bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A phase I, open-label, dose-escalation trial of BI 764532, a DLL3/CD3 bispecific antibody, in patients (pts) with small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) or other neuroendocrine neoplasms expressing DLL3.
Authors: Wermke Martin , Felip Enriqueta , Gambardella Valentina , Kuboki Yasutoshi , Morgensztern Daniel , Oum'Hamed Zohra , Geng Junxian , Studeny Matus , Owonikoko Taofeek K.
Published: June 2021

TPS8588

Background: First-line standard of care for pts with metastatic SCLC and neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) is platinum-based chemotherapy ± immunotherapy. While the addition of anti-PD1 antibodies has improved outcomes, nearly all pts relapse and prognosis is poor. There is a major unmet need for additional treatment (tx) options. BI 764532 is a delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3)/CD3 T cell engaging bispecific antibody. DLL3 is expressed on the cell surface of many SCLC and NEC tumors, but not on normal cells. In preclinical studies, BI 764532 induced cytotoxicity of DLL3-positive cells and showed anti-tumor activity in animal models. Methods: NCT04429087 is a first-in-human, open-label, dose-escalation trial of BI 764532 in adults with locally advanced/metastatic SCLC, large cell neuroendocrine lung carcinoma, NEC or small cell carcinoma of any other origin. Pts must have failed on or be ineligible for available standard therapies (including ≥1 line of platinum-based chemotherapy). Tumors must be positive for DLL3 expression (archived tissue/in-study fresh biopsy) according to central review. Pts must have ≥1 evaluable lesion (modified RECIST 1.1) outside of CNS and adequate liver, bone marrow and renal organ function. Main exclusion criteria: previous tx with T cell engagers or DLL3-targeted therapies; persistent toxicity from previous tx that has not resolved to ≤ CTCAE grade 1; immunodeficiency or receiving immunosuppressive therapy ≤7 days, prior anti-cancer therapy ≤3 wks/5 half-life periods or extensive field radiotherapy ≤2 wks of first dose of BI 764532. The main objective of phase Ia is to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or recommended dose for expansion of BI 764532, based on dose-limiting toxicities during the MTD evaluation period. Further objectives are to evaluate safety, tolerability, PK/PD and preliminary efficacy. The phase Ib objectives, endpoints and design will be specified after availability of phase Ia results. The trial will assess ≤3 dosing regimens: Regimen A (fixed iv dose once every 3 wks); Regimen B1 (fixed iv dose once every wk); Regimen B2 (step-in dose[s] followed by fixed-dose weekly doses; optional). Tx will continue until confirmed progressive disease, unacceptable toxicity, other withdrawal criteria or a maximum tx duration of 36 mos, whichever occurs first. For Phase Ia, ̃160 pts will be screened and 110 pts accrued. As of Feb 2021, pts are being recruited and treated in early dose escalation cohorts. Clinical trial information: NCT04429087.
Ipilimumab, nivolumab and tocilizumab as first-line therapy for advanced melanoma.
Authors: Mehmi Inderjit , Hamid Omid , Hodi F. Stephen , Vassalo Melinda , Malatyali Saundra , Krishnarajapet Swathi , O’Donnell Nan , Castrence Angeli , Lim Eunice , Gormley Jill , Weber Jeffrey S.
Published: June 2021

TPS9589

Background: Interleukin 6 (IL-6) functions in the maintenance of hepatocytes, haemotopoietic progenitor cells, a variety of other tissues, and regulates the innate and adaptive immune system. IL-6 may play a role as a chronic inflammatory mediator in altering levels of acute phase proteins synthesized by the liver and circulating myeloid cells which have been shown to be associated with short survival with checkpoint inhibition and which are immune suppressive. The immunomodulatory properties of interleukin-6 may in part also be responsible for immune related adverse events, given the reversal of those toxicities observed with IL-6 receptor blockade in clinical practice. To assess if blockade of IL-6 binding is associated with a decrease in irAEs and/or an increase in efficacy defined as overall response rate (ORR) at week 24 in patients receiving ICB, we added tocilizumab to ipilimumab and nivolumab therapy. Methods: The current phase II trial is a two-stage design to assess the safety, tolerability, and grades 3-5 immune related toxicities of tocilizumab administered every 6 weeks up to week 24 in combination with ipilimumab at 1 mg/kg and nivolumab at 3 mg/kg every 3 weeks for 4 doses each during a 12 week induction period, then administered every 6 weeks with nivolumab at 240 mg flat dose every 2 weeks in maintenance for up to 24 weeks, and nivolumab alone will be given at 480 mg flat dose every 4 weeks thereafter for up to 2 years. Eligible patients include those age 18 or older with measurable and unresectable stages III/IV melanoma (cutaneous, acral, mucosal), without prior systemic treatment for metastatic disease. Adjuvant therapy (IFN-alpha, ipilimumab and/or nivolumab, or pembrolizumab) is allowed. Patients with metastatic melanoma of brain are allowed, if neurologically stable and off immunosuppressive steroids. A total of 18 patients will be treated in the first stage, and 49 additional patients in the second stage for a total of 67. The comparator data are from the N3I1 arm of Checkmate-511 trial, in which treatment-related grades 3-5 irAEs were 33.9% with a 45.6% response rate (1). Prespecified activity goal for the first stage of accrual has been met; second stage accrual began in January 2021. References: (1) Lebbé C, Meyer N, Mortier L, Marquez-Rodas I, et al. Evaluation of Two Dosing Regimens for Nivolumab in Combination With Ipilimumab in Patients With Advanced Melanoma: Results From the Phase IIIb/IV CheckMate 511 Trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2019 37:11, 867-875. Clinical trial information: NCT03999749.
Slow-Stroke Back Massage Compared With Music Therapy for Leukemia-Related Pain and Fatigue: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Miladinia Mojtaba , Voss Joachim G. , Molavynejad Shahram , Malehi Amal Saki , Zarea Kourosh , Nouri Elham Mousavi , Ahmadzadeh Ahmad
Published: June 2021

