bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of intensified communicative impact in the media system: criterial features
Authors: Kutuza Natalia
Published: May 2022

The article is devoted to the classification features of the intensified communicative impact, which is realized, in particular, in the media system. In this regard, media influence is actively studied, including communicative influence in general in various fields of science, but today we note the lack of clear delineation of the concepts of influence, persuasion, suggestion, suggestion, hypnosis, etc., as well as lack of clear separation of relevant components which contribute to its implementation, etc. This causes confusion and, as a result, ineffective messages that do not reach the goal are formed. In addition, orientation in the specifics of communicative influence will be useful in situations of manipulative processes, as it will allow to take counter-manipulative measures. In this case, there is a need for a clear interpretation of the communicative impact, its factors of actualization, varieties and systematization of the components of this phenomenon, which emphasizes the relevance of our article.
The article proposes the author’s classification of varieties of communicative influence, the actualization of which occurs with the help of factors that are divided into two blocks: factors of socio-psychological characteristics of the subject and object of influence (or factors of interactive actualization of communicative influence) and message factors (or factors of textual actualization of communicative influence). Attention is focused on one of the factors of textual actualization of the impact — the factor of constructing a message behind the intensification: persuasion, suggestion, hypnosis / trance.
These types of communicative influence differ in the level of utilization of consciousness, the degree of engraving in the consciousness / subconscious of the recipient, namely — persuasion is characterized by a weak degree of intensification of influence, because consciousness is active in perception (in the case of logical arguments, emotional ones are able to block consciousness, giving the effect of suggestibility); suggestive influence is determined by moderate intensification, because conscious processes are utilized, perceptual processes occur outside consciousness; hypnotic influence is characterized by the maximum degree of intensification due to the fact that in this state the consciousness is maximally utilized so much that the recipient may not remember it at all.
In addition, the main differences between trance and hypnosis are identified on the following grounds: conditions of occurrence; degree of utilization of consciousness; duration; their relationship, and it was found that trance is a kind of stage of hypnosis. We see prospects for further research in in-depth study, detailing of components and implementation of communicative influence in the media space.
Peculiarities of the coverage of European issues of the end of the XIX century on the pages of the newspaper «Kievlyanin»
Authors: Sydun Iryna
Published: May 2022

The Kyiv press is the main source of foreign news of Ukraine in the second half of the 19th century. The article examines the materials of the Kyiv newspaper «Kievlyanin» on European problems of the late nineteenth century. News about European countries occupied a significant place in the Kyiv press. The role of the periodical press as the main channel for disseminating information and forming public opinion in the late nineteenth century was key. Research of the Ukrainian press of the XIX century has always occupied a prominent place in Ukrainian science. Today, some issues of Ukrainian history are unexplored or need to be rethought. The newspaper’s publications will help to find new information for understanding the relations between Ukraine and Europe over the centuries.
The article examines the influence of the Russian Empire on these processes. «Kievlyanin» is the most widely circulated newspaper of the late nineteenth century in the region and reached a large audience. The influence of the Russian Empire on international affairs was evident in the pages ofthe newspaper. In most publications, relations between the Russian Empire and foreign countries are described as friendly. The main problems that arose in the columns of the then Kyiv publications were revealed. The frequency of coverage of international issues, forms of information presentation, sources of information, the place of such publications in the columns of the newspaper «Kievlyanin» are analyzed. Articles in the genre of notes, short news from Europe, reviews of the European press, less often analytical materials on politics, economics were most often published. It was found that current events in European countries in the late nineteenth century through the prism of the press were not the subject of scientific research of Ukrainian researchers.
PROSPECTS FOR MODERNIZATION OF THE AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SYSTEM AS A TOOL FOR ENSURING DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL COOPERATION IN UKRAINE
Authors: Masin V. M. , Khrishcheva O. H.
Published: May 2022

The article is devoted to the study of problems and development prospects of the agricul­tural advisory system in Ukraine. The relevance of the chosen topic is determined by the fact that today in Ukraine agricultural advisory as a consulting system has not been properly devel­oped and remains out of the state’s attention, needs modernization and increasing the efficiency in order to further ensure the development of agricultural cooperation in Ukraine.
Despite the provisions of the State Target Program for the Development of the Agricul­tural Sector for the Period until 2022 and the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union, the number of agricultural advisory services in Ukraine remains small, majority of the agricultural advisory services are located in administrative centers, while ag­ricultural producers are located in rural areas, the level of financial support from the state and local authorities is too small for successful development.
This article highlights proposals for modernizing the agricultural advisory system. The in­troduction of a hierarchical three-level system of the agricultural advisory services is proposed. The article stressed the need to review the principle of financing the advisory activities and to introduce web-platforms of the digital advisory in Ukraine, which will help to reduce the barriers to access of agricultural producers to information and consulting service of advisory services.
DEFINITION OF THE «BIOSPHERE NATURE RESERVE» AND «BIOSPHERE RESERVE» CONCEPT ACCORDING TO THE LEGISLATION OF UKRAINE
Authors: Tolkachenko E. V.
Published: May 2022

