bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 and the fragility of Brazilian small farming resilience
Authors: Cordeiro Marcelle Candido , Santos Luan , Marujo Lino G.
Published: April 2021

Goal: The paper aims to investigate the insights of the resilience mechanisms of Brazilian small farms facing COVID-19.

Design / Methodology / Approach: The research path involves three cases studies: two small but relevant producers of fruit and vegetable and a cooperative of family farmers in Rio de Janeiro through semi-structured interviews and concept maps. We also made data triangulation using literature review.

Results: We observed that the main challenges for resilience in agro business are: 1) tight budgets and difficulty in accessing credit, 2) Many producers are in an informal fiscal situation, 3) Lack of human resources, 4) Low-technology methods, 5) Difficulty in adding value to "raw" products.  Besides, we have also identified a dangerous reduction in federal investments in family farming incentive programs in recent years, which may have worsened the weaknesses of these businesses in the face of COVID-19

Limitations of the investigation: Since this is a qualitative study for preliminary investigation of the topic through mental models, the sample of focal respondents was small (three cases).

Practical implications: This study enables the analysis of the Brazilian small farms challenges to survive in times of growing uncertainty.

Originality / Value: This research lays the foundations for future research to explore the underlying theory and practice involved, with the aim of creating resilient local supply chains.
COERCIVE EXTERNALITIES IN DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES: IS IT POSSIBLE MIGRATION POLICY FOR TURKEY?
Authors: DURNA Özkan
Published: April 2021

This manuscript claims that national migration policies are limited by some externalities. These limitations are so powerful and they nearly let national governments decision-making about migration policies. In the last decade, Turkey, struggling with enormous immigration inflows, is the most obvious example of this situation. On one side, some international organizations forcing Turkey to be their policy instrument, and on the other side, Turkey tries to keeping some tenets like humanitarian diplomacy policy and some human rights agreements. In addition to these restrictions, there are others already accepted in the literature of decision-making on public policy. In conclusion, the manuscript is dissolving Turkey’s possibilities about migration policymaking with descriptive method and under coercive externalities, it reaches that is difficult to design a rational migrant policy.
Introduction
Authors: Papadima-Sophocleous Salomi , Kakoulli Constantinou Elis , Giannikas Christina Nicole
Published: April 2021

University language centres provide language-based courses to students
of all disciplines. The principal raison d’être of a university language
centre is to support any number of learner types, with a variety of reasons
for learning a second or foreign language at tertiary level. These may
include students and staff, external partners, and members of the public as
part of a wider outreach strategy (Critchley, 2015). Language centres offer
credit-bearing language courses and language enhancement programmes, general
education, and service learning subjects. They also offer subjects for
postgraduate research students and masters programmes. Qualities of
pedagogic innovation, institutional adaptability, and effective use of
technology have contributed to language centres’ successful development
(Ruane, 2003). Nonetheless, faculties of language centres offer more than
their teaching, as many are involved in research activities...
Multimodal texts in support of linguistic and critical thinking
development in English for specific purposes
Authors: Hadjiconstantinou Stavroulla
Published: April 2021

In light of widespread recognition of the need to explore new forms of
literacy brought by the contemporary semiotic world, this study explores the
potential Critical Thinking (CT) may offer in developing learners’ critical
literacy in an English for Specific Purposes (ESP) context enhanced with the
use of technology. Drawing on research in critical pedagogy that highlights
the importance of raising learners’ critical awareness through language, I
explore how critical practices of identifying and negotiating the expression
of personal opinion in multimodal texts, in an English for the Media context
particularly sensitive to issues of criticality, can enhance the development
of multimodal literacy. This development is informed by Design-Based
Research (DBR) (McKenney & Reeves, 2013), in which iteration and
refinement of an intervention designed around these practices leads to the
development of principles deriving from the evolution of the
design.
The pragmatic functions and the interpretations of the particle ‘taha’
(τάχα) in classroom discourse in the Cypriot-Greek dialect: the emergence of
a new function
Authors: Efthimiou Fotini
Published: April 2021

This paper aims to present the pragmatic functions and the
interpretations of ‘taha’ (τάχα) (a very commonly used particle in oral
Cypriot-Greek interactions) as it is used in classroom discourse. The
present study collected and analysed data from a three hour recording of the
participants’ speech, and isolated 32 critical episodes that included
‘taha’. Students were also asked to note the functions of ‘taha’ through the
use of a questionnaire, and to interpret its functions through a discussion.
Following the pragmatic analysis proposed by Tsiplakou and Papapetrou
(2020), the current research concluded that the basic meaning of ‘taha’
(‘supposedly/allegedly’) may perform several pragmatic functions, depending
on the context. Among others, ‘taha’ functions as a pragmatic marker of (1)
dissociation from the associated implicatures, (2) dissociation from the
propositional content, (3) request for clarifications, and (4) a hedging
device. In addition, ‘taha’ sometimes works as a pragmatic marker of
emphasis to the propositional content, a function that has not been reported
in the bibliography so far.
Content analytics for curriculum review: A learning analytics use case for exploration of learner context
Authors: Macfadyen Leah P.
Published: April 2021

