bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Power Plant for a 0.6­0.8 Class Mobile Vehicle Based on the T­16 Self­Propelled Tractor Chassis
Authors: Gusarov V. A.
Published: June 2021

The authors showed the necessity to develop a rear-wheel drive hybrid mobile agricultural vehicle with electric drive and power plant. (Research purpose) To develop and study a new kinematic scheme of a mobile vehicle based on a self-propelled tractor T-16 chassis, which provides increased reliability, comfortable working conditions for the operator, a significant improvement in the environmental situation, and better economic efficiency. (Materials and methods) The authors listed the advantages of the new hybrid vehicle kinematic scheme. They gave the comparative technical characteristics of a diesel engine and an asynchronous electric motor. They developed a new methodology for calculating gas turbine engine technical parameters and described the production process of an electric drive with a capacity of 11 kilowatts to drive the driving wheels. The authors gave a thermal design of the compressor parameters, turbine. They calculated the excess air ratio. According to the parameters obtained, a K27-145 turbocharger was chosen, which simultaneously served as a turbine and a compressor of a gas turbine engine. A kinematic diagram was created with a gas turbine electric generator, storage batteries, an asynchronous frequency-controlled motor and a mechanical gearbox. (Results and discussion) The authors proposed to use a mobile vehicle as a mobile power plant: an output socket with a voltage of 220-230 volts operated from an inverter connected to batteries; the second socket – with a three-phase voltage of 400 volts – from the generator of the power gas turbine plant. (Conclusions) It was proved that the proposed hybrid mobile vehicle design on a battery and a gas turbine was capable of operating throughout the entire working day, and to provide 16 horsepower of a diesel engine, it was enough to install an asynchronous electric motor with a capacity of 7.5 kilowatts. The authors calculated the compressor performance of the gas turbine engine, which was 0.178 kilograms per second. The geometric parameters of the combustion chamber and the technical characteristics of the turbocharger were determined.
Equipment and Technology for Subsurface Irrigation of Intensive Gardens in the Bukhara Region of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Authors: Zhuraev F. U. , Karimov G. Kh.
Published: June 2021

Experience shows that for the irrigation of intensive gardens, various types of equipment and technologies are used, such as continuous irrigation (invasive), drip irrigation, subsurface irrigation and other methods. All irrigation options have some shortcomings, such as water evaporation, high water consumption, high consumption of mineral fertilizers and energy. (Research purpose) To develop an automated system for subsurface irrigation of intensive gardens with groundwater using electric pumps and solar panels, and to create a mathematical model of soil moisture distribution. (Materials and methods) Special devices shaped as pegs were designed to supply water with dissolved mineral fertilizers directly into the root system of intensive gardens. The authors investigated the pegs’ geometric parameters and the criteria for their placement in the soil, taking into account the consumption of water and nutrients. The authors examined soil mechanical composition and salinity as well as its physical and mechanical, technological properties. (Results and discussion) It was found out that the installation of the peg facilitates soil moisturizing through the central pipeline within the radius of 1.55-1.75 meters at the depth of 0.7-0.9 meters. Three-four pegs, being equidistant from each other and inclined in relation to the vertical axis by 20-30 degrees, were placed around a tree. Water consumption was determined for various irrigation methods: for furrow irrigation (control) – 1125.7 cubic meters per hectare, for continuous irrigation (invasive) – 1812.3 cubic meters per hectare, for drip irrigation – 618.6 and subsurface irrigation – 506.4 cubic meters per hectare. (Conclusions) Based on the results of the experimental study carried out in farms with intensive gardens using various irrigation methods, continuous irrigation (invasive), drip irrigation and subsurface irrigation were compared in terms of water consumption. The results show that drip irrigation and subsurface irrigation ensure less water consumption than flood irrigation, by 46 per cent and 57 per cent respectively. It was found out that subsurface irrigation ensures 57 per cent water and 25-35 per cent mineral fertilizer economy, in comparison with the other methods of providing trees with water and nutrients.
Development of an Automated Management System for Agricultural Technologies in Horticulture
Authors: Khort D. O. , Kutyrev A. I. , Smirnov I. G. , Voronkov I. V.
Published: June 2021

The implementation of intelligent technologies in industrial horticulture is possible with the help of an automated system for managing production processes. (Research purpose) To develop and substantiate the parameters of an automated management system for agricultural technologies in horticulture with the ability to conduct land inspections using a mobile application. (Materials and methods) ADO.NET driver Npqsql was used for work with the database. Dapper was used as Object Relational Mapping. The web application used the Model View Controller design pattern, and Bootstrap as the css framework. Data visualization from the database was carried out using cloud technology, placing the site using a set of Internet Information Services. Jquery (a set of JavaScript functions) served as the main framework for working with the client-side of the program code. The authors also used the PostgreSql database management system. The mobile application was created in the Android studio integrated environment. (Results and discussion) The authors developed an automated system for managing agricultural technologies. They formed the structure of the hardware and software base. They created the system ability to operate in a dialogue mode with the user through forms, based on the algorithm for choosing the optimal options for technological processes in the horticultural products production. A mobile application was implemented to conduct digital land inspections. They determined the procedure for conducting land inspections by agronomists using a mobile application. (Conclusions) The authors developed a system for the automated technologies formation and management in horticulture, which provided operational processing of information flows in real time, reflecting the characteristics of the plants’ growth and state in critical phases of development. They provided modern recording devices and a mobile application operation. They showed that the system automatically optimized machine technologies for the cultivation of horticultural crops according to biological (realization of the potential biological productivity of crops) and economic (increasing the efficiency of using production resources) criteria.
Unified Model for Calculating Technical Facilities Productivity for Transportation and Transportation­Technological Operations
Authors: Vorotnikova O. S. , Maystrenko N. A. , Levshin A. G.
Published: June 2021

