bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of Remote Monitoring Technology in Optimizing Traditional Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose in Adults with T2DM in primary care
Authors: Montero Alex R. , Tobon David Toro , Gann Kelly , Nassar Carine M. , Youssef Gretchen A. , Magee Michelle F.
Published: July 2021

Background: Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) has been shown to reduce hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C). Accordingly, guidelines recommend SMBG up to 4-10 times daily for adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) on insulin. For persons not on insulin, recommendations are equivocal. Newer technology-enabled blood glucose monitoring (BGM) devices can facilitate remote monitoring of glycemic data. New evidence generated by remote BGM may help to guide best practices for frequency and timing of finger-stick blood glucose (FSBG) monitoring in uncontrolled T2DM patients managed in primary care settings. Objective: To evaluate the impact of SMBG utility and frequency on glycemic outcomes using a novel BGM system which auto-transfers near real-time FSBG data to a cloud-based dashboard using cellular networks.Design: Secondary analysis of the intervention arm of a comparative non-randomized trial with propensity-matched chart controls.Participants: Adults with T2DM and HbA1C >9% receiving care in five primary care practices in a healthcare system. Interventions: Participation in a 3-month diabetes boot camp (DBC) using telemedicine and a novel BGM to support comprehensive diabetes care management. Main Measures: The primary independent variable was frequency of FSBG. Secondary outcomes included frequency of FSBG by insulin status, distribution of FSBG checks by time of day, and hypoglycemia rates.
Effectiveness and efficiency of leadership, management, and governance trainings in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Muktar Sualiha Abdlkader , Desta Binyam Fekadu , Abera Wondwosen Shiferaw , Demissie Heran , Argaw Mesele Damte
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Leadership, management, and governance (LMG) trainings are implemented to capacitate managers and clinical healthcare providers in several countries. However, there is no evidence gathered on effectiveness and efficiency of LMG trainings in low-income countries. Hence, this study aims to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of basic LMG trainings implemented in Ethiopia.
Results

In the study, the results training evaluations of 293 health workers with a 100.0% response rate is presented. In addition, data on 136 leadership project achievements and financial documents are reviewed. The mean pretest score with SD was 44.97% ± 15.50%, and the post-test score was 78.11% ± 14.22%, which showed a significant gains in knowledge at post-test with t=-35.99, df = 292, p < 0.001. The average net health service coverage gain by each entity was 16.55% (95% CI: 12.26%, 20.84%). The majority of LMG trainings were found to be effective in imparting knowledge and skills for staff to lead, manage and govern primary health entities. Moreover, the trainings were efficient in regards to time, communication, and resources utilized during the sessions. The trainings had a synergetic effect in strengthening health system components in the low-income country of Ethiopia.
Longevity traits of Shami and Holstein Cows in Syria
Authors: Almasri Obaida Abdel Kareem , Abou-Bakr Samy , Ibrahim Mohammed A. M. , Awad Mohamed A. A.
Published: July 2021

This research aimed to study the effect of age at first calving (AFC) and first lactation milk yield (FLMY) on the longevity traits of Shami and Holstein cows under the Syrian environment and estimate longevity traits for both breeds. The complete records from birth to voluntary culling were collected for 569 Shami cows and 1699 Holstein cows during the period from 1982 to 2014 at two experimental stations, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Syria. Data were analyzed using the General Linear Model (XLSTAT, 2020). The least square means of lifespan (LS), productive life (PL), a number of calvings (NC), lifetime milk production (LMP), and lifetime daily milk production (LDMP) were 93.7±0.14 months, 63.2±34 months, 4.2±0.14, 7683±0.14 kg, 2.6±0.14 kg for Shami cows, respectively. The corresponding values for Holstein cows were: 61.9±0.14 months, 31.6±34 months, 2.6±0.14, 10246±0.14 kg, 4.4±0.14 kg, respectively. The effect of AFC was significant on all studied traits except LS trait. Whereas, FLMY effect was significant only on LMP and LDMP traits. It was concluded that Shami cows had longer LS, PL, NC traits than Holstein ones, but their LMP and DLMY were lower. Reduction of AFC for Shami and Holstein cows to less than or equals to 25 months could be a proper management policy to improve each of PL, NC, LMP and LDMY. FLMY was found as an indicator for LMP and LDMY of Shami and Holstein cows.
Dependence of Magnetic Properties with Structural/Microstructural Parameters of Ball-milled Fe15Co2P3 Powder Mixture
Authors: BERKANI Hanane , SIAB Rachid , TEBIB Wassila , REDOUANI Locif , BOUKEFFA Saida , BOUOUDINA Mohamed
Published: July 2021

