bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Learning in 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands
Authors: Church Andrea
Published: September 2019

This article is a case scenario with interviews from students in 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands. The students are enrolled in a business or ―Entrepreneur‘s‖ program at Koning Willem I College. Part of their program is a sales initiative during which they are responsible for designing a campaign to sell umbrellas. The students receive lessons from Drs. Rob de Vrind, an expert on sustainability and resource management. De Vrind teaches sustainability to the students under the heading of ―citizenship.‖ Five students participated in the interview process. While their project is in the beginning stages, they are enthusiastic about learning more about the connection between good business practices and sustainability. Background information about the educational system in the Netherlands, as well as information about the College‘s business program is provided.
'SEEDS' of 'Good Lessons' through 'Many a Drop'-- Media Initiation in Environmental Education: An Indian Model of Environmental Pedagogy
Authors: Kalorth Nithin , Sreekumar Rohini
Published: September 2019

Environmental communication is now an emerging and a significant curriculum from schools to research centers. The effective and efficient environmental communication occurs when learners interact with their surrounding environment/ecology in which they live and reciprocate for sustainable protection and restoration of it. Developing countries in Asia and Africa are now setting up new role models and practices in curricula of environmental communication. The traditional theory based environmental communication curriculum of the last century is now actively investigated and restructured through community based learning, affirmative actions, and student centered participatory curriculum. Kerala, a southern State in India, serves as an exemplar of this new eco-venture.  Through case studies like, Nalla Paadam (Good Lesson), Palathulli Project (Many a Drop Project) by the Malayalam language daily ‘Malayala Manoram’, and SEED project by another Malayalam daily ‘Mathrubhumi’, this paper analyses the innovative curriculum practices in the state of Kerala in India.
A Tale of Garbage
Authors: McTaggart Ian
Published: September 2019

In 1973, an American archaeologist named Dr. William Rathje sought to create a method that would help his students understand the intricacies of archaeological fieldwork. Dr. Rathje recognized that his students at the University of Arizona were having a difficult time understanding cultural remains from the past (Rathje, 1979, p. 4), so his idea was to use contemporary cultural material waste as a study tool. He named this method “The Garbage Project.” Given that the project took place during 1970s and students of the time were far removed from potsherds and post holes, it made sense to articulate archaeological sites in a contemporary way. Over time, this process would come to be known as garbology, which has come to inform both past research and present-day disciplines such as economics and public policy. This paper will outline the cross-discipline benefits that archaeology brings to modern society, including how it informs us about sustainability issues and how human societies interact and identify with their waste.
Building Pressure: A Deliberative Argument against the Northern Gateway Pipeline
Authors: Pluim Derek Neil
Published: September 2019

This is a rhetorical analysis comparing and contrasting the supposed benefits and likely consequences of the proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline. The issue of the Northern Gateway Pipeline is analyzed through the use of established rhetorical devices and appeals. The result of this rhetorical analysis finds the project to be a far greater liability than a benefit to the people of Alberta and British Columbia. The promises of job creation by Enbridge account for a small minority of the population being employed for a relatively short duration of time. Furthermore, the wealth generated by the pipeline project is not equally distributed back to the people of Alberta and British Columbia, respectively. Enbridge has also made dubious claims to “sustainable communities,” which amount to little more than large one time payments to charities and other organizations across North America.  Furthermore, there are findings that suggest health complications in those individuals employed in the oil industry.
Echoes of Our Past
Authors: Foss A. Rachelle
Published: September 2019

This article is a brief overview of Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed by Jared Diamond. In his book, the author makes a comparative argument about the effect human impact on the environment has on the success or failure of a civilization. He examines past and current societies using case studies to discuss social history, social change, and environmental impact. The historical and scientific details packed into this book help to demystify ancient cultures including Easter Island, and his delivery invokes images of their lives. He solidifies his compelling argument by focusing on current world trade and environmental policies.
Preserving Natural Beauty
Authors: Cloutier Melissa
Published: September 2019

This article pans into the world of art and considers its connection with nature by burrowing into Alyssa Ellis’s painting, Tree Shadows, as well as explores the methods, tools, and process required in order for the painting to be created. Alyssa Ellis is a second-year student in Grant MacEwan University’s Fine Arts Program with an instinctive passion for painting and nature. Learning of Ellis’s search for and experience with painting nature, particularly trees, leads to a glimpse into her history of painting and with nature, which causes consideration for art as a portal capable of provoking environmental appreciation, compassion and conservation.
Nuclear Concern
Authors: Foss Adriianne
Published: September 2019

