bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of convection-permitting extreme precipitation
simulations for the south of France
Authors: Luu Linh N. , Vautard Robert , Yiou Pascal , Soubeyroux Jean-Michel
Published: November 2020

Abstract. In the autumn, the French Mediterranean area is frequently exposed to heavy precipitation events whose daily accumulation can exceed 300 mm. One of the key processes contributing to these precipitation amounts is the deep convection, which can be resolved explicitly by state-or-the-art convection-permitting model to reproduce heavy rainfall events that are comparable to observations. However, this approach has never been used in climate simulation for the Mediterranean coastal region. In this research, we investigate the added values of using three ensembles of climate simulations at convection-permitting resolution (approx. 3 km) in replicating extreme precipitation events in both daily and shorter time scale over the South of France. These three convection-permitting simulations are performed with the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF). They are forced by three EURO-CORDEX simulations, which are also downscaled with WRF at the resolution of 0.11° (approx. 12 km). We found that a convection-permitting approach provides a more realistic representation of extreme daily and 3-hourly rainfall simulations in comparison with EURO-CORDEX simulations. Their similarity with observations allows a use for climate change studies and its impacts.
Merging ground-based sunshine duration
with satellite cloud and aerosol data to
produce high resolution long-term surface
solar radiation over China
Authors: Feng Fei , Wang Kaicun
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Although great progress has been made in estimating surface solar radiation (Rs) from meteorological observations, satellite retrieval and reanalysis, getting best estimated of long-term variations in Rs are sorely needed for climate studies. It has been shown that sunshine duration (SunDu)-derived Rs data can provide reliable long-term Rs variation. Here, we merge SunDu-derived Rs data with satellite-derived cloud fraction and aerosol optical depth (AOD) data to generate high spatial resolution (0.1°) Rs over China from 2000 to 2017. The geographically weighted regression (GWR) and ordinary least squares regression (OLS) merging methods are compared, and GWR is found to perform better. Whether or not AOD is taken as input data makes little difference for the GWR merging results. Based on the SunDu-derived Rs from 97 meteorological observation stations, the GWR incorporated with satellite cloud fraction and AOD data produces monthly Rs with R2 = 0.97 and standard deviation = 11.14 W/m2, while GWR driven by only cloud fraction produces similar results with R2 = 0.97 and standard deviation = 11.41 w/m2. This similarity is because SunDu-derived Rs has included the impact of aerosols. This finding can help to build long-term Rs variations based on cloud data, such as Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) cloud retrievals, especially before 2000, when satellite AOD retrievals are not unavailable. The merged Rs product at a spatial resolution of 0.1° in this study can be downloaded at https://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.921847 (Feng and Wang, 2020).
Evaluating the physical and biogeochemical state of the global ocean
component of UKESM1 in CMIP6 Historical simulations
Authors: Yool Andrew , Palmiéri Julien , Jones Colin G. , de Mora Lee , Kuhlbrodt Till , Popova Ekatarina E. , Nurser A. J. George , Hirschi Joel , Blaker Adam T. , Coward Andrew C. , Blockley Edward  W. , Sellar Alistair A.
Published: November 2020

