bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the possible cytogenetic mechanism for overcoming hybrid lethality in an interspecific cross between Nicotiana suaveolens and Nicotiana tabacum
Authors: Nakata Kouki , Nagashima Hiroki , Inaba Natsuki , Yamashita Haruka , Shinozaki Yoshihito , Kanekatsu Motoki , Marubashi Wataru , Yamada Tetsuya
Published: April 2021

Hybrid lethality is a type of reproductive isolation in which hybrids die before maturation, due to the interaction between the two causative genes derived from each of the hybrid parents. The interspecific hybrid of Nicotiana suaveolens × Nicotiana tabacum is a model plant used in studies on hybrid lethality. While most of the progeny produced from such a cross die, some individuals grow normally and mature. Separately, a technique for producing mature hybrids by artificial culture has been developed. However, the mechanism by which hybrids overcome lethality, either spontaneously or by artificial culture, remains unclear. In the present study, we found that some hybrids that overcome lethality, either spontaneously or by artificial culture, lack the distal part of the Q chromosome, a region that includes the gene responsible for lethality. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction results suggested that the distal deletion of the Q chromosome, detected in some hybrid seedlings that overcome lethality, is caused by reciprocal translocations between homoeologous chromosomes. The results showed that chromosomal instability during meiosis in amphidiploid N. tabacum as well as during artificial culturing of hybrid seedlings is involved in overcoming hybrid lethality in interspecific crosses of the genus Nicotiana.
Large-scale nonlinear Granger causality for inferring directed dependence from short multivariate time-series data
Authors: Wismüller Axel , Dsouza Adora M. , Vosoughi M. Ali , Abidin Anas
Published: April 2021

A key challenge to gaining insight into complex systems is inferring nonlinear causal directional relations from observational time-series data. Specifically, estimating causal relationships between interacting components in large systems with only short recordings over few temporal observations remains an important, yet unresolved problem. Here, we introduce large-scale nonlinear Granger causality (lsNGC) which facilitates conditional Granger causality between two multivariate time series conditioned on a large number of confounding time series with a small number of observations. By modeling interactions with nonlinear state-space transformations from limited observational data, lsNGC identifies casual relations with no explicit a priori assumptions on functional interdependence between component time series in a computationally efficient manner. Additionally, our method provides a mathematical formulation revealing statistical significance of inferred causal relations. We extensively study the ability of lsNGC in inferring directed relations from two-node to thirty-four node chaotic time-series systems. Our results suggest that lsNGC captures meaningful interactions from limited observational data, where it performs favorably when compared to traditionally used methods. Finally, we demonstrate the applicability of lsNGC to estimating causality in large, real-world systems by inferring directional nonlinear, causal relationships among a large number of relatively short time series acquired from functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data of the human brain.
Gender-specific analysis for the association between trunk muscle mass and spinal pathologies
Authors: Hori Yusuke , Hoshino Masatoshi , Inage Kazuhide , Miyagi Masayuki , Takahashi Shinji , Ohyama Shoichiro , Suzuki Akinobu , Tsujio Tadao , Terai Hidetomi , Dohzono Sho , Sasaoka Ryuichi , Toyoda Hiromitsu , Kato Minori , Matsumura Akira , Namikawa Takashi , Seki Masahiko , Yamada Kentaro , Habibi Hasibullah , Salimi Hamidullah , Yamashita Masaomi , Yamauchi Tomonori , Furuya Takeo , Orita Sumihisa , Maki Satoshi , Shiga Yasuhiro , Inoue Masahiro , Inoue Gen , Fujimaki Hisako , Murata Kosuke , Kawakubo Ayumu , Kabata Daijiro , Shintani Ayumi , Ohtori Seiji , Takaso Masashi , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: April 2021

We investigated the relationship between trunk muscle mass and spinal pathologies by gender. This multicenter cross-sectional study included patients aged ≥ 30 years who visited a spinal outpatient clinic. Trunk and appendicular muscle mass were measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS) score for low back pain, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), and EuroQol 5 Dimension (EQ5D) score were investigated to evaluate spinal pathology. The association between trunk muscle mass and these parameters was analyzed by gender using a non-linear regression model adjusted for patients’ demographics. We investigated the association between age and trunk muscle mass. We included 781 men and 957 women. Trunk muscle mass differed significantly between men and women, although it decreased with age after age 70 in both genders. Lower trunk muscle mass was significantly associated with ODI, SVA, and EQ5D score deterioration in both genders; its association with VAS was significant only in men. Most parameters deteriorated when trunk muscle mass was < 26 kg in men and < 19 kg in women. Lower trunk muscle mass was associated with lumbar disability, spinal imbalance, and poor quality of life in both genders, with significant difference in muscle mass.
Reproductive performance in houbara bustard is affected by the combined effects of age, inbreeding and number of generations in captivity
Authors: Rabier Robin , Lesobre Loïc , Robert Alexandre
Published: April 2021

