bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case report of cockayne syndrome- five cases in a single family
Authors: Kondadi Pooja , Karjigi Siddalingappa , Herakal Kallappa C. , Challagundla Sreelekha
Published: October 2020

Photosensitive genodermatoses are a group of disorders presenting with photosensitivity, short stature, systemic manifestations and susceptibility to malignancy these include cockayne syndrome (CS), rothmund– thomson syndrome, Trichothiodystrophy, Xeroderma pigmentosum etc. CS is a rare disorder characterized by the presence of three cardinal signs growth retardation i.e. short stature, abnormal sensitivity to light (photosensitivity), prematurely aged appearance. A 12-year-old girl had photo sensitive rash over the face with short stature. Four of her cousins (two brothers and two sisters) also had similar features. Clinical and lab investigations were suggestive of CS. Early detection and differentiating the syndrome from other congenital disorder is essential as the prognosis of each disorder differs.
Anti-inflammatory effects of astaxanthin against fungal keratitis
Authors:   Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China, Huan Yu , Lin Jing ,   Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China, Zhang Ying-Xue ,   Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, MI 48201, USA, Zhan Lu ,   Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China, Zhao Gui-Qiu ,   Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
Published: October 2020

AIM: To characterize effect of astaxanthin (ASX) in Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) induced keratitis in mouse model. METHODS: In vivo, fungal keratitis mouse model was established in C57BL/6 mice using A. fumigatus, followed by ASX or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) treatment. Clinical responses were evaluated by clinical score and myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay. Inflammatory cytokines were assessed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot, immunofluorescence, and enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: In animal model, ASX improved corneal transparency and clinical response, suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokine like IL-1β, TNF-α, and HMGB-1. Neutrophil levels have been shown to decrease in ASX-treated cornea by immunofluorescence and MPO. TLR2 and TLR4 levels were lower in ASX-treated group than DMSO-treated. CONCLUSION: ASX can suppress inflammatory response and reduce inflammatory cytokine production in mice model with A. fumigatus keratitis.
Application of Remote Sensing Technology in Forest Resources Investigation
Authors: Cao Gonglu
Published: October 2020

The continuous development of remote sensing technology further provides an effective guarantee for the development of forest resources management, and the scientific application of remote sensing technology can continuously improve the level of forest resources investigation. Based on this, this article explores the specific application methods of remote sensing technology combined with the development of forest first-class and second-class investigation.
Association of Thyroid Status with Metabolic Markers in Young Women of South Indian Origin - A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Rasalkar Kavita , K Nagaraju , G Chandana , R Sindhu , Vastrad Badreesh C.
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND Thyroid hormone is known to regulate metabolisms which are an integral part of normal growth and development. It affects key metabolisms involved in energy storage and expenditure. We wanted to study the correlation of thyroid function test with metabolic markers. METHODS After appropriate clearance from Human Institutional Ethics Committee and proper permission from author of article by Dr Sindhu et al, the secondary, blinded data was adopted for this study. This is an observational, cross-sectional retrospective study. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and lipid and thyroid profile were analysed in overnight fasting sample. As per our inclusion and exclusion criteria 120 of 253 subjects included in primary study were recruited in our study. Statistical analysis was done in Microsoft Excel 2007 and SPSS software version 16.0. ATP III criteria were used as a benchmark for metabolic syndrome markers. RESULTS Our study suggests that prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism was higher in young South Indian women and it significantly correlated with the markers of metabolic syndrome like BMI, waist circumference, Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and systolic blood pressure. TSH values strongly correlated with BMI and LDL values. FT4 values correlated well with LDL. CONCLUSIONS High TSH and lower thyroxine values in blood can be a marker associated with metabolic syndrome. Our study suggests routine screening for thyroid status and lipid profile in young females to categorize them as high risk for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity along with anthropometric measurements. The study can be continued by long term follow up of the study subjects and correlation of these study subjects into mid or old age can give significant information of their cardiac status at that age. Counseling on appropriate diet and lifestyle modification may be beneficial for young people categorized as high risk to reduce the cardiovascular mortality later in life. KEYWORDS Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Free Thyroxine, BMI, Lipid Profile
Criteria for the Selection of Synthetic Polymeric Waste as a Raw Material for Producing Carbon Sorbents with Predetermined Properties
Authors: Vaisman Ya.I. , Glushankova I.S. , Rudakova L.V. , Surkov A.A. , Atanova A.S.
Published: October 2020