Finding an alternative energy source to fossil fuels is becoming increasingly important. This has led many countries to question whether nuclear power, touted as an environmentally friendly source of energy, is the answer. A look at the environmental effects attached to this source of energy—the risk of radiation exposure for communities adjacent to nuclear plants, and nuclear power’s volatile history—coupled with current events provides countries with reason to seriously doubt the safety and sustainability of this energy source. Nuclear plants do immediate damage to the system in which they are built, and that is not the end of their effects. Continuous release of radiological material into the surrounding area that threatens the ecology and nearby communities, the creation of waste, for which there is currently no solution, and a threat of radioactive materials falling into the hands of terrorist activists also weigh heavily against the sustainability of this energy source. The history of the nuclear industry makes it undeniable that more nuclear disasters are inevitable. Every community is vulnerable, whether a nuclear disaster is caused by nature’s wrath, as in Japan, or by human or technological error, as in many previous nuclear accidents, including Chernobyl. The countries of the world have a weighty decision to make about whether nuclear energy is the answer.
Nutritional Communications across Climates: A comparative research study between Ecuador and the Netherlands
Authors: Messelink Morgan
Published: September 2019

A study in May 2014 analyzed food labels in Quito, Ecuador, to better understand the culture’s nutritional communication. The study explored what is considered to be a healthy diet in Ecuadorian culture and how this is communicated, and also to what extent nutrients in packaged food are effectively communicated via labelling. Data was gathered using a mixed methods approach; first using quantitative methods with a survey administrated to students at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito. Following the completion of the survey, participants were then asked to volunteer for a questionnaire containing open-ended questions, administered in one-on-one interviews, in order to collect qualitative data to enhance survey responses.  Finally, an analysis of nutritional labels in local grocery store completed the research. This same study was then conducted in May of 2016 at Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen, Netherlands, to explore the results from another country and act as a comparative study between the two cultures. Research from both cultures led to the identification of similar and different trends, themes, and outliers in the collected data. Both Ecuador and Dutch participants report receiving little to no formal education regarding diet and nutrition. This leads to participants building their model of a healthy diet from various inconsistent sources. Participants also express frustration and confusion with inconsistent labelling. Simple and measurable food labels in the Netherlands proved to have more importance and value to consumers than labels that are believed to hold false claims.
Responding to Environmental Challenges in Alberta
Authors: Brown Peter
Published: September 2019

Climate change and the myriad of challenges that come with it are a reality the entire world must face. However, for Canadian province, Alberta, the stakes are especially high. Oil and gas mining made up 18.3% of Alberta’s GDP in 2015 and therefore plays a significant role in its economy. Alberta has also been subject to degrading air quality and natural disasters like the recent Fort McMurray Fire. Provincial and municipal governments have, however, taken many steps to addressing the array of environmental challenges Alberta faces including releasing its Climate Leadership Report to Environment Minister Shannon Phillips, which outlines concrete goals and objectives. This paper discusses some of targets as well as legislation that have come out of the Climate Leadership Report. Furthermore, this paper explores how individuals have influenced the climate change discussion and how they can continue to spread environmental messages.
"If Everything is Stable, One is Not Going To Move Very Far": Reality as Illusion in Ondaatje's The Cat's Table
Authors: Barratt Jessica Kristie
Published: September 2019

This essay examines one of the major themes of Michael Ondaatje's The Cat's Table: Perception and Reality. While on the surface the novel is about a young boy on a journey, it is Michael's unique perspective that reveals an elusive truth about our reality: that it is a fragile illusion, at best. Via a comparison of Michael's past (specifically the twenty-one days he was aboard a ship named Oronsay) and present realities, then, both Michael and the reader come to realize the highly subjective nature of our collective 'reality.'
Social Darwinism, Class Conflict, and War: The Interplay between Organicism, Marxian Dialectics, and Military Conflict
Authors: Kruger Reiss
Published: September 2019

In this paper, the idea that war has been seen as - and used as - a tool of what Spencer would call 'social Darwinism' is put forward and advanced.  The cocurrent evolution of war and society is measured through the understandings of various classical theorists and modern sociologists. Alongside these thoughts, Marxian class conflict is then brought to bear and the entire paper becomes a compare and contrast between organicists and class conflict theories and how war has been view by - and justified by - both throughout history.  Ending in a call to arms for the creation of new theories and a re-evalutation of conventional knowledge surrounding class conflict, social Darwinism, and war, this paper calls for another level of sociological analysis on the state, inter-state, and planetary scale.
Straight from the Horse’s Mouth: A Case Study on the Adult Male Fans of My Little Pony
Authors: Schimpf Kaitlyn Elizabeth
Published: September 2019

This is a qualitative case study that examines an alternative subculture composed of adult males who are fans of the Hub Network cartoon television series: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. Given the predominantly female cast of pony characters who primarily serve as positive role models for children, the fan base, which refers to itself as "bronies", provides a unique opportunity to explore a group that defies traditional norms regarding masculinity. Four main themes were explored. First, this study seeks to explain why adult males are drawn to this particular show. In addition, this study explores how the bronies are perceived by others who are not part of this subculture. Since it is presumed that bronies are regarded in a negative manner by outsiders, this study also attempts to explain how bronies deal with these primarily negative perceptions. Finally, this study examines how a sub-group within the fan base who derive sexual pleasure from the pony characters differ from the more mainstream group of bronies.  Bronies make for a fascinating subculture when framed within gender and sexuality in the age of the internet. Content analyses and narrative analyses were employed using a variety of data sources including online message boards specially created by fans to discuss the television series, popular new stories and a documentary on the bronies subculture. While unusual, the bronies, for the most part, appear to be a harmless group of males who are brought together by a common interest in a cartoon that promotes friendship and acceptance and many inadvertently help to break down traditional stereotypes.
On Waxen Wings: Challenges to the Public Sphere in the Network Age
Authors: Francoeur Mike
Published: September 2019

