bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Declínio dos Recursos Hídricos na Bacia do Rio de Ondas, Região Oeste da Bahia
Authors: Maia Paulo Henrique Prates , Genz Fernando
Published: April 2019

O comportamento hidrológico e o atual estágio de exploração de recursos hídricos na bacia do Rio de Ondas foram analisados utilizando dados de precipitação, vazão fluvial e níveis da água no aquífero. O comportamento interanual das estações revelou que, a partir de 1996 ocorreu o início de um período crítico na bacia, onde a ocorrência de uma estiagem de mais de vinte anos, aliada a pressão de demanda por água, provocou rebaixamento dos níveis no aquífero e reduções nas vazões anuais. O monitoramento da água subterrânea, de 2011 a 2015, corresponde a um período de baixa precipitação com apenas um ano acima da média. A correlação das chuvas com as vazões, a curto e a longo prazo e, os níveis da água nos poços permitiu compreender o comportamento do manancial a partir da posição dos poços na bacia hidrográfica. Os poços localizados próximo aos rios têm níveis de água subterrânea descendentes, seguindo a queda observada nas vazões e, mostram uma boa correlação com as chuvas. Os poços localizados no curso superior da bacia apresentam níveis descendentes com baixa resposta à precipitação e uma boa correlação com o fluxo dos rios, destaque para o rebaixamento de três metros ocorrido em um poço nessa posição. Os poços localizados nos interflúvios apresentam retardos na recuperação dos níveis do aquífero em relação às chuvas e vazões, mantendo-se descendentes. De maneira que, a instalação de baterias de poços concentrados, próximos as nascentes e veredas, poderão secar os riachos no alto curso dos rios, reduzir as vazões, desestruturando do sistema de controle das outorgas nos mananciais superficiais, prejudicando os usuários outorgados à jusante. Recomenda-se respeitar rigorosamente a distância entre o raio de influência dos poços e, entre este e os rios, cujo valor mínimo foi definido em estudos anteriores.
Caracterização hidrogeológica de áreas de atividades cemiteriais – Estudo de caso
Authors: Cauduro Flávia , Müller Christiane Ribeiro , Cavaler Guilherme Tramontin de Césaro
Published: April 2019

Cemitérios são locais onde pessoas são sepultadas; a maioria da população não vê estes locais como possíveis poluidores ambientais. Nestes locais ocorre a decomposição da matéria orgânica que gera um resíduo viscoso, castanho-acinzentado e com forte odor, o necrochorume, possível poluidor do solo que pode facilmente ser transportado pelas águas pluviais e contaminar os lençóis freáticos com vírus, bactérias e protozoários proliferando doenças como febre tifoide, febre amarela, cólera, entre outras. Neste cenário, o objetivo deste estudo é caracterizar solos de duas áreas de atividades cemiteriais localizados no estado de Santa Catarina. O desenvolvimento do estudo considerou ensaios in situ e laboratoriais de caracterização geotécnica. Os resultados apresentaram índice alto a extremo de vulnerabilidade dos mananciais, coeficientes de permeabilidade em desacordo com Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente (CONAMA) Resolução nº 368/2006, presença de matéria orgânica no solo, tempo de trânsito no solo insuficiente para reter os microrganismos presentes no necrochorume e classificação HRB (Highway Research Bord) dos solos inadequada para locais com atividade cemiterial. A análise dos resultados sugere que o solo e o manancial das áreas estudadas apresentam provável contaminação por necrochorume.
Racialized Architectural Space: A Critical Understanding of its Production, Perception and Evaluation
Authors: Brown Todd Levon
Published: April 2019

Academic inquiry into the concept of space as racialized can be traced back to at least as far as the turn of the twentieth century with sociologist W. E. B. Dubois’ promulgation of the “color-line” theory. More recently, numerous postmodern scholars from a variety of fields have elucidated the various ways in which physical space (i.e., the built environment), as a social product, embodies racialized ideologies exhibited and reproduced by segregation, economics and other social practices. The dialogue on race and space has primarily been limited to the urban scales of city, neighborhood, community and street. Socio-spatial research that centers around race rarely addresses this phenomenon at the scale of architecture – the individual building or a particular development. Such a failure to critically examine the role of the architectural product in the creation and reproduction of socio-spatial and socio-racial inequality yields the field of architectural practice exempt and blameless in its tangible contribution to the psychosocial and geospatial marginalization of communities of color, as in, for example, the case of gentrification. This paper attempts to illustrate the fact that architecture, like all of the built physical environment, is not ahistorical, apolitical – and certainly not race neutral – but, as a social product, is also understood clearly within these contexts, and its psychological and social impacts and outcomes must be examined with a racially critical lens, particularly in heterogeneous urban communities.
Characterization and Provenance of Archaeological Obsidian from Pirozza-Spalmatore, a Site of Neolithic Colonization on the Island of Ustica (Sicily)
Authors: Franco Foresta Martin , Tykot Robert H.
Published: April 2019

