bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Efficacy of Eye Masks and Earplugs Interventions for Sleep Promotion in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Karimi Leila , Rahimi-Bashar Farshid , Mohammadi Seyyede Momeneh , Mollahadi Mohsen , Khosh-Fetrat Masoum , Vahedian-Azimi Amir , Ashtari Sara
Published: December 2021

Using physical devices such as eye masks and earplugs to improve to the quality of sleep in intensive care units (ICUs) is a very important issue. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of eye masks and earplugs for sleep promotion in critically ill adult patients in the ICU based on various sleep quality assessment tools. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest were systematically retrieved until May 2021. Both randomized and non-randomized experimental and quasi-experimental studies were included if they evaluated the efficacy of eye masks and earplugs interventions on sleep outcomes in critically ill patients. The methodological quality was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool. For the main outcome (sleep quality), a mean difference (MD) and confidence intervals (CIs) of 95% were determined. A total of 2,687 participants from 35 studies met the inclusion criteria. Twenty one studies were included in meta-analysis and 14 studies were included in the qualitative analysis. According to the results based on sleep quality assessment tools; overall scores of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ), eye mask and/or earplug interventions have a positive effect on sleep quality. Based on Verran-Snyder-Halpern Sleep Scale (VSHSS), sleep disturbance was significantly lower in the intervention groups. In terms of polysomnography, the use of eye masks and/or earplugs resulted in a significant increase in total sleep time, sleep efficiency, rapid eye movement (REM) time, significant reduction of awaking, and sleep arousals index. The results of the present study suggest that the use of earplugs or eye masks, separately or combined affects sleep improvement in critically ill patients.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=145830, PROSPERO: CRD42020145830.
Evaluation of Immunoprotective Effects of Fusobacterium necrophorum Outer Membrane Proteins 43K OMP, Leukotoxin and Hemolysin Multi-Component Recombinant Subunit Vaccine in Mice
Authors: Xiao Jiawei , Jiang Jiancheng , He Xianjing , Zhang Siyao , Wang Zhihui , Wang Fengfeng , Wang Lina , Guo Donghua
Published: December 2021

We evaluated the efficacy of three vaccine formulations containing different combinations of proteins (43K OMP, leukotoxin recombinant protein PL4 and hemolysin recombinant protein H2) and killed whole cell Fusobacterium necrophorum in preventing liver abscess. Four subcutaneous vaccines were formulated: vaccine 1 (43K OMP), vaccine 2 (PL4 and H2), vaccine 3 (43K OMP, PL4 and H2), and vaccine 4 (killed whole bacterial cell). 43K OMP, PL4, and H2 proteins were produced by using recombinant protein expression. To evaluate vaccine efficacy, we randomly allocated 50 BALB/c female mice to one of five different treatment groups: PBS control group, vaccine 1, vaccine 2, vaccine 3, and vaccine 4. Mice were vaccinated three times, with 14 days between each immunization. After immunization, the mice were challenged with F. necrophorum. The three key findings of this study are as follows: (1) Vaccine 3 has enabled mice to produce higher antibody titer following bacterial challenge, (2) in the liver pathology of mice, the vaccine 3 liver showed the least pathology, and (3) all four vaccines produced high levels of antibodies and cytokines in mice, but the level of vaccine 3 was the highest. Based on our results, it has been demonstrated that a mixture of F. necrophorum 43K OMP, PL4, and H2 proteins inoculated with mice can achieve protection against liver abscess in mice. Our research may therefore provide the basis for the development of a vaccine against F. necrophorum bovine infections.
Trauma in Children during Lockdown for SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. A Brief Report
Authors: Dibello Daniela , Salvemini Marcella , Amati Carlo , Colella Antonio , Graziano Giusi , Vicenti Giovanni , Moretti Biagio , Pederiva Federica
Published: December 2021

Purpose: The national lockdown established by the Italian government began on the 11th of March 2020 as a means to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infections. The purpose of this brief report is to evaluate the effect of the national lockdown on the occurrence and characteristics of trauma in children during lockdown. Methods: All children admitted to our paediatric orthopaedic unit with a diagnosis of fracture or trauma, including sprains and contusions, between 11 March 2020 and 11 April 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. Their demographic data, type of injury, anatomical location and need for hospitalisation were compared with the equivalent data of children admitted for trauma in the same period of 2018 and 2019. Results: Sixty-nine patients with trauma were admitted in 2020, with a significant decrease in comparison with 2019 (n = 261) and 2018 (n = 289) (p < 0.01). The patients were significantly younger, and the rate of fractures significantly increased in 2020 (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Home confinement decreased admissions to the emergency department for trauma by shutting down outdoor activities, schools and sports activities. However, the rate of fractures increased in comparison with minor trauma, involved younger children and had a worse prognosis.
Disturbance-Observer-Based U-Control (DOBUC) for Nonlinear Dynamic Systems
Authors: Li Ruobing , Zhu Quanmin , Yang Jun , Narayan Pritesh , Yue Xicai
Published: December 2021

