bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multiplexed parallel reaction monitoring assay to monitor bovine pregnancy-associated glycoproteins throughout pregnancy and after gestation
Authors: Krebs Tony , Kilic Isabel , Neuenroth Lisa , Wasselin Thierry , Ninov Momchil , Tetens Jens , Lenz Christof
Published: September 2022

Bovine pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (boPAGs) are extensively glycosylated secretory proteins of trophoblast cells. Roughly 20 different boPAG members are known but their distribution patterns and degree of glycosylation during pregnancy are not well characterized. The objective of the present study was the development of a parallel reaction monitoring-based assay for the profiling of different boPAGs during pregnancy and after gestation. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of N-glycosylation on our analytical results. BoPAGs were purified from cotyledons of four different pregnancy stages. The assay detects 25 proteotypic peptides from 18 boPAGs in a single run. The highest abundances were found for boPAG 1 in both, glycosylated and deglycosylated samples. Strongest effects of glycosylation were detected during mid and late pregnancy as well as in afterbirth samples. Furthermore, we identified different boPAG-clusters based on the observed relative protein abundances between glycosylated and deglycosylated samples. A linkage between the impact of glycosylation and potential N-glycosylation sites or phylogenetic relation was not detected. In conclusion, the newly developed parallel reaction monitoring-based assay enables for the first time a comprehensive semi-quantitative profiling of 18 different boPAGs during pregnancy and post-partum on protein level, thereby investigating the influence of glycosylation. The results of this study provide new and important starting points to address further research on boPAGs to better understand their physiological role during pregnancy and for the development of new pregnancy detection tests.
Global mapping of epidemic risk assessment toolkits: A scoping review for COVID-19 and future epidemics preparedness implications
Authors: Tran Bach Xuan , Nguyen Long Hoang , Doan Linh Phuong , Nguyen Tham Thi , Vu Giang Thu , Do Hoa Thi , Le Huong Thi , Latkin Carl A. , Ho Cyrus S. H. , Ho Roger C. M.
Published: September 2022

Preparedness and responses to infectious disease epidemics and pandemics require the understanding of communities’ and multisectoral systems’ characteristics with regards to diseases transmission and population’s vulnerabilities. This study aimed to summarize measurement profiles of existing risk assessment toolkits to inform COVID-19 control at global and national levels. An online search in different databases and online sources was performed to identify all epidemic risk and vulnerability assessment instruments. Medline/PubMed, Web of Science databases, and websites of public health organizations were used for the searching process. Of 14 toolkits, levels of setting were mostly at the global or nation level. Components such as Governance and Legislation, Financing, Health Service Provision, and Human Resources are key domains in almost all toolkits. Some important issues for disease detection and surveillance, such as laboratory or capacity of the community for disease control, were not adequately addressed in several toolkits. Limited studies were found that validated the toolkits. Only five toolkits were used in COVID-19 studies. This study provides a summary of risk assessment toolkits to inform epidemic responses. We call for global and national efforts in developing more contextualized and responsive epidemic risk assessment scales incorporating specific-disease and -country factors to inform operational decisions making and strengthen countries’ capacities in epidemic responses.
Status of the HIV epidemic in Manicaland, east Zimbabwe prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rao Adya , Moorhouse Louisa , Maswera Rufu , Dadirai Tawanda , Mandizvidza Phyllis , Nyamukapa Constance , Nayagam Shevanthi , Gregson Simon
Published: September 2022

Background

Manicaland province in eastern Zimbabwe has a high incidence of HIV. Completion of the seventh round of the Manicaland Survey in 2018–2019 provided the opportunity to assess the state of the epidemic prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aims were to: a) estimate HIV seroprevalence and assess whether prevalence has declined since the last round of the survey (2012–2013), b) describe and analyse the socio-demographic and behavioural risk factors for HIV infection and c) describe the HIV treatment cascade.

Methods

Participants were administered individual questionnaires collecting data on socio-demographic characteristics, sexual relationships, HIV prevention methods and treatment access, and were tested for HIV. Descriptive analyses were followed by univariate and multivariate analyses of risk factors for HIV seropositvity using logistic regression modelling based on the proximate-determinants framework.

Results

HIV prevalence was 11.3% [95% CI; 10.6–12.0] and was higher in females than males up to 45–49 years. Since 2012–2013 HIV prevalence has significantly declined in 30–44 year-olds in males, and 20–44 year-olds in females. The HIV epidemic has aged since 2012–2013, with an increase in the mean age of HIV positive persons from 38 to 41 years. Socio-demographic determinants of HIV prevalence were church denomination in males, site-type, wealth-status, employment sector and alcohol use in females, and age and marital status in both sexes. Behavioural determinants associated with increased odds of HIV were a higher number of regular sexual partners (lifetime), non-regular sexual partners (lifetime) and condom use in both sexes, and early sexual debut and concomitant STIs in females; medical circumcision was protective in males. HIV status awareness among participants testing positive in our study was low at 66.2%. ART coverage amongst all participants testing positive for HIV in our study was 65.0% and was lower in urban areas than rural areas, particularly in males.