This article presents the first archaeometric research carried out so far on a group of obsidian artifacts collected in the promontory of Pirozza-Spalmatore, the site of a Neolithic settlement on the small island of Ustica (Sicily, Italy). The obsidian assemblage, consisting of 28 artifacts, was subjected to optical, typological and geochemical analyses, the latter carried out by means of a portable pXRF, in order to determine their provenance. The results indicate that 89% of the fragments come from geologic obsidian outcrops on the island of Lipari, and 11% from the island of Pantelleria. It is thus ascertained that, during the Neolithic, Ustica used two different sources of obsidian, located 150–250 km away from the site. These obsidian sources were typical of some western Sicily prehistoric villages, while eastern Sicilian villages seem to have imported obsidian exclusively from Lipari. The analyses indicate that all the obsidian artifacts attributed to Lipari come from the geological deposit of Gabellotto, while those attributed to Pantelleria come from the two distinct deposits of Lago di Venere and Balata dei Turchi.
Petroarchaeometric Data on Antiparos Obsidian (Greece) for Provenance Study by SEM-EDS and XRF
Authors: Acquafredda Pasquale , Micheletti Francesca , Muntoni Italo Maria , Pallara Mauro , Tykot Robert H.
Published: April 2019

The island of Antiparos belongs to the Aegean volcanic arc. The obsidian outcrops here contain pieces of excellent tool-making quality, but of small size making the raw material less attractive. Geological samples collected at Soros beach, at Blaco and Mastichi, in the southern part of the island, were analysed using Optical Microscopy, XRF (whole rock) and SEM-EDS (glass and microliths-microphenocrysts). The results obtained demonstrate the potential for distinguishing the Antiparos obsidian from other major central-western Mediterranean sources in an absolutely non-destructive way, using an XRF spectrometer or alternatively with an SEM equipped with an ED spectrometer.
Obsidian from the Bronze Age Village of San Vincenzo, Stromboli, Aeolian Islands: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Levi Sara Tiziana , Calliari Diego , Arzarello Marta , Cannavò Valentina , Di Renzoni Andrea , Photos-Jones Effie
Published: April 2019

We present the preliminary results of the ongoing investigation of the obsidian from the Bronze Age village of San Vincenzo, Stromboli, Aeolian Islands, for the purpose of providing technological and typological characterization, and also provenance of the raw material, the latter with non-destructive p-XRF. Regarding provenance, the source of the raw material is likely to be neighbouring Lipari. It was transported to Stromboli and used mostly in a highly opportunistic manner and for the production of blade(let), non-bladelike tools (mainly scrapers) and micro bladelets. The obsidian distribution around the site shows concentration in both domestic and production areas.
The Neolithic Site of San Martino — Sicily: Working and Circulation of Obsidian from Lipari
Authors: Quero Tania , Martinelli Maria Clara , Giordano Letterio
Published: April 2019

The settlement of San Martino was found in 2008 on the Northern coast of Sicily (near the city of Spadafora — Messina). It is located on a hill slope about 4 km from the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, near an ancient river which is no longer present today. The stratigraphy included two Neolithic levels: the oldest one belonged to the Stentinello culture (middle Neolithic — 6th-5th millennium BC cal) and the later one belonged to the Diana culture (Late Neolithic — 4th millennium BC cal). The San Martino lithic assemblage consists of a very significant amount of obsidian knapping products that have allowed us to examine the procurement, exploitation and circulation of this raw material, from the source on the island off the coast of Sicily, during the Neolithic period. Considering its strategic location and some analogies with other settlements nearby, the site of San Martino was probably part of the Lipari obsidian networks of exchange.
Geological Sources of Obsidian on Lipari and Artifact Production and Distribution in the Neolithic and Bronze Age Central Mediterranean
Authors: Tykot Robert H.
Published: April 2019

The Aeolian island of Lipari, just north of eastern Sicily, was a major geological source of high quality obsidian that was volcanically formed in the Late Mesolithic, followed by another major production in the 1st millennium AD. A much earlier volcanic event on Lipari also produced some obsidian, but not of sufficient quality for tool production. A detailed geological survey of the Lipari obsidian source areas, including assessments of quantity, quality, accessibility, and visual variation was performed, followed by elemental analyses using INAA, LA-ICP-MS, ED-XRF, and pXRF which show that many different groups may be distinguished from each other. Geochemical analyses of several thousand obsidian artifacts from sites in Sicily and southern Italy reveal that two early Holocene subsources, Gabellotto Gorge and Canneto Dentro, were used during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages.
Obsidian Sourcing and Characterization in the Celebes Region: An Initial Interpretation on the “Celebes Seafaring People”
Authors: Neri Leee Anthony M.
Published: April 2019