This research work aims to investigate the mechanically alloyed Fe15Co2P3. Parametric Rietveld refinement method, of the obtained X-ray patterns, was performed for qualitative and quantitative phase analysis, structural, microstructural and mechanical properties. The ball-milled powder mixture crystallized within the face-centred cubic α-Fe(P) solid solution in equilibrium with Co75Fe25 phase. The crystallite size decreases reaching 100 and 200 nm respectively after 3h of milling. The highest values of the dislocation density, microstain and stored energy are registered for the α-Fe(P) solid solution. The studied mechanical properties manifest the brittle nature of the α-Fe(P) solid solution compared to the Co75Fe25 phase. The squareness ratio Mr/Ms and the coercivity values of the milled powders increase with increasing milling time and reach steady state after 2 h. The hysteresis loss energy and maximum permeability reach minimal values of 45*10− 4 W/m3 and 49*10− 3 H/m respectively, after 1 h of milling at the opposite of the switching field distribution.
Rapid assessments to differentiate dementia using plasma biomarkers in primary care: a case control study
Authors: Tsai Ping-Huang , Hsu Li-Cho , Tsao Hsuan-Ming , Yang Shieh-Yueh , Chen Kuen-Lin
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThe aging of society has increased the incidence of dementia, which is more common among older individuals. Older individuals are typically cared for by primary care providers in hospitals. However, more than 60% of patients with early-stage dementia are unrecognized in primary care. Several groups have developed dementia screening tools for primary care purposes. In this work, assessments based on plasma biomarkers for differentiating among various types of dementia were developed for primary care applications.MethodsForty-six patients with very mild dementia (VMD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), fifty patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and four patients with non-AD dementia were enrolled. Plasma amyloid-beta 1–40 (Aβ1 − 40), Aβ1 − 42, total Tau (T-Tau), and phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau181) were assayed using immunomagnetic reduction for each subject.ResultsThe results show that non-AD dementia can be discriminated from other forms of dementia using plasma Aβ1 − 40, with a cutoff value of 50.03 pg/ml resulting in an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.794. The plasma Aβ1 − 42-to-Aβ1 − 40 ratio can serve as an index for discriminating AD from VMD and MCI, with a cutoff value of 0.3015 resulting in an AUC of 0.674.ConclusionsA biomarker panel measuring the levels of plasma Aβ1 − 40 and the ratio of Aβ1 − 42 to Aβ1 − 40 could potentially assist primary care practitioners in evaluating whether a patient suffers from non-AD dementia, AD, or VMD and MCI.Trial registrationThe research was approved by the IRB of NYCUH (IRB No.2017A033 and No. 2018A004).
Phase II study of daily S-1 combined with weekly irinotecan in previously treated patients with advanced or recurrent squamous cell lung cancer: North Japan Lung Cancer Group 1101 (NJLCG1101)
Authors: Kawashima Yosuke , Ishimoto Osamu , Miyauchi Eisaku , Sakakibara Tomohiro , Harada Toshiyuki , Usui Kazuhiro , Inoue Akira , Sugawara Shunichi
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This phase II study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of S-1 combined with weekly irinotecan as second- or third-line treatment for patients with advanced or recurrent squamous cell lung cancer.
Methods

