bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical properties and composition of viscous organic particles found in the Southern Great Plains
Authors: Fraund Matthew , Bonanno Daniel J. , China Swarup , Pham Don Q. , Veghte Daniel , Weis Johannes , Kulkarni Gourihar , Teske Ken , Gilles Mary K. , Laskin Alexander , Moffet Ryan C.
Published: October 2020

Abstract. Atmospheric high-viscosity organic particles (HVOPs) were observed in samples of ambient aerosols collected in April and May 2016 in the Southern Great Plains of the United States. These particles were apportioned as either airborne soil organic particles (ASOPs) or tar balls (TBs) from biomass burning based on spetro-microscopic imaging and assessments of meteorological records of smoke and precipitation data. Regardless of their apportionment, the number fractions of HVOPs were positively correlated (R2=0.85) with increased values of absorption Ångström
exponent (AAE) measured in situ for ambient aerosol at the site. Extending this correlation to 100 % HVOPs yields an AAE of 2.6, similar to previous literature reports of the class of light-absorbing organic particles known as brown carbon (BrC). One out of the three samples investigated had a significant number of ASOPs, while the other two samples contained TBs. Although there are chemical similarities between ASOPs and TBs, they can be distinguished based on composition inferred from near-edge absorption X-ray fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. ASOPs were distinguished from TBs based on their average -COOH/C=C and -COOH/COH peak ratios, with ASOPs having lower ratios. NEXAFS spectra of filtered soil organic brine particles nebulized from field samples of standing water deposited after rain were consistent with ASOPs when laboratory particles were generated by bubble bursting at the air–organic brine interface. However, particles generated by nebulizing the bulk volume of soil organic brine had a particle composition different from ASOPs. These observations are consistent with the raindrop generation mechanism responsible for ASOP emissions in the area of study. In contrast, nebulized samples carry with them higher fractions of soil inorganics dissolved in the bulk volume of soil brine, which are not aerosolized by the raindrop mechanism. Our results support the bubble bursting mechanism of particle generation during rainfall resulting in the ejection of soil organics into the atmosphere. In addition, our results show that ASOPs may only be atmospherically relevant during times when suitable emission conditions are met.
Differences in fine particle chemical composition on clear and cloudy days
Authors: Christiansen Amy E. , Carlton Annmarie G. , Henderson Barron H.
Published: October 2020

Abstract. Clouds are prevalent and alter fine particulate matter (PM2.5) mass and chemical composition. Cloud-affected satellite retrievals are subject to
higher uncertainty and are often removed from data products, hindering quantitative estimates of tropospheric chemical composition during cloudy
times. We examine surface PM2.5 chemical constituent concentrations in the Interagency Monitoring of PROtected Visual Environments (IMPROVE)
network in the United States during cloudy and clear-sky times defined using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) cloud flags from
2010 to 2014 with a focus on differences in particle species that affect hygroscopicity and aerosol liquid water (ALW). Cloudy and clear-sky periods
exhibit significant differences in PM2.5 mass and chemical composition that vary regionally and seasonally. In the eastern US, relative humidity
alone cannot explain differences in ALW, suggesting that emissions and in situ chemistry related to anthropogenic sources exert determining impacts. An
implicit clear-sky bias may hinder efforts to quantitatively understand and improve representation of aerosol–cloud interactions, which remain
dominant uncertainties in models.
Automated time-height-resolved airmass source attribution for profiling remote sensing applications
Authors: Radenz Martin , Seifert Patric , Baars Holger , Floutsi Athena Augusta , Yin Zhenping , Bühl Johannes
Published: October 2020

Abstract. Height resolved airmass source attribution is crucial for the evaluation of profiling ground-based remote sensing observations. This work presents an approach how backward trajectories or particle positions from a dispersion model can be combined with geographical information (a land cover classification and manually defined areas) to obtain a continuous and vertically resolved estimate of airmass source above a certain location. Ideally, such an estimate depends on as few as possible a-priori information and auxiliary data. An automated framework for the computation of such an airmass source is presented and two exemplary applications are described. Firstly, the airmass source information is used for the interpretation of airmass sources for three case studies with lidar observations from Limassol (Cyprus), Punta Arenas (Chile) and ship-borne off Cabo Verde. Secondly, airmass source statistics are calculated for two 8-week campaigns to assess potential observation biases of lidar-based aerosol statistics.
CAMELS-GB: hydrometeorological time series and landscape attributes for 671 catchments in Great Britain
Authors: Coxon Gemma , Addor Nans , Bloomfield John P. , Freer Jim , Fry Matt , Hannaford Jamie , Howden Nicholas J. K. , Lane Rosanna , Lewis Melinda , Robinson Emma L. , Wagener Thorsten , Woods Ross
Published: October 2020