The results of studies on the thermal processing of synthetic multi-tonnage polymeric waste (polypropylene, polycarbonate, textolite, PET, organoplastics and tire rubber) with the production of carbon sorbents for technological and environmental purposes are presented. The influence of the nature of the activating agent and the conditions of the process with the production of sorbents with predetermined properties was studied. Analysis of the research results allowed us to establish that the main factors affecting the yield of carbonizate and the formation of a porous structure of carbon sorbents from synthetic polymer waste are the degree of aromaticity and the location of benzene rings in the polymer structure, the proportion of oxygen in the precursor. The criteria for selecting synthetic polymer wastes as raw materials for obtaining carbon sorbents with predetermined properties are established. The results of the research can be used in the development of technologies for obtaining carbon sorbents with predetermined properties from waste synthetic polymers and the selection of technological parameters for processes.
Investigation of the Processing of Biological Sediments by the Cryogenic Method
Authors: Sokolov L.I. , Tyanin A.N.
Published: October 2020

The study of the processes of intensification of sludge dewatering at sludge sites of sewage treatment plants (WWTP) is presented. The parameters that determine the water yielding capacity of the compacted and excess activated sludge have been clarified. The process of cascadecyclic freezing – thawing of biological sediments has been investigated. The degree of influence of cryogenesis on the specific resistance of the sediment filtration and its water yielding has been determined. Dependences of the resistivity of precipitation on the content of ashless substance and freezing temperature have been established.
Olga Aleksandrovna Shleisner-Natanson: Life and Revolutionary Activity
Authors:   State Museum of the History of St. Petersburg, Slavnitsky Nikolay R.
Published: October 2020

The work is dedicated to the life and work of Olga Aleksandrovna Shleisner – the daughter of a retired officer, landowner of the Oryol province, who became a member of one of the populist circles, and then the wife of M. A. Nathanson. She played a very important role in the formation of the first populist organizations, while she spent most of her life under police supervision and in custody. To compile her biography, documentary materials of the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Justice were used. The article discusses the vicissitudes of her life in exile with her husband, as well as their joint activities to form the “Land and Freedom” party, their arrests and imprisonment. Some attention was also paid to the family members of Olga Alexandrovna – her father, brothers and sister, who were with her throughout her short life.
Domestic Regions and Nation-States: Cooperation or Rivalry?
Authors:   Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Aleksandrov Oleg B.
Published: October 2020

The article is devoted to international aspects of interaction between domestic regions and national states. In the course of the research the author considers a number of foreign models of interaction between the state and domestic regions, compares them with the Russian experience, shows the negative impact of globalization process both on nation-states and domestic regions. The aim of the article is to show how the model of interaction between the state and regions is changing under the influence of external factors.
The Modern Stage of the History of Inter-Regional Russian-Chinese Cooperation in the Conditions of Regionalization
Authors:   Institute of Socio-Political Research – Branch of the Federal Center of Theoretical and Applied Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ISPR FCTAS RAS), Makeeva Svetlana B.
Published: October 2020

The article is devoted to the analysis of modern processes of interregional cooperation in the Far East in the context of regionalization. The analysis was based on Russian-Chinese interregional interaction. Based on the theory of new regionalism, the contemporary role of regions in the 21st century was determined. The Russian foreign policy strategy “Turn to the East”, outlined in 2014, has established new prospects for interaction between Russian and Chinese regions in the Far East. An analysis of the work of Russian and Chinese scientists, plans, programs for maintaining Russian-Chinese cooperation, annual reports of departments, committees for international cooperation under the administrations of the Russian regions allows us to highlight the general trade, economic, economic, socio-cultural and scientific-technical problems of interregional cooperation. The main ones include: spontaneity and randomness of interaction between the regions of Russia and China in the last decade of the twentieth century; mutual trust in Russian-Chinese interregional relations; imbalances in the development of transport and logistics infrastructure of the Northeast of China and the Far East of Russia; problems of sectoral complementarity of the border regions of Russia and China.
Status and Functions of the Mayor of Nakhichevan-on-Don According to the Materials of the Audit By Senator M. N. Zhemchuzhnikov
Authors:   Southern Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Batiev Levon V.
Published: October 2020

The report of Senator Zhemchuzhnikov on the results of the audit of the Nakhichevan district in 1844 contains significant materials on the organization and activities of the self-government bodies of the Armenian colony in the Lower Don Region, formed in 1779 by Armenian immigrants from the Crimea. The duties of the mayor were not determined either by law or public sentence, and therefore the limits of his power depended on personal qualities and on the respect that he commanded in the district. The result of this in the middle of the 19th century were the autocracy and the factual irresponsibility of the mayor.
New Research about Educational Activity Scientists-Agrarians
Authors:   Samara National Research University, Kabytov Petr S. , Barinova Ekaterina P. ,   Samara National Research University
Published: October 2020

