bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of Computational Methods for Wave-Induced Motions and Loads
Authors: Ley Jens , el Moctar Ould
Published: January 2021

Ship hull structural damages are often caused by extreme wave-induced loads. Reliable load predictions are required to minimize the risk of structural failures. One conceivable approach relies on direct computations of extreme events with appropriate numerical methods. In this perspective, we present a systematic study comparing results obtained with different computational methods for wave-induced loads and motions of different ship types in regular and random irregular long-crested extremes waves. Significant wave heights between 10.5 and 12.5 m were analyzed. The numerical methods differ in complexity and are based on strip theory, boundary element methods (BEM) and unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) equations. In advance to the comparative study, the codes applied have been enhanced by different researchers to account for relevant nonlinearities related to wave excitations and corresponding ship responses in extreme waves. The sea states investigated were identified based on the Coefficient of Contribution (CoC) method. Computed time histories, response amplitude operators and short-term statistics of ship responses and wave elevation were systematically compared against experimental data. While the results of the numerical methods, based on potential theory, in small and moderate waves agreed favorably with the experiments, they deviated considerably from the measurements in higher waves. The URANS-based predictions compared fairly well to experimental measurements with the drawback of significantly higher computation times.
Complex Machine-Learning Algorithms and Multivariable Logistic Regression on Par in the Prediction of Insufficient Clinical Response to Methotrexate in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Gosselt Helen R. , Verhoeven Maxime M. A. , Bulatović-Ćalasan Maja , Welsing Paco M. , de Rotte Maurits C. F. J. , Hazes Johanna M. W. , Lafeber Floris P. J. G. , Hoogendoorn Mark , de Jonge Robert
Published: January 2021

The goals of this study were to examine whether machine-learning algorithms outperform multivariable logistic regression in the prediction of insufficient response to methotrexate (MTX); secondly, to examine which features are essential for correct prediction; and finally, to investigate whether the best performing model specifically identifies insufficient responders to MTX (combination) therapy. The prediction of insufficient response (3-month Disease Activity Score 28-Erythrocyte-sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) > 3.2) was assessed using logistic regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), random forest, and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost). The baseline features of 355 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients from the “treatment in the Rotterdam Early Arthritis CoHort” (tREACH) and the U-Act-Early trial were combined for analyses. The model performances were compared using area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and sensitivity and specificity. Finally, the best performing model following feature selection was tested on 101 RA patients starting tocilizumab (TCZ)-monotherapy. Logistic regression (AUC = 0.77 95% CI: 0.68–0.86) performed as well as LASSO (AUC = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67–0.85), random forest (AUC = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.61 = 0.81), and XGBoost (AUC = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.61–0.81), yet logistic regression reached the highest sensitivity (81%). The most important features were baseline DAS28 (components). For all algorithms, models with six features performed similarly to those with 16. When applied to the TCZ-monotherapy group, logistic regression’s sensitivity significantly dropped from 83% to 69% (p = 0.03). In the current dataset, logistic regression performed equally well compared to machine-learning algorithms in the prediction of insufficient response to MTX. Models could be reduced to six features, which are more conducive for clinical implementation. Interestingly, the prediction model was specific to MTX (combination) therapy response.
An Approach to Resolve Inconsistencies of Data in the Cadastre
Authors: Roić Miodrag , Križanović Josip , Pivac Doris
Published: January 2021

A cadastre, as one of the key registers of land administration, must be maintained to provide up-to-date land information. Before digitization, technical and alphanumerical datasets were maintained separately, leading to redundant data. This resulted in numerous inconsistencies between the cadastral map and the register, leading to the loss of integrity of these authoritative data. The fact that the cadastral map and the register are in the electronic form today does not guarantee their integrity and quality. The aim of this research was to develop a methodology for analyzing and resolving the inconsistencies between a cadastral map and a register, which were indicated by the differences found in the quality controls in cadastral map vectorization projects. A detailed analysis of the differences between the cadastral map and the register data resulted with systematization of causes and the sources of errors, which then led to the inconsistencies between the two cadastral datasets. The cadastral datasets required for such an analysis were scanned and georeferenced cadastral map sheets, vectorized cadastral map, and vectorization reports. The proposed methodology was tested on three cadastral municipalities in Croatia, namely Dol, Postira, and Stobreč. A detailed analysis of each individual inconsistency showed that the inconsistencies were caused not only by the maintenance errors but also by other processes that affected the cadastral datasets throughout their lifetime.
Clinical Implications of Uric Acid in Heart Failure: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Kumrić Marko , Borovac Josip A , Kurir Tina Tičinović , Božić Joško
Published: January 2021

Affecting more than 26 million people worldwide and with rising prevalence, heart failure (HF) represents a major global health problem. Hence, further research is needed in order to abate poor HF outcomes and mitigate significant expenses that burden health care systems. Based on available data, experts agree that there is an urgent need for a cost-effective prognostic biomarker in HF. Although a significant number of biomarkers have already been investigated in this setting, the clinical utility of adding biomarker evaluation to routine HF care still remains ambiguous. Specifically, in this review we focused on uric acid (UA), a purine metabolism detriment whose role as cardiovascular risk factor has been exhaustingly debated for decades. Multiple large population studies indicate that UA is an independent predictor of mortality in acute and chronic HF, making it a significant prognostic factor in both settings. High serum levels have been also associated with an increased incidence of HF, thus expanding the clinical utility of UA. Importantly, emerging data suggests that UA is also implicated in the pathogenesis of HF, which sheds light on UA as a feasible therapeutic target. Although to date clinical studies have not been able to prove the benefits of xanthine oxidase in HF patients, we discuss the putative role of UA and xanthine oxidase in the pathophysiology of HF as a therapeutic target.
Heat Transport Control and Thermal Characterization of Low-Dimensional Materials: A Review
Authors: El Sachat Alexandros , Alzina Francesc , Sotomayor Torres Clivia M. , Chavez-Angel Emigdio
Published: January 2021