Abstract. We present the first large-sample catchment hydrology dataset for Great
Britain, CAMELS-GB (Catchment Attributes and MEteorology for Large-sample
Studies). CAMELS-GB collates river flows, catchment attributes and catchment
boundaries from the UK National River Flow Archive together with a suite of
new meteorological time series and catchment attributes. These data are
provided for 671 catchments that cover a wide range of climatic,
hydrological, landscape, and human management characteristics across Great
Britain. Daily time series covering 1970–2015 (a period including several
hydrological extreme events) are provided for a range of
hydro-meteorological variables including rainfall, potential
evapotranspiration, temperature, radiation, humidity, and river flow. A
comprehensive set of catchment attributes is quantified including
topography, climate, hydrology, land cover, soils, and hydrogeology.
Importantly, we also derive human management attributes (including
attributes summarising abstractions, returns, and reservoir capacity in each
catchment), as well as attributes describing the quality of the flow data
including the first set of discharge uncertainty estimates (provided at
multiple flow quantiles) for Great Britain. CAMELS-GB (Coxon et al., 2020;
available at https://doi.org/10.5285/8344e4f3-d2ea-44f5-8afa-86d2987543a9)
is intended for the community as a publicly available, easily accessible
dataset to use in a wide range of environmental and modelling analyses.
Cutting out the middleman: Calibrating and validating a dynamic
vegetation model (ED2-PROSPECT5) using remotely sensed surface
reflectance
Authors: Shiklomanov Alexey N. , Dietze Michael C. , Fer Istem , Viskari Toni , Serbin Shawn P.
Published: October 2020

Abstract. Ecosystem models are often calibrated and/or validated against derived remote sensing data products, such as MODIS leaf area index. However, these data products are generally based on their own models, whose assumptions may not be compatible with those of the ecosystem model in question, and whose uncertainties are usually not well quantified. Here, we develop an alternative approach whereby we modify an ecosystem model to predict full-range, high spectral resolution surface reflectance, which can then be compared directly against airborne and satellite data. Specifically, we coupled the two-stream representation of canopy radiative transfer in the Ecosystem Demography model (ED2) with a leaf radiative transfer model (PROSPECT 5) and a simple soil reflectance model. We then calibrated this model against reflectance observations from the NASA Airborne VIsible/InfraRed Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) and survey data from 54 temperate forest plots in the northeastern United States. The calibration successfully constrained the posterior distributions of model parameters related to leaf biochemistry and morphology and canopy structure for five plant functional types. The calibrated model was able to accurately reproduce surface reflectance and leaf area index for sites with highly varied forest composition and structure, using a single common set of parameters across all sites. We conclude that having dynamic vegetation models directly predict surface reflectance is a promising avenue for model calibration and validation using remote sensing data.
Assimilation of Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) brightness temperature into a large-scale distributed conceptual hydrological model to improve soil moisture predictions: the Murray–Darling basin in Australia as a test case
Authors: Hostache Renaud , Rains Dominik , Mallick Kaniska , Chini Marco , Pelich Ramona , Lievens Hans , Fenicia Fabrizio , Corato Giovanni , Verhoest Niko E. C. , Matgen Patrick
Published: October 2020

Abstract. The main objective of this study is to investigate how brightness temperature observations from satellite microwave sensors may help to reduce errors and uncertainties in soil moisture and evapotranspiration simulations with a large-scale conceptual hydro-meteorological model. In
addition, this study aims to investigate whether such a conceptual modelling framework, relying on parameter calibration, can reach the performance level of more complex physically based models for
soil moisture simulations at a large scale. We use the ERA-Interim publicly available forcing data set and couple the Community Microwave Emission Modelling (CMEM) platform radiative transfer model with a hydro-meteorological model to enable, therefore, soil moisture, evapotranspiration and brightness temperature simulations over the
Murray–Darling basin in Australia. The hydro-meteorological model is configured using recent developments in the SUPERFLEX framework, which enables tailoring the model structure to the specific needs of the application and to data availability and computational requirements. The hydrological model is first calibrated using only a sample of the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) brightness temperature observations (2010–2011). Next, SMOS brightness temperature observations are
sequentially assimilated into the coupled SUPERFLEX–CMEM model (2010–2015). For this experiment, a local ensemble transform Kalman filter is used. Our empirical results show that the SUPERFLEX–CMEM modelling chain is capable of predicting soil moisture at a performance level similar to that obtained for the same study area and with a quasi-identical experimental set-up using the Community Land Model (CLM) . This shows that a simple model, when calibrated using globally and freely available Earth observation data, can yield performance levels similar to those of a physically based (uncalibrated) model. The correlation between simulated and in situ observed soil moisture ranges from 0.62 to 0.72 for the surface and root zone soil moisture. The assimilation of SMOS brightness temperature observations into the SUPERFLEX–CMEM modelling chain improves the correlation between predicted and in situ observed surface and root zone soil moisture by 0.03 on average, showing improvements similar to those obtained using the CLM land surface model. Moreover, at the same time the assimilation improves the correlation between predicted and in situ observed monthly evapotranspiration by 0.02 on average.
Topologically optimized magnetic lens for magnetic resonance applications
Authors: Wadhwa Sagar , Jouda Mazin , Deng Yongbo , Nassar Omar , Mager Dario , Korvink Jan G.
Published: October 2020