The review gave an analysis of the monograph of S. A. Kozlov, which presented the reconstruction of biographies of prominent Russian scientists, having made a significant contribution to the development and implementation of new agricultural practices and sustainable farming practices, and also in promotion of scientific knowledge and creation of a system of agricultural education in the Russian Empire in XIX and early XX of centuries. Features of author’s approach, the importance of the research done by the historian are noted, debatable questions are designated. According to reviewers, S. A. Kozlov ‘s monograph through biographies of agricultural scientists shows the panorama of the development of agricultural knowledge in the Russian Empire and their impact on the agrarian sector of the economy of the country.
Dynamics of Individual Correlogram of Identity Formation Stages of a University Student
Authors:   Samara Academy for the Humanities, Kaptsov Alexander V. , Kolesnikova Ekaterina I. ,   Samara State Technical University, Panov Viktor I. ,   Psychological Institute of the Russian Academy of Education
Published: October 2020

The relevance of the study of identity formation stages of a university student is determined by changes in modern Russian higher education primarily related to digitalization processes. The article presents the description of students’ identity formation features under conditions of higher education digitalization. The expediency of using an ecopsychological (ontological) model of identity formation is shown, according to which the process of formation of subject qualities is viewed in the ontological continuum, i.e. “subject of spontaneous activity – subject of arbitrary action”. With this model used as a theoretical basis, the aim of the study was to empirically identify correlation relationships (correlograms) between the stages of identity formation in university students. We have put forward a hypothesis that the relationships between stages of identity formation are peculiar and describe the individual style of learning actions of a student in the temporal aspect. The necessity of using specifically developed methods of process diagnostics and nonparametric statistical methods has been shown. The results of a longitudinal study of the identity formation stages in the course of education at a technical university are presented (n = 150 students; first and second year students; M = 18,86 years; Sd = 0,79; 46% male), longitude duration is 8–10 weeks. There is an example of a correlogram, which demonstrates individual structure of correlation interrelations between the stages of student’s identity. Interpretations of this structure of interrelations are suggested taking into account the style of subjectivity formation. Recommendations on application of obtained data regarding the stages of identity formation in the university educational process are given.
Psychology of Sustainable Development: Challenges and Prospects
Authors:   Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Ermakov Dmitry Sergeevich
Published: October 2020

Today the task of practical implementation of sustainable development has become even more important than three decades ago, when the corresponding concept was formulated. The coronavirus pandemic, which caused natural avalanche of negative consequences in the economy and society at the global, national, local, and individual levels, is just one of the tragic evidences of this. Initially, the term “sustainability” was put forward in natural sciences, but it is currently used in a wider context, which leads to misunderstanding. In this regard, the important role of the humanities, particularly psychology, is difficult to overestimate. The article is devoted to the review of problems and prospects in the field of psychology of sustainable development as a new and very relevant scientific area. The study presents the results of scientometric analysis of dissertational studies on this topic conducted in the USSR / Russian Federation from 1987 to 2019. It has been established that the vast majority of them was done in economic sciences (85.4%), and only a few in the field of psychology (0.5%). The content of the main, critical and alternative domestic and foreign discourse in the field of sustainable development has been disclosed. Methodological approaches, i.e. phenomenological, metacentric, ecopsychological have been described; they can serve as the basis for the psychology of sustainable development. In general, sustainable development is a dynamic process, the study of which includes many academic subjects and points of view and is constantly transformed as scientific knowledge, including psychological knowledge, develops.
Relationship between Perfectionism and Forms of Social Activity among Youth of Different Age Groups
Authors:   Saratov State University, Bocharova Elena E.
Published: October 2020

The purpose of the study is to establish the interconnection between perfectionism and forms of social activity in students. The study involved representatives of different age groups, all of whom were students (N = 236): high school students (n = 118) and university students (n = 118) from Saratov and Saratov region aged 17 to 19. The methodological tools, that we used, involved a questionnaire aimed at recording various forms of social activity and the degree of their manifestation (R. M. Shamionov, I. V. Arendachuk, E. E. Bocharova et al.) and the "Multidimensional scale of perfectionism" (P. L. Hewitt, G. L. Flett; adapted by I. I. Gracheva). We used the above-listed tools to study the ratio of the correlation of manifestation of perfectionism parameters. Presumably, we can observe the presence of multidirectional relationships between the degree of manifestation of the parameters of perfectionism and self-assessment of various forms of social activity of an individual depending on their social status and age. The study found that representatives of school and student youth differ to a greater extent in the internal locus of perfectionism accompanied by absence of excessive adherence to other people's standards and norms. We recorded a tendency of negative dynamics in the frequency of manifestation of interrelationships between perfectionism and forms of social activity: the maximum number was observed in representatives of school youth, while its decrease was recorded among students. The ambivalence of functional manifestation of internal perfectionism was revealed: the development of a range of forms of social activity in schoolchildren against the background of the decrease of activity in the subcultural form of activity; in representatives of the student youth we observed actualization of activity in the form of spiritual activity against the background of deactualization of activity in the forms of protest and radical protest activity. In case of retention of the external locus of perfectionism, there is actualization of activity in the forms of socio-political and socio-economic activity in schoolchildren and in the form of Internet network activity in students. The applied aspect of the problem under study can be implemented in the practice of advisory services of educational institutions and organization of socially useful activities of young people, taking into account its perfectionist orientation.
Ecology of Childhood and Psychology of Sustainable Development (Results of the International Scientific-Practical Conference “9th Russian Conference on Environmental Psychology: From the Ecology of Childhood to the Psychology of Sustainable Development”)
Authors:   Psychological Institute of Russian Academy of Education, Panov Viktor I. , Panyukova Julia G. ,   Psychological Institute of Russian Academy of Education
Published: October 2020