Although captive breeding programs are valuable for conservation, they have been shown to be associated with genetic changes, such as adaptation to captivity or inbreeding. In addition, reproductive performance is strongly age-dependent in most animal species. These mechanisms that potentially impact reproduction have often been studied separately, while their interactions have rarely been addressed. In this study, using a large dataset of nine male and female reproductive parameters measured for 12,295 captive houbara bustards (Chlamydotis undulata undulata) over 24 years, we investigated the relative and interactive effects of age, inbreeding and number of generations in captivity on reproduction. We clearly identified (1) senescence patterns in all parameters studied; (2) negative effects of inbreeding on sperm characteristics, display behavior, egg weight, egg volume and hatching probability; and (3) changes in phenotypic values for seven parameters according to number of generations in captivity. However, the effect sizes associated with age were substantially greater than those associated with inbreeding and number of generations in captivity. Beyond the independent effects of these three factors on reproductive parameters, the results highlighted their interactive effects and thus the importance of integrating them in the design of genetic management plans for conservation breeding programs.
Author Correction: Nanodiamond surface chemistry controls assembly of polypyrrole and generation of photovoltage
Authors: Miliaieva Daria , Matunova Petra , Cermak Jan , Stehlik Stepan , Cernescu Adrian , Remes Zdenek , Stenclova Pavla , Muller Martin , Rezek Bohuslav
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Genomic landscape of extraordinary responses in metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Lim Sun Min , Kim Eunyoung , Jung Kyung Hae , Kim Sora , Koo Ja Seung , Kim Seung Il , Park Seho , Park Hyung Seok , Park Byoung Woo , Cho Young Up , Kim Ji Ye , Paik Soonmyung , Kwon Nak-Jung , Kim Gun Min , Kim Ji Hyoung , Kim Min Hwan , Jeon Min Kyung , Kim Sangwoo , Sohn Joohyuk
Published: April 2021

Extreme responders to anticancer therapy are rare among advanced breast cancer patients. Researchers, however, have yet to investigate treatment responses therein on the whole exome level. We performed whole exome analysis to characterize the genomic landscape of extreme responders among metastatic breast cancer patients. Clinical samples were obtained from breast cancer patients who showed exceptional responses to anti-HER2 therapy or hormonal therapy and from those who did not. Matched breast tumor tissue (somatic DNA) and blood samples (germline DNA) were collected from a total of 30 responders and 15 non-responders. Whole exome sequencing using Illumina HiSeq2500 was performed for all 45 patients (90 samples). Somatic single nucleotide variants (SNVs), indels, and copy number variants (CNVs) were identified for the genomes of each patient. Group-specific somatic variants and mutational burden were statistically analyzed. Sequencing of cancer exomes for all patients revealed 1839 somatic SNVs (1661 missense, 120 nonsense, 43 splice-site, 15 start/stop-lost) and 368 insertions/deletions (273 frameshift, 95 in-frame), with a median of 0.7 mutations per megabase (range, 0.08 to 4.2 mutations per megabase). Responders harbored a significantly lower nonsynonymous mutational burden (median, 26 vs. 59, P = 0.02) and fewer CNVs (median 13.6 vs. 97.7, P = 0.05) than non-responders. Multivariate analyses of factors influencing progression-free survival showed that a high mutational burden and visceral metastases were significantly related with disease progression. Extreme responders to treatment for metastatic breast cancer are characterized by fewer nonsynonymous mutations and CNVs.
Mechanochemical properties of DNA origami nanosprings revealed by force jumps in optical tweezers
Authors: Karna Deepak , Pan Wei , Pandey Shankar , Suzuki Yuki , Mao Hanbin
Published: April 2021

Using a force-jump approach in optical tweezers, the spring constants and dynamic recoiling responses of DNA nanosprings can be recorded.
Keep it tight: a crucial role of bridging phosphine ligands in the design and optical properties of multinuclear coinage metal complexes
Authors: Paderina Aleksandra V. , Koshevoy Igor O. , Grachova Elena V.
Published: April 2021

Stereochemical properties and flexibility of organic spacer in oligodentate phosphine ligand and spatial separation of phosphorus atoms one relative to other regulate the composition and architecture of multinuclear compounds of coinage metals.
Formation of an Ag→Al dative bond is avoided in reactions of an alane/tris(phosphine) ligand with monovalent silver
Authors: Lai Qingheng , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Zhou Jia , Ozerov Oleg V.
Published: April 2021

An alane/tris(phospine) ligand reacts with AgOTf and with Ag[HCB11Cl11] without establishing a dative Ag–Al bond. The Lewis-acidic Al instead binds to a triflate or to a phosphine.
Ag(i)-Catalyzed rapid access to 2-amino-4-methylenethiazolines with potential applications in bioconjugation chemistry
Authors: Xiang Lingling , Wu Haiting , Liang Yunshi , Deng Huiying , He Yiting , Xu Qin , Zhang Jing
Published: April 2021