Abstract. Improvements to the signal-to-noise ratio of magnetic resonance detection lead to a strong reduction in measurement time, yet as a sole optimization goal for resonator design, it would be an oversimplification of the problem at hand. Multiple constraints, for example for field homogeneity and sample shape, suggest the use of numerical optimization to obtain resonator designs that deliver the intended improvement. Here we consider the 2D Lenz lens to be a sufficiently broadband flux transforming interposer between the sample and a radiofrequency (RF) circuit and to be a flexible and easily manufacturable device family with which to mediate different design requirements. We report on a method to apply topology optimization to determine the optimal layout of a Lenz lens and demonstrate realizations for both low- (45 MHz) and high-frequency (500 MHz) nuclear magnetic resonance.
Investigation of drilling 2D Cf∕C–SiC composites with brazed diamond core drills
Authors: Liu Qiong , Huang Guoqin , Xu Yongchao
Published: October 2020

Abstract. Drilling carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide composites still forms a big challenge for machining because of their special braided
structure and anisotropy. In this study, through the drilling of 2D Cf∕C–SiC composites, two kinds of brazed diamond core drills with different abrasive distributions were compared. The results showed that the drilling
force and torque of the two drills decreased with the increase in the
spindle speed and increased with the increase in the feed speed. Under the
same drilling conditions, the drilling force and torque of the brazed
diamond drill with the ordered abrasive distribution were far lower than
those of the brazed diamond drill with the random abrasive distribution.
Also, the quality of the holes drilled by the drill with the ordered
abrasive distribution was better than that of the holes drilled by the drill
with the random abrasive distribution, which is attributed to the uniform
abrasive spacing provided by the drill with the ordered abrasive
distribution.
A novel approach to assessing nuisance risk from seismicity induced by UK shale gas development, with implications for future policy design
Authors: Cremen Gemma , Werner Maximilian J.
Published: October 2020

Abstract. We propose a novel framework for assessing the risk associated with seismicity induced by hydraulic fracturing, which has been a notable source of
recent public concern. The framework combines statistical forecast models for injection-induced seismicity, ground motion prediction equations, and
exposure models for affected areas, to quantitatively link the volume of fluid injected during operations with the potential for nuisance felt
ground motions. Such (relatively small) motions are expected to be more aligned with the public tolerance threshold for induced seismicity than
larger ground shaking that could cause structural damage. This proactive type of framework, which facilitates control of the injection volume ahead
of time for risk mitigation, has significant advantages over reactive-type magnitude and ground-motion-based systems typically used for induced
seismicity management. The framework is applied to the region surrounding the Preston New Road shale gas site in North West England. A notable
finding is that the calculations are particularly sensitive to assumptions of the seismicity forecast model used, i.e. whether it limits the
cumulative seismic moment released for a given volume or assumes seismicity is consistent with the Gutenberg–Richter distribution for tectonic
events. Finally, we discuss how the framework can be used to inform relevant policy.
Estrategia didáctica para el aprendizaje de la antropología forense en Latinoamérica
Authors: Núñez Rodríguez Jose Antonio , Rodríguez Rangel Luis A.
Published: October 2020

Se presenta una estrategia didáctica basada en el método de casos para el aprendizaje de la antropología forense. Caso diseñado e implementado con 33 estudiantes inscritos en el Diplomado en Ciencias Forenses y Criminalística, de la Universidad José Antonio Páez-Venezuela. Se conformaron cinco grupos a los cuales se les entregó el caso, con tres interrogantes ¿Quién es la víctima?, ¿Qué ocurrió? y ¿Cómo ocurrió? Tras un debate de ideas y toma de decisiones, se presentaron las conclusiones por grupo, seguidamente se generó un consenso para resumir y sustentar las respuestas. Se concluye que el método utilizado fomentó el aprendizaje significativo y colaborativo para establecer la identidad de la víctima.
Análisis de los programas de intervención de la UNAE direccionados a la promoción de la conciencia ambiental en la comunidad Chuquipata, Ecuador
Authors: Castillo-Pinos Karina , Flores-Hinostroza Elizeth Mayrene , Mendoza-Velazco Derling
Published: October 2020

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar los programas de intervención de la UNAE direccionados a la promoción de la conciencia ambiental en la comunidad de Chuquipata, Ecuador. El estudio se desarrolló bajo un diseño no experimental, y enfoque mixto de estudio. El tipo de investigación descriptiva, modalidad de campo y análisis documental, con lo cual fue posible analizar las acciones emprendidas por la Universidad Nacional de Educación (UNAE) en relación a la promoción de la consciencia ambiental. Se aplicaron encuestas a los 110 integrantes, y fue posible conocer su percepción sobre el impacto que ha tenido la aplicación del programa de Conciencia Ambiental. Los resultados demuestran cuán eficiente han sido las actividades llevadas a cabo en la educación superior y se sugieren acciones complementarias para la promoción de la conciencia ambiental entre la comunidad que convive en los alrededores de la institución universitaria, promoviendo la participación a largo plazo de entidades públicas y privadas.
Introduction to the Narrative Justice Symposium
Authors: McGregor Rafe
Published: October 2020

