bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
University Instructors’ Perceptions toward Online Teaching at the Onset of the COVID-19 Outbreak in Lebanon: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Farhat Amal , Farhat Nawal , Abou Yassine Wassim , Halat Rasha , El Khatib Sami
Published: May 2021

Purpose: The study aims at understanding to what extent university instructors are ready for the sudden shift from face-to-face teaching to online teaching and how they perceive the usefulness and feasibility of this new modality of teaching.
Methodology/Approach/Design: Faculty members from the nine campuses of the largest private university in Lebanon were invited to participate in the completion of a survey, made available in English and Arabic. The survey was completed by 692 respondents. Descriptive analyses were performed by summarizing the count and percentage of responses within each category.
Results: Analyses showed that university instructors possess the infrastructure for online teaching. Moreover, they reported positive perceptions about their readiness to teach online and about the feasibility and usefulness of online teaching. However, instructors reported that online teaching was deficient in assessment, teaching large classrooms, and delivering the practical components of the courses they taught.
Practical Implications: Findings suggest that instructors require formal training on how to integrate pedagogy with technology.
Originality/Value: Since online instruction is new in Lebanon, the study findings can help universities and other educational institutions direct their efforts in their endeavor to improve their online experience.
The Impact of the English Language used in Social Media on English Language Learners at the Undergraduate Level in Sargodha
Authors: Saeed Rana Muhammad Basharat
Published: May 2021

Purpose: The study aimed to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the English language used in social media and its impact on English language learners at the undergraduate level in Sargodha.
Approach/Methodology/Design: Five private colleges in Sargodha were selected through convenient sampling. A total of 82 learners participated in the study and the individual perception of each learner was recorded using a questionnaire as a data collection tool. Due to the nature of the study tool, descriptive and inferential statistical design was adopted to analyze the collected data using SPSS, version 20.0. The reliability of the questionnaire was substantiated using reliability statistics (Cronbach’s alpha).
Findings:  The results indicated that social media plays a vital role in advancing the language learnability of English language learners. It proved instrumental in enhancing vocabulary and improving the overall reading, writing, listening and speaking skills of the learners. It was also found that the overwhelming use of shortened forms, slang, and incorrect sentences on social media adversely affects the academic writings of the learners. However, the overall perception of the learners signified that social media positively impacts the learnability of the English language learners. Moreover, though practicing social media is imperative in learning the English language, the use of informal English language may prove a future risk to Standard English.
Practical Implication: This research contributes to understanding the role of social media in language learning. The findings of the study present practical implications for teachers as well as learners to direct the teaching/learning process in a better way, adopting appropriate ways of writing English on social media.
Originality/value: This study is different from other similar existing studies as it focuses the perception of the learners towards English language learning through social media in the Pakistani context, and empirically examines the impact of the English language used in social media on English language learners at undergraduate Level in Sargodha.
Problems Faced By Students in Writing English Academic Summary
Authors: Dewi Atika Kumal , Saputra Nanda
Published: May 2021

Purpose: This research investigates the problems faced by college students in writing English academic summary.
Methodology/Approach/Design: The method used includes surface strategy taxonomy by Heidi Dulay and non-linguistic problem using personal interview. The data were collected from 35 original summary writing documents for the linguistic sources and Zoom meeting video recorder for the non-linguistic sources. The samples were 7 students in 5th semester of English Education Department, Islamic State Institute of Kediri. To gather data, the researchers employed a random sampling technique. The data analysis used descriptive qualitative methods.
Results: The result of the data analysis shows that the students committed four types of surface strategy taxonomy: omission, addition, misformation, and miss ordering. Misformation is the type of common problem found in the students’ summary writing. In the personal interview, it was found that misunderstands about advanced-vocabulary is the common non-linguistic problem. These represent the problems faced by students.
Practical Implications: This research study has implications for teachers and students. The results can be of use for improving students’ writing and designing alternative teaching skills for this important skill.
Originality/Value: Summary writing process helps the students to expand their view about proper academic writing. This situation suggests that summary writing is a good strategy technique to be applied in college students. However, the ability in writing an academic summary using surface strategy taxonomy needs to be improved
Comments On “Birth Incidence of Cerebral Palsy in Tripoli, Libya: A Population-Based Study”
Authors: Bredan Amin
Published: May 2021

Dear Editor,
Having read the article “Birth incidence of cerebral palsy in Tripoli, Libya: a population-based study,” published in issue 1 of volume 5 (2021) of Khalij-Libya Journal of Dental and Medical Research, I would like to express some concerns.
First, the aim of the study stated at the end of the introduction is “to assess the prevalence and the most common causes for birth cerebral palsy ...” In the methods section, it states that “the study included a total of 200 patients of whom 64 were diagnosed with cerebral palsy,” without describing the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the 200 patients. But no prevalence rate based on the study is given anywhere in the main body of the paper: only the potential causes of cerebral palsy are described.
Multi-Level Access Control System in Automated Teller Machines﻿
Authors: Oladimeji Ismaila W. , Olusayo Omidiora E. , Folasade M. Ismaila , Adeleye S.﻿ Falohun
Published: May 2021