U-model, which is a control-oriented model set with the property of generally facilitate nonlinearity dynamic inversion/cancellation, has been introduced to the Disturbance Observer-Based control (DOBC) methods to improve the performance of the nonlinear systems in this paper. A general DOB based U-Control (DOBUC) framework is proposed to improve the disturbance attenuation capability of U-controller for both linear and nonlinear systems combined with (based on) the U-model-based dynamic inversion which expands the classical linear disturbance observer control to general nonlinear systems. The proposed two-step DOBUC design procedures in which the design of DOB and U-controller are totally independent and separated, enables the establishment of global exponential stability without being subject to disturbances and uncertainties. Comparative simulation experiments with Nonlinear DOBC in controlling Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) and Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) demonstrated the proposed method.
Design and Implementation of Periodic Control for a Matrix Converter-Based Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Drive System
Authors: Liu Tian-Hua , Chang Kai-Hsiang , Li Jia-Han
Published: December 2021

The matrix converter-based IPMSM drive has 360 Hz virtual DC-bus voltage variations which produce severe stator harmonic currents. To solve this problem, a speed-loop classical periodic controller and two current-loop periodic controllers, including a classical periodic controller and a selective harmonic controller, are proposed in this paper. By using the proposed methods, the harmonic currents are obviously reduced and the speed responses of the IPMSM are clearly improved. A detailed analysis is discussed. A digital signal processor, type SH7237, manufactured by Renesas Electronics Corporation is used for the control algorithms. Experimental results show that those proposed periodic controllers reduce up to nearly 32% of the total harmonic distortion at the stator currents, and also apparently improve the transient, tracking, and repetitive load disturbance speed responses.
Experimental Research on the Law of Energy Conversion during CO2 Sequestration in Coal
Authors: Gao Tao , Deng Cunbao , Han Qing
Published: December 2021

CO2 sequestration in coal is mainly attributed to adsorption. The adsorption experiments of CO2 were conducted at injection pressures ranging from 1 to 3 MPa on coal samples with five kinds of particle sizes. The fitting degree of four classical adsorption models to experimental adsorption data was systematically compared. The adsorption properties of CO2 were comprehensively discussed. The temperature changes of coal samples at different positions during CO2 adsorption were measured by using the improved adsorption tank, and then the energy conversion law was obtained. The results showed increasing gas injection pressure can effectively increase the adsorption capacity of CO2 on coal samples. The BET equation had the best fitting accuracy for CO2 adsorption on various size coal samples. There was a significant exothermic effect during CO2 adsorption and storage. With the rise of injection pressure, the peak value of the rising temperature of coal samples increased, but the change rate decreased. The maximum temperature rise of coal samples was up to 13.6 °C at 3 MPa, which should be of great concern for the prevention of coal spontaneous combustion. During the sequestration process of CO2, the adsorption resulted in a decrease in coal surface free energy and then partial conversion to heat, leading to the rise of coal temperature. In addition, the CO2 adsorption on the pore surface caused the expansion and deformation of coal.
Application of Electrical Tomography Imaging Using Machine Learning Methods for the Monitoring of Flood Embankments Leaks
Authors: Rymarczyk Tomasz , Król Krzysztof , Kozłowski Edward , Wołowiec Tomasz , Cholewa-Wiktor Marta , Bednarczuk Piotr
Published: December 2021

This paper presents an application for the monitoring of leaks in flood embankments by reconstructing images in electrical tomography using logistic regression machine learning methods with elastic net regularisation, PCA and wave preprocessing. The main advantage of this solution is to obtain a more accurate spatial conductivity distribution inside the studied object. The described method assumes a learning system consisting of multiple equations working in parallel, where each equation creates a single point in the output image. This enables the efficient reconstruction of spatial images. The research focused on preparing, developing, and comparing algorithms and models for data analysis and reconstruction using a proprietary electrical tomography solution. A reliable measurement solution with sensors and machine learning methods makes it possible to analyse damage and leaks, leading to effective information and the eventual prevention of risks. The applied methods enable the improved resolution of the reconstructed images and the possibility to obtain them in real-time, which is their distinguishing feature compared to other methods. The use of electrical tomography in combination with specific methods for image reconstruction allows for an accurate spatial assessment of leaks and damage to dikes.
Numerical Investigations on the Damage Behaviour of a Reconstructed Anode for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Application
Authors: Steier Katharina , Guski Vinzenz , Schmauder Siegfried
Published: December 2021

This paper addresses the damage behaviour of a nickel/yttria-stabilised zirconia (Ni-YSZ) anode, in order to understand microstructural degradation processes of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) during long-term operation. Numerical investigations are carried out to analyse the failure mechanisms in detail. For this purpose, finite element (FE) models are generated from focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy 3D image data, representing the anode microstructure with varying phase compositions. A brittle model and a ductile material model were assigned to the YSZ phase and the nickel phase, respectively. The porosity is found to affect the strength of the microstructure significantly, leading to low compressive strength results. A high Ni content generally increases the toughness of the overall structure. However, the orientation and the geometry of the nickel phase is essential. When the Ni phase is aligned parallel to the loading direction, a supporting effect on the microstructure is observed, resulting in a significant high toughness. On the contrary, a rapid failure of the sample occurs when the Ni phase is oriented perpendicular to the loading direction. Two main failure mechanisms are identified: (i) cracking at the Ni/YSZ interface and (ii) cracking of struts at the location of the smallest diameter.
The Pour-Through Procedure for Monitoring Container Substrate Chemical Properties: A Review
Authors: Altland James E.
Published: December 2021