Narrative Justice presents an argument for a contemporary theory of aesthetic education, followed by examples of that theory in practice. I use aesthetic education in its strict philosophical sense, that is, as a thesis about the relationship between aesthetic or artistic value on the one hand and moral and political value on the other hand. The crux of the thesis is that there is some kind of causal relation between aesthetic experiences and moral development. The term is ambiguous because an aesthetic education is not an education in aesthetics but an education by aesthetics, specifically a moral education by aesthetic means, which is, in turn, a means to the end of political education.
Reading for Self-Knowledge: Poetry, Perspective, and Narrative Justice
Authors: Simecek Karen
Published: October 2020

In this article, I offer a response to Rafe McGregor’s Narrative Justice, in particular his notion of lucid phenomenological knowledge. By drawing on a discussion of lyric poetry, I argue that room needs to be made for the notion of perspective, which is more fundamental to our engagement with works of literature than narrative. I end with a suggestion of how to extend McGregor’s account to accommodate the idea of perspective, which I call lucid phenomenological perspectival knowledge. Ultimately, what I argue is that the knowledge on offer in one’s engagement with works of literature is not coming to know what some experience is like through the narrative construction but a form of self-knowledge that is available through the perspective that shapes the work (whether a narrative or non-narrative work).
Replies to Critics
Authors: McGregor Rafe
Published: October 2020

I am both grateful and flattered that colleagues whom I hold in such high regard have taken the time to engage so closely and so thoughtfully with my work. I am particularly pleased that those colleagues have approached Narrative Justice from such distinct perspectives as the intellectual impulse behind its writing was to create a work that was genuinely interdisciplinary and whose insights, such as they are, could be applied to a range of issues across the humanities and social sciences. I cannot hope to respond fully to these engagements in what follows, but I hope that my responses are sufficient to demonstrate the extent of my indebtedness to and respect for the symposiasts.
Being a Disciple of the Past: The Tradition and Creativity in Chinese Calligraphy Criticism
Authors: Shi Xiongbo
Published: October 2020

This article starts with a discussion of the role of tradition as it is related to creativity or originality in Western art theory and literary criticism before examining ideas of tradition and creativity in premodern Chinese calligraphy criticism. I elaborate that learning from the past has been regarded as the proper course to take in becoming a mature calligrapher, that in calligraphic practice, linmo (copying) and dutie (reading and contemplating the master’s original work) are the two main approaches to past models. I propose that gu, as tradition, is an ever-changing and accumulative repertoire in Chinese calligraphy history. The last section studies the calligraphic theory of tong-bian (continuity-mutation), illustrating that Chinese calligraphic practice, or visual art practice at large, emphasizes the study of the past, an inheritance of tradition, but that creativity or originality is still a value embedded in Chinese aesthetics.
Music Education as Faustian Bargain: Re-Enchanting the World with Thomas Mann’s Doktor Faustus
Authors: Koopal Wiebe , Vlieghe Joris
Published: October 2020

This article explores the musical motifs in Thomas Mann’s 1947 novel Doktor Faustus and how they relate to the novel’s particular Bildung character. We claim that the novel allows for a challenging musico-pedagogical reading, which opens up new and highly imaginative perspectives on music and music education. Going beyond interpretations that mainly discuss the element of music in light of the novel’s metaphysical or sociocritical pretentions, we believe that Adrian Leverkühn’s musical Bildung materializes a discourse that is primarily educational and affirmative. Bringing in elements of various “posthumanist” philosophical traditions, our article elaborates a musico-pedagogical concept of technology. On the one hand, this enables a wholly new and more appreciative understanding of what Leverkühn’s Faustian bargain could be about; on the other, it allows us to radically rethink the theoretical narrative(s) of musical science and education. The outcome is the call for a “pedagogy of pure instrumentality.“ By seducing students to take part in an experimental and care-ful study for immanent musical technics (rather than techniques), education allows music to re-invent itself, to keep researching the magical procedures and instruments that link together sound and meaning in diverse musical practices, beyond any teleological appropriation.
Teaching model-based testing
Authors: Németh Gábor Árpád
Published: October 2020

Different testing methodologies should play an important role in the education of informatics. In the model-based testing (MBT) approach, the specification of the system is described with a formal model. This model can be used to revise the correctness of the specification and as a starting point for automatic test generation. The main problem with MBT is however, that there is a huge gap between theory and practice and that this approach has a high learning curve. To cope with these problems, current paper shows, how the MBT approach can be introduced to students through a small scale example.

