bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green and charophytic algae of the high-mountain Nesamovyte and Brebeneskul lakes (Eastern Carpathians, Ukraine)
Authors: Tsarenko Petro , Wołowski Konrad , Lenarczyk Joanna , Bilous Olena , Lilitska Halyna
Published: July 2019

A study of green and charophytic algae diversity in two high-mountain lakes in the Eastern Carpathians (Ukraine) identified 99 species (109 taxa at species and intraspecific rank) in 35 genera from different ecotopes of the studied lakes. Algal species composition was characterized, and the ecological parameters of the lakes were determined from monitoring data recorded over the last century. Environmental analyses using bioindication methods based only on data on the composition of green and charophytic algae confirmed that the environmental inferences were accurate. Degradation of the Nesamovyte and Brebeneskul lake ecosystems, as compared with their earlier states, was noted.
Der Hochwasserschutz an der Gürbe - Eine Herausforderung für Generationen (1855–2010)
Authors: Salvisberg Melanie
Published: July 2019

Das im Süden der Stadt Bern liegende Gürbetal ist aufgrund der naturräumlichen Gegebenheiten eine stark hochwassergefährdete Gegend. Immer wieder trägt die Gürbe viel Wasser und Geschiebe ins Tal und verursacht Überschwemmungen. Über viele Jahrhunderte konnten die Anwohner nur punktuelle Schutzmassnahmen vornehmen. Der Talboden versumpfte und war kaum nutzbar. Dies änderte sich um die Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts, als sich ein tiefgreifender Wandel im Umgang mit der Hochwassergefahr vollzog. Durch Fortschritte in Wissenschaft und Technik, Veränderungen der politischen Gegebenheiteun und des Naturverständnisses rückten nun umfassende Flusskorrektionen in den Bereich des Möglichen. Eine Häufung von schweren Überschwemmungen und der Landhunger der wachsenden Bevölkerung verstärkten das Bedürfnis nach einer Bändigung des Flusses. Im Zuge der Grossen Gürbekorrektion (1855–1881) wurde das Gewässer im Unterlauf kanalisiert und im Oberlauf durch Wildbachverbauungen gesichert. Obwohl sich die Lage dadurch verbesserte, konnten die häufigen Überschwemmungen nicht wie gewünscht verhindert werden. In zahlreichen Projekten wurde das Verbauungswerk nach und nach erweitert. Bis heute werden an der Gürbe umfangreiche Hochwasserschutzprojekte umgesetzt.
Die Studie untersucht die Entwicklung des Hochwasserschutzes an der Gürbe im Zeitraum von 1855 bis 2010 aus breiter Perspektive. Da aufgrund der stets wiederkehrenden schadenbringenden Überschwemmungen seit 1855 ununterbrochen grosse Präventionsprojekte umgesetzt wurden, kann beispielhaft aufgezeigt werden, wie sich der Hochwasserschutz veränderte. Hierbei sind nicht nur die technischen Entwicklungen, sondern vor allem auch der Philosophiewandel interessant. Die Autorin zeigt auf, wie die vorherrschenden Schutzkonzepte auf der lokalen Ebene umgesetzt wurden, welche Erwartungen und Hoffnungen mit den Massnahmen verbunden waren, welche Konflikte sich ergaben und welche Auswirkungen die Hochwasservorkehrungen hatten.
Ardahan İli Su Ürünleri Tüketim Alışkanlıklarının Belirlenmesi
Authors: Kılıç Emel , Soylu Meral , Uzmanoglu Mustafa Selcuk
Published: July 2019

Bu çalışmanın amacı, Ardahan ili ve ilçelerinde yaşayanların su ürünleri tüketim alışkanlıklarını belirlemektir. 2014-2015 yılları arasında gerçekleştirilen çalışma, su ürünleri tüketim alışkanlıklarını ölçmek amacıyla hazırlanmış anket formu kullanılarak tüketicilerle yüz yüze gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmanın materyalini 302 kişiden yüz yüze anket yöntemi ile toplanan veriler oluşturmaktadır. Çalışma sonucuna göre demografik veriler incelendiğinde; katılımcıların %73,84‘ünün Ardahan‘ın yerlisi ve %26,15‘inin göçmen olduğu yine katılımcıların %38,08‘i kadın, %61,92‘sinin erkek olduğu, yaş ortalamasının 32,50, ortalama aylık gelirlerinin ise 1862,80 TL olduğu görülmüştür. Araştırma bulgularına göre, kişi başına düşen yıllık balık tüketimi 39 kg, kişi başına düşen aylık balık tüketimi ise 3,25 kg dır. Tatlı su balıklarından en çok tercih edilen tür alabalık (%75,22) iken, deniz balıklarında hamsi olduğu (%48,57) görülmüştür. Katılımcıların %21,98‘i balıketi, %18,73‘ü tavuk eti, %17,62‘si dana eti, %13,52‘si kaz eti, %13,34‘ü koyun eti, %6,67‘si keçi eti, %4,19‘u hindi eti tüketirken, sadece %1,71‘i ise midye, karides gibi su canlılarını tercih etmektedirler. Balığın tercih edilmesinin nedenlerinin başında %45,03 ile sağlıklı olması gelmektedir. Tüketicilerin %76,49‘unun balık dışında su ürünleri tüketmediği saptanmıştır. Diğer su ürünlerinden en çok tüketilen %11,92 ile midyedir. Sonuç olarak Ardahan‘ın, denize kıyısının olmaması ve halkının sosyo-ekonomik düzeyinin yüksek olmamasına rağmen, balıketi tüketiminin fazla olduğu belirlenmiştir. Geçim kaynağı olarak büyükbaş hayvancılıkla uğraşan bölge halkı su ürünleri tüketmeyi tercih etmektedir. Ardahan bu yönü ile Türkiye‘ye örnek olabilecek düzeydedir.
Estigma en los profesionales de la Salud Mental: una revisión sistemática.
Authors: Navarro Gómez Noelia , Trigueros Ramos Rubén
Published: July 2019

