. These data present a unique opportunity to understand the formation of one understands about a new technology in food design, cultured meat.
Enhancing Enzyme-Mediated Cellulose Hydrolysis by Incorporating Acid Groups Onto the Lignin During Biomass Pretreatment
Authors: Wu Jie , Chandra Richard P. , Takada Masatsugu , Liu Li-Yang , Renneckar Scott , Kim Kwang Ho , Kim Chang Soo , Saddler Jack N.
Published: November 2020

Lignin is known to limit the enzyme-mediated hydrolysis of biomass by both restricting substrate swelling and binding to the enzymes. Pretreated mechanical pulp (MP) made from Aspen wood chips was incubated with either 16% sodium sulfite or 32% sodium percarbonate to incorporate similar amounts of sulfonic and carboxylic acid groups onto the lignin (60 mmol/kg substrate) present in the pulp without resulting in significant delignification. When Simon’s stain was used to assess potential enzyme accessibility to the cellulose, it was apparent that both post-treatments enhanced accessibility and cellulose hydrolysis. To further elucidate how acid group addition might influence potential enzyme binding to lignin, Protease Treated Lignin (PTL) was isolated from the original and modified mechanical pulps and added to a cellulose rich, delignified Kraft pulp. As anticipated, the PTLs from both the oxidized and sulfonated substrates proved less inhibitory and adsorbed less enzymes than did the PTL derived from the original pulp. Subsequent analyses indicated that both the sulfonated and oxidized lignin samples contained less phenolic hydroxyl groups, resulting in enhanced hydrophilicity and a more negative charge which decreased the non-productive binding of the cellulase enzymes to the lignin.
Imaging Protocol, Feasibility, and Reproducibility of Cardiovascular Phenotyping in a Large Tri-Ethnic Population-Based Study of Older People: The Southall and Brent Revisited (SABRE) Study
Authors: Al Saikhan Lamia , Alobaida Muath , Bhuva Anish , Chaturvedi Nish , Heasman John , Hughes Alun D. , Jones Siana , Eastwood Sophie , Manisty Charlotte , March Katherine , Ghosh Arjun K. , Mayet Jamil , Oguntade Ayodipupo , Tillin Therese , Williams Suzanne , Wright Andrew , Park Chloe
Published: November 2020

Background: People of South Asian and African Caribbean ethnicities living in UK have a high risk of cardiometabolic disease. Limited data exist regarding detailed cardiometabolic phenotyping in this population. Methods enabling this are widely available, but the practical aspects of undertaking such studies in large and diverse samples are seldom reported.

Methods: The Southall and Brent Revisited (SABRE) study is the UK's largest tri-ethnic longitudinal cohort. Over 1,400 surviving participants (58–85 years) attended the 2nd study visit (2008–2011); during which, comprehensive cardiovascular phenotyping, including 3D-echocardiography [3D-speckle-tracking (3D-STE)], computed tomography, coronary artery calcium scoring, pulse wave velocity, central blood pressure, carotid artery ultrasound, and retinal imaging, were performed. We describe the methods used with the aim of providing a guide to their feasibility and reproducibility in a large tri-ethnic population-based study of older people.

Results: Conventional echocardiography and all vascular measurements showed high feasibility (>90% analyzable of clinic attendees), but 3D-echocardiography (3DE) and 3D-STE were less feasible (71% 3DE acquisition feasibility and 38% 3D-STE feasibility of clinic attendees). 3D-STE feasibility differed by ethnicity, being lowest in South Asian participants and highest in African Caribbean participants (p < 0.0001). Similar trends were observed in men (P < 0.0001) and women (P = 0.005); however, in South Asians, there were more women with unreadable 3D-images compared to men (67 vs. 58%). Intra- and inter-observer variabilities were excellent for most of conventional and advanced echocardiographic measures. The test-retest reproducibility was good-excellent and fair-good for conventional and advanced echocardiographic measures, respectively, but lower than when re-reading the same images. All vascular measures demonstrated excellent or fair-good reproducibility.

