bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selenium-Enriched Soy Protein Has Antioxidant Potential via Modulation of the NRF2-HO1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhao Xiaoli , Gao Jinyan , Hogenkamp Astrid , Knippels Leon M. J. , Garssen Johan , Bai Jing , Yang Anshu , Wu Yong , Chen Hongbing
Published: October 2021

Selenium (Se)-enriched proteins are an important dietary source of Se for humans; however, only a few Se-enriched proteins have been identified. In the present study, we tested for potential antioxidant activity by Se-enriched soy protein, both in vitro and in vivo. Se-enriched soy protein isolate (S-SPI) was shown to have a higher free radical scavenging ability compared to ordinary soy protein isolate (O-SPI). Furthermore, Caco-2 cell viability was improved by S-SPI at low doses, whereas O-SPI did not. In addition, S-SPI was shown to inhibit oxidative stress via modulation of the NRF2-HO1 signaling pathway, upregulating the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes (GPx, SOD). To further study the antioxidant capacity of S-SPI, BALB/c female mice were given oral gavages with 0.8 mL of S-SPI or O-SPI (5 g/kg/d, 20 g/kg/d and 40 g/kg/d) or saline as control. Hepatic GPx and SOD activity increased with increasing S-SPI dosage, but not with O-SPI. Taken together, our results suggest that Se-enriched soy protein has a high antioxidant ability and may be used as a dietary supplement for people with oxidative dam-age-mediated diseases.
Impact of Maltitol and Sorbitol on Technological and Sensory Attributes of Biscuits
Authors: Roze Mathilde , Crucean Doina , Diler Guénaelle , Rannou Cécile , Catanéo Clément , Jonchère Camille , Le-Bail Alain , Le-Bail Patricia
Published: October 2021

Overconsumption of sugars in diets is associated with many health problems, including dental diseases, diabetes and obesity. However, removing sugar from products such as biscuits is still a challenge for manufacturers and has been limited in Europe since the evolution of the EU regulation in January 2018, allowing only polyols and non-sweetening bulking agents as sugar substitutes. This study investigated the effects of fully replacing sugar with two polyols, maltitol and sorbitol, in short-dough biscuits. Morphological, textural and visual characteristics were studied as well as sensory properties. The reformulated biscuits were more compact in shape and structure. They were also less prone to checking, which was attributed to a more homogeneous water distribution at the end of baking, especially with sorbitol. Polyol biscuits were surprisingly colourful, especially sorbitol ones, although polyols are not normally involved in Maillard reactions. Sensory tests, however, showed a depreciation of the products compared to the control. Sorbitol biscuits were the least preferred but maltitol ones were quite well accepted compared to the control. Thus, maltitol is an excellent potential substitute for this type of product.
Pilgrimage and Purpose: Ancestor Research as Sacred Practice in a Secular Age
Authors: Robinson Rebecca
Published: October 2021

This paper explores the ways in which ancestor research has become a replacement for religious community and practice in a post-religious world. We explore the parallels of popular present-day family history pursuits with traditional religious practices, noting the similarities in how the practices are used to foster and strengthen feelings of identity, purpose, and belonging. We look at three particular customs that are common to those interested in ancestor research: the handing on of ‘sacred’ stories and objects with familial significance; acts of pilgrimage to ancestrally significant places; and engaging in ‘ritual’ gatherings, either with extended family or with others who share the interest of ancestor research.
Psycho-Emotional Impact of Anomaly Ultrasound Scan in Romanian Pregnant Women
Authors: Pleş Liana , Hamoud Bashar Haj , Dimitriu Mihai Cornel Traian , Cîrstoveanu Cătălin , Socea Bogdan , Ionescu Antoniu-Crîngu , Albu Dragoş , Sima Romina-Marina , Poenaru Mircea-Octavian
Published: October 2021

Objective: Second-trimester anomaly scan was introduced as a regulated practice in Romania in 2019, causing misperceptions and unrealistic expectations about this examination among pregnant women. This study aimed to assess whether second trimester anomaly scan is a reason “per se” for maternal anxiety. Design: A prospective type 1 cohort study was conducted in a tertiary prenatal diagnosis center with three locations in Bucharest, Romania, among pregnant women who underwent a second trimester anomaly scan between 1 December 2019 and 29 February 2020. Main outcome measure: Anxiety at the time of prenatal anomaly scan. Results: Out of the 138 participants, 32.6% believed that the anomaly scan could detect all fetus defects, 13.8% considered that the baby is bothered by the probe “light”, 8.7% believed that the scan could harm the fetus, 96.4% reported that it was a pleasant experience, and 95% felt that it strengthened their bond with the fetus. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) score revealed that women with high state anxiety were more anxious at pre-scan (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Ultrasound scan in the second trimester is correlated with a significant anxiety for women who are prone to this psychological trait. It is also a good opportunity to screen for highly anxious women who could benefit from prenatal psychological counseling to facilitate timely recognition and prevention of postpartum psychiatric disorders such as depression.
Fluctuations of Training Load Variables in Elite Soccer Players U-14 throughout the Competition Season
Authors: Nobari Hadi , Kharatzadeh Masoud , Khalili Sara Mahmoudzadeh , Pérez-Gómez Jorge , Ardigò Luca Paolo
Published: October 2021