Curriculum analysis is a core component of curriculum renewal. Traditional approaches to curriculum analysis are manual, slow and subjective, but some studies have suggested that text analysis might usefully be employed for exploration of curriculum. This concise paper outlines a pilot use case of content analytics to support curriculum review and analysis. I have co-opted Quantext – a relatively user-friendly text analysis tool designed to help educators explore student writing – for analysis of the text content of the 17 courses in our online master’s program. Quantext computed descriptive metrics and readability indices for each course and identified top keywords and ngrams per course. Compilation and comparison of these revealed frequent curricular topics and networks of thematic relationships between courses, in ways that both individual educators and curriculum committees can interpret and use for decision-making. Future Quantext features will allow even more sophisticated identification of curricular gaps and redundancies.
Error Estimation and Adaptivity for Differential Equations with Multiple Scales in Time
Authors: Lautsch Leopold , Richter Thomas
Published: April 2021

We consider systems of ordinary differential equations with multiple scales in time. In general, we are interested in the long time horizon of a slow variable that is coupled to solution components that act on a fast scale. Although the fast scale variables are essential for the dynamics of the coupled problem, they are often of no interest in themselves. Recently, we have proposed a temporal multiscale approach that fits into the framework of the heterogeneous multiscale method and that allows for efficient simulations with significant speedups. Fast and slow scales are decoupled by introducing local averages and by replacing fast scale contributions by localized periodic-in-time problems. Here, we generalize this multiscale approach to a larger class of problems, but in particular, we derive an a posteriori error estimator based on the dual weighted residual method that allows for a splitting of the error into averaging error, error on the slow scale and error on the fast scale. We demonstrate the accuracy of the error estimator and also its use for adaptive control of a numerical multiscale scheme.
Decreased expression of annexin A2 and loss of its association with vascular endothelial growth factor leads to the deficient trophoblastic invasion in preeclampsia
Authors: Ruikar Komal , Aithala Manjunatha , Shetty Praveenkumar , Dinesh Udupi Shastry , Bargale Anil , Sadashiv Roshni , Edachery veedu Sarathkumar , Khode Vitthal , Neravi Asha , Patil Prakash
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Preeclampsia (PE) remains the major cause for maternal and foetal mortality and morbidity. Invasion of endovascular trophoblast and remodelling of spiral artery are crucial actions of normal placental development. Non-fulfilment of these processes plays a leading role in the development of preeclampsia. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is produced by extravillous trophoblastic tissue and decidual cell population is a well-known angiogenic growth which plays a fundamental role in placental pathogenesis of PE. Annexin A2 (ANXA2) is a profibrinolytic protein receptor required for plasminolysis, which is an important step in the formation of new blood vessel along with VEGF. Role of ANXA2 is poorly studied in context with human reproductive disease like preeclampsia. The purpose of the present study is to examine the expression and association of VEGF and ANXA2 in the term placentas of pregnancies with and without PE.

Methods

The study group comprised of placental tissues procured from gestations with PE (n=30) and without (n=20) PE. The expression of VEGF and ANXA2 in the placental villous tissue was evaluated quantitatively by means of IHC, western blotting and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results

Our IHC, western blotting and RT-PCR analysis illustrated the significant decrease in the expression of VEGF and ANXA2 in PE group compared with the normotensive control group (p<0.005). We observed statistically significant positive correlation among the expression of ANXA2 and VEGF in placentas of normotensive control group (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

The diminished expression of VEGF and ANXA2 in placenta may be associated with the defective angiogenesis and which may possibly play a vital role in PE pathogenesis.
Coherence & Confirmation: The Epistemic Limitations of the Impossibility Theorems
Authors: Poston Ted
Published: April 2021

It is a widespread intuition that the coherence of independent reports provides a powerful reason to believe that the reports are true. Formal results by Huemer, M. 1997. “Probability and Coherence Justification.” Southern Journal of Philosophy 35: 463–72, Olsson, E. 2002. “What is the Problem of Coherence and Truth?” Journal of Philosophy XCIX (5): 246–72, Olsson, E. 2005. Against Coherence: Truth, Probability, and Justification. Oxford University Press., Bovens, L., and S. Hartmann. 2003. Bayesian Epistemology. Oxford University Press, prove that, under certain conditions, coherence cannot increase the probability of the target claim. These formal results, known as ‘the impossibility theorems’ have been widely discussed in the literature. They are taken to have significant epistemic upshot. In particular, they are taken to show that reports must first individually confirm the target claim before the coherence of multiple reports offers any positive confirmation. In this paper, I dispute this epistemic interpretation. The impossibility theorems are consistent with the idea that the coherence of independent reports provides a powerful reason to believe that the reports are true even if the reports do not individually confirm prior to coherence. Once we see that the formal discoveries do not have this implication, we can recover a model of coherence justification consistent with Bayesianism and these results. This paper, thus, seeks to turn the tide of the negative findings for coherence reasoning by defending coherence as a unique source of confirmation.
Ignition–extinction analysis of catalytic reactor models
Authors: Balakotaiah Vemuri , Sun Zhe , Ratnakar Ram
Published: April 2021

