bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Analysis of Gear Pairs with the Effects of Stick-slip
Authors: Xun Chao , Dai He
Published: July 2021

A stick-slip dynamic model of a two-gear set is proposed. In this model, time-varying mesh stiffness, tooth separation, friction between the gear teeth surfaces and potential stick-slip are considered. Considering the contributions of the vibration velocity to the gear teeth sliding velocity, transition conditions between the stick state and slip state are revealed. Dynamic analysis shows that, when stick appears, the vibration amplitudes are dramatically increased, and tooth separation occurs. Additionally, stick also induces half-frequency components of the mesh frequency and causes chaos. Parametric studies show that heavy loads and rough tooth surfaces increase the probability of stick and increase the time of the stick state over a single mesh period. However, due to the complex nonlinearity, the existence of a certain relationship between the gear rotation speed and the stick time is not confirmed.
Analytical Models and Performance Evaluation of Vehicular-to-Infrastructure Networks With Optimal Retransmission Number
Authors: Bozkurt Aytül
Published: July 2021

Vehicle-to-infrastructure and vehicle-to-vehicle communications has been introduced to provide high rate Internet connectivity to vehicles to meet the ubiquitous coverage and increasing high-data rate internet and multimedia demands by utilizing the 802.11 access points (APs). In order to evaluate the performance of vehicular networks over WLAN, in this paper, we investigate the transmisison and network performance of vehicles that pass through AP by considering contention nature of vehicles over 802.11 WLANs. Firstly, we derived an analytical traffic model to obtain the number of vehicles under transmision range of an AP. Then, incorporating vehicle traffic model with Markov chain model and for arrival packets, M/G/1/K queuing system, we developed a model evaluating the performance of DCF mechanism with an optimal retransmission number. We also derived the probability of mean arrival rate l to AP. A distinctive aspect of our proposed model is that it incorporates both vehicular traffic model and backoff procedure with M/G/1/K queuing model to investigate the impact of various traffic load conditions and system parameters on the vehicular network system. Based on our model, we show that the delay and througput performance of the system reduces with the increasing vehicle velocity due to optimal retransmision number m, which is adaptively adjusted in the network with vehicle mobility.
Population Genetic Structure and Historical Demography of the Population of Forest Elephants in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Kouakou Jean-Louis , Gonedelé-Bi Sery
Published: July 2021

The population of forest elephant has continuously declined in Côte d’Ivoire and, the remaining population largely consists of small populations that are fragmented and isolated. No data actually exist on the level of genetic diversity and population genetic structure of current forest elephant populations in Côte d’Ivoire need to be highlighted. In this sense, determining genetic diversity and the underlying mechanisms of population differentiation is crucial for the initiation of effective conservation management.
Forest elephant dung samples were collected in three forest reserves (FR) in Côte d’Ivoire. The total genomic DNA was extracted from these samples, A total of 101 sequences of the
mitochondrial DNA control region measuring 600 base pair and 31 haplotypes were obtained. A haplotypic diversity ranging from 0.655 ± 0.050 at Bossématié and 0.859 ± 0.088 at Port Gauthier was obtained. More than half (16 of 31) of the haplotypes observed were singletons and only the Dassioko and Port Gauthier FRs shared the same haplotypes. The strong genetic connectivity between forest elephant populations of the Dassioko and Port Gauthier FRs is supported by the grouping of these populations into a single cluster by Bayesian analysis and principal component analysis. Although populations of Loxodonta cyclotis still exhibit relatively high genetic diversity, habitat fragmentation has already affected the genetic variability of current populations. Urgent measures including the reinforcement/establishment of genetic corridors and the strengthening of protection measures need to be undertaken to save the remaining populations.
Nanodiamonds in Oil Emulsions as Effective Vaccine Adjuvants and Antitumor Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Lin Hsin-Hung , Wang Chih-Yen , Hsieh Feng-Jen , Liao Fang-Zhen , Su Yu-Kai , Pham Minh Dinh , Hsu Hsao-Hsun , Chang Huan-Cheng
Published: July 2021

Background Vaccination is an effective tool to elicit immunological responses that mediate the protection from infection or disease. Composed of mineral oil and mycobacteria pathogens, complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) is one of the most commonly employed adjuvants for antibody production and vaccination due to its high efficiency. However, the dead mycobacteria in CFA can cause many allergic reactions. To avoid these adverse effects, we propose here a new formulation based on the use of nanodiamonds (NDs) as biocompatible non-allergic additives in incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (IFA) instead. ResultsTested with chicken egg ovalbumin (OVA) in mouse models, the new formulation with 100-nm NDs was found to serve well as a safe and potent vaccine adjuvant that significantly enhanced the immune responses and reduced the consumption of antigens in producing the antibodies of interest. Additionally, the composites showed distinct therapeutic activities, as proven by the OVA/ND/IFA treatment which effectively inhibited the tumor progression of OVA-expressing E.G7 cells inoculated in mice and allowed the animals to survive up to 35 days post tumor-cell challenges. Conclusions﻿The dual functionality of ND/IFA makes it useful as adjuvants not only to increase antibody production but also to create single-dose vaccines.
Childhood Diagnoses in Individuals Diagnosed With Autism in Adulthood
Authors: Rødgaard Eya-Mist , Jensen Kristian , Miskowiak Kamilla Woznica , Mottron Laurent
Published: July 2021

