bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long noncoding RNA PVT1 promotes chondrocyte extracellular matrix degradation by acting as a sponge for miR-140 in IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes
Authors: Yao Nan , Peng Sha , Wu Huai , Liu Wengang , Cai Dake , Huang Dane
Published: April 2022

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease, and chondrocyte extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation is one vital pathological feature of OA. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), a new kind of gene regulator, plays an important role in pathogenesis of many diseases like OA. Recent studies have confirmed that lncRNA plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) expression was upregulated in OA patients; however, its effect on ECM degradation remained unknown.

Methods

Cartilage tissue samples were obtained from 6 OA patients admitted in Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital. Chondrocytes were isolated and cultured from the collected cartilage tissue. Plasmid construction, RNA interference, cell transfection, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and pull-down assay were carried out during the research.

Results

In this study, PVT1 expression was significantly increased in chondrocytes stimulated by interleukin-1β (IL-1β). In addition, inhibition of PVT1 significantly downregulated the increased expressions of ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif-5 (ADAMTS-5) and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) induced by IL-1β. Further investigation revealed that PVT1 was an endogenous sponge RNA, which directly bound to miR-140 and inhibited miR-140 expression.

Conclusion

To sum up, this study showed that PVT1 promoted expressions of ADAMTS-5 and MMP-13 as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-140 in OA, which eventually led to aggravation of ECM degradation, thus providing a new and promising strategy for the treatment of OA.
Effectiveness of self-efficacy-enhancing interventions on rehabilitation following total hip replacement: a randomized controlled trial with six-month follow-up
Authors: Meng Ya , Deng Bo , Liang Xiaoyu , Li Jiangzhen , Li Liuyi , Ou Jinxia , Yu Shuping , Tan Xingxian , Chen Yumei , Zhang Meifen
Published: April 2022

Background

As the world’s population ages, hip replacement, a routine treatment for arthritis, has become more common. However, after surgery, rehabilitation has some limited effectiveness with postoperative complications and persistent impairments. This study aimed to explore the effect of a self-efficacy-enhancing intervention program following hip replacement on patients’ rehabilitation outcomes (self-efficacy, functional exercise compliance, hip function, activity and social participation, anxiety and depression, and quality of life).

Methods

A prospective randomized controlled trial with a repeated-measures, two-group design was conducted in a grade A general hospital in Guangdong Province, China. A total of 150 participants with a unilateral total hip replacement were recruited via convenience sampling. Participants were randomly assigned to either the self-efficacy enhancing intervention group (n = 76) or the control group (n = 74). The intervention encompassed a face-to-face education before discharge and four telephone-based follow-ups in six months after surgery. Researchers collected baseline data on one to three days after surgery, and outcomes data were collected one, three, and six months after surgery.

Results

Average age (deviation) in intervention and control group were 58 (10.32) and 59 (10.82), respectively. After six months, intervention group scored 86.83 ± 5.89 in rehabilitation self-efficacy, significantly higher than control group (72.16 ± 6.52, t = -10.820, p < 0.001) and their hip function has turned to “excellent” (90.52 ± 4.03), while that of the latter was limited to a “middle” level (78.47 ± 7.57). Statistically significant differences were found in secondary outcomes (p < 0.001). The advantage of intervention in improving quality of life was seen in the long term rather than in the early postoperative period.

Conclusions

The self-efficacy-enhancing intervention performed by nurses induced better exercise compliance and physical, psychological, and social functions after hip replacement compared with routine care. We recommend such interventions to be combined with routine care soon after hip replacement. Further research should focus on the social participation of patients with hip replacement.

Trial registration Retrospectively registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (31/01/2020, No. ChiCTR2000029422, http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx).
The role of TBK1 in cancer pathogenesis and anticancer immunity
Authors: Runde Austin P. , Mack Ryan , S.J. Peter Breslin , Zhang Jiwang
Published: April 2022

The TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) is a serine/threonine kinase belonging to the non-canonical inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB (IκB) kinase (IKK) family. TBK1 can be activated by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), inflammatory cytokines, and oncogenic kinases, including activated K-RAS/N-RAS mutants. TBK1 primarily mediates IRF3/7 activation and NF-κB signaling to regulate inflammatory cytokine production and the activation of innate immunity. TBK1 is also involved in the regulation of several other cellular activities, including autophagy, mitochondrial metabolism, and cellular proliferation. AlthoughTBK1mutations have not been reported in human cancers, aberrant TBK1 activation has been implicated in the oncogenesis of several types of cancer, including leukemia and solid tumors withKRAS-activating mutations. As such, TBK1 has been proposed to be a feasible target for pharmacological treatment of these types of cancer. Studies suggest that TBK1 inhibition suppresses cancer development not only by directly suppressing the proliferation and survival of cancer cells but also by activating antitumor T-cell immunity. Several small molecule inhibitors of TBK1 have been identified and interrogated. However, to this point, only momelotinib (MMB)/CYT387 has been evaluated as a cancer therapy in clinical trials, while amlexanox (AMX) has been evaluated clinically for treatment of type II diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and obesity. In this review, we summarize advances in research into TBK1 signaling pathways and regulation, as well as recent studies on TBK1 in cancer pathogenesis. We also discuss the potential molecular mechanisms of targeting TBK1 for cancer treatment. We hope that our effort can help to stimulate the development of novel strategies for targeting TBK1 signaling in future approaches to cancer therapy.
CovidVisualized: Visualized compilation of international updated models’ estimates of COVID-19 pandemic at global and country levels
Authors: Pourmalek Farshad
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To identify international and periodically updated models of the COVID-19 epidemic, compile and visualize their estimation results at the global, regional, and country levels, and periodically update the compilations. This compilation can serve as an early warning mechanism for countries about future surges in cases and deaths. When one or more models predict an increase in daily cases or infections and deaths in the next one to three months, technical advisors to the national and subnational decision-makers can consider this early alarm for assessment and suggestion of augmentation of preventive measures and interventions.

Data description

Five international and periodically updated models of the COVID-19 pandemic were identified, created by: (1) Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, (2) Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, (3) Imperial College, London, (4) Los Alamos National Laboratories, Los Alamos, and (5) University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Estimates of these five identified models were gathered, combined, and graphed at global and two country levels. Canada and Iran were chosen as countries with and without subnational estimates, respectively. Compilations of results are periodically updated. Three Github repositories were created that contain the codes and results, i.e., “CovidVisualizedGlobal” for the global and regional levels, “CovidVisualizedCountry” for a country with subnational estimates–Canada, and “covir2” for a country without subnational estimates–Iran.
Breast MRI during pregnancy and lactation: clinical challenges and technical advances
Authors: Nissan Noam , Bauer Ethan , Moss Massasa Efi Efraim , Sklair-Levy Miri
Published: April 2022

The breast experiences substantial changes in morphology and function during pregnancy and lactation which affects its imaging properties and may reduce the visibility of a concurrent pathological process. The high incidence of benign gestational-related entities may further add complexity to the clinical and radiological evaluation of the breast during the period. Consequently, pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is often a delayed diagnosis and carries a poor prognosis. This state-of-the-art pictorial review illustrates how despite currently being underutilized, technical advances and new clinical evidence support the use of unenhanced breast MRI during pregnancy and both unenhanced and dynamic-contrast enhanced (DCE) during lactation, to serve as effective supplementary modalities in the diagnostic work-up of PABC.
A contact problem for a piezoelectric actuator on an elasto-plastic obstacle
Authors: Krejčí Pavel , Petrov Adrien
Published: April 2022

A problem of motion of a piezoelectric actuator in contact with an elasto-plastic obstacle is reformulated as a PDE in one spatial dimension with hysteresis in the bulk and on the contact boundary. The model is shown to dissipate energy in agreement with the principles of thermodynamics. The main result includes existence, uniqueness, and continuous data dependence of solutions.
Inhibiting nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2-mediated autophagy in bovine mammary epithelial cells induces oxidative stress in response to exogenous fatty acids
Authors: Chang Renxu , Sun Xudong , Jia Hongdou , Xu Qiushi , Dong Zhihao , Tang Yan , Luo Shengbin , Jiang Qianming , Loor Juan J. , Xu Chuang
Published: April 2022

Background

In early lactation, bovine mammary epithelial cells undergo serious metabolic challenges and oxidative stress both of which could be alleviated by activation of autophagy. Nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (NFE2L2), a master regulator of cellular redox homeostasis, plays an important role in the regulation of autophagy and oxidative stress. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the role of NFE2L2-mediated autophagy on oxidative stress of bovine mammary epithelial cells in response to exogenous free fatty acids (FFA).

Results

Exogenous FFA induced linear and quadratic decreases in activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and increases in the contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Protein abundance of LC3-phosphatidylethanolamine conjugate (LC3-II) and the number of autophagosomes and autolysosomes decreased in a dose-dependent manner, while protein abundance of p62 increased in cells challenged with FFA. Activation of autophagy via pre-treatment with Rap attenuated the FFA-induced ROS accumulation. Importantly, FFA inhibited protein abundance of NFE2L2 and the translocation of NFE2L2 into the nucleus. Knockdown of NFE2L2 by siRNA decreased protein abundance of LC3-II, while it increased protein abundance of p62. Furthermore, sulforaphane (SFN) pre-treatment attenuated the FFA-induced oxidative stress by activating NFE2L2-mediated autophagy.