PURPOSE:

Comparison of two safe complementary medicine methods to treat cancer-related pain and fatigue in adult patients with acute leukemia during active treatment with chemotherapy.

METHODS:

A randomized trial with three groups (light massage, music therapy, and standard care) in Ahvaz, Iran, between 2018 and 2019. A total of 104 participants of the massage and music therapy groups received 15-minute intervention sessions, thrice weekly for 4 weeks, and participants of the control group received standard care. Cancer-related pain and fatigue intensity were measured by numeric self-report rating scales. During the 4 weeks of the interventions, pain and fatigue intensity were measured weekly. All the groups were followed up for 2 weeks after the end of the intervention.

RESULTS:

Pain and fatigue intensity decreased significantly over time between the intervention groups compared with the standard care group. In the massage and music therapy groups, a progressive reduction of pain and fatigue intensity over time (from the baseline to the fourth week) was observed. Fatigue intensity did not differ between the two intervention groups. Pain intensity decreased more in the massage group compared with the music therapy group. The durable effects of the massage therapy were greater compared with the music therapy 2 weeks after the intervention was completed.

CONCLUSION:

Light massage was more effective and persisted longer than the music therapy for controlling leukemia-related pain and fatigue in adult patients with acute leukemia.
Diagnosis and Management of Tumor-induced Osteomalacia: Perspectives From Clinical Experience
Authors: Dahir Kathryn , Zanchetta María Belén , Stanciu Irinel , Robinson Cemre , Lee Janet Y , Dhaliwal Ruban , Charles Julia , Civitelli Roberto , Roberts Mary Scott , Krolczyk Stan , Weber Thomas
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome of abnormal phosphate and vitamin D metabolism caused by typically small endocrine tumors that secrete fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). TIO is characterized clinically by progressive musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, proximal muscle weakness, and multiple fractures, leading to long-term disability. Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis are common because of the nonspecific symptoms, and several years may elapse before patients receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Thus, it is vital that awareness of the appropriate recognition and management of TIO is increased among healthcare professionals who may encounter patients with suspected TIO.

Methods

A roundtable meeting was held on 10 January 2020 in Dallas, TX, USA, to gather perspectives on the diagnosis and treatment of TIO. The following topics were considered: clinical presentation, patient history, differential diagnosis, laboratory assessment, imaging, venous sampling, and treatment.

Results

This report provides a summary of our collective experiences in the management of TIO.

Main conclusions

Laboratory tests are mandatory to expedite TIO diagnosis and should include measurement of fasting serum phosphorus, renal phosphate reabsorption, serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and serum FGF23 levels. Functional and anatomical imaging are essential to locate the FGF23-secreting tumor(s) causing TIO. Surgical resection is often a curative treatment when the tumor can be localized; however, better management of patients who cannot be operated on with targeted therapies is needed. Further efforts to increase awareness of TIO within the medical community, and education on recommended diagnostic and treatment pathways are required to improve the management of this debilitating disease.
Coping with Denialism: How Street-Level Bureaucrats Adapted and Responded to COVID-19 in Tanzania
Authors: Carlitz Ruth , Yamanis Thespina , Mollel Henry
Published: June 2021

Context: This article aims to highlight challenges and adaptations made by local health officials in Tanzania in working to contain and manage COVID-19.

Methods: The study takes an inductive approach, drawing on the reported experiences of 40 officials at different levels of government across four purposefully selected regions in July 2020. Interviewees were asked about the guidance they received to contain COVID-19, the source of that guidance, their challenges and successes in implementing the guidance, and if and how they adapted the guidance to their particular setting.

Findings: The interviews depict considerable challenges, including a lack of supplies and resources for implementing infection control, surveillance, and mitigation practices and dealing with fear and stigma. At the same time, they also provide evidence of innovation and adaptation among street-level bureaucrats. Respondents overwhelmingly praised the president, whose limited national response is seen as helpful for reducing fear and stigma.