An Ag(i)-catalyzed synthesis of 2-amino-4-methylenethiazolines from isothiocyanate and propargylamine was developed, and its implication in bioconjugation was examined.
Synthesis of noradamantane derivatives by ring-contraction of the adamantane framework
Authors: Zonker Benjamin , Becker Jonathan , Hrdina Radim
Published: April 2021

A new method for ring-contraction of the adamantane scaffold.
Electrochemical oxidation of molecular nitrogen to nitric acid – towards a molecular level understanding of the challenges
Authors: Anand Megha , Abraham Christina S. , Nørskov Jens K.
Published: April 2021

Electrochemical oxidation of N2 to HNO3 (N2OR) is explored in conjunction with parasitic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on a poor and a good OER catalyst, TiO2 and IrO2. We develop scaling relations to correlate OER and N2OR activities on oxides.
Correction: Reductive annulations of arylidene malonates with unsaturated electrophiles using photoredox/Lewis acid cooperative catalysis
Authors: Betori Rick C. , McDonald Benjamin R. , Scheidt Karl A.
Published: April 2021

Correction for ‘Reductive annulations of arylidene malonates with unsaturated electrophiles using photoredox/Lewis acid cooperative catalysis’ by Rick C. Betori et al., Chem. Sci., 2019, 10, 3353–3359, DOI: 10.1039/C9SC00302A.
Development of a preoperative prognostic scoring system to predict benefits of hepatic resection in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Chen Chang-Zhi , Zhong Jian-Hong , Qi Ya-Peng , Zhang Jie , Huang Tao , Ma Liang , Li Le-Qun , Peng Tao , Xiang Bang-De
Published: April 2021

Objective: The present study aimed to identify risk factors for overall survival in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and establish a scoring system to select patients who would benefit from hepatic resection.

Methods: Survival curves were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test. The prognostic scoring system was developed from training cohort using a Cox-regression model and validated in a external validation cohort

Results: There were 401 patients in the training cohort, 163 patients in the external validation cohorts. The training cohort median survival in all patients was 12 ± 1.07 months, rate of overall survival was 49.6% at 1 year, 25.0% at 3 years, and 18.0% at 5 years. A prognostic scoring system was established based on age, body mass index, alkaline phosphatase, tumor number and tumor capsule. Patients were classified as low- risk group(≤3.5) or high-risk group(>3.5). High-risk patients had a median survival of 9 months, compared with 23 months in low-risk patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the prognostic scoring system was 0.747 (0.694–0.801), which is significantly better than AFP, Child-Pugh and ALBI. The AUC of validation cohorts was 0.716 (0.63–0.803).

Conclusion: A prognostic scoring system for hepatic resection in advanced HCC patients has been developed based entirely on preoperative variables. Patients classified as low risk using this system may experience better prognosis after hepatic resection.
Identification of a thirteen-gene signature predicting overall survival for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Xiaohan , Liu Chengdong , Zeng Hanyi , Wu Dehua , Liu Li
Published: April 2021

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor of the digestive system characterized by mortality rate and poor prognosis. To indicate the prognosis of HCC patients, lots of genes have been screened as prognostic indicators. However, the predictive efficiency of single gene is not enough. Therefore, it is essential to identify a risk-score model based on gene signature to elevate predictive efficiency.

Methods: Lasso regression analysis followed by univariate Cox regression was employed to establish a risk-score model for HCC prognosis prediction based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset GSE14520. R package ‘clusterProfiler’ was used to conduct function and pathway enrichment analysis. The infiltration level of various immune and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) were evaluated by single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA) of R package ‘GSVA’.

Results: This prognostic model is an independent prognostic factor for predicting the prognosis of HCC patients and can be more effective by combining with clinical data through the construction of nomogram model. Further analysis showed patients in high-risk group possess more complex TME and immune cell composition.

Conclusions: Taken together, our research suggests the thirteen-gene signature to possess potential prognostic value for HCC patients and provide new information for immunological research and treatment in HCC.
Down-regulation of RBP4 indicates a poor prognosis and correlates with immune cell infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Mingxing , Wang Zhihui , Zhu Lixu , Shui Yifang , Zhang Shuijun , Guo Wenzhi
Published: April 2021

Recent research has indicated that metabolically related genes play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We evaluated the associations between novel biomarkers and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) for predicting clinical HCC outcomes, hub-related genes, pathway regulation, and immune cells infiltration. Bioinformatic analyses based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas were performed using online analysis tools. RBP4 expression was low in HCC and was also down-regulated in pan-cancers compared with normal tissues. RBP4 expression was also significantly different based on age (41–60 years old versus 61–80 years old), and low RBP4 expression levels were associated with advanced tumor stages and grades. Higher RBP4 expression was associated with better overall survival time in HCC patients, and we identified a deletion-mutation rate of 1.4% in RBP4. We also identified ten co-expressed genes most related to RBP4 and explored the relationships between six hub genes (APOB, FGA, FGG, SERPINC1, APOA1, and F2) involved in RBP4 regulation. A pathway enrichment analysis for RBP4 indicated complement and coagulation cascades, metabolic pathways, antibiotic biosynthesis pathways, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathways, and pyruvate metabolism pathways. These results suggest that RBP4 may be a novel biomarker for HCC prognosis, and an indicator of low immune response to the disease.
Dielectric resonator antenna with reconfigurable polarization states
Authors: Iqbal Amjad , Waly Mohamed I. , Smida Amor , Mallat Nazih K.
Published: April 2021