The peopling of Island Southeast Asia is told through the Austronesian migration theory. During the Neolithic Period (ca. 6000–5000 BP), the Austronesians entered the Philippines altering the cultural landscape and heralding the beginning of the Neolithic. The Austronesian people continued expanding through Island Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and as far as Madagascar. It is the most influential multiregional archaeological theory in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Region. Although archaeologists, as a whole, generally support this theory, the operations governing the Austronesian migration is still subject to intense debate. Theories suggest that migration is not as straightforward as commonly presented. In spite of their movement towards the Pacific, some Austronesian population stayed in the Celebes area and may have developed a close-knit exchange system with their neighbors powered by sophisticated ancient maritime technology and shared cultural affiliations. This paper calls this maritime network as the “Celebes Seafaring People.” The “Celebes Seafaring People” hypothesis is the first study to focus on a smaller aspect of a much larger theory, allowing a clearer perspective on the early cultures of this Region. Currently, the hypothesis encompasses three island groups: Northern Mindanao, Philippines; Sabah, Malaysia; and Talaud Islands, Indonesia. This is an initial interpretation of the “Celebes Seafaring People” hypothesis through geochemical analysis of obsidian found in the island groups in the Celebes Region. These group of people may have a complex maritime exchange network and share the same cultural affiliation during the Neolithic Period. Further investigation must done to substantiate such theoretical interpretation.
Membrane-based separation technologies: from polymeric materials to novel process: an outlook from China
Authors: Jiang Zhongyi , Chu Liangyin , Wu Xuemei , Wang Zhi , Jiang Xiaobin , Ju Xiaojie , Ruan Xuehua , He Gaohong
Published: April 2019

During the past two decades, research on membrane and membrane-based separation process has developed rapidly in water treatment, gas separation, biomedicine, biotechnology, chemical manufacturing and separation process integration. In China, remarkable progresses on membrane preparation, process development and industrial application have been made with the burgeoning of the domestic economy. This review highlights the recent development of advanced membranes in China, such as smart membranes for molecular-recognizable separation, ion exchange membrane for chemical productions, antifouling membrane for liquid separation, high-performance gas separation membranes and the high-efficiency hybrid membrane separation process design, etc. Additionally, the applications of advanced membranes, relevant devices and process design strategy in chemical engineering related fields are discussed in detail. Finally, perspectives on the future research directions, key challenges and issues in membrane separation are concluded.
A comparative Study of Psychological Characteristics of Teachers in Riga and Smolensk
Authors: Vladimirovna Bogdanova Tatiana , Ermolaeva Elena
Published: April 2019

The paper presents results of research on priority values in teaching process, the psycho-emotional state, self-evaluation, style of teaching and the level of subjective control of contemporary Russian and Latvian schoolteachers. According to Rezapkina (Резапкина, 1999), these five categories form the psychological portrait of a teacher. The authors analyse and compare the numerical representations of these characteristics, their variations and correlations for the three groups of teachers of both countries, which differ by length of service. An attempt was made to identify some negative trends in professional identity of schoolteachers, which are common to the professional communities of Latvia and Russia.
Neuroscience: A Traditional and Innovative Approach to Education with Focus on Stress with Learning
Authors: Schachl Hans
Published: April 2019

Learning must be brain-based. This topic would include contents like perception, attention and memory. But here the focus is on ‘stress’ in the context of the role of emotions on learning. Cognition and emotions are not separated in the brain, but they work together. Stress is a survival programme, but has some negative effects on learning. A specific part of the brain, the hippocampus, is very vulnerable. The consequences are that anxiety and stress must be reduced, and we must learn to cope with stress. For coping, a combination of instrumental, mental and regenerative management of stress is recommended. An intensive focus should be given to physical exercise: it has positive impacts not only on health, but also on cognitive learning as well. The neuroscientific approach confirms old pedagogic principles.
Children with Special Educational Needs and Their Inclusion in the Educational System: Pedagogical and Psychological Aspects
Authors: Kauliņa Anda , Voita Daina , Trubina Irēna , Voits Toms
Published: April 2019

One of the measures of the quality of education system is equal access to the education opportunity to enable learning for everyone. In the recent years, multiple conventions, declarations, announcements and resolutions regarding inclusive education have been approved internationally and included in the Latvian law of education. Nevertheless, even with the abundant amount of data and previous research results, the introduction and provision of inclusive education in practice has been controversial. The main focus has been placed on child inclusion within the educational system, but support for teachers and parents or legal guardians has not always been sufficient. For inclusive education to be truly successful, all involved parties should be receiving adequate support. Aim of the present study: analysis and evaluation of the present state of inclusive education framework and its success within the Latvian educational system. Materials and methods: literature review, survey. Conclusions: Inclusion of children with special educational needs in the inclusive education framework is a complicated pedagogical and psychological process requiring a specific attitude and preparedness of the education professionals, school staff, parents, children and society as a whole.
Opinion of Teachers and Directors About Implementation and Using of Information and Communication Technologies in Schools of Latvia
Authors: Porozovs Juris , Migleniece Anita , Voita Daina , Voits Toms , Valdemiers Alvis
Published: April 2019

Modern education is closely connected with implementation and use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the teaching process. ICT is recommended to be used in schools in Europe to develop competences of students to become high-quality professionals and active citizens in the society. A questionnaire survey of teachers and directors of Latvian schools was carried out in order to evaluate the use of ICT in Latvian schools and attitude of teaching staff towards this process. The results of the questionnaire survey showed that Latvian schools are not supplied with ICT to a satisfactory level. It is necessary to raise the competence of many teachers in the field of ICT. The attitude of teachers to the use of ICT in the study process is more positive in comparison with school directors. Important factors for improvement of ICT use in schools are ICT training for teachers, computer accessibility for teaching staff, sufficient supply of qualitative ICT teaching materials and computers in schools and encouragement of teachers to use ICT.
Theoretical and Practical Study of the Concept of Social and Emotional Health by Michael J. Furlong Applied to the Selection of Teenagers and Youth
Authors: Timofejeva Tatjana , Svence Guna , Petrulite Ala
Published: April 2019