The article is currently important due to the fact that nowadays there is no concept of the bio­sphere reserve in the legislation of Ukraine. There is no differentiation of the concepts «biosphere nature reserve» and «biosphere reserve». Although due to the official data of the Ministry of the environmental and natural resources protection, there are 9 biosphere reserves on the territory of Ukraine. Five of them are biosphere nature reserve, among them Chernobyl biosphere nature reserve, which does not have a status of biosphere reserve. It is also interesting, that 4 biosphere reserves do not have a status of biosphere nature reserves in Ukraine. It should be noted, that there is some confusion about the procedure of their creation.
The study found that there are biosphere nature reserves in Ukraine, which were created in accordance with the procedure described in the legislation, but also biosphere reserves declared in accordance with separate international agreements. At the same time, as mentioned above, the national legislation does not regulate the concept of a biosphere reserve.
After analyzing the legislation, we can conclude that biosphere nature reserves and bio­sphere reserves can be created not only on the territory of national natural parks, nature reserves and other categories of the natural reserve fund, but also on lands of special conservation value. In order to monitor the impact of human anthropogenic activity on the environment, it is proposed to include adjacent territories in biosphere nature reserves and biosphere reserves. For this, zoning of territories is carried out and certain functions are performed, including the function of sustain­able development.
After conducting a study, it was found that now in the country there are simultaneously two concepts of «biosphere nature reserve» and «biosphere reserve», which are not coordinated with each other. This creates uncertainty and confusion in the national legislation. Moreover, it should be noted that the Decree of the President «On Biosphere Nature Reserves of Ukraine» is not true today and therefore it is advisable to make certain changes that reflect the true state of affairs.
Inimputabilidad penal por diversidad cultural sobre el artículo 15 del Código Penal
Authors: Meini Mendez Iván
Published: May 2022

El artículo no presenta resumen.
Delitos sexuales en agravio de menores (aspectos materiales y procesales)
Authors: San Martín Castro César
Published: May 2022

El artículo no presenta resumen.
Variability Analysis in Determinate F4 Progenies for Yield and it’s Attributes in Indian Bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet]
Authors: Patel A.G. , Modha K.G. , Kale B.H. , Patel R.K.
Published: May 2022

Background: Indian bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet] is an important vegetable as well as split pulse crop in India. An attempt was made here to study the genetic variability, correlation and direct and indirect effects through path analysis for yield and yield attributing traits. Methods: Total 52 genotypes were evaluated in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications during early-rabi season, 2018-2019. Observations were recorded on 11 quantitative traits. Result: Significant variation existed in all the characters. Higher values of GCV and PCV were observed for pods per raceme, pods per plant and seed yield per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for racemes per plant, pods per raceme, pods per plant, pod width and seed yield per plant. Seed yield per plant was highly significant and positively correlated at genotypic level with days to maturity, plant height, racemes per plant, pods per raceme, pods per plant and seeds per pod. Path analysis based on genotypic correlation revealed that high positive direct effects on seed yield per plant was registered by pod per raceme followed by racemes per plant, pod length, days to 50% flowering, plant height, pod weight and days to maturity.
Millet Bars-Healthier Alternative to Cereal Bars: A Review
Authors: Dharshini S. Sai , Meera M.
Published: May 2022

The demand for quality nutritious food is growing worldwide, that promote health and wellbeing for consumers and helps in reducing the risk for non-communicable diseases and improve the quality of life. The lifestyle changes of consumers, higher health consciousness and nuclear families has created the food industry to invent and innovate creative products by incorporating functional novel ingredients to enhance the nutrient quality and percent daily value per serving of the product. Millet-based bars are versatile products that can be developed as an alternate to existing cereal-based bars. However, technological constraints of manufacturing millet-based bars can be overcome by adding either hydrocolloids, enzymes, any pre-processed starches or by biofortification, genetic engineering or by introducing additional processing technique like fermentation. Incorporation of millets as major functional ingredient in snack food, especially in snack bar, helps to improve the nutritional attributes of the products and to overcome nutritional deficiencies at large.
Diversity of Ethno-medicinal Plant: A Study in Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand
Authors: Kandpal Arpita Sharma , Kumar Sunil , Kandpal Naresh Kumar
Published: May 2022

Background: The hilly areas of Uttarakhand embraces a large heirloom awareness of traditional medicinal plants. In Uttarakhand, medical facilities are very less in number. Due to unavailability of modern health facilities, poverty, connectivity with urban centre, awareness, etc people in hilly and rural areas are still depend on traditional medicines for their health care. Some of the communities are using wild plant parts for healthcare. Methods: Thus, a study was conducted to document the ethno-medicinal plants used traditionally in Munsyari tehsil of Pithoragadh District of Uttarakhand. Out of 219 villages under tehsil Munsyari, total five villages viz; Basari, Chhija, Diya Palla, Kheta, Kutima were selected purposively. Participatory Rural Appraisal, Group Discussion techniques were used to document the medicinal plants. Result: These medicinal plants are highly valuable and appropriate for economic upliftment of the region. People are dependent upon food, fruits, fodder and medicinal plants for their healthcare. Hilly people use these traditionally available medicinal plants for health and believe that these are easily available, less expensive and have no side effects as compare to modern medicine. Present scenario as deforestation, tourism affects medicinal plants. Thus, conservation of these species is necessary. Proper policies should be needed to conserve the forests and medicinal plants.
Role of Rumen Bypass Nutrients in Dairy Animal’s Health and Productivity: A Review
Authors: Sarkar Srobana , Sharma Amit , Tariq Hujaz , Satapathy Debasish , Pal Ravi Prakash , Ohja Lamella , Sharma Hunny , Ahirwar Maneesh Kumar
Published: May 2022