Autism is a developmental condition, where symptoms are expected to occur in childhood, but a significant number of individuals are diagnosed with autism for the first time in adulthood. Here we use the National Danish Patient Registry to investigate diagnoses given in childhood among those that are diagnosed with autism in adulthood (N = 2199). We found that most childhood diagnoses were given after the age of 12, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, affective disorders, anxiety, and stress disorders were the most prevalent childhood diagnoses. However, 69% of males and 61% of females with adult autism diagnoses had not received any of the included diagnoses before the age of 18. In most cases, the late autism diagnosis is therefore unlikely to be explained by either misdiagnosis or diagnostic overshadowing. This result is at odds with the prevailing notion that autistic symptoms tend to diminish with age. Therefore, further research is warranted to examine how early signs of autism may have manifested among these individuals, and how similar they are to autistic people diagnosed earlier in their development. Milder to moderate cases of psychiatric conditions that have been solely treated by family physician or school psychologists may not be fully included in our dataset.
The Role of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Moderate and Advanced Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Eslami Yadollah , Ghods Sepideh , Mohammadi Massood , Safizadeh Mona , Fakhraie Ghasem , Zarei Reza , Vahedian Zakieh , tabatabaei seyed mehdi
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between structure and function in moderate and advanced primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and to determine the accuracy of structure and vasculature for discriminating moderate from advanced POAG.Methods: In this cross-sectional study 25 eyes with moderate and 40 eyes with advanced POAG were enrolled. All eyes underwent measurement of the thickness of circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) and macular ganglion cell complex (GCC), and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) of the optic nerve head (ONH) and macula. Visual field (VF) was evaluated by Swedish interactive threshold algorithm and 24-2 and 10-2 patterns. The correlation between structure and vasculature and the mean deviation (MD) of the VFs was evaluated by a partial correlation coefficient. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was applied for assessing the power of variables for discrimination moderate from advanced POAG.Results: Superior cpRNFL, superior GCC, whole image vessel density (wiVD) of the ONH area, and vessel density in inferior quadrant of perifovea had the strongest correlation with the mean deviation (MD) of the VF 24-2 (r= .351, .558, .649 and .397; p< .05). The greatest AUCs belonged to inferior cpRNFL (.789), superior GCC (.818), vessel density of the inferior hemifield of ONH area (.886), and vessel density in inferior quadrant of perifovea (.833) without statistically significant difference in pairwise comparison.Conclusion: Vasculature has a stronger correlation than the structure with MD in moderate and advanced POAG and is as accurate as structure in discrimination moderate from advanced POAG.
Mafld Causes Alterations in Thalamus Energy Metabolism and Brain Structure
Authors: Nucera Saverio , Ruga Stefano , Cardamone Antonio , Coppoletta Anna Rita , Guarnieri Lorenza , Zito Maria Caterina , Bosco Francesca , Macrì Roberta , Scarano Federica , Scicchitano Miriam , Maiuolo Jessica , Carresi Cristina , Mollace Rocco , Cariati Luca , Mazzarella Giuseppe , Palma Ernesto , Gliozzi Micaela , Musolino Vincenzo , Cascini Giuseppe Lucio , Mollace Vincenzo
Published: July 2021

Background

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), commonly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, represents a continuum of events characterized by excessive hepatic fat accumulation which can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and in some severe cases hepatocellular carcinoma. MAFLD might be considered as a multisystem disease that affects not only the liver but involves wider implications, relating to several organs and systems, the brain included. The present study aims to investigate changes associated with MAFLD-induced alteration of thalamic metabolism in vivo.
Methods

DIAMOND mice were fed a chow diet and tap water (NC NW) or fat Western Diet (WD SW) for up to 28 weeks. At the baseline and weeks 4, 8, 20, 28 the thalamic neurochemical profile and total cerebral brain volume were evaluated longitudinally in both diet groups using 1H-MRS. To confirm the disease progression, at each time point, a subgroup of animals was sacrificed, the livers excised and placed in formalin. Liver histology was assessed and reviewed by an expert liver pathologist.
Results

MAFLD development significantly increases the thalamic levels of total N-acetylaspartate, total creatine, total choline, and taurine. Furthermore, in the WD SW group a reduction in total cerebral brain volume has been observed (p < 0.05 vs NC NW).
Conclusion