Abstract. The ocean plays a key role in modulating the climate of the Earth system (ES). At the present time it is also a major sink both for the carbon dioxide (CO2) released by human activities as well as for the excess heat driven by the resulting atmospheric greenhouse effect. Understanding the ocean's role in these processes is critical for model projections of future change and its potential impacts on human societies. A necessary first step in assessing the credibility of such future projections is an evaluation of their performance against the present state of the ocean. Here we use a range of observational properties to validate the physical and biogeochemical performance of the ocean component of UKESM1, a new Earth system (ESM) for CMIP6 built upon the HadGEM3 physical climate model. Analysis focuses on the realism of the ocean's physical state and circulation, its key elemental cycles, and its marine productivity. UKESM1 generally performs well across a broad spectrum of properties, but it exhibits a number of notable biases. Physically, these include a global warm bias inherited from model spin-up, excess northern sea-ice but insufficient southern sea-ice, and sluggish interior circulation. Biogeochemical biases found include shallow remineralisation of sinking organic matter, excessive iron stress in regions such as the Equatorial Pacific, and generally lower surface alkalinity that results in decreased surface and interior dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentrations. The mechanisms driving these biases are explored to identify consequences for the behaviour of UKESM1 under future climate scenarios, and avenues for model improvement. Finally, across key biogeochemical properties, UKESM1 improves in performance relative to its CMIP5 precursor, and compares favourably to fellow members of the CMIP6 ensemble.
Macrozonation of seismic transient and permanent ground deformation of Iran
Authors: Farahani Saeideh , Behnam Behrouz , Tahershamsi Ahmad
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Iran is located on the Alpide earthquake belt, in the active collision zone between the Eurasian and Arabian plates. This issue makes Iran a country that suffers from geotechnical seismic hazards associated with frequent destructive earthquakes. Also, according to the rapid growth of population and demands for construction lifelines, risk assessment studies which should be carried out in order to reduce the probable damages are necessary. The most important destructive effects of earthquakes on lifelines are transient and permanent ground displacements. The availability of the map of the displacements caused by liquefaction, landslide, and surface fault rupture can be a useful reference for researchers and engineers who want to carry out a risk assessment project for each specific region of the country. In this study, these precise maps are produced and presented by using a considerable number of GIS-based analyses and by employing the HAZUS methodology. It is important to note that a required accuracy for risk assessment is approximately around the macro scale. So, in order to produce a suitable map for risk assessment goals, in terms of accuracy, the GIS-based analyses are employed to map all of Iran.
Deriving rainfall thresholds for landsliding at the regional scale: daily and hourly resolutions, normalisation, and antecedent rainfall
Authors: Leonarduzzi Elena , Molnar Peter
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Rainfall thresholds are a simple and widely used method to forecast landslide occurrence. We provide a comprehensive data-driven assessment of the effects of rainfall temporal resolution (hourly versus daily) on rainfall threshold performance in Switzerland, with sensitivity to two other important aspects which appear in many landslide studies – the normalisation of rainfall, which accounts for local climatology, and the inclusion of antecedent rainfall as a proxy of soil water state prior to landsliding. We use an extensive landslide inventory with over 3800 events and several daily and hourly, station, and gridded rainfall datasets to explore different scenarios of rainfall threshold estimation. Our results show that although hourly rainfall did show the best predictive performance for landslides, daily data were not far behind, and the benefits of hourly resolutions can be masked by the higher uncertainties in threshold estimation connected to using short records. We tested the impact of several typical actions of users, like assigning the nearest rain gauge to a landslide location and filling in unknown timing, and we report their effects on predictive performance. We find that localisation of rainfall thresholds through normalisation compensates for the spatial heterogeneity in rainfall regimes and landslide erosion process rates and is a good alternative to regionalisation. On top of normalisation by mean annual precipitation or a high rainfall quantile, we recommend that non-triggering rainfall be included in rainfall threshold estimation if possible. Finally, while antecedent rainfall threshold approaches used at the local scale are not successful at the regional scale, we demonstrate that there is predictive skill in antecedent rain as a proxy of soil wetness state, despite the large heterogeneity of the study domain.
Mapping the adaptation solution space – lessons from Jakarta for
other coastal cities
Authors: Wannewitz Mia , Garschagen Matthias
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Coastal cities are under increasing pressure to adapt to climate change. They suffer from the severe effects of increased frequencies and intensities of coastal hazards, particularly flooding, whilst oftentimes continuing to sprawl into hazard exposed areas and grow beyond the pace of sufficient infrastructure development. Even though these problems have been quite well understood for a while, there is still comparatively little knowledge on the solution space, i.e. on the options available for adaptation and the ways in which they are being perceived, framed and evaluated. Focusing on Jakarta as one of the cities with the highest flood risk and adaptation pressure globally, this study presents findings from a systematic review of scientific English literature on mitigation options and the adaptation solution space to counter the city’s chronic flood problem. Results indicate that the perceived solution space is skewed towards protection against flooding, while soft adaptation options as well as measures to live with flooding or retreat from exposed areas are less widely considered. This appears to not only stem from the government’s traditional preference for engineered flood protection measures but also from a bias of scientific analyses towards focusing on understanding the hazard and analyzing engineered flood protection measures, while giving much less attention to soft adaptation options and community-led adaptation focusing among others on social and natural capital, empowerment and capacity building. Similarly, hybrid adaptation approaches, which combine soft and hard measures in a complementary way, are only rarely considered. Looking into the future, the findings suggest that a more integrative scientific approach would be helpful to populate and balance the considered solution space. Jakarta is one of the most heavily researched coastal cities worldwide and lessons from Jakarta are hence of global reach and importance. Future science on the city can play a significant role in piloting new approaches on the pressing frontiers in adaptation research. But increased attention is needed on current epistemic gaps.
Significant additional Antarctic warming in atmospheric
bias-corrected ARPEGE projections
Authors: Beaumet Julien , Déqué Michel , Krinner Gerhard , Agosta Cécile , Alias Antoinette , Favier Vincent
Published: November 2020