El efecto de la estigmatización en los profesionales de la salud ha sido un tópico que ha recibido relativamente poca atención. Dado el influyente papel de los profesionales en los procesos de recuperación, es de vital importancia conocer el estado de la cuestión en lo relativo a las creencias y actitudes de los mismos. El objetivo por tanto es conocer el impacto de los procesos estigmatizantes en los profesionales de la salud. Para ello, se plantea una revisión sistemática de los estudios disponibles en la literatura especializada. Los resultados apuntan hacia la existencia de ciertos niveles de estigma entre los profesionales de la salud. Las opiniones de los profesionales hacia los pacientes no difieren significativamente de las de la población general en distancia social. Las actitudes discriminatorias varían en función tanto de las condiciones, como de la patología de los pacientes, siendo la psicosis el trastorno más castigado por el estigma.
Sejarah Toponimi Daerah Transmigrasi Provinsi Lampung Melalui Tuturan Tradisi Lisan
Authors: Khoiriyah Febriana , Fahri Ardian , Bramantio Bimo , Sumargono Sumargono
Published: July 2019

Program transmigrasi di Provinsi Lampung membawa pengaruh dalam penamaan tempat di wilayah transmigrasi Lampung. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui sejarah penamaan daerah transmigrasi di Provinsi Lampung yang masih menggunakan unsur nama daerah asal transmigran/memiliki kesamaan dengan nama tempat di luar Provinsi Lampung. Adapun hal yang teramati adalah Sejarah asal-usul dan makna toponimi (penamaan) desa-desa transmigrasi di Lampung masih menggunakan nama daerah asal transmigran terdahulu yang diwariskan melalui tuturan tradisi lisan antar generasi. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian historis pendekatan kualitatif. Tahapan penelitian ini: (1). Heuristik. (2). Kritik eksternal dan internal. (3). Interpretasi. (4). Historiografi. Teknik pengumpulan data dengan Kepustakaan, Wawancara, dan Observasi. Teknik sampel menggunakan pusposive sampling dengan kuesioner yang sudah diuji menggunakan triangulasi sumber (observasi, wawancara, dan dokumen). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pengambilan toponimi wilayah transmigrasi di provinsi Lampung mayoritas menggunakan nama daerah asal transmigran yang memiliki makna dan nilai-nilai sejarah. Desa-desa yang termasuk dalam hasil penelitian, yaitu Pekon Sukamulya: kebahagiaan yang membawa kemuliaan, Desa Bandung Baru: genangan air yang luas di tempat baru, Desa Siliwangi: pengganti prabu Siliwangi di Kabupaten Pringsewu. Desa Margorejo: jalan kemakmuran, Desa Sidodadi: Bisa menjadi desa yang maju di Kabupaten Lampung Selatan. Desa Wonosari: Inti Hutan, Desa Totoharjo; Ketentraman Kabupaten Lampung Timur. Desa Tatakarya: tertata rapi, Dusun Wonogiri: hutan di gunung Kabupaten Lampung Utara. Kampung Badransari: keindahan yang sejati, Kampung Tanggulangin: penghalang angin Kabupaten Lampung Tengah. Desa Rantau Tijang Ciparai: genangan air yang banyak ikan Parainya Kabupaten Tanggamus. Kampung Tanjungrejo: pusat ketentraman Kabupaten Waykanan.
“An Actor Is a Priest in Buffoon’s Clothes”
Authors: Krutova Marina S.
Published: July 2019

The article raises the actual questions: if the theater can be Christian and who in that case the actor is — “a priest” or “a buffoon”. The purpose of this article is to consider the issue of “Christian theater” at different levels: historical, psychological, social. The article analyzes the issues of actors’ personalities formation and their religious sear­ches. There are considered the conditions of Christian upbringing in families and faith preservation in the complex historical period of the Russian history of the late 19th — mid-20th century. The no­velty of this study lies in the fact that it introduces into scientific circulation little-known manuscript materials stored in the Manuscripts Department of the Russian State Library: 44 autobiographies of recognized actors, which were published in 1928 in edited form by the writer V.G. Lidin; as well as some other unpublished documents. The sources show that actors brought up on Christian ideals followed them in their work, despite the difficult conditions of socio-political life in the country. Among them are well-known actors of the Moscow Art Theater, Moscow Art Academic Theater, State Academic Maly Thea­ter, Vsevolod Meyerhold State Theater, Bolshoi Drama Theater, Vakhtangov State Academic Theater (and others): V. Kachalov, I. Ilyinsky, R. Apollonsky, L. Vivyen, G. Ge, A Koonen, A. Orochko, G. Martynova and other masters. The article also uses some little-known writings of the actors, their questionnaires on the psychology of acting, photographs, as well as manuscripts and published memoirs of their contemporaries (E.D. Golovinskaya, E.A. Korotneva, V.D. Markov, Yu. Panich), allowing to consider the issue of “Christian theater” from different sides.
Stability indicating RP-HPLC method development and validation for the simultaneous estimation of pibrentasvir and glecaprevir in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form
Authors: Narayanaswamy Harikrishnan  , Vijaya vara Prasad M  , Gejalakshmi Subramanian  , Babu S
Published: July 2019