E-commerce theft involves using lost/stolen debit/credit cards, forging checks, misleading accounting practices, etc. Due to carelessness of cardholders and criminality activities of fraudsters, the personal identification number (PIN) and using account level based fraud detection techniques methods are inadequate to cub the activities of fraudsters. In recent times, researchers have made efforts of improving cyber-security by employing biometrics traits based security system for authentication. This paper proposed a multi-level fraud detection system in automated teller machine (ATM) operations. The system included PIN level, account-level and biometric level. Acquired RealScan-F scanner was used to capture liveness fingers. Transactional data were generated for each individual fingerprint with unique PIN. The results of the simulation showed that (i) the classification at account level only yielded averages 84.3% precision, 94.5% accuracy and 5.25% false alarm rate; (ii) matching at biometric level using liveness fingerprints samples yielded 0% APCER , 0% NPCER and 100% accuracy better than using fingerprints samples that produced 4.25% APCER , 2.33% NPCER and 93.42% accuracy; (iii) combining the three levels with the condition that all the levels must be positive produced 87.5% precision,84.9% accuracy and 2.65% false alarm rate; (iv) while the classification using voting technique yielded 99.15% precision, 97.35% accuracy and 0.47% false alarm.
Influence of fly ash and blast furnace slag on characteristics of geopolymer non-autoclaved aerated concrete
Authors: Tuan Anh Le , Thuy Ninh Nguyen , Quoc Phong Huu Le , Sinh Hoang Le , Khoa Tan Nguyen
Published: May 2021

Geopolymer materials are known as sustainable and environmental material. The main constituents of geopolymer material are alumina and silicon, which can be activated in an alkaline environment. In this paper, the reaction of alumino-silicate materials in the alkaline agent is investigated on geopolymer non-autoclaved aerated concrete (GNAAC). The main constituents of GNAAC are fly ash (FA), blast furnace slag (BSF), lime, gypsum, aluminium powder, and alkaline solution. In the mix proportions, FA and BSF are used to replace crushed sand and cement. The results indicate that the GNAAC can be produced similarly as traditional autoclaved aerated concrete. Besides, the flow diameter of the mixture using blast furnace slag is lower than that of fly ash. The temperature and expansion ability decrease with an increase in FA/BFS – Lime and alkaline content. Furthermore, the compressive strength of GNAAC can be determined by synthesizing geopolymer without steam and pressure curing conditions.
The effect of the setback angle on overturning stability of the retaining wall
Authors: Thi Thu Nga Nguyen , Van Thuc Ngo , Thanh Quang Khai Lam , Thanh Trung Nguyen
Published: May 2021

Retaining walls are a relatively common type of protective structure in construction to hold soil behind them. The form of the retaining wall is also relatively diverse with changing setback angle. Design cross-selection of retaining wall virtually ensures the stability of the retaining wall depends on many aspects. It is essential to consider these to bring the overall picture. For this reason, the authors selected a research paper on the influence of the setback angle on the overturning stability of the retaining wall. To evaluate the behavior stability of retaining wall with some key factors having different levels such as setback angle, internal friction angle of the soil, the slope of the backfill is based on the design of the experiment (DOE) with useful statistical analysis tools. These, proposing the necessary technical requirements in choosing significant cross-sections of retaining structure to suit natural terrain and save construction costs, ensure safety for the project.
Mô phỏng độ sâu hằn lún vệt bánh xe của mặt đường bê tông nhựa có xét tới tính đàn dẻo nhớt của mô hình vật liệu và phương pháp gia tải
Authors: Lê Nguyên Khương
Published: May 2021

Trong hai thập kỷ qua, phương pháp phần tử hữu hạn (FEM) là công cụ hiệu quả giúp mô phỏng các ứng xử phi tuyến của kết cấu mặt đường nhựa mà lý thuyết đàn hồi nhiều lớp chưa giải quyết được. Bài báo trình bày kết quả nghiên cứu, mô phỏng sự xuống cấp của mặt đường bê tông nhựa dựa trên phần mềm mã nguồn mở Cast3M có sử dụng mô hình vật liệu Generalized Drucker–Prager (GD-P) trong đó các đặc tính cơ học của vật liệu, nhiệt độ môi trường và phương pháp gia tải trên mô hình được xét tới. Kết quả thu được là độ sâu hằn lún vệt bánh xe, các ứng suất và biến dạng dư dưới tác dụng của tải trọng trùng phục. Việc sử dụng hai phương án mô phỏng 2D biến dạng phẳng và 3D và các phương pháp gia tải khác nhau cho phép đánh giá ảnh hưởng của dạng mô hình tới kết quả tính cũng như tổng thời gian tính toán, từ đó đưa ra được một số khuyến cáo cho việc mô phỏng, kiểm tra và dự báo chiều sâu lún vệt bánh xe theo phương pháp phần tử hữu hạn. Kết quả nghiên cứu trình bày trong bài báo nằm trong mục tiêu phát triển công cụ đánh giá và dự báo các trạng thái hư hỏng của kết cấu mặt đường nhựa theo phương pháp phần tử hữu hạn, sử dụng mã nguồn mở Cast3M và các mô hình vật liệu phi tuyến có xét tới ứng xử đàn nhớt và đàn dẻo nhớt.
EXPLORING THE RELATIONS AMONG MISCIBILITY, POLARITY, STRUCTURE AND MOLECULAR INTERACTION
Authors: Ferreira Pinto Danilo José , Penteado Lamas Maria Fernanda , dos Santos Valéria Campos , Arroio Agnaldo
Published: May 2021