Abstract. In this study, we use run-time bias-correction to correct for ARPEGE atmospheric model systematic errors on large-scale atmospheric circulation. The bias correction terms are built using the climatological mean of the adjustment terms on tendency errors in an ARPEGE simulation relaxed towards ERA-Interim reanalyses. The improvements with respect to the AMIP-style uncorrected control run for the general atmospheric circulation in the Southern Hemisphere are significant for mean state and daily variability. Comparisons for the Antarctic Ice Sheet with the polar-oriented regional atmospheric models MAR and RACMO2 and in-situ observations also suggest substantial bias reduction for near-surface temperature and precipitation in coastal areas. Applying the method to climate projections for the late 21st century (2071–2100) leads to large differences in the projected changes of the atmospheric circulation in the Southern high latitudes and of the Antarctic surface climate. The projected poleward shift and strengthening of the southern westerly winds are greatly reduced. These changes result in a significant 0.7 to 0.9 K additional warming and a 6 to 9 % additional increase in precipitation over the grounded ice sheet. The sensitivity of precipitation increase to temperature (+7.7 and +9 %.K−1) found is also higher than previous estimates. Highest additional warming rates are found over East Antarctica in summer. In winter, there is a dipole of weaker warming and weaker precipitation increase over West Antarctica, contrasted by a stronger warming and a concomitant stronger precipitation increase from Victoria to Adélie Land, associated with a weaker intensification of the Amundsen Sea Low.
A family of quasi-variable meshes high-resolution compact operator scheme for Burger's-Huxley, and Burger's-Fisher equation
Authors: Jha Navnit , Wagley Madhav
Published: November 2020

We describe a quasi-variable meshes implicit compact finite-difference discretization having an accuracy of order four in the spatial direction and second-order in the temporal direction for obtaining numerical solution values of generalized Burger’s-Huxley and Burger’s-Fisher equations. The new difference scheme is derived for a general one-dimension quasi-linear parabolic partial differential equation on a quasi-variable meshes network to the extent that the magnitude of local truncation error of the high-order compact scheme remains unchanged in case of uniform meshes network. Practically, quasi-variable meshes high-order compact schemes yield more precise solution compared with uniform meshes high-order schemes of the same magnitude. A detailed exposition of the new scheme has been introduced and discussed the Fourier analysis based stability theory. The computational results with generalized Burger’s-Huxley equation and Burger’s-Fisher equation are obtained using quasi-variable meshes high-order compact scheme and compared with a numerical solution using uniform meshes high-order schemes to demonstrate capability and accuracy.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Lee Kelvin
Published: November 2020

Journal of Biology and Life Science (JBLS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JBLS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 11, Number 2 Bratko Filipic, (CIETO), SloveniaChandra S Bathula, Louisiana State University, USADamir Suljevic, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and HerzegovinaDjallel Eddine Gherissi, Souk Ahars University, AlgeriaEric Aian Silva, Federal University of Sergipe, BrazilEwa Moliszewska, Opole University, PolandGeonyzl Lepiten Alviola, Davao Doctors College, PhlippinesHomyra Tasnim, Louisiana State University, BangladeshJarod A Rollins, MDI Biological Laboratory, USAJeriels Matatula, Indonesian Silvicultural Community, IndonesiaJosé Max Barbosa de Oliveira Junior, Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, BrazilKelechi Nkechinyere, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), NigeriaKhyati Hitesh Shah, Stanford University, USAMaciej Jarzębski, Poznan University of Life Sciences, PolandMaria Montserrat Rivera del Alamo, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, SpainMeenakshi Agarwal, Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University, USANatalia Tkachuk, T.H. Shevchenko National University “Chernihiv Colehium”, UkraineOluwole Oladele, Federal University of Technology, NigeriaRagab A. El-Mergawi, National Research Centre, EgyptRajaa Ahmed Mahmoud, University of Basrah, IraqSridhar Mandali, UCLA, USATayseer Ibrahim Alnaggar, Ain Shams University & Najran University, EgyptValdeir Lima, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), BrazilWenlong He, Xi’an University of Science and Technology, ChinaXiaohuang Cao, Guangdong Ocean University, ChinaYuliana, Udayana University, Indonesia Kelvin LeeEditorial AssistantJournal of Biology and Life Science-------------------------------------------Macrothink Institute5348 Vegas Dr.#825Las Vegas, Nevada 89108United StatesTel: 1-702-953-1852 ext.510Fax: 1-702-420-2900E-mail: jbls@macrothink.orgURL: http://jbls.macrothink.org
n. 43 - A CENTRALIDADE DA FAMÍLIA: INTERSECÇÕES ENTRE PAUTAS DO ESCOLA SEM PARTIDO E A LEI 7.595/2018 DO MUNICÍPIO DE JARAGUÁ DO SUL/SC
Authors: Lima Iana Gomes de , Nolli Maria Angela , Voigt Jane Mery Richter
Published: November 2020

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar uma análise da Lei 7.595/2018 do Município de Jaraguá do Sul/SC, apontando a presença de algumas pautas do movimento Escola sem Partido (ESP) nas justificativas que embasaram a sua propositura e aprovação. A Lei 7.595/2018 proibiu aos profissionais da educação a implantação e o desenvolvimento de atividades pedagógicas na matriz curricular que visem à reprodução do conceito de ideologia de gênero, orientação sexual e congênere. De abordagem qualitativa e de cunho interpretativo, a pesquisa contou com a realização de entrevistas semiestruturadas com três vereadores, um representante da instituição religiosa Assembleia de Deus e uma representante do ESP do município de Jaraguá do Sul/SC. A análise dos dados revelou justificativas para a propositura e aprovação da lei pautadas na retomada da autoridade e centralidade da família, assim como da moralidade e dos valores cristãos. Para os entrevistados, é papel da escola ensinar/instruir os estudantes, sendo a educação moral de responsabilidade exclusiva das famílias. Depreende-se das análises, que as pautas do movimento ESP estão presentes e fundamentam a lei jaraguaense, resultado de um movimento conservador cada vez mais atuante e consistente, dotado de nuances e particularidades próprias, em todo o nosso país.
Religion, Multiculturalism, and Phenomenology as a Critical Practice: Lessons from the Algerian War of Independence
Authors: McMahon Laura
Published: November 2020