Productivity is one of the important performance indicators of transport and transport-technological vehicles. The authors confirmed the necessity to unify this indicator calculations for an extensive range of agricultural goods and extensive works on their movement. (Research purpose) To develop universal interconnected stages of detecting the operational productivity of transport and transport-technological vehicles when performing mechanized work in crop production. (Materials and methods) The values of operational performance were determined based on the analysis of norm-forming factors and statistical processing. A systematic approach was used to identifying individual elements of the cargo transportation cycle. The authors studied each of the methodological approaches and the mathematical tools used to calculate the performance indicators of various technical devices. (Results and discussion) After a step-by-step modeling of transport and transport-technological processes, a unified formula of the target function (optimality criterion) was obtained. Having implemented a more convenient calculation algorithm and having transformed the mathematical apparatus, the authors obtained the vehicle production rates for the transportation of mineral fertilizers to the place of their application. (Conclusions) The authors implemented a detailed mathematical description of the transport and transport-technological process stages. They identified the functional relationships between operational parameters and production and agrolandscape conditions.  A universal algorithm was developed making it possible to determine the values of the operational performance for transport and transport-technological vehicles. The authors determined the values of the coefficient enabling the unification and comparison of the algorithm for identifying the production rates for transport and transport-technological work. It was found out that with an increase in the length of transportation from 3 to 54 kilometers, this coefficient increases 3.8 times. This variation was explained by an increase in the purely transport phase of the process.
Determination of the Machine and Tractor Fleet Optimal Composition for a Model Cotton­Textile Cluster
Authors: Toshboltaev M. T. , Dzhiyanov M. R.
Published: June 2021

The authors showed that the cotton-textile cluster efficiency (the capacity of the machine-tractor fleet, cotton yield, the production profitability) largely depended on the use of the optimal number of tractors and agricultural machines. The existing methods (theoretical, graphic, economic and mathematical) were difficult for practical use and did not take into account the specifics of mechanized cotton growing processes. Therefore, it was important to develop a simple normative method for determining the optimal composition of the machine and tractor fleet for clusters, corresponding to the technological map for the production of raw cotton. (Research purpose) To calculate the required amount of agricultural machinery based on the established standards. (Materials and methods) The authors developed an algorithm for determining the standard coefficients of the equipment necessity per 1000 hectares of arable land. These coefficients for each type of equipment were established in the context of technological operations of growing cotton: plowing, soil preparing for sowing, sowing seeds, cultivating the soil between cotton rows, mechanized removal of growth points of the main stems and side branches of plants, defoliation with chemicals, machine harvesting and transportation of harvested cotton – raw. (Results and discussion) The authors proposed the term “model cotton-textile cluster”. They calculated the required amount of equipment for such a cluster with an area of 13,732 hectares. They determined the percentage of the machine and tractor fleet: the share of tractors – 28 percent, cultivators – 22, trailers – 19.8, cotton pickers – 13.8, the rest – 16.4 percent. They emphasized that the machines fleet could expand with the arrival of new modern machines produced by machine-building plants of the republic and imported from foreign countries. (Conclusions) The authors accepted the machine and tractor fleet of the cotton-textile cluster with the number of equipment 1660 units as rational. They proved that it ensured the implementation of all technological operations within agrotechnical terms.
Application of Pólya's problem solving to the study of angles in fourth grade high school students
Authors: Rojas Bello Rogel Rafael , Marysol del Rosario Esterlin
Published: June 2021

In this research, a study is made of the effect of the application of Pólya's problem-solving heuristic on the development of geometric skills and its impact on academic performance. In the intervention, the topic of angles was developed, to a section of 25 fourth grade high school students in an educational center in the Municipality of Yamasá of the Monte Plata Province in the Dominican Republic. A quasi-experimental type design with a quantitative approach and correlational scope was used, with a non-probabilistic sample, with an intact group and a pre-test and post-test design. The results show that, through Pólya's problem-solving heuristic, students expanded their skills in geometry that greatly increased learning about angles. Corroborated by a growth in the average of the grades from 62.4% that was obtained in the pre-test, to 83.7% that was reached in the post-test, showing statistically that there are significant differences. It stands out that the Pólya heuristic was highly valued by the students under study, therefore, it is believed that it had a positive influence on the benefit of their learning about angles. In addition, the results of the post-test reveal that there is no relationship between the sex of the group under study and the scores obtained when the Pólya heuristic is applied.
Relación de los sistemas propioceptivo y táctil con el desarrollo emocional en infantes
Authors: Amaya-Mancilla Maria Alexandra , Peñaranda-Solano Ludy Yanneth , Ramirez-Rojas Yurithza Yulieth , Hernández-Vergel Viviana Karina
Published: June 2021