This work explores the relation among the concepts miscibility, polarity, structure and molecular interaction presented by students from the third year of a high school. They were challenged to trace a strategy to explore the comportment of the alcohols: ethanol, propan-1-ol, butan-1-ol, pentan-1-ol and 2-methylpropan-2-ol in aqueous systems. With the solutions and glassware necessary, students realized that, even though they were polar molecules, some of these are not miscible in water. Inside the multimodal conception was possible to diagnose the learning and misconceptions behaviour by activities of investigation by practice, modelling and discursive production. The relation between polarity, interaction solution-solvent and the molecular structure were the argumentative tools used by students to explain the results obtained in the experiment.
Key words: misconceptions, modelling, multimodality, solutions.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AT PRE-SCHOOL LEVEL
Authors: Saladžiuvienė Daiva , Bureikienė Vaida
Published: May 2021

Does learning more about trees teaches a child to preserve them better? Lithuania is a land of forests. We simply cannot imagine our lives without trees and grasslands. They play a huge role in our lives and they are vital to nature in general. The experience of an educator, being able to observe children‘s day-to-day activities, has proven that the relationship beetween a nowadays child and nature is quite problematic. Not only do they not know much about it, sometimes they can become harmful to nature. Children like to play in a meadow, pick flowers, but sometimes they also like to violate trees and litter. Parents don‘t always have time to tell their children about environment protection, so they leave it to the teachers. The main goal of this project was to give children knowledge about nature, the damage people can cause upon it and, most importantly, induce children‘s love towards the world around them and a desire to cherish nature. The project continued for 4 weeks in a pre-school group (age 6-7). In the course of this project we conversed, read children literature about nature, children made rules, created little books about trees, solved crosswords, searched encyclopedias, performed experiments and took photographs of various objects outdoors. We also visited a museum of Vilnius forests and an oak grove in Dūkštai, where children picked garbage, planted seeds and had a chance to create freely. The theme of our project proved itself to be quite relevant – children gained more knowledge about nature and understood the harm people can cause on our environment.
Keywords: experiment, observation, nature, environment protection.
THE APPROACH TO NATURE OF SCIENCE IN A COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE MEDIATED BY FILMIC RESOURCES
Authors: Santana Edson Rodrigues , Arroio Agnaldo
Published: May 2021

This analysis highlights the relevance of the nature of science (NoS) approach in a community of practice (CoP) with the use of film resources. This approach was created to develop a training course for science teachers who teach in basic education. The course took place in 2012 at the Faculty of Education at the University of São Paulo. The results show significant participation and involvement of teachers with both the theme of the nature of science and the interest growing in it for teaching purposes. The data acquisition was performed with the recording and transcription of the involvement of five teachers. Key words: community of practice, nature of science, movies, teacher training.
THE NINTH INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC-PRACTICAL CONFERENCE „INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN NATURAL SCIENCE EDUCATION – 2014“: A REVIEW OF CONFERENCE
Authors: Lamanauskas Vincentas
Published: May 2021

This review is devoted to the 9th international scientific practical conference „Information & Communication Technology in Natural Science Education - 2014“. It is obvious, that this conference is devoted to topical issues of applying the ICT in natural science education. Every year, scientists from different foreign countries attending the conference. The conference took place 23 – 24 October 2014 in the Conference centre of Siauliai University in Siauliai. The main conference sponsor was SMC “Scientia Educologica”. This year, scientists from Brazil, Italy, Czechia, Latvia, Lithuania took part in the work of conference. It is obvious that an exchange of ideas, experience and opinions very useful to the development of science. The first International conference „Information & Communication Technology in Natural Science Education“ took place at the University of Šiauliai. It was organized in the frame of an International science project „ARiSE“ (http://www.arise-project.org/). It is obvious, that natural science and technological education success and effectiveness are determined not only by current and newly written textbooks, but also by computers and other modern ICT technologies. Application of ICT in the teaching and learning has not only positive, but also negative aspects. Application of ICT in the teaching and learning has not only positive, but also negative aspects. It is necessary to analyze influence of ICT not only at a level of development of cognitive processes, but also at the level of human social development. Key words: international conference, science education, science and technological education movement.
Optimisation of EDM Parameters for Cryogenically Treated EN31 Steel with Copper Tool
Authors: Henry C Dillen , Sai Y Goyal , Sakthivel Mr. D.
Published: May 2021

EDM has been replacing drilling, milling, grinding, and other traditional machining operations and is now a well-established machining option in many manufacturing industries throughout the world and is capable of machining geometrically complex or hard material components, that are precise and difficult-to-machine such as heat-treated tool steels, composites, superalloys, ceramics, carbides, heat resistant steels, etc. During machining done over EDM machine, with the workpiece, even the tool wears out. This tool wear is not desired as it changes the tool geometry. To overcome this hurdle, cryogenic treatment is carried out for workpiece material before machining. This report presents the optimization of EDM process parameters such as pulse on-time (Ton), pulse off-time (Toff), and Current (I) to obtain the greatest material removal rate (MRR) and less surface roughness (Ra) of EN31 steel with copper as the working electrode for machining.
Formação continuada de professores alfabetizadores: uma análise das concepções de formação docente e o Pacto nacional pela alfabetização na idade certa (PNAIC)
Authors: Pereira Viviane Carrijo Volnei , Curado Silva Kátia Augusta Pinheiro Cordeiro
Published: May 2021