Heat dissipation and thermal management are central challenges in various areas of science and technology and are critical issues for the majority of nanoelectronic devices. In this review, we focus on experimental advances in thermal characterization and phonon engineering that have drastically increased the understanding of heat transport and demonstrated efficient ways to control heat propagation in nanomaterials. We summarize the latest device-relevant methodologies of phonon engineering in semiconductor nanostructures and 2D materials, including graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides. Then, we review recent advances in thermal characterization techniques, and discuss their main challenges and limitations.
Acid-Responsive Adamantane-Cored Amphiphilic Block Polymers as Platforms for Drug Delivery
Authors: Wen Weiqiu , Guo Chong , Guo Jianwei
Published: January 2021

Four-arm star-shaped (denoted as ‘S’) polymer adamantane-[poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-b-poly(N,N’-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate) poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether]4 (S-PLGA-D-P) and its linear (denoted as ‘L’) counterpart (L-PLGA-D-P) were synthesized, then their self-assembled micelles were further developed to be platforms for anticancer drug delivery. Two types of polymeric micelles exhibited strong pH-responsiveness and good drug loading capacity (21.6% for S-PLGA-D-P and 22.9% for L-PLGA-D-P). Using doxorubicin (DOX) as the model drug, their DOX-loaded micelles displayed well controlled drug release behavior (18.5–19.0% of DOX release at pH 7.4 and 77.6–78.8% of DOX release at pH 5.0 within 80 h), good cytocompatibility against NIH-3T3 cells and effective anticancer efficacy against MCF-7 cells. However, the star-shaped polymeric micelles exhibited preferable stability, which was confirmed by the lower critical micelle concentration (CMC 0.0034 mg/mL) and decrease rate of particle sizes after 7 days incubation (3.5%), compared with the linear polymeric micelle L-PLGA-D-P (CMC 0.0070 mg/mL, decrease rate of particle sizes was 9.6%). Overall, these developed polymeric micelles have promising application as drug delivery system in cancer therapy.
Sintering Process Optimization for 3YSZ Ceramic 3D-Printed Objects Manufactured by Stereolithography
Authors: Ji Sang Hyun , Kim Da Sol , Park Min Soo , Yun Ji Sun
Published: January 2021

A 3YSZ (3 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia) ceramic green body with 50 vol% of ceramic content was 3D-printed by supportless stereolithography under optimal drying, debinding, and sintering conditions in order to achieve high strength and density. The viscosity and flowability of the ceramic nanocomposite resins were optimized by adjusting the amounts of non-reactive diluents. The ceramic 3D-printed objects have a high polymer content compared to ceramics samples manufactured by conventional manufacturing processes, and the attraction between layers is weak because of the layer-by-layer additive method. This causes problems such as layer separation and cracking due to internal stress generated when materials such as solvents and polymers are separated from the objects during the drying and debinding processes; therefore, the drying and debinding conditions of 3YSZ ceramic 3D-printed objects were optimized based on thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis. The sintering conditions at various temperatures and times were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, SEM, and flexural strength analysis, and the body of the 3YSZ ceramic 3D-printed object that sintered at 1450 °C for 150 min had a relative density of 99.95% and flexural strength of 1008.5 MPa. This study widens the possibility of manufacturing ceramic 3D-printed objects with complex shapes, remarkable strength, and unique functionality, enabling their application in various industrial fields.
Nanostructured LiFe5O8 by a Biogenic Method for Applications from Electronics to Medicine
Authors: Teixeira Silvia Soreto , Graça Manuel P. F. , Lucas José , Valente Manuel Almeida , Soares Paula I. P. , Lança Maria Carmo , Vieira Tânia , Silva Jorge Carvalho , Borges João Paulo , Jinga Luiza-Izabela , Socol Gabriel , Mello Salgueiro Cristiane , Nunes José , Costa Luís C.
Published: January 2021

The physical properties of the cubic and ferrimagnetic spinel ferrite LiFe5O8 has made it an attractive material for electronic and medical applications. In this work, LiFe5O8 nanosized crystallites were synthesized by a novel and eco-friendly sol-gel process, by using powder coconut water as a mediated reaction medium. The dried powders were heat-treated (HT) at temperatures between 400 and 1000 °C, and their structure, morphology, electrical and magnetic characteristics, cytotoxicity, and magnetic hyperthermia assays were performed. The heat treatment of the LiFe5O8 powder tunes the crystallite sizes between 50 nm and 200 nm. When increasing the temperature of the HT, secondary phases start to form. The dielectric analysis revealed, at 300 K and 10 kHz, an increase of ε′ (≈10 up to ≈14) with a tanδ almost constant (≈0.3) with the increase of the HT temperature. The cytotoxicity results reveal, for concentrations below 2.5 mg/mL, that all samples have a non-cytotoxicity property. The sample heat-treated at 1000 °C, which revealed hysteresis and magnetic saturation of 73 emu g−1 at 300 K, showed a heating profile adequate for magnetic hyperthermia applications, showing the potential for biomedical applications.
Effect of Nanoparticle Size in Pt/SiO2 Catalyzed Nitrate Reduction in Liquid Phase
Authors: Shafqat Khawer , Pitkäaho Satu , Tiainen Minna , Matějová Lenka , Keiski Riitta L.
Published: January 2021