Esta investigación pretendía analizar de la información de los sistemas propioceptivo y táctil con el desarrollo emocional de los niños y niñas de 2 a 3 años. Logrando esto por medio de la caracterización del desarrollo emocional a través de la escala de valoración cualitativa del desarrollo infantil – revisada (2 años y 1 día a 3 años), la determinación del sistema táctil y propioceptivo con el apoyo del perfil sensorial de Winnie Dunn para así analizar la información sensorial de los niños y niñas de 2 a 3 años. Se llevó a cabo una investigación cuantitativa con una población de 96 menores de edad, de ambos géneros. Se obtiene una muestra de 84 escolares que cursan el grado de Párvulos por medio del muestreo por conveniencia. Con la aplicación de los instrumentos de valoración cualitativa del desarrollo infantil y el perfil sensorial de Winnie Dunn se logra identificar que el sistema táctil, es el primer sistema que tiene interacción con el ambiente y con las personas que lo rodean, por ello es el principal receptor de la parte socioafectiva como lo es el primer vínculo con la madre o padre; como también el sistema propioceptivo es el encargado del posicionamiento de articulaciones y músculos, es el indicador de ser brusco con sus pares, impidiendo tener una relación asertiva con sus compañeros y docentes. Se concluye que los estímulos socio afectivos a temprana edad son necesarios en los niños y niñas, así como también que la estimulación temprana programada potencializa el óptimo desarrollo emocional.
Internacionalización de la Educación Superior en el marco de la construcción del conocimiento
Authors: Díaz-Guecha Leonardo Yotuhel , Carrillo-Guecha Karen Lizeth , Guecha-Oliveros José Gregorio
Published: June 2021

La presencia de una nación en el contexto internacional depende de su nivel competitivo, optimizando el recurso humano, a través de procesos de enseñanza aprendizaje, donde la Educación Superior desempeña un papel preponderante. El objetivo es resaltar la importancia de la internacionalización de la Educación Superior mediante la construcción del conocimiento. Dentro de este marco, se desarrolla una metodología tipo cualitativa e investigación documental según la revisión de fuentes mediante la búsqueda de datos, proceso que permitió analizar resultados como avances en Colombia de la Educación Superior en cuanto a calidad educativa e interés del Estado en implementar un proceso de internacionalización, permitiendo concluir que la innovación es un elemento clave del éxito y la universidad debe articular necesidades propias del estudiante y la sociedad con los cambios en los ámbitos nacional, regional e internacional, lo cual implica aumentar la inversión pública y privada según las exigencias del entorno globalizado.
Implementación de las industrias 4.0 como componente digital para la transformación digital de la economía de Norte de Santander.
Authors: Ballesteros Peñaranda Pablo Emilio , Gómez González Shirley Andrea , Mendoza Franco Valeryth Jazmín
Published: June 2021

La cuarta revolución industrial apenas comienza, investigar el tema en bases de datos de investigación o internet trae definiciones similares; es un tema que se desarrolla con mayor fuerza en las organizaciones. Actualmente, se investiga con mayor énfasis en este tema innovador, es por esto que se toma en cuenta una variedad de perspectivas que giran alrededor del mundo digital y físico. Cuando se aborda el concepto de innovación a través del lente de lo digital y lo físico, significa repensar temas tan diversos como las ciudades, el trabajo, el dinero, el ocio y el entretenimiento. Y luego, fundamentalmente, las personas buscan adaptarse a una nueva revolución industrial que crece rápidamente en un mundo globalizado. Es importante mencionar que el objetivo de estudio consiste en analizar los distintos estudios de industrias 4.0, economía y transformación digital, todo esto con el fin de implementar estrategias de superación y adquisición de las industrias 4.0 en las pymes cucuteñas.
Internacionalización de las Pymes desde la perspectiva de la aplicación de estrategias de marketing e inversión en desarrollo tecnológico.
Authors: Linares Giraldo Maricel , Álvarez Suarez Yaimi Yaritza , Sajonero Pallares Laura María
Published: June 2021

La globalización como proceso de integración que propende a la generación de nuevos escenarios de comercio internacional, es vistas por las Pymes desde una perspectiva motivadora que las incita a iniciar un proceso de internacionalización, todo ello con el fin de expandir su oferta y atender nuevas demandas de bienes y servicios hacia mercados extranjeros, sin embargo, para esto se hace necesario que las organizaciones conozcan y tengan claridad frente a los factores internos y externos que enfrentan mediante este proceso, los cuales les permitirán gestionar de manera asertiva el diseño y ejecución de estrategias que garanticen el logro de sus objetivos, de allí que el marketing resulta indispensable a la hora de gestionar el crecimiento de las empresas, ante esto, el apoyo en las nuevas tecnologías, el fomento del desarrollo y la innovación tecnológica, resultan elementos claves para que las corporaciones puedan obtener las ventajas y beneficios que conlleva la inserción en el escenario internacional. Esta visión parte de la revisión sistemática de literatura (libros, artículos, proyectos de pregrado y maestría) en los cuales se aborda el reconocimiento de las estrategias utilizadas por las diferentes empresas y países a nivel global para dar apertura a procesos de internacionalización.
Diversity on corporate boards: A systematic review
Authors: Boshanna Abdlmutaleb
Published: June 2021

