bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The place of gamification in customer engagement theory
Authors:   Moscow School of Management ", Muravskaia Snezhana A. ,   Skolkovo"
Published: September 2022

Gamification captured the attention of both marketing researchers and practitioners about a decade ago. Despite the established conceptualization of gamification as a driver of intrinsic motivation and a range of empirical research on the topic, there is still uncertainty about its place as a marketing tool. Some researchers argue that gamification acts as a driver of customer engagement, others consider it as an outcome of the process. Such dual nature raises the question of the role which gamification plays in customer relationship management. This study aims to analyze gamification through the lenses of customer engagement theory in order to identify the features of the relationship between these concepts. To achieve that a bibliometric analysis was conducted and the existing knowledge on the topic of customer engagement was systematized. The findings were divided into four clusters and the content of those clusters was analyzed in details. Gamification was compared with the key customer engagement practices. Which allowed to identify four types of customers in terms of engagement in gamification: supporters, spectators, super fans, and fun seekers. The proposed classification may be used by both academics and practitioners for estimating potential outcomes of using gamification for engagement purposes among different types of customers.
Soviet Youth during the Great Patriotic War through the Eyes of State Security Agencies
Authors:   Institute of History of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Savin A. I.
Published: September 2022

The article introduces unique documents about the security agencies of the USSR into academic circulation. An analysis of these documents and literature enables the author to make new claims about the traditional dual attitude of the Stalinist state towards young people. On the one hand, young people made a large contribution to victory over the enemy both at the front and in the rear. However, especially as the end of the war approached, youth were increasingly interpreted as a dangerous social environment, giving rise to many anti-Soviet organizations and groups. The war danger spurred Chekists to be extremely suspicious of any form of organized youth amateur activity, be it literary or philosophical groups, let alone quasi-political organizations. As a result, state security authorities with redoubled energy set about identifying and eliminating potential political deviations among the youth. First of all, the target was the children of the outcasts of Soviet society: the “former”, “former kulaks”, and “enemies of the people” from among the Soviet elites. At the same time, the war temporarily weakened ideological pressure, giving rise to hopes among broad strata of society for certain relaxations and even reforms after the war. A new factor at the final stage of the war was the mass of young people who found themselves in captivity or in the occupied territories, both imaginary and real collaborators, as well as participants in the armed nationalist movement in Ukraine and other Soviet Republics. The response of the security agencies to the intensification of deviant youth activity was the traditional measures of the intelligence services: building the large-scale undercover informant net in the student and student environment, as well as falsification of cases of anti-Soviet organizations.
“Dirty Period”: Freedom of Speech in the Russian Province in 1905–1913 through the Eyes of the Local Administration
Authors:   Penza State University, Garbuz G. V.
Published: September 2022

Using memoirs, journalism, business correspondence, and heads of provincial administration late Imperial Russia, this article examines attitudes to freedom of speech imposed by the Manifesto of 17 October 1905. The democratic freedoms granted from the crown at one of the most tense moments of the first Russian revolution were immediately and actively used by the liberation movement to fight the existing system, which predetermined the further negative attitude towards them from the tsarist bureaucracy. The owners of the provinces were not used to open criticism of their actions by various social forces, and the identification of government repression with their names in the opposition press was perceived as a threat to their own lives. The heads of the provincial state apparatus expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that freedom of speech had ruined their monopoly on the interpretation of state policy and evaluation of social processes. Administrative repression and prosecution prevented the bureaucracy from fully taking control of the independent press, which was the main expression of freedom of speech in this historical period, and in the eyes of local administration leaders, the main troublemaker in provincial society. In relation to freedom of speech, representatives of the provincial administrative elite regret the inability to squeeze this phenomenon of public life into the usual bureaucratic framework. Their administrative mentality, formed by a long career in the autocratic bureaucracy, did not allow them to adequately perceive democratic changes in public life.
Regional Features of Birth Rate and Mortality during the Famine of 1932–1933 in the Byelorussian SSR
Authors:   South Ural State Humanitarian Pedagogical University, Nazarenko N. N. , Bashkin A. V. ,   “Historical Materials” Project (http://istmat.info)
Published: September 2022

The authors show that the dynamics of the birth rate of the BSSR population is characterized by a gradual drop from the mid-1920s to mid-1930s to a minimum in 1933–1934, with fluctuations within the limits of the trend; the death rate is generally stable with the similar fluctuation within the trend. The dynamics of the birth and death rates in 1933–1934 are shown as population waves with a maximum (fall) in seasonal birth (death) rate is compensated by its seasonal increase (drop). The death rate increase and negative natural growth of the population in the urban environment are localized and insignificant. For the majority of the BSSR, its demographic indicators are not pointing to a demographic crisis: either a high birth rate with a relatively low death rate was prevailing, or a drop in the birth rate didn’t result in the abrupt natural growth decrease, which remained positive. A lower birth rate and a higher death rate can be attributed to different causes other than famine. The only two regions with a high death rate and a negative natural growth of population were Narovlyansk and Elsk — two districts on the border with Ukraine. This is the exact area of the BSSR affected by the famine as confirmed by the official papers and the demographic indicators. The loss of the BSSR population due to the drop in birth rate in 1932–1934 is approximately 64,000 people; the direct decrease due to the death rate is 4,100 people; both are within the limits of the trend fluctuations and cannot be considered as a demographic crisis. In general, the indicators in the BSSR do not point to the demographic catastrophe.
Assimilative capacity and water quality modeling of rivers: a review
Authors: Darji Jalpa , Lodha Pradeep , Tyagi Sanjiv
Published: September 2022