This study presents a simple and low‐profile cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna (CDRA) for the fifth‐generation (5G) band (3.5 GHz) with switchable polarization. The antenna can operate with linear or circular polarization (right‐handed circular polarization [RHCP] or left‐handed circular polarization [LHCP]) by changing the states of the PIN diodes below the CDRA, while keeping the same operating frequencies. The antenna operates at three modes (Mode 1, Mode 2, and Mode 3). It exhibits linear polarization in Mode 1, RHCP in Mode 2, and LHCP in Mode 3. The 10‐dB bandwidths of 750 MHz (3.1–3.85 GHz), 950 MHz (3.03–3.98 GHz), and 960 MHz (3.03–3.99 GHz) are noted for Mode 1, Mode 2, and Mode 3, respectively. The 3‐dB axial ratio bandwidth of 22.2% (3.09–3.86 GHz) and 21.4% (3.08–3.82 GHz) is achieved for Mode 2 and Mode 3, respectively. The reported antenna has high gain ( >5.25 dBi for all operating modes) and high radiation efficiency ( >79.8% for all operating modes). The proposed antenna is suitable for use in polarization diversity applications.
Characterization of a 60 GHz scattered wireless channel with different antenna polarizations for underground multimedia applications
Authors: Tariq Shah Ahsanuzzaman Md , Despins Charles L. , Affes Sofiène , Nerguizian Chahé
Published: April 2021

Large scale (i.e. <10 m) and small scale (i.e. 1 × 1× 1 cm) measurements and characterization of a scattered wireless channel with different antenna polarizations and configurations in the underground mine galleries at 60 GHz are addressed. Results show that the rough surface scattering and the gallery dimensions affect the path loss (PL) exponent and it becomes smaller than the free space. Vertically polarized antennas give a lower value of the PL exponent and root mean square (RMS) delay spread compared to the horizontal one. The small scale 3D measurement results show that the power loss of around 1–5 dB within a small scale cubical area. Results also show that the channel is less time dispersive in a wider gallery and observed a higher value of the RMS delay spread compared to a smaller gallery. The statistical results of the small scale multipath amplitude fading provide a better fit with the Rician distribution. The effects such as scattering, polarization, antenna radiation patterns, and waveguide which caused increase and decrease of the value of PL exponent and delay spread are also analysed. Results revealed that a directional narrow beam dual‐polarized antenna configuration might be a good candidate in this environment.
Measurements and discrimination of drones and birds with a multi‐frequency multistatic radar system
Authors: Palamà Riccardo , Fioranelli Francesco , Ritchie Matthew , Inggs Michael , Lewis Simon , Griffiths Hugh
Published: April 2021

This article presents the results of a series of measurements of multistatic radar signatures of small UAVs at L‐ and X‐bands. The system employed was the multistatic multiband radar system, NeXtRAD, consisting of one monostatic transmitter‐receiver and two bistatic receivers. NeXtRAD is capable of recording simultaneous bistatic and monostatic data with baselines and two‐way bistatic range of the order of a few kilometres. The paper presents an empirical analysis with range‐time plots and micro‐Doppler signatures of UAVs and birds of opportunity recorded at several hundred metres of distance. A quantitative analysis of the overall signal‐to‐noise ratio is presented along with a comparison between the power of the signal scattered from the drone body and blades. A simple study with empirically obtained features and four supervised‐learning classifiers for binary drone versus non‐drone separation is also presented. The results are encouraging with classification accuracy consistently above 90% using very simple features and classification algorithms.
Association of IceCube neutrinos with radio sources observed at Owens Valley and Metsähovi Radio Observatories
Authors: Hovatta T. , Lindfors E. , Kiehlmann S. , Max-Moerbeck W. , Hodges M. , Liodakis I. , Lähteemäki A. , Pearson T. J. , Readhead A. C. S. , Reeves R. A. , Suutarinen S. , Tammi J. , Tornikoski M.
Published: April 2021

Context. Identifying the most likely sources for high-energy neutrino emission has been one of the main topics in high-energy astrophysics ever since the first observation of high-energy neutrinos by the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. Active galactic nuclei with relativistic jets, also known as blazars, have been considered to be one of the main candidates because of their ability to accelerate particles to high energies.

Aims. We study the connection between radio emission and IceCube neutrino events using data from the Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO) and Metsähovi Radio Observatory blazar monitoring programs.