A plain sailing, unambiguous, speedy and error-free methodology was progressed for the quantifiable concurrent estimation of Pibrentasvir and Glecaprevir in conglomerated pharmaceutical dosage form. The contrivance was based on Chromatographic separation  of both the drugs in reverse phase mode using C18 (250 X 4.6 mm), 5μ by utilizing phosphate buffer (pH 4.0) and Methyl alcohol in the ratio of 30:70 v/v was allowed to flow through column at a rate of 1.0 ml/min, and the detection wavelength was set at 251 nm. The time of retention was found to be 2.205 min for Glecaprevir and 4.996 min for Pibrentasvir. The dimensionality of Glecaprevir and Pibrentasvir was in linear range with a parametric statistic of 0.999 and 0.999. The acceptance criteria of precision was RSD should be not more than 2.0%, and the method showed precision 0.6 and 0.5 for Glecaprevir and Pibrentasvir, which shows that the method was precise. % Assay was found as 100.83 and 100.23, which show that the method was useful for routine analysis. The total recovery was founded to be100.40% and 100.25% for Glecaprevir and Pibrentasvir. LOD and LOQ for Glecaprevirwas found as 2.98 and 10.00 and LOD and LOQ for Pibrentasvir was found as 3.00 and 9.98. The methodology was assessed by various validation parameters in accordance with ICH Guidelines which indicates the method can be employed for routine quality control analysis.
On Applied Toxicology
Authors:   The University of Hong Kong, Gu Ji-Dong
Published: July 2019

Analytical chemistry allows an accurate quantification of the total concentrations of a range of chemicals in different media of the ecosystems and contaminated sites, but the numerical values do not have direct relevance to the toxicity of them because the measured concentrations do not represent the active fraction that imposes toxic effects on organisms. It is apparent that an assessment of pollutant concentrations in ecosystems shall be made with new innovation to obtain the organism exposed concentrations so that the subsequent toxicological effects based on these data can provide reliable estimate on toxicity for management decision accordingly. Applied Toxicology, e.g., Ecotoxicology, and Environmental Toxicology, therefore shall have a different scientific framework to adopt the use of a new concentration term for pollutants to establish a close relationship between the effective concentration in the ecosystem and the toxicity to the organisms to make a meaningful understanding of the ecotoxicology and environmental toxicity. In addition, the choice of the organisms as indicators for chemical toxicity assays is another critical issue and the organism shall be selected with an international consensus to establish a solid baseline for comparable results from different laboratories around the world. Doing this way, the Applied Toxicology can make great advancement and contributes to the society better on a more competitive level based on exact science similar to physical sciences today. A greater opportunity is ahead and effective action needs to be taken collectively and immediately to advance the new knowledge of this research subject.
Ontological and Quantitative Aspects of the Causal Relationship as the Objects of Graduation
Authors: Gong J.
Published: July 2019

The article considers the problems of graduating ontological and quantitative signs of the causal relationship; language means of expressing various degrees of their realisation are presented and classified. The article reveals that the gradual semantics of causation in the modern Russian language is expressed by a combination of constructions denoting the cause, with co-ordinative conjunctions, particles and introductory-modal words, and indicates the actual presence, the supposed presence, and the absence of a causal relationship, as well as the correlation of the situation of a consequence with one, two or many reasons.
Architecture of a Commercialized Search Engine Using Mobile Agents
Authors: Al-akashi Falah Hassan Ali
Published: July 2019

Shopping Search Engine (SSE) implies a unique challenge for validating distinct items available online in market place. For sellers, having a user finding relevant search results on top is very difficult. Buyers tend to click on and buy from the listings which appear first. Search engine optimization devotes that goal to influence such challenges. In current shopping search platforms, lots of irrelevant items retrieved from their indices; e.g. retrieving accessories of exact items rather than retrieving the items itself, regardless the price of item were considered or not. Also, users tend to move from shoppers to another searching for appropriate items where the time is crucial for consumers. In our proposal, we exploit the drawbacks of current shopping search engines, and the main goal of this research is to combine and merge multiple search results retrieved from some highly professional shopping sellers in the commercial market. Experimental results showed that our approach is more efficient and robust for retrieving a complete list of desired and relevant items with respect to all query space.CCS CONCEPTSInformation systems - Commercial-specific retrieval
Kajian Penambahan Konsentrasi Susu Skim Terhadap Mutu Minuman Yogurt dari Limbah Air Cucian Beras Lokal
Authors: Leko Arjuman , Lawalata Vita N , Nendissa Sandriana J
Published: July 2019