There is a tendency, particularly among Western pundits and technologists, to examine the Internet in almost universally positive terms; this is most evident in any discussion of the medium’s capacity for democratization. While the Internet has produced many great things for society in terms of cultural and economic production, some consideration must be given to the implications that such a revolutionary medium holds for the public sphere. By creating a communicative space that essentially grants everyone his or her own microphone, the Internet is fragmenting public discourse due to the proliferation of opinions and messages and the removal of traditional gatekeepers of information. More significantly, because of the structural qualities of the Internet, users no longer have to expose themselves to opinions and viewpoints that fall outside their own preconceived notions. This limits the robustness of the public sphere by limiting the healthy debate that can only occur when exposed to multiple viewpoints. Ultimately, the Internet is not going anywhere, so it is important to equip the public with the tools and knowledge to be able to navigate the digital space.
Marketing Responsible Drinking Effectively to Young Adults
Authors: Doyle Colby , Gaudet Matthew , Lay Dominic , McLeod Amber , Schaeffer Robert
Published: September 2019

The primary goal of this research is to identify and examine the components of responsible drinking advertisements. We will examine industry and government related advertisements as we try to understand one of our major questions: does the source influence the validity of the message? The next group of major questions that we will be looking to answer is how are the vague quantifiers used in responsible drinking campaigns interpreted by the public?  How many drinks do people consider “too much?” What does “drink responsibly” really mean? The third major question is whether or not an individual’s current consumption patterns of alcohol have any effect on how individuals assess responsible drinking campaigns. Our qualitative research has indicated that social influences can be strongly related with drinking patterns; this will be further examined in our quantitative research. Also, we will be looking into some of the psychology behind industry and government sponsored advertisements as well as gathering and interpreting information from a sample of our target demographic. Our target demographic consists of both male and females between the ages 18-24. Our literature review and qualitative analysis gave us good insight into some of the potential answers to our questions. We will use these potential answers from our previous research to guide us as we attempt to conduct conclusive research based on a sample data of 169 individuals. Our findings will aid us in developing conclusions and recommendations for Alberta Health Services.
Indian Horse
Authors: Pollon Casey Shea
Published: September 2019

Type as Image: Eliciting Emotions is a project of VCDE233 Typography II (Constanza Pacher) and VCDI223 Design and Pre-Press Production (Jess Dupuis), both courses in the Design Studies Diploma Program at MacEwan University. Students were asked to capture the essence of the book Indian Horse, by Richard Wagamese, and translate it into a three-poster series using typography as the main element. Under the premise that the visual form is dictated by the content, students were encouraged to analyze plot, characters, point of view, imagery, tone, themes and symbolism to extract key words, sentences and passages as the basis for their designs. Students were asked to challenge literal interpretations by exploring the use of expressive typography and text and image relationships.
Barnburner
Authors: Monahan Justin Patrick
Published: September 2019

Creative fiction work.
Does the MMR vaccine cause autism? How uncritical acceptance of information can have disastrous consequences.
Authors: Vowel Alana
Published: September 2019

One of the most damaging medical controversies in several decades has been sparked by the publication of a fraudulent paper in 1998 claiming that a link between autism and the administration of the MMR vaccine had been found.  The crisis is proving to be very difficult to remedy, as vaccination rates plummeted and have still not fully recovered.  Fueled by media attention and ill-informed celebrity spokespeople, this poorly conducted study has received dangerous amounts of attention and support.  Even with ever-increasing scientific evidence against the claim, the lack of skepticism and critical analysis of research has resulted in children being put in danger of preventable diseases by leaving them unvaccinated.
Ecology and natural history of the Caribbean reef squid Sepiotheuthis sepioidea (Phylum Mollusca, Class Cephalopoda)
Authors: Ghadially Melissa
Published: September 2019

Cephalopod molluscs evolved from ancient cephalopods found during the Cambrian period around 550 million years ago. The Caribbean reef squid (Sepiotheuthis sepioidea) is a small species of cephalopod, up to 30cm in length, found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean. Throughout their lives these squid can be found in various places in the water column and on the reef. Aside from being a predator, the Caribbean reef squid is also prey for many species of fish as well as humans. Global warming and potential fishing threats are altering the reef squid’s habitat.
Medical Therapeutics Derived from Leeches (Phy. Annelida; Cl. Hirudinea)
Authors: Clarke Christopher Everett Warren
Published: September 2019