Effect of platinum nanoparticle size on catalytic reduction of nitrate in liquid phase was examined under ambient conditions by using hydrogen as a reducing agent. For the size effect study, Pt nanoparticles with sizes of 2, 4 and 8 nm were loaded silica support. TEM images of Pt nanoparticles showed that homogeneous morphologies as well as narrow size distributions were achieved during the preparation. All three catalysts showed high activity and were able to reduce nitrate below the recommended limit of 50 mg/L in drinking water. The highest catalytic activity was seen with 8 nm platinum; however, the product selectivity for N2 was highest with 4 nm platinum. In addition, the possibility of PVP capping agent acting as a promoter in the reaction is highlighted.
Genetic Diversity and Distribution of Virulence-Associated Genes in Y. enterocolitica and Y. enterocolitica-Like Isolates from Humans and Animals in Poland
Authors: Morka Katarzyna , Wałecka-Zacharska Ewa , Schubert Justyna , Dudek Bartłomiej , Woźniak-Biel Anna , Kuczkowski Maciej , Wieliczko Alina , Bystroń Jarosław , Bania Jacek , Bugla-Płoskońska Gabriela
Published: January 2021

Yersinia enterocolitica, widespread within domestic and wild-living animals, is a foodborne pathogen causing yersiniosis. The goal of this study was to assess a genetic similarity of Y. enterocolitica and Y. enterocolitica-like strains isolated from different hosts using Multiple Locus Variable-Number Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA) and Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) methods, and analyze the prevalence of virulence genes using multiplex-Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays. Among 51 Yersinia sp. strains 20 virulotypes were determined. The most common virulence genes were ymoA, ureC, inv, myfA, and yst. Yersinia sp. strains had genes which may contribute to the bacterial invasion and colonization of the intestines as well as survival in serum. One wild boar Y. enterocolitica 1A strain possessed ail gene implying the possible pathogenicity of 1A biotype. Wild boar strains, represented mainly by 1A biotype, were not classified into the predominant Variable-Number Tandem Repeats (VNTR)/PFGE profile and virulotype. There was a clustering tendency among VNTR/PFGE profiles of pig origin, 4/O:3, and virulence profile. Pig and human strains formed the most related group, characterized by ~80% of genetic similarity what suggest the role of pigs as a potential source of infection for the pork consumers.
Contamination Sources and Transmission Routes for Campylobacter on (Mixed) Broiler Farms in Belgium, and Comparison of the Gut Microbiota of Flocks Colonized and Uncolonized with Campylobacter
Authors: Hertogs Karolien , Haegeman Annelies , Schaumont Dries , Gelaude Philippe , De Zutter Lieven , Dewulf Jeroen , Heyndrickx Marc , Rasschaert Geertrui
Published: January 2021

Biosecurity seems to be the most promising tool for Campylobacter control on poultry farms. A longitudinal molecular epidemiological study was performed during two production cycles, in which the broilers, the poultry house, and the environment of 10 (mixed) broiler farms were monitored weekly. Cecal droppings from the second production cycle were also used for 16S metabarcoding to study the differences in the microbiota of colonized and uncolonized flocks. Results showed that 3 out of 10 farms were positive for Campylobacter in the first production cycle, and 4 out of 10 were positive in the second. Broilers became colonized at the earliest when they were four weeks old. The majority of the flocks (57%) became colonized after partial depopulation. Before colonization of the flocks, Campylobacter was rarely detected in the environment, but it was frequently isolated from cattle and swine. Although these animals appeared to be consistent carriers of Campylobacter, molecular typing revealed that they were not the source of flock colonization. In accordance with previous reports, this study suggests that partial depopulation appears to be an important risk factor for Campylobacter introduction into the broiler house. Metabarcoding indicated that two Campylobacter-free flocks carried high relative abundances of Megamonas in their ceca, suggesting potential competition with Campylobacter.
The TOR–Auxin Connection Upstream of Root Hair Growth
Authors: Retzer Katarzyna , Weckwerth Wolfram
Published: January 2021

Plant growth and productivity are orchestrated by a network of signaling cascades involved in balancing responses to perceived environmental changes with resource availability. Vascular plants are divided into the shoot, an aboveground organ where sugar is synthesized, and the underground located root. Continuous growth requires the generation of energy in the form of carbohydrates in the leaves upon photosynthesis and uptake of nutrients and water through root hairs. Root hair outgrowth depends on the overall condition of the plant and its energy level must be high enough to maintain root growth. TARGET OF RAPAMYCIN (TOR)-mediated signaling cascades serve as a hub to evaluate which resources are needed to respond to external stimuli and which are available to maintain proper plant adaptation. Root hair growth further requires appropriate distribution of the phytohormone auxin, which primes root hair cell fate and triggers root hair elongation. Auxin is transported in an active, directed manner by a plasma membrane located carrier. The auxin efflux carrier PIN-FORMED 2 is necessary to transport auxin to root hair cells, followed by subcellular rearrangements involved in root hair outgrowth. This review presents an overview of events upstream and downstream of PIN2 action, which are involved in root hair growth control.
Effects of Different Nitrogen Forms and Exogenous Application of Putrescine on Heat Stress of Cauliflower: Photosynthetic Gas Exchange, Mineral Concentration and Lipid Peroxidation
Authors: Collado-González Jacinta , Piñero María Carmen , Otálora Ginés , López-Marín Josefa , del Amor Francisco M.
Published: January 2021