Water from the washing of rice during rice cooking process is considered wastewater. This rice cleansing water contains nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and B1 vitamin which alternatively can be used to make yogurt drink with the addition of skim milk. The purpose of this research was to obtain the exact skim milk concentration to produce the best quality of yogurt drink from rice cleansing water. A completely randomized experimental design with three levels of skim milk concentrations i.e.: 5, 10, and 15% with three replications were applied in this research. Observed variables include total acid, protein, fat, and total bacteria content, as well as an organoleptic test (viscosity, consistency, flavor, and taste). The 10% skim milk concentration was found to be the best treatment resulting in yogurt drink with total acid, protein, fat, total bacteria content of 1.11%, 3.54%, 1.55%, and 1.50 CFU/mL respectively, viscosity and taste of the organoleptic of the drink were 3.15 and 3.25 subsequently.

Keywords: rice cleansing water, skim milk, yogurt drink
Competency and Competence in Forensic Work (Outcomes of the Sixth St. Petersburg International Legal Forum)
Authors: Usov A. I.
Published: July 2019

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Negative Information: Statement of Fact or Expression of Opinion?
Authors: Kukushkina O. V.
Published: July 2019

The paper explores the key problems of establishing the type of negative information and differentiating between facts and opinions. This is one of the most challenging problems of forensic linguistics that requires a robust methodological framework to be tackled successfully. When faced with this problem, the expert has to deal with the ambiguity of terminology and wording of questions, as well as the complexity of the object of study – the semantics of statements encountered in acts of speech. The paper analyzes the content of key terms traditionally used to address this forensic problem, and offers a possible solution. The so-called “factual square” is a method based on analyzing a statement against four semantic parameters: presence of statement of past action; verifiability of this statement on the basis of specificity of description of the action and its potential observability; lack of alternative, i.e. indication of a different possibility; the purpose of conveying negative information. The paper also analyzes the basic types of factual information and offers specific examples of semantic analysis of statements using the proposed approach.
Criteria for Psychological Evaluation of Legally Relevant Emotional States of Defendants: Methodological Recommendations
Authors: Safuanov F. S. , Savina O. F. , Morozova M. V. , Isaeva I. V.
Published: July 2019

The paper discusses a multivariate classification of the concept of “heat of passion” as it is used in forensic psychology, as well as emotional reactions and emotional states. It explores the criteria for differential diagnosis of “heat of passion” and emotional states that have a significant effect on the defendant's consciousness and behavior at the time of committing a crime. An algorithm of forensic psychological evaluation of the defendant's emotional states is proposed, together with examples of sample wording of expert conclusions, and their legal meaning.
ABOUT SYNTHESIS OF ROBOTIC AGRICULTURE MOBILE MACHINE
Authors: Izmaylov А. Yu. , Lobachevsky Ya. Р. , Khoroshenkov V. К. , Goncharov N. Т. , Luzhnova Е. S. , Ilchenko Е. N. , Lonin S. Е. , Alekseev I. S.
Published: July 2019

The issues related to the creation of a robotic agricultural mobile unit for the implementation of basic technological processes in the production of products in the field crop field are considered. Functional schemes of various subsystems necessary for monitoring and managing the power, technological and operational modes of a robotic agricultural unit are proposed. On the basis of the analysis of the task assigned to control processes using microprocessor blocks, algorithms are proposed both for the complex as a whole and for individual mechanisms and machines that make up a mobile power tool equipped with various machines designed to perform a number of technological operations for the production of field crop production . The article also deals with issues related to obtaining and transferring information for agronomical and engineering services and optimizing the use of machinery in the farm and improving the efficiency of the entire production cycle. Global perspective of robotic implementation in agriculture are boiled down to possibility of following objectives: creation of the automatic monitoring and predicting systems, reduction of the agricultural production costs, technological processes qualitative indicators improvement, reducing the environmental stress of agricultural production, improving the competitiveness of medium and small agricultural producers, as well as enhance ecological and technological safety. Scientific researches in robotic field should be supported by the State.
Morphological and functional alterations of astrocytes responding to traumatic brain injury
Authors: Cheng Xiaoyun , Wang Jin , Sun Xiao , Shao Lishi , Guo Zeyun , Li Yang
Published: July 2019

Astrocytes, one of the most abundant and heterogeneous types of glial cell in the brain and spinal cord, are responsible for various essential functions in the healthy central nervous system, including maintaining the blood brain barrier integrity, regulating neuron differentiation and supporting, nourishing, protecting, insulating and repairing neurons. They also fulfill a range of other homeostatic maintenance functions. Astrocytes are activated after traumatic brain injury. They then exhibit heterogeneous gene expression and changes in morphology, proliferative capacity and various functions in response either acute or chronic brain injury and associated secondary brain injury. Some biomarkers and imaging tools have been used to monitor astrogliosis after traumatic brain injury. Initially, morphological characteristics and the physiology of astrocytes are reviewed. Subsequently, alterations of astrocytes are described, which includes both the complex mechanisms and roles of reactive astrocytes. The roles of biomarkers and signaling pathways following traumatic brain injury have been summarized as well as the morphological and functional changes in astrocytes. In the latter case, by considering astrocytes as therapeutic targets of traumatic brain injury, the mechanisms of the latest drug treatments are explained. This review highlights the beneficial effects of astrogliosis according to some recent findings, which provides new insights for the treatment of traumatic brain injury.
β-carotene provides neuroprotection after experimental traumatic brain injury via the Nrf2-ARE pathway
Authors: Chen Peiqing , Li Lin , Gao Yongfeng , Xie Zhuqing , Zhang Yin , Pan Zhoujia , Tu Yingxin , Wang Hu , Han Qiuqin , Hu Xiamin , Xin Xiaoming
Published: July 2019