Methods. We identify sources in our radio monitoring sample that are positionally consistent with IceCube high-energy neutrino events. We estimate their mean flux density and variability amplitudes around the neutrino arrival time, and compare these with values from random samples to establish the significance of our results.

Results. We find radio source associations within our samples with 15 high-energy neutrino events detected by IceCube. Nearly half of the associated sources are not detected in the γ-ray energies, but their radio variability properties and Doppler boosting factors are similar to the γ-ray detected objects in our sample, meaning that they could still be potential neutrino emitters. We find that the number of strongly flaring objects in our statistically complete OVRO samples is unlikely to be a random coincidence (at 2σ level).

Conclusions. Based on our results, we conclude that although it is clear that not all neutrino events are associated with strong radio flaring blazars, observations of large-amplitude radio flares in a blazar at the same time as a neutrino event are unlikely to be a random coincidence.
Analytical model of innovation ecosystem development
Authors: Popov Evgeny , Dolghenko Ruslan , Simonova Victoria , Chelak Igor
Published: April 2021

The fundamental challenges faced by the global economy with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and the prospects for re-globalization provide opportunities for the intensification of the development of new forms of coordination of economic relations – innovative ecosystems (regional, industrial, entrepreneurial). It seems that economic relations are built within the framework of a particular ecosystem, and the scientific descriptive and predictive analytics are not sufficiently able to describe their nature and the main patterns of growth. In order to provide a theoretical and practical contribution to the developing ecosystem approach, the article presents an analytical model of the innovation ecosystem of a high-tech company, proposed for evaluating and comparing its level of development. Research methods include content analysis of scientific literature devoted to the study of innovative ecosystems and approaches to their assessment, system analysis and factor modeling. The research fundament is based on the dynamics of indicators of innovative development of the ecosystem of a large production company in the Sverdlovsk region for 2013-2019. The model was tested according to the indicators of 2018. Further directions of the research in the practical aspect will consist in a comparative analysis of other periods of the company’s activity, as well as in the application and verification of the model on the indicators of other organizations. Justification of the possibilities of creating technologies for managing the innovation ecosystem is seen as a theoretical component of future research.
Effects of climate change on environmental sustainability
Authors: Tvaronavičienė Manuela
Published: April 2021

Adaptation strategies to the climate change include measures that can be taken to take account of the new climatic conditions. This paper aims at assessing the effects of climate change on environmental sustainability. This sustainability constitutes a major problem in many countries and regions around the world that experience industrial pollution, degradation of land as well as natural disasters caused by the global warming. The paper shows that adaptation strategies are often parallel strategies that can be integrated simultaneously with the management of natural resources. They can make resources more efficient and resilient to climate change. The paper shows that reducing the carbon footprint by more than 50 percent by 2030 and eliminating it by 2050 might be a viable solution how to tackle the climate change and support the environmental sustainability.
Optimization and diversification of natural gas supply in Ukraine
Authors: Tkachuk Vadim , Skrypnyk Andriy , Baidala Viktoriia , Klymenko Nataliia , Namiasenko Yuriy
Published: April 2021

This article considers different variants of natural gas supply in Ukraine which are based on the main tendencies of natural gas regional markets and some important factors, such as: possibility to use natural gas storage system, different changes in government regulation and innovations in the energy generation and supply sphere. The purpose of this work is to substantiate the current gas supply strategy in Ukraine on the basis of quantitative methods. The main results of the article are: Numerical estimation of the positive effect, gained from the using of natural gas storage system; Numerical estimation of the positive effect from the diversification of the natural gas supply in Ukraine in terms of decreasing the potential role of Gazprom monopoly. The population response evaluation on the gas price rising. This article provides an effective tool for assessing the possible consequences of decisions of state bodies when moving away from the existing monopoly of gas supply system and the macroeconomic effect of different gas supply options. The quantitative assessment of the gradual convergence of regional markets and the creation of a global natural gas market is proposed
Renewable energy technologies on the path towards decentralized low-carbon energy systems
Authors: Danilina Natalya , Reznikova Irina
Published: April 2021

Renewable energy technologies (RET) that emerged as a result of the shift towards the renewable energy sources (RES) which aims at setting the path towards decentralized low-carbon energy systems intended for tackling global warming are becoming key elements of the smart grids of the future. Our paper applies the economic, social and technological model of the renewable energy platforms to the energy markets of the 21st century. The paper analyses the growing importance of the individual players (prosumers) on the energy market, especially when it comes to the renewable energy generation and trading. It shows that modern advanced information and communication technologies enabled the energy prosumers to trade their energy and information in two-way flows. All of these might be important for the transition towards sustainable economy and green technology.
Sustainable development of non-profit and non-governmental organizations: financial and organizational mechanisms
Authors: Pyanov Alexander , Drannikova Elena , Shevchenko Evgeny , Kochkarova Zarema
Published: April 2021