Conclusions: Other scholars have highlighted the potential dangers of street-level discretion if local officials “make policy” in ways that contradict their agencies' stated goals. In contrast, our study suggests benefits of autonomy at the street level—particularly in contexts where the central state was relatively weak and/or acting against the public interest.
Distribución potencial de Culiseta melanura (Coquillett) (Diptera: Culicidae) en América
Authors: Cauich-Gerónimo Elia Lorena , Chan-Chablé Rahuel Jeremías
Published: June 2021

Culiseta melanura es un mosquito importante debido a su papel en el ciclo de transmisión del virus de la Encefalitis Equina del Este. Se distribuye desde el sur de Quebec a través de Maine y el área de los Grandes Lagos hasta el sur de Florida y el Este de Texas, y en el noreste de México. En este estudio determinamos la distribución potencial de Cs. melanura en el continente americano y la importancia de las variables bioclimáticas en la conformación de dicha distribución. Para representar la distribución potencial de Cs. melanura se utilizó un modelo de máxima entropía (MaxEnt, versión 3.4.1). Se utilizó un total de 80 registros geográficos obtenidos de GBIF y literatura pertinente. Los datos de clima se obtuvieron de 19 capas climáticas disponibles en la base de datos WorldClim versión 2.0. El área bajo la curva del modelo generado tuvo un valor de 0.98, lo cual indica que es un modelo con buena confiabilidad. Los resultados mostraron áreas de idoneidad de hábitat en la costa sur de Alaska, costa este y oeste de Canadá, centro de Estados Unidos, Colombia, Ecuador, Perú, sur de Chile, sur de Brasil, costa este de Argentina y Uruguay. Esta información puede ser útil en los programas de vigilancia entomológica para el monitoreo de Cs. melanura en países como Estados Unidos y Canadá donde actualmente esta especie está presente.
Can Gambling Increase Savings? Empirical Evidence on Prize-Linked Savings Accounts
Authors: Cole Shawn , Iverson Benjamin , Tufano Peter
Published: June 2021

This paper studies the adoption and impact of prize-linked savings (PLS) accounts, which offer lottery-like payouts to individual account holders in lieu of interest. Using microlevel data from a bank in South Africa, we show that PLS is attractive to a broad group of individuals, with financially constrained individuals and those with no other deposit accounts particularly likely to participate. Individuals who choose to use PLS increase their total savings on average by 1% of annual income. Exploiting the random assignment of prizes, we present causal evidence that PLS substitutes for lottery gambling but is a complement to standard savings.

This paper was accepted by Tyler Shumway, finance.
A Token-Based Central Queue with Order-Independent Service Rates
Authors: Ayesta Urtzi , Bodas Tejas , L. Dorsman Jan-Pieter , Verloop Ina Maria
Published: June 2021

A Unifying Token-Based Framework for Product-Form Queue Models
Reflecting on why surgical swabs are being left behind and exploring how this could be prevented
Authors: Spranzi Francesca
Published: June 2021

Surgical swabs are routinely used by obstetricians and midwives to absorb blood during caesarean sections or perineal repairs following a vaginal birth. On rare occasions, a surgical swab can be left behind by mistake inside the patient's body. When an incident involving a retained swab occurs, this is declared a ‘never event’. Although a rare occurrence, a retained surgical swab is the source of high morbidity (infection, pain, secondary postpartum haemorrhage and psychological harm). It is also important to mention the financial burden and the legal implications affecting healthcare providers worldwide. Over the years, several strategies have been implemented in clinical practice to reduce such risk. However, none of these seem to provide a definitive answer. Having offered a brief overview of the evidence surrounding retained surgical swabs, this article presents an innovative approach based on creating a physical barrier by introducing an anchoring point linking the swabs together, making it physically impossible to leave one behind. At present, these modified swabs are undergoing development and testing.
A Hybrid Technique for the Performance Optimization in the Combustion Process of a Power Plant Boiler: An Efficient ANNSSA Technique
Authors: Kumar P. V. Narendra , Chengaiah Ch. , Rajesh P. , Shajin Francis H.
Published: June 2021

In this paper presents a hybrid method for optimization process of combustion in power plant boiler. ANSSA scheme will be joint implementation of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) as well as Salp Swarm Optimization Algorithm (SSA) known ANNSSA. Here, ANN training process will be enhanced by using the SSA calculating. The optimization of economic parameters reduces excess air level and performs combustion efficiency at boiler system. Due to the operation of service boiler, oxygen content of flue gases is one of the significant factors which influence the efficiency of boiler, and influence each other to other thermal parameters of economic like temperature of flue gases combustion, unburned carbon at fly ash slag and consumption of coal power supply. The combustion performance denotes a saving at operating costs of boiler. ANNSSA method evolved for process of combustion to enhance the implementation and efficiency of the power plant boiler. At that time, ANNSSA technique is implemented at MATLAB/Simulink work platform as well as implementation is evaluated using existing techniques.
A Cost-Effective Electro-Hydraulic Actuator Solution with Open Circuit Architecture
Authors: Qu Shaoyang , Fassbender David , Vacca Andrea , Busquets Enrique
Published: June 2021