Patients received oral S-1 on days 1–14 at 80 mg/day for patients with a body surface area of < 1.25 m2, 100 mg/day for patients with a body surface area of 1.25–1.5 m2, and 120 mg/day for patients with a body surface area of > 1.5 m2 and irinotecan (70 mg/m2) on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was overall response rate, and the secondary endpoints were progression-free survival, overall survival, and the frequency and the degree of adverse effects. The trial was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry, number UMIN000006065.
Results

Between September 2011 and December 2014, 30 patients were enrolled in this study. The overall response rate was 6.7% (95% CI 0.8–22.1) and the disease control rate was 73.3%. The median progression-free survival was 3.0 months (95% CI 2.5–3.4) and median overall survival was 10.5 months (95% CI 5.6–13.7). Grade 3 or 4 treatment-related toxicities were reported in ≥ 10% of patients including leukopenia (21%), neutropenia (21%), anemia (17%), anorexia (10%), and hypokalemia (10%).
Conclusion

Adding weekly irinotecan to S-1 did not show the expected effect though toxicities were manageable.
Midkine Ameliorates the LPS-Induced Apoptosis of Airway Smooth Muscle Cells Through the Notch2 Pathway
Authors: Qifeng Huang , Tang Deng , Lihua Li , Jin Qian , Qi Li , Kaiwen Lin , Dongmei Sun , Shuangqin Xu , Hangfei Wang , Xinxin Wu , Yuantian Sun , Xiaoran Liu
Published: July 2021

Background: Airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) produce several cytokines during inflammation, causing changes in extracellular matrix components, leading to airway remodeling. Midkine (MK) promotes the chemotaxis of inflammatory cells and releases proinflammatory factors. Whether Notch and Midkine jointly affect the proliferation and apoptosis of ASMCs is unknown. This research aimed to study the role of MK in ASMCs using an LPS-induced acute lung injury model.Methods: ASMCs were cultured in vitro and divided into five groups according to treatment: control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), non-target siRNA, MK siRNA, and g-secretase inhibitor LY411575. Cell proliferation was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. Changes in the levels of cytokines related to the MK/Notch2 signaling pathway were detected by Western blotting, qPCR, and immunofluorescence.Results: LPS increased the mRNA and protein expression of MK and Notch2. MK silencing and LY411575 reduced this effect. LPS reduced the viability and increased the rate of apoptosis of ASMCs. This effect was attenuated by exogenous MK and enhanced by MK silencing and LY411575 treatment.Conclusions: The MK/Notch2 signaling pathway plays a regulatory role in ASMC proliferation and apoptosis in airway inflammation.
Resilient Mechanism in Learning Modern Physics: A Grounded Theory
Authors: Mercado Justine C.
Published: July 2021

Higher Education Institutions shifted from the traditional face-to-face delivery of instruction to online classes to cope with the situation we are in right now, the global pandemic COVID-19. This shift in the educational landscape sustains the continuity of the teaching and learning process, and this change led the students to new experiences and perceptions towards learning Physics. This qualitative study used Active Interviewing and followed a Straussian grounded theory design to collect and code interview data to identify emergent themes and generate a theory. The research participants exposed four emergent themes and the main category regarding their experiences and perceptions in Learning Modern Physics in an Online Class. "Students' Resilient Mechanism in Learning Modern Physics" emerged as the core category, and the entailedfour4 essential themes were: (1) Positive Outlook towards Learning Modern Physics Online, (2) Challenge to Overcome, (3) Efforts to address challenges, and (4) Adaptation to the online learning of Modern Physics. The grounded theory of Positivity-Persistence-Adaptation: Students' Resilient Mechanism in learning modern physics in the new normal of delivering instruction reveals that in this trying time, students are trying to be optimistic towards learning (Positivity), manage to adapt to changes and challenges (Adaptation) and keep the determination in this trying time to sustain and continue learning during this time of pandemic (Persistence). In summary, the theory highlights students' positive attitudes as they continue the quest to learn modern physics in this new normal educational setup. Students' persistence towards learning in this time of pandemic is very important since this is a propelling mechanism that will enable learners to succeed in their learning and studies despite the challenges they are facing.
SPOCK1 and POSTN are Valuable Prognostic Biomarkers and Correlate with Tumor Immune Infiltrates in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Gan Caiqin , Li Mengting , Peng Ganjing , Li Wenjie , Wang Haizhou , Peng Yanan , Hu Qian , Wei Wanhui , Wang Fan , Liu Lan , Zhao Qiu
Published: July 2021