Excessive daily training load (TL) can affect the musculoskeletal system health of youth elite soccer players. The purposes of this study were (i) to describe the TL and session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) throughout the competition season; (ii) to analyze the weekly (w) differences of acute (daily) workload (wAWL), chronic workload (wCWL), acute–chronic workload ratio, training monotony (wTM), and training strain (wTS) among three periods over the season (early-, mid-, and end-season) by playing position; and (iii) to compare the TL variables during competition periods for the whole team. Twenty young elite soccer players in the under-14 category participated in this study. The game positions were considered as six wide defenders and wide midfielders (WM), five central defenders and central midfielders, and four strikers (ST). Daily monitoring was continued for 26 weeks during a full competition season. According to the league schedule, the season was divided into three periods: early-season from w1 to w8, mid-season from w9 to w17, and end-season from w18 to w26. The main results were that the higher TLs were detected in the early- and mid-season. There was a wAWL and wCWL decrease for all playing positions from early- to mid- and end-season, but the wCWL change was significant only from early- to mid-season (p ≤ 0.05). For all playing positions but ST, there was a considerable wTM increase from early- to mid-season. When compared with all other playing positions in terms of wAWL and wCWL, WM showed significantly greater values (p ≤ 0.05). Throughout the season periods, all workload indicators showed a considerable reduction, although there was a significant increase in the three other workload-derived variables (all with p ≤ 0.05) and namely: (i) wACWLR from mid- to end-season; (ii) wTM from early- to mid- and end-season; and (iii) wTS from early- to mid-season. Daily training load and s-RPE had significant fluctuations during all macrocycles of the competition season (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, in the mid-season, wTM and wTS were higher. Training load monitoring (in terms of, e.g., wAWL, wCWL, and s-RPE) could be the key for coaches of soccer teams to prevent overtraining and injury, especially in U-14 players, who are more susceptible to being affected by high workload.
Bridge over Troubled Water: Patients’ Opportunities for Collective Participation in Substance Use Institutions through Research Circles
Authors: Follevåg Brit-Marie , Seim Sissel
Published: October 2021

This study explores patients’ opportunities for collective participation in an institution for people with substance use disorder. Patients and staff from the treatment institution cooperated with researchers to make changes in the treatment practice, using a research circle as a model for the project. In the article, we discuss the following research questions: How and in what areas did patients have the opportunity to participate collectively in the treatment institution? How did the patients experience participation in the research circle? Data consist of minutes from meetings, seminars, and focus-group interviews. The participants analysed the material together, and the authors carried out a thematic analysis after the project. The participants chose to explore how milieu therapy could build a bridge from treatment in the institution to life after treatment, a “Bridge over troubled waters”, to quote Simon and Garfunkel. Findings show that activities in the research circle led to changes at the institution, e.g., regular Sunday afternoon meetings, a weekly quiz, and less controlling procedures of substance use, and that the institutional culture in general became based more on participation and equality. Patients, staff, and researchers participated in a partnership; mutual recognition promoted cooperation and fellowship in the research circle. We conclude that the project provided the participants with opportunities for collective participation in the institution. In addition, the patients experienced partnership and empowerment in the research circle. Our attempts to change institutional practices yielded some improvements but also met with structural and cultural barriers. Thus, the project experienced challenges and obstacles mostly related to limitations in the institutional system and culture.
The Weight Problem: Overview of the Most Common Concepts for Body Mass and Fat Distribution and Critical Consideration of Their Usefulness for Risk Assessment and Practice
Authors: Kesztyüs Dorothea , Lampl Josefine , Kesztyüs Tibor
Published: October 2021

The prevalence of obesity already reached epidemic proportions many years ago and more people may die from this pandemic than from COVID-19. However, the figures depend on which measure of fat mass is used. The determination of the associated health risk also depends on the applied measure. Therefore, we will examine the most common measures for their significance, their contribution to risk assessment and their applicability. The following categories are reported: indices of increased accumulation of body fat; weight indices and mortality; weight indices and risk of disease; normal weight obesity and normal weight abdominal obesity; metabolically healthy obesity; the obesity paradox. It appears that BMI is still the most common measure for determining weight categories, followed by measures of abdominal fat distribution. Newer measures, unlike BMI, take fat distribution into account but often lack validated cut-off values or have limited applicability. Given the high prevalence of obesity and the associated risk of disease and mortality, it is important for a targeted approach to identify risk groups and determine individual risk. Therefore, in addition to BMI, a measure of fat distribution should always be used to ensure that less obvious but risky manifestations such as normal weight obesity are identified.
Deep Conservation of Hid-Like RHG Gene Family Homologs in Winged Insects Revealed by “Taxon Hopping” BLAST
Authors: Friedrich Markus
Published: October 2021