With the recent electrification trend in the fluid power area, more research has been incentivized to propose cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions for hydraulic systems. Hence, electro-hydraulic actuator (EHA) architectures receive increasing attention. The paper proposes a novel open-circuit EHA architecture, with the goal to obtain a cost-effective solution for mobile applications while maximizing the overall system efficiency. The proposed EHA is capable of meeting or exceeding traditional off-road machine performance, therefore enabling further electrification of off-road machines. Four-quadrant functionality, covering the full speed range, is achieved by a combination of a variable electro-hydraulic drive and valves with different functions. Focusing on the steady-state performance, the functionality is validated by numerical as well as experimental methods. A simulation model based on the Amesim environment and a dedicated test setup was developed to verify the performance. The good match between simulation and experimental results confirms the potential of the formulation approach of the proposed EHA for applications with different duty cycles and power levels.
A Secure Trust-aware Cross-layer Routing Protocol for Vehicular Ad hoc Networks
Authors: Baccari Sihem , Hadded Mohamed , Touati Haifa , Muhlethaler Paul
Published: June 2021

VANETs currently represent one of the most prominent solutions that aim to reduce the number of road accident victims and congestion problems while improving the quality of driving. VANETs form a very dynamic open network in which vehicles exchange information and warnings about road situations and other traffic information through several routing protocols, without any intermediate control. However, the absence of a central control makes such a network vulnerable to several types of attack, not only from the outside but also, and mostly, from the interior. This makes their detection by classical security techniques more difficult and requires the development of new techniques to control the information circulating in the network. In this context, a proposed routing protocol called TDMA-aware Routing Protocol for Multi hop communication in Vehicular networks, is vulnerable to security threats, such as Black Hole and Gray Hole attacks, as well as MAC attacks such as Denial of Service (DoS), which lead to a considerable deterioration in the network’s performance in terms of packet delivery ratio, end-to-end delays, channel access rate, etc. To mitigate the effect of those attacks, we propose a trust-based model in which each node will establish a trust relationship with its neighbors based on their behaviors during the channel access and packet forwarding process. The simulation results show a significant decrease in the effect of attacks on the performance of the TRPM protocol.
Mobility Improvement by Optimizing Channel Model Coverage Through Fine Tuning
Authors: Gupta Akansha , Ghanshala Kamal , Joshi R. C.
Published: June 2021

Empirical channel models were always an important tool for proper wireless network planning. These models consider the properties of electromagnetic waves and terrain conditions. The efficiency and accuracy of these Empirical models suffer when they are used for an area other than where they have been designed. So tuning of these models is required for proper and accurate prediction of coverage and it is done by taking the correction factor into account. Comparison of four Empirical models i.e, the Lee, the ECC-33 model, the WI model, the Ericsson model, the COST 231, and SUI is done with Measured path loss, and the best model with minimum error is then selected for tuning. Field data of LTE network at 2300 MHz is collected at two sites of Uttarakhand-India. It is analysed that the Ericsson model shows minimum RMSE, Standard Deviation, and Mean error as compared to measured path loss, followed by the Okumura model. The Ericsson model is then tuned to further reduce the error. Validation of the tuned model is done at Haridwar.
API Call-Based Malware Classification Using Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Li Chen , Zheng Junjun
Published: June 2021

Malicious software, called malware, can perform harmful actions on computer systems, which may cause economic damage and information leakage. Therefore, malware classification is meaningful and required to prevent malware attacks. Application programming interface (API) call sequences are easily observed and are good choices as features for malware classification. However, one of the main issues is how to generate a suitable feature for the algorithms of classification to achieve a high classification accuracy. Different malware sample brings API call sequence with different lengths, and these lengths may reach millions, which may cause computation cost and time complexities. Recurrent neural networks (RNNs) is one of the most versatile approaches to process time series data, which can be used to API call-based Malware calssification. In this paper, we propose a malware classification model with RNN, especially the long short-term memory (LSTM) and the gated recurrent unit (GRU), to classify variants of malware by using long-sequences of API calls. In numerical experiments, a benchmark dataset is used to illustrate the proposed approach and validate its accuracy. The numerical results show that the proposed RNN model works well on the malware classification.
Knowledge translation activity of a domestic violence research network: a scoping survey
Authors: Cameron Jacqui , Humphreys Cathy , Hegarty Kelsey
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Research networks undertake work collaboratively on complex areas of research. Few studies examine how these networks develop their knowledge translation activity. Focusing on a domestic violence research network (DVRN), the aim of this study was to answer the question: What is the shared understanding of knowledge translation and activity in a domestic violence research network?

Methods: A sample of DVRN members undertook an anonymous online survey about their knowledge translation activity.

Results: Completed by 49 of a potential 65 DVRN members (75% completion rate), findings suggested members use multiple knowledge translation definitions, and that different stages of the research process engage people with lived-experience and policymakers undertaking lower levels of engagement than practitioners. Innovative engagement mechanisms to communicate research findings were limited, and knowledge translation barriers included budget, time, capacity, limitation of models, organisational emphasis and support. Finally, there was inadequate knowledge translation evaluation.