Conclusions

Prevalence has declined, and ART coverage increased, since 2012–2013. Majority of the associations with prevalence hypothesised by the theoretical framework were not observed in our data, likely due to underreporting of sexual risk behaviours or the treatment-as-prevention effect of ART curtailing the probability of transmission despite high levels of sexual risk behaviour. Further reductions in HIV incidence require strengthened primary prevention, HIV testing and linkage to risk behaviour counselling services. Our results serve as a valuable baseline against which to measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV prevalence and its determinants in Manicaland, Zimbabwe, and target interventions appropriately.
Backlash policy diffusion to populists in power
Authors: Adams James F. , Böhmelt Tobias , Ezrow Lawrence , Schleiter Petra
Published: September 2022

We analyze how parties respond programmatically to populist parties in power abroad. Political parties often copy the policies of governing parties in other countries–a phenomenon that contributes to waves of transnational policy diffusion. We report the first large-scale comparative study showing that populist parties in government abroad trigger the opposite reaction: instead of inspiring emulation, their highly visible governing dilemmas provoke a policy backlash by parties in other states. We argue that dilemmas arise because populist parties confront unique and debilitating trade-offs between maintaining their anti-system posture and governing effectively, which make them electorally vulnerable. Other parties observe foreign populists’ governing dilemmas and respond by distancing themselves in order to avoid these problems. We detect this “foreign populist backlash effect” using spatial econometric analysis, a method that allows us to estimate international policy connections between parties, applied to over 200 European parties’ programmatic positions since the 1970s. Our findings illuminate parties’ election strategies and show that this backlash effect constrains the spread of populism across Western democracies.
Evaluation of family planning service delivery in Gondar city public health facilities, Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Abay Sefiw , Hagos Tsega , Dellie Endalkachew , Yazachew Lake , Teshale Getachew , Debie Ayal
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Family planning program is low-cost and an effective way to lower maternalmortality by reducing the number of high-risk births. Despite the effectiveness of the program, availability of materials, equipment and trained healthcare providers were some of the challenges in sub-Saharan African countries including Ethiopia. Determining the implementation status and identifying gaps is the aim of this evaluation.

Method

A facility-based cross-sectional evaluation design with mixed method approach was employed. Quantitative data was collected through the exit interview of 477 clients from March 25-April 25, 2020. The evaluation focused on three dimensions: availability, compliance, and acceptability with multiple data sources. The quantitative data were entered in to Epi-data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was done to determine factors associated with client satisfaction. The qualitative data were transcribed, translated and analyzed by using thematic analysis. The evaluation finding was computed and compared with the preset criteria for the final judgment.

Result

The majority of the health care providers (69.8%) got family planning training in the past two years. Three health facilities (37.5%) had 24hrs electricity with backup generators whereas only 25% of the health facilities had functional piped water inside the service room. Only two (25%) health facilities had a separate room for family planning service and 37.5% of health facilities had national FP guidelines. The overall availability of required resources for family planning service at Gondar city public facilities were 62.1%. Only twenty one (26.3%) of health providers dressed based on dressing code of ethics and none of them had ID during our observation. The overall compliance level of health care providers during providing family planning services were 75.5%. About 53.9% of the clients were satisfied with family planning service provided at Gondar city public health facilities.—and–were significantly associated variables with client satisfaction.

Conclusion

The overall implementation of family planning service in Gondar city public health facilities with the three evaluation dimensions were judged as fair based on pre-setting judgment matrix. It is better to improve the service through training of healthcare providers, distributed family planning guidelines to health facilities and shortening of waiting time for service.
Age and fasting blood sugar levels are associated factors for mindful eating among Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients during COVID-19 pandemic confinement
Authors: Chamhuri Nurul Hayati , Mohd Tohit Noorlaili , Azzeri Amirah , Chamhuri Norshamliza , M. Alias Siti Rohani
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the eating behaviours of many people, especially Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients. This study aimed to determine the level of mindful eating and its associated factors among T2DM patients at a primary care clinic near Kuala Lumpur. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 18th December 2020 to 5th March 2021 during the movement control order in Malaysia. Respondents were recruited using systematic random sampling via an electronic appointment system. They completed a questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic, clinical profiles, and a Malay-translated Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ-M). Their blood pressure and body mass index were taken during the appointment day while the remaining clinical profiles such as fasting blood sugar (FBS) were obtained from the medical record. Two hundred respondents were recruited with a mean (SD) age of 57.0 (10.90) years. More than half of them were female (54%). Two-thirds of them had uncontrolled diabetes based on elevated FBS of >7 mmol/L (61.5%) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) of >7% (67%), respectively. The mean (SD) score for mindful eating was 2.9 (0.25). Multiple logistic regression revealed that older respondents had a higher level of mindful eating [(AOR = 1.05, p-value 0.01, 95% CI = 1.01–1.09)]. In addition, elevated FBS level was also associated with a greater level of mindful eating [(AOR = 2.55, p-value 0.01, 95% CI = 1.28–5.07)]. Therefore, healthcare providers should promote mindful eating during the consultation, especially among younger patients. Blood glucose monitoring is also recommended to instil awareness of the importance of healthy eating habits.
Ethno-pharmacological investigations of Moringa stenopetala Bak. Cuf. and its production challenges in southern Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfaye Azene , Anjulo Agena , Fekadu Addisu , Beyene Kassaw , Girma Abebe , Gemeda Birhanu , Temesgen Gebremaryam , Wolde Fistum , Mulugeta Eyob , Manilal Aseer
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Moringa stenopetalaBak. Cuf. is a native plant of Ethiopia with important nutraceutical applications. However, little is known about its nutritional, ethno-pharmaceutical and therapeutic properties. Hence, the present study sought to assess the nutraceutical applications ofM.stenopetalaamong traditional healers in southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 selected administrative units in Gamo Gofa, Segen areas and south Omo zones of southern Ethiopia from May to June 2020. Data were gathered using a semi-structured interview, field observation, and group discussion. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using Excel 2019 and open code version 4.03, respectively. The results were presented using descriptive statistics, with the fidelity level (FL)% used to distinguish the preferential use of various plant parts.