The article presents the results of the international research and practice conference “The 9th Russian conference on environmental psychology: from ecology of childhood to psychology of sustainable development”, which was held on March 17–19, 2020 at the Psychological Institute of the Russian Academy of Education, in Moscow. The conference was organized by the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Psychological Institute of the Russian Academy of Education” (Laboratory of Ecological Psychology of Development and Psychodidactics), International State Institute named after A. D. Sakharov, Belarusian State University (Department of Social Sciences, Humanities and Sustainable Development). The main ideas and research results presented at the plenary and section sessions are presented. Particular attention was paid to the problems of childhood ecology and psychology of sustainable development.
Investigation of Triamcinolone-Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) Interaction by Spectroscopic Methods
Authors: AYDINOĞLU Sabriye
Published: October 2020

The aim of the present study was investigate the interaction between bovine serum albumin and triamcinolone. For this purpose, the interaction between BSA and triamcinolone was evaluated by UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy under different temperatures, and different salt concentration at physiological pH (7.4). The binding constant of BSA-Triamcinolone system were evaluated different temperature at constant (pH =7.4) and ionic strength (0.01 M). The binding constant dependence of binding constant on temperature was analysed by Van’t Hoff equation. The standard enthalpy change (DeltaH) and standard entropy change (DeltaS) values were determinated respectively as 9.0 kcal/mol while as 54.1 cal/mol.K.. In addition, the effect of salt concentration investigated for BSA-Triamcinolone system at constant temperature (T=25°C) and increasing salt concentration lead to decrement on the binding constant value. The obtained thermodynamic parameters indicate hydrophobic forces take major role in BSA-Triamcinolone interaction. The arousal of salt concentration prompted to diminution on affinity between Triamcinolone and BSA.
La globalización del sistema alimentario y la crisis de 2007 en los países de la comunidad andina
Authors: Cascante Hernández Kattya
Published: October 2020

Este artículo analiza la globalización del sistema mundial alimentario y sus estructuras de gobernanza. Para ello se fija en el caso concreto de la crisis alimentaria de 2007 y las respuestas adoptadas por los cuatro Estados de la Comunidad Andina. El artículo sostiene que las políticas implementadas por los gobiernos mejoraron el acceso a los alimentos, pero no así su calidad. Como resultado, aunque consiguieron reducir las tasas de subalimentación, elevaron el promedio del sobrepeso y la obesidad, empeorando la malnutrición general de su población.
Migraciones hacia Estados Unidos y la Unión Europea en el contexto de la seguridad e inseguridad humana en el siglo XXI
Authors: Solórzano Octavio Alonso
Published: October 2020

La seguridad humana como categoría analítica es relativamente reciente, surge a finales del siglo XX. Los acontecimientos mundiales, como las invasiones, ataques e incursiones militares de Estados Unidos a Irak, Afganistán, Siria e Irán, y los desplazamientos masivos provocados por las incursiones militares visibilizaron la fragilidad del entorno internacional, y a cambio de la seguridad nacional de Estados Unidos se vulneran la seguridad humana y los derechos humanos de civiles en regiones del mundo. El retiro de Estados Unidos de las agendas globales en materia climática y migratoria, sumado a la política anti-migratoria de Norteamérica y la Unión Europea, están produciendo desequilibrios que, en un futuro cercano, podrían atentar contra la seguridad humana global, de ahí que la reflexión en torno al concepto cobra especial relevancia; sobre todo, cuando el discurso de seguridad nacional de Donald Trump legitima acciones en detrimento de la seguridad humana internacional; a pesar de que esta es inherente al ser humano e incorpora la importancia de cubrir necesidades básicas. Por ello, el artículo analiza los factores que vulneran la seguridad humana de migrantes que por motivos diversos se desplazan fuera de sus naciones. Examina los alcances y limitaciones de las medidas de organismos internacionales encaminadas a salvaguardar la seguridad humana de migrantes de África y Medio Oriente que van a la Unión Europea, o aquellos que desde México, Centroamérica y Sudamérica se dirigen a Estados Unidos. El fenómeno será analizado con un enfoque holístico considerando los factores que obligan a los migrantes a desplazarse en un contexto de (in)seguridad humana, tales como guerras e invasiones, cambio climático, pandemias, neoliberalismo y violencia.
Blokovne stanovanjske soseske v Mariboru
Authors: Škratek Gregor
Published: October 2020