Conclusion: Overcoming knowledge translation barriers is essential to ensure meaningful collaboration particularly with survivors who are often the missing voice of knowledge translation. Future studies could determine what impact, if any, increasing engagement of survivors and policymakers during all stages of the research process has on knowledge translation.
Observation of exceptional points in helically structured thin films
Authors: Gallant Gabriel J. , Bisson Jean-François , Bulmer Kris , Bader Georges
Published: June 2021

Exceptional points (EPs) in the polarization space were observed in reflection on helically structured thin films. These films have form anisotropy at the nanoscale introduced through dynamic control of crystalline growth geometry by changing the orientation of the substrate with respect to the impinging vapor. They are simpler alternatives to metasurfaces, because they can be produced at low cost using conventional thin-film deposition techniques. The EPs were experimentally confirmed by eigenstate swapping on a closed circuit surrounding them and were predicted by numerical calculations. Reflective surfaces operating at an EP could be used to make ultrasensitive sensors.
Responsivity enhancement of a strained silicon field-effect transistor detector at 0.3 THz using the terajet effect
Authors: Minin Igor Vladilenovich , Minin Oleg Vladilenovich , Salvador-Sánchez Juan , Delgado-Notario Juan Antonio , Calvo-Gallego Jaime , Ferrando-Bataller Miguel , Fobelets Kristel , Velázquez-Pérez Jesús Enrique , Meziani Yahya Moubarak
Published: June 2021

We report on the enhancement of responsivity by more than one order of magnitude of a silicon-based sub-terahertz detector when a mesoscopic dielectric particle was used to localize incident radiation to a sub-wavelength volume and focus it directly onto the detector. A strained-silicon modulation field-effect transistor was used as a direct detector on an incident terahertz beam at 0.3 THz. A systematic study in which Teflon cubes were placed in front of the detector to focus the terahertz beam was performed. In this study, cubes with different sizes were investigated, and an enhancement of the responsivity up to 11 dB was observed for a cube with an edge length of 3.45 mm (or

3.45
λ

). Electromagnetic simulation results were in good agreement with the experimental ones and demonstrated that the size of the mesoscopic particle plays an important role in focalizing the electric field within an area below the diffraction limit. This approach provides an efficient, uncostly, and easy to implement method to substantially improve the responsivity and noise equivalent power of sub-terahertz detectors.
Rapid fabrication of hydrogel micropatterns by projection stereolithography for studying self-organized developmental patterning
Authors: Zhu Ye , Sazer Daniel , Miller Jordan S. , Warmflash Aryeh
Published: June 2021

Self-organized patterning of mammalian embryonic stem cells on micropatterned surfaces has previously been established as an in vitro platform for early mammalian developmental studies, complimentary to in vivo studies. Traditional micropatterning methods, such as micro-contact printing (μCP), involve relatively complicated fabrication procedures, which restricts widespread adoption by biologists. Here, we demonstrate a rapid method of micropatterning by printing hydrogel micro-features onto a glass-bottomed culture vessel. The micro-features are printed using a projection stereolithography bioprinter yielding hydrogel structures that geometrically restrict the attachment of cells or proteins. Compared to traditional and physical photomasks, a digitally tunable virtual photomask is used in the projector to generate blue light patterns that enable rapid iteration with minimal cost and effort. We show that a protocol that makes use of this method together with LN521 coating, an extracellular matrix coating, creates a surface suitable for human embryonic stem cell (hESC) attachment and growth with minimal non-specific adhesion. We further demonstrate that self-patterning of hESCs following previously published gastrulation and ectodermal induction protocols achieves results comparable with those obtained with commercially available plates.
Evaluating toxicity of Varroa mite (Varroa destructor)-active dsRNA to monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) larvae
Authors: Krishnan Niranjana , Hall Maura J. , Hellmich Richard L. , Coats Joel R. , Bradbury Steven P.
Published: June 2021

Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) are parasitic mites that, combined with other factors, are contributing to high levels of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colony losses. A Varroa-active dsRNA was recently developed to control Varroa mites within honey bee brood cells. This dsRNA has 372 base pairs that are homologous to a sequence region within the Varroa mite calmodulin gene (cam). The Varroa-active dsRNA also shares a 21-base pair match with monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) calmodulin mRNA, raising the possibility of non-target effects if there is environmental exposure. We chronically exposed the entire monarch larval stage to common (Asclepias syriaca) and tropical (Asclepias curassavica) milkweed leaves treated with concentrations of Varroa-active dsRNA that are one- and ten-fold higher than those used to treat honey bee hives. This corresponded to concentrations of 0.025–0.041 and 0.211–0.282 mg/g leaf, respectively. Potassium arsenate and a previously designed monarch-active dsRNA with a 100% base pair match to the monarch v-ATPase A mRNA (leaf concentration was 0.020–0.034 mg/g) were used as positive controls. The Varroa mite and monarch-active dsRNA’s did not cause significant differences in larval mortality, larval or pupal development, pupal weights, or adult eclosion rates when compared to negative controls. Irrespective of control or dsRNA treatment, larvae that consumed approximately 7500 to 10,500-mg milkweed leaf within 10 to 12 days had the highest pupal weights. The lack of mortality and sublethal effects following dietary exposure to dsRNA with 21-base pair and 100% base pair match to mRNAs that correspond to regulatory genes suggest monarch mRNA may be refractory to silencing by dsRNA or monarch dsRNase may degrade dsRNA to a concentration that is insufficient to silence mRNA signaling.
An enhanced therapeutic effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with antibody treatment in a primate model of spinal cord injury
Authors: Yamanaka Hajime , Takata Yu , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Isosaka-Yamanaka Tomoko , Yamashita Toshihide , Takada Masahiko
Published: June 2021

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targeting the primary motor cortex (MI) is expected to provide a therapeutic impact on spinal cord injury (SCI). On the other hand, treatment with antibody against repulsive guidance molecule-a (RGMa) has been shown to ameliorate motor deficits after SCI in rodents and primates. Facilitating activity of the corticospinal tract (CST) by rTMS following rewiring of CST fibers by anti-RGMa antibody treatment may exert an enhanced effect on motor recovery in a primate model of SCI. To address this issue, we examined whether such a combined therapeutic strategy could contribute to accelerating functional restoration from SCI. In our SCI model, unilateral lesions were made between the C6 and the C7 level. Two macaque monkeys were used for each of the combined therapy and antibody treatment alone, while one monkey was for rTMS alone. The antibody treatment was continuously carried out for four weeks immediately after SCI, and rTMS trials applying a thermoplastic mask and a laser distance meter lasted ten weeks. Behavioral assessment was performed over 14 weeks after SCI to investigate the extent to which motor functions were restored with the antibody treatment and/or rTMS. While rTMS without the preceding antibody treatment produced no discernible sign for functional recovery, a combination of the antibody and rTMS exhibited a greater effect, especially at an early stage of rTMS trials, on restoration of dexterous hand movements. The present results indicate that rTMS combined with anti-RGMa antibody treatment may exert a synergistic effect on motor recovery from SCI.
Bioturbation by black soldier fly larvae—Rapid soil formation with burial of ceramic artifacts
Authors: Orozco-Ortiz Juan M. , Bauke Sara L. , Borgemeister Christian , Lehndorff Eva , Amelung Wulf
Published: June 2021

Bioturbation involves the incorporation of residues from the surface soil into the subsoil; however, common small soil ‘bioengineers’, such as earthworms or termites, are unlikely to transport human artifacts to deeper soil horizons. However, such artifacts occur in the deeper soil horizons within Amazonian Anthrosols (Terra Preta). Here we test the assumption that such tasks could be carried out by fly larvae, which could thus play a crucial role in waste decomposition and associated soil mixing under tropical conditions. We performed two greenhouse experiments with sandy substrate covered with layers of organic waste, ceramic fragments, and black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) (Hermetia illucens(L.) (Dipt.: Stratiomyidae)). We used in-situ images to assess the rate of bioturbation by BSFL, and then designed our main study to observe waste dissipation (reduction of organic carbon and phosphorus contents from waste model trials with and without charcoal) as related to larval-induced changes in soil properties. We found that the bioturbation of macroinvertebrates like BSFL was able to bury even large (> 5 cm) ceramic fragments within hours, which coincided with high soil growth rates (0.5 cm h-1). The sandy soil was subsequently heavily enriched with organic matter and phosphorus originating from organic waste. We conclude that BSFL, and possibly other fly species, are important, previously overlooked soil ‘bioengineers’, which may even contribute to the burial of artifacts in Anthrosols and other terrestrial waste dumps.
Fundamental privacy rights in a pandemic state
Authors: Carvalho Tânia , Faria Pedro , Antunes Luís , Moniz Nuno
Published: June 2021

Faced with the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic, and to better understand and contain the disease’s spread, health organisations increased the collaboration with other organisations sharing health data with data scientists and researchers. Data analysis assists such organisations in providing information that could help in decision-making processes. For this purpose, both national and regional health authorities provided health data for further processing and analysis. Shared data must comply with existing data protection and privacy regulations. Therefore, a robust de-identification procedure must be used, and a re-identification risk analysis should also be performed. De-identified data embodies state-of-the-art approaches in Data Protection by Design and Default because it requires the protection of direct and indirect identifiers (not just direct). This article highlights the importance of assessing re-identification risk before data disclosure by analysing a data set of individuals infected by Covid-19 that was made available for research purposes. We stress that it is highly important to make this data available for research purposes and that this process should be based on the state of the art methods in Data Protection by Design and by Default. Our main goal is to consider different re-identification risk analysis scenarios since the information on the intruder side is unknown. Our conclusions show that there is a risk of identity disclosure for all of the studied scenarios. For one, in particular, we proceed to an example of a re-identification attack. The outcome of such an attack reveals that it is possible to identify individuals with no much effort.
EDUCATION SPACE IN MACRO-REGIONS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION: STATE AND DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS
Authors: Babkina L. N. , Skotarenko О.V.
Published: June 2021

The article defines characteristics of the state at all levels of education — preschool, school, primary, secondary and tertiary education in regions of Russia with the purpose of determining imbalances of these levels and the possibility of creating a proportional to a unified educational space on the territory of the Russia. The basis for creating such a space is federal projects that are aimed at implementing the national project «Education» and in the future will contribute to the further formation of a competitive national economy of a new generation — knowledge-intensive.