Results

A total of 120 individuals participated in the study, and the majority of them, 89 (74.2%), were male and farmers by occupation. Eight four (70%) of them were residents of the Gamo Gofa Zone. The fidelity level revealed that the leaf and root were the most commonly used parts for nutraceutical purposes. Remarkably,M.stenopetalais used to treat human ailments such as leprosy and kidney and liver infections via various modes of utilisation and administration. As a result, the most common methods of utilising plant products are chewing or consuming crushed plant parts, and the oral route is the much-preferred method of application. On the other hand, the larvae of Moringa mothNurda blitealis, are a defoliating insect during the rainy season and have been identified as a limiting factor for its production.

Conclusions

The nutraceutical aspects ofM.stenopetalaare extremely important to the rural community in southern Ethiopia. However, the defoliating moth larvae threaten its growth and biomass production, necessitating the need to manage and improve the plant’s productivity and sustainable use. Additionally, conducting experimental studies to validate the plant’s pharmacological potential correspond to a milestone in drug discovery.
A secure and decentralized SSI authentication protocol with privacy protection and fine-grained access control based on federated blockchain
Authors: Ma Binhao , Zheng Xurui , Zhao Can , Wang Yibing , Wang Dejun , Meng Bo
Published: September 2022

Self-sovereign identity authentication protocol is an active research topic in the field of identity authentication and management. However, the current SSI authentication protocols pay little attention to privacy protection and the fine-grained access control. Therefore, a secure and decentralized SSI authentication protocol with privacy protection and fine-grained access control is proposed. Firstly, the formal model of SSI including the SDPP-SSI identity model and management model is presented. And then, based on the federated blockchain, the distributed identifier is used as a global identifier for users in the decentralized domain. Finally, the verifiable statement is encapsulated using a policy control signature supporting privacy protection to develop the user’s access control for identity registration in the centralized domain. Compared with the related work (Lin 2018, Zhu 2018, Stokkink 2018, Hammudoglu 2017, Othman 2017, Abraham 2018, Guan 2019, Lin 2019) from controllability, security, flexibility, privacy protection, authentication and fine-grained access control, the proposed SSI authentication protocol not only meets controllability, authentication, and flexibility, but also supports privacy protection and fine-grained access control.
Motivational factors were more important than perceived risk or optimism for compliance to infection control measures in the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sætrevik Bjørn , Bjørkheim Sebastian B.
Published: September 2022

Compliance to infection control measures may be influenced both by the fear of negative consequences of a pandemic, but also by the expectation to be able to handle the pandemic’s challenges. We performed a survey on a representative sample for Norway (N = 4,083) in the first weeks of the COVID-19 lock-down in March 2020. We had preregistered hypotheses to test the effect of optimism and perceived risk on compliance. Perceived risk had small effects on increasing compliance and on leading to more careful information gathering. The expected negative association between optimism and compliance was not supported, and there was instead a small positive association. We found a small effect that optimism was associated with seeing less risk from the pandemic and with a larger optimistic bias. Finally, an exploratory analysis showed that seeing the infection control measures as being effective in protecting others explained a substantial proportion of the variation in compliance. The study indicates that how we think about pandemic risk has complex and non-intuitive relationships with compliance. Our beliefs and motivations toward infection control measures appears to be important for compliance.
Novel diagnostic potential of miR-1 in patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Sadat-Ebrahimi Seyyed-Reza , Rezabakhsh Aysa , Aslanabadi Naser , Asadi Milad , Zafari Venus , Shanebandi Dariush , Zarredar Habib , Enamzadeh Elgar , Taghizadeh Hamed , Badalzadeh Reza
Published: September 2022

Background

A number of circulating micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) have been introduced as convincing predictive determinants in a variety of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to evaluate some miRNAs’ diagnostic and prognostic value in patients with acute heart failure (AHF).