Our results suggest that thalamic energy metabolism is affected by MAFLD progression. This metabolic imbalance, that is quantifiable by 1H-MRS in vivo, might cause structural damage to brain cells and dysfunctions of neurotransmitter release.
Herbal and Dietary Supplement-Induced Liver Injury: A Nationwide Comparative Study
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Lai Rongtao , tang jieting , Hu Yulin , Ding Yang , Aithal Guruprasad P. , Andrade Raúl J , Watkins Paul B. , Shen Tao , Jiang Yueping , Yu Yanyan , Wang Jiyao , Hu Peng , Sha Weihong , Li Lei , Ma Shiwu , Li Jing , Liu Chenghai , Chen Jinjun , Mao Qing , Lu Qinghua , Jiang Haixing , Xu Qingling , Yuan Hong , LI Yufang , Shi Li , Liu Liangming , Sun Kewei , Han Xi’an , Zhong Wei , Chen Jun , Chen Chengwei , Mao Yimin
Published: July 2021

Background

Herbal and Dietary Supplements (HDS) are capable of causing liver injury, however, the extent of HDS-induced liver injury compared to western medication (WM)-induced liver injury has not been well studied.
Methods

This was a three-year, retrospective study from 308 centers across Mainland China. 3,877 patients with liver injury due to HDS and 3,796 patients with liver injury due to WM were analyzed. Demographic and clinical characteristics, implicated agents, and severity of liver injury were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results

The HDS group was older (average age 47.65 ± 14.8 years) and had more females (57.92%). The latency to onset of liver injury was greater in the HDS group than in the WM group (41 vs. 35 days, P < 0.0001). The median levels of serum aspertate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total bilirubin (TBIL) at injury detection and at peak were significantly higher in the HDS group (P < 0 .0001). The mortality and incidence of acute liver failure (ALF) did not differ significantly between groups (0.59% vs. 0.76%, P = 0.3643; 2.31% vs. 2.13%, P = 0.6253). In patients without pre-existing liver diseases, the frequency of chronic DILI was higher in the HDS group (15.26% vs. 11.13%, P < 0 .0001).
Conclusion

Compared to WM-DILI, HDS-DILI is more common in older individuals and women, and has a longer latency period. HDS seems to cause more severe clinical manifestations, yet it does not increase the risk of fatal clinical outcomes. Further regulations on the use of HDS are needed.
Efficacy and Outcomes of Intraoperative Extensive Lavage Plus Surgery Versus Surgery Alone in Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhang Li-xiang , Li Chuan-hong , Ma Jun , Chen Lei , Wei Zhi-jian , Xu A-Man , Han Wenxiu
Published: July 2021

Objective: This randomized study aims to evaluate the efficacy and long-term outcome of advanced gastric cancer patients with extensive intraoperative peritoneal lavage (EIPL). Methods: A total of 150 patients with advanced gastric cancer were enrolled in this study, the patients were randomly allocated to 2 groups: the group of surgery alone (non-EIPL group), the group of surgery plus EIPL (EIPL group). The surviving rate analysis was compared by the Kaplan–Meier method. The prognostic factors were carried out using the Cox appropriate hazard pattern. Results: Symptom of ileus and abdominal abscess appeared more frequently in the non-EIPL group(p<0.05). The overall survival (OS) curve and the recurrence free survival (RFS) curve of the EIPL group was better than the non-EIPL group (p<0.05). The EIPL, tumor size, vascular invasion, N stage and T stage were independent prognostic factors of overall survival. The independent risk factors of recurrence free survival (RFS) include EIPL and tumor size. Conclusions: The present study revealed that EIPL can reduce the possibility of perioperative complications including ileus and abdominal abscess. Besides, the overall survival curve and recurrence free survival curve are better in the EIPL group. This technique is easy and not-expensive, therefore EIPL can benefit advanced gastric cancer patients a lot and would be a promising therapeutic strategy in the future.Trial Registration: Clinical Trials.gov, identifier: NCT02745509, Registered 28 March2016,https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02745509?cond=NCT02745509&draw=2&rank=1.
Identification of a Novel Glycolysis-Related Signature to Predict the Prognosis of Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: He Menglin , Hu Cheng , Deng Jian , Ji Hui , Tian Weiqian
Published: July 2021

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is a kind of cancer with high incidence and mortality in female. Conventional clinical characteristics are far from accurate to predict individual outcomes. Therefore, we aimed to develop a novel signature to predict the survival of patients with BC. Methods: We analyzed the data of a training cohort from the TCGA database and a validation cohort from GEO database. After the applications of GSEA and Cox regression analyses, a glycolysis-related signature for predicting the survival of patients with BC was developed. The signature contains AK3, CACNA1H, IL13RA1, NUP43, PGK1, and SDC1. Then, we constructed a risk score formula to classify the patients into high and low-risk groups based on the expression levels of six-gene in patients. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the Kaplan-Meier curve were used to assess the predicted capacity of the model. Next, a nomogram was developed to predict the outcomes of patients with risk score and clinical features in 1, 3, and 5 years. We further used Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database to validate the expressions of the six biomarkers in tumor and sample tissues.Results: We constructed a six-gene signature to predict the outcomes of patients with BC. The patients in high-risk group showed poor prognosis than that in low-risk group. The AUC values were 0.719 and 0.702, showing that the prediction performance of the signature is acceptable. Additionally, Cox regression analysis revealed that these biomarkers could independently predict the prognosis of BC patients without being affected by clinical factors. The expression levels of all six biomarkers in BC tissues were higher than that in normal tissues except AK3. Conclusion: We developed a six-gene signature to predict the prognosis of patients with BC. Our signature has been proved to have the ability to make an accurate and obvious prediction and might be used to expand the prediction methods in clinical.
The cyclic interaction between daytime behavior and the sleep behavior of laboratory dogs: A correlational study
Authors: Schork Ivana Gabriela , Manzo Isabele Aparecida , de Oliveira Marcos Beiral , Costa Fernanda Vieira , Young Robert John , Azevedo Cristiano Schetini
Published: July 2021