O presente trabalho analisa as concepções que norteiam a formação continuada desenvolvida no âmbito do Pacto Nacional pela Alfabetização na Idade Certa (PNAIC). Com embasamento teórico em Curado Silva (2011; 2018), Curado Silva e Limonta (2013), Gadotti (2010), e Vásquez (2011), investigamos quais concepções estão subjacentes a essa formação continuada, e isto, porque tomamos a epistemologia da práxis como elemento articulador entre teoria e prática, pois nela reside a possibilidade de perceber o movimento dialético da realidade, podendo ser esta melhor compreendida. Para tanto, a pesquisa realizou um estudo de fundamentação histórico-social das políticas públicas referentes à formação de professores alfabetizadores, considerando Dourado (2009), Freitas (1999), Gontijo (2014), Mortatti (2010), Oliveira (2012), e uma análise documental da Formação Continuada no PNAIC, a partir das contribuições de Cruz e Ferreira (2010), Oliveira (2012), Santos (2014). Nesse sentido, tendo como abordagem metodológica o materialismo histórico e dialético (MARX, 1982), realizamos essa análise documental considerando as categorias que emergem de nosso objeto: (i) mudança de identidade profissional docente, ii) relação teoria e prática, iii) professor reflexivo, iv) “multiprofissional”, v) responsabilização do professor e qualidade da educação, vi) formação na perspectiva do multiplicador, vii) formação e valorização docente, viii) perfil alfabetizador, ix) alfabetização cultural; compreendendo assim, as concepções que legitimam e sustentam essa formação docente.
Leading a Hospital Incident Command System during a global pandemic
Authors: Maurer, DNP, RN Marsha L.
Published: May 2021

Responding to a healthcare crisis such as COVID-19 requires a practiced, nimble incident command structure. Our medical center is in one of the areas in the US that was hardest hit by the initial wave. Effective leadership of incident command was critical in our response.
POD variant comparisons
Authors: Billups, MS Kelsey , Bott, MS Robert , Cacciatore, MS Joseph , Frantz, MS Braiden , Dietz, PhD, PE J. Eric
Published: May 2021

Points of distribution, also known as points of dispensing (POD), are a means for public and private organizations to assist their communities in times of crisis. There are two principal categories of PODs, open and closed, but all PODs differ in design, properties, and application. This study investigates two POD variations: drive-through and supervisor, which have their own unique requirements for being stood up, run, and shut down, as well as differing requirements for planning, staffing, and logistics. There are also similarities in the requirements that each POD category share which lead to certain efficiencies in planning for POD standup, execution, and shutdown. The primary findings of this paper are that planners cannot rely on one POD design and its properties to accommodate every situation, and each POD design has its own strengths and weaknesses. These are related to staffing, security, space requirements, and material logistics needs. Flexibility should be exercised when choosing the correct design, and implementing the proper strategy is key to standing up and executing a POD that will best serve a community. Every situation is different and factors such as population, available infrastructure, resource requirements, and individual skill of the POD staff all influence the design of a POD. Planners should consider resources such as available volunteers, trained personnel (medical and security), and buildings or outdoor space available to run a POD. With proper planning, a POD is an excellent tool to effectively and efficiently serve the public.
Ready in the face of danger? Investigating preparation, mitigation, and media dependencies amongst those affected by the 2018 California Wildfires
Authors: Lachlan, PhD Kenneth A. , Gilbert, MA Christine , Hutter, MA Emily , Rainear, PhD Adam , Spence, PhD Patric R.
Published: May 2021

The current study analyzes information-seeking tendencies, preparation, and mitigation behavior among those impacted by the 2018 Camp Fire and Woolsey Fire in California. Similar to previous work, results suggest that socioeconomic status was a strong positive predictor of having an emergency kit and evacuation plan in place. The internet and television were the two preferred sources of information, while the relative lack of importance of radio, interpersonal communication, and social media runs counter to past research in the area. Implications for emergency management are discussed.
Decision-making in crisis management of a serious digital incident: A garbage can approach
Authors: Fardal, PhD Harald , Elstad, PhD Ann-Kristin
Published: May 2021

Managing crisis challenges the ability to make numerous decisions under great uncertainty. This study address the decision-making process, and how the mix of involved individuals, prior knowledge, and available decision-makers forms the decisions made during a crisis. A large-scale exercise with a cyberattack scenario was chosen as the study’s case. The organization studied have highly skilled crisis management personnel; however, they are not used to manage a large-scale cyber-attack scenario. The garbage can model (GCM) of Organizational Choice with a few modifications is used as the analytical framework in the study.
Investigating energy harvesting technology to wirelessly change batteries of mobile devices
Authors:   , Ramsaroop Neetu
Published: May 2021