Together with sickle (skl), the Drosophila paralogs reaper (rpr), head involution defective (hid), and grim (RHG) control a critical switch in the induction of programmed cell death. RHG homologs have been identified in other dipteran and lepidopteran species but not beyond. Revisiting this issue with a “taxon hopping” BLAST search strategy in current genome and transcriptome resources, I detected high confidence RHG homologs in Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, and Dictyoptera. Analyses of gene structure and protein sequence conservation revealed aconserved splicing pattern and highly conserved amino acid residues at both the N- and C-terminal ends that identify hid as the most ancestrally organized RHG gene family member in Drosophila. hid-like RHG homologs were also detected in mosquitoes, redefining their michelob_x (mx) genes as an expansion of derived RHG homologs. Only singleton homologs were detected in the large majority of other insect clades. Lepidopteran RHG homologs, however, stand out by producing an evolutionarily-derived splice isoform, identified in previous work, in addition to the newly detected hid-like isoform. Exceptional sequence diversification of select RHG homologs at the family- and genus-level explain their previous elusiveness in important insect genome model species like the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum and the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum. Combined, these findings expand the minimal age of the RHG gene family by about 100 million years and open new avenues for molecular cell death studies in insects.
Morphology and Phylogeny Reveal Vamsapriyaceae fam. nov. (Xylariales, Sordariomycetes) with Two Novel Vamsapriya Species
Authors: Sun Ya-Ru , Liu Ning-Guo , Samarakoon Milan C. , Jayawardena Ruvishika S. , Hyde Kevin D. , Wang Yong
Published: October 2021

Phylogenetic analyses of combined LSU, rpb2, tub2 and ITS sequence data of representative Xylariales taxa indicated that Diabolocovidia, Didymobotryum and Vamsapriya cluster together and form a distinct clade in Xylariales. Morphological comparison also shows their distinctiveness from other families of Xylariales. Therefore, we introduce it as a novel family, Vamsapriyaceae. Based on morphological characteristics, Podosporium and Tretophragmia, which were previously classified in Ascomycota genera incertae sedis, are now included in the Vamsapriyaceae. In addition, three Vamsapriya species, V. chiangmaiensis sp. nov, V. uniseptata sp. nov, and V. indica are described and illustrated in this paper.
Secure Data Transmission Based on Adaptive Chattering-Free Sliding Mode Synchronization of Unified Chaotic Systems
Authors: Lin Chih-Hsueh , Ho Chia-Wei , Hu Guo-Hsin , Sreeramaneni Baswanth , Yan Jun-Juh
Published: October 2021

This paper is concerned with a novel secure data transmission design based on adaptive synchronization of master and slave unified chaotic systems. First, by introducing an augmented error state, an adaptive continuous sliding mode control (SMC) is derived to guarantee the synchronization of unified chaotic systems. Then, the secret message embedded in the master chaotic system can be transmitted from transmitter to receiver. Different from previous works using discontinuous SMC, the undesired chattering phenomenon can be fully eliminated, and it becomes possible to precisely recover the embedded secret message at the receiver. Last, an example is given to illustrate the success of secure data transmission with the continuous SMC developed in this paper.
A Restart Local Search for Solving Diversified Top-k Weight Clique Search Problem
Authors: Wu Jun , Yin Minghao
Published: October 2021

Diversified top-k weight clique (DTKWC) search problem is an important generalization of the diversified top-k clique (DTKC) search problem with practical applications. The diversified top-k weight clique search problem aims to search k maximal cliques that can cover the maximum weight in a vertex weighted graph. In this work, we propose a novel local search algorithm called TOPKWCLQ for the DTKWC search problem which mainly includes two strategies. First, a restart strategy is adopted, which repeated the construction and updating processes of the maximal weight clique set. Second, a scoring heuristic is designed by giving different priorities for maximal weight cliques in candidate set. Meanwhile, a constraint model of the DTKWC search problem is constructed such that the research concerns can be evaluated. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm TOPKWCLQ outperforms than the comparison algorithm on large-scale real-world graphs.
Factors Affecting Dietary Improvements in Elderly Residents of Long-Term Care Institutions Receiving Domiciliary Dental Care
Authors: Kikuchi Hitomi , Komatsuzaki Akira , Ono Sachie , Sirono Miwa , Motoi Shiho , Iguchi Asami , Susuga Mio
Published: October 2021

Background: Oral disabilities occur due to tooth loss. This study aimed to investigate oral and systemic factors related to diet in elderly residents receiving domiciliary dental care. Methods: The subjects were 74 consenting residents. Survey items included whether subjects could eat independently and diet type. Subjects were examined by the dentist for the number of teeth, occlusal support index, and wearing dentures. Contingency table analysis was performed to determine what levels of decline in general and oral functions led to difficulties eating a normal diet. Results: There was a significant difference in the mean number of activities of daily living (ADL) requiring assistance evident between subjects eating a normal diet and those eating fluid boiled rice (p < 0.01). A comparison of occlusal support and diet type showed that most subjects who ate a soft diet or gruel had no occlusal support. Almost all subjects who ate a normal diet wore dentures. However, only 38% of subjects eating a soft diet and 40% of those eating gruel did wear dentures; both group differences were significant (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Future studies need to further investigate oral factors related to the type of diet and their relationships to domiciliary dental care in older adults.
Laccase-Catalyzed Derivatization of Antibiotics with Sulfonamide or Sulfone Structures
Authors: Mikolasch Annett , Hahn Veronika
Published: October 2021