Sleep deprivation has been found to negatively affect an individual´s physical and psychological health. Sleep loss affects activity patterns, increases anxiety-like behaviors, decreases cognitive performance and it is associated with depressive states. The activity/rest cycle of dogs has been investigated before, but little is known about the effects of sleep loss on the behavior of the species. Dogs are polyphasic sleepers, meaning the behavior is most observed at night, but bouts are also present during the day. However, sleep can vary with ecological and biological factors, such as age, sex, fitness, and even human presence. In this study, adult dogs’ sleep and diurnal behavior was recorded during 24-hour, five-day assessment periods to investigate sleep quality and its effect on daily behavior. In total, 1560 hours of data were analyzed, and sleep metrics and diurnal behavior were quantified. The relationship between sleeping patterns and behavior and the effect of age and sex were evaluated using non-parametric statistical tests and GLMM modeling. Dogs in our study slept substantially less than previously reported and presented a modified sleep architecture with fewer awakenings during the night and almost no sleep during the day. Sleep loss increased inactivity, decreased play and alert behaviors, while increased time spent eating during the day. Males appeared to be more affected by sleep fragmentation than females. Different age groups also experienced different effects of sleep loss. Overall, dogs appear to compensate the lack of sleep during the night by remaining inactive during the day. With further investigations, the relationship between sleep loss and behavior has the potential to be used as a measure of animal welfare.
Perspectives from healthcare professionals on the nutritional adequacy of plant-based dairy alternatives: Results of a mixed methods inquiry
Authors: Clark Bridget E. , Pope Lizzy , Belarmino Emily H.
Published: July 2021

Background

Healthcare professionals are important sources of nutrition and health information for Americans. As plant-based (PB) dairy alternative products increase in popularity, concerns have been raised about their nutritional adequacy, and whether consumers understand that they are not nutritionally equal to dairy. Healthcare professionals directly advise consumers on dietary choices, therefore we sought to examine their understanding and opinions of PB dairy alternatives.
Methods

We analyzed comments submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by health professionals (n = 191) in 2018–2019 in response to a request for public comment on the nutrition and use of dairy terms like “milk”, “cheese”, and “yogurt" on PB product labels. Survey data from healthcare professionals (n = 417) was collected in 2020–2021. Comments and survey responses to open-ended questions were coded using template analysis and thematically analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression models examined perceptions across health professional characteristics for close-ended survey responses.
Results

Three-fourths of health professionals believe consumers are confused about the nutritional differences between dairy and PB dairy alternatives. Over half (53%) do not believe either product is nutritionally superior to the other. Many believe dairy products have higher nutrient value, but also believe PB dairy alternatives can be part of a healthful diet. Compared to other types of health professionals, dietetics professionals demonstrated a more accurate understanding of the nutritional value of both products and were more likely to believe nutrients like protein (OR 2.02; 95% CI 1.22–3.34, p = 0.006) and vitamin D (OR 2.46; 95% CI 1.48–4.09, p = 0.001) may be nutrients of concern for PB dairy alternative consumers. They were also more likely to believe consumers are confused about these products (OR 3.44; 95% CI 1.65–7.21; p = 0.001). Health professionals who submitted comments to the FDA showed stronger opinions in favor of PB dairy alternatives.
Conclusions

Although PB dairy alternatives have nutritional value in certain diets, responses from health professionals suggest that changing their labeling may reduce confusion. Improved nutrition education among health professionals may also be necessary, and health professionals participating in the federal rulemaking process may not be representative of the views held by all U.S. healthcare professionals.
Fifth fundamental force and formulation to determine it
Authors: Singh Raghvendra
Published: July 2021

There are four known fundamental forces of nature and there is a need to combine them into a unified theory. Progress has been made toward this goal but gravity remains an issue. However, the four forces are body forces that act on points. They together do not make the universe a closed system. Here, I identify a surface force, which acts outward normal to the surface of the universe. Further, using water drop hanging in a vacuum as a model, I provide a formula to find the magnitude of this force. The fifth force may be generated by surface tension, a property of the quantum vacuum field.
The Capillary Rise in Fine and Coarse-Grained Soils Considering the Matric Suction
Authors: Baldovino Jair Arrieta , Izzo Ronaldo , Millan-Paramo Carlos
Published: July 2021