Mobile devices have recently become powerful computing tools for aiding daily tasks. However, their batteries discharge quickly, even if they are not being used mainly because of the heavy computation tasks required by the multimedia applications that run on them. The swift turnover time on the battery life span is challenging as frequent charging is required to keep the device functioning. This is a major bottleneck because of the current energy optimisation crisis, user inconvenience due to constant charging of a battery and erratic nature of the electricity supply in some areas. In the current research project, the primary aim was to explore the energy harvesting technology innovation of radio frequency to wirelessly recharge the batteries of mobile devices. This implied an alternative way of charging the batteries of mobile devices without the need for a physical charger to connect to an electrical outlet. Energy harvesting, which involves making use of free energy from the atmosphere is the most innovative energy efficient wireless charging technology because mobile devices are constantly transmitting radio signals. Radio signals are initially received from the atmosphere through an antenna. Thereafter, these signals are converted using a rectifier circuit, from alternating current into direct current which is then utilised to recharge the battery of a mobile device. This research study adopted a mathematical modelling and simulation research methods. The model involved building an RF energy harvesting prototype. This prototype model displayed the limitations to be considered. The LTSpice simulation software was used to test the feasibility of combining diodes, capacitors and antenna type based on the limitations of the prototype model. The result of this research project demonstrates the building of a radio frequency harvesting circuit that can store a minimum load of 5mV that is required to charge the battery of a mobile device. Moreover, it has explained an alternative storage of the acquired energy using a supercapacitor compared to a mobile device battery.
A EDUCAÇÃO NOS NOVOS CENÁRIOS ECONÔMICOS E PRODUTIVOS
Authors: Dias Vagner Neves
Published: May 2021

O presente trabalho explica os principais indicadores do esforço financeiro que um país realiza em relação à educação; descreve as principais tensões que existem no elo entre a educação e o mercado de trabalho; também apresenta as tendências na educação de jovens na América Latina, especificando se há diferenças entre os países da região; e ainda descreve as principais transformações ocorridas no mercado de trabalho no início do século XXI, exemplificando as mudanças para o caso da América Latina
IMPRESSÕES SOBRE O MODELO TÉCNICO QUE PRIORIZA O VALOR DE ENSINAR E AS METAS EM MATÉRIA DE EDUCAÇÃO
Authors: Dias Vagner Neves
Published: May 2021

Constituído de um sistema complexo, o homem é uma máquina, com código genético único e com história pessoal de reforço e variável ambiental, cujo comportamento pode ser expresso em leis. Do mesmo modo, para existir uma sociedade estável, e nesse contexto eficiente, produtiva e competitiva, torna-se necessário uma avaliação mais aprofundada do comportamento humano no sentido de melhor gerir o homem (máquina) frente ao ambiente. Diante do contexto, surge então a escola behaviorista (fundamentada nas proposições teóricas da psicologia comportamental), que também influenciada pela decomposição do processo de trabalho, (a escola, sob a forma de funcionamento da fábrica), defende a tese de não ser possível a educação do homem. Um método de ensino que representa para a sociedade um meio de manter-se estável e para o indivíduo uma vantagem, uma vez que,  torna-o muito mais produtivo e competitivo para o mercado.  Contudo, para ocorrer um entendimento satisfatório acerca do método tecnicista de ensino é necessário que se compreenda inicialmente às três concepções de mundo e de homem, a saber: a cosmocêntrica, a teocêntrica e a antropocêntrica.  Em epítome, a vida humana pode ser analisada em termos de atividades. Assim, se a educação tem como fim preparar o sujeito para a vida, este necessitará, portanto, ter desenvolvidas competências, habilidades, hábitos, atitudes e conhecimentos imprescindíveis para serem concebidas as atividades que a sociedade/mercado de trabalho tem solicitado
Do Smallholder Farmers Need Nutrition Education? A Case Study from KwaZulu Natal,
South Africa
Authors: Moralles Sarahi , Egal Abdukladir , Oldewage-Theron Wilna
Published: May 2021

South Africa (SA) is considered as the second largest economies in Africa with well-developed agricultural food production system. But food security is still a challenge at household level. Currently, in Africa, smallholder agriculture is recognized to contribute food security at household level. This study investigates the prevalence of food insecurity and nutritional knowledge of 78 local smallholder farmers in KwaZulu Natal (KZN) province of South Africa. The results from this study indicated that nutrition knowledge was poor and food insecurity was prevalent at >40% at the household level. It is therefore recommended that future agricultural training should include nutrition education based on FBDG (Food Based Dietary Guidelines) in their respective programs so as to attain a balanced diet for healthy and productive smallholder farmer communities
Holocene vegetation transitions and their climatic drivers in MPI-ESM1.2
Authors: Dallmeyer Anne , Claussen Martin , Lorenz Stephan J. , Sigl Michael , Toohey Matthew , Herzschuh Ulrike
Published: May 2021