Of all blood feeding invertebrates, few are more notorious than leeches. Throughout their existence as ectoparasites, leeches have evolved to release biological molecules in their saliva that act to counter the responses of the prey’s body to vascular trauma. Inadvertently, these very molecules have been used by humans for centuries for medicinal purposes; however, it is only recently that their cellular action has been elucidated. As a result, these compounds have been isolated and mass produced to treat a wide variety of conditions ranging from heart attack to Alzheimer’s disease and continued work suggests that these isolates will be an important future treatment for metastasis.
Lysistrata, Agamemnon, and Sherlock Holmes: The Construction of the Subjugated Female in Classical and Contemporary Literature
Authors: Reisinger Ashley Laura Danielle
Published: September 2019

The classical works, Lysistrata and Agamemnon are juxtaposed with the contemporary work of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, in order to appreciate the subjugation of women throughout literature. The reinforcement of women's subjugation through literature conveys the message that women must adhere to cultural norms or be expelled from the culture in which they refuse to adhere. The works are contextualized and examined inasmuch as they typify and create a context for women to operate.
Gençlik ve Spor İl Müdürlüğü Çalışanlarının Zihinsel Engelli Bireylerin Sportif Etkinliklerine Yönelik Tutum Düzeyinin İncelenmesi (Bingöl İl Örneği)
Authors: YILMAZ Atike , KIRIMOĞLU Hüseyin , ASLANBOĞA Tülin , ASLANBOĞA Ramazan
Published: September 2019

Bu çalışmanın amacı, 2018-2019 yılı Gençlik ve spor il müdürlüğü
çalışanlarının zihinsel engelli bireylerin sportif etkinliklerine yönelik tutum
düzeyinin incelenmesidir. Çalışmada genel tarama yöntemi kullanılmış olup, veri
toplama aracı olarak, araştırmacılar tarafından geliştirilen “Kişisel Bilgi
Formu” ve İlhan, Esentürk ve Yarımkaya (2016) tarafından geliştirilen “Zihinsel
Engelli Bireylerin Sportif Etkinliklerine Yönelik Tutum Ölçeği” kullanılmıştır.
Çalışmanın evrenini Bingöl Gençlik ve spor il müdürlüğü çalışanları 110 kişi,
örneklem grubunu ise 70 (13 kadın, 57 erkek) oluşturmaktadır. Verilerin analizi
SPSS17 programında yapılmıştır. Normallik dağılımı sonucunda verilerin normal
dağılmadığı tespit edilmiş olup, değişkenler arasındaki farkı tespit etmek için
ikili değişkenlerde Mann Whitney-U, üçlü değişkenler için Kruskal Wallis testi
uygulanmıştır. Elde edilen bulgularda, katılımcıların yaş, ailede engeli birey
olup olmama durumu, meslek yılı, mezun olunan bölüm, engelli bireyin spor
faaliyetine tanık olma değişkenleri açısından anlamlı bir farklılık çıkmamıştır
(p>0,05). Ancak, cinsiyet değişkeni açısından zihinsel engelli bireylerin
sportif etkinliklerine yönelik tutum ölçeği olumlu tutum alt boyutunda ve spor
yapma değişkeni açısından ise, genel tutum ve olumsuzu tutum alt boyutlarında
anlamlı farklılık (p<0,05) çıkmıştır. Sonuç olarak katılımcıların yaş,
ailede engelli birey olup olmama durumu meslek yılı, mezun olunan bölümün tutum
düzeyini etkilemediği, ancak, cinsiyet değişkeni açısından olumlu tutum alt
boyutunda kadınlar, spor yapma değişkenini açısından ise genel tutumun spor
yapanlar, olumsuz tutum alt boyutunda ise spor yapmayanlar lehine anlamlı
çıkmıştır. Bu manada, spor yapmanın katılımcıların tutum düzeyi üzerinde olumlu
etkisi olduğunu söyleyebiliriz
The Chiari I malformation
Authors: McClugage Samuel G. , Oakes W. Jerry
Published: September 2019

As with many pathologies, the course of our understanding of the Chiari I malformation (CIM) has developed extensively over time. The early descriptions of the Chiari malformations by Hans Chiari in 1891 opened the door for future classification and research on this topic. However, even over a long timeframe, our understanding of the pathophysiology and, more importantly, treatment, remained in its infancy. As recently as the 1970s, CIM was not discussed in popular neurology textbooks. Syringomyelia is listed as a degenerative disorder with no satisfactory treatment. Radiation therapy was considered an option in treatment, and surgery was thought to play no role. During the last 40 years, equivalent to the duration of a neurosurgical career, our understanding of the pathophysiology and natural history of CIM, coupled with modern MRI, has improved the treatment paradigm for this patient population. More importantly, it has given us evidence confirming that CIM is a disorder responsive to surgical intervention, giving patients once thought to be destined for lifelong disability a comparatively normal life after treatment. The purpose of this article is to offer a review of CIM and its important associated entities. The authors will discuss the evolution in understanding of the Chiari malformation and, importantly, distinguish between symptomatic CIM and asymptomatic tonsillar ectopia, based on imaging and presenting symptomatology. They will discuss techniques for surgical intervention, expected outcomes, and complications after surgery. Proper patient selection for surgery based on appropriate symptomatology is tantamount to achieving good surgical outcomes in this population, separating those who can be helped by surgery from those who are unlikely to improve. While our knowledge of the Chiari malformations continues to improve through the efforts of clinical and basic science researchers, surgeons, and patients, our current understanding of these entities represents a monumental improvement in patient care over a relatively short time period.
Double-blind randomized clinical trial of vancomycin in spinal arthrodesis: no effects on surgical site infection
Authors: Ludwig do Nascimento Tobias , Finger Guilherme , Sfreddo Ericson , Martins de Lima Cecchini André , Martins de Lima Cecchini Felipe , Stefani Marco Antônio
Published: September 2019