Background: Immune cells and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) play a vital role in the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). The study aimed to screen valuable prognostic biomarkers in CRC based on stromal and immune scores.Method: We used the ESTIMATE algorithm to calculate the immune and stromal scores of CRC samples in TCGA. Then the CRC samples were divided into high and low score groups based on the median value of the immune and stromal scores. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with immune score and stromal score were screened. WGCNA and univariate COX regression analysis were performed to further identify key prognostic genes. The prognostic value of key genes was validated based on The Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and GSE17536 dataset.TIMER and CIBERSORT algorithms were applied to analyze the correlations among key genes and tumor-infiltrating immune cells.Several pairs of colon cancer tissue were used to be proven.Result: 1314 upregulated and 4 downregulated genes associated with immune score and stromal score were identified, which were significantly enriched in immune-related biological processes and pathways. Among these DEGs, SPOCK1 and POSTN were identified as key prognostic genes. High expression of SPCOK1 and POSTN was associated with advanced clinical stage, T stage, N stage, and poor prognosis of CRC. The results from CIBERSORT and TIMER revealed that SPOCK1 and POSTN were associated with tumor-infiltrating immune cells, especially macrophages and neutrophils. Meanwhile, in several pairs of human colorectal tissue samples, SPOK1 and POSTN were found to be significantly overexpressed in colorectal tissue compared with para-cancer tissue, and macrophage surface markers CD68 (co-expressed by M1 and M2 macrophages) and CD206 (M2-specific macrophage expression) were also overexpressed in cancer tissue. Besides, SPOCK1 and POSTN expression were positively correlated with the expression of immune checkpoints.Conclusion: Collectively, our results indicate that SPOCK1 and POSTN may be novel prognostic biomarkers in CRC and correlate with immune infiltrates.
Targeted mutagenesis in Nicotiana tabacum ADF gene using shockwave-mediated ribonucleoprotein delivery increases osmotic stress tolerance
Authors: Augustine Sruthy Maria , Cherian Anoop Vadakan , Seiling Kerstin , Fiore Stefano Di , Raven Nicole , Commandeur Ulrich , Schillberg Stefan
Published: July 2021

DNA-free genome editing involves the direct introduction of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes into cells, but this strategy has rarely been successful in plants. In the present study, we describe a new technique for the introduction of RNPs into plant cells involving the generation of cavitation bubbles using a pulsed laser. The resulting shockwave achieves the efficient transfection of walled cells in tissue explants by creating transient membrane pores. RNP-containing cells were rapidly identified by fluorescence microscopy, followed by regeneration and the screening of mutant plants by high-resolution melt analysis. We used this technique in Nicotiana tabacum to target the endogenous PHYTOENE DESATURASE (PDS) and ACTIN DEPOLYMERIZING FACTOR (ADF) genes. Genome-edited plants were produced with an efficiency of 35.2% for PDS and 16.5% for ADF. Further we evaluated the physiological, cellular and molecular effects of ADF mutations in T2 mutant plants under drought and salinity stress. The results suggest that ADF acts as a key regulator of osmotic stress tolerance in plants.
Ensuring the Economic Competitiveness of Small Green Energy Projects
Authors: Sotnyk Iryna M. , Matsenko Oleksandr M. , Popov Vladyslav S. , Martymianov Artem S.
Published: July 2021