The rivers rejuvenate themselves by traveling over a distance, thereby they assimilate the pollution load and cause their own self-cleansing, also termed ‘Self-purification capacity’. To ascertain such assimilative capacity of the river system, various water quality models (WQMs) were studied. Out of numerous WQMs, six models including QUAL2Kw, WASP, SWAT, SIMCAT, MIKE-11, and CE-QUAL-W2 were selected and studied on the basis of their development, characteristics, capabilities and strengths, model input, governing equations, application, assumptions and limitations. A comparison based on such a study showing input variables and data, assumptions and limitations, strengths, and specific characteristics has been carried out and tabulated. While the selection of a model is based on the problem for which the decision-making is to be done. Of all the models, QUAL2Kw and WASP have been found to be advantageous over the rest. For a complex river system, a single model may not work and in such cases, a combination may be tried. A model finally selected for a problem must be calibrated so as to have minimum errors and maximum accuracy.
Modeling of the As (III) adsorption using Fe impregnated polyethylene terephthalate char matrix: A statistical approach
Authors: Sawood Ghazi Mohd , Gautam Shashi Bala , Mishra Ashutosh , Dixit Shobhit , Singh Neeta
Published: September 2022

The present research aimed to analyse the impact of economical Fe impregnated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) char (PETC-Fe) for adsorption of As (III) through series of column experiments. For an inlet arsenite concentration of 1,000 μg/L, PETC-Fe exhibits excellent uptake capacity of 1,892 μg/g. Central composite design (CCD) in response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the influence of various process variables on the response function (breakthrough time) for optimization and assessment of interaction effects. The breakthrough time is more responsive to influent As (III) concentration and bed height than inlet flow rate, according to the perturbation plot. Adams–Bohart, Bed Depth Service Time (BDST) model, and Thomas models were used to model the dynamics of the adsorption system. The BDST model suited the experimental data well in the early part of the breakthrough curve, but there were minor variations over the breakpoints. Despite the fact that the experimental values and the data sets estimated using the Adams–Bohart model followed a similar pattern, they differed slightly. The PETC-Fe was found to be a sustainable and highly economical adsorbent, with a desorption performance of more than 97%, indicating the adsorbent's reusability. This adsorbent's excellent As (III) uptake capacity and regeneration performance imply that it might be used in industrial/domestic applications, and the information obtained could aid in future scaling up of the adsorption system.
Photocatalysis process to treat polluted water by azo dye Cibacron Brilliant Yellow 3G-P
Authors: Radia Djouder , Fouzia Touahra , Rachida Rihani , Wahib Naceur Mohamed , Bentahar Fatiha
Published: September 2022

The main objective of this study was to investigate the photodegradation of azo dye Cibacron Brilliant Yellow 3G-P using Anatase, Degussa-P25 and ZnO. These semi-conductors were characterized using XRD, BET and TEM-EDX. The variation of the amount of semi-conductors significantly affect the rate of color removal. The decolorization rate increased as the catalyst dosage was increased. Other parameters were also studied, such as stirring speed, pH, and initial dye concentration. It was found that the rate of decolorization increases with the increase of stirring speed. Decolorization of about 30, 60 and 80% was respectively achieved in the case of Anatase, Degussa-P25 and ZnO at low stirring speed (50rpm). At pH = 3, the degradation rate was found to be higher than the alkaline pH, about 95.58 and 85.71% of color has been decolorized with Anatase and Degussa-P25 respectively. While using ZnO, the color removal reached maximum in acidic and alkaline solutions, more than 95% of dye was decolorized. The concentrations dye solutions less than 80ppm led to the removal rate of about 95% in the case of ZnO, while it was only about 8–15% in the case of TiO2 with the concentration more than 20 ppm.
Zika Virus NS2B-NS3 Protease: Quantum Chemical Properties Insights
into Designing Inhibitory Peptides
Authors: Silva João Vitor , Savino Débora , Hirata Mario Hiroyuki , Ferreira Gláucio Monteiro , Giarolla Jeanine
Published: September 2022

Background:

Zika fever affects poor and vulnerable populations, presenting cycles observed
in, at least 86 countries, with no vaccine prevention or treatment available. It is known that the genus
Flavivirus causes Zika Virus (ZIKV), as Dengue and Yellow Fever, whose genetic material decodes,
among other proteins, a series of non-structural (NS) proteins essential for viral replication, such as
NS2B-NS3 protease. Additionally, chemical and biological systems are commonly studied using
molecular modeling approaches allowing, among several other processes, to elucidate mechanisms of
action, molecule reactivity and/or chemical properties and the design of new drugs. Thus, considering
the in silico complexes between the biological target and the bioactive molecule, it is possible to
understand better experimental results based on molecular properties, which are compared with the
findings of the biological activity.

Objective:

Accordingly, this study aimed to present computational docking simulations of five
previously reported active peptides against NS2B-NS3 protease of ZIKV and analyze some quantum
chemical properties to identify the main contribution to improving the action.

Methods:

The compounds were described by Rut and coworkers (2017) and Hill and coworkers (2018),
submitted to docking simulation in Gold software and quantum chemical properties calculations in
Wavefunction Spartan software.