OBJECTIVE

Surgical site infection (SSI) results in high morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing spinal fusion. Using intravenous antibiotics in anesthesia induction reduces the rate of postoperative infection, but it is not common practice to use them topically, despite recent reports that this procedure helps reduce infection. The objective of this study was to determine whether the topical use of vancomycin reduces the rate of postoperative SSI in patients undergoing thoracolumbar fusion.

METHODS

A randomized, double-blind clinical trial in a single hospital was performed comparing vancomycin and placebo in thoracolumbar fusion patients.

RESULTS

A total of 96 patients were randomized to placebo or vancomycin treatment. The mean patient age was 43 ± 14.88 years, 74% were male, and the most common etiology was fall from height (46.9%). The overall rate of postoperative SSI was 8.3%, and no difference was found between the groups: postoperative infection rates in the vancomycin and placebo groups were 8.2% and 8.5% (relative risk [RR] of SSI not using vancomycin 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.28–3.93, p = 0.951), respectively. Patients with diabetes mellitus had higher SSI rates (RR 8.98, 95% CI 1.81–44.61, p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first double-blind randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effects of topical vancomycin on postoperative infection rates in thoracolumbar fusion patients, and the results did not differ significantly from placebo.

Clinical trial registration no.: RBR-57wppt (ReBEC; http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/)
A computer vision approach to identifying the manufacturer and model of anterior cervical spinal hardware
Authors: Huang Kevin T. , Silva Michael A. , See Alfred P. , Wu Kyle C. , Gallerani Troy , Zaidi Hasan A. , Lu Yi , Chi John H. , Groff Michael W. , Arnaout Omar M.
Published: September 2019

OBJECTIVE

Recent advances in computer vision have revolutionized many aspects of society but have yet to find significant penetrance in neurosurgery. One proposed use for this technology is to aid in the identification of implanted spinal hardware. In revision operations, knowing the manufacturer and model of previously implanted fusion systems upfront can facilitate a faster and safer procedure, but this information is frequently unavailable or incomplete. The authors present one approach for the automated, high-accuracy classification of anterior cervical hardware fusion systems using computer vision.

METHODS

Patient records were searched for those who underwent anterior-posterior (AP) cervical radiography following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) at the authors’ institution over a 10-year period (2008–2018). These images were then cropped and windowed to include just the cervical plating system. Images were then labeled with the appropriate manufacturer and system according to the operative record. A computer vision classifier was then constructed using the bag-of-visual-words technique and KAZE feature detection. Accuracy and validity were tested using an 80%/20% training/testing pseudorandom split over 100 iterations.

RESULTS

A total of 321 total images were isolated containing 9 different ACDF systems from 5 different companies. The correct system was identified as the top choice in 91.5% ± 3.8% of the cases and one of the top 2 or 3 choices in 97.1% ± 2.0% and 98.4 ± 13% of the cases, respectively. Performance persisted despite the inclusion of variable sizes of hardware (i.e., 1-level, 2-level, and 3-level plates). Stratification by the size of hardware did not improve performance.

CONCLUSIONS

A computer vision algorithm was trained to classify at least 9 different types of anterior cervical fusion systems using relatively sparse data sets and was demonstrated to perform with high accuracy. This represents one of many potential clinical applications of machine learning and computer vision in neurosurgical practice.
Estimation of heat fluxes at the ocean-atmosphere interface in the south-western part of the Baltic Sea (2003—2016)
Authors: Dubravin V. F. , Kapustina M. V. , Stont Zh. I.
Published: September 2019

Based hydrometeorological data of the MARNET monitoring network, with the sampling interval of 1-hour, from 2003—2016, provided by the German Oceanographic Data Centre (BSH / DOD (M41)), the contributions of the irregular daily variability, the regular daily variability, the synoptic variability, the irregular intra-annual variability, the regular seasonal variability and the interannual component in the total temporal variability of the sensible and latent heat fluxes were estimated. The intra-annual and inter-annual variability of the specific contribution of the daily component of the sensible and latent heat fluxes are computed. It is shown that the structure of time variations of the fluxes in the southern part of the Baltic Sea depends on both, the station location and the nature of the flux itself.
A. A. Chibilyov, A. A. Chibilyov (jr.), O. S. Rudneva, A. A. Sokoplov, Yu. A. Padalko, D. S. Meleshkin, D. V. Grigorevsky. Problems of Sustainable Development of Socio-Economic Geosystems of the Steppe Zone of the Russian Federation. Orenburg: Institute of Steppe of the Ural branch of the RAS, 2018. 128 p. [in Russian]
Authors: Zibarev A. G. , Rozenberg G. S.
Published: September 2019