Subject Classification: P50
Guided Discovery in Hungarian Education Using Problem Threads
Authors: Matzal Charlotte , Manahan Kirsten , Galaty Bridget , Wang Haoyi , Barbarics Marta
Published: October 2020

In Hungary, ‘guided discovery’ refers to instruction in which students learn mathematical concepts through task sequences that foster mathematical thinking. A prominent figure of guided discovery is Lajos Pósa, who developed his method to teach gifted students. Rather than teaching mathematics through thematic blocks, the Pósa Method employs webs of interconnected problem threads in which problems are built on each other, and different threads are presented simultaneously, so that students work on problems from multiple threads at the same time. It was found that this method has been successful as extracurricular training for gifted students since the 1980s; however since 2017, as part of an ongoing research, the method has been applied to mainstream curriculum in two public secondary school classrooms. The present paper examines the design and implementation processes of problem threads in this public secondary school context.

Subject Classification: 97D40
Governance and Performance in Insurance Companies: A Bibliometric Analysis and A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Anderloni Luisa , Moro Ornella , Tanda Alessandra
Published: October 2020

This paper provides a review of theoretical contributions and empirical studies on the external and internal mechanisms of corporate governance of insurance companies and their effects on performance and/or risk. Thanks to the analysis of the studies published between 1985 and 2019 through bibliometric tools, we are able to illustrate the networks of scientific collaborations (co-authorship) and relationships between the most used terms, also highlighting the most significant groups of scholars and research strands. Additionally, the paper carries out a meta-analysis of around thirty quantitative articles that show a relationship between the quantitative-qualitative characteristics of the Board of Directors and the performance of the insurance company. The empirical studies show a consensus on the positive contribution of board size and the presence of independent directors on performance. Moreover, insurance research networks do not appear to be very interconnected, especially as regards to emerging markets. The paper also provides a useful starting point for future research aimed at defining the specificities of the governance-performance relationship of insurance companies within an evolving regulatory and market framework.
How Social Connections to Local CBNRM Institutions Shape Interaction: A Mixed Methods Case from Namibia
Authors: Snorek Julie , Kraft Thomas , Chockalingam Vignesh , Gao Alyssa , Ray Meghna
Published: October 2020

Strong social connections between communities and institutions are essential to effective community-based natural resource management. Connectivity and willingness to engage with actors across scales are related to one’s perceptions of institutions managing natural resources. To better understand how individuals’ perceptions are related to connections between communities and institutions, and how these promote or inhibit interaction across scales, we carried out a mixed methods case study on the multiple actors living and working in the Namib Naukluft National Park in Namibia. We took a descriptive approach to the social network analysis and identified distinct subgroups as well as boundary actors for the community-institutional network. Thereafter, we regressed interview data on connections, perceptions, and willingness to reach out to institutions to understand more about network dynamics. Finally, we performed a qualitative analysis of interview data, to further highlight why community individuals were connected to institutional members. Positive perceptions are associated with greater connectivity for two out of three institutions. Better quality connections between community members and institutions was equated with a greater willingness (of community members) to reach out to an institutional member in only one out of three cases. As in other studies, willingness to reach out may be more strongly correlated to intergroup actor dynamics, as shown by subgrouping in the social network analysis, than one’s perceptions alone. This research highlights that direct interactions between community members and local institutions has the potential to support collaboration in the context of community-based natural resource management.
Isoproturon: A Controversial Herbicide Hard to Confine in a Global Market
Authors: Leoci Raffaella , Ruberti Marcello
Published: October 2020

Until the first decade of 2000, isoproturon (IPU), a controversial and potentially hazardous chemical substance for animals, was one of the herbicides most commonly used in agriculture around the world. The current scarcity of scientific studies about its toxicity is evident, especially as regards the possible dangerous consequences on higher mammals and humans and the long-term effects on environment, other animals and plant organisms. Contrary to what happened for other categories of herbicides (in particular, clomazone and glyphosate), in some States the precautionary principle prevailed, prohibiting its use. However, this prohibition does not seem sufficient because IPU is still used in many countries and it also reaches other nations where it is banned in the form of contaminated agro-food products. This is one of the lesser-known consequences of the global markets.
Expansions Of Appell And Lauricella Functions
Authors: JOSHI C. M. , JOSHI N. L.
Published: October 2020

Expansion formulas for 4 ' in terms of products of 2F 1 and F.g

has been obtained by Srivastava et al. [5, 3.9]. In this note we present an ex-

tension of this result. Possibility of existence of analogous formulas for Lauricella

r)functions F,4 ,F,3 and Fb are examined and corresponding results for Appell

(r) (r)hypergeometric functions are also derived.
ON A CLASS OF POLYA PROPERTY PRESERVING OPERATORS
Authors: CHANG CHIU-CHENG
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we show that every continuous linear operator from H(OmegawXOmegaz) to H (OmegawxOmegaxi) has an integral representation with a kernel function M(z, w, xi). We give two sufficient conditions on M(z,w,() to ensure that its corresponding operator preserves Polya property. We also prove that a continuous linear operator from H(fl,,, x ) to H(! x S2() either preserves the Polya property for all functions with that property or does not preserve the Polya property for any function.
Features of activities influencing development of the Other – analysis of the activity of family assistants
Authors: Kamińska-Jatczak Izabela
Published: October 2020