The pour-through procedure is a nondestructive method commonly used by horticultural crop producers and research scientists to measure chemical properties and nutrient availability in container substrates. It is a method that uses water as a displacement solution to push the substrate solution out of the bottom of the container so it can be analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, and nutrient concentrations. The method was first introduced in the early 1980s. Since then, research has been conducted to determine factors that affect the results of the pour-through including volume, nature and timing of application of the displacement solution, container size, and substrate stratification. It has also been validated against other common methods for determining container substrate pH, EC, and nutrient concentration, most notably the saturated media extraction procedure. Over the past 40 years, the method has been proven to be simple, robust, and consistent in providing crop producers and researchers valuable information on substrate chemical properties from which management decisions and experimental inferences can be made.
Hemimycalins C–E; Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Alkaloids with Hydantoin and 2-Iminoimidazolidin-4-one Backbones from the Red Sea Marine Sponge Hemimycale sp.
Authors: Shaala Lamiaa A. , Youssef Diaa T. A.
Published: December 2021

In the course of our continuing efforts to identify bioactive secondary metabolites from Red Sea marine sponges, we have investigated the sponge Hemimycale sp. The cytotoxic fraction of the organic extract of the sponge afforded three new compounds, hemimycalins C–E (1–3). Their structural assignments were obtained via analyses of their one- and two-dimensional NMR spectra and HRESI mass spectrometry. Hemimycalin C was found to differ from the reported hydantoin compounds in the configuration of the olefinic moiety at C-5–C-6, while hemimycalins D and E were found to contain an 2-iminoimidazolidin-4-one moiety instead of the hydantoin moiety in previously reported compounds from the sponge. Hemimycalins C–E showed significant antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Candida albicans and cytotoxic effects against colorectal carcinoma (HCT 116) and the triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cells.
Adaptation of the Rist Operating Diagram as a Graphical Tool for the Direct Reduction Shaft
Authors: Quatravaux Thibault , Barros Jose , Gardin Pascal , Lucena Gabriel
Published: December 2021

The blast-furnace operating diagram proposed by Rist was revised to direct reduction and was specifically applied to the Midrex NGTM process. The use of this graphical tool in the study of an industrial process highlighted the staggered nature of the reduction in the shaft furnace with, in particular, the existence of a prereduction zone in the upper part where metallization is thermodynamically impossible. A sensitivity study also showed the impact of the in situ reforming rate on the ability of the gas to completely reduce iron oxides. Finally, we graphically defined the minimum quality required for the top gas to produce direct-reduced iron.
Effect of Nitrogen Addition on Soil Microbial Functional Gene Abundance and Community Diversity in Permafrost Peatland
Authors: Ma Xiuyan , Song Yanyu , Song Changchun , Wang Xianwei , Wang Nannan , Gao Siqi , Cheng Xiaofeng , Liu Zhendi , Gao Jinli , Du Yu
Published: December 2021

Nitrogen is the limiting nutrient for plant growth in peatland ecosystems. Nitrogen addition significantly affects the plant biomass, diversity and community structure in peatlands. However, the response of belowground microbe to nitrogen addition in peatland ecosystems remains largely unknown. In this study, we performed long-term nitrogen addition experiments in a permafrost peatland in the northwest slope of the Great Xing’an Mountains. The four nitrogen addition treatments applied in this study were 0 g N·m−2·year−1 (CK), 6 g N·m−2·year−1 (N1), 12 g N·m−2·year−1 (N2), and 24 g N·m−2·year−1 (N3). Effects of nitrogen addition over a period of nine growing seasons on the soil microbial abundance and community diversity in permafrost peatland were analyzed. The results showed that the abundances of soil bacteria, fungi, archaea, nitrogen-cycling genes (nifH and b-amoA), and mcrA increased in N1, N2, and N3 treatments compared to CK. This indicated that nitrogen addition promoted microbial decomposition of soil organic matter, nitrogen fixation, ammonia oxidation, nitrification, and methane production. Moreover, nitrogen addition altered the microbial community composition. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria increased significantly in the N2 treatment. However, the relative abundances of Actinobacteria and Verrucifera in the N2 treatment and Patescibacteria in the N1 treatment decreased significantly. The heatmap showed that the dominant order composition of soil bacteria in N1, N2, and N3 treatments and the CK treatment were different, and the dominant order composition of soil fungi in CK and N3 treatments were different. The N1 treatment showed a significant increase in the Ace and Chao indices of bacteria and Simpson index of fungi. The outcomes of this study suggest that nitrogen addition altered the soil microbial abundance, community structure, and diversity, affecting the soil microbial carbon and nitrogen cycling in permafrost peatland. The results are helpful to understand the microbial mediation on ecological processes in response to N addition.
Effects of Prenatal Exposure to Aflatoxin B1: A Review
Authors: da Silva João Victor Batista , de Oliveira Carlos Augusto Fernandes , Ramalho Leandra Náira Zambelli
Published: December 2021