Few pieces of research have been conducted on the phenomenon of capillary rise in the field of soil for agriculture and geotechnical engineering. The rate of capillary rise of water in fine and granular soil is one of the major challenges for rising experiments in vertical open-tubes, as the time required for the water to reach the maximum height of capillary rise (hc) can vary from 50 to 400 days. The control variables during the capillary experiment are mainly: saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, soil density, water content, soil column height, and velocity of capillary rise. Thus, this paper presents theoretical and experimental studies of capillary rise in several soils based on matric suction models. Results were gathered by comparing the behavior of capillary rise using the analytical solutions developed by Lu (2016), Lu and Likos (2004), and by Terzaghi (1943). On analysis of the results, it was concluded that the equation proposed by Lu and Likos (2004) is the most suitable to predict the capillary rise velocity for the fine-coarse soils and the equation proposed by Lu (2016) is more suitable to predict the matric suction. Other mathematical model developed by Liu et al. (2014) is also suitable to estimate the hc but don’t consider the velocity of the water. The capillary rise method to measure the matric suction must be more applicable in sandy soil than clayey soils.
Strength and compressibility characteristics of soil stabilized with plastic bag strips
Authors: K Jayasree P , Simon Monica , A Vismaya , S Vinod J
Published: July 2021

This study investigates the potential application of utilizing plastic bag strips (PBS) in improving the strength and compressibility behavior of soils. A series of unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and consolidation tests were carried out for different proportions of plastic bag strip reinforced soil. The effect of the thickness (t) and aspect ratio (AR) on the UCS and compressibility characteristics of PBS reinforced soil was investigated. The thicknesses of PBS used were 15 µm, 30 µm and 45 µm which were added in varying concentrations (0.1%-0.7%) at different aspect ratios 1, 2 and 2.5. The laboratory results clearly show that PBS have a significant influence on the UCS and compressibility behavior of soil. In addition, the peak value of UCS (qu) increases with the thickness and AR of PBS. A significant improvement in qu has been found for 0.5% addition of PBS. Moreover, the swelling behavior of soil has significantly reduced with the addition of PBS.
Hydraulic conductivity behavior of soilcrete specimens created from dredging sand, cement, and bentonite
Authors: Tran-Nguyen Hoang-Hung , Luong Bich Thi , Nguyen Phong Duy , Nguyen Khanh Duy Tuan
Published: July 2021

Dredging sand is an inexpensive material utilized to rise elevations of highway embankments and earth levee bodies in the Southern Vietnam. However, high permeability of the dredging sand can cause failures due to seepage flows during annual flood seasons. The dredging sand mixing cement with or without bentonite is expected to be suitable low permeability as an impermeable material. However, hydraulic conductivity of soilcrete and bentonite specimens created from dredging sand taken in the Mekong delta has limit research data. This study aims at better understanding the hydraulic conductivity of dredging sand samples taken in Dong Thap province mixed with cement and bentonite. The effects of the hydraulic conductivity of soilcrete and bentonite soilcrete specimens on time, cement contents, bentonite contents, cement types, and hydraulic gradients were investigated. The tests followed the ASTM D5084 standard using the both falling head-constant tailwater and falling head-rising tailwater methods. The results indicate that: (1) the hydraulic conductivity of the soilcrete and bentonite specimens decreased with increasing in testing duration and cement contents; (2) the hydraulic conductivity of the soilcrete specimens was lower 104 to 105 times than that of the compacted sand; (3) the hydraulic conductivity of the bentonite soilcrete specimens was lower 10 times than those of the soilcrete specimens; (5) the PCS cement can induce long-term reduction of soilcrete hydraulic; (6) effect of hydraulic gradients on soilcrete hydraulic conductivity was ignorable; (6) the soilcrete hydraulic conductivity varies from 10− 9 to 10− 10 m/s.
Neuronal State Theory of Cognition, Learning, Sleep and Dreams
Authors: Ali Muhammad
Published: July 2021

Understanding the workings of brain and nervous system; the cognitive processes they run has fascinated humanity for centuries. In an attempt to answer these questions, this paper presents a novel framework called ‘Neuronal State Theory’ rooted in the notion that a neuron has different neuronal states resulting from the concentrations of ionic species inside neurons. It is shown how all cognitive processes result from neuronal state theory. Furthermore, it is also shown all cognitive research fields (attention, memories, learning, imagination, sleep and dreams) emerge and are different aspects of the same presented framework.
Dialogue in Internet Channels as a New Trend in PR Activity of Public Authorities
Authors: Konov V. V.
Published: July 2021

The paper represents the author’s view on the development trends and issues of digital transformation in the field of PR activities of government bodies. The author reveals and substantiates the need for active development in the Internet space of balanced communication of the authorities with the citizens. The author proceeds from the assumption that for a PR-service employee, the Internet is a new information reality that has a significant impact on the mechanisms of public opinion management. An open dialogue, built on a constant and improving basis, in parallel with the development of Internet technologies, is the basis for a balanced and most effective communication between the authorities and the public. Based on the study, the author comes to the conclusion that the conservative system of civil service needs to adapt to the information needs of the audience, offering an adequate list of convenient interactive services, easy messages and formats of interaction.
Identification of Social Barriers in the EthnoConfessional Space of Public Communication of Border Regions
Authors: Zotov V. V. , Alekseenko A. I.
Published: July 2021