This article aims at analysing the financial and organizational mechanisms of the third sector, namely the non-profit organisations (NPOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). In addition, it focuses on the sustainable development of non-profit and non-governmental organizations. The paper shows that in order to achieve sustainable development and embark upon the path of the “green economy”, NPOs and NGOs need to apply effective financial and organisational mechanisms that would also coincide with their regional priorities and socio-economic objectives that would take into account the environmental specifics and priorities of the given region. The article draws various examples and case studies from various countries and regions around the world to prove its points and provide some guidelines for relevant stakeholders and regulators.
Smart specialization and sustainable regional growth
Authors: Akberdina Victoria
Published: April 2021

Recent transition to the sustainable economy distinguished by the specialization and digitalization market the pathways for the regional development. This process is considerably helped by the profound social and political transformative potential which is subjected to social innovations and smart potential. This paper shows how the social innovations and smart specialization might influence the sustainable growth of countries and regions with a special focus on building an efficient economic, social and institutional environment for the benefits of all agents on the market. In addition, it argues that smart specialization might also contribute to the competitiveness and well-balanced sustainable development of regions and territories.
Perception of “health” concept and environmental sustainability: a gender aspect
Authors: Kraievska Hanna , Gorofianiuk Inna , Koval Liudmyla
Published: April 2021

The purpose of the article is to investigate the perception to human health, its preservation and the general understanding of the phenomena of vitality and health as such in the sustainable society. The article is dedicated to the gender analysis of the perception of the above phenomena. The purpose of the proposed study was to find out associations related to these concepts, to model associative fields by the men’s and women’s reactions, as well as to establish the most valuable features in the perception of this concept by different genders. The study used a free associative experiment in the written form. The respondents were students-leaders and their deputies (42 women and 29 men) aged 17-21. We used the statistical method to calculate the results of the experiment; as well as the comparative method and the method of modeling of associative fields. Comparing the men’s and women’s associative semantics of these phenomena, we conclude that there is a generally positive perception of the concept under study, but men show negative characteristics of this phenomenon slightly more than women.
Sustainable education and information technologies
Authors: Grebennikova Veronika , Grebennikov Oleg , Baydetskaya Elena , Mikerova Galina
Published: April 2021

This article focuses on the sustainable education and information technologies. It analysis the importance of the online education and the benefits it can bring, especially in the light of the recent massive online teaching and home office working mode during the COVID-19 pandemic, The flexibility of the education tools that include the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) appears a great facet of the sustainable education that might help to contribute to mitigating the climate change and to prepare responsible citizens who would adhere to the principles of the sustainable development. The article concludes with a call to integrate the concept of sustainable information into educational programmes for computer scientists and future ICT professionals. In addition, it suggests that information technologies should find a wider use in promoting sustainable development as a part of the sustainable education.
Dependence of public health on energy consumption: a cross-regional analysis
Authors: Letunovska Nataliia , Saher Liudmyla , Vasylieva Tetiana , Lieonov Serhiy
Published: April 2021

The authors test the hypothesis that there is a link between the consumption of non-renewable resources of the leading economies in the European region in terms of value-added industry and health. They performed a ranking correlation analysis on key indicators of population health and volumes of consumption of renewable and non-renewable resources in individual countries. The researchers assumed a slight relationship between the rate of healthy years of life and the production of renewable energy resources, making a positive contribution to the country’s environmental situation. Among the compared countries, those characterized by high consumption of primary energy resources are proportionally more productive and renewable energy resources. The analysis shows that differences in the health indicators of the regions’ population cause other more important factors than the studied ones. Some dependencies can be seen in analyzing the causes of death among the population of countries, for example, by cardiovascular diseases. The risk factor for this illness is air pollution caused by excessive consumption of non-renewable energy resources. The authors recommend considering the indicator of ecological footprint in the ratings of life quality in the regions. Compared to countries with lower welfare rankings, this parameter is too high for leaders. Under investigation, the authors considered the x3 weight for the health indicator in the Legatum Prosperity Index.
Competitive advantage of the sustainable digital economy
Authors: Nurova Oksana , Freze Tatiana
Published: April 2021

This research focuses on factors that influence the competitive advantage of the sustainable digital economy. Digital economy helped to speed up the exchange of information flows which, in turn, impacted on the creation the new forms of business and socio-economic interactions. Such sectors as banking and finance or hospitality and services are all influenced by the advancements of the digital economy that include sharing economy or Blockchain technology and its related applications. In this article, we show that digital economy is more sustainable due to the fact that it requires less energy sources and can itself contribute to the formation of the green economy and the acceptance of the renewable energy. All these features constitute its competitive advantage that needs to be further supported and fostered. In addition, we discuss key strategies and the development of skills to adapt to a digital economy and provide an overview of high-quality training for high-tech workers. It was assumed that in future, people would be able to easily acquire new skills through vocational training and vocational training. However, the spread of digital technologies has changed the way we work and has increased the need for high-quality training for workers in a wide range of professions. To use such technologies effectively, workers in an increasing number of sectors and professions need both general and advanced ICT skills.
Energy research and social sciences: thinking outside the box
Authors: Strielkowski Wadim
Published: April 2021