Aflatoxins are mycotoxins produced as secondary fungal metabolites. Among them, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) stands out due to its genotoxic and mutagenic potential, being a potent initiator of carcinogenesis. In this review, the outcomes from the published literature in the past 10 years on the effects of AFB1 pathophysiological mechanisms on embryological and fetal development are discussed. In several animal species, including humans, AFB1 has a teratogenic effect, resulting in bone malformations, visceral anomalies, lesions in several organs, and behavioral and reproductive changes, in addition to low birth weight. The mutagenic capacity of AFB1 in prenatal life is greater than in adults, indicating that when exposure occurs in the womb, the risk of the development of neoplasms is higher. Studies conducted in humans indicate that the exposure to this mycotoxin during pregnancy is associated with low birth weight, decreased head circumference, and DNA hypermethylation. However, as the actual impacts on humans are still unclear, the importance of this issue cannot be overemphasized and studies on the matter are essential.
Enhancing Removal of Cr(VI), Pb2+, and Cu2+ from Aqueous Solutions Using Amino-Functionalized Cellulose Nanocrystal
Authors: Xu Qinghua , Huang Xiaodi , Guo Lukuan , Wang Yu , Jin Liqiang
Published: December 2021

In this work, the amino-functionalized cellulose nanocrystal (ACNC) was prepared using a green route and applied as a biosorbent for adsorption of Cr(VI), Pb2+, and Cu2+ from aqueous solutions. CNC was firstly oxidized by sodium periodate to yield the dialdehyde nanocellulose (DACNC). Then, DACNC reacted with diethylenetriamine (DETA) to obtain amino-functionalized nanocellulose (ACNC) through a Schiff base reaction. The properties of DACNC and ACNC were characterized by using elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Kaiser test, atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and zeta potential measurement. The presence of free amino groups was evidenced by the FT-IR results and Kaiser test. ACNCs exhibited an amphoteric nature with isoelectric points between pH 8 and 9. After the chemical modification, the cellulose I polymorph of nanocellulose remained, while the crystallinity decreased. The adsorption behavior of ACNC was investigated for the removal of Cr(VI), Pb2+, and Cu2+ in aqueous solutions. The maximum adsorption capacities were obtained at pH 2 for Cr(VI) and pH 6 for Cu2+ and Pb2+, respectively. The adsorption all followed pseudo second-order kinetics and Sips adsorption isotherms. The estimated adsorption capacities for Cr(VI), Pb2+, and Cu2+ were 70.503, 54.115, and 49.600 mg/g, respectively.
Entrained Flow Gasification of Polypropylene Pyrolysis Oil
Authors: Weiland Fredrik , Qureshi Muhammad Saad , Wennebro Jonas , Lindfors Christian , Ohra-aho Taina , Shafaghat Hoda , Johansson Ann-Christine
Published: December 2021

Petrochemical products could be produced from circular feedstock, such as waste plastics. Most plants that utilize syngas in their production are today equipped with entrained flow gasifiers, as this type of gasifier generates the highest syngas quality. However, feeding of circular feedstocks to an entrained flow gasifier can be problematic. Therefore, in this work, a two-step process was studied, in which polypropylene was pre-treated by pyrolysis to produce a liquid intermediate that was easily fed to the gasifier. The products from both pyrolysis and gasification were thoroughly characterized. Moreover, the product yields from the individual steps, as well as from the entire process chain, are reported. It was estimated that the yields of CO and H2 from the two-step process were at least 0.95 and 0.06 kg per kg of polypropylene, respectively, assuming that the pyrolysis liquid and wax can be combined as feedstock to an entrained flow gasifier. On an energy basis, the energy content of CO and H2 in the produced syngas corresponded to approximately 40% of the energy content of the polypropylene raw material. This is, however, expected to be significantly improved on a larger scale where losses are proportionally smaller.
Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Spent Coffee Grounds. Process Optimization Applying Design of Experiments
Authors: Coelho José , Robalo Maria , Boyadzhieva Stanislava , Stateva Roumiana
Published: December 2021

In this study, sustainable technology microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) in association with green solvents was applied to recover phenolic compounds from spent coffee grounds (SCGs). A design of experiments (DOE) was used for process optimization. Initially, a 24−1 two level Fractional Factorial Design was used and ratios “solvent to solute” and “ethanol to water” were identified as the significant experimental factors. Consequently, Central Composite Design (CCD) was applied to analyze the effects of the significant variables on the response yield, total polyphenols content (TPC), and antioxidant activity (AA) by the DPPH assay method, and quadratic surfaces to optimize those responses were generated. The values of the significant factors of 16.7 (solvent/solute) and 68.9% (ethanol/water) were optimized simultaneously the yield (%) at 6.98 ± 0.27, TPC (mg GAE/g) at 117.7 ± 6.1, and AA (µmol TE/g) at 143.8 ± 8.6 and were in excellent agreement with those predicted from the CCD model. The variations of the compositions of the lipids, caffeine, pentacyclic diterpenes, and FAME as a function of the dominant factor % ethanol in the solvent mixture were analyzed by applying NMR and GC-FID, and the results obtained confirmed their determinative significance.
Synthesis and Biological Studies on (KLAKLAK)2-NH2 Analog Containing Unnatural Amino Acid β-Ala and Conjugates with Second Pharmacophore
Authors: Jaber Sirine , Nemska Veronica , Iliev Ivan , Ivanova Elena , Foteva Tsvetelina , Georgieva Nelly , Givechev Ivan , Naydenova Emilia , Karadjova Veronika , Danalev Dancho
Published: December 2021