A detailed analysis of the ignition–extinction and hysteresis behavior of the two widely used catalytic reactor models (packed-bed and monolith) for the case of a single exothermic reaction is presented. First, limiting models are used to determine the minimum adiabatic temperature rise and/or catalyst activity needed to observe hysteresis behavior. Next, explicit expressions are provided for estimating the feed temperature or space time at ignition (light-off) and extinction (blow-out) as a function of the adiabatic temperature rise (or inlet concentration of limiting reactant), effective thermal conductivity, time and length scales (reactor, tube/channel diameter, effective diffusion length and pore size), catalyst activity (or dilution) and heat loss. It is shown that various limiting reactor models such as the thin-bed, long-bed, lumped thermal, adiabatic and strongly cooled cases that are defined in terms of various inter- and intraphase heat and mass dispersion time scales can be used to derive scaling relations that are useful in predicting the ignition/extinction loci for both laboratory scale (with heat exchange) and large scale (near adiabatic) reactors.
APPLIED DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Self-Determination for Whom?
Authors: Reimer Gwen
Published: April 2021

This paper explores the ways in which issues of community-based development and proposed participatory research parallel each other in terms of the question of self-determination. Each of these types of participatory activity are ideals which in reality are subject to political and ethical constraints. The author also investigates the difficulties inherent in conducting 'applied' research for 'academic' (Ph.D. dissertation) purposes and the need for a praxis approach in anthropological training. These issues are situated in a proposed collaborative evaluation of community-based tourism development in Pangnirtung, Northwest Territories.
SEARCH FOR AN 'ALTERNATIVE METHODOLOGY'
Authors: Kurelek Cathy
Published: April 2021

The quest for self-determination by Aboriginal peoples in Canada and the accompanying need for government officials and the Canadian public to understand Aboriginal peoples is revitalizing anthropological studies. In contrast to traditional research, wherein anthropologists entered the field to record data for academic consumption, it is now necessary for our work to reflect the concerns of the people with whom we are working.
This paper discusses the use of elements from various methodologies during work with the Innu people. It deals with the benefits and limitations in the use of participant observation, a feminist approach, and a participatory research model. The combination of principles from each methodology can avoid the illusion of objectivity in research, which only serves to silence the people studied. Rather it enables a dialogue based on a respect for differences.
The Failure of Western Biomedicine: Treatment of Tuberculosis in the United States
Authors: Gray Alison
Published: April 2021

The traditional Western model of biomedicine has been found to be inadequate when dealing with the escalating problems of tuberculosis (TB) and multi-drug resistant TB (MDRTB) in North America Biomedicine has failed to appropriately control this disease and is unable to deal effectively with social problems that cause the spread of TB, prevent adequate utilization of health care facilities, and discourage the appropriate use of medications. An anthropological approach which considers social and cultural issues in TB care and prevention may be useful iIi understanding why people may not use health care facilities, as well as aid in understanding the reasons behind non-compliance in finishing appropriate coW'Ses ofmedication The Primary Health Care Model (PHC) may be a valuable option for providing accessible medical care which is acceptable to more individuals. Directly Observed Therapy Programs (DOT) have also been shown to be effective ways of enhancing patient compliance in completion of therapy, regardless of socio-economic circumstances or cultural diversity. The reliance on treatments which use standard Biomedical paradigms will continue to fail unless local and individual responses to these programs are given consideration.
Huron Food and Food Preparation: How Accurately did Champlain and Sagard Relate the Facts?
Authors: Crinnion Catherine M.
Published: April 2021

Although archaeological techniques continue to improve, the lack of preservation of most organic artifacts leaves a gap in the archaeological record. Ideologies, motives and beliefs are obscured. As a result, interpretations of past events and cultural practices may be incomplete. The diaries and reports written by early post-contact European explorers and missionaries should be consulted, but used with caution. Louis Gottschalk's Understanding History is a guide to assessing the credibility and reliability of ethnohistoric sources. In this paper, the writings of explorer Samuel de Champlain and Recollet missionary Gabriel Sagard are evaluated, based upon Gottschalk's criteria, for their potential to relate accurate information about the dietary practices of post-contact Huron groups in southern Ontario. In addition, techniques from skeletal biology and more recent ethnographic analogy are suggested as further avenues for corroborating the archaeological and ethnohistoric information about Huron food and methods of food preparation.
Traditional Native Healing: An Integral Part of Community And Cultural Revitalization
Authors: Ranford Jennifer
Published: April 2021