This study examines the effect of the exogenous application of polyamine putrescine together with the application of different ratios of nitrate/ammonium (NO3−/NH4+), on the physiology of cauliflower subjected to heat stress. The 50:50 NO3−/NH4+ ratio was the best ratio against heat stress. As a result of the joint application of these compounds, a higher photosynthetic rate, a higher accumulation of both photosynthesis-related compounds and pigments, total proteins, and a change in the status of nutrients were obtained. Particularly, the decrease in content of calcium, chloride and sulphate in plants under heat stress is ameliorated by the ammonium effect. Additionally, it is important to highlight that cauliflower waste contains a higher content of mineral nutrients than floret cauliflower. These effects were more marked in young leaves. Furthermore, a synergistic effect for coping with heat stress between the polyamine and the nutritional treatment was observed. For this, both the application of putrescine and the feeding of plants with a 50:50 NO3−/NH4+ ratio before heat stress is proposed for the first time as an agricultural practice for increasing the thermotolerance of cauliflower cv Moonshine. On the other hand, due to the lower lipid peroxidation rate obtained in cauliflower leaves, these plants could be used for health purposes as ointments or other nutraceutical products, making the cultivation of this kind of cruciferous more sustainable.
Investor Inattention to All-Cash Acquisition Announcements: A Joint Day-Time Analysis in the Spanish Market
Authors: Farinós José Emilio , Herrero Begoña , Latorre Miguel Ángel
Published: January 2021

Prior studies suggest that investors have limited attention, which determines the speed with which information is incorporated into share prices and, in turn, affects the efficiency of the markets. Unlike other corporate events, the information contained in an acquisition announcement is generally less standard and more complicated to process. Therefore, investor inattention is less likely around this event. In this study we test the existence of investor inattention for a sample of all-cash acquisition announcements of listed and unlisted target firms released by listed Spanish firms from 1998 to 2018. Cash acquisitions allow us to control for the strategic behavior of overvalued companies engaged in stock-financed acquisitions. We perform a joint analysis of day of the week and time of trade from both a univariate and a multivariate perspective, after controlling for several factors that are related to the market reaction to acquisition announcements. Consistent with the notion that investors are less attentive to Friday announcements, we find a significant lower market reaction to acquisition announcements released during market trading hours both in terms of price and trading volume.
Science-Driven Societal Transformation, Part III: Design
Authors: Boik John C.
Published: January 2021

Climate change, biodiversity loss, and other major social and environmental problems pose severe risks. Progress has been inadequate and scientists, global policy experts, and the general public increasingly conclude that transformational change is needed across all sectors of society in order to improve and maintain social and ecological wellbeing. At least two paths to transformation are conceivable: (1) reform of and innovation within existing societal systems (e.g., economic, legal, and governance systems); and (2) the de novo development of and migration to new and improved societal systems. This paper is the final in a three-part series of concept papers that together outline a novel science-driven research and development program aimed at the second path. It summarizes literature to build a narrative on the topic of de novo design of societal systems. The purpose is to raise issues, suggest design possibilities, and highlight directions and questions that could be explored in the context of this or any R&D program aimed at new system design. This paper does not present original research, but rather provides a synthesis of selected ideas from the literature. Following other papers in the series, a society is viewed as a superorganism and its societal systems as a cognitive architecture. Accordingly, a central goal of design is to improve the collective cognitive capacity of a society, rendering it more capable of achieving and sustainably maintaining vitality. Topics of attention, communication, self-identity, power, and influence are discussed in relation to societal cognition and system design. A prototypical societal system is described, and some design considerations are highlighted.
Spatial-Temporal Changes and Driving Factors of Land-Use Eco-Efficiency Incorporating Ecosystem Services in China
Authors: Liu Yahong , Sun Hailian , Shi Lei , Wang Huimin , Xiu Zhai , Qiu Xiao , Chang Hong , Xie Yu , Wang Yang , Wang Chengjie
Published: January 2021