Conclusions

The data suggested that NFE2L2-mediated autophagy is an important antioxidant mechanism in bovine mammary epithelial cells experiencing increased FFA loads.
Predicting and remembering the behaviors of social targets: how prediction accuracy affects episodic memory
Authors: Udeogu Onyinye J. , Frankenstein Andrea N. , Sklenar Allison M. , Urban Levy Pauline , Leshikar Eric D.
Published: April 2022

Background

Decades of research has investigated the relationship between memory and future thinking. Although some of this work has shown that memory forms the basis of making predictions about the future, less work has investigated how the outcome of those predictions (whether consistent or inconsistent with what one predicts) is later remembered. Limited past works suggests that memory for outcomes that are consistent with what one predicts are better remembered that predictions that are inconsistent. To advance understanding of the relationship between episodic memory and future thinking, the current investigation examines how the outcome of predictions affects memory after the predicted events takes place.

Methods

In this experiment, participants first learned trait information about social targets. Then, participants imagined scenarios involving targets and the self (i.e., the participant) and made predictions about which behaviors targets would perform based on the trait information associated with targets participants learned earlier. Participants were then told the behaviors the targets actually performed (i.e., prediction outcome), which was eitherconsistentorinconsistentwith predictions, before then taking a memory test for prediction outcomes (what the social target actually did).

Results

Results showed memory for prediction-consistent outcomes was better than for prediction-inconsistent outcomes, suggesting people exhibit enhanced memory for events that are in line with predictions based on existing contents of memory (e.g., what one knows; schemas), which is in line with the limited past work in this domain.

Conclusion

Overall, finding better memory for prediction-consistent outcomes may reflect an adaptive function in memory, where people show enhanced memory for episodes when they play out as predicted, and aligned with the current contents of memory.
Congenital agenesis of lumbo-sacral pedicles with associated anomalies: case report with an emphasis on the use of O-arm, navigation in the management with literature review
Authors: Dave Bharat , Degulmadi Devanand , Krishnan Ajay , Mayi Shivanand , Rai RaviRanjan , Raj Aditya , Meena Umesh
Published: April 2022

Background

Congenital spinal pedicle agenesis is rare. The majority of cases are asymptomatic. Few present with either low back pain or radiculopathy. Pedicle screw insertion may pose difficulties in view of abnormal anatomy.

Case presentation

Between Jan 2005 and March 2021, all the data were retrospectively reviewed for the cases operated for congenital anomalies. Three such cases were operated. Case 1 had bilateral agenesis of L5 vertebra with an ectopic kidney in right iliac fossa, absent uterus, absent ovaries and vaginal atresia. Case 2 had absent S1 pedicle with conjoint left L5 nerve root. Case 3 had hypoplastic left L5 pedicle, contained disc herniation, facetal arthropathy. Pedicle screws were placed using O-arm and navigation.

Conclusion

Pedicle agenesis increases the difficulty in pedicle screw fixation and fusion. Anomalous facet and conjoint nerve root need to be looked for intraoperatively. Use of O-arm and CT navigation is of great help in getting safe and accurate anchor points for screw placement avoiding neurological injury.
Effects of ground bamboo application on weed suppression and rice production: a 3-year paddy field experiment
Authors: Lailati Masfiro , Shang Yichen , Huynh Thien Quang , Ito Koji , Katsumi Naoya , Mizuuchi Yumiko , Ino Masaya , Takashima Tadao , Usio Nisikawa
Published: April 2022

Background

In light of the dramatic expansion of Japan’s bamboo forests, it is necessary to develop a strategy for the effective use of bamboo biomass resources. In this study, we tested the effects of ground bamboo as an organic mulching material or soil conditioner during a 3-year, agrochemical-free rice cultivation period.

Methods

We performed field experiments in 16 experimental paddy fields and established five treatments with three or four replicates each: control, manual weeding, low-volume ground bamboo application (0.5 kg m−2), medium-volume ground bamboo application (1.0 kg m−2), and high-volume ground bamboo application (2.0 kg m−2).

Results

We observed no suppression of aquatic weeds with the ground bamboo treatments. Nevertheless, in the first year, rice yields were 1.7–1.8 times greater in the medium- and high-volume ground bamboo treatments than in the controls. In the second and third years, rice yields did not differ among treatments. During the 3-year period, mean rice yields dropped dramatically to around 20%. Simple linear regression analyses indicated that rice yields were positively associated with available phosphate, and negatively associated with the silicic acid content of post-experiment paddy soils after the second and third years of cultivation. Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that available phosphate and silicic acid were important variables explaining rice yields. Application of ground bamboo did not appear to reduce external rice grain quality.