Results:

Total energy, electrophilicity index (ω) and energy gap (GAP) appeared to be the best
properties to justify the peptide's biological activity.
Moreover, the most promising compound (P1, Km 4.18 μM) had the best value of total energy (-
2763.04001 au), electrophilicity index (8.04 eV) and GAP (6.49 eV), indicating an energetically
favorable molecule with good interaction with the target and, when compared to other peptides,
presented moderate reactivity. P4 showed the highest electrophilicity index value (28.64 eV), which
justified the interaction ability visualized in the docking simulation. However, its GAP value (4.24 eV)
was the lowest in the series, suggesting high instability, possibly validating its low biological activity
value (Km 19 uM). GAP was important to understand the chemical instability, and high values can
promote damage to biological response.

Conclusion:

Furthermore, it was also noted that high electron affinity, related to the electrophilicity
index, promoted electron-accepting characteristics, which was important to improve the biological
activity of the peptides. A larger compound series must be studied to access features more precisely.
However, these results have paramount importance in guiding future effort in this extremely-need
health area.
Molecular Mechanism of Action of Non-peptide Ligands for Peptide Receptors
Authors: Schwartz Thue W. , Gether Ulrik , Schambye Hans T. , Hjorth Siv A.
Published: September 2022

An almost exponential development has occurred within the last five years in the area of non-peptide ligands for G protein-coupled 7TM receptors. For most of the major peptide targets a number of highly selective high affinity antagonists are today available and recently the first non-peptide agonists have started to appear as well. Mutational mapping of binding sites, which has reached a reasonably detailed level especially in the tachykinin and angiotensin systems, indicate that the peptide agonists are primarily interacting with residues located in the exterior part of the main ligand binding pocket, i.e. between the loops and the outermost segments of the trans-membrane helices. Some peptides may reach down between the helices, however, a peptide as substance P does not appear to interact at all with residues corresponding to the deeply located presumed binding site for monoamines. In contrast, presumed interaction points for non-peptide antagonists are predominantly found in the deep part of the main ligand binding pocket between the transmembrane segments. In general, it has been unexpectedly difficult and in some well characterized cases, even impossible to identify point mutations which affect both peptide agonists and non-peptide antagonists - while multiple mutations affect either one or the other ligand. These surprising observations may be explained by an allosteric receptor model where the ligands exert their effect merely by selecting and stabilizing preformed receptor conformations and thereby shifting the equilibrium towards either an active or an inactive form. In this receptor model there is no requirement for a common 'lock' for all agonists and it does not demand an overlap in binding site between competitive ligands - they can compete by binding in a mutually exclusive fashion, thus being allosteric competitive in contrast to isosteric classical competitive ligands.
Deep Learning for Predicting Distant Metastasis in Patients with Nasopharyngeal
Carcinoma Based on Pre-Radiotherapy Magnetic Resonance
Imaging
Authors: Hua Hong-Li , Deng Yu-Qin , Li Song , Li Si-Te , Li Fen , Xiao Bai-Kui , Huang Jin , Tao Ze-Zhang
Published: September 2022

Importance:

Accurate pre-treatment prediction of distant metastasis in patients with Nasopharyngeal
Carcinoma (NPC) enables the implementation of appropriate treatment strategies for
high-risk individuals.

Purpose:

To develop and assess a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model using pre-therapy
Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging to predict distant metastasis in NPC patients.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed data of 441 pathologically diagnosed NPC patients who underwent
complete radiotherapy and chemotherapy at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University (Hubei,
China) between February 2012 and March 2018. Using Adobe Photoshop, an experienced radiologist
segmented MR images with rectangular regions of interest. To develop an accurate model according
to the primary tumour, Cervical Metastatic Lymph Node (CMLN), the largest area of invasion
of the primary tumour, and image segmentation methods, we constructed intratumoural and
intra-peritumoural datasets that were used for training and test of the transfer learning models. Each
model’s precision was assessed according to its receiver operating characteristic curve and accuracy.
Generated high-risk-related Grad-Cams demonstrated how the model captured the image features
and further verified its reliability.

Results:

Among the four models, all intra-peritumoural datasets performed better than the corresponding
intratumoural datasets, with the CMLN intra-peritumoural dataset exhibiting the best performance
(average area under the curves (AUCs) = 0.88). There was no significant difference between
average AUCs of the Max and NPC tumour datasets. AUCs of the eight datasets for the four
models were higher than those of the Tumour-Node-Metastasis staging system (AUC=0.67). In
most datasets, the xception model had higher AUCs than other models. The efficientnet-b0 and
xception models efficiently extracted high-risk features.