With rapid urbanization in China, the dramatic land-use changes are one of the most prominent features that have substantially affected the land ecosystems, thus seriously threatening sustainable development. However, current studies have focused more on evaluating the economic efficiency of land-use, while the loss and degradation of ecosystem services are barely considered. To address these issues, this study first proposed a land use-based input–output index system, incorporating the impact on ecosystem services value (ESV), and then by taking 30 provinces in China as a case study. We further employed the super-efficiency slacks-based model (Super-SBM) and the Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence and Technology (STIRPAT) model to explore the spatial–temporal changes and driving factors of the evaluated land-use eco-efficiency. We found that the evaluated ESV was 28.09 trillion yuan (at the price of 2000) in 2015, and that the total ESV experienced an inverted U-shaped trend during 2000–2015.The average land-use eco-efficiency exhibited a downward trend from 0.87 in 2000 to 0.68 in 2015 with distinct regional differences by taking into account the ESV. Our results revealed that northeastern region had the highest efficiency, followed by the eastern, western, and central region of China. Finally, we identified a U-shaped relationship between the eco-efficiency and land urbanization, and found that technological innovation made great contributions to the improvement of the eco-efficiency. These findings highlight the importance of the ESV in the evaluation of land-use eco-efficiency. Future land development and management should pay additional attention to the land ecosystems, especially the continuous supply of human well-being related ecosystem services.
BoHV-1-Vectored BVDV-2 Subunit Vaccine Induces BVDV Cross-Reactive Cellular Immune Responses and Protects against BVDV-2 Challenge
Authors: Chowdhury Shafiqul I. , Pannhorst Katrin , Sangewar Neha , Pavulraj Selvaraj , Wen Xue , Stout Rhett W. , Mwangi Waithaka , Paulsen Daniel B.
Published: January 2021

The bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) remains a major problem for both beef and dairy cattle industries worldwide. BRDC frequently involves an initial viral respiratory infection resulting in immunosuppression, which creates a favorable condition for fatal secondary bacterial infection. Current polyvalent modified live vaccines against bovine herpesvirus type 1(BoHV-1) and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) have limitations concerning their safety and efficacy. To address these shortcomings and safety issues, we have constructed a quadruple gene mutated BoHV-1 vaccine vector (BoHV-1 QMV), which expresses BVDV type 2, chimeric E2 and Flag-tagged Erns-fused with bovine granulocyte monocyte colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) designated here as QMV-BVD2*. Here we compared the safety, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy of QMV-BVD2* vaccination in calves against BVDV-2 with Zoetis Bovi-shield Gold 3 trivalent (BoHV-1, BVDV types 1 and 2) vaccine. The QMV-BVD2* prototype subunit vaccine induced the BoHV-1 and BVDV-2 neutralizing antibody responses along with BVDV-1 and -2 cross-reactive cellular immune responses. Moreover, after a virulent BVDV-2 challenge, the QMV-BVD2* prototype subunit vaccine conferred a more rapid recall BVDV-2-specific neutralizing antibody response and considerably better recall BVDV types 1 and 2-cross protective cellular immune responses than that of the Zoetis Bovi-shield Gold 3.
As melhorias nos sistemas de observação, vigilância e previsão na RAM, após o temporal de 20 de fevereiro de 2010
Authors: Prior Vitor , Narciso Paulo , Rio João , Marques Jorge
Published: January 2021

Apresentam-se as melhorias levadas a cabo na Região Autónoma da Madeira (RAM), na última década, designadamente no que se refere à ampliação da rede de observação de superfície e à instalação de sistemas de observação remota, tais como o radar meteorológico em Porto Santo, a rede de detetores de trovoadas, constituída por quatro detetores e ainda, outros sistemas que têm permitido dar uma resposta tempestiva ao Serviço Regional de Proteção Civil, à população em geral e aos órgãos de comunicação social.
Filozofija povijesti Konstantina Leontjeva
Authors: Vuković Hrvoje
Published: January 2021

Ovaj rad prikazuje filozofiju povijesti ruskog filozofa i književnika Konstantina Leontjeva, u čijoj je srži organska teorija o trojedinom procesu. Leontjev je u skladu s tom filozofijom povijesti predložio političku doktrinu novog odnosa Rusije, koju je smatrao nasljednicom drevnog Bizanta, prema Zapadu i njegovim vrijednostima kako bi je sačuvao od liberalno-egzaltiranog procesa što ga je smatrao posljednjim stadijem u prirodnom i neizbježnom procesu izumiranja zapadne civilizacije. Nadalje, Lentojev se osvrće i na nacionalne pokrete drugih slavenskih naroda svog vremena, upozorava na opasnosti tada prevladavajućeg slavenofilstva te zagovara savezništvo Rusije s azij­skih narodima.
Židovski studiji u srednjoj i istočnoj Europi
Authors: Mihal Brandl Naida
Published: January 2021

U članku se daje pregled razvoja židovskih studija u bivšoj komunističkoj Europi kroz tri procesa prisutna u barem nekima od njih: latentnog antisemitizma, povratka židovskih studija u akademiju i suočavanja s prošlošću. Još od Lenjinova razdoblja intenzivnih protureligijskih kampanja, preko Staljinove protužidovske kampanje, antisemitskih procesa u Čehoslovačkoj, antisemitske kampanje u Poljskoj i protuizraelske politike, koju su slijedile sve države sovjetskoga bloka s izuzetkom Rumunjske i uz dodatak Jugoslavije, judaizam je bio nepoželjan, ali i židovski studiji, kao i studiji židovske povijesti ili religije u akademskom kontekstu. Situacija se počela popravljati u vrijeme Gorbačova. Razne religijske institucije i nevladine organizacije ušle su 1990-ih u ovaj prostor, a naglo je porastao interes za židovskim studijima, odnosno razumijevanjem židovske uloge u povijesti pojedinih zemalja, zamagljene u komunističkim i nekim post­komunističkim naracijama. Hrvatska, kako tijekom jugoslavenskog komunističkog razdoblja u okviru Jugoslavije, tako i nakon uspostave nezavisnosti prati ove trendove s određenim zakašnjenjem. Prvi studij judaistike u Hrvatskoj dobio je dopusnice 2012., odnosno 2015. godine i odvija se na Filozofskom fakultetu Sveučilišta u Zagrebu.
Teaching and Instructional Design Approaches to Enhance
Students’ Self‑Directed Learning in Blended Learning
Environments
Authors: Adinda Dina , Mohib Najoua
Published: January 2021