Residential block neighbourhoods were the dominant concept of urban development between 1945 and 1990 in all parts of the world, regardless of the economic and social arrangements. They were created in response to specific social conditions, rapid urbanization and industrialization. The study examined 40 residential neighbourhoods with blocks of flats in Maribor from the point of view of morphological, and functional characteristics, and also examined the floor plan of the residential neighbourhoods, thus the fundamental parts. Block neighbourhoods were addressed at the town level, the neighbourhood itself and at the apartment level. The morphological and functional analysis of the neighbourhoods showed the conception of the neighbourhood, the typology of buildings, the land use and activities in the neighbourhood. The analysis of residential blocks was limited to the structure, number and type of floor plan. Based on this, we have identified four phases of neighbourhood construction that resulted from housing policy, urban development, and changing the idea of a residential block neighbourhood.
Culturally Responsive Pedagogy and Academic Vocabulary Teaching and Learning: An Integrated Approach in the Elementary Classroom
Authors: Roessingh Hetty
Published: October 2020

Culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP) which provides a general framework for working with culturally and linguistically diverse learners has become the reality in the contemporary elementary classroom in Canada and around the world. This theory-to-practice article presents five research-based teaching practices which make a tangible impact on students’ academic vocabulary learning, their academic literacy, and longitudinal educational success. The author illustrates how this vocabulary can be identified, clustered, and contextualized within the frame of a thematic unit. The reader is invited to a classroom in Quebec via a video clip of a dual-language book project that illustrates how principles and practices of CRP can be applied in an FSL setting.

La pédagogie sensible à la culture, fournissant un cadre de travail général quand on travaille avec des apprenants de cultures et de langues diverses, est devenue une réalité dans la salle de classe élémentaire contemporaine au Canada et dans le monde entier. Le présent article, de mise en pratique de la théorie, présente cinq pratiques d’enseignement fondées sur la recherche qui ont un impact tangible sur l’apprentissage du vocabulaire scolaire des élèves, sur leur littératie scolaire et sur leur réussite scolaire à long terme. L’auteur illustre comment on peut identifier ce vocabulaire, le regrouper et le contextualiser dans le cadre d’une unité thématique. Le lecteur est invité dans une salle de classe au Québec grâce à un clip vidéo qui montre un projet de lecture bilingue illustrant comment les principes et les pratiques de la pédagogie qui prend en compte les réalités culturelles peuvent être appliqués dans un contexte de français langue seconde.
Performance Investigation of a Permanent Magnet DC Machines using Robust Control Technique
Authors: Jibril Mustefa , Tadese Messay , Bogale Fiseha
Published: October 2020

In this paper, the design and performance investigation of the permanent magnet machines have been done to increase the mechanical and electrical outputs improvement of the systems. A permanent magnet Dc motor (PMDM) and generator (PMDG) have been modelled and designed to improve the angular position and generated current respectively. In this work, augmentation based H 2 optimal and H infinity synthesis controllers have been designed as a controller for the two systems and a comparison between the proposed controller for tracking a reference inputs and a promising results have been obtained.
Modeling the Impact of Climate Change on the Distribution of Hagenia Abyssinica in Ethiopia
Authors: Gobezie Tsegaye , Namomissa Silesh , Bekele Tamrat
Published: October 2020

Research Highlights: Hagenia abyssinica is geographically localized, poor regenerated and endangered species in Ethiopia. Ethiopia has been experiencing variability of rainfall and rise in temperature due to the climate change. This study has hypothesized that the suitable areas for the species will be narrowed by the year 2070. Background and Objective The prediction of species distribution models help to implement appropriate conservation actions. The aim of this research was to identify the current and likely future distribution range and suitable areas for the species, and to determine the presence of H. absyssinica in risk in a short-term future. Material and method: To this end, occurrence data, bioclim variables, soil, elevation, and land cover map of Ethiopia were used. MaxEnt was used to predict distribution. Climate change impacts on the distribution of the species was performed using bioclimatic variables of the future climate data, 2070 (average for 2061-2080) was obtained from IPPC5 (CMIP5) at 30 seconds (1km) spatial resolution. The climate data was projected from GCMs, downscaled and calibrated using rcp4.5. Results: Both current and likely future distribution models were excellent and significantly better than random performance. This study has computed 59987 km2 to be the low impact area for the species under current conditions and will remain habitat under future climates and 39025 km2 area has been identified as the possible high impact areas or declining habitat. The model has also determined that 1238724 km2 of the areas are unsuitable at present and for future climates. The current study found that 15751 km2 of the area will be modified as a new suitable area for H. abyssinica due to climate change. Conclusion: Species distribution modeling is essential for the implementation of conservation actions that are compatible with the inevitable changing climatic conditions of the country.
Ranking Climate Change Adaptation Options
Authors: Sinay Laura , Carter Rodney William (Bill)
Published: October 2020