Today, many Native people are reaching back into their cultural pasts and recapturing traditional knowledge. This process is part of the movement toward Native self-determination and self-government. Part of the process of cultural and community revitalization and self-determination involves renewing traditional healing practices. This paper draws the connection between traditional Native healing and community and cultural revitalization. How and why is traditional healing important for community and cultural revitalization? This question is explored by highlighting four areas where traditional healing practices could benefit the revitalization of community and culture: the enrichment of cultural values, beliefs and traditions, the establishment of self and cultural identity, the encouragement of traditional language, and the improvement of community relations. Knowledge, understanding and practice of traditional healing can enhance community and cultural strength by rooting people to a history, culture, and identity that has historically been denied.
Can Palynology be used for Reconstructing the Evolutionary History of Maize Agriculture?
Authors: Zazula Grant D.
Published: April 2021

The lack of archaeological or macrobotanical evidence that directly links wild teosinte grass with early domesticated maize requires the exploration of alternative methodologies to document this evolutionary transition. The morphological characteristics and measurements for maize, teosinte and Tripsacum pollen are presented to determine if they display sufficient differentiation to be distinguished in fossil pollen records. Analysis of the data reveals a lack of distinguishing morphological characteristics between the pollen grains of these taxa and prevents palynology from be an effective method in documenting the evolutionary history of maize agriculture. Current methods of pollen analysis cannot be employed to document the evolution of teosinte to maize in the Tehuacan Valley of Mexico and pollen is not likely to provide an earlier record of this transition than what is found in the macrobotanical or archaeological evidence.
Tourists, Archaeologists, and Goddesses The Palace of Knossos in mid 20th century travel literature
Authors: Whitmore Dale
Published: April 2021

Knossos, a Greek archaeological site, is an important remnant of the Minoan civilization of Bronze Age Crete. In part due to its partial reconstruction by excavators in the early 20th century, the site is important tor tourists as well as for archaeologists. This paper examines tourist reactions to the site and its reconstruction, as presented in six examples of mid 20th century travel literature. These reactions are found to be heavily informed by a division of human experience into masculine and feminine values. These gendered ideas, it is argued, are fundamental to the tourist authors' experiences of the site as authentic or unauthentic. Current understandings of discourses of authenticity do not adequately account for the complexity of tourists' experiences of Knossos.
Focal Colour Terms: Element of Colour - Naming Among Children
Authors: Sun Frank
Published: April 2021

An examination of colour term saliency among children is provided in this paper. This discussion is organized around the notions of colour term development noted in the 1iterature and with experiments conducted by researchers in the distinction of colours by children. This review suggests that colour recognition, colour naming and that focal colours are cognitively recognized before hue colours, as a result of their saliency with respect to the colour spectrum.
Controlling Celtic Pasts: the production of nationalism in popular British archaeology of Celtic peoples
Authors: Healey Nicholas Christopher Cole
Published: April 2021

A textual analysis of four widely distributed books addressing Celtic peoples and intended for a general audience by prominent British archaeologists was conducted to examine how these materials enable the imagination of nations into the past. The analysed texts are argued to variously enable and inhibit differing forms of British Unionist, Celtic and European integrationist nationalisms by alternately projecting Celtic identities into the primordial past or erasing Celtic histories. This research calls attention to the need for archaeologists to engage with the political ramifications of their work and provides a basis for future research examining the contexts of archaeological knowledge production and consumption in their relationship to nationalism.
Reframing ABC prevention: the value of ethnographic research in creating culturally relevant HIV programs in Belize
Authors: Monette Erynn
Published: April 2021

Since its emergence in 1983, public health professionals have been working to effectively prevent the transmission of HIV. The ABC method or prevention, referring to promotion of abstinence, condoms and being faithful, has been employed extensively throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Contrastingly, the Belizean epidemic has received very little attention from ABC researchers. Although some research exists looking into the determinants of sexual HIV transmission in Belize, very little is understood about the cultural norms that perpetuate these factors. In order to make recommendations for the efficient implementation of ABC programs in Belize, case studies from Botswana, Zaire and Uganda will be used to review past experiences of ABC in Africa, and identify the cultural challenges faced in their implementation. Case studies found that programs that relied heavily on abstinence and condom promotion did not work well in these contexts due to opposing views of sexuality, while balanced programs that emphasized being faithful were more successful within these cultures. Ethnographic research is needed to fill knowledge gaps regarding Belizean sexuality. Namely, future research should seek to understand the male view of sexuality in particular, as well as differences in generational views of sex. Public health workers should also aim to create programs that engage the community in order to build trust, as well as understand the role of community leaders and celebrities in influencing local views of sex. These insights provide future researchers a starting point for building effective ABC programs that work within the given culture rather than against it.
In Small Things Strewn: The Identification of Twentieth Century Events Though Artifact Evidence
Authors: Lavoie Marc
Published: April 2021