This paper aims at explaining the universality and broadness of the research in energy studies. Specifically, it wants to show that the energy research is not a solely engineering or natural sciences field and how it can be done in social sciences. The paper draws some relevant examples including energy research in literature and poetry, history, religion, art, as well in other social sciences and humanities. In general, it becomes apparent that energy research can boast vast depths and angles that are worth exploring for any social scientist. Given the key importance of energy research in the third decade of the 21st century and the worldwide focus on the renewable energy sources, electrification of transport and heating in the face of the threatening global warming and climate change, it seems relevant to focus on researching the perspectives and paradigms for the traditional and renewable energy sources in the 21st century using the toolbox of the social sciences.
The present and the future of Russian renewable energy in the green economy transition
Authors: Tarkhanova Elena , Lyapuntsova Elena , Baburina Natalia , Fricler Anhelica
Published: April 2021

In the recent years, renewable energy is the most actively developing area in the energy industry. The energy decarbonization and the desire to meet the Paris Climate Agreement criteria are the dominant motives of this development. Climate and energy policies, new technologies, changing prices for gas, coal and carbon, the growth of renewable energy sources continue to challenge operators, developers and utility company in energy system. Our article is devoted to these problematic issues. They are related to the renewable energy development. It is a promising direction of “green” growth around the world, including Russia. We discuss the latest trends and developments in the field of renewable energy in Russia in the conditions of global challenges. In addition, we extrapolate possible directions for the renewable energy growth in the future. Our results can be interesting and useful for researchers and experts in the strategic management field, spatial development, innovation economy and some stakeholders involved in the environment and energy system.
A systematic literature review of smart grids
Authors: Vakulenko Ihor , Saher Liudmyla , Lyulyov Oleksii , Pimonenko Tetyana
Published: April 2021

The development and implementation of smart grids involve developing new and improvements in existing energy technologies, introducing information systems to manage the smart grid, monitoring and controlling energy consumption, and closely related to alternative energy and decarbonization of the economy. Scientific research of smart grids differs significantly in terms of topics because they aim to solve problems in each of these areas. Thus, this research aims to present a bibliometric overview to define the current scientific production state regarding “Smart Grid.” A review of 1359 publications from the Scopus database (2008–2020) was conducted. The “Title, abstract, keywords” field of search in the Scopus database was done. The visualization of the results was made using VOSviewer program to map the material graphically. The study used the cooccurrence of keywords and co-authorship (country) analyzes. As a result, the most productive authors and journals were defined. The most cited studies were determined. Country clusters and keywords (co-occurrence) clusters were represented. The obtained results of the analysis and graphical presentations are relevant, and they form the basis for a better understanding of Smart Grid’s concept.
Influences of distributed propulsion system parameters on aerodynamic characteristics of a BLI-BWB UAV
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhou Zhou , Wang Kelei , Fan Zhongyun
Published: April 2021

Focusing on the aerodynamic characteristics of the blended wing body (BWB) aircraft with boundary layer ingestion(BLI) distributed propulsion system; the influences of propulsion system parameters under the condition of cruise and takeoff are studied. Firstly, based on the momentum source method (MSM), the NASA ducted propeller model is simulated, which verifies the reliability of the numerical method in this paper. Then, by using the method of structural grid and S-A turbulence model to solve the Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equation, the aerodynamic characteristics of the BLI UAV model with D80 ducted fan in cruise state are numerically calculated. It is proved that the advantage of the BLI distributed propulsion system is superior in increasing lift. And the aerodynamic characteristics of the BLI UAV with different propulsion system parameters are compared. At last, the aerodynamic effect of ducted fan thrust on the BLI UAV is carried out. The results show that, due to the suction function of the BLI distributed propulsion system, the air flow velocity near the BWB fuselage is effectively accelerated, and the flow along the spanwise is restrained, which improves the lift coefficient about 16% and lift-to-drag ratio about 10%. Under the condition of equal thrust, the D80 ducted fan brings larger load of the propeller, which makes the static pressure at the inlet and outlet smaller. Compared with D150 ducted fan, the lift-to-drag ratio is increased by 15%. When aircraft takes off, increasing the thrust of the ducted fan can reduce the possibility of flow separation on the upper surface of the fuselage, which is conducive to the safety.
An unsupervised learning neural network for planning UAV full-area reconnaissance path
Authors: Li Bo , Yang Zhipeng , Jia Zhuoran , Ma Hao
Published: April 2021