Ruminants have unique ability to convert poor quality feeds to high value animal protein. The rumen microflora degrades dietary nutrients into volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammonia for synthesis of microbial crude protein. The microbial protein along with rumen undegradable nutrients reaches small intestine which is sufficient to meet the requirements of maintenance and low producing animals. However, in case of high yielders and physiological stress such as pregnancy, lactation, transition, etc. it becomes a limiting factor. Under above circumstances, rumen protected/bypass nutrients are effective in delivering nutrients directly to the intestine in utilizable and efficient form. Supplementation of rumen protected protein, fat and vitamins improves milk yield, reduces heat stress and boosts immunity. Certain rumen bypass fatty acids can also enhance quality of milk by reducing saturated fat content and also improve the reproductive performance in dairy animals. Thus supplementing nutrients in rumen protected form can result in quantity and quality production from ruminants especially under stressful conditions.
Anatomical Study of Thymus at Different Stages of Development in Pati Duck of Assam
Authors: Ahmed J. , Sarma Munmun , Devchodhury K.B. , Deka A.
Published: May 2022

Background: The study on Thymus of Pati duck of Assam is of great value in regard to normal academic and vaccine production. The aim of the study was to evaluate the gross and histo-morphological examination of thymus of Pati duck at different age group. Methods: The present studies were conducted on 36 numbers of Pati duck of Assam of irrespective of sex at different stages of development. The ducks were divided into six groups viz., day old, 15th day, 4th week, 8th week, 16th week and 24th week of age. For histomorphological studies, tissue samples were fixed in 10% NBF and then processed as per the standard technique andprocedure of Luna (1968). The paraffin blocks were sectioned in Shandon Finesse microtome at 5 micrometer (µm) thickness and the tissue sections were stained with Mayer’s Haematoxylin and Eosin staining technique for Cellular details, Van Gieson’s method for collagen fibres, Gomori’s method for reticular fibres, Hart’s and Verhoeff’s method for elastic fibers and Bielchowsky’s method for axis cylinder and dendrites. Result: The thymus, a primary lymphoid organ of Pati duck of Assam was arranged in two long chains on either side of the neck embedded in the sub dermal connective tissue as chains of lobes connected to each other by connective tissue. The thymus of Pati duck consisted of a capsule made up of connective tissue fibres and cells from which trabeculae entered the parenchyma dividing that organ into a number of incomplete lobules. The unique structure of the thymus, the Hassall’s corpuscles, was formed by the hypertrophied reticulo-epithelial cells and was very common in the medulla.
Reflections on the Concept of Authority: The Case of Accounting Standards and Standards Setting
Authors:   University Professor Emeritus, France, Burlaud Alain , Niculescu Maria ,   University Professor, Romania
Published: May 2022

The question of authority can take various forms and have different purposes. The exercise of authority influences behaviors, changes practices, transforms realities, and, by avoiding chaos, brings intellectual comfort to those who submit to it by leaving it to others, i.e., those who possess authority, the task of asking questions and sometimes finding satisfactory answers. The paper highlights the multiple perspectives of a definition of the concept of authority, to then reflect on the authority and legitimacy of accounting rules and regulations. This is because if confidence is essential in trade, it is just as essential in accounting matters. In this regard the authors consider that it would be more useful to deal with the substance of the problem and to address the underlying or implicit assumptions that made it possible to produce the accounting information. Thus, the accounting can be perceived as a legitimate and effective authority which contributes to a climate of trust.
Audit Process Automation – between Vision and Realism
Authors:   Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Romania, Tofan Dragos Ovidiu , Airinei Dinu ,   Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Romania
Published: May 2022

The crisis of the qualified labor force both on the Romanian and foreign market, as well as the need for profitability determined the companies to find alternative solutions for optimizing the internal processes. Robotic Process Automation – RPA technologies bring solutions applicable in context by computer replication of human behavior and by automating the repetitive and usual tasks of employees. Predictably, the audit can be integrated as a perfect client for such offers, especially in terms of mission-specific risks through complete data analysis, due to analytical capabilities clearly superior to traditional ones. Given the extremely important role that an audit opinion has in front of all stakeholders, the involvement of RPA in carrying out work missions must, however, comply with certain rules of professional skepticism and interpretation of the results of financial-accounting analysis. The article supports the idea of automating audit processes through RPA and elaborates a realistic assessment of all the components and efforts that such an approach entails.
REFLEXÕES E OBSERVAÇÕES INICIAIS SOBRE ÁREAS DE RISCO DE MOVIMENTO DE MASSA NA VERTENTE ORIENTAL DA SERRA DE MARANGUAPE/CE
Authors: Lourenço Lara Lima , Silva Gislania de Meneses , Braga Daniel Paulo , Cruz Maria Lúcia Brito da
Published: May 2022