We investigate whether β-carotene, a known natural antioxidant, can reduce oxidative stress induced by traumatic brain injury. In addition, we investigated the underlying mechanism of traumatic brain injury focusing on the NF-E2-related factor (Nrf2) pathway. A controlled cortical impact model was used to mimic traumatic brain injury. Using this model, we evaluated brain edema, lesion volume, neurologic deficits, reactive oxygen species, and the expression of Nrf2-related protein markers. The results of our study demonstrated that cognitive performance and neural functions were improved with β-carotene administration. In addition, β-carotene reduced brain edema and reactive oxygen species levels after traumatic brain injury. Nrf2 nuclear accumulation was increased and was accompanied by decreased Keap1 expression. The expression of quinone oxidoreductase 1, a target gene of the Nrf2 signaling pathway was increased. However, lesion volume was not significantly reduced after β-carotene treatment. Taken together, our data demonstrated that β-carotene administration was neuroprotective and alleviated oxidative stress by modulating the Nrf2/Keap1mediated antioxidant pathway in the traumatic brain injury model.
Коллаж: метод построений и модель города в современной архитектуре// Actual Problems of Applied Sciences Journal World, 6(16), 2019/ Chief Editor Markus Hemmer: Open European Academy of Public Sciences (OEAPS Inc.). 06.07.2019. Barcelona, Spain, 2019. - PP. 21-30.
Authors: Яшкевич Ангелина Вадимовна
Published: July 2019

В данной статье с опорой на тексты ряда исследователей раскрывается, что в современной архитектуре коллаж может использоваться и как метод, и как модель города. Автором выдвинут тезис о том, что одновременное использование коллажа по этим двум направлениям способно связать город и построения зданий в единую умозрительную логику, обеспечивая при этом целостность общего и его частей. In this article, based on the texts of a number of researchers, it is revealed that in Modern architecture a collage can be used both as a method and as a model of a city. The author put forward the thesis that the simultaneous use of a collage in these two areas is able to link the city and the construction of buildings into a single speculative logic, while ensuring the integrity of the general and its parts.
Analisis nilai sosial dalam novel kemarau karya A. A. Navis dalam tinjauan sosiologi sastra
Authors: ilahi resmi anugrah
Published: July 2019

Tujuan dalam penelitian ini yaitu struktur pembangun dalam novel Kemarau karya A. A. Navis dan nilai-nilai sosial yang terdapat dalam novel Kemarau karya A. A. Navis. Adapun tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu memaparkan dan menjelaskan struktur pembangun dalam novel Kemarau karya A. A. Navis dan mengungkapkan dan menjelaskan nilai-nilai sosial yang terdapat dalam novel Kemarau karya A. A. Navis. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode penelitian kualitatif. Data pada penelitian ini menghasilkan analisis teori sosiologi sastra menurut Ian Watt yang membagi sosiologi sastra dalam 3 cakupan yaitu konteks sosial pengarang, sastra sebagai cermin masyarakat, dan fungsi sosial sastra. Sumber data pada penelitian ini berasal dari novel yang berjudul “KEMARAU” penulis A.A. Navis. Pendekatan yang digunakan adalah pendekatan sosiologi sastra menurut Ian Watt dimana pada penelitian ini menganalisis nilai-nilai sosial yang terkandung dalam novel “KEMARAU” karya A. A. Navis dengan menggunakan teori Clyde cluckhohn yang mencakup lima masalah pokok yaitu hakikat hidup manusia, hakikat kedudukan manusia, hakikat karya manusia, hakikat hubungan manusia dengan alam, dan hakikat hubungan manusia dengan sesamanya. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan teknik membaca, mencatat dan menandai.Kata Kunci : Nilai Sosial, Novel, Kemarau.
A standardized protocol for efficient and reliable quality control of brain registration in functional MRI studies
Authors: Benhajali Yassine , Badhwar AmanPreet , Spiers Helen , Urchs Sebastian , Armoza Jonathan , Ong Thomas , Pérusse Daniel , Bellec Pierre
Published: July 2019