(1) Background: Peptides are good candidates for anticancer drugs due to their natural existence in the body and lack of secondary effects. (KLAKLAK)2 is an antimicrobial peptide that also shows good anticancer properties. (2) Methods: The Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (Fmoc-strategy) was used for the synthesis of target molecules, analogs of (KLAKLAK)2-NH2. The purity of all compounds was monitored by HPLC, and their structures were proven using mass spectrometry. Cytotoxicity and antiproliferative effects were studied using 3T3 NRU and MTT tests, respectively. For determination of antimicrobial activity, the disc-diffusion method was used. Hydrolytic stability at three pH values, which mimic the physiological pH in the body, was investigated by means of the HPLC technique. (3) Results: A good selective index against MCF-7 tumor cell lines, combined with good cytotoxicity and antiproliferative properties, was revealed for conjugates NphtG-(KLAKLAK)2-NH2 and Caf-(KLAKLAK)2-NH2. The same compounds showed very good antifungal properties and complete hydrolytic stability for 72 h. The compound Caf-(KLβ-AKLβ-AK)2-NH2 containing β-Ala in its structures exhibited good antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli K12 407 and Bacillus subtilis 3562, in combination with very good antiproliferative and cytotoxic properties, as well as hydrolytic stability. (4) Conclusions: The obtained results reveal that all synthesized conjugates could be useful for medical practice as anticancer or antimicrobial agents.
Experimental and Theoretical Study of an Actively Q-Switched Tm:YLF Laser with an Acousto-Optic Modulator
Authors: Guo Lei , Yang Yaling , Wang Ruihua , Zhang Baitao , Li Tao , Zhao Shengzhi , He Jingliang , Yang Kejian
Published: December 2021

We report the characteristics of a diode-end-pumped, high-repetition-rate, acoustic-optic (AO) Q-switched Tm:YLF laser operating from 5 kHz to 10 kHz. In the continuous-wave (CW) regime, a maximum average output power of 8.5 W was obtained with a slope efficiency of 30.7%. Under the AO Q-switching regime, a maximum output power of 7.32 W was obtained at a repetition frequency of 5 kHz with a pulse width of 68 ns and a pulse energy of 1.4 mJ, corresponding to a peak power of 21.5 kW. A time-dependent rate equation model is introduced to theoretically analyze the results obtained in the experiment, in which the cross-relaxation phenomenon, upconversion losses and ground-state depletion are taken into account. Additionally, the evolution processes of population inversion density and intracavity photon number density with time are also presented. The theoretical results well predict the dependence of laser output characteristics of Tm:YLF crystal on the incident pump powers.
Amine- and Amino Acid-Based Compounds as Carbonic Anhydrase Activators
Authors: Angeli Andrea , Berrino Emanuela , Carradori Simone , Supuran Claudiu T. , Cirri Marzia , Carta Fabrizio , Costantino Gabriele
Published: December 2021

After being rather neglected as a research field in the past, carbonic anhydrase activators (CAAs) were undoubtedly demonstrated to be useful in diverse pharmaceutical and industrial applications. They also improved the knowledge of the requirements to selectively interact with a CA isoform over the others and confirmed the catalytic mechanism of this class of compounds. Amino acid and amine derivatives were the most explored in in vitro, in vivo and crystallographic studies as CAAs. Most of them were able to activate human or non-human CA isoforms in the nanomolar range, being proposed as therapeutic and industrial tools. Some isoforms are better activated by amino acids than amines derivatives and the stereochemistry may exert a role. Finally, non-human CAs have been very recently tested for activation studies, paving the way to innovative industrial and environmental applications.
Compared EC-AFM Analysis of Laser-Induced Graphene and Graphite Electrodes in Sulfuric Acid Electrolyte
Authors: Filoni Claudia , Shirzadi Bahram , Menegazzo Marco , Martinelli Eugenio , Di Natale Corrado , Li Bassi Andrea , Magagnin Luca , Duò Lamberto , Bussetti Gianlorenzo
Published: December 2021

Flexible and economic sensor devices are the focus of increasing interest for their potential and wide applications in medicine, food analysis, pollution, water quality, etc. In these areas, the possibility of using stable, reproducible, and pocket devices can simplify the acquisition of data. Among recent prototypes, sensors based on laser-induced graphene (LIGE) on Kapton represent a feasible choice. In particular, LIGE devices are also exploited as electrodes for sensing in liquids. Despite a characterization with electrochemical (EC) methods in the literature, a closer comparison with traditional graphite electrodes is still missing. In this study, we combine atomic force microscopy with an EC cell (EC-AFM) to study, in situ, electrode oxidation reactions when LIGE or other graphite samples are used as anodes inside an acid electrolyte. This investigation shows the quality and performance of the LIGE electrode with respect to other samples. Finally, an ex situ Raman spectroscopy analysis allows a detailed chemical analysis of the employed electrodes.
The Future of New Testament Theology, or, What Should Devout Modern Bible Scholarship Look Like?
Authors: Campbell Douglas A.
Published: December 2021