O ser humano interfere diretamente no funcionamento do meio ambiente, geralmente de forma negativa. Porém, é necessário recordar que a natureza e seus recursos são findáveis. A presente pesquisa é de caráter reflexivo e teórico, que estabelece uma discussão acerca da ocupação em áreas sujeitas a risco de acidentes desencadeados por movimentos de massa na vertente Oriental da serra de Maranguape/CE, com o objetivo de analisar essas áreas, realizando uma caracterização do local. A análise desse movimento contribui positivamente para os estudos relacionados com a Geografia no geral, pois auxilia a população e todos os envolvidos na temática a ter um melhor entendimento a cerca do tema.
INTERPRETAÇÃO GEOGRÁFICA DO USO DO PATRIMÔNIO DA UNIÃO NO PARÁ
Authors: Soares Daniel Araújo Sombra , Moraes Mauro Pantoja de , Silva João Márcio Palheta da
Published: May 2022

Este artigo compara os usos do Patrimônio da União no Pará a partir de dois casos, Belém, a capital do estado do Pará, e Salinópolis, na zona costeira do mesmo, com os quais se ilustra uma dualidade de alternativas. Por um lado, o ordenamento territorial autoritário, cuja disposição dos objetos obedece a ações superiores oculta aos agentes atuantes na escala local, ao nível das relações de produção; e, por outro lado, a possibilidade de uma gestão mais democráticas dos recursos territoriais do Patrimônio da União. Para tal, faz-se necessário aclarar as concepções chaves para a interpretação teórica, e o contexto histórico em que essas possibilidades são dadas à produção do espaço ao nível local, das relações de produção. O elo da mediação entre as duas formas de gestão do patrimônio da União (herdado do Império e da Coroa) está na mudança da forma de controle do trabalho. O objetivo do artigo é elaborar, a partir dos dois casos, uma distinção histórica e ontológica entre um ordenamento construído de forma autoritária, e outro pautado na gestão democrática dos recursos no mesmo objeto: as terras do Patrimônio da União no estado do Pará. Os procedimentos metodológicos adotados envolvem análise bibliográfica e análise documental. Os resultados da discussão apontam as distinções nas duas formas de ordenamento e as consequências destas distinções para a organização do espaço geográfico.
Sediment Budget Analysis System (SBAS) 2020 user's guide : Version 1.0
Authors: McGill Sean , Eisemann Eve , Dopsovic Rose
Published: May 2022

This special report acts as a user’s guide for the Sediment Budget Analysis System (SBAS) toolbox within ArcGIS Pro. The SBAS toolbox is a free toolset that allows the user to create and visualize a sediment budget using ArcGIS Pro. Included in this report are instructions on how to download the toolbox and create a sediment budget.
Interactive effects of brassinosteroids and timber waste biochar enhances the drought tolerance capacity of wheat plant
Authors: Lalarukh Irfana , Amjad Syeda F. , Mansoora Nida , Al-Dhumri Sami A , Alshahri Abdullah H. , Almutari Mohammad M. , Alhusayni Fatimah S , Al-Shammari Wasimah B , Poczai Peter , Abbas Mohamed , Abdelhafez Ahmed
Published: May 2022

Drought stress is among the major constraints that threat agricultural productivity within the arid and semi-arid regions, worldwide. In this study, wheat (a strategic crop) was selected to test its growth under drought stress and the mechanisms beyond this adaptation while considering two factors, i.e., (1) deficit irrigation at 35% of the water holding capacity (WHC) versus 75% of WHC (Factor A) and (2) the following safe treatments: the control treatment (C), amending soil with biochar (BC) at a rate of 2%, foliar application of 24-epibrassinolide at two different levels (1 (BR1) or 3 (BR2) µmol) and the combination between BC and BR treatments. The obtained results were statistically analyzed, and the heat-map conceits between measured variables were also calculated by using the Python software. This investigation took place under the greenhouse conditions for 35 days following a complete randomized design and all treatments were replicated trice. Results obtained herein revealed that drought stress decreased all studied vegetative growth parameters (root and shoot biomasses) and photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, b and total contents while increased oxidative stress indicators. All additives, specifically the combined ones BR1 + BC and BR2 + BC, were effective in increasing growth attributes, photosynthetic pigments and ion assimilation by wheat plants. They also upraised the levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants while decreased stress indicators. Furthermore, they increased Ca, P and K content within plants. It can therefore be deduced that the integral application of BR and BC is essential to mitigate drought stress in plants.
Behavioral detection of optogenetic stimulation in inferior temporal cortex depends on the image being viewed
Authors: Azadi Reza , Bohn Simon , Lopez Emily , Lafer-Sousa Rosa , Wang Karen , Eldridge Mark , Afraz Arash
Published: May 2022