To plan a UAV's full-area reconnaissance path under uncertain information conditions, an unsupervised learning neural network based on the genetic algorithm is proposed. Firstly, the environment model, the UAV model and evaluation indexes are presented, and the neural network model for planning the UAV's full-area reconnaissance path is established. Because it is difficult to obtain the training samples for planning the UAV's full-area reconnaissance path, the genetic algorithm is used to optimize the unsupervised learning neural network parameters. Compared with the traditional methods, the evaluation indexes constructed in this paper do not need to specify UAV maneuver rules. The offline learning method proposed in the paper has excellent transfer performances. The simulation results show that the UAV based on the unsupervised learning neural network can plan effective full-area reconnaissance paths in the unknown environments and complete full-area reconnaissance missions.
Research on hydrodynamic characteristics of cylinder planing
Authors: Liu Fuqiang , Luo Kai , Liang Hongge , Huang Chuang , Geng Shaohang , Dong Xingjie
Published: April 2021

This paper selects SST k-w turbulence model and VOF wave to construct a numerical calculation model of moving body planning on a flat free surface based on STAR-CCM+ numerical simulation software. The construction model is checked through foreign classic literature, and the numerical simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results. The hydrodynamic numerical errors are less than 5%, which is within the engineering error range. The model can be used for the numerical simulation of the planning cylinder. In this paper, it is used to simulate the planing process of cylinder with different speeds and different submerged depths, and the flow field characteristics and hydrodynamic characteristics in the planing process are obtained. The results show that waves appear at the tail and the tail liquid splashes to form a water splash during the planing process of the cylinder on a flat surface. The higher the speed of the planning cylinder is, and the deeper the submersion depth, the more pronounced waves at the tail. When the cylinder has a Fr number Cv≥8, the hydrodynamic force of the cylinder is almost unchanged, and it is not affected by the speed. But when Cv=3, the hydrodynamic characteristic coefficient is higher. The drag coefficient is 20% higher than that in the high-speed (Cv≥8) planing process. The lift coefficient is 3 times of high-speed planing lift coefficient. It is related to the surface pressure and frictional force distribution of cylinder during the low-speed planing. There is a linear relationship between the drag coefficient and the submerged depth during the cylinder planing at different submerged depths.
Path following of ship based on sliding mode control with improved RBF neural network and virtual circle
Authors: Li Zongxuan , Bu Renxiang , Zhang Hugan
Published: April 2021

To address the unmeasured velocity, external disturbance and internal model uncertainty for following the path of an under-actuated ship, the paper presents a sliding mode control method based on the radial basis function(RBF) neural network and the velocity observer. To enhance the RBF performance of approximating the unknown, an arc tangent function was exploited in the RBF neural network to update its weight values. Then, the nonlinear observer was built via the hyperbolic tangent function to deal with the unmeasured velocity of the ship. Furthermore, in order to avoid overshoots when the ship is moving to its way points, the virtual paths of a variable circle based on the turning angle were designed at the joints of the path of the ship to enhance its path following capability. Finally, the simulation results show that the sliding mode controller designed in the paper can force the ship to follow accurately the reference path in case of time-varying disturbances without measured velocity and enhance the path following performance of the ship and the accuracy of the RBF neural network, thus demonstrating its effectiveness.
Implication de la cascade du complément dans les formes sévères de COVID-19
Authors: Chouaki Benmansour Nassima , Carvelli Julien , Vivier Éric
Published: April 2021

Le système du complément est un composant essentiel du système immunitaire inné. Son activation excessive au cours de la COVID-19 participe à l’orage cytokinique, à l’inflammation endothéliale (endothélite) et aux thromboses qui accompagnent la maladie. Bloquer le complément, notamment l’axe C5a-C5aR1, par des thérapies spécifiques représente un espoir thérapeutique dans les formes les plus sévères de la maladie.
Can UVA radiation have a germicidal effect?
Authors: Savic S. , Lestarevic S. , Smiljic S. , Stolic-Ilic A. , Mijovic M. , Djerkovic B.
Published: April 2021

This study examines the efficiency of UVA radiation in the eradication of murine mites. The experiment consisted of the radiation of female BALBc mice in a solarium by UVA rays, up to total dosages of 7800 J/cm2and 12 500 J/cm2. A total of 88 animals were divided into four experimental and three control groups. Animals from the experimental and two control groups were shaved, and animals in two experimental groups were treated by a photoprotective cream half an hour before exposure. The animals in the third control group were not shaven. The presence of mites was detected in histological preparations of most of the animals in the control groups. When compared to the experimental groups of animals exposed to radiation up to 7800 J/cm2, the presence of mites was significantly more frequent in the control group of shaven animals (p = 0.013) and unshaven animals (p < 0.001). When compared to the experimental groups exposed to radiation up to 12 500 J/cm2, the presence of mites was significantly more frequent in the control group of shaven animals (p < 0.001) and unshaven animals (p < 0.001). Median value of mites was statistically much higher in the control, unshaven group of animals in comparison to the untreated group of animals exposed to radiation up to 7800 J/cm2(p = 0.006). Median value of mites between untreated group of animals exposed to radiation up to 7800 J/cm2and their shaven control group was near a statistically significant difference (p = 0.056). By comparing the number of mites between the control groups of animals, no presence of statistically significant difference (p = 0.901) was confirmed. UVA radiation led to the effective eradication of murine mites.