The monograph under review is devoted to the peculiarities of Russian steppe regions development. The analysis of the elements of the natural-ecological framework and the ecological safety of the territory was carried out. Within the framework of the implementation of multiscale research, a cartographic analysis of the socio-ecological and ecological state of natural-economic systems of the Russian Federation steppe zone key region was carried out.
KONDISI SOSIAL DAN KEBIASAAN PETANI PADI MENGGUNAKAN INPUT PRODUKSI PADI (Oryza sativa, L.) DI KABUPATEN INDRAMAYU
Authors: Ambarsari Wiwik
Published: September 2019

This study aims to determine the social conditions and habits of rice farmers in the use of input production of lowland rice farming in Indramayu Regency. The research location is in 3 Districts of Indramayu Regency, namely Sliyeg, Lelea, and Gabuswetan Districts. This research was conducted with a survey approach, descriptive quantitative and qualitative. Sampling of rice farmers was carried out by multistage purposive sampling totaling 120 people. The results of this study are the social conditions of the farmers, 70% of the productive age, 60% are uneducated, 65% are very experienced, and 60% of the land area is under 1 hectare. The habit of using production inputs, 85% already use certified and superior varieties of rice seeds, 71% use inorganic fertilizers, and 93% use inorganic pesticides.
SIKAP PETANI TERHADAP KEGAGALAN PRODUKSI USAHA TANI PADI SAWAH DI DESA MAGEPANDA, KECAMATAN MAGEPANDA KABUPATEN SIKKA
Authors: Noni Sarlina
Published: September 2019

Efforts to increase food production always receive attention because the need for rice continues to increase. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of factors forming attitudes with the attitude of farmers to the failure of production of lowland rice farming in Magepanda Village, Magepanda Subdistrict, Sikka District. The type of research used in this study is quantitative descriptive research and correlation. Quantitative is data that is measured in a numeric (number) with the aim of testing a predetermined hypothesis. The data used in this study are primary data. Based on the results of data analysis, it can be concluded that the attitude of farmers towards production failure in the farm group of Desa Magepanda, using the fishbein analysis method based on six attributes obtained an average score of 85.17 which is categorized as positive. This means that the attitude of farmers in the Magepanda village farmer group accepts production failure as a motivation for the sustainability of their production activities. The results of the Analysis of Determination Coefficient (R2) are 0, 185 which means that the contribution of the variable farmer attitude (X) to production failure (Y) in the farmer group in Magepanda Village is 18.5%. while the remaining 81.5% is explained by other variables not included in this research model. The results of simple linear regression analysis can be seen that the farmer attitude variable (X) is obtained: -2,613 <- 2,042, so Ho is rejected and Ha is accepted, meaning that the attitude of farmers (X) has a significant effect on production failure (Y).
Pengaruh Motivasi Belajar Guru Terhadap Keterampilan Membuat Bahan Ajar Berbasis Informasi Dan Teknologi Di SMP Negeri 139 Jakarta
Authors: Umam Khoirul , Djuhartono Tjipto , Irfansyah Puput
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this research activity is to measure and determine whether or not there is influence between motivation to study MS Power Point and Blog programs on teacher skills in making presentation slides and Blogs by using MS Power Point and Blog programs in information-based teacher teaching materials preparation training programs and technology at 139 Jakarta Public Middle School. The target to be achieved specifically in this research activity is the output of research carried out can be used as an indicator of decisions and policies for the Head of Jakarta SMP Negeri 139 in an effort to improve the competence of teachers in the schools they lead. The type of research carried out is quantitative descriptive using a statistical approach from the primary data obtained. The method used in the research activities at 139 Jakarta Public Middle School is through a survey using a questionnaire and literature review as a support in this study. The results showed that there was a very low influence between teacher learning motivation and the teacher's ability to make teaching materials as evidenced by the calculation of the correlation coefficient of 0.043 or 4.3% which could be interpreted as teachers' awareness to learn and master teaching skills using learning media Information and Technology based is very low.
The Effects Of Endorser Credibility, Attitude Toward To ADS, And Brand Attitude On Purchase Intention
Authors: Darmawan Didit , Mardikaningsih Rahayu , Hariani Mila
Published: September 2019