This study conducts a systematic review and provides a comprehensive up-to-date review of the literature about diversity on corporate boards. Unlike previous studies, we do not restrict our search to a specific type of diversity (e.g., gender diversity) or limited firm outcomes (e.g., firm performance). Our aim is to review, evaluate, synthesize, and summarize the literature and extend our knowledge on five key areas: 1) the theoretical approach (going beyond the theoretical analysis of each article by exploring how the theoretical perspective informs their focus); 2) dominant framing and theorizing (single theory vs multi-theories); 3) determinants and consequences; 4) how board diversity is defined and operationalized; and 5) the outcomes of board diversity. In reviewing the research from 2010 to February 2021 and using Saint Mary’s University Business Source Premier (SMU EBSCO) database, we identify 46 articles. Our findings reveal that agency theory no longer dominates board diversity research and has given way to institutional theory. The increasing use of institutional theory, which considers the effect of social structure on organizational outcomes, may be caused by most of the literature (based on our findings) using cross-country data. At the same time, there is a tendency to use a more multi-theoretical approach rather than a single theory one, and there are methodological limitations, including a paucity of rich data collection methods (e.g., surveys, questionnaires, and interviews). In addition, the current literature, according to the findings, focuses more on the consequences than the determinants of board diversity. Finally, our study intends to highlight and outline crucial research gaps that invite future investigation
Mechanistic understanding of CHO cell culture improvement by rosmarinic acid through multi-omics analysis
Authors: Huang Zhuangrong , Xu Jianlin , Tian Jun , Aron Kathryn , Qian Yueming , Borys Michael , Li Zheng Jian , Pendse Girish
Published: June 2021

The use of antioxidants in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell cultures to
improve monoclonal antibody production has been a topic of great
interest. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which antioxidant pathways are
regulated in CHO cells and their effect on metabolism are not fully
understood. In this work, we investigated how treatment with the
antioxidant rosmarinic acid (RA) improved viable cell density and titer
in CHO cell cultures, and attempted to explore the underlying
mechanism(s) using transcriptomics and metabolomics. In particular,
transcriptomics analysis indicated that RA treatment modified gene
expression and strongly affected the MAPK and Akt signaling pathways
which regulate cell survival and cell death. Moreover, we observed that
these effects did not appear related to an intracellular metabolism
change. In summary, this integrated ‘omics analysis has important
implications for the role of the antioxidant RA in industrial cell
culture processes. The current study also represents an example in the
industry of how multi-omics can be applied to gain an in‐depth
understanding of CHO cell biology and to identify critical pathways that
can contribute to cell culture process improvement and cell line
engineering.
Transcatheter mitral valve repair using the Cardioband® system: Histopathological insights in device ingrowth and biocompatibility
Authors: Schmiady Martin , Hemelrijck Mathias van , Taramasso Maurizio , Sromicki Juri , Mestres Carlos , Sigler Matthias
Published: June 2021

Surgical implantation of a complete or incomplete ring to reduce the
valve annulus and improve leaflet coaptation is the mainstay of mitral
valve surgery. The Cardioband® system (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA,
USA) was designed to address the pathophysiological mechanism of annular
dilatation through a catheter-based approach. We present the
histopathological workup of a Cardioband® device, which had been
implanted 21 months earlier in a 34-year-old male with ischemic
cardiomyopathy. Device examination demonstrate a well-positioned and
securely anchored device. The described tissue reactions may have an
impact on choice of device and timing in case of re-do surgery.
Structure and IgE cross-reactivity among walnut and peanut vicilin leader sequences
Authors: Nesbit Jacqueline , Foo Alexander , Gipson Stephen , Bushel Pierre , DeRose Eugene , Cheng Hsiaopo , Schein Catherine , Teuber Suzanne , Hurlburt Barry , Mueller Geoffrey , Maleki Soheila
Published: June 2021

Background: Vicilin seed storage proteins are translated with N-terminal
leader sequences (LSs) that are cleaved to yield the mature protein.
These LSs were thought to be unstructured and rapidly degraded. However,
Ara h 1 and Jug r 2 LS (A1LS, J2LS) have been identified in seeds, and
immunodominant IgE epitopes detected. Here, common sequences containing
structured CxxxC-repeat motifs were identified as potential mediators of
IgE cross-reactivity despite very low (17%) sequence identity. Method:
Linear IgE epitopes were identified by peptide microarrays, in which
overlapping 15-mer peptides on glass slides, were incubated with sera
from peanut, walnut or dual allergic individuals. Similar epitopes were
computationally predicted. Peanut A1LS and walnut J2LS fragments (J2.1,
J2.2, J2.3) each with a CxxxC vicilin LS motif were identified, cloned,
expressed, purified and their structures solved using solution-NMR to
locate and assess epitopes on the structure. Results: A1LS and J2LSs
reveal similar helix-turn-helix motifs connected by disulfide bonds
between adjacent CxxxC repeats forming α-hairpin structures.
Peanut-allergic IgE bound more frequently to the J2LSs, regardless of
walnut allergic status or A1LS binding. IgE binding pattern to peptides
from both J2LS and A1LS, along with structure and computational
predictions, suggest that the structure and conserved amino acid
properties of peptides determine cross-reactivity. The properties of LS
IgE epitopes were closely related to epitopes in 2S albumins.
Conclusion: The shared α-hairpin structure is a stable scaffold that
contributes to cross-reactivity despite low sequence identity.
Biophysical properties are a better predictor of distant
cross-reactivity than traditional measures of evolutionary conservation.
Two cases of catastrophic deterioration and multiple leaflet detachment in Trifecta valves
Authors: Imai Nanami , Kaminishi Yuichiro , Tsukada Toru , Osaka Motoo , SAKAMOTO HIROAKI , Mathis Bryan , Suzuki Yasusuki , Hiramatsu Yuji
Published: June 2021