Trametes spec. laccase (EC 1.10.3.2.) mediates the oxidative coupling of antibiotics with sulfonamide or sulfone structures with 2,5-dihydroxybenzene derivatives to form new heterodimers and heterotrimers. These heteromolecular hybrid products are formed by nuclear amination of the p-hydroquinones with the primary amino group of the sulfonamide or sulfone antibiotics, and they inhibited in vitro the growth of Staphylococcus species, including multidrug-resistant strains.
A New Clark-Type Layered Double Hydroxides-Enzyme Biosensor for H2O2 Determination in Highly Diluted Real Matrices: Milk and Cosmetics
Authors: Tomassetti Mauro , Pezzilli Riccardo , Prestopino Giuseppe , Di Biagio Francesco , Di Natale Corrado , Medaglia Pier Gianni
Published: October 2021

A new catalase amperometric biosensor for hydroperoxides detection has been built as part of research aimed at the development of biosensors based on layered double hydroxides (LDH) used as support for enzyme immobilization. The fabricated device differs from those developed so far, usually based on an LDH enzyme nanocomposite adsorbed on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode and cross-linked by glutaraldehyde, since it is based on an amperometric gas diffusion electrode (Clark type) instead of a GC electrode. The new biosensor, which still uses LDH synthesized by us and catalase enzyme, is robust and compact, shows a lower LOD (limit of detection) value and a linearity range shifted at lower concentrations than direct amperometric GC biosensor, but above all, it is not affected by turbidity or emulsions, or by the presence of possible soluble species, which are reduced to the cathode at the same redox potential. This made it possible to carry out accurate and efficient determination of H2O2 even in complex or cloudy real matrices, also containing very low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, such as milk and cosmetic products, i.e., matrices that would have been impossible to analyze otherwise, using conventional biosensors based on a GC–LDH enzyme. An inaccuracy ≤ 7.7% for cosmetic samples and ≤8.0% for milk samples and a precision between 0.7 and 1.5 (as RSD%), according to cosmetic or milk samples analyzed, were achieved.
Incorporating Environmental Perspective in Integrated Strategic-Tactical Economic Optimization Model of Biomass-to-Biofuel Supply Chain—A Real Case Study in Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfamichael Brook , Montastruc Ludovic , Negny Stéphane , Yimam Abubeker
Published: October 2021

Several optimization models, which consider economic and environmental perspectives, have been developed recently to support the sustainable biomass-to-biofuel supply chain (BBSC) design. All of the economic-environmental optimization models rely on solving long-term planning problems with a conventional hierarchical approach, where tactical decisions are made based on the optimal strategic decisions from the strategic-level model, despite it arousing non-optimal solutions. Moreover, almost all of them have used non-monetary-based environmental indicators, which result in difficulties with clarity when comparing with economic objectives. Therefore, in this work, an effort is made to develop a more reliable planning strategy that offers optimal strategic and tactical decisions simultaneously and maximizes the economic and environmental benefits. Furthermore, the environmental performance of the BBSC has been assessed in terms of monetary value by adopting an ecocost approach after performing an LCA on the system. The integrated model is applied in the real biofuel sector of Ethiopia to optimize the country’s bioethanol and biodiesel supply chain over a 20-year horizon. Despite the abrupt rise in the model size, with it being a real countrywide case with many variables and large quantities of data, an alternative semi-heuristic method that offers a feasible solution to the multi-objective problem is provided.
A Study on a Slotless Brushless DC Motor with Toroidal Winding
Authors: Lee Ho-Young , Yoon Seung-Young , Kwon Soon-O , Shin Jin-Yeong , Park Soo-Hwan , Lim Myung-Seop
Published: October 2021

In this study we developed a brushless DC (BLDC) slotless motor with toroidal winding. The proposed toroidal winding is a method of winding a coil around a ring-type stator yoke in the circumferential direction. As there is no need for a slot or tooth structure, it can be designed with a slotless motor structure that is advantageous for vibration and noise. The basic principle of operation and motor characteristics of a slotless motor with toroidal winding were explained using an analytical method and finite element analysis (FEA). Further, the air gap flux density, winding factor, and back electromotive force (EMF) for changes in the winding angle and number of coil turns were calculated using the analytical method and compared with the FEA results. Finally, the resistance, back EMF, cogging torque, and performance of the prototype were measured and compared with the FEA results. The results show that the air gap flux density and winding factor were approximately the same with an error of <2%, while the back EMF had an error of ~10% from the analysis result. Thus, the proposed slotless motor provides a basic design for conveniently manufacturing brushless DC (BLDC) slotless motors with toroidal windings.
Secular Dimensions of the Aśoka Stūpa from the Changgan Monastery of the Song Dynasty
Authors: Dai Yue
Published: October 2021