Based on the analysis of scientific research, it has been concluded that the methodology ‘Social Emotional Health Survey - Secondary’ (SEHS-S) with meta-construct of covitality is a universal tool in order to define the social and emotional health of teenagers and young people; it has also been found that the meta-construct of covitality is essentially related to other psychological constructs, such as emotional intelligence, vitality, social competence and mental health. In the research that was conducted in Riga Teacher Training and Educational Management Academy (Timofejeva, 2015), the method of M.J. Furlong has been adapted to the Russian language, Latvian language interpretation of the notion of covitality has been proposed offering terms ‘Sociāli emocionālās veselības faktors’ or SEV (social and emotional health factor) or ‘sinerģiskā vitalitāte’ (‘synergic vitality’). Furthermore, a theoretically constructive model of the author has been created. Within this model, a new correlation has been hypothetically predicted between meta-construct of covitality (SEV-factor) and other scientifically acknowledged psycho-social constructs and notions: psycho-social prerequisites of the SEV factor and psychological options that depend on the level of the SEV factor. During the research, a selection of several teenagers and young people - students of comprehensive schools of Riga - with Russian as their native language was made (n=184). It was found that the applied methodology is valid for the selection of Russian-speaking teenagers/youth of Latvia and that it can be recommended to the psychologists of schools as a new psychometric tool for their professionally practical duties. The data obtained within the research is planned to be used for comparisons with a similar research conducted in Lithuania (Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences), led by doc. A. Petrulytė.
Children’s Books as Pedagogical Tools to Minimize Latrophobia
Authors: Motz Thomas
Published: April 2019

Latrophobia, defined as the morbid and irrational fear of doctors or hospitals, makes medical or hospital visits extremely challenging for those who suffer from it. For many people, the cause of Latrophobia or its milder forms, including dislike and anxiety, is often rooted in childhood. Therefore, a large number of children's books deal with and illustrate the topic of a “doctor’s visit”, in order to reduce the anxiety through pedagogical methods combined in the narrative. The aim of the study is to investigate the extent to which selected children's books highlight latrophobia and try to reduce it by educational means. One focus is an analysis and an evaluation of the individual works combined with a comparison of the different methods of individual books. The main aim is to prove that children’s books can have the capability to reduce latrophobia. Materials and methods. The research examines 10 international children’s books dealing with doctor (dental) visits. A field test covering 63 children (21 with potential latrophobia) provides information for pedagogical values within these books. Furthermore, a subjective assessment combined with the ongoing survey filters (un)valuable methods and approaches. Results. More than half of the 21 children showed improved results concerning their feeling of being afraid before and after reading the book(s). Nevertheless, the assessment of the books showed that there are strong differences concerning the approach of “anxiety”. The methods used in the stories to reduce anxiety are numerous, debatable (in terms of success), and even frightening (from the perspective of child readers). The pictures and the atmosphere of the story can be pointed out as major factors for pedagogically valuable content. Conclusions. Although a major part of the examined books leveraged to reduce latrophobia, there are also some books which showed no or even worse effect. Due to the depicted representations of anxiety in the books, a counterproductive effect cannot be ruled out. Children's books, which should have a pedagogically positive effect of latrophobia minimization, must be compulsorily examined in advance by parents.
Action Approach in Promoting the Development of the Learner’s Personality
Authors: Steinberga Airisa , Špona Ausma
Published: April 2019

The article reveals the act of upbringing as a pedagogical tool in pupils’ development. Purposeful guidance of development in the pedagogical process is directed towards the formation of a humane personality. The formation of free consciousness, independence and responsibility of the growing personality in the action represents its core. The article presents the procedure structural model of the action. Its essence is the interaction of the objective - the subject, means and product of the action - and the subjective - needs, the aim, knowledge, skills, self-experience and action components. The cooperation model that is important means of enriching the mutual experience among both the peers and the adults is developed on the basis of this model. The action theory analyzed in the article can facilitate a more purposeful organization of the pedagogical process in school and higher education institution. The procedure structural approach of the action can be applied by the academic staff, students, teachers and pupils in different types of the action. The phenomena analyzed in the article and the presented models are based on the pedagogical (H. Gudjons, M. Klarin, A. Špona) and psychological (A, Leontyev, Ļ. Vygotsky, E. Erikson) theories applying the categories of pedagogy and psychology.
Assessment of LXRα agonist activity and selective antiproliferative efficacy: a study on different parts of Digitalis species
Authors: Kutluay Vahap Murat , Inoue Makoto , Saracoglu Iclal
Published: April 2019

Objective

Aerial parts and roots of three Digitalis species (Digitalis davisiana Heywood, Digitalis viridiflora Lindley and Digitalis grandiflora Miller; Plantaginaceae) were investigated from the viewpoint of cytotoxicity to identify the biologically active parts. Playing a role in cell proliferation and tumor growth, LXRα agonist activity also has become of interest to researchers investigating its relationship with the cytotoxicity.