The relevance of the study is substantiated by to the need to develop effective measures for localization and overcoming possible negative consequences of ethnoconfessional processes in the border regions of the Russian Federation, which is achieved with a developed level of the ethno-confessional space of public communication. The methodology for organizing such a space is based on the concept of public values management, which considers social development through the prism of active involvement of stakeholders in the discussion of socially significant tasks and participation in the implementation of the decisions made. The aim of the work is to determine the social barriers of this space that impede the interaction of its stakeholders. Based on systematization of relevant publications, the authors reveal the essence of the concept of “social barrier of communication” and classify them; based on the expert survey conducted by the authors in 2020 among representatives of the main stakeholders, level of manifestation of the identified social barriers is determined.

Scientific novelty of the paper consists in the introduction of the definition of social barriers in the ethno-confessional space of public communications, the author’s classification of these barriers based on the structure of two-way symmetric communication, within which communicators, message, channels, efficiency / result and situation can be distinguished. This classification made it possible to single out the following social barriers to communication: for communicators, these barriers are manifested as low activity and initiative, differences in the thesauri of communicators and their low communicative and communication competence; for messages – falsification of messages and imitation of the communication process; for communication channels – their mismatch and a feedback barrier; for the expected result – its mismatch; for a communication situation – the displacement of the actualization of events. According to the expert survey, among these barriers, the key ones are low activity and initiative of representatives of stakeholders, the desire to imitate the communication process instead of real dialogue and partnership, and the lack of feedback (lack of reaction of some stakeholders to the actions of others).
The Communicative Function of Phonetic Units in Russian Futurist Poetry
Authors: Koydan E. V.
Published: July 2021

The paper examines the historical connection of phonetics with general linguistics, and reveals why this area of linguistics did not develop neither consistently, nor simultaneously in the structure of philological sciences. Attention is paid to the modern media-text approach to such an area of phonetics as intonation; the latter, in turn, is viewed as part of communication theory. It is hypothesized that such an attitude to sound, to the phoneme, has already been considered among the Futurists, Dadaists, Lettrists, Budelyans and Oberiuts, who interpreted sounds as an unknowable phenomenon that is beyond the cognition of the mind. Here the place and the pragmatic role of modern science on current approaches to phonetics in communicology is determined, where intonation does not refer to either cognitive science or paralinguistics, but, at the same time, unites these two areas of practical speech production. It is hypothetically assumed that such approaches were realized by some representatives of trends and schools of the direction of modernism of the early twentieth century.
Expansion of Online Health Self-Diagnosis Practices: new challenges for doctor-patient communication
Authors: Rakova K. V.
Published: July 2021

The relevance of the research derives from the necessity to analyze new risks of online self-diagnosis of health conditions amidst the increase in the number of Internet requests for diagnosis and treatment of Covid-19 and identification of the first coronavirus symptoms. Tensions in society are growing due to the fact that the pace of epidemic is accelerating and the number of people infected with coronavirus is growing every day, encouraging individuals to self-diagnose in the internet, as hospital hotlines are overloaded, and doctors’ visiting hours are reduced due to a large flow of the infected. Moreover, the article examines the risks that online self-treatment entails without professional supervision and control. The analysis of modern research on what pushes individuals to online treatment and self-medication is presented in the article. The author reviews statistical data on the actual number of Yandex search queries regarding the diagnosis and treatment of coronavirus infection. At the end of the article, the author determines both the processes in the field of medicine that can be automated and the processes with a low technical potential for digitalization.
Physiological quality of pitaya seeds subjected to different methods of mucilage extraction
Authors: Lone Alessandro Borini , Baba Viviane Yumi , Ortiz Thiago Alberto , Takahashi Lucia Sadayo Assari
Published: July 2021

The selection of seed extraction methods from flesh fruits depends on the characteristics of the fruit and the seed to ensure their physiological quality, viability, vigor and sanity within the acceptable percentage for each species. The present study aimed to assess the physiological quality of pitaya seeds subjected to different extraction methods of the mucilage surrounding the seeds. The assessed methods were M1 – friction in sieve under running water; M2 – friction in sieve under running water, with addition of CaO; M3 – fermentation for 24 h; M4 – fermentation for 24 h, with addition of sucrose; M5 – fermentation for 48 h; M6 – fermentation for 48 h, with addition of sucrose; M7 – immersion for 2 h in 2.5% HCl solution; M8 – immersion for 2 h in 5.0% HCl solution and M9 – immersion for 2 h in 10.0% HCl solution. The experimental design was entirely randomized. The analyzed variables were germination percentage (%), germination speed index (GSI) and mean germination time (MGT - days), as well as identification and quantification (%) of plant pathogenic fungi based on germination and accelerated aging tests; percentage of viable seeds (%) based on tetrazolium test; and vigor (μS cm-1) based on electrical conductivity test. The method of immersion for 2 h in 10.0% HCl solution (M9) has proven to be advantageous for the extraction of H. undatus seeds to favor seeds with higher physiological quality in a short period
Molecular and morphological characterization related to salt stress in natural populations of the Medicago polymorpha species
Authors: Bakhti Abdelnasser , FyadLameche Fatima-Zohra
Published: July 2021