Method

Forty-four AHF patients were randomly selected from a tertiary heart center, and 44 healthy participants were included in the control group. Plasma levels of assessed miRNAs, including miR -1, -21, -23, and -423-5-p were measured in both groups. The patients were followed for one year, and several clinical outcomes, including in-hospital mortality, one-year mortality, and the number of readmissions, were recorded.

Results

An overall 88 plasma samples were evaluated. There was no significant difference in terms of demographic characteristics between the AHF and healthy groups. Our findings revealed that mean levels of miR-1, -21, -23, and -423-5-p in AHF patients were significantly higher than in the control group. Although all assessed miRNAs demonstrated high diagnostic potential, the highest sensitivity (77.2%) and specificity (97.7%) is related to miR-1 for the values above 1.22 (p = 0.001, AUC = 0.841; 95%CI, 0.751 to 946). Besides, the levels of miR-21 and -23 were significantly lower in patients with ischemia-induced HF. However, the follow-up data demonstrated no significant association between miRNAs and prognostic outcomes including in-hospital mortality, one-year mortality, and the number of readmissions.

Conclusion

The result of our study demonstrated that miR-1, -21, -23, and -423-5-p can be taken into account as diagnostic aids for AHF. Nevertheless, there was no evidence supporting the efficacy of these miRNAs as prognostic factors in our study.
Use of machine learning to examine disparities in completion of substance use disorder treatment
Authors: Baird Aaron , Cheng Yichen , Xia Yusen
Published: September 2022

The objective of this work is to examine disparities in the completion of substance use disorder treatment in the U.S. Our data is from the Treatment Episode Dataset Discharge (TEDS-D) datasets from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for 2017–2019. We apply a two-stage virtual twins model (random forest + decision tree) where, in the first stage (random forest), we determine differences in treatment completion probability associated with race/ethnicity, income source, no co-occurrence of mental health disorders, gender (biological), no health insurance, veteran status, age, and primary substance (alcohol or opioid). In the second stage (decision tree), we identify subgroups associated with probability differences, where such subgroups are more or less likely to complete treatment. We find the subgroups most likely to complete substance use disorder treatment, when the subgroup represents more than 1% of the sample, are those with no mental health condition co-occurrence (4.8% more likely when discharged from an ambulatory outpatient treatment program, representing 62% of the sample; and 10% more likely for one of the more specifically defined subgroups representing 10% of the sample), an income source of job-related wages/salary (4.3% more likely when not having used in the 30 days primary to discharge and when primary substance is not alcohol only, representing 28% of the sample), and white non-Hispanics (2.7% more likely when discharged from residential long-term treatment, representing 9% of the sample). Important implications are that: 1) those without a co-occurring mental health condition are the most likely to complete treatment, 2) those with job related wages or income are more likely to complete treatment, and 3) racial/ethnicity disparities persist in favor of white non-Hispanic individuals seeking to complete treatment. Thus, additional resources may be needed to combat such disparities.
Four layer multi-omics reveals molecular responses to aneuploidy in Leishmania
Authors: Cuypers Bart , Meysman Pieter , Erb Ionas , Bittremieux Wout , Valkenborg Dirk , Baggerman Geert , Mertens Inge , Sundar Shyam , Khanal Basudha , Notredame Cedric , Dujardin Jean-Claude , Domagalska Malgorzata A. , Laukens Kris
Published: September 2022

Aneuploidy causes system-wide disruptions in the stochiometric balances of transcripts, proteins, and metabolites, often resulting in detrimental effects for the organism. The protozoan parasiteLeishmaniahas an unusually high tolerance for aneuploidy, but the molecular and functional consequences for the pathogen remain poorly understood. Here, we addressed this questionin vitroand present the first integrated analysis of the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome of highly aneuploidLeishmania donovanistrains. Our analyses unambiguously establish that aneuploidy inLeishmaniaproportionally impacts the average transcript- and protein abundance levels of affected chromosomes, ultimately correlating with the degree of metabolic differences between closely related aneuploid strains. This proportionality was present in both proliferative and non-proliferativein vitropromastigotes. However, as in other Eukaryotes, we observed attenuation of dosage effects for protein complex subunits and in addition, non-cytoplasmic proteins. Differentially expressed transcripts and proteins between aneuploidLeishmaniastrains also originated from non-aneuploid chromosomes. At protein level, these were enriched for proteins involved in protein metabolism, such as chaperones and chaperonins, peptidases, and heat-shock proteins. In conclusion, our results further support the view that aneuploidy inLeishmaniacan be adaptive. Additionally, we believe that the high karyotype diversityin vitroand absence of classical transcriptional regulation makeLeishmaniaan attractive model to study processes of protein homeostasis in the context of aneuploidy and beyond.
Why collective resilience in journalism matters: A call to action in global media development
Authors: Relly Jeannine E. , Waisbord Silvio
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic, global economic downturn, anti-press violence and worsening situation of labour precarity for journalists around the world have led to increased stress, trauma and burnout in the profession, which raises questions at the heart of media sustainability and approaches to media development in a global context. Our study builds on the conceptual framework of professional and collective resilience research to analyse the content of media development work on publicly facing websites of a census of implementing organizations represented on the Center for International Media Assistance website (N = 18). Our findings suggest that donors and other sponsors of media development work should consider making resilience a core component of global programmes in support of media democracy and journalism. Though programmatic agendas in global media development are crowded with multiple goals in response to complex problems, we believe that resilience should be prioritized. This work cannot be done without a nuanced analysis of local causes of emotional distress as well as local understandings of emotional labour and repair. Working with journalists’ support organizations and employers in conducting diagnoses, identifying suitable actions and promoting sustainable practices is imperative. Recommendations and actions need to be sensitive to local conditions, demands and opportunities. While immediate remediation actions are important, it is also important to keep attention on long-term structural matters that cause emotional distress.
Dez Mitos sobre os Judeus
Authors: Carneiro Maria Luiza Tucci
Published: September 2022