To be able to effectively restore vision by direct cortical stimulation, we need to understand the perceptual events induced by stimulation of high-level visual cortices. We trained macaque monkeys to detect and report optogenetic impulses delivered to their inferior temporal cortices. In a series of experiments, we observed that detection of cortical stimulation is highly dependent on the choice of images presented to the eyes and that detection of cortical stimulation is most difficult when the animal fixates on a blank screen. We show that optogenetic stimulation of object-selective parts of the visual cortex induces perceptual events that are easy to detect, probably as object-dependent distortions of the concurrent contents of vision. These findings invite expanding the scope of visual prosthetics beyond the primary visual cortex.
The specific heat of astro-materials:
Review of theoretical concepts, materials and techniques
Authors: Biele Jens , Grott Matthias , Zolensky Michael E. , Benisek Artur , Dachs Edgar
Published: May 2022

We provide detailed background, theoretical and practical, on the specific heat of minerals and mixtures thereof, ‘astro-materials’, as well as background information on common minerals and other relevant solid substances found on the surfaces of solar system bodies. Furthermore, we demonstrate how to use specific heat and composition data for lunar samples and meteorites as well as a new database of endmember mineral heat capacities (the result of an extensive literature review) to construct reference models for the isobaric specific heat cP as a function of temperature for common solar system materials. Using a (generally linear) mixing model for the specific heat of minerals allows extrapolation of the available data to very low and very high temperatures, such that models cover the temperature range between 10 and 1000 K at least (and pressures from zero up to several kbars). We describe a procedure to estimate cP(T) for virtually any solid solar system material with a known mineral composition, e.g., model specific heat as a function of temperature for a number of typical meteorite classes with known mineralogical compositions. We present, as examples, the cP(T) curves of a number of well-described laboratory regolith analogues, as well as for planetary ices and ‘tholins’ in the outer solar system. Part II will review and present the heat capacity database for minerals and compounds and part III is going to cover applications, standard reference compositions, cP(T) curves and a comparison with new and literature experimental data.
Intermedin promotes breast cancer metastasis via Src/c-Myc-mediated ribosome production and protein translation
Authors: Kong Lingmiao , Xiong Ying , Wang Denian , Huang Luping , Li Min , Feng Zhongxue , Zhou Yue , Zhang Haili , Liu Fei , Xiao Fei , Wei Yonggang , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and is the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality in women worldwide. Intermedin (IMD) is an endogenous peptide that belongs to the calcitonin gene-related peptide family and has been reported to play important roles in several types of cancers, including breast cancer. In this study, we sought to investigate how IMD affects the behavior of breast cancer cells, the underlying mechanism of these effects, and whether blockade of IMD has a therapeutic effect against breast cancer. Methods: Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq), cell biological experiments, Western blotting (WB), immunoprecipitation (IP), and animal tumor models were used. Results: IMD expression was significantly increased in breast cancer samples, and the IMD level was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis and Ki67 expression. Cell biological experiments showed that IMD promoted the anchorage-independent growth, migration, and invasive ability of breast cancer cells. Inhibiting IMD activity with an anti-IMD monoclonal antibody blocked these tumor-promoting effects. In addition, blockade of IMD reduced in situ tumor growth and significantly decreased lung metastasis of 4T1 breast cancer in vivo. IMD induced Src kinase phosphorylation, which triggered the transcription of c-Myc, a major oncoprotein controlling the expression of genes that encode ribosomal components. Our data suggest that IMD is involved in breast cancer cell invasion and metastasis, potentially through increasing ribosome biogenesis and protein translation via the Src/c-Myc signaling pathway. Conclusion : These results suggest that IMD may be a novel target for the treatment of breast cancer.
Analyzing Corporate Governance Model with Chinese Characteristics and Accounting Information Disclosure: A Quasi-natural Experimental Study Based on a Special Institutional Arrangement
Authors: Yang Kaiyuan , Huo Xiaoyan , Li Ruyi , Sindakis Stavros , Aggarwal Sakshi
Published: May 2022

A new corporate governance model for SOEs with Chinese characteristics was implemented in China in 2016, in which a 4 + 1 (Chinese Communist Party committee, shareholders’ meeting, board of directors, board of supervisors + managers) corporate governance structure was formed by integrating the Party organization into the traditional Western 3 + 1 structure (shareholders’ meeting, board of directors, board of supervisors + managers), and it was a major breakthrough of the modern enterprise system with Chinese characteristics. With this brand-new institutional arrangement as a quasi-nature experiment, the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and Differences in Differences (PSM-DID) methods have been used in this paper to empirically test the impact of the corporate governance model with Chinese characteristics on accounting information disclosure of State-Owned Enterprises (SOE). It has been found in the study that the corporate governance model with Chinese characteristics has improved the transparency of accounting information of SOEs in China, but no significant contribution to the quality of accounting information has been identified. Samples are subdivided in view of the influence of the hierarchy and internal governance of Chinese SOEs. In central government-owned enterprises or those with a low level of internal control, the new governance model plays a more prominent role in enhancing the transparency of accounting information. The study verifies the positive effect of the corporate governance model with Chinese characteristics in improving the level of accounting information disclosure. Also, the study has practical significance in enhancing the corporate governance system with Chinese characteristics.
Low-dose versus standard-dose computed tomography-guided core needle biopsy for lung nodules: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Er-Liang , Ma Ai-Li , Wang Tao , Fu Yu-Fei , Liu Han-Yang , Li Guang-Chao
Published: May 2022