In the Algerian War of Independence, women famously used both traditional and modern clothing as part of their revolutionary efforts against French colonialism. This paper uncovers some of the principal lessons of this historical episode through a phenomenological exploration of agency, religion, and political transformation. Part I draws primarily on the philosophical insights of Martin Heidegger and Maurice Merleau-Ponty alongside the memoirs of Zohra Drif, a young woman member of the Algerian Front de Libération Nationale, in order to explore the worldly and habitual nature of human agency in contrast to the Enlightenment stress on individual rationality and autonomy. Part II turns to John Russon’s phenomenological interpretation of religion in order to argue for the ineluctable significance of religion on human existence, in contrast to the modern tendency to oppose religious tradition and secular modernity. Part III analyzes the dynamics of intercultural communication, and argues for the political power of phenomenology as a critical enterprise that enables more just and emancipatory visions of collective human life and political transformation to come to the fore.
50 Concepts for a Critical Phenomenology, edited by Gail Weiss, Anne V. Murphy, and Gayle Salamon (Book Review Article)
Authors: O'Byrne Anne
Published: November 2020

Book review for 50 Concepts for a Critical Phenomenology, edited by Gail Weiss, Anne V. Murphy, and Gayle Salamon (2020).
The Violent Origins of Psychic Trauma: Frantz Fanon's Theory of Colonial Trauma and Catherine Malabou's Concept of the New Wounded
Authors: Dhanvantari Sujaya
Published: November 2020

This paper contends that Catherine Malabou’s concepts of cerebrality and the new wounded extend Frantz Fanon’s theory of colonial trauma to illuminate the link between violent oppression and contemporary profile of psychic disorders, as they relate to the diagnostic measure of PTSD. It begins by demonstrating colonial psychoanalyst Octave Mannoni’s failure to engage psychoanalytic theory to negate the racial theses of French colonial psychiatry. Next, it explicates Fanon’s refutation of both Mannoni’s use of the idea of dependence and his theory of social evolutionism to describe the colonial relation. In brief, Fanon critiques Mannoni for neglecting to integrate the psychic effects of colonial violence into his analysis of unconscious complexes in the colonized. Finally, this paper shows that Malabou corelates violent ruptures with the PTSD diagnosis, in order to better understand the relation between sociopolitical violence and neuropsychiatric trauma. This paper proposes that both Fanon and Malabou be mobilized to theorize the violent origins of psychic trauma.
The impacts of agricultural support on enhancing the efficiency, competitiveness and sustainability of sheep breeding: The case of Niğde and Aksaray provinces, Turkey
Authors: Gürer Betül
Published: November 2020

Aim of the study:  The sheep breeding sector in Turkey has lost its potential to become a highly competitive and efficient sector despite a number of policies being implemented over the years. Therefore, the objective of the study was to empirically evaluate the competitiveness of sheep breeding and the determinants of the technical efficiency of the sector as well as the current impacts of agricultural policies on the performance of the sector.Area of study: Niğde and Aksaray provinces of TR71 region in Turkey.Material and methods: The required primary data were obtained through a face-to-face survey from 110 sheep breeders. Two methodological approaches, namely Stochastic Frontier Analysis and Policy Analysis Matrix, were used.Main results: The support policies caused an inefficiency in allocation of already scarce resources in sheep breeding, but not ensure to increase the competitiveness at both national and international levels. Sheep farms could increase their income by up to 50% without changing the level of input by taking into account the factors that caused inefficiency in sheep breeding. The major determinants that decreased efficiency were current subsidies for sheep breeding, herd size and the excessive utilization of family labour, while the factors that increased the efficiency were sheep race, access to extension services, grazing period and location. Besides, Domestic Resource Cost (DRC) value in the efficient farms decreased to 0.88, implying that they had a comparative advantage.Research highlights: Implementation of structural support policies with long term would enhance efficiency of sheep farms and ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector.
Short communication: Pepino mosaic virus, a new threat for Serbia’s tomatoes
Authors: Stankovic Ivana , Vucurovic Ana , Zecevic Katarina , Petrovic Branka , Ristic Danijela , Vucurovic Ivan , Krstic Branka
Published: November 2020