Automatic alignment of brain anatomy in a standard space is a key step when processing magnetic resonance imaging for group analyses. Such brain registration is prone to failure, and the results are therefore typically reviewed visually to ensure quality. There is however no standard, validated protocol available to perform this visual quality control. We propose here a standardized QC protocol for brain registration, with minimal training overhead and no required knowledge of brain anatomy. We validated the reliability of three-level QC ratings (OK, Maybe, Fail) across different raters. Nine experts each rated N=100 validation images, and reached moderate to good agreement (Kappa from 0.4 to 0.68, average of 0.54±0.08), with the highest agreement for “Fail” images (Dice from 0.67 to 0.93, average of 0.8±0.06). We then recruited volunteers through the Zooniverse crowdsourcing platform, and extracted a consensus panel rating for both the Zooniverse raters (N=41) and the expert raters. The agreement between expert and Zooniverse panels was high (kappa=0.76), demonstrating the feasibility of crowdsourcing QC of brain registration. Our brain registration QC protocol will help standardize QC practices across laboratories, improve the consistency of reporting of QC in publications, and will open the way for QC assessment of large datasets which could be used to train automated QC systems.
The genetic and environmental hierarchical structure of anxiety and depression in the UK Biobank
Authors: Morneau-Vaillancourt Geneviève , Coleman Jonathan Richard Iain , Purves Kirstin Lee , Cheesman Rosa , Rayner Christopher , Breen Gerome , Eley Thalia
Published: July 2019

Background. Anxiety and depressive disorders can be classified under a bi-dimensional model, where depression and generalized anxiety disorder are represented by distress and the other anxiety disorders, by fear. The phenotypic structure of this model has been validated, but twin studies only show partial evidence for genetic and environmental distinctions between distress and fear. Moreover, the effects of genetic variants are mostly shared between anxiety and depression, but the genome-wide genetic distinction between distress and fear remain unexplored. This study aimed to examine the degree of common genetic variation overlap between distress and fear, and their associations with the psychosocial risk factors of loneliness and social isolation. Methods. We used genome-wide data from 157,366 individuals in the UK Biobank who answered a mental health questionnaire. Results. Genetic correlations indicated that depression and generalized anxiety had a substantial genetic overlap, and that they were genetically partially distinct from fear disorders. Associations with loneliness, but not social isolation, showed that loneliness was more strongly associated with both distress disorders than with fear. Conclusions. Our findings shed light on genetic and environmental mechanisms that are common and unique to distress and fear and contribute to current knowledge on individuals’ susceptibility to anxiety and depression.
Action Research to Enhance Quality Teaching
Authors: Hacène HAMADA
Published: July 2019

Quality teaching is and will remain a challenge for procedural educational innovation, as it is both the target objective and the vehicle of change. The main contributor to this process is always the teacher who has to adhere to the process of change for the purposes of developing his/her own career and improving the quality of teaching. This study aims to determine how action research would improve quality teaching in pre-service and in-service teacher training, and shed light on the reciprocal relationship between action research and innovation. In this paper, action research is considered as a constant independent variable that can enhance the dependent variables of pre-service / in-service teacher training and quality teaching requirements. The latter are supposed to be two purposes of innovation. Innovation is, thus, performed as the usual practice of innovative teachers who take risks of improving quality teaching in a methodological procedure according to their teaching contexts. The study attempts to answer the following questions: What is quality teaching and how does it impact innovation within the quality teaching assurance framework? What is action research and how does it help teachers improve their research and innovation potential? What does the ENS programme course provide as qualitative training to improve quality teaching and innovation? And, What are the results achieved, so far, at the ENS Constantine? We will illustrate the whole procedure with a specific example of teacher training at Ecole Normale Supérieure of Constantine.
The Use of ICT in Search of Quality of Teaching at the University
Authors: BEDJAOUI Nabila
Published: July 2019

The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) gives another vision of language learning and provides learners a certain pleasure to deal with these languages. The current work aims at shedding light on the existing link between the use of ICT and the improvement of the quality of teaching languages at the university. We will articulate our research around the following questions: what are the implications of using ICT in the process of teaching/learning foreign languages? Does ICT provide more independence for the learner? As a hypothesis, we propose the following: ICT sharpens learners' willingness and desire to learn while facilitating their access to language and culture. It installs them in a report of independence thus favoring the acquisition of the skills. To report on this problem, we will rely on a survey conducted within the Center of Intensive Language Teaching of the University of Biskra, Algeria. We used a questionnaire, as a mean of investigation. We subjected our corpus to a quantitative analysis followed by a qualitative interpretative analysis.
E-Learn Platform to Teach Legal English for Law Professionals
Authors: LAMRI Chams-Eddine
Published: July 2019