Conclusions

Application of ground bamboo may enhance the production of high-quality rice, particularly when soil phosphorus is not deficient.
CAFFEINE
Authors: Rees Sharon
Published: April 2022

In this column, Sharon Rees aims to refresh knowledge and interest in some of the commonly used drugs in a series of tweets. This month she is talking about #caffeine
Costs and consequences of services provided by non-medical prescribers: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Babashahi Saeideh , Carey Nicola , Jani Yogini H , Hounsome Natalia , Hart Kathryn
Published: April 2022

Non-medical prescribing (NMP) is deemed to facilitate better patient care and timely access to medicine. This scoping review protocol is designed to explore and synthesise the evidence on costs and consequences of NMP services provided by non-medical healthcare professionals. This protocol is prepared based on the framework recommended by Arksey and O'Malley and further refined by Levac et al and the Joanna Briggs Institute. MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, ISI Web of Science and Google Scholar will be systematically searched. The search strategy will include both peer-reviewed and grey literature written in English from 1999 to 2021. The identified studies will be screened independently by two reviewers for final inclusion. The results will be reported in graphical form and descriptively. The findings of this scoping review will provide valuable insights for researchers and policy-makers to inform policy and practice around NMP.
O Efeito Casimir para um Campo Fermiônico na Presença de um Campo Magnético Externo
Authors: Miltão M.S.R. , Farias Franz A.
Published: April 2022

Neste trabalho revisitamos a influência de um campo externo uniforme, particularmente de um campo magnético, sobre a energia de Casimir de um campo fermiônico [1, 2]. Recalculamos então o efeito Casimir nas condições citadas utilizando uma forma generalizada para as condições de contorno sobre o campo bem como o método da função zeta generalizada [3], o qual permite extrair um resultado final mais "limpo", i.e., um com menos termos divergentes espúrios.
The Determination of Kesongo Mud Volcano System Zone Using Seismic Interval Velocity at Potential Overpressure in The Tawun Formation, “F” Field, NE Java Basin
Authors: Burhannudinnur Muhammad , Koesmawardani Wildan Tri
Published: April 2022

The Mud Volcano System (SMV) is an interesting topic, especially the relatively shallow oil and gas basin in North East Java. The Tawun Formation is an alternating layer of claystone that is quite thick. It has been confirmed in several oil and gas fields as a potential layer of a mud volcano system, specifically the Kesongo Mud Volcano System. The existence of this system is a challenge to further exploration; therefore, zoning is essential. The data used in this research were interval velocity cubes which were re-picked in each of the two bin sizes (2x25m) as the primary data. The well and velocity data were performed to determine the deviation from the Normal Compaction Trend (NCT). Furthermore, the seismic interval was confirmed with drilling data such as mud log and mud weight. The value of preliminary pore pressure was also derived from interval velocity using Eaton Equation which is confirmed by mud weight data. The Zoning of the Mud Volcano System was carried out via a depth slice at 3D seismic intervals. The results showed that the Tawun Formation has a Mud Volcano System prone zone at a depth of 204 m and decreases in geometry as the depth increases. Meanwhile, the OP-1 zone was the safest zone for exploration, followed by OP-2 but requires passage through the Kesongo Mud Volcano System zone of 1000 m thickness.
Differential Expression of Secretogranins II and III in Canine Adrenal Chromaffin Cells and Pheochromocytomas
Authors: Gomi Hiroshi , Nagumo Takahiro , Asano Kazushi , Konosu Makoto , Yasui Tadashi , Torii Seiji , Hosaka Masahiro
Published: April 2022

Secretogranin II (SgII) and III (SgIII) function within peptide hormone-producing cells and are involved in secretory granule formation. However, their function in active amine-producing cells is not fully understood. In this study, we analyzed the expression profiles of SgII and SgIII in canine adrenal medulla and pheochromocytomas by immunohistochemical staining. In normal adrenal tissues, the intensity of coexpression of these two secretogranins (Sgs) differed from each chromaffin cell, although a complete match was not observed. The coexpression of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) with SgIII was similar to that with chromogranin A, but there was a subpopulation of VMAT2-expressing cells that were negative or hardly detectable for SgII. These results are the first to indicate that there are distinct expression patterns for SgII and SgIII in adrenal chromaffin cells. Furthermore, the expression of these two Sgs varied in intensity among pheochromocytomas and did not necessarily correlate with clinical plasma catecholamine levels in patients. However, compared with SgIII, the expression of SgII was shown to be strong at the single-cell level in some tumor tissues. These findings provide a fundamental understanding of the expression differences between SgII and SgIII in normal adrenal chromaffin cells and pheochromocytomas.
Solidarity under lockdown: Political participation practices of alternative solidarity networks in Turkey
Authors: Kadıoğlu Duru Su
Published: April 2022

In Turkey, the crackdown on dissident voices following Gezi protests in 2013 and the lack of trust towards the mainstream media highlighted the need for alternative networks of information and organization. This research examines the solidarity networks that were built to address this need during the COVID-19 pandemic in five different districts of İstanbul through eleven semi-structured interviews to gain a better understanding of the current political climate of the country by examining the roots of these solidarity networks, their organization practices and the challenges that are presented to them by inner conflicts and the political economy of the country.
Destinations, virtual reality and COVID-19. How isolation has shaped the behaviours and attitudes towards VR
Authors: Florek Magdalena , Lewicki Marcin
Published: April 2022