The historical archaeologist has various means to date artifacts. Stratigraphic comparisons, manufacturing techniques, as well as historical and comparative studies, enable the researcher to obtain dates of production for the objects for which dates are sought. However, artifacts unearthed from upper strata on historical sites are sometime dismissed as "modern", and left undated. These objects are readily recognized as twentieth century artifacts, and archaeologists seem content with this broad chronological identification. In certain contexts, however, there exists a need to obtain a solid chronology for finds produced during this century. In this paper, the author presents two episodes based on his experience on Canadian historic sites, where well dated twentieth century objects proved to be important chronological indicators. The artifacts were dated using Rural/oral history and company records. Finally, it is hoped that this article will indicate that twentieth century artifacts are worthy of equal analytical treatment as their earlier counterparts.
The Gods of Earliest Creation
Authors: Zhi-Xiang Nie , Echlin Kim
Published: April 2021

The Chinese believed that our world was at first an indistinguishable part of the universe. Whether a god created the earth or earth created a god is not clear because both were instrumental in creating each other. First to appear was a mysterious egg containing the most ancient deity, Pan Gu. But when he broke the egg, he created new life, the earth, from his own body. And so, in commodious harmony, the ancient story suggests how the gods and the cosmos created each other. Although this story is so firmly fixed in the Chinese tradition that people use the idiom, "Since Pan Gu created heaven and earth" to say "since the beginning of time", the story was only first written down by Xu Zheng in the Three Kingdoms period (A.D. 220--265).
Bones of Contention: Assorted Hypotheses on the Fate of the Neanderthals
Authors: Heilingbrunner Frank
Published: April 2021

The disappearance of Homo sapiens neanderthalensis at the end of the Middle Paleolithic has evoked a plethora of explanations, ranging from carefully supported theories to bizarre or romantic speculation. The processes by which the Neanderthals were replaced by anatomically modern humans occurred in a relatively short interval of time, and have been obscured by a wide variety of disturbances. A review of some of the inferences drawn by various researchers tentatively suggests a combination of in situ technological and morphological evolution in the Near East with movement of Upper Paleolithic genes and technology into Europe.
The Individual's Place in Culture: Metaphors For Cultural Behaviour
Authors: Johnson Jennifer
Published: April 2021

Lev Vygotsky, a Russian psychologist, was extremely interested in the development of thought, language and action. This paper reviews some of his key concepts such as mediation and internalization which he developed to explain the formation of higher psychological functions. These ideas are then complemented by a discussion of recent studies on the processes of metaphoric structuring. Metaphors, as organizing principles, enable both individuals and cultural groups, to change their behaviour and psychological functions.
Supreme Fictions: Is it Time to Choose?
Authors: Morris Rosalind C.
Published: April 2021

"Always Historicize!" Thus begins Frederick Jameson's book, The Political Unconscious. It is also the call to arms in the debates about poststructuralism and postmodern anthropology, at least in those led by the proponents of a more classically conceived Critical Anthropology. As though to fulfil Evans-Pritchard's prophecy that anthropology will become history or nothing at all, our practitioners seem extraordinarily concerned with the problem of history these days: our own disciplinary history (Jarvie, 1989); the history of those previously labelled, in Wolf's (1982) poetic terms, "the people without history"; the problem of historiography itself (de Certeau, 1988).
CRITICAL THEORY IN THE POSTMODERN AGE: The Promise of Epistemology
Authors: Whittaker Elvi
Published: April 2021

This paper examines the epistemological possibilities suggested by postmodernism. The emergence of postmodern discourse in Anthropology is examined in terms of a contest for theoretical legitimacy. Arguing that the current anthropological fad is curiously apolitical, the author claims that philosophical questions have moral and political value. Specifically, it is suggested that a deconstruction of the binarisms that have characterized ethnographic realism can provide a means to liberate ourselves from the oppressive concepts of a previous era.
CONTEXTUALIZING CRITICAL ANTHROPOLOGY: A Metacritique
Authors: Trickovic Dejan
Published: April 2021

Critical Anthropology as a theoretical project of man's self-enlightenment, i.e. his acquaintance with his true potential, is based on certain apodictic premises which are absolved from critical investigation. The most important one is the a priori presence of the human phenomenon in the form of a universal 'we' that is also the epistemological center of all knowledge and consciousness. In the texts of Foucault and Derrida this premise is situated within the cultural milieu of anthropocentrism, which represents a continuation of the centuries old metaphysical discourse of the Occident. The ramifications of this thesis for the theory of Critical Anthropology are examined in the concluding paragraphs.
BETWEEN THE STATEROOM AND THE FOC'S'CLE: Everyday Forms of Class Struggle Aboard a Commercial Fishboat
Authors: Menzies Charles R.
Published: April 2021