Thanks to the combination of face‑to‑face and online
learning which involve the use of Information and Communication
Technology (ICT), blended learning has become a popular approach to
support learning in higher education. The main purpose of this study
is to identify the teaching and instructional design approaches
adopted by lecturers within blended learning environments, and to
analyse their effects on students’ self‑directed learning. The
sample involves 18 lecturers and their undergraduate students (n=
294) undertaking a blended course in one French university. This
research utilised a mixed method approach for data collection,
including questionnaires and observations. Firstly, lecturers were
invited to declare their teaching approaches and the configuration
of their blended learning environments by completing two online
questionnaires. Secondly, both face‑to‑face and online observations
were conducted with the lecturers to identify the specificity of
their instructional design activities. A pre‑post questionnaire was
also used to measure students’ self‑directed learning level. Data
collection took place over a period of 6 months during the academic
year 2017‑2018. The results show that lecturers who adopt
student‑centred teaching approaches are not necessarily designing
their blended learning courses as a student‑centred learning
environment. Also, the results reveal that students' self‑directed
learning is significantly developed only in three out of seven
student‑centred blended learning courses. Additionally, the results
show that lecturers of the students who improved their self‑directed
level provided online peer review and online forum discussion
activities. The findings indicate that further research is needed
both to validate the direct relationship between these kinds of
pedagogical activities and the self‑directed learning, and to
determine how blended learning environments can better support
collaboration and interaction.
Systematic Review Of A Nationwide MOOC Initiative In
Malaysian Higher Education System
Authors: Albelbisi Nour Awni , Yusop Farrah Dina
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study is to analyze and synthesize the
recent research related to nationwide MOOC initiativesin Malaysian
higher education that have been published from 2014 to 2018 in order
to gain an overview of the growth ofMOOC in Malaysia and to identify
the issues facing implementation of nationwide MOOC initiatives in
the Malaysian highereducation context. This study utilized a
descriptive systematic literature review (SLR) approach using
systematic contentanalysis techniques to compile and analyze
publications related to nationwide MOOC initiatives in the Malaysian
highereducation system. The 25 MOOC studies reviewed are categorized
into three sections: Malaysia MOOC, followed by asummary of
researches relevant to Malaysia MOOC and finally, issues of the
nationwide MOOC implementation in Malaysia.Several recommendations
are provided to expand MOOC’s nationwide initiative in Malaysian
higher education systems. Thesignificance of the paper is twofold:
(a) to inform researchers, designers, and teachers, about the state
of the art ofnationwide MOOC initiative in Malaysia; (b) to provide
suggestions for adapting the nationwide MOOC initiative in
Malaysianhigher education system and other countries sharing similar
interests in institutionalizing their MOOC.
Contribution of Spatial Concentration in Exaggerating Inequalities: Across Various Urban Regions of Pakistan
Authors: Tabassum Uzma , Alam Shaista , Fatima Ambreen
Published: January 2021

Industrial agglomeration and inequalities are much of the concerns in recent literature. Pakistan, being a developing country, is also restricted by resource availability to treat all regions equally with respect to investment and development. As a result, regions with growing agglomeration experience higher income levels relative to other regions. To investigate this empirically this study employed propensity score matching (PSM) across urban regions in Pakistan using Labour Force Survey data 2017-18. For agglomeration regional herfindhal indices were estimated and regions with above average index value along with having positive index growth were considered as treated or agglomerated regions. The positive and significant coefficient of regions with treatment signifies that regions with agglomeration were found to have higher relatively income. Hence introducing industrial concentration in untreated regions would be effective in reducing inequalities rather tackling them by reducing agglomeration in agglomerated regions.
Evaluation of the sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) cultivars and hybrid forms drought-resistance under the conditions of the Ukraine’s Lisosteppe
Authors:   Institute of Horticulture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Kryvoshapka V.A. , Кytaiev O.I. ,   Institute of Horticulture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Moskalets V.V. ,   Institute of Horticulture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Moskalets T.Z. ,   Institute of Horticulture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, Kondratenko N.G. ,   Ukrainian Institute for Plant Variety Examination
Published: January 2021

The authors present the results of studying the leaves water regime of the sea buckthorn 5 cultivars and 16 hybrid forms in the Ukraine’s Lisosteppe. In the recent years the climatic conditions of this region are characterized with the increased average annual temperature, the vegetation period with unstable humidity, the periods without precipitations often occur. High air temperature and its low humidity cause air and soil drought. Such temperature fluctuations and insufficient precipitations amount affect adversely the plant growth and development. This increases the risk of the ovary shedding, decreases the crop quantity and quality, influences negatively the generative buds establishment as well as the future crop. In our researches the laboratory and field methods were applied in order to determine drought-resistant cultivars and hybrids. The leaves water content was analyzed as well as their water-holding capacity by means of calculating the water loss per time unit when withering artificially, exposing the leaves in the conditions of drought. Taking into account the changes of the leaves water-physical parameters, new perspective sea buckthorn forms were selected with very high drought resistance – 1-15-2, 1-15-5 and 1-15-11, while 1-15-6, 1-15-1, 1-15-3, 1-15-4, 1-15-9, 1-15-10, 1-15-13, 1-15-14, 1-15-15, Chuiskaia , Nivieliena and Hergo were referred to the groups of high and average resistant, and 1-15-12, 1-15-16, Moskovskaia Krasavitsa, 1-15-8, 1-15-7 and Moskvichka to low resistant. New promising forms of sea buckthorn 1-15-2, 1-15-5, 1-15-11 were identified previously as donors of drought-resistance.
Aperture Averaged Scintillation of Gaussian Beam in Strong Oceanic Turbulence
Authors: GÖKÇE Muhsin Caner
Published: January 2021