Virtual Reality (VR) has been a research subject since the 1990s. Subsequently, the possibilities of applying this technology to various industries have been a subject of debates. While the tourism industry has not been an exception, a marked increase in interest is a recent phenomenon. One of the reasons for this is the unexpected pandemic that, in a way, has forced the tourism industry to search for alternative ways of communicating destinations and reducing the distance between destinations and tourists. The uncertainty of the situation and the change in tourist behaviour as an effect of COVID-19 have prompted the search for new tools to interact with tourists and influence their decisions. The new circumstances might also influence how people evaluate VR tools. The main aim of this paper is thus to diagnose the attitudes and behaviours towards VR during isolation, as well as to present their possible implications for destinations. The research results show that VR has the potential to extend the boundaries of tourism and destinations’ activities, and COVID-19 has played a role in shaping people’s attitudes and behaviours towards VR.
The impact of social media use on the internationalisation of SMEs
Authors: Virglerová Zuzana , Kramoliš Jan , Capolupo Nicola
Published: April 2022

Social media (SM) are one of the marketing tools growing in importance with increasing digitalisation. Companies use marketing to increase interest in their services or reach new customers. Therefore, SM can help companies access a new international market. The aim of this paper is to determine the impact of SM as a marketing strategy tool to gain a new market in the process of internationalisation of SMEs in the countries of Visegrad Four. The paper also evaluates differences in SM approaches according to the selected factors. To obtain relevant data, Tomas Bata University in Zlín organised empirical research in 2019-2020. The online form of the questionnaire was distributed among randomly selected SMEs. In total, 1,585 managers’ responses were analysed. The t-test was performed to compare means and the chi-square test was used to assess differences between variables. Data analysis was performed with SPSS 23 software. A statistically significant difference was found in the perception of the impact of SM on business performance. No statistically significant differences were shown in the case of SM use and the relation to internationalisation.
Task performance and job satisfaction under the effect of remote working: Call center evidence
Authors: Aslan Mustafa , Yaman Fatih , Aksu Ayhan , Güngör Habibe
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the entire world and caused radical changes in conducting business. During the pandemic, some companies adopted hybrid working, and some requested their employees to work entirely from their homes or workplace. This study is performed to determine the differences in the perceived task performance of employees working from home compared to those operating from their workplace and the possible mediating effect of job satisfaction due to such distinction. The study sample is limited to one call center to prevent the interference of other organizational variables such as management style, human resources practices, organizational culture, and to only call center agents to prevent any interference of the position-related factors. All the call center agents (n=421) participated in this study. The data obtained was examined by a path analysis with the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results show that the employees who work from home full-time or on certain days of the week have better general task performance perception compared to those who work only from the workplace. The work location has not been found to affect job satisfaction significantly.
Social attitudes towards professional work of the 55+ generation. Comparative analysis of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary
Authors: Swadźba Urszula
Published: April 2022

The aim of the paper is to diagnose social attitudes towards professional work of the 55+ generation of Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. The analysis is based on the research carried out in Katowice, Ostrava and Debrecen among the 55-65 age group. The research was conducted in April – June 2019. The resulting discussion concerns the cognitive, affective and behavioural attitudes towards professional work. Three national groups are compared. The research findings indicate that taking into account all components of the overall attitude, it is the Poles who achieve the highest value of a positive attitude towards work, then the Hungarians, and finally the Czechs. The Poles demonstrate a consistent attitude towards work, with the individual components displaying similar results. The Czechs exhibit an inconsistent attitude. The highest value is achieved by the affective component and the lowest - by the behavioural one. The Hungarians also show an inconsistent attitude. The cognitive component achieves the same values as in the Czech Republic, however, the affective component achieves a very low value and the behavioural component is high. In Conclusions, the author shows that the economic activity of the 55+ generation is influenced by objective factors, in particular the state policy in the field of obtaining retirement rights and employment opportunities.
Are university management teams strategic stakeholders within higher education institutions? A clinical study
Authors: Moreno-Carmona Cristina , Feria-Domínguez José Manuel , Merinero-Rodríguez Rafael
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the strategic role played by the University Management Teams (hereafter, UMTs) as a key internal stakeholder for the successful performance and sustainability of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Regarding the UMTs, we focus on four main dimensions: profile (background and professional experience), response to a dilemmatic situation, training needs (technical and managerial skills) and strategic management orientation. By using MAXQDA (v.10) data analysis software, we apply a qualitative methodological approach, based on in-depth semi-structured and reflexive interviews with a sample of UMTs belonging to a young small-sized Spanish university, characterized by its trajectory and involvement in strategic management. We found some consensus regarding the main drivers of the UMTs managerial performance, where the seniority in the academic position, institutional engagement, previous training on management (mentorship), professionalization and strategic thought are crucial to ensuring a more flexible, adaptive, competitive and sustainable HEI in the long term.
Key drivers of LULCC in co-managed and governmentmanaged forest reserves in Malawi (1999–2018)
Authors: Gondwe M.F.K. , Chirwa P.W.C. , Cho M.A. , Geldenhuys C.J. , Tshidzumba R.P.
Published: April 2022