Materials and methods

Cytotoxicity of aqueous extracts was determined through HEp-2, HepG2 and 3Y1 cells using MTT method. LXRα agonist activity was determined through luciferase reporter gene assay on HEK293 cells.

Results

Tested extracts showed strong cytotoxicity on HEp-2 cells with IC50 values between 19.7 and 79.6 μg/mL. Cytotoxicity on HepG2 cells was found to be lower (IC50; 211.4–2152.9 μg/mL). On 3Y1 cells, extracts showed concentration dependent cytostatic activity (IC50; 87.9–772.3 μg/mL). Extracts showed cytotoxicity on HEK293 cells at a concentration of 100 μg/mL; therefore, dilutions were made. However, due to dilutions, LXRα agonist activity was found to be low.

Conclusion

The extracts exhibited selective cytotoxicity on cancer and non-cancerous cells. Moreover, the selectivity was seen between different cancer cells. Any relationship could not be found between cytotoxicity and LXRα agonist activity, due to the low agonist effects. Further investigations are needed to clarify the mechanism of activity.
Cervical Spine and Degenerative Conditions
Authors: Seddighi Afsoun , Hoseini Amir Hasan , Divanbeygi Ashkan , Alizadeh Sajjad
Published: April 2019

Degenerative disks and cervical spine ligaments diseases caused by the collapse of the anatomical position of vertebral structures and attempt to adapt. The Degenerative disorder of the neck disks has a prevalence of 20% to 25% in the population under the age of 59 and 70%-95% in the population 65 years and older. This study performed as a retrospective by reviewing the clinical files of patients with anterior neck discectomy in Shohada Tajrish hospital between 2014-2017. The severity of pain in the type of radiculopathy and neck pain measured from 1 to 10 based on the visual analog scale (VAS). The most common clinical manifestations of degenerative and cervical disks are neck pain, radiculopathy, and cervical myelopathy, alone or in combination. Generally, the disc hernia suddenly associated with acute symptoms.
Comparison of Different Kinds of Memory in Bipolar Disorder With or Without ObsessiveCompulsive Disorder Comorbidity
Authors: Dehnabi Alemeh , Radfar Elaheh , Radsepehr Hamid
Published: April 2019

Background: One challenging area in psychological pathology pertains to the comorbidity of the psychological disorders. Bipolar disorder can be pointed out among the most critical psychological diseases featuring common psychiatric comorbidity. The purpose of this study is to compare different kinds of memory in Bipolar Disorder with or without obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) comorbidity. Methods: Sixty samples selected in 3 groups: 20 bipolar patients, 20 bipolar disorder with OCD comorbidity, and 20 healthy volunteers. Samples were selected using the available sampling method. Data collection tool included 3 questionnaires: Demographic Information Questionnaire, Comprehensive International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), Wechsler’s Memory Scale. Data analyzed by multivariate analysis of covariance and descriptive statistics. Results: The results of multivariate analysis of variance analysis showed that at the level of 0.001, there was a significant difference at least regarding one of the memory variables, between the subjects of the 3 groups of bipolar/OCD, bipolar disorder and healthy. According to the mean of the groups, the weakest function is related to patients with bipolar/OCD. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that memory damage is more common in the bipolar/ OCD group, which should consider the treatment processes of these patients.
Heraldos de cine: imágenes del cine y la construcción estética del colombiano moderno
Authors: Reyes Sarmiento Claudia Angélica
Published: April 2019

This text is the result of a research process produced in the group of studies of the Image affiliated to Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano (Colombia). It analyses the concept of the city and its relationship with the construction of what it meant to be modern in Bogotá, Colombia, since the entrance of American Cinema in the Nineteen-thirties, when a great deal of film producers exerted a great influence on the Latin American market. This analysis starts with aspects such as the introduction of the Star-system; the concept of being modern and the process of modernization in Colombia, the heralds of cinema, and the analysis of visual discourses
Methods of On-Site Electricity Generation with Landfill Gas
Authors: Chen Ivy Nuo
Published: April 2019

The US consumes large quantities of electricity. As a result, there is a growing concern that energy may not be readily available in the future. This worry is compounded by the depletion of traditional sources such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas. Municipal solid waste in landfills is a resource the country may utilize as a renewable source of energy, as the gas produced from landfills can be used to power generators for electricity production, rather than wasted and flared to comply with Resource Conservation and Recovery Act standards. Systems that utilize reciprocating internal combustion engines, microturbines, and molten carbonate fuel cells can feasibly and cleanly reduce landfill gas emissions while producing electricity. However, these methods require input work and initial investments. The main economic goal is to maximize energy production. After economic analysis, the molten carbonate fuel cell system was determined to be the most efficient due to its versatility and low emissions. The successful implementation of the system may result in the propagation of the system, the increase in value of landfill gas, and the waste that produces landfill gas. This may also lead to restructuring of municipal waste system to enhance the usage of landfill gas. Keywords: municipal solid waste, MSW, landfill gas, reciprocating internal combustion engines, microturbines, molten carbonate fuel cells, MCFCs, siloxanes, emissions, greenhouse gases.
Neocolonialism and the Ecological Crisis of the Suez Canal
Authors: Neogi Ritapa
Published: April 2019