Abstract. We present a transient simulation of global vegetation and climate patterns of the mid and late Holocene using the MPI-ESM (Max Planck Institute for Meteorology Earth System Model) at T63 resolution. The simulated vegetation trend is discussed in the context of the simulated Holocene climate change. Our model captures the main trends found in reconstructions. Most prominent are the southward retreat of the northern treeline that is combined with the strong decrease of forest in the high northern latitudes during the Holocene and the vast increase of the Saharan desert, embedded in a general decrease in precipitation and vegetation in the northern hemispheric monsoon margin regions. The southern hemisphere experiences weaker changes in total vegetation cover during the last 8000 years. However, the monsoon-related increase in precipitation and the insolation-induced cooling of the winter climate lead to shifts in the vegetation composition, mainly between the woody plant functional types (PFTs). The large-scale global patterns of vegetation almost linearly follow the subtle, approximately linear, orbital forcing. In some regions, however, non-linear, more rapid changes in vegetation are found in the simulation. The most striking region is the Sahel-Sahara domain with rapid vegetation transitions to a rather desertic state, despite a gradual insolation forcing. Rapid shifts in the simulated vegetation also occur in the high northern latitudes, in South Asia and in the monsoon margins of the southern hemisphere. These rapid changes are mainly triggered by changes in the winter temperatures, which go into, or move out of, the bioclimatic tolerance range of individual PFTs (Plant Functional Types). The dynamics of the transitions are determined by dynamics of the Net Primary Production (NPP) and the competition between PFTs. These changes mainly occur on timescales of centuries. More rapid changes in PFTs that occur within a few decades are mainly associated with the time scales of mortality and the bioclimatic thresholds implicit in the dynamic vegetation model, which have to be interpreted with caution. Most of the simulated Holocene vegetation changes outside the high northern latitudes are associated with modifications in the intensity of the global summer monsoon dynamics that also affect the circulation in the extra tropics via teleconnections. Based on our simulations, we thus identify the global monsoons as the key player in the Holocene climate and vegetation change.
A Raman spectroscopic study of the natural carbonophosphates Na3MCO3PO4 (M is Mn, Fe, and Mg)
Authors: Kozlov Evgeniy Nikolaevich , Fomina Ekaterina Nikolaevna , Bocharov Vladimir Nikolaevich , Sidorov Mikhail Yurievich , Vlasenko Natalia Sergeevna , Shilovskikh Vladimir Vladimirovich
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Raman spectra of three natural carbonophosphates
(sidorenkite, bonshtedtite, and bradleyite) with the general formula
Na3MCO3PO4 (M is Mn, Fe, and Mg) were studied and compared.
These spectra showed from 21 to 24 vibrational bands, of which the two most
intense (964±5 and 1074±3 cm−1) correspond to
the υ1(P–O) and υ1(C–O) modes. These two
bands split into doublet peaks due to the occurrence of isomorphic
impurities. It was found that the crystallographic orientation of the sample
influences the intensity of most bands. Most bands assigned to the same
vibrations showed a regular shift (the smallest in sidorenkite spectra, an
intermediate in bonshtedtite, and the largest in bradleyite). We propose an
algorithm that allows for diagnostics of carbonophosphates in inclusions by
their Raman spectra, providing a reliable result even in the absence of energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX)
data.
Influence on the Temperature Estimation by the Planetary Boundary Layer Scheme with Different Minimum Eddy Diffusivity in WRF v3.9.1.1
Authors: Ding Hongyi , Cao Le , Jiang Haimei , Jia Wenxing , Chen Yong , An Junling
Published: May 2021

Abstract. The minimum eddy diffusivity (Kzmin) in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) scheme is able to influence the performance of the model in simulating meteorological parameters such as the temperature. However, detailed studies on the sensitivities of the simulated temperature to the settings of Kzmin are still lacking. Thus, in this study, we evaluated the performance of the ACM2 (Asymmetrical Convective Model, version 2) scheme in the WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting) model with different settings of Kzmin, in simulating the spatiotemporal distribution of the temperature in the region of Beijing, China. Five constant values as well as a function were implemented in the model to calculate Kzmin, and the simulation results with different settings of Kzmin were compared and analyzed. The results show that the increase of Kzmin leads to an elevation of the 2-m temperature, especially in the nighttime. We figured out that the deviation of the 2-m temperature at night is mainly caused by the different estimation of the turbulent mixing under stable conditions in simulation scenarios with different Kzmin settings. Moreover, the spatial distribution of the temperature deviation indicates that under various underlying surface categories, the change of Kzmin exerts a different influence on the prediction of the 2-m temperature, and the influence was found stronger during the nighttime than during the daytime, in plain areas than in mountain areas, in urban areas than in non-urban areas. In the nighttime of the urban areas, the influence on the simulated 2-m temperature brought about by the change of Kzmin was found the strongest. In addition, we found that the implementation of a functional type Kzmin in the ACM2 scheme helps to improve the performance of the model in capturing the diurnal change and the vertical distribution of the temperature in this region, compared with that using a constant Kzmin.
Evaluation of the change in liver stiffness after biliary drainage in patients with extrahepatic cholestasis
Authors: UZUNKAYA Fatih , İDİL SOYLU Ayşegül , GÖREN İbrahim , POLAT Ahmet Veysel , BEKTAŞ Ahmet
Published: May 2021