The main research method was a comparative analysis of specific indicators, and the information base was the data of the annual state statistical reports for the regions of the Russia.

The identified irregularity and disproportionate development of the levels of education allow to formulate the strategic goals, performance standards, and plans of specific measures to increase proportionality and reduce the uneven development of the educational environment in the regions of Russia.
Role of Open Source Software in Modern Development of Enterprise Information Systems
Authors:   LLC “Softmast-IT”, Shinkarev A.A.
Published: June 2021

At the moment there are many open source software products and packages, and their number is increasing every day. So it can be concluded that publishing source code is becoming more and more popular in the world of software development. When publishing the source code of a software solution or software package for use in the developer community, special attention should be given to the license type – this affects which scenarios will be available for use of the published package or software solution. It is also necessary to draw up full and detailed documentation and decide on the ways to promote the published package among developers. The purpose of the study was to justify the feasibility and necessity of publishing software products, packages and libraries for their use by other developers to build their own systems and services. The author meant to describe the major open source licenses, identify their features and differences, and those situations for which this or that type of license is suitable, as well as to demonstrate the need of writing documentation and describe ways to promote and popularize published software products, packages, and libraries in the developer community. Materials and methods. The paper considers official license documents describing conditions of use, reproduction, and distribution. The author analyzes the main ways and means to promote open source software products. Results. The article substantiates the relevance of publishing and using the source code of a software product, package or library. The author describes the main provisions of the most common licenses and gives advice on choosing the type of license when publishing source code for free use. The necessity of writing documentation for the published software product is substantiated. The article also describes some of the ways to promote published packages, such as the choice of name, speaking at conferences, and publishing articles with case studies.
Improving the Business Model of a Construction Company in a Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Period
Authors:   Voronezh State Technical University, Averina T.A. , Barkalov S.A. , Kryuchkova M.A.
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a challenge and shock for the whole world. The way of life in various industries has changed. Adjustments are required to companies' business models for recovery and normal operation. During the pandemic, the construction industry also faced many challenges. Research objective. Develop an algorithm for improving the business models of construction companies, taking into account changes in consumer preferences in connection with the spread of COVID-19. Materials and methods. Methods of systems analysis, optimization methods and decision-making theory were applied in the work. The template for the formation of a business model was selected based on the analysis of existing research in this area. Results. It was revealed that in the current conditions, the management of construction companies require special attention from personnel, finances, and supply chains. The paper proposes an algorithm for improving the company's business model, which includes the following main stages: 1. Determine the conditions and ways of creating value. In this case, changes in consumer needs due to the pandemic are taken into account. 2. Identify target segments of consumers by implementing a classification based on several criteria. Consider the possibility of combining (consolidating) target segments in relation to the similarity of requirements. 3. Build a business model in general terms, reflecting the following aspects: target customer, offer, resources, income generation. 4. Detail the business model by filling in the Alexander Osterwalder template. 5. Make the appropriate conclusions. Conclusion. The developed algorithm is applied on the example of construction companies implementing projects in the field of housing construction. Needs vary and change due to the pandemic. The formation of the company's value proposition now must be aimed at meeting the changed needs. In particular, it was found that consumers are currently focused on buying houses, pay more attention to safety, environmental friendliness and autonomy of housing, and are ready to use smart technologies. It is worth noting the prospect of accounting in the developed layouts of apartments and houses, the possibility of equipping a home office (WFH) and separating the entrance area.
The effect analysis of the stiffness changes of a Traditional Fishing Boat Foundation on Vibration Amplitude
Authors: Lekatompessy Debby Raynold
Published: June 2021