Failure to adapt to climate change is currently considered one of the major threats affecting humanity. Hence, much effort is being put into discussing adaptation approaches. While many adaptation options have been identified, the academic literature does not present a simple process that local councils and community members can use to rank adaptation options. In this context, community members participating on planning processes are presented with many adaptation options, but with no objective approach for selection, which adds challenge to the planning process. With the objective of addressing this issue, this work proposes a simple equation that allows calculating the applicability level of adaptation options. Results can then be plotted into graphs that allow correlating adaptation options and applicability level, which can be easily understood by community members. To develop such equation, this work built on existing sophisticated models from where the indicators used on the equation were identified, as well as the relationship between them. A scale was proposed to help on identifying adaptation options that should be implemented on the short, medium and long term, and options that should only be implemented if the circumstance change.
Evaluating the Safety and Potential Risks of Food Allergy of Silk Fibroin Derived from Bombyx mori Cocoons
Authors: Yigit Sezin , Hallaj Nadia , Sugarman James , Chong Lester , Roman Samantha , Abu-Taleb Laith , Goodman Richard , Johnson Philip , Behrens Adam
Published: October 2020

Recent studies have demonstrated silk fibroin’s ability to extend the shelf life of foods by mitigating the hallmarks of spoilage, namely oxidation and dehydration. Due to the potential for this protein to become more widespread, its safety was evaluated comprehensively. First, a bacterial reverse mutation test (Ames test) was conducted in five bacterial strains. Second, an in vivo erythrocyte test was conducted with Sprague Dawley rats at doses up to 1,000mg/kg-bw/day. Third, a range-finder study was conducted with Sprague Dawley rats at the highest consumption amount given solubility and oral gavage volume constrains (500mg/kg-bw/day). Fourth, a 28-day study in Sprague Dawley rats was conducted at the 500mg/kg-bw/day amount. Fifth, an in vitro pepsin digestion assay was performed to assess the potential for protein allergenicity. Sixth, allergenic potential was further assessed using liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy for detection of allergenic insect proteins. Seventh, the protein sequences were subjected to bioinformatic analyses. Together, these studies raise no mutagenic, carcinogenic, toxicological, or allergenic concerns with the oral consumption of silk fibroin.
Role of VTC4 in Stress Response and Regulation of Inorganic Polyphosphate Levels in Yeast
Authors: Tomashevsky Alexander , Kulakovskaya Ekaterina , Trilisenko Ludmila , Kulakovskaya Tatiana , Fedorov Alexey , Eldarov Mikhail
Published: October 2020

Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is an important factor of stress tolerance in microbial cells. In yeast, the major enzyme of polyP biosynthesis is Vtc4, a subunit of the vacuole transporter chaperone (VTC) complex. In this study, we demonstrated that Vtc4 knockout in Saccharomyces cerevisiae not only decreased polyP content but also caused shifts in the composition of the intracellular polyP pool and changed the stress tolerance profile. In the mutant S. cerevisiae, the level of short-chain acid-soluble polyPs was decreased nearly 10-fold, whereas that of longer acid-insoluble polyPs was decreased only 2-fold, suggesting the existence of other enzymes compensating the production of long-chain polyPs. The Δvtc4 mutant showed inhibition of Mg2+-dependent phosphate uptake and decreased resistance to alkaline stress but increased tolerance to oxidation and heavy metal ions, especially Mn2+. Quantitative PCR revealed the upregulation of the DDR2 gene implicated in multiple stress responses and downregulation of PHO84 encoding a phosphate and Mn2+ transporter, which could account for the effects on phosphate uptake and Mn2+-related stress response in the Δvtc4 mutant. Our study indicates that short-chain polyPs, plays an important role in the regulation of stress response in yeast.
Analysis and Evaluation of Covid-19 Tools for Health Professionals: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Mukhtar Hamid , Ahmad Hafiz , Khan Muhammad , Ullah Nasim
Published: October 2020