This paper charts the path of one fishing crew's resistance to the attempts of their skipper to force them to comply with his wishes over the course of the fishing season by drawing upon the personal journals of the author, a commercial fisher of twelve years. The struggle, between skipper and crew, capital and labour, manifests itself on fishing vessels in British Columbia in the mundane activities and conversations of everyday life in which crews attempt to exert control over the conditions under which they work. By developing and maintaining social solidarity, crews are able to subvert the authority of the skipper and effect greater control over their work environment. However, to have any lasting effect on the relations of domination, the subordinate's challenge of authority must be self-consciously aware of the social process of production within capitalism.
SCIENCE FICTIONS AND FAIRY TALES: Narratives of Cure and Fulfilment in Homosexuality Research
Authors: Varley Colin D.
Published: April 2021

The interpretive concept of narrative, as outlined in some recent anthropological writings, is applied to 'scientific research' in the journal, Archives 0/ Sexual Behaviour, in order to explain why the nature of research into homosexuality in the journal has undergone a radical transformation since 1983.
Early agropastoral settlement and cultural change in central Tibet in the first millennium BC: excavations at Bangga
Authors: Lu Hongliang , Chen Xinzhou , Zhang Zhengwei , Tang Li , Lemoine Ximena , Wangdue Shargan , Chen Zujun , Liu Xinyi , Frachetti Michael D.
Published: April 2021

Archaeological research demonstrates that an agropastoral economy was established in Tibet during the second millennium BC, aided by the cultivation of barley introduced from South-western Asia. The exact cultural contexts of the emergence and development of agropastoralism in Tibet, however, remain obscure. Recent excavations at the site of Bangga provide new evidence for settled agropastoralism in central Tibet, demonstrating a material divergence from earlier archaeological cultures, possibly corresponding to the intensification of agropastoralism in the first millennium BC. The authors’ results depict a more dynamic system of subsistence in the first millennium BC, as the populations moved readily between distinct economic modes and combined them in a variety of innovative ways.
The Maldives Heritage Survey
Authors: Feener R. Michael , Daly Patrick , Frachetti Michael , Mujah Ibrahim , Irawani Maida , Taran Jovial Pally , Zaki Ahmad , Maasa Fathimath , Shamran Mohamed , Zahara Multia , Azees Mariyam Isha , Baranyai Krisztina , Levick Paula , Bakheit Hala , Rahardjo Jessica , Clark Gabriel
Published: April 2021

The Maldives Heritage Survey was established to document cultural heritage vulnerable to human and environmental threats in the Maldives. An open-access online database is being produced to inform academic studies, support heritage-management plans and create a permanent archive of digital heritage resources.
Citric Acid in Drug Formulations Causes Pain by Potentiating Acid-Sensing Ion Channel 1
Authors: Yang Ya Lan , Lai Ted Weita
Published: April 2021

Pain at the injection site is a common complaint of patients receiving therapeutic formulations containing citric acid. Despite the widely acknowledged role of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) in acid-related perception, the specific ASIC subtype mediating pain caused by subcutaneous acid injection and the mechanism by which citrate affects this process are less clear. Here, male mice subjected to intraplantar acid injection responded by executing a withdrawal reflex, and this response was abolished by ASIC1 but not ASIC2 knockout. Although intraplantar injection of neutral citrate solution did not produce this response, intraplantar injection of acidic citrate solution produced a withdrawal reflex greater than that produced by acidity alone. Consistent with the behavioral data, neutral citrate failed to produce an electrophysiological response in HEK293 cells, which express ASIC1, but acidic citrate produced a whole-cell inward current greater than that produced by acidity alone. Saturating the intracellular solution with citrate had no effect on the potentiating effect of extracellular citrate, suggesting that citrate acted extracellularly to potentiate ASIC1. Moreover, exposure to citrate immediately before acid stimulation failed to potentiate ASIC1 currents, which ruled out the involvement of a metabotropic receptor gated by a citrate metabolite. Finally, removal of calcium ions from the extracellular solution mimicked the potentiating effect of citrate and prevented citrate from further potentiating ASIC1. Our data demonstrate that ASIC1 is necessary for the nociceptive response caused by subcutaneous acid infusion and that neutral citrate, despite not inducing ASIC1 currents or nociceptive behavior on its own, potentiates acid nociception by removing the inhibitory effect of extracellular calcium ions on ASIC1.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTCitric acid is a common ingredient used in pharmaceutical formulations. Despite the widespread clinical use of these formulations, it remains unclear how citric acid causes pain when injected into patients. We identified ASIC1 as the key receptor used to detect injection-site pain caused by acid, and we showed that neutral citrate does not stimulate ASIC1; instead, citrate substantially potentiates ASIC1 activation when injected simultaneously with acid. In addition, we demonstrated that citrate potentiates ASIC1 by removing the inhibitory action of calcium on the extracellular side of the receptor. Given that injection-site pain is the primary complaint of patients receiving citrate-containing medical products, our data provide mechanistic insight into a common medical complaint and suggest a means of avoiding injection pain.
mTOR Attenuation with Rapamycin Reverses Neurovascular Uncoupling and Memory Deficits in Mice Modeling Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Van Skike Candice E. , Hussong Stacy A. , Hernandez Stephen F. , Banh Andy Q. , DeRosa Nicholas , Galvan Veronica
Published: April 2021