Dez Mitos sobre os Judeus convida os leitores a uma viagem de exploração ao imaginário coletivo e à reflexão sobre a persistência de um pensamento antissemita desde a antiguidade até os dias atuais. Este livro – que guarda alguns dos principais mitos sobre os judeus – foi organizado no formato de um breviário, ou seja, uma composição de textos breves que podem ser lidos em doses homeopáticas. Não têm uma ordem obrigatória, apesar de numerados, pois assim são os mitos: cada qual tem vida própria, formando um imbricamento, como se estivessem sobrepostos em partes, como escamas ou telhas, unidos num enraizamento profundo advindo do substrato construído de geração em geração.
Clinical and diagnostic characteristics of the development of hepatocardial syndrome in black and white cows in the early lactation period
Authors: Vatnikov Yury , Rudenko Andrey , Gnezdilova Larisa , Sotnikova Elena , Byakhova Varvara , Piven Elena , Kulikov Evgeny , Petrov Aleksandr , Drukovskiy Stanislav , Petrukhina Olesya
Published: September 2022

Background and Aim: It is known that during the early postpartum and lactation periods in dairy cows, metabolic disorders develop, that is, ketosis, which can lead to secondary damage to internal organs. Therefore, it is important to address the issues of changing the lactating cows' clinical, laboratory, and physiological parameters regarding the development of hepatocardial syndrome. This study aimed to provide clinical and diagnostic justification for developing hepatocardial syndrome in highly productive dairy cows.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 20 black and white cows in the early postpartum period (7–10 days after birth), with a milk production level of >4500 kg of milk during the previous lactation period, a positive result in the formol colloid sedimentary test, the presence of deafness and splitting of heart sounds, changes in the size, or increased pain sensitivity of the percussion field of the liver. Clinically healthy dairy cows in the early postpartum period were used as controls (n = 24). Clinical, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and biochemical parameters were also evaluated.

Results: Dairy cows with hepatocardial syndrome developed arterial hypertension and sinus tachycardia, which led to a significant decrease in PQ and QT intervals at ECG. A significant increase in the diastolic size of the interventricular septum, systolic size of the free wall of the left ventricle, and diastolic and systolic sizes of the left ventricle and a significant decrease in the shortening fraction of the left ventricular myocardium were observed in the cows due to the development of hepatocardial syndrome. The affected cows demonstrated a significant increase in serum activity of gamma-glutamyl transferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, alkaline phosphatase, troponin, malondialdehyde, diene conjugates, and ceruloplasmin and a decrease in glucose concentration. In addition, they demonstrated decreased activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase.

Conclusion: Hepatocardial syndrome in dairy cows occurs due to ketosis, characterized by arterial hypertension, sinus tachycardia, a moderate decrease in myocardial contractility, oxidative stress, and cytolysis of cardiomyocytes and hepatocytes. Therefore, the control and prevention of the development of hepatocardial syndrome will make it possible to maintain the productive health and longevity of dairy cows.
PAYMENT FACTOR FOR POWER IN THE POWER INDUSTRY: PLUSES AND MINUSES FOR THE ECONOMY
Authors: Mezhov I. S. , Yashchenko A. V.
Published: September 2022

The article deals with the problem of reproduction of generating capacities in the aspect of building a rational investment mechanism. Since it is now working, it cannot satisfy consumers of electricity. Almost all experts say that there is only one alternative — reducing the cost of energy consumption in order to increase the competitiveness of the economy. The pricing mechanism does not allow generating companies to generate capital for their own development. A method was devised to withdraw funds from consumers to support and commission generating capacities through the so-called capacity sale mechanism. However, no matter how this non-economic method of withdrawing funds from consumers is argued, in the end, these amounts place an additional burden on the economy. Obviously, there cannot be an efficiently functioning electric power industry without the «consumption» sector, without developing and growing industry and, as a result, growing productive power consumption. One of the conditions for economic growth is the condition of economically justified production costs. Due to geographic and country conditions, the cost of electrical energy for industrial consumers in the Russian Federation is higher than abroad, and consumption due to climatic conditions is higher. In terms of electricity costs, our industry is losing the competition.
ON SOME ASPECTS OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN URBAN MANAGEMENT
Authors: Mischenko V. V. , Kapustyan L. A. , Strizhkina I. V.
Published: September 2022