Conclusion:

The CNN model predicted distant metastasis in NPC patients with high accuracy.
Compared to the primary tumour, the CMLN better predicted distant metastasis. In addition to intratumoural
data, peritumoural information can facilitate the prediction of distant metastasis. With a
larger sample size, datasets of the largest areas of tumour invasion may achieve meaningful accuracy.
Among the models, xception had the best overall performance.
Long Non-coding RNA Therapeutics: Recent Advances and Challenges
Authors: Gutti Ravi Kumar , Sangeeth Anjali , Malleswarapu Mahesh , Mishra Amit
Published: September 2022

The discovery of the roles of RNA other than just as a messenger, such as a ribozyme, and regulatory RNAs, such as microRNA and long noncoding RNAs, is fascinating. RNA is now recognized as an important regulator involved in practically every biological process. Research in the field of non-coding RNAs, specifically microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have developed immensely over the years. Recent studies identified diverse RNAs, in-cluding non-coding RNAs such as LncRNA and their various modes of action in the cells. These RNAs are anticipated to be key targets for the treatment of various diseases since they control a broad array of biological pathways. LncRNA-targeted drug platform delivers the pharmaceutical industry a myriad of opportunities and has the potential to modulate diseases at the genetic level while also overcoming the limitations of inconsistent proteins. This article focuses on the recent ad-vancement as well as the major challenges in the field and describes the various RNA-based thera-peutics that alter the quality of healthcare for many diseases and bring personalized medicines to fruition. The article also summarizes RNA-based therapeutics that are undergoing testing in clinical trials or have been granted FDA approval.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): Pharmacological Effects and Potential
Therapeutic Application
Authors: Nenezic Nemanja , Kostic Smiljana , Strac Dubravka Svob , Grunauer Marija , Nenezic Dragana , Radosavljevic Milica , Jancic Jasna , Samardzic Janko
Published: September 2022

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is the most abundant steroid hormone in primates,
which is predominantly synthesized in the adrenal cortex. A characteristic curve of growth and
decline of its synthesis during life was observed, together with the corresponding formation of its
sulphate ester (DHEAS). High levels of plasma circulating DHEA are suggested as a marker of
human longevity, and various pathophysiological conditions lead to a decreased DHEA level, including
adrenal insufficiency, severe systemic diseases, acute stress, and anorexia. More recent
studies have established the importance of DHEA in the central nervous system (CNS). A specific
intranuclear receptor for DHEA has not yet been identified; however, highly specific membrane
receptors have been detected in endothelial cells, the heart, kidney, liver, and the brain. Research
shows that DHEA and DHEAS, as well as their metabolites, have a wide range of effects on numerous
organs and organ systems, which places them in the group of potential pharmacological
agents useful in various clinical entities. Their action as neurosteroids is especially interesting due
to potential neuroprotective, pro-cognitive, anxiolytic, and antidepressant effects. Evidence from
clinical studies supports the use of DHEA in hypoadrenal individuals and in treating depression
and associated cognitive disorders. However, there is also an increasing trend of recreational
DHEA misuse in healthy people, as it is classified as a dietary supplement in some countries. This
article aims to provide a critical review regarding the biological and pharmacological effects of
DHEA, its mechanism of action, and potential therapeutic use, especially in CNS disorders.
Potential Phytoconstituents of Genus Vitex for the Management of
Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review
Authors: Thakur Upasana , Ashawat Mahendra Singh
Published: September 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most predominant conditions which have utmost influ-ence on the society. The disease is an inflammatory disorder which affects joints, connective tis-sues, muscles, tendons and fibrous tissues. Approximately 270 known species of vitex genus are known, extending from shrubs to trees in the tropical, sub-tropical regions and temperate zones. Several species of vitex have been used traditionally over world-wide. The main focus of the pre-sent study is to review various phytoconstituents isolated from the genus vitex which can be used for the treatment of rheumatic disorders. The study also covers the underlying targets of the phyto-constituents which can be possible potential hits for the management of Rheumatic disorders.
Comparative Efficacy of Levosimendan, Ramipril, and Sacubitril/
Valsartan in Isoproterenol-induced Experimental Heart Failure: A
Hemodynamic and Molecular Approach
Authors: Tabassum Fauzia , Akhtar Md Sayeed , Hassan Quamrul , Afzal Obaid , Altamimi Abdulmalik , Hassan Mohd. Zaheen , Sharma Arun Kumar , Mohammad Asif Ansari Shaik
Published: September 2022

Objetive:

Cardiac ischemia related myocardial damage has been considered as a major reason of heart failure. We aimed to investigate the role of levosimendan (LEVO) in comparison to ramipril and sacubitril/valsartan (Sac/Val) in preventing the damage associated to isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction.

Method:

Myocardial infarction was induced by injecting subcutaneous isoproterenol (5 mg/kg once for 7 consecutive days) to establish experimental heart failure model. Simultaneously, LEVO (1 mg/kg/day), ramipril (3mg/kg/day) and Sac/Val (68 mg/kg/day) suspension were administered orally for four weeks.

Results:

We observed a significant correlation between ISO induced ischemia with cardiac remodeling and alterations in myocardial architecture. LEVO, ramipril, and Sac/Val significantly prevented lipid peroxidation, damage of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione and thioredoxin reductase. We also observed their ameliorative effects in cardiac hypertrophy of myocardium evidenced by reduced heart weight to body weight ratio and transforming growth factor β related collagen deposition. LEVO, ramipril, and Sac/Val also maintained cardiac biomarkers like lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-MB, brain natriuretic peptide and cardiac Troponin-I indicating reduced myocardial damage that further demonstrated by histopathological examination. Decreased sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ATPase2a and sodium-calcium exchanger-1 protein depletion after LEVO, ramipril, and Sac/Val adminisreration indicated improved Ca2+ homeostasis during myocardial contractility.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that LEVO have comparable effects to ramipril, and Sac/Val in preventing myocardial damage via balancing oxidant-antioxidant system, decreased collagen deposition, reduced myocardial stress as well as improved Ca2+ homeostasis during myocardial contractility.
In Silico Design of Molecular Analogues of 2-Butyl-5-
pentylbenzene-1,3-diol (Stemphol) as Drug Prototypes for Treatment
of Chemical Dependents of Cannabis Sativa
Authors: de Lima Henrique Barros , Ferreira Jaderson Vieira , do Amaral Chaves Gisele , Batista Mateus Alves , Correia Lenir Cabral , de Souza Lucilene Rocha , Silva Carlos H.T.P. , Taft Carlton A. , da Silva Hage-Melim Lorane Izabel
Published: September 2022