Background: To assess relative safety and diagnostic performance for low- and standard-dose computed tomography (CT)-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) for lung nodules (LNs).Materials and Methods: This is a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) from a single-center. From June 2020 to December 2020, consecutive patients with LNs were randomly assigned into low- or standard-dose groups. The primary outcome was diagnosis accuracy, while secondary outcomes encompassed technical success, diagnostic yield, operative time, radiation dose, and CNB-related complications. This RCT was listed within ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04217655), registered 3 January 2020. Results: A total of 200 patients were randomly assigned to low-dose (n = 100) and standard-dose (n = 100) groups. All patients achieved technical success of CT-guided CNB and the definite final diagnoses. No significant difference was found for operative times (n = 0.231) between 2 groups. The mean dose-length product was markedly reduced within low-dose group in comparison to standard-dose group (34.6 ± 11.1 vs. 351.4 ± 107.4 mGy-cm, P < 0.001). Within low-dose group, the diagnostic yield, sensitivity, specificity, and diagnosis accuracy were 68%, 91.5%, 100%, and 94%, respectively. Within standard-dose group, the diagnostic yield, sensitivity, specificity, and diagnosis accuracy were 65%, 88.6%, 100%, and 92%, respectively. There were no significances in diagnostic yield (P = 0.653) and diagnostic accuracy (P = 0.579) between 2 groups. No significant differences within rates of pneumothorax (P = 0.836) and lung hemorrhage (P = 0.744) between 2 groups were observed.Conclusions: Compared with standard-dose CT-guided CNB for LNs, low-dose CT can significantly reduce radiation dose, while yield comparable safety and diagnostic accuracy.
Delineating and characterizing changes in heat wave events across the United States climate regions
Authors: Wanyama Dan , Bunting Erin Leigh , Weil Nicholas , Keeellings David
Published: May 2022

Exposure to extreme heat, or heat waves, represents a public health threat as well as an environmental health threat. With projections for further increases in temperature in some regions, resulting from global environmental change, it is important to understand the spatiotemporal impacts of heat waves in order to minimize risk. To understand heat wave impacts one cannot look solely at the spatial and temporal temperature regimes but much also consider key heat wave characteristics: duration, size, magnitude, frequency, and region of impact. To understand the consequences of heat wave events it is critical to analyze such extreme events based on the cumulative impacts of these characteristics. This study, which is conducted across the whole of the continental United States, looks to map, and analyze such cumulative impacts of heatwave characteristics. Heat waves were spatially defined for the period of May-September of each year. Using persistence analyses and the development of a new index (Combined Heat wave Characteristics Index; CHCI) we can define regions of consistent heat wave exposure and impact. Results show that there are large differences across the United States in terms of heat wave exposure and impacting heat wave characteristics. Across much of the analysis a clear east versus west difference in patterns is seen. Overall, such work shows how and where differing, but covarying heat wave characteristics impact the United States. Information from this work can be combined with demographic and health metrics to better pinpoint susceptibility to heat waves – and therefore inform better management decisions.
Egg Production Performance and Mortality Rate of Exotic Chicken Kept under Traditional and Small Scale Intensive Production Systems in Assosa Town, West Ethiopia
Authors: Duressa Nega Mekonnen , Betelhem Betelihem Adamu
Published: May 2022

This study was conducted to assess egg production performance and mortality rate of exotic chicken kept under traditional and small-scale intensive production system in Assosa town, benishangul gumuz region, western Ethiopia. To conduct this survey a total of 402 (385households and 10 key informants) samples were drawn by using random sampling. To measure some traits of egg production performance 30 eggs were taken from different exotic chicken breeds. Primary data were collected by using a semi-structured questionnaire, analyzed by (SAS, 2012) and presented by using tables and charts. Average number of Sasso T44, Bovans Brown and White leghorn chicken kept in small scale intensive production were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than chicken kept in traditional production. Average net income earned from exotic chicken kept in small scale intensive production was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than net income earned in traditional production. Mortality rate of Sasso T44, Bovans Brown and White leghorn breeds in traditional production was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than mortality rate in small scale intensive production. Average number of eggs laid by Bovans Brown, Sasso T44 and White leghorn chicken in small scale intensive production was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than eggs laid in traditional production. Major problems that affect egg production performance and mortality rate of exotic chicken in the study area were prevalence of disease and predators; poor feeding and housing management. Therefore, improvement of exotic chicken management practices could help to reduce mortality rate, boost egg production performance and thereby enhance the livelihood of small holders.
A novel computerized cognitive test for the detection of MCI and its association with neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease prone brain regions
Authors: Cid Rosie Curiel , Zheng D. Diane , Kitaigorodsky Marcela , Adjouadi Malek , Crocco Elizabeth A. , Georgiou Mike , Gonzalez-Jimenez Christian , Goryawala Mohammed , ORTEGA ALEXANDRA , Nagornaya Natalya , Pattany Pradip , Sfakianaki Efrosyni , Visser Ubbo , Loewenstein David A.
Published: May 2022