The multidisciplinary nature of the work required for research in the Covid-19 pandemic has created new challenges for health professionals in the battle against the virus. They need to be equipped with novel tools and resources ---that have emerged during the pandemic--- to gain access to breakthrough findings, know the latest developments, and to address their specific needs for rapid data acquisition, analysis, evaluation, and reporting. Because of the complex nature of the virus, the healthcare systems worldwide are severely impacted as the treatment and the vaccine for Covid-19 disease are not yet discovered. This leads to frequent changes in regulations and policies by governments and international organizations. Our analysis suggests that given the abundance of information sources, finding the most suitable tool for a given task is one of such challenges. But health professionals and policymakers need access to the most relevant, reliable, trusted, and latest information and tools that can be used in their day-to-day tasks of Covid-19 research and analysis. In this article, we present our analysis of various novel and important tools that have been specifically developed during the Covid-19 pandemic and that can be used by the health professionals community to help in advancing their analysis and research. These tools comprise of search engines, information repositories for literature and clinical trials, data sources, dashboards, and forecasting models. We present list of the minimally essential tools to serve a multitude of purposes, from hundreds of those developed since the beginning of the pandemic. A critical analysis is provided for the selected tools based on 17 parameters that can be useful for researchers and analysts for their evaluations. These parameters make up our evaluation framework and have not been used previously for analysis and evaluation. Hence, knowledge of the tools will not only increase the productivity but will also allow to explore new dimensions for using existing tools with more control, better management, and greater outcome of their research. In addition, the parameters used in our framework can be applied for future evaluations of similar tools and health professionals can adapt them for evaluation of other tools not covered in this analysis.
How to Better Manage Tourism on Pandemic-Times? Moving Forward on a Discussion We Should Have Had Before the 2020 Crisis
Authors: Sinay Laura , Fogliatti de Sinay Maria Cristina
Published: October 2020

Taking advantage of tourists’ intensive flow, the SARS-CoV-2 virus rapidly spread causing thousands of deaths globally. Trying to contain the already pandemic virus, government travel restrictions were suddenly imposed. Consequently, the tourism industry, which at that moment employed one in ten workers globally, suddenly collapsed. Hundreds of thousands of workers immediately lost their income. Flights were cancelled, and thousands of tourists were stuck abroad with no means to return to their home countries. The gravity of the situation raised the question of whether there was scholarly knowledge that could have helped manage tourism during the current pandemic. To answer this question, a methodical literature review was performed, allowing for up to 900 publications to be analysed. Keywords used were pandemic, tourism, tourist and travel. Based on this process, 63 publications were selected for further analysis. Among these, less than 5% were focused on the tourism side of the problem. As such, this research concludes that, by the time the novel coronavirus emerged, there was, virtually, no scholarly knowledge on how to manage tourism during pandemic times so as to avoid chaos, and that the scholarly community studying related issues is very small. Moving forward, this article recommends that research funding agencies and universities encourage the sound development of this area of knowledge. Aspects that should be investigated include when, how and by whom should tourism be halted, as well as the feasibility of a Tourism World Fund for supporting related costs.
Guided discovery-blended learning (GDBL) for critical thinking skill empowerment: A learning strategy in human excretory system
Authors: Suparini S , Rusdi R , Ristanto Rizhal Hendi
Published: October 2020

The research purpose is to learn Guided Discovery-Blended Learning (GDBL) strategy on students’ critical thinking skills in the human excretory system. The research method is quasi-experiment with pretest-posttest experiment and control group design. The research population includes all Grade XI MIPA in a senior high school in East Jakarta, Indonesia, of 144 students. As regards the sample, 71 students are selected that are divided into two classes, namely: XI MIPA-2 as a control class and XI MIPA-4 as an experimental class with GDBL. Data collection uses an integration test in an essay, student response to learning strategy and observation sheet of syntax implementation—the data analysis result using ANCOVA test proofs that the GDBL affects students’ critical thinking skill. The GDBL could foster thinking habits through independent rearrangement of a concept with guidance from the teacher using sourcebooks and online media. It is necessary to prepare biology teacher creativity to improve student’s critical thinking skills and to modify the GDBL so as it brings a better effect.
Wimba learning strategy with PjBL model: How the effect student in excretory system concept?
Authors: Suprapto Purwati Kuswarini , Aji Riyanto  , Nuryadin Egi
Published: October 2020