Background:

The chemical dependency caused by recreational drug abuse is highly detrimental to humans and has direct implications for society. Cannabis sativa is still at the top of the ranking of most used drugs in the world, and its major chemical component is Δ9-THC. This molecule is the main cause of addiction in chronic users, and its action is measured by the CB1 receptor present in the CNS. So far there is no approved drug for the treatment of abstinence in C. sativa.

Objective:

In this sense, the objective of this research is to propose analogues of the Stemphol (2-methyl-5-pentylbenzene-1,3-diol) molecule that can serve as treatment for withdrawal crises in C. sativa addicts, initially through in silico methods.

Methods:

28 structural modifications were carried out in the molecule stemphol. These were subjected to in silico predictions of pharmacokinetics, toxicology, pharmacological activity, synthetic viability and prediction of drug-receptor interaction through molecular docking. For this, the software and web servers PreADMET, DEREK 2.1, PASS, SEA, SYLVIA 2.4 and GOLD were used. Results: 22 analogues demonstrated good pharmacokinetic results and 16 analogues gave no warning of hepatotoxicity, mutagenicity, nephropathies and carcinogenicity in mammals. Biological activity predictions were performed on the PASS server, resulting in 28 analogues exhibiting adenylate cyclase inhibition and/or MAP kinase stimulating activity; in SEA, the performance of the CB1 receptor was analyzed, resulting in 20 analogues with action on CB1 receptors in humans. The selected analogues 1, 4, 16, 17, 19, 24, 25 and 26 were submitted to synthetic accessibility prediction in the SYLVIA software because they presented better results in their pharmacokinetic, toxicological and predictive properties.

Conclusion:

Of these, the analogues 17 and 25 obtained a very satisfactory result in the interaction with the CB1 receptor through the molecular docking method and can be considered great proposals for future in vitro and in vivo studies, with the ability to further elucidate their actions.
Keywords: Chemical dependency, Cannabis sativa, Withdrawal Syndrome.
MicroRNA Gene Signature for Predicting Mechanisms in Nasopharyngeal
Carcinoma: A Case Study on the Potential Application of Circulating
Biomarkers
Authors: Wardana Tirta , Oktriani Risky , Murjayanto Cita Herawati , Putri Denise Utami , Anwar Sumadi Lukman , Aryandono Teguh , Haryana Sofia Mubarika
Published: September 2022

Background and Aim:

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) is an upper respiratory tract cancer
prevalent in Southeast Asia and related to chronic EBV infection. microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene
expression implicated in NPC’s carcinogenesis. However, this circulating RNA molecule’s role and
clinical utility remain unknown. Therefore, this study examined the circulation of miRNAs and their association
with clinical data.

Methods:

160 plasma samples of NPC and 80 non-tumor samples were extracted to evaluate and validate
the gene expressions. Quantification expression was performed using relative quantification of
qPCR analysis level expression methods. The intrinsic cellular roles involving biological signaling in
NPC's oncogenesis using Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA) were also used.

Results:

The results of the quantification significance profiling of NPC samples revealed decreased
miR-29c-3p (fold change 1.16; p<0.05) and increased 195-5p expression (fold change 1.157; p<0.05).
Furthermore, the validation of hsa-miR-29c-3p expression on plasma NPC with known tumor vs. nontumor
and significant changes was also performed using a fold change of 4.45 (medians of 31.45 ±
1.868 and 24.96 ± 1.872, respectively; p<0.0005). miR-29c had a 2.14 fold change correlated with T
primary status with a median of 31.99±1.319 and 31.35±2.412, respectively (p<0.05). Stage status with
fold change 1.99 also had median levels of 31.98±1.105 and 31.21 ± 2.355, respectively (p-value
<0.05). Furthermore, the node’s status for the lower expression of miR-29c with fold change 1.17 had
median levels of 32.78 ± 2.221 and 31.33 ± 1.689, respectively (p-value of 0.7). Bioinformatics analysis
established the roles and functions of miR-29 in NPC progression, cell death and survival, cellular development,
cellular function, and cell maintenance by inhibiting COL4A, PI3K, VEGFA, JUN, and
CDK6.