During the prodromal stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), neurodegenerative changes can be identified by measuring volumetric loss in AD-prone brain regions on MRI. Cognitive assessments sensitive enough to measure the early brain-behavior manifestations of AD and correlate with biomarkers of neurodegeneration are needed to identify and monitor individuals at risk for dementia. Weak sensitivity to early cognitive change has been one major limitation of traditionally used assessment tools. In this study, we focused on expanding our previous work by determining whether a digitized cognitive stress test, the Loewenstein-Acevedo Scales for Sematic Interference and Learning, Brief Computerized Version (LASSI-BC) could differentiate between Cognitively Unimpaired (CU) and amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI) groups. A second focus was to correlate LASSI-BC performance to volumetric reductions in AD-prone regions. Data was gathered from 127 older adults who were comprehensively evaluated and administered the LASSI-BC. Eighty-seven of these participants (51 CU; 36 aMCI) underwent MRI imaging. The volumes of 12 AD-prone brain regions were related to LASSI-BC and other memory indices correcting for False Discovery Rate (FDR). Results indicated that, even after adjusting for initial learning ability, the failure to recover from proactive semantic interference (frPSI) on the LASSI-BC differentiated between CU and aMCI groups. An optimal combination of frPSI and initial learning strength on the LASSI-BC yielded an area under the ROC curve of .876 (76.1% sensitivity, 82.7% specificity). Further, LASSI-BC measures of frPSI were associated with volumetric reductions in AD prone regions including the hippocampus, amygdala, inferior temporal lobes, precuneus and posterior cingulate.
Cloud Enterprise Dynamic Risk Assessment (CEDRA): a dynamic risk assessment using dynamic Bayesian networks for cloud environment
Authors: Behbehani Dawood , Komninos Nikos , Al-Begain Khaled , Rajarajan Muttukrishnan
Published: May 2022

Cloud computing adoption has been increasing rapidly amid COVID-19 as organisations accelerate the implementation of their digital strategies. Most models adopt traditional dynamic risk assessment, which does not adequately quantify or monetise risks to enable business-appropriate decision-making. To address this issue, we propose a Cloud Enterprise Dynamic Risk Assessment (CEDRA) model that uses CVSS, threat intelligence feeds and information about exploitation availability in the wild using dynamic Bayesian networks to predict vulnerability exploitations and financial losses. We evaluate the proposed model in a real case scenario that demonstrates the applicability of this model.
Synthesis and evaluation of novel flavonoid metal complexes as immune boosters for dual modulation of IL-6 pathway in SARS-CoV-2 therapy; A combined in-silico and in-vitro approaches
Authors: Akey swaroop Krishna , Patnaik Sunil Kumar , Vasanth P , Jeyaprakash  , Kumar Praharsh , Jawahar N , Selvaraj Jubie
Published: May 2022

It is observed that cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is one of the major causes for the death of several COVID-19 patients. Though several cytokines are involved in CRS, Interleukin-6 (IL-6) modulation plays a major role. We aim to develop new flavonoid metal complexes as immune boosters targeting IL-6 for SARS-CoV-2 treatment. To find potential flavonoids, PyRx 0.9 tool has been used to dock 152 secondary plant metabolites against IL-6 (PDB ID: 1ALU). The top scorer flavonoid (quercetin) was made into quercetin-oxime. Seven metal complexes (QM-1 to QM-7) were made from quercetin-oxime by utilizing divalent metals such as zinc, copper, magnesium, cobalt, barium, and cadmium. Based on ADME profile, it was assumed that all compounds were moderately soluble and would not penetrate the BBB. The in-vitro heamolytic research revealed a modest heamolytic effect in all seven complexes. To control the IL-6 inhibitory potential, complexes were screened for cytotoxicity in cell lines MCF-7 which predominantly expresses the IL-6 level. The cytotoxic effects of all complexes were considerable relative to the marketable Nutridac formulation. The complex quercetin-Zinc (QM1) and quercetin-Zinc-Ascorbic acid (QM7) significantly affected MCF-7 cells in concentrations 43.25 and 48.54 µg/ml, respectively.
Evaluation of the Mineral composition, Phytochemical and Proximate Constituents of three Culinary Spices in Nigeria: A Comparative Study
Authors: Evuen Uduenevwo Francis , Okolie Ngozi Paulinus , Apiamu Augustine
Published: May 2022