In 2008, in the course of excavating the site of the pagoda foundations of the former Nanjing Da Bao’en Monastery 南京大報恩寺, archaeologists discovered Buddhist relics enshrined in nested reliquaries along with some two hundred offering objects. The most impressive finding was a specially designed, richly decorated reliquary stūpa, known as the Seven-Jeweled Aśoka Stūpa 七寶阿育王塔, created in the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE). This paper begins with the history of the site where a series of famous Buddhist structures had been built since the Wu Kingdom (222–280 CE), and which has long been associated with the cult of King Aśoka and relic worship. It then goes on to examine the form and features of the reliquary stūpas prevalent in the Wuyue period (907–978). Through comparisons between the Aśoka stūpas commissioned by Wuyue King Qian Chu 錢俶 (929–988) and those by laypeople around the same time, I will demonstrate that the Seven-Jeweled Aśoka Stūpa is distinct in its secular features. It is not a Buddhist reliquary that strictly conforms to the conventions of reliquary-making in terms of scale, inscription, and functionality; besides relic worship, it also features a remarkable manifestation of laypeople’s beliefs and expectations, sacred or secular. Viewed in its historical context, in which the Song emperors imposed political control over religious affairs and Buddhism became increasingly secular, the stūpa was a product of negotiation between the political authorities and local Buddhist communities in the Song Dynasty.
Doxographical Appropriation of Nāgārjuna’s Catuṣkoṭi in Chinese Sanlun and Tiantai Thought
Authors: Kantor Hans Rudolf
Published: October 2021

This article reconstructs the Chinese “practice qua exegesis” which evolved out of the doxographical appropriation of the Indian Buddhist catuṣkoṭi (four edges), a heuristic device for conceptual analysis and a method of assorting linguistic forms to which adherents of Madhyamaka ascribed ambiguous potential. It could conceptually clarify Buddhist doctrine, but also produce deceptive speech. According to the Chinese interpreters, conceptual and linguistic forms continue to be deceptive until the mind realizes that all it holds on or distinguishes itself from is its own fabrication. Liberation from such self-induced deceptions requires awareness of the paradox that the desire to leave them behind is itself a way of clinging to them. Chinese Sanlun and Tiantai masters tried to uncover this paradox and to disclose to practitioners how the application of the catuṣkoṭi, on the basis of such awareness, enables proper conceptual analysis in exegesis. From this approach followed the Chinese habit of construing doxographies in which hermeneutical and soteriological intent coincide. Understanding the inner unity of doctrinal manifoldness in the translated sūtra and śāstra literature from India via exegesis also made it possible to apprehend the ineffable sense of liberation.
Evolution of the Global Scientific Research on the Environmental Impact of Food Production from 1970 to 2020
Authors: Cimini Alessio
Published: October 2021

Food production and consumption account for a significant share of the impact of various pressing and important environmental concerns such as climate change, eutrophication, and loss of biodiversity. In this work, a bibliometric analysis of the last 50 years of research papers, written in English and indexed on Scopus database, was carried out to highlight the evolution of the global scientific research in the environmental assessment of food production (EAFP). The research papers in EAFP started to significantly increase from 2005, being most frequently published by the Journal of Cleaner Production and International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment. The United States of America was the first publishing country, followed by China, the United Kingdom, and Italy. Wheat, rice, fish, maize, and milk were the food items mainly studied, with different importance depending on the authors’ publishing country. Life Cycle Analysis, Carbon Footprint, and Water Footprint were the first three standard methods used to assess climate change, energy consumption, and environmental impact. The Wageningen University, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Research Centre, and China Agricultural University were the main publishing research centers. All the papers published worldwide received 18.1 citations per paper, the UK and Chinese papers being those mostly and minimally cited, respectively. Over the last five years, this research field largely aimed to managing the agricultural practices, mitigating global warming and water use, assuring food security and sustainable food consumption, while minimizing food waste formation. Such an objective evaluation of this research topic might help guide researchers on where to address their future research work.
Assessing the Effect of Perceived Diversity Practices and Psychological Safety on Contextual Performance for Sustainable Workplace
Authors: Dongrey Ritika , Rokade Varsha
Published: October 2021