Legumes are important crops due to their nutritional benefits as well as their utility in agriculture rotation. The morphological and molecular markers can elucidate plant response to stresses. In the present study, we investigated indicators of molecular polymorphism related to salt stress tolerance in natural populations of Medicago polymorpha species. The plant samples were collected from different geographical sites in western Algeria. Morphological growth parameters such as root length stem length of plant and T/R ratio were examined under four NaCl concentration levels (0, 68, 102 and 137 mM). The molecular study was carried out using SSR molecular markers on all the studied populations. Significant differences were observed in mean squares of analysis of variance, indicating relation between geographical origins and populations. This analysis showed the existence of two contrasted populations (DZ221 and DZ312). DZ221 is a relatively salt tolerant, and DZ312 is sensitive. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was calculated using the PCA function, revealing a high correlation between the morphological traits and the geographical distribution of populations. It divided populations into four distinguished groups respecting their origin geographical sites. The molecular results of the polymorphism degree showed that the natural populations of M. Polymorpha species were strictly homozygous (100%). The PIC index of the three microsatellites was very informative (0.77). Additionally, the results showed that both microsatellites (FMT11 and MTIC297) revealed some alleles detected in the tolerant population (DZ221) suggesting that they can be used as indicators of saline stress tolerance adaptation.
Nitrogen management at sowing and topdressing with the time of supply in the main biotype of oats grown in southern Brazil
Authors: Reginatto Douglas Cézar , Silva José Antonio Gonzalez da , Carvalho Ivan Ricardo , Lautenchlegere Francine , Rosa Juliana Aozane da , Peter Cibele Luisa , Henrichsen Luana , Jung Márcia Sostmeyer , Basso Natiane Carolina Ferrari , Argenta Claudia Vanessa , Norbert Leonardo , Babeski Cristhian Milbradt
Published: July 2021

Adjusting the nitrogen dose at sowing and topdressing with the time of application can improve nutrient management and increase oat productivity. The objective of the study is the most efficient and sustainable management of nitrogen use in the adjusted combination of nutrient dose at sowing and for topdressing with the moment of application on the productivity of biomass and oat grains, considering the main systems of cereal succession in southern Brazil.. The experiment was conducted in the years 2015, 2016 and 2017, in Augusto Pestana, RS, Brazil. The design was a randomized block with four replications, in a 4 x 4 factorial model, consisted of four doses of nitrogen at sowing time (0, 10, 30 and 60 kg ha-1), and topdressing dose by the total supplied of 70 and 100 kg ha-1 in succession system soybeans / oats and corn / oats, respectively, in the expectation of grain yield of 4000 kg ha-1, with the supply for topdressing considering four application times (0, 10, 30 and 60 days after emergence). The most efficient and sustainable management of nitrogen use for biomass and oat grains productivity occurs with the total supply of the covered nutrient around 30 days after emergence, regardless of the condition of the agricultural year and succession system.
Cassava wastewater as ecofriendly and low-cost alternative to produce lettuce: impacts on soil organic carbon, microbial biomass, and enzymatic activities
Authors: Costa Diogo Paes da , Lino Janisson Bispo , Lima Neyla Thayná , Junior Cícero Luiz Franco , Brito Fabiano da Silva , Tschoeke Lucas Felipe Prohmann , Franca Rafaela Felix da , Silva Renata Oliveira , Medeiros Erika Valente de
Published: July 2021