Consideration of the nature of New Testament Theology (NTT) necessitates an account of theology or “God-talk”. Karl Barth grasped that all valid God-talk begins with God’s self-disclosure through Jesus and the Spirit, which people acknowledge and reflect on. Abandoning this starting point by way of “Foundationalism”—that is, resorting to any alternative basis for God-talk—leads to multiple destructive epistemological and cultural consequences. The self-disclosure of the triune God informs the use of the Bible by the church. The Bible then functions in terms of ethics and witness. It grounds the church’s ethical language game. Creative readings here are legitimate. The New Testament (NT) also mediates a witness to Jesus, which implies an historical dimension. However, it is legitimate to affirm that Jesus was resurrected (see 1 Cor 15:1–9), which liberates the devout modern Bible scholar in relation to history. The historical readings generated by such scholars have value because the self-disclosing God is deeply involved with particularity. These readings can be added to the archive of scriptural readings used by the church formationally. Ultimately, then, all reading of the NT is theological (or should be) and in multiple modes. NTT focuses our attention on the accuracy of the God-talk operative within any historical reconstruction, and on its possible subversion, which are critical matters.
GroningenNet: Deep Learning for Low-Magnitude Earthquake Detection on a Multi-Level Sensor Network
Authors: Shaheen Ahmed , Waheed Umair bin , Fehler Michael , Sokol Lubos , Hanafy Sherif
Published: December 2021

Automatic detection of low-magnitude earthquakes has become an increasingly important research topic in recent years due to a sharp increase in induced seismicity around the globe. The detection of low-magnitude seismic events is essential for microseismic monitoring of hydraulic fracturing, carbon capture and storage, and geothermal operations for hazard detection and mitigation. Moreover, the detection of micro-earthquakes is crucial to understanding the underlying mechanisms of larger earthquakes. Various algorithms, including deep learning methods, have been proposed over the years to detect such low-magnitude events. However, there is still a need for improving the robustness of these methods in discriminating between local sources of noise and weak seismic events. In this study, we propose a convolutional neural network (CNN) to detect seismic events from shallow borehole stations in Groningen, the Netherlands. We train a CNN model to detect low-magnitude earthquakes, harnessing the multi-level sensor configuration of the G-network in Groningen. Each G-network station consists of four geophones at depths of 50, 100, 150, and 200 m. Unlike prior deep learning approaches that use 3-component seismic records only at a single sensor level, we use records from the entire borehole as one training example. This allows us to train the CNN model using moveout patterns of the energy traveling across the borehole sensors to discriminate between events originating in the subsurface and local noise arriving from the surface. We compare the prediction accuracy of our trained CNN model to that of the STA/LTA and template matching algorithms on a two-month continuous record. We demonstrate that the CNN model shows significantly better performance than STA/LTA and template matching in detecting new events missing from the catalog and minimizing false detections. Moreover, we find that using the moveout feature allows us to effectively train our CNN model using only a fraction of the data that would be needed otherwise, saving plenty of manual labor in preparing training labels. The proposed approach can be easily applied to other microseismic monitoring networks with multi-level sensors.
Behind-The-Scenes (BTS): Wiper-Occlusion Canceling for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems in Adverse Rain Environments
Authors: Jhung Junekyo , Kim Shiho
Published: December 2021

Driving in an adverse rain environment is a crucial challenge for vision-based advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in the automotive industry. The vehicle windshield wiper removes adherent raindrops that cause distorted images from in-vehicle frontal view cameras, but, additionally, it causes an occlusion that can hinder visibility at the same time. The wiper-occlusion causes erroneous judgments by vision-based applications and endangers safety. This study proposes behind-the-scenes (BTS) that detects and removes wiper-occlusion in real-time image inputs under rainy weather conditions. The pixel-wise wiper masks are detected by high-pass filtering to predict the optical flow of a sequential image pair. We fine-tuned a deep learning-based optical flow model with a synthesized dataset, which was generated with pseudo-ground truth wiper masks and flows using auto-labeling with acquired real rainy images. A typical optical flow dataset with static synthetic objects is synthesized with real fast-moving objects to enhance data diversity. We annotated wiper masks and scenes as detection ground truths from the collected real images for evaluation. BTS outperforms by achieving a 0.962 SSIM and 91.6% F1 score in wiper mask detection and 88.3% F1 score in wiper image detection. Consequently, BTS enhanced the performance of vision-based image restoration and object detection applications by canceling occlusions and demonstrated it potential role in improving ADAS under rainy weather conditions.
Ecological Tourism Opportunities in the Area of Ognyanovo Dam
Authors: Savova Adelina , Berberova Ralitza
Published: December 2021