Conclusions: We describe the feasibility and reproducibility of detailed cardiovascular phenotyping in an ethnically diverse population. The data collected will lead to a better understanding of why people of South Asian and African Caribbean ancestry are at elevated risk of cardiometabolic diseases.
Homotopic Commissural Projections of Area Prostriata in Rat and Mouse: Comparison With Presubiculum and Parasubiculum
Authors: Chen Chang-Hui , Hu Jin-Meng , Chen Sheng-Qiang , Liu Shi-Ming , Ding Song-Lin
Published: November 2020

Area prostriata in primates has recently been found to play important roles in rapid detection and processing of peripheral visual, especially fast-moving visual information. The prostriata in rodents was not discovered until recently and its connectivity is largely unknown. As a part of our efforts to reveal brain-wide connections of the prostriata in rat and mouse, this study focuses on its commissural projections in order to understand the mechanisms underlying interhemispheric integration of information, especially from peripheral visual field. Using anterograde, retrograde and Cre-dependent tracing techniques, we find a unique commissural connection pattern of the prostriata: its layers 2-3 in both hemispheres form strong homotopic commissural connections with few heterotopic projections to bilateral medial entorhinal cortex. This projection pattern is in sharp contrast to that of the presubiculum and parasubiculum, two neighbor regions of the prostriata. The latter two structures project very strongly to bilateral medial entorhinal cortex and to their contralateral counterparts. Our results also suggest the prostriata is a distinct anatomical structure from the presubiculum and parasubiculum and probably plays differential roles in interhemispheric integration and the balancing of spatial information between two hemispheres.
Predicting Treatment Failure for Initiators of Hepatitis C Virus Treatment in the era of Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Nabulsi Nadia A. , Martin Michelle T. , Sharp Lisa K. , Koren David E. , Teply Robyn , Zuckerman Autumn , Lee Todd A.
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV), the leading cause of advanced liver disease, has enormous economic burden. Identification of patients at risk of treatment failure could lead to interventions that improve cure rates.

Objectives: Our goal was to develop and evaluate a prediction model for HCV treatment failure.

Methods: We analyzed HCV patients initiating direct-acting antiviral therapy at four United States institutions. Treatment failure was determined by lack of sustained virologic response (SVR) 12 weeks after treatment completion. From 20 patient-level variables collected before treatment initiation, we identified a subset associated with treatment failure in bivariate analyses. In a derivation set, separate predictive models were developed from 100 bootstrap samples using logistic regression. From the 100 models, variables were ranked by frequency of selection as predictors to create four final candidate models, using cutoffs of ≥80%, ≥50%, ≥40%, and all variables. In a validation set, predictive performance was compared across models using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results: In 1,253 HCV patients, overall SVR rate was 86.1% (95% CI = 84.1%, 88.0%). The AUCs of the four final candidate models were: ≥80% = 0.576; ≥50% = 0.605; ≥40% = 0.684; all = 0.681. The best performing model (≥40%) had significantly better predictive ability than the ≥50% (p = 0.03) and ≥80% models (p = 0.02). Strongest predictors of treatment failure were older age, history of hepatocellular carcinoma, and private (vs. government) insurance.

Conclusion: This study highlighted baseline factors associated with HCV treatment failure. Treatment failure prediction may facilitate development of data-driven clinical tools to identify patients who would benefit from interventions to improve SVR rates.
Computational Studies of Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine Metabolites as Possible Candidates for Coronavirus (COVID-19) Treatment
Authors: Vaidya Niteen A. , Vyas Renu
Published: November 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 pandemic is claiming many lives, impacting the health and livelihoods of billions of people worldwide and causing global economic havoc. As a novel disease with protean manifestations, it has pushed the scientific community into a frenzy to find a cure. The chloroquine class of compounds, used for decades for their antimalarial activity, have been well characterized. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), a less toxic metabolite of chloroquine, is used to treat rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and Sjögren’s syndrome. Preliminary studies in non-randomized clinical trials point to the possible use of chloroquine and its derivatives in the treatment of coronavirus. However, more robust clinical studies carried out in the United States, Italy, Australia, and China have shown mixed and inconclusive results and indicate the need for additional research. Cardiac, neurological, and retinal toxicity as well as increasing parasite resistance to these drugs is a major hindrance for their use in a world that is already dealing with antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In this context, we chose to study the monoquinoline analogs of 4-aminoquinoline as well as their metabolites which have the same mechanism of action albeit with lower toxicity. All the compounds were extensively studied computationally using docking, cheminformatics, and toxicity prediction tools. Based on the docking scores against ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) receptors and the toxicity data computed by employing the chemical analyzer module by ViridisChem™ Inc., the work reveals significant findings that can help in the process of use of these metabolites against coronavirus.
Cardamonin Reduces Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice via Activating Autophagy and NFE2L2 Signaling
Authors: Xu Qiushi , Fan Yunhui , Loor Juan J. , Liang Yusheng , Sun Xudong , Jia Hongdou , Zhao Chenxu , Xu Chuang
Published: November 2020