This research aims to determine the effect of wimba learning strategies with project based learning models toward student learning outcomes on the excretory system material. This research was conducted in September 2018 until September 2019. The research method used a true experiment with a population of all class XI in one of the State High School of Tasikmalaya City with 8 classes with a total of 288 students. The samples used were 2 classes taken by cluster random sampling, namely class  XI mathematics and science 1 as a controller class and class  XI mathematics and science 4 as an experimental class. Based on the results of the study, data analysis using the Ancova test and hypothesis testing can be concluded that there is an influence of the wimba learning strategy with project based learning model toward student learning outcomes on the excretory system material in class XI in one of the State High School of Tasikmalaya City 2018/2019.
Enhancing integrated science process skills: Is it better to use open inquiry or guided inquiry model?
Authors: Romadhona Rizky Restu , Suyanto Slamet
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of implementing a real object-based open inquiry model towards integrated science process skills of 10th- grade students in the material of plants (Plantae). This study used quasi-experimental research with nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. This study's population was all 10th- of Senior High School S of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, in the academic year grade students of 2018/2019. The technique sampling used in this study was random cluster sampling. The samples consisted of 30 students in the experimental class using the open inquiry model and 30 students in the control class using the guided inquiry model. The instrument used in this study was an essay test consisting of four questions that represent the aspects of science process skills. Analyze data use the independent-sample t-test. The results indicated a significant difference between the means of science process skills post-test of the 10th-grade students in the material of plants. The percentage of N-gain score in the experimental class categorized to low was 0%, categorized to moderate was 17%, and categorized to high was 83%.  The most influential aspect of integrated science process skills in the experimental class is communication with 95,33. To sum up, the open inquiry learning model is useful in the 10th-grade students' integrated science process skills, particularly the aspect of communication in plants' material.
Aprovechamiento del biosol producido por biodigestión anaerobia de porquinaza para la fertilización de rábano rojo
Authors: Sánchez-Gómez Juan Sebastián , Fuenzalida-Sandoval Esteban Adrián , Sánchez-Amézquita Laura , Cassés-Franceschi Daniela , Rivera-Ramos Laura Camila , Reyes-Barrios Luis Humberto , Fajardo-Pinilla Juan Manuel
Published: October 2020

Los problemas asociados a la producción masiva de porquinaza en las granjas porcícolas se asocian al mal olor, a la propagación de patógenos y a la contaminación de fuentes hídricas y suelos. Como una solución sostenible se implementó un biodigestor con el fin de aprovechar el biosol producido por biodigestión anaerobia de porquinaza y promover la economía circular en la reserva El Verjón. Para evidenciar el uso potencial del biosol como mejorador de suelos se preparó y adicionó a un cultivo de rábanos rojos —Raphanus sativus—. Los resultados obtenidos sugirieron que el uso del biosol como fertilizante es adecuado, puesto que el peso de los rábanos fue similar a la muestra con fertilizante comercial, y con el biosol se desarrollaron raíces más largas. Los rábanos sembrados con biosol presentaron una forma esférica, mientras que los rábanos con fertilizante comercial tomaron una forma elíptica alargada. No obstante, el fertilizante comercial permitió un mejor crecimiento de las hojas y de los tallos de la plántula. A fin de aumentar la capacidad del biosol como mejorador de suelos se recomendaría la adición de nitrógeno al biosol con el propósito de mejorar el crecimiento de las hojas y los tallos, y lograr un mejor rendimiento que el fertilizante comercial. Este estudio demostró que el biosol obtenido es una buena alternativa de fertilización, dado que reduce los costos e impactos medioambientales de la fertilización convencional y promueve la competitividad de la vereda Verjón Alto en la localidad de Santa Fe en Bogotá.
Occupational Identity, Job Satisfaction and Their Effects on Turnover Intention among Chinese Pediatricians: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Deng Wanjun , Feng Zhichun , Yao Xinying , Yang Tingting , Jiang Jun , Wang Bing , Lin Lan , Zhong Wenhao , Xia Oudong
Published: October 2020

Background This study contributes to research on the paediatrician shortage by examining occupational identity, job satisfaction and their effects on turnover intention among paediatricians in China. Methods A multi-stage stratified random sampling method was employed to conduct a questionnaire survey. Of the 4906 survey recipients, valid data were collected from 4198 of the respondents (85.6%). The participants were from seven geographic regions of China (south, central, north, east, northwest, southwest, and northeast). Paediatricians who volunteered and provided written informed consent participated. All variables including basic socio-demographics and work-related characteristics, occupational identity, job satisfaction and turnover intention were based on available literature, and measured on a 5- point Likert scale. Statistical methods such as exploratory factor analysis (EFA), descriptive analysis, common method bias, one-way ANOVA test, Pearson correlation analysis and mediation analysis were used.Results Significant differences were observed among the respondents in terms of turnover intention based on age, education level, marital status, region, the type and grade of practice setting, professional title, years in practise, workload, rest days, and monthly income. Occupational identity and job satisfaction were both negatively related to turnover intention, and occupational identity was positively correlated with job satisfaction(r1=-0.601, p<0.001; r2=-0.605, p<0.001). The results also showed that job satisfaction plays a mediating role in the association between occupational identity and turnover intention among Chinese paediatricians.Conclusions Work conditions, workload and salary are crucial factors of turnover intention among paediatricians in China. Therefore, we suggest that healthcare managers should increase investment in paediatrics, implement salary reforms and dedicate more attention to female and young paediatricians, thus reducing turnover intention among Chinese paediatricians.