The processing of cassava roots for starch extraction in factories generates a large amount of cassava wastewater (CW), which is rich in nutrients that are beneficial to plants. The reuse of this agro-industrial by-product is important for farmers and the environment as an alternative means to support soil fertility and plant production. Lettuce is the most important salad vegetable grown in the world. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of CW doses on soil organic carbon, basal respiration, microbial biomass, enzymatic activities, and lettuce growth in an Entisol. The experiment was conducted in pots in a greenhouse at room temperature in a completely randomized design with ten replications. The treatments consisted of the application of CW in increasing volumes that corresponded to fractions of the field capacity (FC) of the soil (100% FC = 206.6 ml dm-3): 0% (negative control), 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% of field capacity (FC) per pot. An additional treatment without CW was also included, applying only 1.0 g of mineral fertilizer per pot (20% N, 10% P, and 20% K). After 28 days of emergence, the 10% FC treatment responded similarly to mineral fertilizer, increasing the length of the branches (+42%), number of leaves (+45%), aerial fresh matter (+202%) and the concentrations of Chlorophyll A (+ 33%), and Chlorophyll B (+40%), in addition to soil organic carbon (+15%), all compared to the control. The enzymatic activities in the soil were shown to be sensitive to CW dosage, especially for urease, which grew linearly as a function of the increased pH and K+ ions in the soil with the application of CW. The dose 20.7 ml CW dm-3 (10% FC) was that most increased plant variables, but the nutritional status of the soil and microbial activities benefited more from higher doses, starting from 30% FC, a scenario that could benefit plants more in future phenological stages, when there will be greater nutritional demand
Planting recommendations for yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) in lowland conditions
Authors: Quaresma Mateus Augusto Lima , Oliveira Fábio Luiz de , Rocha Leonardo F , Teixeira Ariany das Graças , Silva Diego Mathias Natal da , Dalvi Leandro Pin , Tomaz Marcelo Antonio
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this work was to test yacon planting practices in low elevation conditions. The experimental design was a randomized block design (RBD) with subdivided plots and four replications. Treatments comprised of three planting methods: furrow; ridges and pits; each treatment was divided into subplots, which were four planting depths: 5, 10, 15, and 20 cm. The following variables were tested: sprouting speed, vigorous sprouting rate, average time for sprouting, rhizophore mortality rate, soil temperature and moisture, shoot dry weight, and yield of rhizophores, tuberous roots, total yield, and marketable tuberous roots. The planting methods using pits and furrows had lower seedling mortality rates (30,2 and 41,4% compared to ridges), while furrow led to a higher total tuber yield (17,5 and 18,9% higher than ridges and pits), using depths of 5 and 10 cm. The system with pits also achieved significant yields at 10 cm depth. Using ridges as the planting method would be possible, at depths of 10 and 15 cm, but yields would be lowered. For the conditions of this study, the highest yield of marketable roots was obtained using furrow at 5 and 10 cm of panting depth
Methods for overcoming dormancy in Brachiaria brizantha seeds
Authors: Souza Tiago O. , Nery Marcela C. , Magalhães Marcela A. , Martins Mahany G. , Nery Fernanda C. , Fialho Cíntia M. T.
Published: July 2021

Brachiaria brizantha is a forage species widely used in Brazilian pastures and its seeds have contamination in several areas of countries. Its high germination is fundamental in pasture formation. However, it is common for seeds of this species to have natural dormancy, negatively influencing pasture formation, resulting in losses to the producer. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine a methodology to overcome dormancy of ‘Marandu’ and ‘Piatã’ B. brizantha seeds. Four batches from the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 harvests were used. Initially, batch profile was evaluated by the following characteristics: determination of moisture content, weight of a thousand seeds, first germination count, germination, germination speed index, initial stand, emergency, emergency speed index and fungi incidence in seeds. The seeds were subjected to the following treatments to overcome dormancy: mechanical (removal of glume, palea and lemma), sulfuric acid (98%, 36 N), potassium nitrate (0.2%), heat treatment (70 °C and 85 °C, during 5h, 10h, 15h and 20h) and a control. The obtained results allow inferring that the causes of dormancy of ‘Piatã’ seeds are of a physical nature, with the tissues surrounding the seed being the main factor that prevent germination. The mechanical method and scarification with sulfuric acid the most efficient in overcoming dormancy. The mechanical treatment with removal of the glumella is efficient to overcome the dormancy ofB. brizantha seeds, providing an increase in the germination percentage
Oil extraction and cake bromatological properties of crambe (Crambe abyssinica) are affected by extraction at different temperatures and rotation speeds
Authors: Lewandoski Cristiano Fernando , Santos Reginaldo Ferreira , Bassegio Doglas , Souza Samuel Nelson Melegari de , Siqueira Jair Antonio Cruz , Souza Diane Maschio de , Reis Leonardo Silva , Bueno Paulo Lima
Published: July 2021

Temperature and rotation speed are operational parameters that influence oil screw press efficiency. The objective of this study was to evaluate the oil physicochemical properties, cake bromatological properties, and oil extraction yield from crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst) seeds by mechanical pressing at different temperatures and rotation speeds in a mechanical extruder. A 4 × 5 factorial experimental design was employed to determine the effects of these parameters. The experimental design incorporated four temperature ranges (110–120, 120–130, 130–140, and 140–150°C) and five screw rotation speeds (1000, 1200, 1400, 1600, and 1800 rotations per minute, RPM), with four repetitions. The physicochemical properties of the oil and crambe cake, and the cake bromatological properties were affected by extraction at different temperatures and extruder rotation speeds. The oil density and viscosity (quality parameters), and the crambe cake bromatological factors, crude fiber, ash, lipid, and moisture content were found to be higher at extraction temperatures in the 140–150°C range. The maximum oil yield was achieved by extraction at a temperature of 140–150°C and a rotation speed of 1800 RPM. The protein and carbohydrate content of the crambe cake decreased with increasing temperature and rotation speed. The oil yield increased by 56% as temperatures increased from the 110–120°C range to the 140–150°C range, and by 41% when the rotation speed increased from 1000 to 1800 RPM. The screw configuration influenced the crambe and cake properties. These results can be used to determine the appropriate configuration of the screw