Development of motorcycle industry in Indonesian was represent by four producer’ from Japan, such Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki. Each brand was known by society, but how would people perceived it. How celebrity endorsements affect consumer purchase decisions is studied extensively by marketing and social psychology researchers. This research will measure endorser credibility of one of motorcycle brand. This research also conducts to discuss the impact of endorser credibility on attitude toward to ad and also the impact of attitude toward to ad and brand attitude on consumers’ purchase intention. Researcher used path analysis with the AMOS program to calculate the effect of each variable to consumers’ purchase intention. It’s suggested that brand attitude would greater impact on consumers’ purchase intention compare to rather than attitude toward to ad. A model will be developed to describe these relationships.
Pengaruh Motivasi Kerja Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan Dengan Kepuasan Kerja Sebagai Variabel Intervening Pada PT. Federal International Finance (FIF)
Authors: Pariyanti Eka , Rinnanik Rinnanik , Mardiono Tri
Published: September 2019

Fulfill all needs or desires in the employee, it will create a feeling of satisfaction, and employees with high levels of satisfaction will experience an increase in performance. Based on this matter, this study aims, (1) To determine the effect of work motivation on employee performance, (2) To determine the effect of work motivation on job satisfaction, (3) To determine the effect of job satisfaction on employee performance, (4) To determine the effect work motivation on employee performance with job satisfaction as an intervening variable. The data collection technique of this study was a questionnaire and documentation. The population of this study was employees of PT. PT. Federal International Finance (FIF), eastern Lampung region with a total of 96 people. While the data analysis uses regression analysis and phat path. The results of this study are, (1) Motivating Work Influence on Employee Performance, (2) Motivating Influential Work Against Job Satisfaction, (3) Influential Job Satisfaction on Employee Performance, (4) Job Satisfaction Role as Intervening Variables Between Work Motivation and Performance Employees (5) Work motivation influences employee performance directly, but work motivation will have greater influence on employee performance if first through or added to job satisfaction. These Research Results Can Become Input For PT. Federal International Finance (FIF), as material for consideration to improve employee performance.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF FATTY ACID METHYL ESTER MIXTURES DERIVED FROM ACORN KERNEL OIL
Authors: Bague Darean A. , Franks Russell J.
Published: September 2019

Biodiesel fuels are produced via transesterification of a triacylglycerol (TAG, e.g. vegetable oil, waste cooking oil, or animal fats) with a short-chain alkyl alcohol in the presence of a suitable catalyst. Alternative TAG sources, ones not derived from plants used as human food sources, have been of particular recent interest. In this work, the oil extracted from the endosperm of acorns, acorn kernel oil (AKO), was used as an alternative TAG source for the synthesis of biodiesel fuels. Acorns were collected from various species of oak trees (Quercus spp.) in the city of Nacogdoches, Texas. AKO was extracted from the acorn endosperm. The AKO was then subjected to acid-catalyzed and base-catalyzed transesterification with methanol and ethanol to produce acorn kernel oil methyl esters (AKOME) and acorn kernel oil ethyl esters (AKOEE) respectively. Concentrated H2SO4 was used as the acid catalyst and K2CO3 was used as the base catalyst. The effect of using a room temperature ionic liquid on percentage conversion for base-catalyzed transesterification was also investigated. Product mixtures were characterized using 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The NMR data were used to confirm the presence of transesterified products as well as to quantify the percentage conversion for the reaction. Percent conversion results ranged from 96 to 98% for AKOME products and 96 to 97% for AKOEE products.
SYNTHESIS OF 2-, AND 3-NITROBENZANTHRONE VIA DIRECT NITRATION OF BENZANTHRONE WITH NITRIC ACID/ACETIC ACID
Authors: Onchoke Kefa K. , Ojeda Jorge J.
Published: September 2019

Three mono-nitrobenzanthrone isomers (1-, 2-, and 3-nitrobenzanthrone; 1-, 2-, and 3-NBA) were synthesized by reacting benzanthrone (BA) with nitric acid (HNO3) in acetic anhydride at ice-cold conditions. The major product, 2-nitrobenzanthrone (2-NBA), was confirmed using GC-MS via comparisons with a standard sample. On the basis of the elution profiles and fragmentation patterns two other isomers formed were assigned to 1-, and 3-nitrobenzanthrone (1-, and 3-NBA). The average percent yields of 1-, 2-, and 3-NBA were 0.3 ± 0.1%, 10.5 ± 2.6 %, and 6.4 ± 1.3 %, respectively.
Homogenization in the energy variable for a neutron transport model
Authors: Hutridurga Harsha , Mula Olga , Salvarani Francesco
Published: September 2019

This article addresses the homogenization of linear Boltzmann equation when the optical parameters are highly heterogeneous in the energy variable. We employ the method of two-scale convergence to arrive at the homogenization result. In doing so, we show the induction of a memory effect in the homogenization limit. We also provide some numerical experiments to illustrate our results. In the Appendix, we treat a related case of the harmonic oscillator.
Identification of a Novel Deep Intronic Mutation in CAPN3 Presenting a Promising Target for Therapeutic Splice Modulation
Authors: Hu Ying , Mohassel Payam , Donkervoort Sandra , Yun Pomi , Bolduc Véronique , Ezzo Daniel , Dastgir Jahannaz , Marshall Jamie L. , Lek Monkol , MacArthur Daniel G. , Foley A. Reghan , Bönnemann Carsten G.
Published: September 2019