Aim of study: To report the occurrence of Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) on tomato in Serbia and to genetically characterize Serbian PepMV isolates.Area of study: Tomato samples showing virus-like symptoms were collected in the Bogojevce locality (Jablanica District, Serbia).Material and methods: Collected tomato samples were assayed by DAS-ELISA using antisera against eight economically important or quarantine tomato viruses. Three selected isolates of naturally infected tomato plants were mechanically transmitted to tomato ‘Novosadski jabučar’ seedlings. For confirmation of PepMV infection, RT-PCR was performed using specific primers PepMV TGB F/PepMV UTR R. Maximum-likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed with 47 complete CP gene sequences of PepMV to determine the genetic relationship of Serbian PepMV isolates with those from other parts of the world.Main results: The results of DAS-ELISA indicated the presence of PepMV in all tested samples. Mechanically inoculated ‘Novosadski jabučar’ seedlings expressed yellow spots and light and dark green patches, bubbling, and curled leaves. All tested tomato plants were RT-PCR positive for the presence of PepMV. The CP sequence analysis revealed that the Serbian PepMV isolates were completely identical among themselves and shared the highest nucleotide identity of 95.1% (99.2% aa identity) with isolate from Spain (FJ263341). Phylogenetic analysis showed clustering of the Serbian PepMV isolates into CH2 strain, but they formed separate subgroup within CH2 strain.Research highlights: This is the first data of the presence of PepMV in protected tomato production in Serbia. Considering increased incidence and rapid spread in Europe, the presence of PepMV on tomato could therefore represent serious threat to this valuable crop in Serbia.
Community Based Self-Administered Syndromic Surveillance Mobile Application – A Strategic Approach to Monitor COVID Situation at Micro Level
Authors: Narayan K A , Nayak M Siva Durga Prasad
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Web based surveys avoid direct contact of health care workers to collect information and protect them from harmful exposure to the infectious diseases. They have already been used for influenza in different countries. Success of any health program depends upon the community participation, in a similar way participatory surveillance activity will help healthcare administrators work in early detection of cases and initiation of early treatment.

Methodology: Glide apps is a free platform to create mobile applications using Google spreadsheets. Creation and sharing of mobile app in Glide apps platform is hassle-free work and needs only a Gmail account. Based on this background, a mobile application was developed using Glide apps platform to collect information at micro level, about development of COVID symptoms in the public.

Results: The article discussed about need of community participation in the surveillance program and development of web based self-administered surveillance tools. Steps in creation of the mobile application were explained in detail and features of the surveillance tool were also depicted with images.

Conclusion: The advantages of participatory surveillance system over traditional surveillance practice were mentioned. Traditional surveillance system collects information through health care workers, whereas in participatory surveillance program information will come from the public. Strengths and limitations of the surveillance tool were discussed and scope for further development of the mobile application was also mentioned in the current review article.
An earthquake catastrophe damage assessment model with particular reference to central New Zealand
Authors: Dowrick David J.
Published: November 2020

This paper discusses an assessment of the total earthquake damage that could be expected to occur in central New Zealand in two large specific events. Damage was defined as a percentage of replacement value of any property in the affected areaf being in fact the properties insured by the New Zealand South British Insurance Group. A definition of an insurance catastrophe event was proposed, and two levels of risk were examined, namely annual risks of 1 in 1000 and 1 in 9000. Significant total damage levels were formed and major uncertainties in all factors in the risk analysis are discussed.
Politica of Criminal Law; The Importance of Revision of Mineral and Coal Law: Who Is Benefitted
Authors: Rohman Arif , Syafruddin Syafruddin , Masnyur Mansyur
Published: November 2020

Minerals and coal are state owned assets that need to used wisely, although the People's Representative Council (DPR) is yet to ratify them for the 2020-2025 period during the COVID-19 pandemic that has ravaged the world, including Indonesia. The review of the Mineral and Coal has caused many draw backs because it does not follow the principle of balancing and sharing regional authority. This study discusses the principle of strict liability as stipulated in Law No. 3/2020 by examining the urgency for changes and who will benefit from the revision. Doctrinal research was used for analyzing the politics of criminal Law in the Mineral and Coal, both before and in its amendments. Furthermore, Law No. 4/2009 ensnares many people that carry out illegal mining because the mechanism and procedure for the popular Mining license is the same with the mining license of the companies. The content of the amendments to the Mineral and Coal only regulates the sale of 51% foreign shares, but from a criminal perspective and nominalization of criminal fines and the reduction of prison sentence, it can be seen that the new criminal concept does not have a significant meaning for business corporations, as the suspects so far have been people that have been mining in the form of community mining.
Respecting Animals in Order to Respect People
Authors: Chapouthier Georges
Published: November 2020

Human intelligence has two facets: a quantitative facet, stemming from the extreme complexity of the human brain, and a more qualitative facet, linked to the plastic and juvenile nature of the brain. The latter is what allows us to switch so easily between good and evil, thus making education a necessity for maintaining morality in such a mercurial species. However, in order to achieve its ends, education cannot be satisfied with appealing to imperatives that concern only human beings. To achieve a better morality, we must also know how to respect other sentient beings, i.e. animals. Learning to respect someone weaker than oneself is the first step in showing respect. One must therefore learn to respect animals in order ultimately to respect humans.
Las concepciones de docentes universitarios de ciencias sobre los contenidos
Authors: Rivero Ana , Hamed Soraya , Delord Gabriela , Porlán Rafael
Published: November 2020