The aim of the work is to describe activities within the social work area. The article presents meta-reflection on the features of the activities of child protection workers, which indicate their characteristics. The thesis of the paper is the statement that understanding these activities requires reference to their constitutive features. The point of view adopted in the text concerns the recognition of activity in a dynamic, comprehensive way, taking into account the multiple relationships that are formed between different areas of activity. The text is not a survey report. The presented considerations are rather a reflection from a distance, inspired by the conclusions of narrative research conducted with child protection workers in 2011–2017. The reflection was enriched with literature corresponding to the adopted point of view on the activity analysis. The presented considerations may be of interest to readers located in the field of social work as researchers and/or practitioners who seek inspiration to discover, reinterpret or making strange what is known within the activities related to this field of practice.
ssc-miR-185 targets cell division cycle 42 and promotes the proliferation of intestinal porcine epithelial cell
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Pengfei , Xie Kaihui , Luo Ruirui , Gao Xiaoli , Yan Zunqiang , Huang Xiaoyu , Yang Qiaoli , Gun Shuangbao
Published: October 2020

Objective: microRNAs (miRNAs) can play a role in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, and their role is achieved by regulating the expression of target genes. Our previous high-throughput sequencing found that ssc-miR-185 plays an important regulatory role in piglet diarrhea, but its specific target genes and functions in intestinal porcine epithelial cell (IPEC-J2) are still unclear. We intended to verify the target relationship between porcine miR-185 and cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) gene in IPEC-J2 and to explore the effect of miR-185 on the proliferation of IPEC-J2 cells.Methods: The TargetScan, miRDB, and miRanda software were used to predict the target genes of porcine miR-185, and CDC42 was selected as a candidate target gene. The CDC423’ UTR-wild type (WT) and CDC42-3’UTR-mutant type (MUT) segments were successfully cloned into pmirGLO luciferase vector, and the luciferase activity was detected after co-transfection with miR-185 mimics and pmirGLO-CDC42-3’UTR. The expression level of CDC42 was analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The proliferation of IPEC-J2 was detected using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), methylthiazolyldiphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), and 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays.Results: Double enzyme digestion and sequencing confirmed that CDC42-3’UTR-WT and CDC42-3’UTR-MUT were successfully cloned into pmirGLO luciferase reporter vector, and the luciferase activity was significantly reduced after co-transfection with miR-185 mimics and CDC42-3’UTR-WT. Further we found that the mRNA and protein expression level of CDC42 were down-regulated after transfection with miR-185 mimics, while the opposite trend was observed after transfection with miR-185 inhibitor (p<0.01). In addition, the CCK-8, MTT, and EdU results demonstrated that miR-185 promotes IPEC-J2 cells proliferation by targeting CDC42.Conclusion: These findings indicate that porcine miR-185 can directly target CDC42 and promote the proliferation of IPEC-J2 cells. However, the detailed regulatory mechanism of miR-185/CDC42 axis in piglets’ resistance to diarrhea is yet to be elucidated in further investigation.
Mehrebenenparlamentarismus? Das Beziehungsgeflecht deutscher Landesparlamente
Authors: Carstensen Franziska
Published: October 2020

The term multi-level parliamentarism has been used to mark the position of German Land parliaments . To check the validity of this term, the relations between parliaments in regard to their parliamentary structure components, namely leadership, administration, committees, parliamentary party groups, and members of parliament within Germany are analyzed . The results show that Land parliaments generally engage in frequent exchanges with other Land parliaments, an exception being exchanges between committees . Exchanges and relationships with parliaments outside Germany are mainly found on the levels of parliamentary leadership and administration . In light of these findings, applying the term multi-level parliamentarism does not seem to adequately depict Land parliaments . The results also reveal that the relations are not only inter-parliamentary and that they do not only take place in the frame of the European Union . Hence, using the term institutional relations of parliaments, albeit less sparkling, seems to adequately describe the real relations, efforts, and contacts of German Land parliaments . Another advantage of the term institutional relations is that it can be assigned to Land parliaments’ self-organization function and can thus be integrated into a common catalogue of parliamentary functions .
„Salz in der Suppe“ oder „Klimakiller“? Empirische Befunde zum Wandel der parlamentarischen Streitkultur nach dem Einzug der AfD in die deutschen Landtage
Authors: Maier Jürgen
Published: October 2020

In order to analyze whether the entry of the right-wing populist party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) into parliaments has changed parliamentary debate culture a content analysis of budget debates for the period 2012-2017 is conducted, where the frequency of interruptions and the use of uncivil utterances during the speaker’s interruption in seven German state parliaments are measured before and after the entry of the AfD . The measured changes to developments in the two German states where the AfD did not succeed in moving into the state parliament are compared . The frequency of interruptions - and thus the conflictual nature of parliamentary debates - has increased as a result of the presence of the AfD . However, there are no indications that the increase in incivility is related to the entry of the AfD into the state parliaments . The likelihood of the AfD’s confrontational appearance increases with its parliamentary significance (e .g ., the share of seats) . By contrast, it is irrelevant for the appearance of the AfD in parliamentary debates whether they are more movement-oriented or more parliament-oriented .
Commission Nationale des Terres Biens et Cour Spéciale des Terres et autres Biens du Burundi : un Etat sinistré ou une compétence au fondement légal contestable?
Authors: Niyonkuru Aimé-Parfait
Published: October 2020