Calpainopathy, also known as limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) type 2A (LGMD2A) or LGMD R1 Calpain3-related, is one of the most common genetically characterized forms of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy with a wide range of phenotypic severity. We evaluated a consanguineous family with a clinical phenotype consistent with calpainopathy in whom conventional sequencing did not detect any mutations in the CAPN3 gene. Using whole exome sequencing paired with haplotype analysis, we identified a homozygous deep intronic single base pair deletion in CAPN3 (c.946-29delT). Familial segregation studies were consistent with recessive inheritance. Immunoblotting of muscle tissue from the patient showed complete absence of calpain 3. In silico analysis predicted the deletion to disrupt the branch point and subsequently alter splicing of exon 7. Studies of patient fibroblasts and muscle tissue confirmed altered splicing, resulting in an inclusion of a 389-bp intronic sequence upstream of exon 7, originating from a cryptic splice acceptor site in intron 6. This out-of-frame insertion results in a premature stop codon, leading to an apparent absence of protein likely due to degradation of the transcript via nonsense-mediated decay. We then designed phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) as splice modulators to block the new splice acceptor site. This approach successfully prevented the aberrant splicing – reverting the majority of the splice to the wildtype transcript. These results confirm the pathogenicity of this novel deep intronic mutation and provide a mutation-specific therapeutic strategy. Thus, deep intronic mutations in CAPN3 may be pathogenic and should be considered in the appropriate clinical setting. The identification of mutations which may be missed by traditional Sanger sequencing is essential as they may be excellent targets for individualized therapeutic strategies using RNA-directed splice modulation.
Elaboration of an environmentally appropriate technology of siderite ores concentration
Authors: Yur’ev B. P. , Sheshukov O. Yu. , Dudko V. A.
Published: September 2019

Decrease of iron content in siderite ores, mined in mines stipulated a necessity to elaborate technologies of their concentration, which allow increasing iron content at least 35%. As a result of analysis of existing technologies of minerals concentration it was determined, that X-ray radiometric method is the most promising one for siderite ores concentration. Its essence is in a controlled supply of lump material of definite size, distribution of lump flows by streams and by the piece supply of ore lumps into analysis-division zone, in which the X-ray fluorescent analysis of main chemical elements takes place. Special microprocessor means of the measuring-control system make comparison of measuring results with the set threshold of separation and make decisions to direct the particular piece to one of the grading product. As the result, the particular piece comes to a chute either with rich product or by free fall comes to the chute of poor product. Tests of the technology of lump siderite ore separation accomplished by using industrial X-ray radiometric separators. Influence of ore size on the concentration process indices studied. It was determined, that at implementation the X-ray radiometric method of separation it is reasonable to limit by machine classes of 250– 100 mm and 100–30 mm. A technological flowchart proposed to provide the concentrate obtaining with the size of 30–10 mm and iron content of 35%. The concentrate can be used for reducing roasting of it in shaft furnaces. The formed screenings after concentration in the high intensity fields were proposed to subject to metallization in the rotating furnaces or rotating hearth furnaces. The metallized product can be smelted in an ore-thermal furnace to obtain steel semi-product used in large-scale EAF.
Peculiarities of application of natural and man-caused materials for steel alloying and modifying
Authors: Nokhrina O. I. , Rozhikhina I. D. , Dmitrienko V. I. , Proshunin I. E. , Golodova M. A.
Published: September 2019

Considerable reserves of improvement of steel quality and reduction of costs of its production are concealed in a possibility of active and purposeful formation their structure and the properties by introduction into the melt modifiers, alloying and microalloying additives. Due to the task of decreasing costs, studies on alloying and modifying of metal by natural and man-caused materials are very actual. Thermodynamic regularities of steel alloying and modifying processes by natural and man-caused materials, including manganese ores of various structures, BOF vanadium slag, barium- strontium modifier, obtained from the complex ores containing barium and strontium considered. Possibilities of wide application of various structure manganese ores for steel alloying by manganese without use of standard manganese alloys as well as vanadium slag for microalloying by vanadium demonstrated. Metallurgical properties barium-strontium natural modifier obtained and the possible mechanism of the modifying impact of barium and strontium on quality of metal studied. It was determined, that the effect of modifying by barium can revealed in steels, deoxidized only by silicon, and for modifying by strontium or joint modifying by barium and strontium it is necessary to apply aluminum as deoxidizing agent. Industrial testing of the above-stated materials showed reliability of studies, accomplished at thermodynamic modeling and laboratory studies of calculations and conclusions. Recommendations on optimization of technologies of steel alloying and modifying made. It was proved that use of the materials of the study allows to improve technical and economic indices of the process of production of steels and to increase considerably quality of final steel products. Conclusions on significant expansion of natural and man-caused materials prospects worded.