En este trabajo se analiza la evolución de las concepciones sobre los contenidos de 16 docentes universitarios de ciencias, cuando realizan ciclos de mejora en el aula en un curso de formación. Para ello, se ha utilizado un cuestionario inicial de preguntas abier-tas y un informe final público sobre su práctica docente. La metodología utilizada ha sido de tipo cualitativa y basada en el análisis del contenido de ambos instrumentos. Los resultados indican que el desarrollo profesional alcanzado es significativo y se orienta hacia una visión de los contenidos coherente con una enseñanza centrada en el estudian-te y en el aprendizaje, aunque de diverso grado según las dimensiones analizadas. Tam-bién permiten proponer una hipótesis de progresión del conocimiento docente del profe-sorado universitario de ciencias en relación con los contenidos, que oriente las estrategias formativas.
Revisión sistemática de instrumentos de actitudes hacia la ciencia (2004-2016)
Authors: Toma Radu Bogdan
Published: November 2020

Se realiza una revisión sistemática de las propiedades psicométricas que poseen 15 instrumentos de actitudes hacia la ciencia publicados entre los años 2004 y 2016, identificados en las bases de datos Web of Science Core Collection y Science Direct siguiendo los criterios PRISMA. En conjunto, los resultados revelan que la calidad de la mayoría de los instrumentos actuales sigue siendo preocupante dada la ausencia casi generalizada de adopción de un marco teórico para el desarrollo de los ítems y debido a un deficiente e inadecuado análisis de sus propiedades psicométricas. Estos hallazgos cuestionan la validez y fiabilidad de los instrumentos analizados y ponen de manifiesto la necesidad de adoptar diseños metodológicos más rigurosos para el desarrollo de instrumentos de actitudes hacia la ciencia.
The role of linoleic and α-linolenic acids and their metabolites in maintaining chronic inflammation and developing colorectal cancer
Authors: Walkiewicz Katarzyna , Janion Karolina , Gętek-Paszek Monika , Nowakowska-Zajdel Ewa
Published: November 2020

For many years it has been postulated the role of dietary factors, in particular the consumption of fatty acids, in the development of cancer. It has been confirmed in numerous epidemiological observations, as well as the experimental studies on cell lines. Despite numerous studies the role of various fatty acids and their metabolites, has not been clearly established. Among others there are still under investigation on the importance of linoleic acid, belonging to the group of polyunsaturated omega-6. Because of the diversity of scientific reports authors of this publication are trying to make a critical synthesis analysis of current knowledge of the postulated role of linoleic acid in development of colon cancer. And they also attempt to draw practical conclusions from them. The ability to modify their lifestyle, including dietary habits, and their real impact on the development of malignancies is a very important area of research, and can have an impact on the cancer epidemiology. Based on currently available data, dietary recommendations can be made for individual polyunsaturated fatty acid. It is recommended that in adults the LA share was 4% of the energy value of the diet, while the α-linolenic acid share was 0.5% of the energy value of the diet. In addition, in order to provide the right amount of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, it is recommended to include at least 2 portions of fish per week, including 1 portion of oily fish.
Relationships among bedding materials, bedding bacterial composition and lameness in dairy cows
Authors: Li Han , Wang Xiangming , Wu Yan , Zhang Dingran , Xu Hongyang , Xu Hongrun , Xing Xiaoguang , Qi Zhili
Published: November 2020

Objective: Bedding materials directly contact hooves of dairy cows and they may serve as environmental sources of lameness-associated pathogen. However, the specific composition of bacteria hidden in bedding materials is still not clear. The aim of this study was to determine the effect bedding material and its bacterial composition has on lameness of Holstein heifers.Methods: Forty-eight Holstein heifers with similar body weights were randomly assigned into three groups including sand bedding (SB), concrete floor (CF), and compost bedding (CB). Hock injuries severity and gait performance of dairy cows were scored individually once a week. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment and bedding material samples were collected once a week for Illumina sequencing.Results: The CF increased visible hock injuries severity and serum biomarkers of joint damage in comparison to SB and CB groups. Besides, Illumina sequencing and analysis showed that the bacterial community of CB samples had higher similarity to that of SB samples than CF samples. Bacteria in three bedding materials were dominated by gastrointestinal bacteria and organic matter-degrading bacteria, such as Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and norank JG30-KF-cM45. Lameness-associated Spirochaetaceae and Treponeme were only detected in SB and CB samples with a very low relative abundance (0% to 0.08%).Conclusion: The bacterial communities differed among bedding materials. However, the treponemes pathogens involved in the pathogenesis of lameness may not be a part of microbiota in bedding materials of dairy cows.
Multifunctional Clay in Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Selvasudha Nandakumar , Dhanalekshmi Unnikrishnan-Meenakshi , Krishnaraj Sekar , Harish Sundar Yogeeswarakannan , Sri Durga Devi Nagarajan , Sarathchandiran Irisappan
Published: November 2020