This paper discusses the jurisdiction of Burundi’s Commission Nationale des Terres et autres Biens (National Commission on Land and other Assets) and of the Cour Spéciale des Terres et autres Biens (Special Court on Land and other Assets) where the State of Burundi, directly or indirectly, is involved. Considering that the double mechanism (i.e. the National Commission on Land and other Assets and the Special Court on Land and other Assets) is meant to deal with disputes opposing either the sinistrés or the sinistrés to third parties, public or private services, the paper particularly questions the jurisdiction rationae personae of the abovementioned mechanism and the receivability of some of the cases. For the purposes of Burundi’s law on the CNTB promulgated in December 2013, the term “sinistré” (literally “disaster victim”) “refers to the individual or legal person, among others the association or [the] company under private law, the person repatriated, displaced, regrouped or dispersed, widow, orphan, as well as any other person despoiled of his/her goods as result of the tragic events that occurred in (Burundi) since [its] independence” (see art.2, below). Compared to its predecessor, the 2019 Law on the National Commission on Land and other Assets is somewhat restrictive. For the persons listed above to be “sinistrés”, the condition is that they could not make their claims or could not obtain an appropriate follow-up to their request as a result of the socio-political context (see art. 2 in fine). Basically, this paper suggests the lack of jurisdiction of both the Commission and the Court where they did not conclude that one of the parties to the dispute was sinistré in accordance to the definition of this term in each relevant law governing Burundi’s Commission on Land and other Assets. The paper further argues that, unless the author of a request before the Commission claims that he/she is a sinistré, his/her case should be declared non-receivable. All these issues are addressed in the light of three cases among those which received significant publicity in media, namely, the so-called RUGOFARM, RUZIZI and KIGERI cases.
The unwritten ‘laws of migration’: reflections on inequalities, aspirations and cultures of migration
Authors: Fratsea Loukia-Maria
Published: October 2020

Ever since Ravenstein’s work on the “Laws of Migration”, the determinants/drivers of migration--that is, the question: ‘Why do people migrate?’ – has been at the heart of migration studies. The exploration of migration/mobility processes also emphasizes the ways that migrants decide to leave and embark on their journey and how migratory practices may orient and motivate the (im)mobility decisions and aspirations of other migrant actors, establishing various ‘cultures of migration’ and creating new ‘imaginaries of mobility’ that shape future movements. The paper aims to explore the changing aspirations of migration that influence the migration decision-making of Romanian migrants and the way these are shaped by micro, meso and structural factors in both sending and receiving countries.
Immigrant social inclusion in Europe: A descriptive investigation
Authors: Balourdos Dionyssis , Petraki Maria
Published: October 2020

This paper represents an empirical investigation into the risk of poverty or social exclusion facing immigrants across Europe. The methodological approach is based on the set of ‘Zaragoza indicators’, in the domain of social inclusion, together with some proposed additional ones: income distribution and monetary poverty, material deprivation, in-work poverty, child poverty and risk of poverty or social exclusion. The main research question concerns whether immigrants/third-country nationals and nationals constitute two rather distinct groups in terms of exposure to poverty or social exclusion. Mainly using data from the EU-SILC Survey, we find that third-country nationals are severely disadvantaged in most countries, and are occasionally exposed to risks multiple times higher than nationals. There are European countries with similar immigrant populations in which these immigrants experience less favorable outcomes compared to other populations in other countries. Comparative analysis allows us to test the significance of different welfare systems in protecting vulnerable groups such as immigrants, using Eurostat statistics and the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX). In a cross-country analysis, taking demographic and macro-economic differences into account, results show that the impact of social expenditure on poverty is not significant when it comes to protecting third-country nationals.
Editorial: Perspectives on teachers’ transdisciplinary professional competence
Authors: Smestad Bjørn , Johannesen Monica , Christensen Hanne
Published: October 2020

What are the prevalent understandings of the concept of teachers’ professional competence? What knowledge forms and learning arenas are significant in developing teacher competences for the 21st century? In what ways can transdisciplinary goals of teacher education (such as diversity, research and development (R&D) and digital competence) contribute in forming teachers’ professional competence? This special issue’s contributions address a variety of perspectives on core concepts for understanding the complexity of teachers’ professional competence. They define, question and criticize the prevalent epistemological and ontological understandings within teacher qualification. They include theoretical and empirical papers addressing a variety of perspectives on teacher qualification and teachers’ professional competence, with a particular focus on the role of modes of knowledge, learning arenas and multidisciplinarity as contributors to transdisciplinary goals in teacher qualification. In addition, contributions illustrate dimensions of teachers’ professional competences such as teachers’ diversity competence, teachers’ R&D competence and teachers’ digital competence.
Mutations of SARS-CoV-2 nsp14 exhibit strong association with increased genome-wide mutation load
Authors: Eskier Doğa , Suner Aslı , Oktay Yavuz , Karakülah Gökhan
Published: October 2020