Conclusion:

Overall, we conclude that decreased miR-29c expression is associated with poor clinical
status and might inhibit NPC's five target genes.
Fiber laser module with brightness exceeding 10 MW/(cm-=SUP=-2-=/SUP=-·sr)
Authors: Fomin A.V.  , Usmanov S.R.  , Ignatev A.N.  , Kadigrob E.V.
Published: September 2022

The work was dedicated to the laser modules for the spectral range of 975 nm based on single laser diodes with fiber output to be designed and manufactured. The installation of an optical system for the seven laser diodes radiation input into a silica-silica fiber with a core diameter of 105 μm and a numerical aperture of 0.15 has been carried out while investigating their power and spectral characteristics. The maximum output power of the laser module was 65 W in CW operation at a nominal current of 12 A and a thermal stabilization temperature of 25oC, the total efficiency of the laser module was 43%, and the brightness of the laser module amounted to 10.6 MW/(cm2·sr). Keywords: laser module, optical system, laser diodes, fiber lasers.
Influence of a strong low-frequency wave on the propagation of weak ultrasonic pulses in a rod resonator made of annealed polycrystalline copper
Authors: Nazarov V.E.  , Kolpakov A.B.
Published: September 2022

An experimental study of an influence of a strong low-frequency wave on the propagation of weak ultrasonic pulses in an acoustic resonator made of annealed polycrystalline copper has been carried out. The measurements were carried out with harmonic excitation of the resonator at its first four longitudinal modes in the range from 2 to 15 kHz, the frequency of ultrasonic pulses varied from 65 to 400 kHz. The analysis of the observed nonlinear effects was carried out within the framework of the polycrystal equation of state obtained on the basis of a modified string model of the Granato-Lucke dislocation. The values of the parameters of dissipative and reactive nonlinearity of dislocations in annealed copper are determined. Keywords: dislocation dissipative and reactive nonlinearity, polycrystalline copper, elastic waves.
Luminance and efficiency of a light-emitting diode with transport-blocking poly(methyl methacrylate) layers and quantum dots: theoretical model, experiment, optimization
Authors: Saunina A. Yu.  , Tkach A. A.  , Alexandrov A. E.  , Lypenko D. A.  , Nikitenko V. R.  , Nabiev I. R.  , Samokhvalov P. S.
Published: September 2022

The results of studies of the influence of the thicknesses of the electron-blocking, hole-conducting and recombination layers on the luminance-voltage and other electrophysical characteristics of a multilayer light-emitting diode with an active layer based on semiconductor quantum dots are presented. Optimized thicknesses and voltages are determined to achieve the maximum efficiency of electroluminescence of the light-emitting diode. Keywords: quantum dots, light-emitting diode, blocking layer.
Phase homogeneity of Si3N4-based ceramic materials produced by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Drozhilkin P.D.  , Smetanina K.E.  , Alekseeva L.S.  , Boldin M.S.  , Vostokov M.M.  , Karazanov K.O.  , Murashov A.A.  , Andreev P.V.
Published: September 2022

Ceramics obtained by spark plasma sintering of powder compositions of Si3N4 was studied by the method of layer-by-layer X-ray diffraction analysis. The effect of carbon diffusion in the surface layers of the sintered ceramics from the graphite mold was observed. The homogeneity of the ceramic phase composition along the depth of the sample was shown. Therefore, a uniform distribution of the temperature field inside the sintered sample was concluded. Keywords: silicon nitride, ceramics, spark plasma sintering, X-ray diffraction.
Development of the electron acceleration process and dynamics of micropinch plasma
Authors: Dolgov A. N.  , Klyachin N. A.  , Prokhorovich D. E.
Published: September 2022

Based on the results of the experiments and numerical estimates, the authors hypothesize that the direction of propagation of the flow of high-energy electrons in a micropinch discharge is determined by the freezing of magnetic field lines into the plasma flow and the magnetization of electrons accelerated to high energies. Keywords: micropinch discharge, plasma, acceleration processes.
Development of the anode for a lithium-ion battery based on nanoporous germanium formed by the implantation with silver ions
Authors: Gavrilova T. P.  , Khantimerov S. M.  , Nuzhdin V. I.  , Valeev V. F.  , Rogov A. M.  , Stepanov A. L.
Published: September 2022

In this work, the possibility of using a nanoporous Ge layer (p-Ge), formed by implantation with Ag+ ions on a single crystal c-Ge substrate, as an anode electrode for a lithium-ion battery was studied. For this, the ion implantation of c-Ge substrutes was carried out at an energy of E=30 keV, a current density of J=5 μA/cm2, and a dose of D=1.3·1016 ion/cm2. It was shown that the obtained spongy Ag:p-Ge layers, consisting of intertwining Ge nanowires, demonstrate a high Coulomb efficiency (>97%) after the first cycle and show up to 79.5% of reversible capacity after 1000 cycles. Keywords: nanoporous germanium, ion implantation, anod, lithium-ion battery.
Phase Transformations in Stainless Cr-Mn-N Steel Activated by Nanostructuring Surface Treatment and Their Influence on Deformation Behavior and Fracture at Cryogenic Temperatures
Authors: Narkevich N. A.  , Deryugin E. E.  , Vlasov  I. V.
Published: September 2022

The structure of stainless austenitic Cr-Mn-N steel after deformation treatment of its surface by ultrasonic forging strain (UFS) has been studied. It is shown that UFS activates strain aging in the near-surface layer with the formation of CrN particles. Preliminary ultrasonic treatment of the steel surface contributes to an increase in the yield strength during tensile tests at a temperature of -196oC and provides ductile fracture of the near-surface layer. Keywords: high nitrogen steel, austenite, ultrasonic forgingstrain, strain aging, cryogenic temperature, martensitic transformation.
Electron energy distribution function in a high-voltage pulsed discharge with an extended hollow cathode
Authors: Ashurbekov N. A.  , Zakaryaeva M. Z.  , Iminov K.O.  , Rabadanov K. M.  , Shakhsinov G. S.
Published: September 2022