Reports of early and catastrophic acute structural valve deterioration
(SVD) in Trifecta valves (Abbott, St Paul, MN, USA) with multiple
leaflet detachment are rare. We encountered two cases of early SVD in
Trifecta valves with tears on two leaflets. Both cases presented with
acute heart failure because of aortic insufficiency and underwent redo
aortic valve replacement; one patient died due to multiple organ failure
caused by cardiogenic shock. Durability issues with valves necessitate
long-term vigilance in aortic valve replacement patients.
Successional adaptive strategies revealed by correlating arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal abundance with host plant gene expression
Authors: Gao Cheng , Courty Pierre-Emmanuel , Varoquaux Nelle , Cole Benjamin , Montoya Liliam , Xu Ling , Purdom Elizabeth , Vogel John , Hutmacher Robert , Dahlberg Jeffery , Colemann-Derr Devin , Lemaux Peggy , Taylor John
Published: June 2021

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), the mutualistic symbionts with most
crops, constitute a research system of human-associated fungi whose
relative simplicity and synchrony are conducive to experimental ecology.
However, little is known about the shifts in adaptive strategies of
sorghum associated AMFs where strong AMF succession replaces initially
ruderal species with competitive ones and where the strongest plant
response to drought is to manage these AMF. First, we hypothesize that,
when irrigation is stopped to mimic drought, competitive AMF species
should be replaced by AMF species tolerant to drought stress. We then,
for the first time, correlate AMF abundance and host plant transcription
to test two novel hypotheses about the mechanisms behind the shift from
ruderal to competitive AMF. Surprisingly, despite imposing drought
stress, we found no stress tolerant AMF. Remarkably, we found strong and
differential correlation between the successional shift from ruderal to
competitive AMF and sorghum genes whose products (i) produce and release
strigolactone signals, (ii) perceive
mycorrhizal-lipochitinoligosaccharide (Myc-LCO) signals, (iii) provide
plant lipid and sugar to AMF and, (iv) import minerals and water
provided by AMF. These novel insights into host gene expression and
succession of AMF show adaptive strategies evolved by AMF and their
hosts and provide a rationale for selecting AMF to reduce inputs and
maximize yield in commercial agriculture. Future research opportunities
include testing the specifics and generality of our hypotheses by
employing genetically modified host plants, and exploring additional
genes underlying the adaptive strategies in natural succession.
Populism: Utility of its Approaches and the Prospects of the Phenomenon's Resurgence in America
Authors: Abankwa Daniel
Published: June 2021

Populism in the 21st century became prominent in scholarly circles following Brexit and the 2016 electoral victory of Donald Trump. As democracy and globalization enthusiasts least anticipated these two monumental events in modern history, much emphasis came to be placed on the nature of populism and what conditions led to its manifestation in contemporary times. Working within this background, this study aims to review the ideational, political strategy and discursive approaches to the populism phenomenon and unpack the relative utility of each approach. I offer a thoughtful perspective that while the ideational approach’s “thin-centered” strand has the tendency to blur the boundaries of populism and lead scholars to accept “anything” as populism; it nevertheless enables us to comprehensively capture populism usage in multiple contexts. Further, I advance the notion that the 2020 electoral defeat of Donald Trump should not be misconstrued as the end or weakening of right-wing populism; the present state of American politics makes it ripe for populism resurgence.
Assessing the Effects of Regimented Administrative Structure of Education on Pupils Academic Performance of Basic Schools in Military Barracks, Ghana
Authors: Brenya Edward , Arthur Dominic Degraft , Opoku Raymond , Andam Sylvester Atta
Published: June 2021

Over the last five years, there has been a downward trend in the BECE performance by pupils in the Basic schools of military barracks in Ghana. The military high command has been concerned about the current performance of pupils in the BECE, and the responsibility lies with the Directorate of Education of the Ghana Armed forces to undertake all efforts at reversing the tide. The study is predicated upon the need to explore all possible causes of a consistent downward trend of BECE performance over the past five years. It is speculated that in the case of the Armed Forces schools, the quality of education could either be significantly enhanced or diminished by the peculiarity of the administration. Thus, the study quantitatively examined the place of military culture as a part of the administration and how the phenomenon impacts academic performance. The findings revealed that not only does military culture impact teacher work output, but the coercive nature of the relationship between the Educational Officers and civilian teaching staff is detrimental to the academic environment. Therefore, this paper recommends that the coercive administrative approach be modified to allow for a much more cooperative and social approach, which would create a conducive and free environment for academic work and consequently improve academic performances.
Further occurrences of melanism in a northern, peripheral, population of Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
Authors: McAlpine Donald
Published: June 2021