The article is devoted to the issues of digital transformation of management in the field of urban economy, priorities for improving its efficiency. Special attention is paid to rating analysis and evaluation of the «IQ of Cities’ Index. The results of the implementation of the Smart City project in this territory are also disclosed. The necessity of training the personnel of state and municipal administration bodies in end-to-end digital technologies within the framework of the Digital Economy project is substantiated. The main directions of urban economy development in the digital environment are considered within the framework of the document «Strategy for the Development of the Information Society in the Russian Federation for 2017-2030» and the National Project «Digital Economy», which in turn, includes, a number of subprojects, one of which is «Digital Public Administration», as well as the federal project «Smart the city». The article discusses the specific results of regional policy in the field of digitalization of the economy in the Altai Territory, considers the goals and objectives set in federal national projects. The problems of project implementation and urban management. The problem of the availability of qualified personnel in the field of municipal administration is considered in detail. Specific ways of solving this problem, identified as a result of monitoring and conducting scientific events, are proposed.
Eosinophilic Gastritis and Enteritis Are Increased in Families With Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Allen-Brady Kristina , Colletier Keegan J. , Woller Scott , Eliason Kyle , Uchida Amiko M. , Ro Gabrielle , Newman Mike , Peterson Kathryn A.
Published: September 2022

INTRODUCTION:

There are limited data on the familial risk of distal eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs) in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We analyzed the risk of eosinophilic gastritis/gastroenteritis (EG/EGE) and eosinophilic colitis (EC) as forms of distal EGIDs using International Disease Classification-9/10 codes in subjects with EoE and their relatives.

METHODS:

The Utah Population Database is a resource that links genealogy information and medical records in Utah. We identified EGIDs in probands and their first-degree (FDRs), second-degree (SDRs), and third-degree (TDRs) relatives in the Utah Population Database. Relative risk and 95% confidence intervals were estimated. All individuals with inflammatory bowel disorder were eliminated to avoid misdiagnosis with EGIDs.

RESULTS:

We included 8,455 subjects with EoE, 396 with EG/EGE, and 172 with EC. Probands with EoE were at increased risk of EG/EGE and EC. Risks of EG/EGE were increased among FDRs and SDRs of probands with EoE , even without concomitant EoE in the relatives. Increased risk of EG/EGE in FDRs and SDRs was also present for EoE probands without EG/EGE or EC. We observed no isolated familial aggregation of EG/EGE after excluding cases with comorbid EoE. EC probands without EoE were at increased risk of EG/EGE, but no evidence of familial risk of EC was observed.

DISCUSSION:

The relative risk of EG/EGE is significant among relatives of patients with EoE, suggesting that shared genetic factors exist among these EGIDs. EG/EGE and EC showed limited familial clustering, although sample sizes were small.
An Investigation into the Role of Tourism Growth, Conventional Energy Consumption and Real Income on Ecological Footprint Nexus in France
Authors: Tarkang Marymagdaline Enowmbi , Adedoyin Fetus Fatai , Bekun Festus Victor
Published: September 2022

Previously documented studies in the literature on how tourism leads to economic growth in the form of tourism-led growth hypotheses (TLGH) has been investigated. This study presents a new perspective on the growth of tourism by considering its impact on conventional energy consumption, real income level, and emission via the channel of globalization. Sequences of econometric tests were conducted to validate the hypothesized claims between tourism development and growth impact on conventional energy consumption and pollution proxy by ecological footprints, globalization GDP per capita, biocapacity, and tourists for the case of France. Empirical evidence from the Granger causality test presents a uni-directional causality from ecological footprints to GDP per capita and from biocapacity to ecological footprints. The correlation matrix shows interrelation amongst series with biocapacity significantly correlating with ecological footprints with tourist’s arrival having a positive correlation with ecological footprints and a negative one with biocapacity. GPD per capita was found to positively affect the ecological footprints and have a negative correlation with biocapacity and a significant relationship with tourists' arrivals. Additionally, globalization exerts a positive impact on ecological footprints, and its effect on biocapacity was found to be negative although globalization's effect on tourists’ arrivals and per capita GDP is significant. The ARDL estimation indicated biocapacity as a neutral agent for ecological footprints, tourist arrivals having a negative impact on ecological footprints, and globalization significantly affecting ecological footprints. From these findings, it is evident that tourism growth has a significant impact on energy consumption and pollution. Policy recommendations were also provided in this study accordingly.
A compact breath gas sensor system based on terahertz/millimeter-wave gas spectroscopy
Authors: Rothbart Nick , Schmalz Klaus , Koczulla Rembert , Hübers Heinz-Wilhelm
Published: September 2022