The dynamics of a nanosecond discharge with an extended hollow cathode in argon is studied and the electron energy distribution function (EEDF) in a plasma column is calculated. The issues of the formation of the EEDF in the discharge column and inside the cathode cavity are considered. The conditions of the validity the two-term approximation of the EEDF in the plasma column are analyzed and the appropriate evaluations are given. Keywords: hollow cathode, pulse discharge, argon, electron energy distribution function.
Micro-mechanismof multiscale dynamic fracture
Authors: Meshcheryakov Yu. I.  , Divakov A. K.  , Zhigacheva N. I.  , Konovalov G. V.  , Nechunaev A. F.
Published: September 2022

The shock propagation in non-uniform medium is studied theoretically and experimentally. A set of experiments on shock loading of high-strength low-alloyed AB2 steel is performed. The "trigger" mechanism for switching the dynamic fracture from one scale to another is shown to be the resonance interaction of plastic flow oscillations and mesoscopic structural elements. There is a threshold strain rate at which the defect (decrease) of mass velocity at the plateau of compressive pulse increases abruptly. Under strain rates higher threshold value, a multitude of short transcrystalline cracks is formed, which results in decay of shock wave. Keywords: Shock loading, multiscale fracture, transcrystalline cracks.
Mathematical modeling of method to control parameters and location of focal spot in ultrasonic surgery
Authors: Dombrugova E. G.  , Chernov N. N.
Published: September 2022

A study of methods for correcting the location of a focal spot formed by antenna arrays in the form of a spherical segment with different opening angles in a layered-heterogeneous biological environment was made. The use of the mean-thickness sound velocity in biological tissues as a calculation for the matching layer makes it possible to obtain satisfactory results for correcting the location of the focal spot formed by antenna arrays with the opening theta angle of the spherical segment equal to 60, 90 and 120circ. An algorithm for correcting the location of the focal spot based on changes in the physical characteristics of the matching layer is proposed. Keywords: layer thickness averaged speed of sound, focused ultrasound, focal spot, matching layer, control method.
تحليل وقياس هيكل التجارة الخارجية ودرجة الأنكشاف الأقتصادي للعراق للمدة (2004-2020)
Authors: Ahmad Muhsin Ibrahim
Published: September 2022

تعدّ التجارة الخارجية من القطاعات التي تضمن التفاعل بين الاقتصاد المحلي والعالم الخارجي، وذلك من خلال تدفق السلع والخدمات من والى الدولة، وما تتركه من روابط على مستوى الاقتصاد الكلي، وتعزيزقدرة الدولة التنافسية في الأسواق العالمية. لذلك فان التجارة الخارجية أصبحت المحرّك الأساس للنمو الاقتصادي من خلال تصدير الفائض من الأنتاج والحصول على النقد الأجنبي لتمويل الأستيرادات من السلع المختلفة وخصوصاً السلع الرأسمالية والوسيطة اللاّزمة لتحقيق النمو الأقتصادي.

  وتبرز دوروأهمية التجارة الخارجية بشكل أوضح في الأقتصاد العراقي الذي يتصف بكونه  إقتصاد ريعي أحادي الجانب يعتمد يشكل رئيسي على إنتاج وتصدير النفط الخام للحصول على النقد الأجنبي، الذي يستخدمه في تمويل عملية الأستيرادات لتوفير مختلف السلع والمنتجات لتلبية الطلب المحلي، بسبب تخلف القطاعات السلعية الرئيسية كالقطاعين الزراعي والصناعي، وعدم قدرتهما على توفير تلك السلع محلياً. لذلك تشكل التجارة الخارجية أكثر من نصف حجم الناتج المحلي الأجمالي خلال مدة البحث، وهي تتجاوز النسبة الطبيعية المقبولة والمسموح بها لتفادي الوقوع في مشكلة الأنكشاف الأقتصادي والتبعية للخارج .
The Persian Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS-FA): Development and Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Barzegari Saeed , Sharifi Kia Ali , Bardus Marco , Stoyanov Stoyan R. , GhaziSaeedi Marjan , Rafizadeh Mouna
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

There are 110 million Farsi speakers worldwide who have access to a growing mobile app market. Despite restrictions and international sanctions, the internal mHealth app market in Iran is growing, especially for Android-based apps. However, there are no guidelines for developing health apps that meet international quality standards. There are also no tools in Farsi that assess health app quality. Developers and researchers who operate in Farsi could benefit from such quality assessment tools to improve their outputs.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the Mobile App Rating Scale in Farsi (MARS-Fa). This study also evaluated the validity and reliability of the newly developed MARS-Fa tool.

METHODS

We used a well-established method to translate and back-translate the MARS-Fa tool with a group of Iranian and international experts in Health Information Technology and Psychology. We validated the MARS-Fa with a sample of 92 apps addressing smartphone addiction using two trained reviewers. We reported inter-rater reliability, internal consistency, and convergent and discriminant validity of the validation exercise.

RESULTS

Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was .84 for the total MARS-Fa and subjective quality, indicating excellent internal consistency. Spearman-Brown split-half reliability indicators were very good and excellent (.79 to .93). The MARS-Fa showed excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC=.91) and test-retest reliability (r=.94). The inter-item correlation coefficients among 18 items were greater than 0.20, suggesting good construct and discriminant validity.