Perceiving discrimination in workplace practices psychologically damages employees and affects their work performance. The current study aims to find differences in perceived diversity practices (i.e., equal representation and developmental opportunities and gender diversity promotion) and the psychological safety of diverse groups in the workplace. Further, the study investigates the relationship of equal representation and developmental opportunities, gender diversity promotion, and psychological safety with employee contextual performance. A sample size of (n = 536) respondents was collected from the private banking sector in India, and was further analyzed using statistical tools, such as factor analysis, correlations, analysis of variance, and regression analysis. The findings indicate differences in gender and tenure diversity regarding “equal representation and development opportunities”, and “gender diversity promotion.” Furthermore, “equal representation and development opportunities,” and “psychological safety” showed a significant negative relationship with the employee contextual performance. Further, no association between perceived “gender diversity promotion” practices and “contextual performance” was found. The novelty of the current research is unlike previous research; the study highlights that excess psychological safety, equality in representation, and development opportunities to have “workforce diversity” make employees aggressively explicit and disengage them from additional work behavior. The findings of the study and application of SPSS software for the analysis of the employee’s perception, behavior, and performance will aid managers and leaders in better decision making for employees; business growth; effective human resource and business management; and for building a healthy, collaborative, and sustainable work environment in the private banks and similar organizations.
Application of Modified Spent Mushroom Compost Biochar (SMCB/Fe) for Nitrate Removal from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Darajeh Negisa , Alizadeh Hossein , Leung David W. M. , Rashidi Nodeh Hamid , Rezania Shahabaldin , Farraji Hossein
Published: October 2021

The public is already aware that nitrate pollution caused by nutrient runoff from farms is harmful to aquatic life and human health, and there is an urgent need for a product/technology to solve this problem. A biochar adsorbent was synthesized and used to remove nitrate ions from aqueous media based on spent mushroom compost (SMC), pre-treated with iron (III) chloride hexahydrate and pyrolyzed at 600 °C. The surface properties and morphology of SMCB/Fe were investigated using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of main parameters such as the adsorbent dosages, pH of the solutions, contact times, and ion concentrations on the efficiency of nitrate removal was investigated. The validity of the experimental method was examined by the isothermal adsorption and kinetic adsorption models. The nitrate sorption kinetics were found to follow the pseudo-second-order model, with a higher determination coefficient (0.99) than the pseudo-first-order (0.86). The results showed that the maximum percentage of nitrate adsorption was achieved at equilibrium pH 5–7, after 120 min of contact time, and with an adsorbent dose of 2 g L−1. The highest nitrate adsorption capacity of the modified adsorbent was 19.88 mg g−1.
Identification of Metal Contamination Sources and Evaluation of the Anthropogenic Effects in Soils near Traffic-Related Facilities
Authors: Lee Hong-gil , Byun Yoon Joo , Chun Young-Woo , Noh Hoe-Jung , Kim Dong-Jin , Kim Hyun-Koo , Kim Ji-In
Published: October 2021

Traffic-related facilities typically have much lower metal emissions than other sources; however, they can be numerous and widespread as well. Subdividing pollution sources is necessary to assess soil contamination characteristics and identify sources according to the contamination cause. Anthropogenic contamination by metals was quantitatively determined using contamination factor (Cf) and evaluated using multivariate analysis. More than half of the concentrations for Zn, Pb, and Cu in soils were higher than that in the natural background (NB). Cf of metals was, in decreasing order, Zn > Pb = Cu > Ni = As. Zn, Pb, and Cu were identified as anthropogenic contaminants in correlation analysis. Principal component analysis showed that the two main contamination causes were coarse particles from the maintenance or crushing activities of vehicles and nonexhaust/exhaust emissions. Clusters were classified according to those two anthropogenic and lithogenic causes and included Group I (Zn, Pb, and Cu in garages, auto repair shops, and auto salvage yards), Group II (Zn, Pb, and Cu in parking lots, driving schools, and roadsides), and Group III (As and Ni with high lithogenic properties). Anthropogenic input and sources of soil contamination by metals in traffic-related facilities were appropriately estimated through the combination of Cf and multivariate analysis.
Scalar Induced Gravitational Waves Review
Authors: Domenech Guillem
Published: October 2021

We provide a review on the state-of-the-art of gravitational waves induced by primordial fluctuations, so-called induced gravitational waves. We present the intuitive physics behind induced gravitational waves and we revisit and unify the general analytical formulation. We then present general formulas in a compact form, ready to be applied. This review places emphasis on the open possibility that the primordial universe experienced a different expansion history than the often assumed radiation dominated cosmology. We hope that anyone interested in the topic will become aware of current advances in the cosmology of induced gravitational waves, as well as becoming familiar with the calculations behind.
Prediction Model for COVID-19 Vaccination Intention among the Mobile Population in China: Validation and Stability
Authors: Hu Fan , Gong Ruijie , Chen Yexin , Zhang Jinxin , Hu Tian , Chen Yaqi , Zhang Kechun , Shang Meili , Cai Yong
Published: October 2021

Since China’s launch of the COVID-19 vaccination, the situation of the public, especially the mobile population, has not been optimistic. We investigated 782 factory workers for whether they would get a COVID-19 vaccine within the next 6 months. The participants were divided into a training set and a testing set for external validation conformed to a ratio of 3:1 with R software. The variables were screened by the Lead Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression analysis. Then, the prediction model, including important variables, used a multivariate logistic regression analysis and presented as a nomogram. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, Kolmogorov–Smirnov (K-S) test, Lift test and Population Stability Index (PSI) were performed to test the validity and stability of the model and summarize the validation results. Only 45.54% of the participants had vaccination intentions, while 339 (43.35%) were unsure. Four of the 16 screened variables—self-efficacy, risk perception, perceived support and capability—were included in the prediction model. The results indicated that the model has a high predictive power and is highly stable. The government should be in the leading position, and the whole society should be mobilized and also make full use of peer education during vaccination initiatives.
Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination in the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study in Southern Italy
Authors: Gallè Francesca , Sabella Elita Anna , Roma Paolo , Da Molin Giovanna , Diella Giusy , Montagna Maria Teresa , Ferracuti Stefano , Liguori Giorgio , Orsi Giovanni Battista , Napoli Christian
Published: October 2021