Interventions through co-management (CM) and government-management (GM) for forest reserves can mitigate degradation and deforestation. Few studies have investigated the driving forces of Land Use/Cover Change (LULCC) using Remote sensing and socioeconomic data to assess the impact
of management strategies on woodlands. This study investigated factors influencing LULCC in two co-managed and two governmentmanaged forest reserves (FR) between 1999 and 2018 in Malawi. Images from the Environment for Analysing Images and data from respondents representing 30% of the communities
surrounding four FR were analysed in SPSS. Woodland loss to grassland, agriculture was observed in Liwonde CM, Kaning'ina and Thambani GM FR. Communities' perceptions confirmed woodland conversion. Population increases and poverty exacerbated agriculture and wood energy use. Up-scaling CM
requires improved empowerment processes and capacity building. There is a need to curb corruption, monitor licensing, and develop forest plans and law enforcement in GM FR. Promoting geospatial and socioeconomic analysis tools will enhance forest monitoring.
An estimation of national charcoal production: the case of Ghana
Authors: Nketiah K.S. , Asante J. , Hansen C.P.
Published: April 2022

Accurate data on the production and sources of woodfuels is necessary to ensure sustainability. National level data is scanty in most subSaharan African countries. This research aimed to provide accurate data on charcoal production in Ghana and to develop a methodology that could serve
as an inspiration for future assessments, in Ghana and beyond. The study compiled data over two years from Ghana Forestry Commission's records on charcoal quantities transported on the road (Charcoal Conveyance Certificates). This data was validated by mounting sentries 24 hours daily for
two weeks in 2016 and 2018, respectively, along major charcoal transport routes to capture charcoal being transported without the certificate. Charcoal production not captured through the Charcoal Conveyance Certificate and the sentries was quantified from field observation and expert panel
validation. Using these three methods, the study estimated a total annual production (2018) of 1 100 000 tonnes of charcoal for Ghana. This corresponds to 15.7 million m 3 of round wood equivalent. The implications of the study findings are discussed together with the pros and cons of the
methods employed.
Improving the Explanation of Electoral Behavior Through a Combination of Historical and Local Context – The Case of the AfD’s Results at the Federal Election in Germany in 2017
Authors: Jäckle Sebastian
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this article is to examine the extent to which an approach that takes into account the historical and spatial context of an election can contribute to a better understanding of electoral dynamics in general. It applies this approach to the analysis of the results of the populist radical right party “Alternative for Germany” (AfD) at the 2017 federal election in Germany. Making use of a newly compiled dataset at the municipality level in Germany, local context will first be included in a direct way, measured by distances from the municipalities to relevant geographical markers that can be associated with a long-term or a short-term historical legacy. These spatial points include former Nazi concentration camps (main camps as well as relevant sub-camps) in order to test for the long-term legacy, first reception facilities for refugees during the so-called “refugee crisis” (2015–16) as markers of one of the most incisive developments of the recent past in Germany. Additionally, the distance to the Eastern border is tested, as this variable has proven to be relevant in the context of earlier studies on the AfD. Second, actively modeling spatial non-stationarity using Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) in an exploratory manner shows that most effects on the strength of the AfD at the municipality level (from modernization loser theory to the contact hypothesis) vary significantly and considerably in terms of strength throughout Germany.
Caracterização dos suicídios atendidos por um Posto de Criminalística do Sul do Brasil
Authors: Carvalho Tiago Santos , Horn Victória Haas
Published: April 2022

O suicídio consiste no ato intencional de tirar a própria vida. É um problema de saúde pública que está entre as três maiores causas de morte no mundo, sendo responsável por um milhão de mortes por ano, de acordo com dados da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) de 2014. Estes dados não incluem as tentativas de suicídio, que são de 10 a 20 vezes mais frequentes que o suicídio em si. O desfecho deste evento está comumente associado a transtornos mentais e é resultado de uma interação multifatorial. O presente trabalho apresenta a frequência de suicídios ocorridos na Região do Vale dos Sinos, Vale do Caí, Vale do Taquari e Região das Hortênsias entre os anos de 2012 e 2016. O índice de suicídios da região analisada atingiu valores semelhantes ao nacional. Os resultados mostraram que homens cometem mais suicídios do que as mulheres, sendo a maioria na faixa dos 41 aos 60 anos de idade e predominando o enforcamento como método utilizado em ambos os sexos.
Phytoplankton structure of river ecosystems of Ukrainian Polissya
Authors:   Ivan Franko Zhytomyr State University, Department of Botany, Bioresources and Biodiversity Conservation, 40 V. Berdychivska Str., Zhytomyr 10002, Ukraine, Shelyuk Yu.S.
Published: April 2022