Oceanic turbulence caused by salinity and temperature fluctuations underwater affects the characteristics of a transmit laser beam resulting in turbulence-induced intensity fluctuations (i.e., scintillation) at the receiver. Oceanic optical wireless communication (OOWC) systems employ a receiver lens of aperture to focus the collected light onto a photodetector. This way, aperture averaging takes place and the scintillation on the detector is reduced. Using the modified Rytov theory, aperture averaged scintillation of the Gaussian beam passing through strong oceanic turbulence is examined in this study. Effects of Gaussian beam parameters and the turbulence parameters on the aperture averaged scintillation and the aperture averaging factor are illustrated. The scintillation behaviors of the limiting cases of a spherical wave and a plane wave are also reported. Results show that aperture averaged scintillation decreases with increasing the size of the receiver aperture for any turbulence level. The effect of Gaussian size on the aperture averaged scintillation varies depends on the turbulence level. It is also shown that there is a close match between the point scintillation index values obtained from the modified Rytov theory and the conventional Rytov theory in low levels of turbulence.
Optimization of Endo-Pectinase and Pectin Lyase Production from Wheat Bran by Bacillus pumilus using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: TEPE Özlem , DURSUN Arzu Yadigar
Published: January 2021

Wheat bran is one of the most used agricultural residues for enzyme synthesis. It has a high organic content; thus, it causes environmental pollution. In this study, wheat bran was selected as a carbon source and it was supplemented with yeast extract and ammonium sulphate. Endopectinase and pectin lyase production by Bacillus pumilus was performed in a batch system. RSM was applied to examine the effects of the wheat bran, yeast extract and ammonium sulphate concentrations on the synthesis of enzymes and the dosages of these nutrients were optimized. According to the model design, the optimum conditions were 4.74% w/v wheat bran, 0.12% ammonium sulphate and 0.12% yeast extract. The high values of R2 and R2 adj indicated that the fitted model showed good agreement with the predicted and actual values. In conclusion, these studies revealed that wheat bran can be used for the production of endo-pectinase and pectin lyase enzymes based on high enzyme activities.
ATTITUDE TOWARDS ONLINE ADVERTISING: THE CASE OF STUDENTS AT TRA VINH UNIVERSITY
Authors: Nguyen Tien Thi Cam , Nguyen Son Hoai , Nguyen Nhi Ho Xuan , Nguyen An Van Vu
Published: January 2021

The objective of this article was to identify the factors that lead to intrisive perception and general attitude of students at Tra Vinh University towards online advertising. This study used the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method with 250 students responding to questionnaires at the university. The result demonstrated that intrisive perception is affected by factors such as, content obscuring, and the attraction of online advertising, where the factor of content obscuring influences in the same direction with intrisive perception. It was alsoconcluded that discomfort can be caused by online advertising and result in a negative impact on the people’s attitude towards websites.
EFFECTS OF INFRARED LIGHT ON THE SURVIVAL RATE OF COMMON SUN SKINK (Eutropis multifasciata) IN A SEMI-NATURAL HABITAT IN QUANG BINH PROVINCE, VIET NAM
Authors: Diep Chi Thi Le , Vo Nho Thi
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to determine the effects of infrared lamps on survival rates of mature and immature common sun skinks (Eutropis multifasciata) in semi-natural conditions in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam, in the cold weather. A sample size of 400 mature (28 weeks old) and 120 immature common sun skinks were used in a completely randomized design with two variables of different lighting methods: infrared and incandescent light. Suitable food and water were freely provided. Results showed that the survival rates of the mature and juvenile common sun skinks were 82.5% and 39.2% with infrared light and 30.5% and 0% with incandescent light. Compared to incandescent light, the growth of young offsprings in the first 4 weeks after birth was greater with the infrared light and the average cumulative growth weight reached 2.18 g per individualby the fourth week. With incandescent light, common sun skinks lost their weight over time and gradually died out by the third week. Thus, infrared light which can be used to warm up pens may be an effective techniquein raising common sun skinks in semi-natural conditions in Quang Binh.
PEOPLES OF THE VOLGA-URAL REGION IN FEDOR SOLNTSEV’s CREATIVE HERITAGE
Authors: Nechvaloda Elena Evgenievna
Published: January 2021