In Italy, at the end of 2020, a voluntary immunization plan against COVID-19 was introduced, involving elderly among the first target categories. The aim of this study was to assess, through an online questionnaire, the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination in a sample of older adults from southern Italy. Of a total of 1041 respondents (41.7% males, mean age 76.6 ± 6.5), 965 (92.7%) were vaccinated or willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19, although less than half of the sample was favorable to vaccinations and agreed with mandatory immunization. Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination was found to be positively related with higher educational level (OR = 1.875, CI95% = 1.113–3.161; p = 0.018) and having social/mass media as a main source of information (OR = 2.415 CI95% = 1.358–4.296, p = 0.003). On the contrary, an inverse relationship was found between acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination and having fulfilled the questionnaire after the introduction of green pass (OR = 0.218, CI95% = 0.129–0.369; p < 0.001). Therefore, although this evidence needs to be further confirmed, it is possible to agree with previous studies reporting that compulsory measures, such as green pass implementation, must be accompanied by effective education and information strategies of the target population.
Bayesian Estimation of Diagnostic Accuracy of Three Diagnostic Tests for Bovine Tuberculosis in Egyptian Dairy Cattle Using Latent Class Models
Authors: Elsohaby Ibrahim , Alahadeb Jawher I. , Mahmmod Yasser S. , Mweu Marshal M. , Ahmed Heba A. , El-Diasty Mohamed M. , Elgedawy Attia A. , Mahrous Eman , El Hofy Fatma I.
Published: October 2021

The aim of the present study was to calculate the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the single cervical tuberculin test (SCT), rapid lateral flow test (RLFT), and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) infection in Egyptian dairy cattle herds within a Bayesian framework. The true M. bovis infection within-herd prevalence was assessed as a secondary objective. Data on the test results of SCT, RLFT, and RT-PCR for the detection of M. bovis were available from 245 cows in eleven herds in six major governorates in Egypt. A Bayesian latent class model was built for the estimation of the characteristics of the three tests. Our findings showed that Se of SCT (0.93 (95% Posterior credible interval (PCI): 0.89–0.93)) was higher than that of RT-PCR (0.83 (95% PCI: 0.28–0.93)) but was similar to the Se of RLFT (0.93 (95% PCI: 0.31–0.99)). On the contrary, SCT showed the lowest Sp estimate (0.60 (95% PCI: 0.59–0.65)), whereas Sp estimates of RT-PCR (0.99 (95% PCI: 0.95–1.00)) and RLFT (0.99 (95% PCI: 0.95–1.00)) were comparable. The true prevalence of M. bovis ranged between 0.07 and 0.71. In conclusion, overall, RT-PCR and RLFT registered superior performance to SCT, making them good candidates for routine use in the Egyptian bovine tuberculosis control program.
MULTI-AGENT MODELING IN CARGO DELIVERY MODELS USING TECHNOLOGIES FOR FOLDING CONTAINERS
Authors:   Don state technical university, YURGIN I.V. , KOROTKIY A.А. ,   Don state technical university
Published: October 2021

The implementation of high-quality control of transport in various processes of supply chains, as well as in the field of cargo transportation, allows you to achieve a significant reduc-tion in transport costs. There are a large number of methods for optimizing transportation, the most common drawback of which is their inability to adapt to various critical unforeseen situa-tions. Using multi-agent models allows you to bypass the limitations of static models that use a strict schedule. To demonstrate the advantages of these models, we will use materials obtained as a result of computer modeling.
ОБРАЗОВАНИЕ МОДИФИЦИРОВАННЫХ ПОВЕРХНОСТЕЙ ТРЕНИЯ
Authors:   Orel State University, RODICHEV A.Yu. , NOVIKOV A.N. ,   Orel State University, GORIN A.V. ,   Orel State University, TOKMAKOVA M.A. ,   Orel State University
Published: October 2021

The article provides information on the formation of modified friction surfaces. The results of the analysis of the applied antifriction film coatings are presented. One of the main problems of applying thin film coatings is the lack of technological modes recommended by the manufacturer. The composition of the film antifriction coating is described. The results of experimental studies of the application of thin film coatings are presented. A pneumatic spray gun for applying thin film coatings was selected. A series of experiments were carried out to identify the technological modes of applying thin film coatings. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of the results of applying thin film coatings was performed. A functional scheme for applying an anti-friction film coating is proposed. Based on the conclusions made, recommendations are given on the technological modes of applying thin film antifriction coatings to the modified friction surface.
MULTI-CRITERIA ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFICIENCY OF THE OPERATION OF HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLES IN THE TRANSPORTATION OF BULK CARGO UNDER CONDITIONS OF RESTRICTIONS IN THE OPERATION OF ROADS
Authors:   Moscow Automobile and Road Construction State Technical University (MADI), SUBBOTIN B.S. , TERENTYEV A.V. ,   Moscow Automobile and Road Construction State Technical University (MADI)
Published: October 2021