Globalization of trade and economy led to a growing demand all over the world for English for Specific Purposes courses. Conscious of this fact, Algeria has incorporated English for Legal Purposes teaching into tertiary studies. In Algeria, Law students receive ELP course aimed to help them in their studies and future careers. However, at the end of their learning process these students still find linguistic and communication difficulties in situations where English is needed as the course received is no more than teaching specific words and phrases and translating some texts following the traditional Grammar Translation Method. Accordingly, this paper aims to presents the current ELP course situation and to measure students’ and teachers’ attitudes towards the use of Blended ELP course based on Content Language Integrated Learning model. The course has twofold: to provide students with international legal knowledge and to compare them to the Algerian one, and to expose learners to intensive reading activities and overcome lack of teaching time activities. In this quantitative study, seven teachers were interviewed and fifty seven masters’ students were questioned. The results revealed that the students have comprehension difficulties because the time load for reading activities is not sufficient. Concerning informants readiness to use Blended approach, the teachers present negatively the usefulness of such an approach for their students; on the contrary, students show a positive attitude to have additional English reading comprehension activities online, and they demonstrate a high interest to the proposal to support their English course with extra home tasks.
The Investigation of Psychometric Properties of Self-Critical Rumination Scale and Mediating Role of Self-Critical Rumination In Perfectionism and Academic Procrastination among University Students
Authors: Kocalar Halil Emre
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Self-Critical Rumination Scale in Turkish culture and to examine the mediating role of self-critical rumination in the relationship between perfectionism and academic procrastination among university students. In line with this objective, firstly we reached out 282 undergraduate students studying at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University in the Fall semester of 2018-2019 academic year. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was performed with the data obtained. As a result of the validity and reliability analyses, it was concluded that the Self-Critical Rumination Scale was a valid and reliable measurement tool in Turkish culture. In order to examine the relationship between perfectionism, self-critical rumination, and academic procrastination, 712 undergraduate students aged between 18 and 33 years participated in the study. Basic Mediation Analysis was performed with the data obtained. Jamovi and RStudio softwares were used to analyze the data. In the light of the findings, self-critical rumination was found to have a fully mediating role in the relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and academic procrastination. On the other hand, while there was a low negative and significant relationship between adaptive perfectionism and academic procrastination, no significant correlation was found between self-critical rumination and adaptive perfectionism. Finally, findings were discussed and suggestions were made to both researchers and practitioners in the light of literature.Keywords: Academic procrastination, perfectionism, self-critical rumination, open science practices
Assessment of Risk Factors in Hypertensive Disorder During Pregnancy: Hospital Based (KAP) Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Survey. A Key for Preventive Approach
Authors: Shrestha Merina
Published: July 2019

Background: Hypertensive disorder (HDP) during pregnancy is a group of conditions featuring with high blood pressure that may lead to feto-maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries.

Aims and Objectives: To assess relationship between risk factor of hypertensive disorder during pregnancy, their self care knowledge and practice to prevent and control hypertension.

Materials And Method: A cross-sectional study of 93 registered, pregnant women belonging to reproductive ageth group, after 20th  gestation age completed, who came for ANC checkup or admitted for hypertension management or prior to delivery in Nepalgunj medical college and teaching hospital under department of Obstetrics and Gynecology from 15th  June to 15th  December 2018. Blood pressure was measured for each women at booking or at subsequent visits. Urine test for protein albumin was performed if blood pressure was elevated. Data was entered and analysis was completed using SPSS package version 20.

Results: The overall prevalence of hypertensive disorder during pregnancy was 2.85% among all deliveries. Pre-eclampsia accounted 36% of the cases followed by eclampsia 18%. Gestational hypertension was 21%, pregnancy induced hypertension was 20% and chronic hypertension was only 5% in study population.

Conclusion: Knowledge and attitude regarding lack of exercise, low salt diet, obesity and lack of rest were poor contributory risk factors. It is recommended that all pregnant women must develop knowledge about associated risk factors and ensure the application of behavioral change practices to control and prevent hypertensive disorder during pregnancy.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Hierarchical Condition Category score as a predictor of readmission and reoperation following elective inpatient spine surgery
Authors: Turcotte Justin , Sanford Zachary , Broda Andrew , Patton Chad
Published: July 2019

OBJECTIVE

A universal, objective predictor of postoperative resource utilization following inpatient spine surgery has not been clearly established. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hierarchical Condition Category (HCC) risk adjustment model, based on a formula using patient demographics and coded diagnoses, is currently used to prospectively estimate financial risk in Medicare Advantage patients; however, the value of this score as a clinical tool is currently unknown. The authors present an analysis evaluating the utility of the CMS HCC score as a universal predictive tool for patients undergoing inpatient spine surgery.

METHODS

A total of 1966 consecutive patients (551 with lumbar laminectomy [LL] alone, 592 with lumbar laminectomy and fusion [LF], and 823 with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion [ACDF]) undergoing inpatient spine surgery at a single institution from January 2014 to May 2018 were included in this retrospective outcomes study. Perioperative outcome measures included procedure time, 30-day readmission, reoperation, hospital length of stay (LOS), opioid utilization measured by morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), and cost of inpatient hospitalization (in US dollars). Published CMS algorithms were incorporated into the electronic health records and used to calculate HCC scores for all patients. Patients were stratified into HCC score quartiles. Linear regression was performed on LOS, procedure time, inpatient opioid consumption, discharge opioid prescriptions, and cost to identify predictors of HCC quartiles when controlling for procedure type. One-way ANOVA and Pearson’s chi-square analysis were used to compare perioperative outcomes stratified by HCC score.

RESULTS

Across all procedures, the HCC score demonstrated significant association with 30-day readmission (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.11–1.91, p = 0.007). The average BMI, median American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and 30-day readmission rate were similar across procedures (LL: 30.6 kg/m2, 2, 3.6%; LF: 30.6 kg/m2, 2, 4.6%; ACDF: 30.2 kg/m2, 2, 3.9%; p = 0.265, 0.061, and 0.713, respectively). LOS (p < 0.0001), duration of procedure (p < 0.0001), discharge MME (p = 0.031), total cost (p < 0.001), daily MME (p < 0.001), reoperation (p < 0.001), and 30-day readmission rate (p < 0.001) were significantly different between HCC quartiles.