CONCLUSIONS

The MARS-Fa tool can be reliably used to evaluate health apps by trained reviewers who speak Farsi. Further research should be done to validate the tool with health apps targeting other health problems.
Innovation as humanity's resource: How play can make the UN's 2030 goals achievable
Authors: Filho Waldir Ventura , Facó Júlio Francisco Blumetti , Andrade Alexandre Acácio de , Silva Lina Maria Moreira Garai da
Published: September 2022

With the ever-growing demand for solving problems common to all countries, world forums have seen a rise in its protagonism in the discussion of these issues. Since definition of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, discussions have increased on how the goals can be achieved to ultimately generate a more sustainable world. Each country should bring its, but so far, many goals are below expectations, worrying the UN - especially after the COVID-19 pandemic that shook the planet. Some of the adversities encountered in joining forces in the face of these challenges are the lack of unity between countries, distrust in supranational bodies, poor knowledge of how similar situations are treated and lack of creativity in generating ideas and solving these problems. From this, it is suggested that playful play can help to save humanity in setbacks since, through play, people can develop a sense of empathy, as well as an understanding of different material conditions, which leads to improving creativity and, as a result, innovative solutions. There are already some games both physical and digital that are in line with the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals). However, the digital games industry is increasingly growing among young people and adults alike, and they can maximize the power of gamification, which is to make playable a real situation. This research, with an exploratory theoretical character, concludes that playability - especially gamification - is on the rise and can help civilization to build a more humane and sustainable world.
Food Feasibility and Safety in Animal Protein Production in Urban and Periurban Area
Authors: Chaves James Lima , Araújo Jairton Fraga , Bomfim Luciano Sergio Ventin , lopo Alexandre Boleira
Published: September 2022

The present study aimed to present a literature review on animal husbandry experiences in order to identify the feasibility of animal production in urban and periurban agriculture as a food security instrument, observing its limitations and potential. A systematic literature review was carried out on the topic and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology was used to select the articles. From the data analysis, the understanding emerged that animal husbandry in urban and periurban areas has existed for hundreds of years and has always been present in several cities around the world. This practice can represent an inevitable challenge, with positive aspects, such as being an ally of domestic food security and enabling the generation of income and employment, as well as negative aspects, such as the presence of odors, noise and dissemination of zoonoses. Faced with this conflict, as well as the verification of the feasibility of this practice, the importance of public policies capable of organizing the activity, minimizing health risks and possible resulting conflicts is highlighted.
Data-Driven Decision Making in the Public Sector: A Systematic Review
Authors: Silva Rodrigo Speckhahn Soares da , Junior Claudelino Martins Dias , Lacerda Rogério Tadeu de Oliveira
Published: September 2022

This study presents the selection process of a bibliographic portfolio and bibliometric analysis related to Data-Driven Decision-making (DDD) in the context of Public Administration using the ProKnow-C framework. We proceeded to search and select articles to compose a portfolio and then analyze their characteristics. The journals where the theme is recurrent were evaluated, as well as the authors and articles that stand out. With the dissemination of ICTs and the Open Government movement, it has been noticed that the volume of articles on the subject has grown significantly in the last decade. In this context, the methodology used proves to be a useful tool for building knowledge in a given field of research, providing a structured and rigorous procedure that minimizes the use of randomness and subjectivity in the literature review process.
Potentials of Soil on Palm Kernel Oil Free Fatty Acid
Authors: Ifeanyi Igbozuruike Christopher
Published: September 2022

Potentials of soil on Free Fatty Acid from Palm kernel Oil was conducted to correlate the soil physiochemical parameters and heavy metals to the free fatty acid of the palm kernel oil. Five samples of the soil were collected from Mbano and a sample of locally made palm kernel oil. The parameters analyzed were pH, temperature, organic matter, moisture, electrical conductivity, heavy Metals and free fatty acid of the oil. Results revealed : pH (5.57 ±0.49, 5.64 ± 0.36, 6.14 ±0.07, 5.95 ±0.16, 6.79±0.47), temperature ( 2.81 ±1.06, 28.0 ±0.83, 29.7 ±0.57, 29.7 ±0.64, 28.2 ±1.06), moisture (11.0 ±0.1, 18.0 ±0.2, 11.9 ±0.15, 12.9 ±0.25, 17.4 ±0.7), electrical conductivity ( 624 ±0.1, 541 ±0.2, 482.6 ±0.2, 477.0 ±0.1, 619.6 ±0.2) organic matter (77.7 ±0.15, 94.08 ±0.02, 48.6 ±0.25, 68.2 ±0.25, 38.8 ±0.15) Ca (0.644, 3.235, 1.453, 1.015, 1.673), Mg (1.467, 0.892, 1.483, 1.687, 1.147), K (2.017, 3.0054, 2.013, 1.0028, 2.067), Pb (0.036, 0.017, 0.015, 0.00, 0.0017), Fe (0.416, 0.826, 0.318, 0.316, 0.544), Na (0.656, 1.450, 0.908, 1.751, 1.956) cation exchange capacity (4.78, 8.58, 5.83, 5.45, 6.84) and free fatty acid (2.7 ±0.15, 4.3 ±0.15, 6.1 ±0.1,7.6 ±0.15,11.4 ±0.2). There was a strong positive correlation between the free fatty acid of palm kernel oil and soil sodium concentration. The study revealed that quality of the soil has a relationship with the free fatty acid of the palm oil.