The dam of Ognyanovo is located in the Eastern Sofia Plain, only 40 km awayfrom the capital of Bulgaria. It is one of the country’s most beautiful places – full of biodiversity,especially as regards avifauna species. An important factor which makes the dam a special object ofscientific and tourist interest is its location on one of the main bird migration routes: the ViaAristotelis.For three consecutive years, the area’s fauna potential has been studied andsignificant biodiversity has been identified.This study aims to explore the opportunities for ecotourism development there.
Innovation: Complex Geophysics in the Field of Archaeology (South Bulgarian Black Sea Coastline)
Authors: Ranguelov Boyko
Published: December 2021

The study examines the results of complex geophysical research of threearchaeological sites located near the southern part of the Black Sea coastline in Bulgaria:Propadnalata Voda, Atiya, and Alepu. The authors discuss the use of complex geophysical methodsin archaeology depending on the objectives of archaeological research, on the one hand, and thelikely properties of the archaeological sites, on the other. As known, the methods of appliedgeophysics involve reverse geophysical problems, which do not have definitive solutions. Toovercome potential ambiguities in this regard, the study demonstrates how the complementary useof different methods makes the interpretation of the final results easier.
Legal risks of using artificial intelligence in personnel management
Authors: Pogodina I.V. , Avdeev D.A.
Published: December 2021

The article discusses the possibilities of using artificial intelligence in personnel management (interviewing job seekers, monitoring employee performance and control). Particular attention is paid to the issues of observance of workers' rights. It is concluded that, in some cases, the use of opaque algorithms of artificial intelligence may violate the prohibition of discrimination in the labor sphere provided for by Russian legislation. Changes to the current legislation are proposed.
Discipline of labor (1929–1940): historical-legal essay
Authors: Petrov A.Ya.
Published: December 2021

The article on the basis of an analysis of normative legal acts adopted between 1929 and 1940. Considers topical legal issues of labor discipline and disciplinary liability in the Soviet state.
Protection of traditional values and national security issues
Authors: Vinokurov Vladimir I.
Published: December 2021

The article notes the relevance of the problem of the correlation of traditional values with national security issues, defines the concept of "traditional values", the main approaches to identifying the essence and content of this concept. the traditional values of Russians are considered from the point of view of ensuring the national security of the country. There are such unique characteristics of the Russian people as community, nepotism, the priority of the ideal over the material. The abovementioned values and ideals are common — universal and acceptable to all — and echo the ideals of the Soviet period. However, now there is not a return to the values of socialism, which, by the way, also called for justice, equality, stability, but a gradual prioritization of the basic spiritual values in the consciousness of the people, regardless of the socio-economic model, since they are the backbone of the social system of society. Through the defi nition of traditional values and an objective assessment of the modern spiritual and moral state of society, the author builds a scheme for achieving the unity of the peoples of Russia as the basis of national security. In this regard, he comes to the conclusion that only the appeal of Russians to the history and traditions of their state, taking into account primarily national interests, can contribute to neutralization of internal and external threats to the individual, society and the state within the framework of the national security system of Russia, as well as preventing the negative influence of Western values and cultural expression in general. At the same time, official documents of the Russian Federation are used as arguments, as well as the speech of President V. Putin at the Valdai Forum on October 21 this year.
Digital diplomacy as a factor of ensuring the real sovereignty of Russia
Authors: Naryshkin Andrey
Published: December 2021

Current transition processes have closely related with huge numbers of social spheres. The most significant transformations took place in the digital technology sphere. These trends have radically changed most spheres of life primarily including spread of information and communication technologies, civil services, diplomatic negotiations and promotion of state interests through "soft power". Importance of technologies as an element ensuring the sovereignty of states has increased due to involving information and communication technologies in daily people’s life and state management processes. The land, maritime, information and technological borders of sovereign states are actually blurred. The most advanced tech actors have opportunity to impose not only their own economic policy, making other countries dependent on high-tech products and its individual components, but also the information agenda. Nowadays social networks and technological platforms have almost gained the upper hand in competition with traditional mass media, both in terms of the speed of news distribution and audience coverage. This article is dedicated to the transformation processes in the digital, communication and technological spheres and potential impact of mentioned processes on the states sovereignty, Also the article reviews digital diplomacy as an element of "soft power" in promoting state interests abroad.
ORIGINS OF THE CONCEPT OF “LIBERTARIAN PATERNALISM” IN SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE: SOCIAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL ASPECT
Authors: Kravchenko A. , Bezrukov S.
Published: December 2021