Peculiarities of phytoplankton structure of river ecosystems of the Prypiat River and the Teteriv River, the main rivers of Polissya, are discussed. The main tendencies of the autotrophic part of Polissya rivers are revealed. In total 621 algal species (660 infraspecific taxa) from 14 classes, 35 orders, 81 families and 217 genera were identified in the rivers during 2003–2020. Among them 51 taxa with a rank below the genus are new to Ukrainian Polissya. The main abiotic parameters that cause in the structural characteristics of phytoplankton of the studied watercourses are determined. The bioindication analysis of phytoplankton species composition of river ecosystems and the assessment of their water quality is carried out.
Current information on the diversity of dinoflagellates of Ukraine
Authors:   M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany NAS of Ukraine,     2 Tereschenkivska Str., Kyiv 01601, Ukraine, Bryantseva Yu.V.
Published: April 2022

Present current information on the diversity of Dinoflagellata in Ukraine. The study of the species composition of microalgae in modern climate change remains relevant. Dinoflagellates, especially luminous species, are sensitive to anomalies in the warm Black Sea and can serve as a convenient indicator of the state of aquatic ecosystems due to the rapid response to external influences. The use of electron microscopy, as well as molecular genetic research methods over the past 10 years have made it possible to observe significant changes in the taxonomic system of the Miozoa division of the superclass Dinoflagellata. Based on the analysis of 204 literature sources and revision of the taxonomic composition of dinoflagellates of Ukraine, according to the international database AlgaeBase, it is established that the current list of Dinoflagellates of Ukraine includes 370 species (397 watts), belonging to 3 classes, 14 orders, 45 families and 98 genera. The number of species found in Ukraine is an order of magnitude lower than that currently known for Miozoa in the world (3636), and their distribution by order almost coincides and is very uneven: 3 orders include 63% of currently known species and 71% found in Ukraine. The most diverse in Ukraine are the orders Peridiniales (121 species, 32.4%), Gymnodiniales (82, 22%) and Gonyaulacales (61, 16.4%). Analysis of the distribution of dinoflagellates in the territorial waters of Ukraine by main algae-floristic areas confirmed that most of them live in marine waters (273, 55%), which is twice as large as terrestrial (128, 26%) and a significant proportion occurs in estuaries – 92, 19%). Among the species found on land, the largest number is attributed to the Dnieper–Black Sea (108 taxa) and Carpathian-Danube algae sub-provinces (71) due to the fact that they include contact zones of the main rivers of Ukraine and the Black Sea–Azov waters. Over the last decade, the species composition of dinoflagellates of Ukraine and their taxonomy have undergone significant changes. The number of species, orders and genera has increased, but as a result of the fact that some species have been renamed, the actual number of new species and WWT has increased by 85 units and one species has been described as new to science. But the species diversity of some dinoflagellates regions of Ukraine remains insufficiently studied, and some of them require additional research.
Analysis of ecotourism infrastructure within the nature-protected areas of the Transcarpathian region (on the example of National Nature Park “Synevyr”)
Authors: Habchak Natalia F. , Dubis Lidia F.
Published: April 2022

The article is devoted to the study of the development of ecotourism in the protected areas of the Transcarpathian region. The peculiarities of ecotourism development in the period of globalization are considered and the insufficient involvement of nature protection territories and their potential for the development of domestic and international tourism is pointed out. The problem of poor implementation of sustainable tourism forms is singled out. The main accents of the relationship “urban society – holiday-maker (tourist) – environment” have been identified. A number of works of domestic scientists, legislative, normative- legal, strategic and program documents regulating tourist movement within the protected areas are analyzed. The essence and potential of the studied territory on the possibilities of ecological tourism development and preconditions for the functioning of ecotourism infrastructure have been revealed. The structural elements of ecotourism infrastructure have been singled out, namely: ecological and educational trails, tourist routes, visit-centers, information tourist points and centers, specially equipped zones, historical and culturalobjects, accommodation and catering establishments, etc. For example, a detailed analysis of the ecotourism infrastructure of the National Park “Synevyr” located within the Carpathian region of the Transcarpathian region has been given. On the basis of a thorough analysis the natural, historical and cultural attractions have been studied and the most popular tourist routes within the research area have been identified. In addition to interesting tourist sites (natural or historical and cultural), the current state of ecological trails and tourist routes, as well as the mode of their use has been determined. The main problems and limiting factors of tourism use are used and conservation of protected areas have been described. A detailed characteristics of the National Park “Synevyr” functioning has been given and the latest material of natural, historical and cultural attractions, ecological and educational trails and tourist routes have been collected and analyzed. It is proved that within the studied area the village Kolochava is the most popular tourist destination with proper infrastructure and information and advertising support. We have proposed a number of recommendations on encouraging and regulating of tourist traffic, improving of ecotourism infrastructure, optimal territorial management and the approximation of protected areas to the requirements of sustainable tourism development in the protected areas of the Transcarpathian region.
Urban sprawl and expansion of road networks and its impacts on the environment using sensor and socio-economic data: Macta watershed, western Algeria
Authors: Hamza Mohammed Belkebir , Abbassia Ayache , Mohammed Benyahia
Published: April 2022