CONCLUSIONS

The HCC score may hold value as an objective, automated predictor of postoperative resource utilization and outcomes, including readmission and reoperation. This may have value as a universal, reproducible tool to target clinical interventions for higher-risk patients.
Economic Incentives for Forest Conservation at Different Scales
Authors: Prasolov Valeriy I. , Gorbanyov Vladimir A. , Khlyustov Vitaliy K.
Published: July 2019

The process of deforestation is exacerbated by uncontrolled logging around the world. The forest is valuable, it is uttered everywhere and it seems obvious that the loss of the forest will mean large material losses. This value is largely hidden, that is, many take the forest for granted and realize the size of the loss only in the context of the loss of a significant area of forest plantations. That is why we believe that the economic forest exploitation is of particular importance; it will not only lead to product extraction, but also bring the importance of the forest to public consciousness. In the public consciousness, it is easier to consolidate the value of the forest in view of the forest economic importance for the average citizen. This is possible with the expansion of the forest economic exploitation on a regional scale in a number of sustainable forest management practices not related to logging.
Assessing Genotoxic and Cytotoxic Effects in Bivalves Influenced by Marine Pollution in Bahrain, Arabian Gulf
Authors: Abdulla Abdulla A.R. , Naser Humood A. , Ayyad Ghaida J.
Published: July 2019

The Arabian Gulf is increasingly subjected to habitat alteration due to dredging, reclamation activities, and pollution from various anthropogenic sources, including industrial and domestic effluents and oil spills. These activities can affect the naturally stressed marine ecosystems. Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity biomarkers are widely recognized as an important tool to assess the biological response of organisms exposed to a variety of contaminants. This study investigated the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in bivalves influenced by marine pollution in Bahrain. The results revealed that high percentage of abnormal cells (45.57%) was associated with a shallow bay influenced by elevated levels of nutrients from a major sewage station. Characterization of genotoxic and cytotoxic biomarkers can be adopted to monitor coastal and marine areas influenced by anthropogenic land-based activities in the Arabian Gulf.
Assessment of Chahnimeh Water Quality through the Water Quality Index (WQI)
Authors: Imanhomayoonnezhad  , Hessamhassani Amir , Arjmandi Reza , Lahijanian Akramolmolok
Published: July 2019

Assessing quality of water resources and having accurate quality information are required for their management. The Chahnimeh reservoirs are the major source of drinking and agricultural water in southeast of Iran, and evaluation of their water quality is necessary. The water quality index (WQI) is the most important indicator expressing the qualitative condition of water in simple terms, without mathematical or statistical complexity. Therefore it was used in this descriptive, cross-sectional study of the first Chahnimeh reservoir based on sampling during the four seasons in 2016. Eight sampling stations were selected in the reservoir to determine six variables (nitrate, nitrite, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, hardness, and pH). Despite spatial and temporal variations and fluctuations in these parameters, the results demonstrated that water quality in the reservoir is good. Moreover, the values for all measured parameters, apart from electrical conductivity, were within acceptable – i.e., recommended – ranges. Generally, considering the WQI values, water quality in the middle part of the lake was better than at its margins. Given the increasing importance of the Chahnimeh reservoirs, continuous evaluation and a water quality monitoring programme are required.
Iron-Ore Mining, Water Quality and Health: An Investigation into their Relationships
Authors: Sahoo Minati , Mohapatra Dharmabrata , Sahoo Dukhabandhu
Published: July 2019

The present study has made an attempt to investigate and estimate the relationship of water quality and health of the inhabitants living in the iron-ore mining region of Odisha. For this, the study has used a comparative analysis (with and without mining) and techniques like t-test, Principal Component Analysis and Regression analysis. It has been found that mining activities have deteriorated the water quality (both surface and ground water) in the region. Even the occurrence of water-borne diseases is positively and significantly related to water parameter index for water-borne disease in the mining region. Similarly, number of persons suffering from skin diseases is positively and significantly related to water parameter index for skin disease also. Therefore, a mechanism should be developed that will ensure mining to be environmentally acceptable by the local community.
Efficiency of Modified Mixed Gamma Distribution in Estimating Annual Maximum and Minimum Flows at Moniya Gauging Station, Nigeria
Authors: Ewemooje Olusegun Sunday , Ewemoje Temitayo Abayomi
Published: July 2019

Reliable estimates of extreme flood flows are required for general flood risk management and planning. To assess the risk and nature of flood discharge, modified mixed-gamma distribution was applied to different plotting positions in taking care of shortfall in gamma distribution and how best it will estimate flood frequency at Moniya Gauging Station along Ona River. Goodness of fit, minimum absolute difference (MAD) and root mean square error (RMSE) between the observed and predicted flood flows were measured. Gamma distribution matched with Weibull plotting position which gave the highest coefficient of determination ( R2) of 0.9966; mixed gamma with California gave 0.9947 while modified mixed gamma with Weibull gave 0.9964 respectively. The MAD of 49.653, 3.123 and 20.922 at return periods of 50, 100, and 200-year obtained under the gamma when matched with Weibull, California and Weibull plotting positions respectively. California gave minimal error with the RMSE of 92.85 for gamma with some information lost, correcting for error incurred, Weibull gave minimal errors of 159.20 and 93.91 for mixed gamma and modified mixed gamma distributions, respectively. Hence, we conclude that modified mixed gamma distribution with Weibull plotting position is the most suitable for prediction at the gauging station.