Since its construction in the mid-1800’s, Egypt’s Suez Canal has been a source of international conflict, economic growth, and ecological turmoil. Because it regularly transports a large number of oil tankers from the Suez Port to Port Said, the canal is one of the most valuable waterways in the world. However, in linking the Mediterranean and Red Sea, the canal has caused hundreds of invasive species to migrate to the Mediterranean -- most notably invasive sea jellies. This has led to damaging effects on industries surrounding the welfare of the sea; for example, fisheries and tourism. In late 2015, despite these ecological concerns, the canal was expanded to include a parallel channel, allowing for two-way travel. While supporters envisioned positive transformations to Egypt’s high poverty and unemployment rates, the expansion’s possible long-term effects on the ocean and industries based on the ocean were neglected in discussion. My goal is to examine these ongoing effects and their consequences on humans whose livelihoods depend on the Mediterranean Sea as a resource, with a focus on how the influx of migrating species, specifically gelatinous zooplankton, have already affected fisheries, agriculture, and tourism. I also look at the eutrophication of nearby waters through chemical disposal from local factories, one of the causes of jellyfish blooms. While the Suez Canal has led to much economic growth for Egypt, the waterway’s growing negative ecological effects may override its positive influences in the long run.
Evaluation of thyroid dysfunction in patients with nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Jain Deepak , Aggarwal Hari Krishan , Kumar Y M Pavan , Jain Promil
Published: April 2019

Background. Thyroid and kidney are interdependent on each other in many ways for optimal functioning of either organs. Proteinuria causes urinary loss of thyroid hormones and thyroid binding globulins in substantial amount resulting in subclinical/overt hypothyroidism. Autoimmunity, which can attack both the organs simultaneously, may also contribute considerably to the abnormal functioning of both organs.

Aims and objectives. To study the effect of proteinuria on the thyroid function and its association with autoimmunity.

Methods. The study was carried out on a total number of 60 patients with nephrotic range proteinuria attending the kidney and dialysis clinic PGIMS, Rohtak, India. Thyroid profile and baseline investigations along with Anti-TPO antibodies and renal biopsy were carried out on each patient. Patients were allocated to 2 groups based on Anti TPO antibody results: group A comprising 25 Anti-TPO Ab positive patients and group B comprising 35 Anti-TPO Ab negative patients.

Results. Group A patients with Anti TPO antibody positivity had more elevated TSH levels (p<0.0001), proteinuria (p=0.0011) and serum creatinine (p=0.0137) as compared to group B patients. Group A patients had more diminished eGFR (p=0.0127) and serum albumin (p=0.0056) than patients in group B. TSH levels were positively correlated with proteinuria r=0.55 (p<0.0001, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.70) and serum creatinine levels r=0.56 (p<0.0001, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.71). TSH levels were negatively correlated with serum albumin levels r=-0.52 (p<0.0001, CI -0.68 to -0.31) and glomerular filtration rate r=-0.54 (p<0.0001, CI -0.69 to -0.33). On histopathology, membranous nephropathy   - 29 out of 60 patients, 48% - was the most common finding in both the groups.

Conclusions. Nephrotic range proteinuria leading to thyroid dysfunction is a common entity but the association with autoimmunity causes an exaggerated effect on both these organs. Our study established a significant correlation between thyroid autoimmunity and nephrotic syndrome. Thus, a high index of suspicion should be kept in all patients with nephrotic syndrome to look for any associated antibodies against thyroid antigens. Autoimmunity causes more proteinuria and more elevations of thyrotropin leading to clinical hypothyroidism; however, the occurrence of overt hypothyroidism necessitating treatment needs further study.
Positive solutions for phi-Laplace equations with discontinuous state-dependent forcing terms
Authors: Precup Radu , Rodríguez-López Jorge
Published: April 2019

This paper concerns the existence, localization and multiplicity of positive solutions for a φ-Laplacian problem with a perturbed term that may have discontinuities in the state variable. First, the initial discontinuous differential equation is replaced by a differential inclusion with an upper semicontinuous term. Next, the existence and localization of a positive solution of the inclusion is obtained via a compression-expansion fixed point theorem for a composition of two multivalued maps, and finally, a suitable control of discontinuities allows to prove that any solution of the inclusion is a solution in the sense of Carathéodory of the initial discontinuous equation. No monotonicity assumptions on the nonlinearity are required.
Nomina Appellativa as Proper Names of Literary Characters – Spelling Issues
Authors: Ruszkowski Marek
Published: April 2019

[full article in Polish, abstract in English and Polish]