Cardamonin (CD), a naturally occurring chalcone derived from the Alpinia species, has been shown to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, but its role in the prevention of acetaminophen- (APAP-) induced hepatotoxicity remains elusive. The objective of this study was to determine the protective effects of CD against APAP-induced acute liver injury (ALI) and the underlying mechanisms. Wild-type or transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2- (NFE2L2-) deficient mice were treated with CD (50 or 100 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle for 24 h. Subsequently, these mice were challenged with APAP (400 mg/kg, i.p.) for 6 h. Liver and blood samples were collected to evaluate liver injury and protein abundance. Treatment with CD significantly reduced APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, CD effectively reduced APAP-induced inflammation by inhibiting high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling. In addition, CD induced activation of sequestosome 1 (p62) and NFE2L2 signaling and facilitated autophagy. By applying autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA; 20 mg/kg, i.p.), further mechanistic exploration revealed that NFE2L2 deficiency promoted autophagic activity induced by CD treatment, which was conducive to the hepatoprotective effect of CD against APAP-induced hepatoxicity in NFE2L2−/− mice. Overall, data suggest that CD has hepatoprotective effect against APAP-induced ALI, which might contribute to the activation of NFE2L2 and autophagy.
Planetary Protection in the New Space Era: Science and Governance
Authors: Cheney Thomas , Newman Christopher , Olsson-Francis Karen , Steele Scott , Pearson Victoria , Lee Simon
Published: November 2020

Committee of Space Research’s Planetary Protection Policy is a triumph of technocratic governance in the global sphere. The Policy is produced by a group of scientific experts and subsequently enjoys high regard among the scientific and space community. However, as Committee of Space Research is an independent organization without any legal mandate the Planetary Protection Policy is an example of so-called “soft law” or a non-binding international instrument, in short, no one is under any legal obligation to comply with them. The policy is linked to Article IX of the Outer Space Treaty and its provision calling for the avoidance of “harmful contamination” of the Moon and other celestial bodies. While space activities beyond Earth orbit have been the exclusive preserve of government scientific space agencies this has posed little problem. However as private and “non-science” space activities proliferate and begin to spread their reach beyond Earth orbit, the Planetary Protection Policy is being tested. This paper will examine the challenges of developing and maintaining an effective planetary protection regime in this “New Space” era. This will involve looking at the existing policies, as well as the governance framework they sit within. However, it is also necessary to consider and understand the scientific basis not just for the specifics of the policy itself but the necessity of it. Finally, this paper will consider whether a broader “environmental” framework is needed as space activities diversity in type and location.
Oil Uptake and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) in Fried Fresh-Cut Potato: Effect of Cultivar, Anti-Browning Treatment and Storage Conditions
Authors: Balbino Sandra , Repajić Maja , Solarić Tea , Dite Hunjek Draženka , Škevin Dubravka , Kraljić Klara , Obranović Marko , Levaj Branka
Published: November 2020

This work examined the influence of cultivar, anti-browning treatment, package atmosphere and storage duration on the oil uptake and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) levels in fried fresh-cut potato (FCP). Birgit and Lady Claire potato slices were pre-treated with sodium chloride solution (1%) and sodium ascorbate solution (2%), packaged in vacuum and modified atmosphere and stored at 10 °C/8 days. Oil uptake was significantly higher in Birgit FCP and was not affected by minimal processing. HPLC analysis/fluorescence detection was able to identify a total of 14 PAH. Benzo(a)pyrene and ΣPAH4 levels (0.62 and 1.36 µg kg−1, respectively) were below the EU limits in all fried FCP samples. Majority of examined light and heavy PAH were higher in Lady Claire, while naphthalene, fluorene and pyrene were decreased by vacuum packaging. No differences in PAH levels were noted in FCP fried at the beginning and after 2, 4 and 8 days of storage.
Estimation of Watermelon Nutrient Requirements Based on the QUEFTS Model
Authors: Kang Furong , Wang Zhichao , Xiong Huaye , Li Yujia , Wang Yuheng , Fan Zihan , Zhao Huanyu , Kuang Dejiao , Chen Zhihui , Wang Jie , He Xinhua , Chen Xinping , Shi Xiaojun , Zhang Yueqiang
Published: November 2020