A comparative assessment of the quantitative mineral composition, phytochemical and proximate constituents of Xylopia aethiopica (fruits), Piper guineense (seeds) and Rhaphiostylis beninensis (roots) was done using standard protocols. Mineral analysis of the culinary spices revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Selenium, Copper, Calcium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Potassium and Sodium contents of the spices. The respective concentrations of Iron and Selenium (16.03 ± 0.01, 0.25 ± 0.01 mg/L) in R. beninensis were the highest and lowest of all mineral elements evaluated in the three spices. Similarly, the carbohydrate and moisture contents (81.24 ± 0.25%, 0.71 ± 0.01%) of R. beninensis were the highest and lowest among all proximate parameters evaluated in the three spices. However, the Fibre contents of R. beninensis and P. guineense and the ash contents of P. guineense and X. aethiopica respectively, showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). Moreover, flavonoid and oxalate concentrations (4.04 ± 0.09%, 0.25 ± 0.04%) in X. aethiopica were the highest and lowest of phytochemicals in the three spices respectively. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the tannin content of P. guineense and X. aethiopica spices respectively. Similar trends were observed between the oxalate contents of R. beninensis and X. aethiopica, the phytate contents of R. beninensis and P. guineense and the saponin contents of the three spices respectively. These results indicate that the spices are notable sources of essential nutrients and phytochemicals. Therefore, they are possible candidates in the search for natural ingredients to formulate drugs and nutraceuticals by pharmaceutical industries.
A Novel Application of Close-range Photogrammetry for Earth Retaining Wall and Slope Stability Assessment
Authors: Nategh Mehrdad , Ekinci Abdullah , Iravanian Anoosheh
Published: May 2022

In recent years, with the advances in the construction sector monitoring techniques have been extended to be used in geotechnical assets such as slopes, embankments, and retaining walls. The current study analyzed the slope stability problem near the Kyrenia Castel which belongs to the 7thcentury and is located in the northern part of Cyprus. In the current case, the landslide and RC/Stone walls built for rehabilitation purposes were monitored for a period of 2 years. As a conventional analysis method, the Finite Element Method (FEM) was adapted to back analyze the current condition of the site. On the other hand, close-range photogrammetry (CRP) was adopted by using an unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) to obtain the required photographs that are necessary to build the dense cloud model and detect the changes in geotechnical assets. The results show that the CRP method confirms the numerical analyses. As a result, this approach can be used vastly in various civil engineering applications, especially geotechnical engineering applications, as it is proven to be fast, cost-effective, and non-destructive when compared to conventional methods.
Cellxgene VIP unleashes full power of interactive visualization and integrative analysis of scRNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, and multiome data
Authors: Li Kejie , Ouyang Zhengyu , Chen Yirui , Gagnon Jacob , Lin Dongdong , Mingueneau Michael , Chen Will , Sexton David , Zhang Baohong
Published: May 2022

To meet the growing demands from scientists to effectively extract deep insights from single cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and emerging multiome datasets, we developed cellxgene VIP (Visualization In Plugin), a frontend interactive visualization plugin of cellxgene framework, which greatly expanded capabilities of the base tool in the following aspects. First, it generates a comprehensive set of over eighteen commonly used quality control and analytical plots in high resolution with highly customizable settings in real time. Second, it provides more advanced analytical functions to gain insights on cellular compositions and deep biology, such as marker gene identification, differential gene expression analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis. Third, it empowers advanced users to perform analysis in a Jupyter Notebook like environment, dubbed Command Line Interface (CLI) by programming in Python and/or R directly without limiting themselves to functional modules available via graphical user interface (GUI). Finally, it pioneers methods to visualize multi-modal data, such as spatial transcriptomics embedding aligned with histological image on one slice or multiple slices in a grid format, and the latest 10x Genomic Multiome dataset where both DNA accessibility and gene expression in the same cells are measured, under the same framework in an integrative way to fully leverage the functionalities mentioned above. Taken together, the open-source tool makes large scale single cell data visualization and analysis more accessible to biologists in a user-friendly manner and fosters computational reproducibility by simplifying data and code reuse through the CLI. Going forward, it has the potential to become a crowdsourcing ecosystem for the scientific community to contribute even more modules to the Swiss Army knife of single cell data exploration tools.
Variability of Luminous QSOs following thermal timescale in standard thin accretion disk models
Authors: Tang Ji-Jia , Wolf Christian , Tonry John
Published: May 2022

We study the dependence of the stochastic variability of QSOs on luminosity, wavelength and thermal timescale in their accretion disks. We use over 5,000 of the most luminous known QSOs with light curves of almost nightly cadence spanning >5 years of observations from the NASA/ATLAS project, which provides 2 billion magnitude pairs for a bootstrap analysis. The results depend on which timescales are included in the analysis: when we only consider timescales >6 months, we find a robust behaviour for the whole sample. This behaviour is consistent with an un-damped random walk on the thermal timescales predicted by thin-disk models. We find a variability amplitude of log(A/A0) ≈1/2×log(Δt/tth). On shorter timescales, we observe a suppression of the amplitude due to light travel-time filtering, which could be used to measure sizes of accretion disks.