Urban sprawl and the road networks have profoundly modified the space of the Macta watershed in western Algeria. The fragmentation of the landscape within this territory is gradually changing in order to meet different socio-economic needs. Damage to natural environments caused by pollution, business development, management of agricultural land and spatial modification of the morphology of urban constructions are remarkable. Our research is part of a complex study of the rate of evolution of urban sprawl and road networks expansion from 1987 to 2018; to better understand the issues of human activities and their impacts on the environment. The methodology adopted consists of using Landsat and Google-Pro images. Their capabilities enable us to trace the influence of human activities in time and space on the environment. The results obtained show a weak trend in urban sprawl during the period 1987/1998, while it reaches significant levels in the years 2010 and 2018. The distribution of the surface area occupied by towns and cities during this study period shows a concentration of the population in the major provinces. In addition, the extension of the East-West motorway shows a weak trend in 2018. The lengths of the roads built are significant and show a 50 % growth rate. The digital analysis using sensor data has an important advantage in detecting the evolution and progression of the spaces occupied by urbanization and road networks in the Macta watershed over 31 years, which has been marked by intense demographic growth.
The impact of climate change on evaporation from the water surface in Ukraine
Authors: Vyshnevskyi Viktor I.
Published: April 2022

Based on the monitoring data, the features of long-term changes of evaporation from the water surface are determined. Data from relatively small evaporators and evaporation basins located in different regions of Ukraine were processed. It was found that during the first part of the observation period, which began in the 1950s, evaporation had the tendency to decrease, while in the second part it increased significantly. To determine the factors of these changes, the existing calculated dependences were analyzed. In most of them, evaporation is determined by three arguments: the partial pressure of saturated water vapour, which corresponds to the water temperature, the actual water vapour pressure, and wind speed. It was determined that the main factor of the modern increase in evaporation is the increase of water temperature, which is accompanied by a significant increase in the partial pressure of saturated water vapour. In particular, the mean water temperature in the Dnipro Reservoirs in May– September during 1977–2020 increased at an average rate of 0.65–0.70 °C per decade, and the air temperature at 0.75 °C per decade. It is important that the relationship between water temperature and the partial pressure of saturated water vapour, which corresponds to it, is nonlinear. Wind speed does not significantly affect evaporation. In addition, in recent decades there has been a tendency to its decrease. An empirical dependence of evaporation on air temperature is proposed. Its nonlinear form indicates a significant increase in evaporation due to the temperature increase. Currently (1991–2020), evaporation from the water surface near Kyiv during the ice-free period is approximately 650 mm, in the south of Ukraine it reaches 1000 mm. The increase in evaporation results in additional water losses and a reduction in available water resources.
Military tourism as a peculiarity of tourism development in a post-conflict territory
Authors: Zavarika Galyna M.
Published: April 2022

One peculiarity of tourism development in the post-conflict territories of the Ukraine-controlled part of Donetsk and Luhansk regions is the possibility of development of military tourism and this is the urgent problem considered in the proposed article. The relevance of the article lies in the possibility of exploiting the existing negative factors in certain eastern territories and turning them into a source of interest and a point of no return. Military tours can have an enormous educational and instructive value both for the younger generation and for all people’s understanding of what conflict situations can lead to. The aim of the work is to develop proposals for the creation of innovative military tours as a feature of post-conflict tourism development in the affected area. General scientific methods, namely analytical, comparative-geographical, historical and marketing analysis are applied. World experience in organizing military tourism was analyzed and some recommendations for organizing such tours in Ukraine, and particularly in Luhansk and Donetsk regions, were revealed. The author’s classification of possible military tours in our country is offered. Recommendations on development of military tours to Ukraine are formed. Ukraine-controlled parts of Luhansk and Donetsk regions are evaluated as potentially promising areas for military tourism development. We have suggested specific tourist locations for creating military tours and developed proposals for creating innovative military tours as a feature of post-conflict tourism development in the affected areas in Ukraine’s eastern regions. The organizational mechanism of creating and promoting military tours on the tourism market on the example of the eastern territories of Ukraine has been studied. It is determined that military tours in the post-conflict times can become one of the promising directions of economic development of the eastern regions of Ukraine. The key provisions, factual material and conclusions of the article can be used for further research into the process of tourism development in Luhansk and Donetsk regions in order to develop the national tourism industry. In the future, similar tours may be developed throughout the region after the reintegration process.
Police and the Policed: Language and Power Relations on the Margins of the Global South by Danielle Watson (2019)
Authors: Han Zhengrui , Wu Lihuan
Published: April 2022

Police and the Policed: Language and Power Relations on the Margins of the Global South by Danielle Watson (2019)Palgrave Macmillan, xiii + 138 pp