Clay has its widespread applications in pharmaceuticals from ancient world to modern era. It is one of the excellent excipients present in the commercially available pharmaceuticals. Its use in many of dosage forms viz. in suspension, emulsion, ointments, gels, tablet and as drug delivery carrier as suspending agent, emulsifying agent, stiffening agent, binder, diluent, opacifier, and as release retardant have been explored in many studies. Variety of minerals is used as both excipient and as an active ingredient; among that kaolinite, talc, and gypsum are important. Their inertness, low toxicity, versatile physiochemical properties and cost effectiveness has increased its usage in pharma industries. Many minerals have its own pharmacological action as antacid, anti-bacterial, anti-emetic, anti- diarrheal agent and as skin protectant etc. Their unique structure which helps them to absorb material onto their layered sheets has opened a wide variety of applications in drug delivery. The understanding of surface chemistry and particle size distribution of clay minerals has led the pharmaceutical field in many directions and future perspectives.
Graphene-Based Material for Fabrication of Electrodes in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Huu Hieu Nguyen
Published: November 2020

Graphene-based materials have been widely studied for the fabrication of electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The use of graphene in the cathode is to reduce the amount of platinum (Pt), which in turn is expected to reduce the production cost of DSSCs. Additionally, in the structure of cathode, graphene acts as a supporting material to reduce the particle sizes of Pt and helps to maintain the high efficiency of DSSCs. For anodes, graphene can provide a more effective electron transfer process, resulting in the improvement of efficiency of DSSCs. In this chapter, the use of graphene-based materials for fabrication of cathodes and anodes in DSSCs, including platinum/reduced graphene oxide composite (Pt/rGO) and zinc oxide/reduced graphene oxide composite (ZnO/rGO) is discussed. The fabricated DSSCs were tested using current density-voltage (J-V) curves to evaluate the efficiency. The results of efficiency demonstrate that Pt/rGO is the potential material for fabrication of cathode in DSSCs, which helps to reduce the amount of Pt and maintain the high efficiency. The efficiency values of DSSCs fabricated from ZnO/rGO anodes show that the incorporation of reduced graphene oxide in the ZnO could improve the performance of DSSCs.
EEG Biomarker for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ilhan Algin Demet , Ozbabalık Adapinar Demet , Osman Erdinc Oguz
Published: November 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that accounts for nearly 70% of the more than 50 million dementia cases estimated worldwide. There is no cure for AD. Currently, AD diagnosis is carried out using neuropsychological tests, neuroimaging scans, and laboratory tests. In the early stages of AD, brain computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings may be normal, but in late periods, diffuse cortical atrophy can be detected more prominently in the temporal and frontal regions. Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that records the electrical signals of the brain by using electrodes that directly reflects cortical neuronal functioning. In addition, EEG is noninvasive and widely available at low cost, has high resolution, and provides access to neuronal signals, unlike functional MR or PET which indirectly detects metabolic signals. Accurate, specific, and cost-effective biomarkers are needed to track the early diagnosis, progression, and treatment response of AD. The findings of EEG in AD are now identified as biomarkers. In this chapter, we reviewed studies that used EEG or event-related potential (ERP) indices as a biomarker of AD.
Biological Responses to the Consumption of Non-Nutritional Sweeteners
Authors: Arbor Sage
Published: November 2020

Non-nutritive sweetener (NNS) use has increased exponentially over the last 30 years as industrialized countries attempted, and failed, to battle obesity epidemics. Large studies have now shown that consumption of NNS’s does not help obese individuals lose weight. A large number of scientific studies on NNS’s effects have many conflicting results, methodological issues, conflicts of interest, while double blind studies represent a small minority of the studies. NNS’s have often been considered as a group despite having unique in vivo absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). Aspartame may be the most desirable NNS due to its rapid degradation in vivo, whereas saccharin and sucralose are worrisome due to their extended stability in vivo. This review will focus on the most ubiquitous NNS’s: aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, sucralose, stevia, sugar alcohols (sorbitol, xylitol, and erythritol), and discuss their different chemical structures, metabolism, effect on the gut biome and cancer.
Digital Health and Healthcare Quality: A Primer on the Evolving 4th Industrial Revolution
Authors: Umar Otokiti Ahmed
Published: November 2020

The inefficiencies of the healthcare sector continue to be a barrier to achieving the quadruple aim of healthcare quality improvement. The 4th Industrial Revolution has been characterized by rapid transformations due to information technology, data volume, ubiquity, and increased computer processing power. Despite all the promises and hopes of Digital health tools as a means of attaining healthcare quality, there remains many challenges and hurdles to overcome. This chapter describes the relationship between the 4th Industrial Revolution and healthcare quality as it relates to its impact on healthcare quality, applications, and challenges. Suggestions to stakeholders on ways of navigating these challenges are also discussed.
TIP Aquaporins in Plants: Role in Abiotic Stress Tolerance
Authors: Małgorzata Kurowska Marzena
Published: November 2020