The article presents a matrix of effective solutions, depending on the state of the operating environment in the «car-environment» system. Different variants of the value of the capacity utili-zation factor (CUF) are a prerequisite for differentiating the assessment of efficiency indicators of heavy vehicles when transporting bulk cargo. These studies make it possible to establish, with the help of a certain analysis, statistical links and build: a graph of the dependence of changes in the characteristics of vehicles during the transportation of bulk cargo depending on the change in CUF, a graph of the dependence of the cost of transportation of goods per 1 km depending on the change in CUF, a graph of the dependence of changes in damage caused by the vehicle when transporting bulk cargo, depending on the change in CUF.
IMPROVING ROAD TRAFFIC ORGANIZATION THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
Authors:   Belgorod State Technological University, KUSHCHENKO L.E. , KAMBUR A.S. ,   Belgorod Polytechnic College, PEKHOV A.A. ,   Belgorod State Technological University
Published: October 2021

Examples of the use of ITS in various countries are given, improvements in traffic manage-ment, methods of reducing delays, travel time, as well as improving the environmental situation when using systems are considered. The system «Auto-Intellect», used in the territory of the Russian Federation, is presented. On the example of the city of Belgorod, a method of using ITS is pro-posed, by prohibiting the entry of cars into the city, taking into account certain state license plates.
EVALUATION OF THE ELECTROMAGNETIC BACKGROUND OF THE ELEMENTS OF THE DIGITAL DATA TRANSMISSION SYSTEM FROM A MOBILE OBJECT
Authors:   Orel State University, RODIMTSEV S.A.
Published: October 2021

The article substantiates the possibility of harmful effects on humans and the environment of electromagnetic fields generated by modern wireless communication devices. The main results of work on the creation of a new system for uninterrupted transmission of digital data from a mobile object, in the absence of a GSM signal, are presented. The technique and measuring equipment used to assess the value of the energy flux density during the functioning of the developed receiv-ing-transmitting complex and the compliance of the EMR with permissible values are described. It has been established that the value of the flux density of electromagnetic radiation generated by the elements of the new radio transmission system does not go beyond the permissible values and is no more than 8.45 μW cm-2 - for a base transceiving station and no more than 5.02 μW cm-2 - for the radio module, at a distance of 10 cm from the object of radiation.
STRUCTURE FORMATION OF C-S-H FROM THE POSITION OF MICROMECHANICS OF COMPOSITE MEDIA
Authors: Fedyuk R. , Yoo D.-Y.
Published: October 2021

the creation of an environmentally friendly building material to protect the human environment can only be carried out from the position of a transdisciplinarity approach, taking into account modern achievements in geomimetics and micromechanics of composite media. A wide range of basalt-fiber-reinforced concrete based on composite binders has been developed, which have increased characteristics of impermeability and durability under extreme operating conditions. The nature of the influence of the composition and manufacturing technology of cement composites on the pore structure of the composite has been established, which has a positive effect on the charac-teristics of gas, water and vapor permeability. High early strength was obtained, which allows the use of materials for operational repair and construction in emergency situations. The positive influence of the composition of the developed composite on the performances has been proved. The water resistance of the modified composite provides a water pressure of 2 MPa for 148 hours, which corresponds to the W18 grade (for the control sample – W8), the frost resistance grade – F300. It was found that the water absorption of the modified concrete samples was lower than that of the control sample, which is explained by the decrease in the pore structure index λ by 28.4 times, and the average pore diameter by 3.05 times. The total pore volume of the modified concrete was lower and decreased with increasing dose of nanosilica.
Determinants Reading COVID-19 Visual Messages Located in Public Urban Spaces from the Perspective of P.M.Lester’s Theory of Visual Communication
Authors: Perzycka Elzbieta
Published: October 2021

In the face of the multiplication of images in all spheres of human life, it is necessary to discuss the need to develop visual education, the purpose of which is to prepare people to read visual messages in the conditions of a changing culture. For the needs of the research challenge, the source of which was the global crisis caused by the Covid 19 pandemic, the subject of scientific interest was defined, which are the conditions for reading covid 19 visual messages located in public urban spaces. The article presents a fragment of a wider research. Due to the carrier of the visual message used, the analysis was based on photos presenting Covid 19 visual messages, obtained from cities in New Zealand, China and Kenya. It has been adopted that the critical theory and visual culture focused on the message can mutually support each other with the traditions of their discourses in the descriptions of the analyzed phenomena. For the purposes of the research, the theory of visual communication by P.M. Lester was adopted, taking into account six perspectives of knowledge: 1) historical, 2) personal, 3) ethical, 4) cultural, 5) technical and 6) critical.