In the article, the authors attempt to analyze the various origins of libertarian paternalism - political, social, cultural, and try to explore the essence of this social and social phenomenon. Libertarian paternalism has both positive and negative features, which are actualized, in turn, by modern planetary challenges.The aim and the tasks: analysis of the essence of the social phenomenon of libertarian paternalism, and the study of its origins - political, social, cultural. Research methods are historical, structural and functional, systemic and equitable.For the revision of specific projects, it is also the principle of consistency, objectivity, convergence from the abstract to the concrete. Research results: Democracy and human rights have found themselves in the grip of challenges, to which both the government and the private sector of the economy in particular react in a peculiar way. In the civilized world, the problem of social protection is acute; an ordinary person dramatically perceives the massive pressure of advertising, the media, certain structures that are interested, first of all, in the early sale of their products - material, spiritual and social. Libertarian paternalism is seen by the authors as a possible way to reconcile these issues, especially from the point of view of protecting the human rights and freedoms. Discussion. In this regard, other authors note that in the practical implementation of Nudge technology, people rarely follow the ideal interpretation of private well-being in terms of full satisfaction of needs. Opponents suggest in this regard that people can be guided by temporary benefits in terms of irrational consumer behavior, that is, the socio-psychological bases of consumerism are affected. Conclusion. Libertarian paternalism was created as a reaction to political, economic and sociocultural changes in society under the impact of globalization, informatization and revision of social programs in the governments.The concept of libertarian paternalism and its practical implementation of nudge technology is relevant and promising in the context of a constant increase in the level of welfare of citizens. Libertarian paternalism affects the most subtle sociophilosophical, socio-psychological elements of the consciousness of an individual who has become hostage to government programs and private projects. The price of a rational choice of an individual is his own freedom, in the context of modern realities of social life.
PHILOSOPHICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL FUNDAMENTALS OF REFORMING HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE WORKS OF V. VERNADSKYI
Authors: Ilchenko A.
Published: December 2021

The article deals with philosophical and methodological fundamentals of reforming higher education in the works of V. Vernadskyi in the early 20th century. It undoubtedly has the important ideological and methodological significance for directions and values of modern transformation of Ukrainian higher education in the era of mutual influence of globalization of educational space and reproduction of the original national educational tradition in the conditions of state-building. The aim of this article is to identify principles of reforming higher education in the scientific works of founder of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences V. Vernadskyі. The tasks of this article are perform an analysis the philosophical and educational views V. Vernadskyi and explain their influence on the learning process in universities; to identify the relationship between the normative principles of higher education V. Vernadskyi and pedagogical and philosophical thoughts of other scientists for the formation of a global educational space. Research methods are structural-functional, socio-cultural and comparative approaches in their dialectical unity. Research results: V. Vernadskyі has been proved that the fundamental regulatory principles of improvement in higher education, according to the Ukrainian researchers, are: rationality, scientificity, democratization, humanization of education, spiritual and cultural learning of the world and lifelong learning in combination with the classical model of the university. It has been determined that during educational process in higher educational establishment, it is advisable to take constantly into account the results of the latest research in compliance with deep democratic foundations. Conclusion. The transformation of higher education in the work of V. Vernadskyi is closely connected with the general planetary tasks of the existence of future humanity. It is the processes of world life that play a global role for the entry of humanity into the noosphere, are reflected in the qualitative changes of higher education.
De la interioridad mental a la exterioridad corpórea: una lectura del asco en Beckett
Authors: Jares Luciana Belén
Published: December 2021

A partir de la lectura de “(W)Horoscope”, seis poemas de Echo’s Bones and Other Precipitates y “La mouche”, en este trabajo se buscará plantear cómo el asco articula la relación que establece Samuel Beckett entre el mundo exterior: lo corpóreo, degradado, caduco, y la interioridad del pensamiento del sujeto melancólico que medita sobre la muerte. Este contraste se encuentra atravesado por distintas concepciones del asco que afectan tanto a la mente como al cuerpo. Nos detendremos en el asco en relación a los alimentos, a aquello que se ingiere y por lo tanto ingresa en el cuerpo y afecta la mente; en el asco como hastío y melancolía, que surge de un estado de inactividad que hace pensar en la caducidad y la decadencia; y desde allí se abordará la relación del asco con las concepciones cuerpo-cadáver, la degradación corpórea y la meditación sobre la muerte. Estos tres ejes permitirán ejemplificar cómo el interior y el exterior se conectan mediante lo repulsivo en los poemas de Beckett.
Liderança Servidora e a Busca pelo Modelo Ideal de Liderança
Authors: Varela Ricardo Varela de Araújo Filho , Montejano Paulina
Published: December 2021

Com a globalização e a necessidade de melhores desempenhos nas organizações, a busca pela liderança eficaz aumentou. No entanto, mesmo os gestores investindo muito com a capacitação dos seus funcionários, o resultado que eles obtiveram com o treinamento não foi como o esperado. Os estudiosos, então, perceberam que os líderes necessitavam desenvolver os aspectos relacionais para conseguir desempenhar bem a sua função. A Academia da Força Aérea (AFA), que tem como objetivo formar os futuros líderes da Força Aérea Brasileira (FAB), também procura desenvolver em seus cadetes os aspectos de uma liderança efetiva. Dessa maneira, o conceito da Liderança Servidora, trazido por Greenleaf (1970), enfoca justamente os aspectos relacionais necessários a um líder. Por isso, este trabalho tem por objetivo demonstrar as características da Liderança Servidora e propor o estudo e a sua prática na formação dos cadetes para complementar o objetivo institucional da AFA. Para tanto, foi feita uma revisão bibliográfica e documental, a qual encontrou um alinhamento entre os valores constantes dos manuais da AFA e dos documentos da FAB e as características de um líder servidor.