The article deals with the problem of spelling common names functioning as proper names of literary characters. In general, single word names pose no problems as they are written in capital letters, e.g. Sędzia, Wojski, Asesor, Podkomorzy, Woźny, Hrabia (characters from “Pan Tadeusz”); Cześnik, Rejent (characters from “Zemsta”); Pustelnik (figures from “Dziady”). Definitely less clear is the usage and rule in terms of spelling that applies to names composed of two and more words, such as KRÓLOWA ŚNIEGU, MAŁY KSIĄŻĘ, ŚPIĄCA KRÓLEWNA, KRÓLEWNA ŚNIEŻKA, KOT W BUTACH, STAROSTA GADULSKI, PAN KLEKS. There are three versions of spelling as far as usage is concerned: 1) both words in capital letters, 2) the first word in capital letters, the second word in lower case, 3) both words in lower case. Much depends on the form in which the expression appears in the literary text and in its possible translation into Polish. Proper names in literary works are the result of the author’s choice, and this does not contribute to the unification of their spelling form (the same name of a character may be written differently in different works). If the author’s intentions are not known, we should recommend that all words (except for conjunctions and prepositions) be spelt in capital letters, especially as the other components of these expressions may appear in their own context: Książę, Śnieżka, Królewna.
Aktyvios veiklos veiksmažodžių semantika Kristijono Donelaičio „Metuose“
Authors: Lisauskaitė Agnė , Zubaitienė Vilma
Published: April 2019

[full article and abstract in Lithuanian; abstract in English]

This paper investigates the semantics of the verbs of activity in the first Lithuanian poem “The Seasons” by Kristijonas Donelaitis. It aims to examine the meanings of the verbs of activity. The research covers 51 verbs, selected from the poem, which are subjected to qualitative content analysis and frame semantics methodology. The verbs which best represent the frames and sub-frames were selected applying the method of the qualitative content analysis. The frames of Work, Damaging, Speak on topic, Motion, Ingestion and Entertainment, evoked by the selected verbs, are examined using the frame semantics methodology. Core and peripheral elements of frames and sub-frames are distinguished. Also, the means of expression, used to convey them, are analyzed. The research has shown that the verbs of activity can form the core of the mentioned frames. However, not all situations found in FrameNet have corresponded with the frames and sub-frames that were analysed in this work.
Liaudies leksikografija. Pagrindiniai naiviosios eksplikacijos ypatumai
Authors: Vizgirdė Lina
Published: April 2019

[full article and abstract in Lithuanian; abstract in English]

“Folk lexicography” is a phenomenon of modern linguistic culture, the result of the metalingual activity and one of the most significant manifestations of naive linguistics. Online slang dictionaries for amateur creation are becoming an indispensable research area and a generous source of information for traditional lexicographers. Their “online” form makes data collection extremely user-friendly, and in terms of audience coverage, they cannot compete with any other phenomenon. Open dictionaries provide the opportunity to discover the latest slang units, to monitor their use in the most modern contexts, to analyze the lively process of linguistic creation. From the general point of view, amateur dictionaries are more likely to be attributed to encyclopedic ones than to linguistic dictionaries, as the units of description of their articles more often are concepts, of lexical rather than grammatical meanings. If a paper dictionary can be understood as a scientific resource, then an open electronic dictionary – a multivariate creation of a modern virtual community can be perceived as a continuous creative process.
Alfonso Nykos-Niliūno eilėraščiai intermedialumo aspektu: poezijos ir dailės dialogo atvejis
Authors: Andrulytė Monika
Published: April 2019

[full article and abstract in Lithuanian; abstract in English]

The article analyses a dialogue of poetry with art in five Alfonsas Nyka-Niliūnas’ poems. It has been selected to apply an intermedial analysis, which provides analytical tools assisting in studying the parameters of a dialogue with art. The most important thing is the conception of ekphrasis predicting the gesture of media change – expressing visual work in words. It has been based on the typology of Laura M. Sager Eidt’s ekphrases, which allows seeing that the studied poems of Nyka-Niliūnas are dominated by a dramatic ekphrasis, the essential feature of which is an intensive autoreflection. The article studies in deep the particularity of an intermedial dialogue: it is considered on which basis the poetry of Nyka-Niliūnas is associated with artworks, how this dialogue is given prominence and what meaning growth is seen. It is analysed how art intertexts in the poems establish new meanings, and the aspect of linguistic visualisation is discussed. It has been seen that the strategy of intermedial reading is mostly formed in the titles of poems, which are introduced to the dialogue with the situation of visual media. The art quotations in the analysed texts perform different functions – activate the subjects of representation problems and representation variability, help in creating tension between visualisation and acoustics and strengthen the ideas of philosophy of existence.
Revisiting Cultural Aspects of Translation: The Case of “Running in the Family” and “Funny Boy” in French
Authors: Gunasekera Niroshini , Şerban Adriana
Published: April 2019

[full article and abstract in English]

In this study, we propose to examine some of the challenges and opportunities afforded to the translators by the culturally rich “Running in the Family” (1982) by Michael Ondaatje and “Funny Boy” (1994) by Shyam Selvadurai, through a comparison of the initial texts – which are laden with Sri Lankan cultural content – and their French translations: “Un air de famille” (1991) by Marie-Odile Fortier-Masek and, respectively, “Drôle de garcon” (2000) by Frédéric Limare and Susan Fox-Limare (2000). After a brief discussion of audience design and communication in translation, we focus on the interplay of implicitation and explicitation, drawing on examples from the texts, in particular from the culinary domain. We consider the translators’ options in light of the imperative to design for a new readership and suggest that relevance – which is a matter of degree – is pursued through a mix of choices of unequal suitability.
Naujausia monografija apie lietuvių tarmėtyrą
Authors: Rutkauskaitė Samanta
Published: April 2019