Increased liver stiffness (LS) due to extrahepatic cholestasis has been reported to reduce after biliary drainage. As far as we know, it has not been evaluated whether the method of drainage makes a difference in the change in liver stiffness until now. The aim of the study was to answer this question. The patients planned for endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) or percutaneous biliary drainage (PBD) were enrolled for over an 18-months’ time period. In those without chronic liver disease or liver tumor, liver stiffness was measured before and 10 days after the intervention, using acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography. A total of 30 patients were included in the study excluding the ones not fulfilling the criteria and were divided into two groups: EBD group (n = 15) and PBD group (n = 15). The measurements were above the cut-off value for severe fibrosis (1.55 m/s) in all patients with a mean of 2.50 ± 0.72 m/s before drainage. The pre-drainage values of the PBD group were significantly higher than of the EBD group (2.79 ± 0.58 m/s vs 2.22 ± 0.74 m/s, p = 0.02). In all patients except 11, a significant reduction was observed in the stiffness values. The reduction with PBD was more significant than with EBD (p = 0.04). Percutaneous biliary drainage provided a more significant reduction in liver stiffness in patients with extrahepatic cholestasis. However, this result appears to be related to the nature of obstruction rather than the method of drainage, making the comparison weaker than expected from the original design.
Antitumoral effects of Santolina chameacyparissus on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: SAYGIDEGER Yasemin , SAYGIDEGER DEMIR Burcu , TASKIN TOK Tugba , AVCI Alper , SEZAN Aycan , BAYDAR Oya , OZYILMAZ Ezgi
Published: May 2021

Santolina chameacyparissus (Santo) is an evergreen plant which is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory effects in various diseases. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of Santo in non-small cell lung cancer cells. We extracted volatile oil from the plant and evaluated cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and motility effects of the extract on two non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines; one is a patient derived and the other one is a commercially available A549 cells. We also identified its components via GC/MS and investigated possible targets of the major components of the plant using qPCR and docking studies. Cytotoxicity tests showed dose dependent cell killing activity and flow cytometry assays exposed apoptotic effects of Santo. The essential oil also remarkably decreased migration rate of A549 cells, therefore we evaluated the expression levels of epithelial to mesenchymal transition related genes E-cadherin and Vimentin ratio, ZEB1 and SNAIL and another motility related gene Ezrin. Santo did not change the expression of EMT related genes but decreased Ezrin levels. According to the results of the GS/MS analysis, Artemisia ketone and Camphor were identified as major molecules of the extract. Docking analysis also revealed that artemisia ketone, the major component of the Santo extract, potentially showed strong binding to the active site of ezrin protein and both artemisia ketone and camphor had ability to bind DNA. The results of the present study indicate that Santo and its components artemisia ketone and camphor are promising anti-cancer agents, and their potential in targeting DNA and oncogenic proteins in the lung cancer cells seems worth to focus on this plant in cancer related drug discovery science.
Analysis of occupational accidents and musculoskeletal system problems of butchers in Hatay
Authors: ÖZ Fatma , AKKUŞ Tuğçe , KESKİN Mahmut , HALLAÇELİ Hasan
Published: May 2021

Although musculoskeletal system injuries are frequently seen in the area of meat industry, studies on this topic are insufficient. The purpose of this study it to identify the occupational accidents and musculoskeletal problems of butcher shop workers in the city of Hatay. A survey consisting of 32 questions was given to 69 butchers who work in the city of Hatay with 38.20±1.32 in a face-to-face interview. Their social status, activities in the butcher shop, past injuries and activities after their injuries were questioned with the survey. It was determined that the butchers were most frequently injured in their hand and finger area (60.9%). It was determined that 40.6% of the butchers had an accident in the last 5 years; their injuries were mostly non-dominant hand injuries and infections were seen in 15.9% of the butchers after their injuries. It was found that the most frequent injuries took place during the hanging of carcasses; carelessness played an important role in getting injured; use of sharp tools led to injuries in 97.1% of the butchers and that 2.9% of the butchers were left with permanent handicaps after their injuries. It was determined that hand-finger injuries and back pain complaints were frequently seen in butcher shop workers and that they do not use any protective equipment to avoid injuries. Therefore, it was concluded that the necessary analyses need to be done on the butcher shop workers and that training should be provided for them on protective precautions and posture problems.
Coexistence of gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the stomach and small bowel adenocarcinoma: A case report
Authors: AYYILDIZ Talat , GÖNEN İbrahim , YILDIRIM Beytullah , KARABULUT Kağan , KARAGÖZ Filiz , DANACI Murat , BEKTAŞ Ahmet , ERZURUMLU Kenan
Published: May 2021

The coexistence of gastrointestinal tumors (GIST’s) with other several primary malignant neoplasms has been demonstrated. However, there is no study that reported simultaneous occurrence of primary small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) and a GIST located in the stomach. Here, we report the first case of SBA and a synchronous gastric GIST. Surgical resection and clinicopathological characterization were performed for the masses identified through endoscopic and radiologic studies. Computed tomography scan showed a 13 mm mass located at the gastric antrum and another mass lesion partially occluding the jejunum. A biopsy specimen was obtained from the mass at the proximal jejunum by enteroscopy. The tumor was reported as adenocarcinoma. The patient was operated by the general surgery team. The features of the submucosal lesion resected from the antrum were consistent with a diagnosis of a GIST which contained spindle cells and showed positive staining with CD-117 and CD-34. Mitosis was not observed and Ki67 index was below 10%. This is the first case of coexistence of GIST of the stomach and SBA to be reported in English-language literature. The prominent characteristics of our case include its antral localization, male sex, absence of mitosis and incidental diagnosis.
Relationship between arylesterase activity and pulse pressure index in patients with an acute ischemic stroke
Authors: AYDIN OZTURK Pınar , OZTURK UNAL , OZTURK Onder
Published: May 2021