Tonoplast Intrinsic Proteins (TIP) are one of five subfamilies of aquaporins in higher plants. Plants typically contain a large number of TIP genes, ranging from 6 to 35 compared to humans. The molecular weight of the TIP subfamily members ranges from 25 to 28 kDa. Despite their sequence diversity, all TIP monomers have the same structure, which consists of six transmembrane helices and five inter-helical loops that form an hourglass shape with a central pore. Four monomers form tetramers, which are functional units in the membrane. TIPs form channels in the tonoplast that basically function as regulators of the intracellular water flow, which implies that they have a role in regulating cell turgor. TIPs are responsible for precisely regulating the movement of not only water, but also some small neutral molecules such as glycerol, urea, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide and formamide. The expression of TIPs may be affected by different environmental stresses, including drought, salinity and cold. TIPs expression is also altered by phytohormones and the appropriate cis-regulatory motifs are identified in the promotor region of the genes encoding TIPs in different plant species. It was shown that manipulating TIP-encoding genes expression in plants could have the potential to improve abiotic stress tolerance.
The Risk of Tsunamis in Mexico
Authors: Santos-Reyes Jaime
Published: November 2020

The paper reviews the risk of tsunamis in Mexico. It is highlighted that the Pacific coast of the country forms part of the so called “Ring of fire”. Overall, the risk of tsunami that has the potentiality to affect communities along the Pacific coast of the country are twofold: a). Local tsunami; i.e., those triggered by earthquakes originating from the “Cocos”, “Rivera” and the “North American” plates (high risk); and b) the remote tsunamis, those generated elsewhere (e.g, Alaska, Japan, Chile) (low risk). Further, a preliminary model for a “tsunami early warning” system for the case of Mexico is put forward.
Electron Transfer-Supported Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Hirakawa Kazutaka
Published: November 2020

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a less-invasive treatment of cancer and precancerous lesions. Porphyrin derivatives have been used and studied as the photosensitizers for PDT. In general, the biomacromolecules oxidation by singlet oxygen, which is produced through energy transfer from the photoexcited photosensitizers to oxygen molecules, is an important mechanism of PDT. However, the traditional PDT effect may be restricted, because tumors are in a hypoxic condition and in certain cases, PDT enhances hypoxia via vascular damage. To solve this problem, the electron transfer-mediated oxidation of biomolecules has been proposed as the PDT mechanism. Specifically, porphyrin phosphorus(V) complexes demonstrate relatively strong photooxidative activity in protein damage through electron transfer. Furthermore, other photosensitizers, e.g., cationic free-base porphyrins, can oxidize biomolecules through electron transfer. The electron transfer-supported PDT may play the important roles in hypoxia cancer therapy. Furthermore, the electron transfer-supported mechanism may contribute to antimicrobial PDT. In this chapter, recent topics about the biomolecules photooxidation by electron transfer-supported mechanism are reviewed.
Integrating Nanotherapeutic Platforms to Image Guided Approaches for Management of Cancer
Authors: Ali Asad , Ahmad Zeeshan , Ahmad Usama , Muazzam Khan Mohd , Faheem Haider Md. , Akhtar Juber
Published: November 2020

Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, accounting for 8.8 million deaths in 2015. The landscape of cancer therapeutics is rapidly advancing with development of new and sophisticated approaches to diagnostic testing. Treatment plan for early diagnosed patients include radiation therapy, tumor ablation, surgery, immunotherapy and chemotherapy. However the treatment can only be initiated when the cancer has been diagnosed thoroughly. Theranostics is a term that combines diagnostics with therapeutics. It embraces multiple techniques to arrive at comprehensive diagnosis, molecular images and an individualized treatment regimen. Recently, there is an effort to tangle the emerging approach with nanotechnologies, in an attempt to develop theranostic nanoplatforms and methodologies. Theranostic approach to management of cancer offers numerous advantages. They are designed to monitor cancer treatment in real time. A wide variety of theranostic nanoplatforms that are based on diverse nanostructures like magnetic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, gold nanomaterials, polymeric nanoparticles and silica nanoparticles showed great potential as cancer theranostics. Nano therapeutic platforms have been successful in integrating image guidance with targeted approach to treat cancer.
MicroRNAs as Regulatory Elements of Mammalian Spermatogenesis
Authors: Malekvandfard Fatemeh , Zare Leila , Mortazavi Farsani Seyedeh Sahar , Motavaf Mahsa
Published: November 2020

: In recent decades, infertility is becoming a public health issue. Male spermatogenesis failure has been considered a major contributory factor to infertility. Mammalian spermatogenesis is a well-defined process, requiring highly regulation processes in both transcriptional and the posttranscriptional levels. Discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs or miR) as essential class of gene expression regulators has provided new insights into a multitude of biological processes including spermatogenesis. In current review study, we first provide a short overview of spermatogenesis process, and then focus on recent studies that have elucidated the essential role of miRNAs in different steps of sperm production.