We demonstrate a full-cycle breath gas sensor system based on terahertz/millimeter-wave gas spectroscopy. The sensor consists of a transmitter and receiver working around 250 GHz based on SiGe BiCMOS technology. Typical detection thresholds are in the ppm range depending on the respective molecule. The data analysis provides partial pressures of the investigated molecules by fitting of spectra which are measured by wavelength modulation. Beside the spectroscopic measurement and the data analysis, a full cycle of breath analysis includes the sampling and the conditioning of the sample tubes. The full cycle takes about 35 min per sample in average. As the system is compact and easy to operate, it allows for on-site analysis of breath samples in medical laboratories or hospitals.
Endophytic bacterial strain,Brevibacillus brevis-mediated green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles, characterization, antifungal,in vitrocytotoxicity, and larvicidal activity
Authors: Fouda Amr , Hassan Saad El-Din , Eid Ahmed M. , Awad Mohamed A. , Althumayri Khalid , Badr Naglaa Fathi , Hamza Mohammed F.
Published: September 2022

The biomass filtrate containing various metabolites of endophytic bacterial strain,Brevibacillus brevisPI-5 was used as a biocatalyst for reducing and stabilizing copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs). UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used for CuO-NPs characterization. A spherical, well-dispersed, and crystallographic structure with sizes of 2–28 nm was formed. The SEM-EDX confirmed the presence of Cu and O with weight percentages of 27.62% and 48.88%, respectively. The biological activities including antifungal, anticancer, and larvicidal of synthesized CuO-NPs were assessed using the fungal radial growth inhibition, MTT assay method, and mortality percentages, respectively. The obtained data showed that the CuO-NPs exhibit high activity in a dose-dependent manner. The growth of three phytopathogenic fungi,Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria alternata, andAspergillus nigerwas decreased by percentages of 64.5% ± 4.1%, 62.9% ± 0.3%, and 70.2% ± 2.3%, respectively at 300 µg·mL–1. Also, various clinicalCandidaspp. were successfully inhibited with varied zones of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentration values in ranges of 6.25–50 µg·mL–1. Thein vitrocytotoxicity exhibits target-orientation to breast cancer cells (T47D) at low concentration compared to normal cells (HFB4) with IC50values of 122.3 ± 5.4 and 229.9 ± 5.7 μg·mL–1, respectively. The mortality percentages of I, II, III, and IV instar larvae ofCulex antennatuswere 60% ± 1.4%, 43.1% ± 1.1%, 36.2% ± 1%, and 32.1% ± 0.9%, at 10 mg·L–1and increased to 86.9% ± 2.1%, 68.1% ± 1.7%, 64.4% ± 1.9%, and 53.1% ± 1.4% at 50 mg·L–1, respectively.
Laughing alone and laughing together in panel meetings: laughter as an interactional accomplishment during negotiation talks
Authors: Icbay Mehmet Ali , Koschmann Timothy
Published: September 2022

This paper is about the interactional organization of shared laughter in a multi-party institutional setting. It explored how laughter was produced and shared in a series of panel meetings in a medical school. The audio data were taken from Competency Project, a NIHM-funded (National Institute of Mental Health) research designed to investigate how the judgments of professional competence in medical schools were constructed. In the panel meetings, a group of three panelists (physician-instructors) gathered together and came to an agreement for the medical students’ performances with the standard patients. While they negotiated their individual ratings, the panelists repeatedly laughed. Finding its interest in these repeated laughs, this study first displayed how laughter was produced and shared in a formal institutional setting. The second section in the paper gave a detailed account of the three cases where at least a panelist in the meetings did not join in the shared laughter sequences. The closer look at these cases suggested that when at least a panelist did not participate in the shared laughter, (1) the non-laughing panelists were mitigating the tension rooted in the disagreement on the negotiated rating, or (2) they were postponing their laugh to create a follow-up laughable, or (3) due to the conflict on the individual ratings, they were teased by the other panelists.
The crystal structure of (Z)-6-(((5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)amino)methylene)- 4-nitrocyclohexa, C13H9ClN2O4
Authors: Zhang Zhijian , Xiao Xiyuan , Jiang Wujiu , Feng Hao
Published: September 2022

C13H9ClN2O4, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 11.1882(11) Å, b = 8.0672(8) Å, c = 14.0813(15) Å, β = 94.084(2)°, V = 1267.7(2) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0427, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1104, T = 296(2) K.
Liquation Cracking in Linear Friction Welded Directionally Cast Alloy 247
Authors: Neidel A. , Giller M. , Riesenbeck S.
Published: September 2022

Linear Friction Welding (LFW) is a rarely used joining technology. To test the suitability of this solid-state process for hot cracking-sensitive nickel base superalloys, tests were performed using conventionally and directionally cast slabs of Alloy 247. Since LFW does not involve melting of the weld flanks, there were some expectations that this special welding technique could overcome the poor weldability of Alloy 247. However, all tested specimens failed by liquation cracking (LC) within the Weld Center Zone (WCZ) at the directionally cast side.
Politeness of nonverbal hospitality in Saudi and British female interactions
Authors: Almusallam Inas I.
Published: September 2022