Stroke is a multifactorial disease. Arylesterase (ARE) activities have been considered as an anti-atherosclerosis factor. Increased pulse pressure (PP) may lead to a high risk of coronary artery disease and neurovascular morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, there are limitations for PP as an evaluation index. In order to overcome the defects of PP, there is a novel parameter, “pulse pressure/systolic pressure” named “pulse pressure index (PPI)” for evaluation of cardiovascular effect. We researched the relationship between ARE activities and pulse pressure index (PPI) in acute ischemic stroke patients. We evaluated and compared the ARE activity and PPI in 87 ischemic stroke patients and 48 control patients. ARE activity was measured with the ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometric method by using “Rel Assay Diagnostic” kits. Pulse pressure was measured by subtraction of diastolic blood pressure from systolic blood pressure. PPI was calculated as “pulse pressure / systolic pressure”. Hypertension, age, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia importantly higher in ischemic stroke patients than the control group (p<0.05). PPI was significantly higher in ischemic stroke patients than the control group (0.486±0.075 and 0.417±0.051, p<0.05). ARE activity was significantly lower in ischemic stroke patients than in the control group (511.59 ± 68.51 and 584.16 ± 81.74 p=0.019). This study demonstrated that ARE activity is lower and PPI is higher in acute ischemic stroke patients than control subjects. Our results suggested that, ARE activity and PPI are important risk factors in acute ischemic stroke patients.
Precambrian metamorphites as part of the petrographic diversity of Rila Geopark
Authors: Sinnyovsky Dimitar
Published: May 2021

The petrographic diversity of Rila Mountain is an important prerequisite for the development of Rila Geopark and its nomination for UNESCO Geopark. According to the principle of the thematic geodiversity, the leading theme of the geopark – glacial landscapes, is complemented by the remarkable petrographic diversity of igneous and metamorphic rocks, in which alpine glacial forms are developed. Following a recent review of the intrusive rocks that make up the Rila-West Rhodope Batholith, the concept of Rila Geopark would not be complete without a retrospective of the metamorphic rocks that are an integral part of its petrographic diversity. The different approaches (lithodemic and lithotectonic) to the mapping of the Rila-Rhodope Massif divided the geologists into two camps. This led to a discrepancy in terminology and nomenclature of the metamorphic units, which is unacceptable in the context of the educational priority of the geopark. For the purpose of geotourism, clear and understandable interpretations are required to provoke the visitors’ interest in geological processes and phenomena, rather than confusion and perplexity. This article is a historical overview of the geological study of the metamorphic terrains in Rila Mountain with a scheme of lithodemic units based on the existing lithostratigraphic nomenclature. This approach allows the preservation of the names of the lithostratigraphic units, whose toponymic adjectives derive from well known geographical features in the Rila-Rhodope Massif. The rank term is replaced by a lithological or descriptive term, which frees the nomenclature from the dogmatic restrictions of the stratigraphic code and reduces the distance between the strictly scientific and popular science approach used for interpretation of geological information in a popular language accessible to the general public. This methodology is consistent with the approach recommended for mapping of non-stratified bodies on the Geological Map of the Republic of Bulgaria at a scale 1:50 000.
Acute Effect of Repeated Sprint and Aerobic Endurance Training on Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells and Cytokine Levels
Authors: Akkoç Orkun , Genç Deniz , Özel Hakan , Kayhan Recep Fatih , Gökalp Muazzez , Kırandı Özlem , Yücesir Ilker , Akkoç Tunç
Published: May 2021

Objective: The aim of our study was to investigate the acute effect of repeated sprints and aerobic endurance training on Foxp3+ T regulatory cells and cytokines. Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 16 sprinters and 16 long distance runners. Each subject was divided into his/her own branch as sprinting and distance training. Within the scope of the study, the height, body weight, sporting age, Foxp3+ T regulatory cells and cytokine values of subjects were recorded. Immunity subparameters were compared in venous blood samples taken before and after training. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the values before and after training with level of statistical significance accepted as p<0.05. Results: A statistically significant change was not observed for Foxp3+ T regulatory cells before and after training in sprinter (p=0.47) and distance runners (p=0.52). Sprinters had increased IL-2 (p=0.00), IL-4 (p=0.00), IL-10 (p=0.02), IL-17 (p=0.000) and TNF-α (p=0.000), decreased IL-6 (p=0.000) and unchanged IFN-γ levels (p=0.81). Distance runners had increased IL-4 (p=0.000), IL-10 (p=0.000), IL-17 levels (p<0.00), decreased TNF-α (p=0.00), IL-2 (p=0.05) and unchanged IFN-γ (p=0.15) and IL-6 (p=0.15). Conclusion: Immune system is affected by the intensity and type of exercise. It can be said that anaerobic exercises like sprinting with high intensity supress the immune system more severely.