Vascular dysfunction is a universal feature of aging and decreased cerebral blood flow has been identified as an early event in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cerebrovascular dysfunction in AD includes deficits in neurovascular coupling (NVC), a mechanism that ensures rapid delivery of energy substrates to active neurons through the blood supply. The mechanisms underlying NVC impairment in AD, however, are not well understood. We have previously shown that mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) drives cerebrovascular dysfunction in models of AD by reducing the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and that attenuation of mTOR activity with rapamycin is sufficient to restore eNOS-dependent cerebrovascular function. Here we show mTOR drives NVC impairments in an AD model through the inhibition of neuronal NOS (nNOS)- and non-NOS-dependent components of NVC, and that mTOR attenuation with rapamycin is sufficient to restore NVC and even enhance it above WT responses. Restoration of NVC and concomitant reduction of cortical amyloid-β levels effectively treated memory deficits in 12-month-old hAPP(J20) mice. These data indicate that mTOR is a critical driver of NVC dysfunction and underlies cognitive impairment in an AD model. Together with our previous findings, the present studies suggest that mTOR promotes cerebrovascular dysfunction in AD, which is associated with early disruption of nNOS activation, through its broad negative impact on nNOS as well as on non-NOS components of NVC. Our studies highlight the potential of mTOR attenuation as an efficacious treatment for AD and potentially other neurologic diseases of aging.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTFailure of the blood flow response to neuronal activation [neurovascular coupling (NVC)] in a model of AD precedes the onset of AD-like cognitive symptoms and is driven, to a large extent, by mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)-dependent inhibition of nitric oxide synthase activity. Our studies show that mTOR also drives AD-like failure of non-nitric oxide (NO)-mediated components of NVC. Thus, mTOR attenuation may serve to treat AD, where we find that neuronal NO synthase is profoundly reduced early in disease progression, and potentially other neurologic diseases of aging with cerebrovascular dysfunction as part of their etiology.
Material Properties Analysis with Addition of Nanofibres for Air Intake Filtration in Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Dziubak T.
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study is to provide an experimental properties evaluation of a standard filter material (cellulose) and materials with fiber layer addition with small diameters (nanofibers). Filter media, including cellulose, used in the internal combustion engine inlet air filtration are made of high diameter fibres, approx. 15 µm. Significantly higher separation and filtration efficiency performance are obtained for materials with lower fibre diameters (nanofibres), however, at the expense of a significantly higher pressure drop, affecting the engine performance. Filter media manufacturers mainly specify the structure parameters (pore size, air permeability and thickness), without giving any information on the dust filtration performance and rate. The literature includes test results for models of different filter media structures. Filtration process modelling using polydisperse dust with particles of different shape and density and irregular filter media structure is possible using advanced computer techniques, however, the process is complex and requires many simplifications. Test results can be applied directly in the automotive industry. The data can be obtained by experimental tests on filter medium specimens, complete filter elements or air filters which are costly and time-consuming tests, however, those test methods are the most reliable. Conditions and testing methodology for intake air filter materials used in internal combustion engines were developed. Filtration and flow resistance efficiency and accuracy were done depending on test dust mass stopped per unit area. Tested materials filtration efficiency was assessed by a filtration quality factor, which includes experimentally determined efficiency and accuracy as well as flow resistance values. Much higher efficiency and filtration accuracy of dust grains below 5 µm in filtration materials with nanofibers addition compared to standard filtration material (filter paper) were demonstrated. For the same flow resistance values, filter materials with nanofibers addition accumulate smaller dust mass than standard filter paper. Usage of materials with nanofibers addition used in motor vehicles intake air filtration ensures their high efficiency and accuracy. It minimises its components wear, but at the expense of faster flow resistance increase, which shortens filter life and increases filter replacement frequency. Results obtained during the experimental research partly fill the gap when it comes to the basic material properties used in internal combustion engines intake air filter partitions production.
Appetite- and weight-inducing and -inhibiting neuroendocrine factors in Prader–Willi syndrome, Bardet–Biedl syndrome and craniopharyngioma versus anorexia nervosa
Authors: Vlaardingerbroek H , van den Akker E L T , Hokken-Koelega A C S
Published: April 2021

Obesity is reaching an epidemic state and has a major impact on health and economy. In most cases, obesity is caused by lifestyle factors. However, the risk of becoming obese differs highly between people. Individual's differences in lifestyle, genetic, and neuroendocrine factors play a role in satiety, hunger and regulation of body weight. In a small percentage of children and adults with obesity, an underlying hormonal or genetic cause can be found. The aim of this review is to present and compare data on the extreme ends of the obesity and undernutrition spectrum in patients with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS), acquired hypothalamic obesity in craniopharyngioma patients, and anorexia nervosa. This may give more insight into the role of neuroendocrine factors and might give direction for future research in conditions of severe obesity and underweight.
Ambivalence in the Kierkegaardian Conception of Angest
Authors: Grigas Justinas
Published: April 2021