Although linguistic politeness has been extensively theorized about, the role of nonverbal behaviour in managing politeness in interactions has been neglected until recently. In this analysis of natural conversations between female friends in dinner settings, I show how nonverbal hospitality can influence rapport management and the constructionist nature of politeness among Saudi and British female friends, and I compare the two cultures. I show how these nonverbal acts can be observed by looking at the sequences and turns taken in talking, exploring metapragmatic evaluations, and using second-order politeness concepts in interpreting politeness as situated in discourse. The combination of these analytical tools allows for an explanation of what is going on rather than a mere description of the interaction. The analysis demonstrates that nonverbal hospitality plays an important role in the management of rapport and discursive relations. I find that, although the motivation and role of nonverbal hospitality in the management of interactions in young female friendship groups in the two cultures are similar, there are remarkable differences in frequency, reactions, and complexity in the negotiation of nonverbal hospitality.
Biochar: its characteristics application and utilization of on environment
Authors: Ganesan Subbulakshmi , Padmapriya G. , Omoikhoje Izegaegbe Daniel , Tharudini J.H. , De Zoysa Sanduni Anupama
Published: September 2022

There are a variety of organic waste feedstocks that may be used to make biochar, such as agricultural byproducts and municipal solid waste. Biochar’s distinctive properties, such as its high carbon content and cation exchange capacity, large specific outer area, and stable structure, have attracted increased interest. The purpose of this study was to offer an overview of biochar with a focus on its environmental application by methodically analyzing and summarizing research on its production, characterization, modification, and the utilization in this review. Based on the kind of feedstocks used, the Biochar’s physiochemical characteristics might vary greatly. A variety of processes are used to create biochar, including pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrothermal carbonization. Acidic, alkaline, oxidizing agent, carbonaceous materials, steam and gas purging may be used to alter biochar. The environment field of application influences the adoption of modification methods. Soil remediation and improvement, carbon sequestration, composting of organic solid waste, water and wastewater purification, catalyst and activator, electrode materials and electrode modification are all examples of applications for biochar. In order to get consistent results, additional research into the use of biochar in carbon sequestration is needed. Soil microorganisms and biochar should be studied further to determine the primary cause of increased soil fertility in various soils and feedstocks. When biochar is utilized for environment remediation, further consideration must be given to the release of heavy metals and PAHs from biochar into the environment. To further understand how biochar works as an activator for per sulfate, more research into the link between biochar structure and activation capabilities is needed. There are several environmental remediation applications for biochar, and greater research is needed to understand its mode of action.
Arranjos produtivos locais à luz da sociologia econômica de Mark Granovetter
Authors: Macedo Bezerra Maia Tiago , Morais de Sousa João
Published: September 2022

Este estudo objetiva analisar alguns dos mais relevantes aspectos teóricos sociológicoeconômicos referentes aos arranjos produtivos locais (APLs). Os APLs manifestam, por sua natureza e suas especificidades, nuances peculiares das economias de aglomeração, podendo, assim, ser identificados e caracterizados a partir da teoria de redes, que evidencia como esses podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento local e regional. Através do aporte reflexivo da recente teoria de redes sociais do sociólogo econômico americano Mark Granovetter, buscar-se-á, em virtude de seu caráter heterodoxo, discorrer sobre algumas possíveis particularidades que as redes sociais podem oferecer aos APLs e, por meio desses, ao desenvolvimento das localidades e/ou regiões. A metodologia utilizada foi qualitativa, da técnica de revisão bibliográfica sistemática sobre as temáticas acima elencadas.
Análise contrafactual
Authors: Lemos Walmrath Lucas
Published: September 2022

O objetivo deste texto é discutir a potencial utilidade de uma noção comum a várias disciplinas – o pensamento contrafactual – para as agendas de pesquisa na Sociologia Econômica. Para tal, oferece uma breve fundamentação teórica desta linha de raciocínio, recuperando seu uso nos estudos histórico-comparativos e experimentais. O artigo conta com uma sucinta revisão de literatura que demonstra que o emprego de contrafactuais na Sociologia Econômica é baixo comparativamente ao uso de disciplinas afins. Para ilustrar o potencial dos contrafactuais na pesquisa socioeconômica mesmo em estudos de caso, este trabalho revisita contrafactualmente uma pesquisa socioeconômica sobre os determinantes sociais do Investimento Estrangeiro Direto (IED). Mais especificamente, analisa como a decisão de investimento da montadora Nissan na construção de sua primeira fábrica de automóveis no Brasil se deu. Em seguida argumenta, contrafactualmente, como esta decisão poderia ter sido diferente em função de outros arranjos sociais, institucionais e políticos tão plausíveis quanto os que se deram factualmente.