SARS-CoV-2 is a betacoronavirus responsible for COVID-19, a pandemic with global impact that first emerged in late 2019. Since then, the viral genome has shown considerable variance as the disease spread across the world, in part due to the zoonotic origins of the virus and the human host adaptation process. As a virus with an RNA genome that codes for its own genomic replication proteins, mutations in these proteins can significantly impact the variance rate of the genome, affecting both the survival and infection rate of the virus, and attempts at combating the disease. In this study, we analyzed the mutation densities of viral isolates carrying frequently observed mutations for four proteins in the RNA synthesis complex over time in comparison to wildtype isolates. Our observations suggest mutations in nsp14, an error-correcting exonuclease protein, have the strongest association with increased mutation load without selective pressure and across the genome, compared to nsp7, nsp8 and nsp12, which form the core polymerase complex. We propose nsp14 as a priority research target for understanding genomic variance rate in SARS-CoV-2 isolates and nsp14 mutations as potential predictors for high mutability strains.
КУЛЬТУРАЛЬНЫЙ МЕТОД ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ МИКОБАКТЕРИЙ. ПЛОТНЫЕ ПИТАТЕЛЬНЫЕ СРЕДЫ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Ларионова Елена Евгеньевна , Андриевская Ирина Юрьевна , Андреевская Софья Николаевна , Смирнова Татьяна Геннадьевна , Севастьянова Элина Викторовна
Published: October 2020

Проведен обзор существующих плотных питательных сред для культивирования микобактерий. Изложены принципы, применяемые в процессе приготовления плотных питательных сред. Приведены актуальные методики приготовления плотных яичных питательных сред. Описана техника посева на плотные питательные среды и способ оценки получаемых результатов, представлены методы идентификации выросших микобактерий.
Assessment of Ovarian Integrity, Reproductive Hormones, and Oxidative Stress in Albino Rats Exposed to Tartrazine Azo Dye
Authors: Elekima Ibioku , Horsfall Okorite L. , Adimefe Ifeanyi G. , Ayaugbokor Sandra I. , Waribo Helen A. , Nwachuku Edna O. Nwachuku
Published: October 2020

Aim: To assess the effect of tartrazine at ADI doses on ovarian integrity (the weight and histology of the ovary), reproductive fertility hormones (luteinizing hormones (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin (PRL)) and oxidative stress markers (glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) over a period of 30 and 60 days in albino rats.

Study Design: A total of 63 female rats weighing approximately 0.2kg were divided into two phases. In phase 1 (30 days treatment period), the rats were divided into 2 groups - designated tartrazine treated group (TTG1) consisting of 20 rats and control untreated group (CUG1) consisting of 15 rats. In phase 2 (60 days treatment period), the rats were again divided into 2 groups – tartrazine treated group (TTG2) consisting of 16 rats and control untreated group (CUG2) consisting of 12 rats. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 7.5mg/kg of the dye was administered orally while the control groups were given food and water only.

Methodology: At the end of the study, the animals were anaesthetized and 5 mL of whole blood samples was collected by means of cardiac puncture into plain bottles, later spun at 4000 rpm for 5 minutes to obtain serum. The laboratory analysis of LH, FSH and PRL as well as GPX and SOD activity were based on Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Technique using rat-specific kits. Ovarian tissues collected were weighed using electronic balance, washed in normal saline, fixed in 10% formalin saline, embedded in paraffin wax, 5μm thick sections were obtained by rotary microtome,  stained using Haematoxylin & Eosin and examined using digital Olympus microscopic.

Results: Non-significant higher values in the absolute weight of the ovary (WOV), FSH, LH, and PRL while non-significant lower values in GPX and SOD were observed in the treated rats against control rats over a period of 30 and 60 days at P=.05. The histological examination over a period of 30 days did not indicate any alteration but hydropic dilation and structural alterations were seen after 60 days.

Conclusion: The administration of ADI doses of tartrazine over a period of 60 days affected the integrity of the ovary mildly as observed in the histology but did not markly reflect on the biochemical markers in the plasma as well as the weight of the ovary.
Effectiveness of Classes VII and VIII Science towards Enhancing the Learning of Class IX Physics
Authors: Wangdi Norbu , Dema Yeshi
Published: October 2020

This study aims to find out the effectiveness of classes VII and VIII science towards enhancing the learning of class IX physics. The sample of the study consists of 130 students and 12 science teachers of three secondary schools. The collection of data were administered using survey questionnaires and focus group interviews. The quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS and the interview data was coded based on themes. The study revealed that the basic concepts of class IX physics is already introduced in classes VII and VIII science textbooks. However, students face difficulties in understanding class IX physics. The study suggest that when three separate sciences are combined into a single science textbook, some concepts were not covered in detail. Therefore, the study recommends Ministry of Education, Bhutan to work towards developing bifurcated science: Physics, Chemistry and Biology for classes VII and VIII.