Although melanism is understood to occur commonly among some felids, it is reported to be most frequent among cat species that occur in humid, tropical, and densely vegetated habitats. Previously, a single record of a melanistic Bobcat (Lynx rufus) from eastern Canada (New Brunswick) appeared to be a northern outlier, with all other reports of melanism in this species restricted to the warm, humid, climate of southern peninsular Florida. Here, I document a further five occurrences of melanism in Bobcat from New Brunswick and review evidence that a mutation in an agouti-signalling protein gene may be responsible for melanism in New Brunswick Bobcats.
Predation of a brown bat (Vespertilionidae) by a Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Bunt Christopher , Webster Jeremy , Jacobson Bailey , Vilella Fabio
Published: June 2021

On 31 July 2019, a Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) was observed consuming a Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) at Meux Creek, Neustadt, Ontario. The bat was likely roosting at a nearby undercut bank when it was predated by the frog, which required nearly 90 min to consume its prey. This is the first record of a Green Frog consuming a bat species in Canada.
Impact of natural products on Acyrthosiphon pisum density on Pisum sativum L. and forage quality
Authors: Nikolova Ivelina
Published: June 2021

A field trial was conducted at the Institute of Forage Crops (Pleven,
Bulgaria) from 2015 to 2017. It studied the effects of natural products on
Acyrthosiphon pisum density, as well as changes in the chemical composition,
content of plant fibre components and enzyme degradability in forage pea.
Treatments with the natural insecticides Madex and Agricolle, applied alone
or in combination with the organic fertilizers Lithovit and Nagro were
performed twice - at the beginning of the flowering stage and one week
later. The fertilizers used in the trial are environmentally safe and
approved for use in organic production. The synthetic products Kristalon, a
foliar fertilizer, and Proteus 110 OD, an insecticide, were used for
comparison. The application of natural products, either alone and in
combination, resulted in a reduction in pea aphid density. Applying
Agricolle with Nagro, followed by Lithovit with Agricolle, led to the
highest aphid number decrease (70.0 and 51.1%, respectively). An optimal
combination of decrease in the content of plant cell wall fibre components,
cellulose and lignification degree with a significant increase in forage in
vitro enzyme digestibility was established after applying Agricolle with
Lithovit and Agricole with Nagro. Digestibility reached 71.8 and 69.8%,
respectively, an increase of 8.2-5.2%, while ADF, cellulose and
lignification degree decreased from 7.1 and 7.7%, 8.0 and 23.4%, amd 10.5
and 6.8% after applying Agricolle with Lithovit and Agricole with Nagro,
respectively. In comparison, the synthetic products Kristalon and Kristalon
with Proteus increased forage quality, but to a relatively lesser extent. A
stronger linear relationship was found between aphid density and dry matter
digestibility, compared to the content of neutral detergent fibres. Pea
forage with low content of plant cell wall fibre components, cellulose and
lignification degree, high protein content, and digestibility after
treatment with the natural product Agricolle, and its combinations with
Lithovit and Nagro, make it a very good complement to other forages in dairy
cow rations.
In vitro and in vivo toxicity of fungicides and biofungicides for the control of verticillium and fusarium wilt of pepper
Authors: Mihajlovic Milica , Rekanovic Emil , Hrustic Jovana , Grahovac Mila , Tanovic Brankica
Published: June 2021

A survey of in vitro and in vivo sensitivity of Verticillium dahliae and
Fusarium oxysporum to several commercial fungicides and biofungicides was
undertaken. In in vitro assays, the tested isolate of V. dahliae proved to
be very sensitive to difenoconazole (EC50 = 0.02 mg/l). However, under
greenhouse conditions, the highest efficacy in V. dahliae control on
inoculated pepper plants was recorded for a product based on
thiophanate-methyl (83.10% compared to control). Among the tested
fungicides, the lowest efficacy was recorded for a product based on
azoxystrobin (23.10 %) with no significant difference compared to control (p
> 0.05). In in vitro assays, the tested F. oxysporum isolate was the most
sensitive to prochloraz (EC50 = 0.07 mg/l) and the least sensitive to
fluopyram (EC50 = 1075.01 mg/l). In in vivo assay, the highest efficacy was
achieved by products based on captan (95.60%), and the lowest by a product
based on thiophanate-methyl (54.40%). Antagonistic activity of the bacterium
B. subtilis under laboratory conditions was not satisfying. Also, the
antifungal activity and spectrum of a tested product based on tee tree oil
was not efficient in suppressing pepper wilting caused by V. dahliae and F.
oxysporum.
Impact of water quality on pesticides and fertilizer compatibility
Authors: Zunic Antonije , Vukovic Slavica , Sunjka Dragana , Lazic Sanja , Boskovic Dragana
Published: June 2021