The ship with the outboard engine is intended to make it easier for fishers to operate and maintain. However, the magnitude of the vibration due to the excitation of the engine during operation adversely affects the surrounding structures. It is evidenced by measuring the vibration amplitude of more than 0.02 mm at several points around the ship engine foundation. This study aims to reduce these vibrations by changing the canal's dimensions as a foundation and using damping rubber as the simplest solution. The analysis was carried out by calculating the vibration parameters of 2 types of machines, SR1110 and S1100. The numerical method is used to calculate the vibration's amplitude by varying the value of channel stiffness and rubber damping on the machine foundation. Supporting data is obtained by measuring the vibration amplitude at several points around the foundation. The magnitude of the previous vibration amplitude is 0.078 mm for the SR1110 type and 0.069 mm for the S1100 type, which exceeds the limit still. The amplitude is reduced by changing the foundation's dimensions and using a rubber damper (c). With the new foundation dimensions, the amplitude for the diesel engine type SR1110 becomes 0.0245 mm and type S1100 becomes 0.0238 mm. Increased stiffness and the addition of rubber succeeded in reducing the vibration amplitude by a significant value. The amplitude was reduced by 69% for the SR1110 engine type and 65% for the S1100 engine type within the allowable limit of less than 0.02 mm to 0.03 mm based on Barkan's observation results.
“It’s not the same thing as last time I wrote a report”: Digital text sharing in changing organizations
Authors: Blåsjö Mona , Jonsson Carla
Published: June 2021

In the communications of modern organizations, text sharing and knowledge management are mainly digital. The digital systems that frame many types of communication consist of, e.g., intranets and document sharing software that are occasionally exchanged for new systems. Employees have to adjust to modified routines and learn new systems, and management has to make decisions about digital systems and how these are to be integrated with work processes and knowledge management. In this article, we contribute to research on work-life literacies by highlighting the increasingly frequent issue of digital text sharing in modern workplaces through the study of commercial companies, mainly through ethnographic observations and interviews. The theoretical framework comes from New Literacy Studies where literacy practices, i.e., common patterns of using reading and writing, form a key concept. Moreover, the sociolinguistic concept of metadiscourse is applied in order to uncover the reflexive orientation of participating professionals towards digital text sharing. The results show that these professionals relate the combination of digital text sharing and technological and organizational change to problems, obstacles and potential risks; ambitions of enhancing digital text sharing may exclude certain groups, and changes in digital text sharing systems per se may cause professionals to lose control. These risks are often associated with access to information: a person who cannot access information in their organization has a lower degree of agency or power over their situation. The results are discussed in light of theories concerning modern work life from New Literacy Studies.
Errors in documenting the subsoil and their impact on the investment implementation: Case study
Authors: Lendo-Siwicka Marzena , Wrzesiński Grzegorz , Pawluk Katarzyna
Published: June 2021

Improper recognition of the subsoil is the most common cause of problems in the implementation of construction projects and construction facilities failures. Most often, their direct cause is the mismatch of the scope of geotechnical diagnosis to the appropriate geotechnical category, or substantive errors, including incomplete or incorrect interpretation in the creation of a geological-engineering model and often overlooked hydrogeological conditions. In many cases, insufficient recognition and documentation of geotechnical and/or geological and engineering conditions leads to damage and construction failures, delays in consider construction, and the increase of the investment budget. That’s why, in order to avoid the above, particular attention should be paid to proper geotechnical and geological-engineering documentation at the design and construction stages. The selected example of the investment analyzed errors in the geological-engineering documentation, which mainly concerned the lack of recognition of locally occurring organic soils, the incorrectly determined location of the groundwater table and the degree of compaction of non-cohesive soils, and numerous errors of calculated values of soil uplift pressure. The detection of the errors presented in the paper made it possible to select the correct technology for the construction of the sanitary sewage system and to increase the thickness of the horizontal shutter made of jet grouting columns in the area of the excavation. In addition, the article discusses the principles of proper calculation of limit states and subsoil testing, which have a significant impact on the implementation of planned investments.
Existence of a solution of Hilfer fractional hybrid problems via new Krasnoselskii-type fixed point theorems
Authors: Gabeleh Moosa , Patel Deepesh Kumar , Patle Pradip Ramesh , Sen Manuel De La
Published: June 2021

This work intends to treat the existence of mild solutions for the Hilfer fractional hybrid differential equation (HFHDE) with linear perturbation of first and second type in partially ordered Banach spaces. First, we establish the results concerning the actuality of fixed point of sum and product of operators via the concepts of measure of noncompactness and simulation functions in partially ordered spaces. Then combining these fixed point theorems with the concepts in fractional calculus, new existence results for mild solutions of HFHDE’s are established. Furthermore, the presented fixed point results and existence results improve and extend the present state-of-art in the literature. Competent examples in support of theory are illustrated for better understanding.
Honey-Guacamole: Assessment of pollination environmental service in avocado production in Michoacan, Mexico
Authors: Pulido Jose Alberto Lara
Published: June 2021

The effects of the pollination service provided by the natural areas adjacent to avocado crop areas in Michoacan, Mexico, were estimated. The effect is estimated by measuring the change in avocado crop productivity as the abundance of pollinators coming from neighboring natural areas changes. Pollinators’ abundance is approximated through an index estimated with the InVEST system whose parameters were adapted for the region under study. The change in productivity is extended to an economic value to provide an economic estimate of the environmental service. The results show that, in an area where the abundance of domesticated and wild pollinators is close to the mean, the harvested volume of avocado is 28% (+/- 23%) greater. Moreover, they show that this effect is only present when both wild and domesticated pollinators are available. Finally, some model limitations and public policy implications are provided.