The paper considers two problems related to the interpretation of S. Kierkegaard’s conception of Angest. Firstly, a tendency to interpret Kierkegaard’s Angest as a “fear without an object” and to posit its similarity to Heidegger’s Angst is put in question. Questioning this interpretation, an analysis of The Concept of Anxiety is undertaken, in order to reveal ambivalence as the primary feature of Kierkegaard’s conception of Angest. Secondly, the question of translating Angest into Lithuanian is addressed, criticizing the established tradition of translating Angest as “baimė” (fear) and supporting translator’s I. Tomaševičiūtė’s choice of “nerimas”. The aforementioned ambivalence of Angest serves as the basis for the critique, revealing Angest as a paradoxical attraction to that, which frightens. The first part of the paper expounds on the moment of ambivalence in the descriptions of Angest, found in The Concept of Anxiety. The second part compares and underlines the differences between the philosophical approaches of Kierkegaard and Heidegger. It is shown that Kierkegaard’s attention to the ambivalence of Angest is related to the practical bent of Kierkegaard’s philosophy and the problematics of personal individuation.
SYNTHESIS OF EDDY CURRENT PROBES WITH VOLUMETRIC STRUCTURE OF THE EXCITATION SYSTEM, IMPLEMENTING HOMOGENEOUS SENSITIVITY IN THE TESTING ZONE
Authors:   Cherkasy State Technological University, 460, Shevchenko Blvd., Cherkasy, 18006, Ukraine, Halchenko V.Ya. , Trembovetska R.V. ,   Cherkasy State Technological University, 460, Shevchenko Blvd., Cherkasy, 18006, Ukraine, Tychkov V.V. ,   Cherkasy State Technological University, 460, Shevchenko Blvd., Cherkasy, 18006, Ukraine
Published: April 2021

A method for nonlinear surrogate synthesis of surface eddy current probes with a volumetric structure of the excitation system was proposed. This method a priori provides a given uniform distribution of eddy current density in the testing object area where the measuring coil is located. The implementation of the task using modern metaeuristic stochastic algorithms for finding the global extremum was achieved. For the effective usage of such algorithms, taking into account the effect of velocity, metamodels of eddy current probe were preliminarily created. They were built using a productive approximation technique based on artificial radial-basis neural networks with a Gaussian activation function. Acceptable accuracy of metamodels was achieved due to the simultaneous application of the search area decomposition technologies and plural neural networks based on the techniques of associative machines with group methods for obtaining a solution. For metamodels creation a multidimensional computer experiment design with high homogeneity was used on the basis of the parameterless additive Rd-Kronecker sequence. Numerical experiments to determine the eddy current density distributions which formed by synthesized excitation structures were carried out. The advantages of using a three-dimensional structure excitation system in comparison with classical and planar ones in terms of increasing the width of the testing zone, which is characterized by uniform sensitivity, were shown. Examples of practical implementation of an excitation system with a volumetric structure for an surface eddy current probe are given. References 13, figures 8, table 1.
PUBLISHING POLICY OF THE JOURNAL "TECHNICAL ELECTRODYNAMICS" – COMPLIANCE WITH THE PRINCIPLES OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Authors:   Institute of Electrodynamics National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, pr. Peremohy, 56, Kyiv, 03057, Ukraine, Gorodzha L.V.
Published: April 2021

The main principles of the publishing policy of the journal "Technical Electrodynamics" are considered, namely the observance of the principles of academic integrity. The concept of academic integrity, types of its violation - plagiarism, self-plagiarism, falsification, fabrication are explained. There are some legal documents developed in Ukraine on this issue, which must be followed by every scientist and scientific publications. References 10.
Ecological Analysis of Butterflies and Day-Flying Moths Diversity of the Gouraya National Park (Algeria)
Authors: Berkane S. , Hafir H. , Moulaï R.
Published: April 2021

This work represents an initial analysis of butterflies and day-flying moths of the Gouraya National Park (Algeria). Forty-eight field-surveys were made between February 2011 and January 2012, in three stations (the cliff, the low matorral and the high matorral). It allowed us to identify 38 species, belonging to 6 families: Lycaenidae (13 species), Nymphalidae (10 species), Pieridae (9 species), Papilionidae (2 species), Hesperiidae (2 species), Zygaenidae (1 species) and Sphingidae (1 species). The low matorral and cliff were the richest stations, with 33 species for the first one and 23 species for the latter. Only seven species were observed in the high matorral where the highest centesimal frequency was recorded for the Pararge aegeria (47.83 %). This species records the highest frequency of occurrences in all 3 stations. The low matorral (H' = 4.25 bits, E = 0.84) proved to be the most diversified and balanced station.