[text in Lithuanian]
IMPROVEMENT OF PHYTASE BIOSYNTHESIS BY NEW BACTERIAL ISOLATE, PediococcuspentosaceusC4/1A VIA CONTINUOUS CULTIVATION
Authors: Raman Sasirega , Abdullah Norhani , Juan Boo Liang , Azizi Susan , Mohamad Rosfarizan
Published: April 2019

Phytase producer was selected from five different lactic acid bacteria isolates obtained from the animal faeces sources from laboratory culture collection. From the five isolates, C4/1A showed the highest phytase activity (21.25 U/mL) as compared to others and was identified as PediococcuspentosaceusC4/1A by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Optimization of medium formulation and culture conditions was conducted by a conventional method (one-factor-at-one-time) using response surface methodology(RSM). Effects of four parameters were studied on the bacterial growth, reducing sugar and phytase productions. The phytase biosynthesis increased from 21.2 U/mL to 42.3 U/mL using the optimized medium formulation and culture conditions. The RSM suggested that yeast extract, glucose, sodium phytate and inoculum size significantly improved by 99.2% production of phytase. Continuous cultivation was carried out at dilution rate ranging from 0.1 h-1 to 0.4 h-1 and the steady-state of P. pentosaceusC4/1A was achieved after five generations and three residence times. The cultivation was carried out for 48 h and the highest productivity of phytase and cell concentration was obtained at dilution rate 0.3 h-1 which resulted in 8.65 U/mL/h and 0.894 g/L/h, respectively. Throughout the cultivation process, production of phytase was improved by 89.3% from shake-flask experiment to 2L bioreactor.
A REVIEW ON POSTHARVEST MANAGEMENT AND ADVANCES IN THE MINIMAL PROCESSING OF FRESH-CUT FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Authors: Vivek Kambhampati , Suranjoy Singh S. , W. Ritesh , M. Soberly , Z. Baby , H. Baite , S. Mishra , R.C. Pradhan
Published: April 2019

The review mainly focused on ready-to-eat (RTE) fresh-cut fruits and vegetable (F&V) which are consumed raw or processed. In recent years, there has been growing evidence of consumption of minimally processed fruits and vegetable for the prevention of many chronic diseases. Some chemicals like chlorine, calcium chloride, etc., are used for sanitisation purpose in fruit and vegetable industry, but these chemicals form carcinogenic chlorinated compounds which have adverse human health impacts. Therefore, advanced alternative sanitisation techniques, processing methods and improved packaging materials may be implemented for ensuring safety and extending the shelf life of fresh-cut fruit and vegetable. Edible coating materials like methylcellulose, carrageenan and alginate are used for reduction of microbial load and preservation of fruit from the fruit and vegetable surface after harvesting. Some emerging alternative methods such as irradiation, high-pressure processing, power ultrasound, cold plasma and limitations of chemical methods have also been reported in this review for maintaining the quality and prevention of spoilage to a greater extent. The review also covers some post-harvest processing steps such as washing, sanitation, cutting and dipping treatments used for processing of fruits and vegetable. The information presented in this manuscript would be highly beneficial and effective for preservation, sensorial and nutritional quality of fresh-cut fruit and vegetable.
MARKER PROFILING OF WHEAT WITH DIFFERENT DROUGHT TOLERANCE BY CDDP
Authors: Kyseľ MatÃºÅ¡ , Žiarovská Jana , Štefúnová Veronika , Ražná KatarÃ­na , Švec Miroslav
Published: April 2019

Wheat is considered to be the world oldest and most widely grown plant. Current genetic and genomic information about wheat is extensive and contains partial knowledge of various types of markers up to the genomic sequence data. Up to date, several different types of DNA markers have been used in the mapping of the wheat genome, that were used to describe the whole genome polymorphism of various wheat varieties. In study, CDDP markers were used to analyse the length polymorphism in the genome of two drought tolerant wheat varieties and two drought susceptible wheat varieties. Polymorphism has not been obtained in relation to the type of drought resistance in the analyzed wheat varieties in the summary of the CDDP profiles. The primer combination WRKY-F and WRKY-R1 has one fragment with a constant amplicon length of 129 bp in all the analyzed varieties. For the combination of WRKY-F and WRKY-R2, the length of the amplicon shifted to 129-130 bp and to the 130-132 bp by F/R3 combination. The combinations of WRKY-F and WRKY-R2b and WRKY-F and WRKY-R3b with the exception of the Dagmar variety (WRKY-F and WRKY-2b) did not amplify amplicons of the given size. For the F/R1 primer combination, the fragments 301-304 bp, 138-140 bp and 187-192 bp were also typical. The second primer combination (WRKY-F and WRKY-R2) has generated fragments of the length of 156-158 bp and 181-186 bp in addition to the 129-130 bp fragment in all varieties. All are nonspecific. The marker system provides monomorphic profiles in all analyzed varieties and the total number of detected fragments was 81.