This paper is devoted to studying the images of the peoples of the Volga-Ural region in the graphics created by Fedor G. Solntsev, famous Russian aquarelle artist of the 19th century, the author of many historical reconstructions and ethnographic drawings of folk costumes made in different provinces of the Russian Empire and among different social classes. His gallery of images also includes the peoples of the Volga-Ural region. These are the Udmurts, Mountain Maris, Erzya Mordvins, Middle Lower Chuvashs and Mishar Tatars. Many Solntsev’s watercolours that embody ethnographic characteristic types were drawn from nature. However, his images of the peoples of the Volga-Ural region are just the copies from other visual sources (pictures, gravures, photographs). As primary sources Solntsev used Emelyan Korneev’s gravures (to create the image of a "Votyak woman"), William Carrick’s photographs (as the basis for some images of "Kazan Tatars") and the picture of an unknown amateur artist dated back to the late 18th or early 19th centuries (to create the "Cheremis" compositions). It is not improbable that the use of other’s ready-made examples and not his own ethnographic drawings resulted in some inaccuracies both in the images of the peoples of the Volga-Ural region and their annotations. There are still no prototypes found for Solntsev’s images of Maris and Mordvins, but the absence of ethnic attribution in the annotations, inaccuracies in their geographical references, errors in depicting the details of the Mordvins’ garments and a disconnect between their poses and the angles characteristic of Solntsev’s ethnic types make it possible to suggest that the images of Maris and Mordvins in the sheets of the Penza and Tambov Provinces were also copied from ready-made pictures.
IN MEMORY OF RAFKHAT MUKHAMETOVICH KARIMOV (1946-2020)
Authors: Sidorova Anetta Petrovna , Koshaev Vladimir Borisovich , Kovycheva Elena Ivanovna
Published: January 2021

The article on the untimely death of the head of the system of craft houses of the Udmurt Republic R. M. Karimov analyzes the stages of the life of a famous cultural figure, organizer of many significant projects. Biographical sources of R. M. Karimov's achievements, personal qualities of a citizen, a leader, and a bright creative personality are noted. The contribution to the development of the revival of technologies of lost crafts, preservation and development of traditional material culture of the peoples of Udmurtia is evaluated. The significance of merit for the culture of the Republic, the region, the Russian Federation, and the Finno-Ugric world is revealed.
Experiencia y manejo de dos pacientes pediátricos grandes quemados e infección por SARS-CoV-2 en una unidad de cuidados intensivos
Authors: Bustamante Atenas , Miranda Juan , Iglesias Martin , Contreras Kelly , Lector Christian , De Pawlikowski Wieslawa
Published: January 2021

La infección por SARS-CoV-2 se ha diseminado rápidamente, provocando una pandemia mundial en la cual nos vemos afectados. En el Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño de San Borja, centro de referencia nacional de pacientes pediátricos quirúrgicos, desde el 14 de abril al 12 de agosto del 2020, se hospitalizaron 106 pacientes con infección por SARS-CoV-2, de los cuales 11 tuvieron diagnostico quemadura y dos fueron pacientes grandes quemados con diagnóstico COVID-19 por prueba molecular. Detallamos el caso de una paciente pediátrica, de siete años, gran quemada que fue atendida en unidad de cuidados intensivos, y con COVID-19 asintomática, presentó evolución y pronóstico favorable, con recuperación total de su lesión. Por otro lado, el COVID-19 se puede manifestar de forma severa produciendo un síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico que presenta manifestaciones clínicas poco comunes y que puede empeorar el pronóstico, como fue observado en nuestro otro paciente de siete meses que falleció pese a recibir manejo especializado y oportuno.
Projekt wieczystego pokoju. Polityczne marzenie wielkiego filozofa
Authors: Surzyn Jacek
Published: January 2021

CEL BADAWCZY: Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie projektu wiecznego pokoju Immanuela Kanta pod kątem jego filozoficznych i politycznych założeń.

PROBLEM I METODY BADAWCZE: Głównym problemem analizowa‑ nym w tym tekście jest ukazanie roli myślenia teoretycznego i jego politycznych implikacji. Filozofia krytyczna Kanta wyznaczyła nową drogę refleksji filozoficz‑ nej. Zasadniczo filozofowanie po Kancie okazało się niemożliwe bez odniesienia do jego myśli (czy to w sensie pozytywnym, czy też negatywnym). W ramach myśli filozofa pojawiła się także refleksja polityczna. Ważnym miejscem w tej refleksji wydaje się określenie ogólnego celu ludzkości, którym, według Kanta, jest dążenie do wiecznego pokoju.

PROCES ARGUMENTACJI: Artykuł próbuje opisać projekt wiecznego pokoju Kanta z punktu widzenia problemu jego wykonalności. Ta kwestia ujawnia podstawowy problem refleksji nad polityką, czyli powiązania teorii z praktyką.

WYNIKI BADAŃ: Filozofia jest czysto intelektualną spekulacją, której idee odnoszą się jednak do praktyki politycznej. W tym kontekście można zastano‑ wić się, czy „sny” filozofów­-teoretyków mają zastosowanie w praktycznym (realnym) świecie.

WNIOSKI, INNOWACJE I ZALECENIA: We wnioskach próbuje się wy‑ kazać pierwszeństwo namysłu teoretycznego nad praktycznym wdrażaniem koncepcji politycznych w życiu społecznym. Kant – jako filozof – pokazuje, że idee i różne teoretycznie ustalone cele, które stanowią wyzwanie dla człowieka i społeczeństwa, mają sens jedynie jako postulaty a priori, a te dopiero wdrażane w praktyce stają się właściwymi celami do osiągnięcia.