Mixtures of two or more pesticides are very common in contemporary
agriculture. However, changes in their efficacy or biological activity, such
as synergism and antagonism, phytotoxicity, persistence, toxicity to
non-target organisms, may occur as a consequence. This study was conducted
in order to evaluate the compatibility of insecticides (cyantraniliprole -
Exirel, chlorantraniliprole - Coragen 20 SC), a fungicide (captan - Merpan
50 WP) and a foliar fertilizer (Folia Stim Mix TE), as well their mixtures,
in spray liquids, depending on water quality (well water from two locations
in Serbia - Mala Remeta and Cerevic). These products are used to control the
most significant peach pests, and as an additional source of nutrients.
Water analysis (pH, hardness, electroconductivity, chloride, nitrate,
nitrite, ammonia, calcium and iron content) and tests of physico-chemical
properties of the spray liquids (pH, suspensibility, dispersibility, surface
tension, and electroconductivity) were performed in a laboratory experiment
according to standard methods. The physico-chemical properties of the
liquids changed depending on water quality and components incorporated in
the mixture. However, all tested spray liquids showed consistency and
compatibility over a period of 24 hours.
Nephroprotective effect of aqueous acetonic extract of Morus alba and its underlying mechanisms against glyphosate-induced toxicity - in vivo model
Authors: Rebai Olfa , Fattouch Sami , Amri Mohamed
Published: June 2021

Glyphosate, the active substance in RoundupR, is the most widely used
pesticide in the world and may be present as a residue in derived foods and
drinking water. Previous reports have confirmed that extracts from leaves of
Morus alba exert many pharmacological activities. However, renoprotective
effects of M. alba extract and its underling molecular mechanism is still
unknown. Wistar rats (180-200 g) were used in this study (n=5-6). A control
group received 0.2 ml normal saline intraperitoneally (i.p) once daily for
two weeks. Control animals received standard diet. Treated groups received
either polyphenolic extract (100 mg/kg,i.p) or glyphosate (100 mg/kg, i.p),
or co-administration (extract ?g ml?1 kg b.w. and glyphosate 100 mg kg?1
b.w, i.p), daily until the 15thday of treatment. Lactate deshydrogenase LDH,
serum concentrations of blood urea, creatinine and nitric oxide were
measured using standard coloromertic methods. Renal oxidative stress,
evidenced by increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl levels and
decline in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, was significantly alleviated
by mulberry leaves extract (MLE) administration. MLE also appears to be able
to modulate altered biochemical parametres by maintaining free iron and Ca2
+ homeostasis, and regulate the endogenous antioxidant enzymes system. It
seems that concurrent use of the aqueous acetonic fraction of M. alba, rich
in chlorogenic acid and its isomeres, can protect kidneys from
glyphosate-induced nephrotoxicity. Overall, MLE may possess protective
activity against glyphosate-induced toxicity, which may be attributed to
chlorogenic acid and its isomers, the most abundant phenolic acids present
in its extracts. Mulberry leaves are a source of phenolic compounds and can
be a good start towards discovering a new chemical compound which may lead
to a new drug. A mulberry extract supplement could serve as a candidate for
developing a safe, and promising nutraceutical product for the management of
nephrotoxicity.
Russian armed aggression against Ukraine – the impact on the environment of the temporarily occupied territories
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Malovanyy Myroslav , Bohach Nataliia ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: June 2021

The armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, which has been going on since 2014, caused severe consequences for our state. Besides killing and injuring dozens of thousands of Ukrainian citizens, expelling hundreds of thousands of people from their homes, seizing and destroying infrastructure, Russia has inflicted large-scale environmental damage in the occupied territories. Thus, as a result of the occupation of Crimea, the situation with fresh water on the peninsula is rapidly deteriorating, which can significantly change the ecosystem in the future. In addition, the warfare launched by the aggressor against Ukraine in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions caused serious environmental and man-made consequences, among which the main are pollution of groundwater and surface water, flooding of mines, subsidence, air pollution, destruction of agricultural lands, destruction and damage of nature reserves, forest fires, etc. Ignoring the environmental threats caused by Russian armed aggression can lead to catastrophic aftermath in the future. To prevent this scenario, an effective response is needed not only from Ukraine but also from the entire international community.
Experimental research of parameters of industrial waters of canning plant and bakery. Analysis of treatment technologies
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Havryshko Marianna , Popovych Olena ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Yaremko Halyna ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: June 2021

One of the industries that uses large amounts of water is the food industry. Industrial, domestic managers of the production process stand out with it and enter the environment surrounded by contaminated effluents. Their main feature is the high content of dissolved organic matter and nitrogen. You can also create wall water to create aggregate-resistant colloids, which include animal and vegetable fats, proteins, starch, sugar, as well as salts, carbohydrates, dyes, thickeners, preservatives. As a result of the technology of treatment of such industrial effluents, is a combination of different technologies and methods of treatment and the creation of several units depending on the parameters of wastewater. The purpose of our work is: 1) Analysis of physical and chemical indicators of industrial waters of food industry enterprises, monitoring of their impact on the environment; 2) to outline perspective directions of technologies of industrial water purification and creation of closed water circulation systems.
DEVELOPMENT OF BIOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION METHODS BASED ON NEW FILTRATION METHODS
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Lviv, Ukraine, Nazarkevych M. A.
Published: June 2021