Estimating balanced nutrient requirements for a watermelon plantation is essential to increase its fruit yield and nutrient use efficiency. This is vital for China, which produces 60% of world’s watermelons with excessive fertilizer application. Therefore, datasets between 2000 and 2019 from field experiments in major watermelon producing regions across China were collected to assess relationships between fruit yield and nutrient uptake, and to estimate nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) requirements for a target yield using a modified Quantitative Evaluation of the Fertility of Tropical Soils (QUEFTS) model. The results showed that the QUEFTS model predicted a linear increase in fruit yield to 60–70% of the total potential yield when balanced amounts of N, P, and K nutrients were absorbed. To produce 1000 kg of watermelon, 2.11 kg N, 0.27 kg P, and 2.69 kg K were required in shoot, and the corresponding internal efficiencies (IE) were 475, 3682, and 372 kg fruit per kg of N, P, and K, respectively. The modified QUEFTS model also simulated a balanced N, P, and K removal by fruit (accounting for 50.9%, 58.2%, and 66.4% of these nutrient accumulations in shoots, respectively). Field validation experiments further verified that the modified QUEFTS model could be used for estimating balanced nutrient requirements. Results from this study can provide practical guidance on fertilizer recommendations for improving fruit yield while preventing excessive or deficient nutrient supplies in China’s watermelon plantations.
Survival of Bacterial Strains on Wood (Quercus petraea) Compared to Polycarbonate, Aluminum and Stainless Steel
Authors: Chen Ju-Chi , Munir Muhammad Tanveer , Aviat Florence , Lepelletier Didier , Le Pape Patrice , Dubreil Laurence , Irle Mark , Federighi Michel , Belloncle Christophe , Eveillard Matthieu , Pailhoriès Hélène
Published: November 2020

Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) remain a burden in healthcare facilities, environmental surfaces being a potential reservoir for healthcare-associated pathogens. In this context, exploration of materials with potential antimicrobial activities represents a way forward for the future. Here, we explored the survival of four bacterial species commonly involved in HAI (Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus), on oak versus three other materials (aluminum, polycarbonate, stainless steel). Twenty microliters of each bacterial suspension (approximatively 107 bacteria) were deposited on each material. Bacterial counts were measured by grinding and culturing on day 0, 1, 2, 6, 7 and 15. Analyses were performed in triplicate for each material and each time evaluated. It appeared that the bacteria viable count decreased rapidly on transversal and tangential oak compared with the other materials for all bacterial species. Furthermore, no difference was noticed between transversal and tangential oak. These results underline the potential for use of oak materials in healthcare facilities, a consideration that should be supported by further investigations.
MARGRA Lamb Eating Quality and Human Health-Promoting Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Profiles of Tattykeel Australian White Sheep: Linebreeding and Gender Effects
Authors: Pewan Shedrach Benjamin , Otto John Roger , Kinobe Robert Tumwesigye , Adegboye Oyelola Abdulwasiu , Malau-Aduli Aduli Enoch Othniel
Published: November 2020

Health-conscious consumers increasingly demand healthier, tastier, and more nutritious meat, hence the continuous need to meet market specifications and demand for high-quality lamb. We evaluated the longissimus dorsi muscle of 147 Tattykeel Australian White (TAW) sheep fed on antioxidant-rich ryegrass pastures exclusive to MAGRA lamb brand for meat eating quality parameters of intramuscular fat (IMF) content, fat melting point (FMP) and omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA). The aim was to assess the impact of linebreeding and gender on pasture-fed lamb eating quality and to test the hypothesis that variation in healthy lamb eating quality is a function of lamb gender and not its antioxidant status or inbreeding coefficient (IC). After solid-phase extraction and purification, phenolics and antioxidant enzyme activities were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. IMF and fatty acid composition were determined using solvent extraction and gas chromatography, respectively. IC was classified into low (0–5%), medium (6–10%) and high (>10%) and ranged from 0–15.6%. FMP and IMF ranged from 28 to 39 °C and 3.4% to 8.2%, with overall means of 34.6 ± 2.3 °C and 4.4 ± 0.2%, respectively, and n-3 LC-PUFA ranged from “source” to “good source” levels of 33–69 mg/100 g. Ewes had significantly (P ˂ 0.0001) higher IMF, C22:5n-3 (DPA), C22:6n-3 (DHA), C18:3n-6, C20:3, C22:4n-6, C22:5n-6, total monounsaturated (MUFA), PUFA and Σn-3 fatty acids and lower total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and FMP, than rams. As IC increased, there were no differences in FMP and IMF. Folin–Ciocalteu total phenolics, ferric reducing antioxidant power and antioxidant activities of glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes did not differ by either gender or IC. This study provides evidence that IC is inconsequential in affecting antioxidant status, IMF, FMP and n-3 LC-PUFA in linebred and pasture-fed TAW sheep because the observed variation in individual fatty acids was mainly driven by gender differences between ewes and rams, hence the need to accept the tested hypothesis. This finding reinforces the consistent healthy eating quality of MARGRA lamb brand from TAW sheep regardless of its linebred origin.