The article is devoted to the development of biometric identification methods based on new filtration methods. Biometric identification systems need constant improvement, because they often work slowly and give the wrong result. To increase the reliability of biometric image recognition, the method is formed, which is formed from the stages: segmentation, normalization, local orientation estimation, local estimation, spine frequency estimation, Gabor filter implementation, binarization, thinning. A new filtering method is proposed, which is based on a new type of function – Ateb-functions, which are used next to the Gabor filter. The local orientation can be calculated from local gradients using the arctangent function. The normalization process is performed to evenly redistribute the values ​​of image intensity. When segmenting, the foreground areas in the image are separated from the background areas. A new method of wavelet conversion of biometric image filtering based on Ateb-Gabor has been developed. The Gabor filter is used for linear filtering and improves the quality of the converted image. Symmetry and wavelet transform operations are also used to reduce the number of required multiplication and addition operations. The method is based on the well-known Gabor filter and allows you to rearrange the image with clearer contours. Therefore, this method is applicable to biometric images, where the creation of clear contours is particularly relevant. When Gabor filtering, the image is reconstructed by multiplying the harmonic function by the Gaussian function. Ateb functions are a generalization of elementary trigonometry, and, accordingly, have greater functionality. Ateb-Gabor filtering allows you to change the intensity of the whole image, as well as the intensity in certain ranges, and thus make certain areas of the image more contrasting. Filtering with Ateb functions allows you to change the image from two rational parameters. This allows you to more flexibly manage filtering and choose the best options. When you perform a thinning, the foreground pixels are erased until there is one pixel wide. A standard thinning algorithm is used, or the thinning developed by the authors in other studies. This filtering will provide more accurate characteristics, as it allows you to get more sloping shapes and allows you to organize a wider range of curves. Numerous experimental studies indicate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Sinä, minä ja muut
Authors: Suomalainen Karita
Published: June 2021

Karita Suomalaisen suomen kielen alaan kuuluva väitöskirja tarkastettiin Turun yliopistossa perjantaina 11. joulukuuta 2020. Vastaväittäjänä toimi dosentti Hanna Lappalainen Helsingin yliopistosta ja kustoksena professori Marja-Liisa Helasvuo.
Karita Suomalainen: Kuka sinä on? Tutkimus yksikön 2. persoonan käytöstä ja käytön variaatiosta suomenkielisissä arkikeskusteluissa. Turun yliopiston julkaisuja – Annales Universitatis Turkuensis C 499. Turku: Turun yliopisto 2020. Väitöskirja on luettavissa osoitteessa http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-951-29-8238-7.
Odotettu tutkimusavaus lääkärien kielitaitohaasteisiin
Authors: Möttönen Tapani
Published: June 2021

Maija Tervola: Maahanmuuttajalääkärien suomen kielen taito ja kielitaitotarpeet. Erityisalan kielitaidon näkökulma lääkärin työhön. Tampereen yliopiston väitöskirjat 92. Tampere: Tampereen yliopisto 2019. Johdanto 147 s. + artikkelit 75 s. isbn 978-952-03-1163-6.
Saatavilla verkossa osoittessa http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-03-1164-3.
Idän monikielisyyttä ennen ja nyt
Authors: Hippi Kaarina
Published: June 2021

Arvioitu teos:
Leena Kolehmainen, Helka Riionheimo & Milla Uusitupa (toim.): Ääniä idästä. Näkökulmia Itä-Suomen monikielisyyteen. Suomalaisen Kirjallisuuden Seuran toimituksia 1461. Helsinki: Suomalaisen Kirjallisuuden Seura 2020. 331 s. isbn 978-951-858-206-2.
Turist Rehberlerinin Bakış Açısı ile Paket Turlarda COVID-19 Pandemi Dönemi ve Sonrası Gerçekleştirilebilecek Uygulamalar
Authors: Gökdemir Sinan
Published: June 2021

Turizm olumsuz gelişmelerdenetkilenen sektörlerin başında gelmektedir. Terör saldırıları, ekonomik kriz ve salgın hastalıklar olduğunda, ekonomik kriz ve salgın hastalıklarda ilk vazgeçilen turizme katılma isteği olmaktadır. Çin'in Wuhan şehrinde tespit edilen nedeni bilinmeyen bir bulaşıcı hastalık Aralık 2019'da ortaya çıkmış ve bütün turizm paydaşları ile birlikte turist rehberlerini de etkilemiştir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, COVID-19 pandemidönemi ve sonrasında, turist rehberlerinin çalışma alanlarında karşılaşabilecekleri olası uygulamalar ile ilgili öngörülerini belirlemektir. Araştırmada araştırma desenlerinden nitel araştırmalar için kullanılan durum çalışması deseni olan bütüncül tek durum deseni uygulanmıştır. Bu çalışmada 30 eylemli turist rehberi ile görüşülmüştür. Yapılan görüşmelerden toplanan veriler kullanılarak içerikve kelime bulutu analizi ile betimsel analizler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Rehberlerin, COVID-19dönemi ve sonrasında turlarda kişi sayısının azalacağı ve insan temaslarının daha az olacağı öngörüsünde bulunduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Ayrıca tur araçlarında mesafeli oturma düzeni olacağı ve oturaklar arası şeffaf bariyerin olacağı öngörülerden bazılarıdır.