Small green energy projects are considered an important tool to help poor people achieve sustainable development goals. However, green projects' economic results do not always compete with the traditional energy business. The main reason is the imperfection of the existing renewable energy technologies and the comparatively high energy generation cost with their help. The example of Ukraine, which significantly depends on fossil fuel import and develops renewable energy with state support, shows that green energy competitiveness problems exist within the overall energy market, i.e., convenient energy technologies. The key barriers to increasing the competitiveness of small green energy projects are the lack of available financial resources, the inconsistency of state energy policy, energy pricing gaps, etc. These factors significantly inhibit the spread of green energy technologies in the domestic economy.
The competitiveness assessment of the renewable energy business model on the example of a private rooftop solar photovoltaic power plant has proved that green energy generation is available to every household and small business owner and is economically profitable due to existing government support mechanisms. Today, there is no competition in the Ukrainian renewable energy market, so creating a business in this field is relevant. In the long run, competitive green energy projects will provide reasonable electricity prices for consumers and profits for energy producers and stimulate the energy sector's decarbonization. Further directions for improving public policy in the green energy industry are continuing energy pricing reforms, expanding energy efficiency programs focusing on demand management, creating new jobs, and increasing investment in renewable energy sources to ensure energy security and greenhouse gas emission reduction.
Analysis of the Definition of «Change»as an Economic Category
Authors: Hrytsenko Pavlo V. , Kovalenko Yevhen V. , Voronenko Viacheslav I. , Smakouz Anastasiia M. , Stepanenko Yevheniia S.
Published: July 2021

The paper investigated general world trends in the field of business change in business, in which the authors highlighted a versatile view of science and summarized information on definitions of “change”, providing each of the existing list of definitions that relates to scale. The authors analyzed theoretical approaches to the definition of various scholars and identified the main characteristics of these approaches. The analysis showed that most scholars are interpreting changes as a generalization category based on general economic provisions relating to strategic potential, free markets, behavioral properties. According to the results of the study, the authors formed a summary table, which reflects a separate characteristic and interpretation of the term “change”, provided by various scientists.
As a result of the study, the authors formed the actual interpretation of definitions on the basis of processed literature, which, unlike other treats changes, as an organizational process that is in constant motion and adaptation to a new information economy. In this case, as the main driver of adaptation to changes, the authors consider a business process model of the organizational structure, which is based on optimizing functional and information flows and a dramatically different approach to the use of human resources.
Practical examples given by the authors confirm the main thesis of all scholars, which consists in the inevitability of the introduction of transformational business management techniques, which are considered to be more flexible, and therefore more effective in today's realities of the world economy.
The authors provided recommendations on further research of changes in processes that should focus on a clear balance between the development of new methodological approaches and their scientific substantiation.
Influential factors of brand extension among university students: case for Pakistan
Authors: Orangzab  , Sajjad Muhammad , Zulfiqar Muhammad Umair , Chani Muhammad Irfan , Tariq Bilal , Hussain Rai Imtiaz
Published: July 2021

Brand extension is considered to be a highly plausible and essential factor for the success of new products. It is an elusive concept that adds value to the offered products and gives a competitive advantage for strategical positioning of new products in the consumers' minds. This study carefully considers the influential factors for the evaluation of brand extension for products targeting young customers. This study analyzed the three important characteristics of consumers by employing a new and proposed nomological network to assess the brand extension and its strategies. First, the brand extension was directly regressed with the need for uniqueness and with innovativeness. After observing the significance of the regressed model, the model was finally analyzed with the intervening variable of need for variety. Six hypotheses were developed, and the proposed theoretical model was assessed through structural equation modeling (SEM) with the help of SmartPLS. Data was collected from 331 university students of southern Punjab, Pakistan. It was found that all three personal characteristics of young consumers (need for uniqueness, innovativeness, and need for variety) are highly significant with the evaluation of brand evaluation. The proposed model explained more than 30% variation in the observed phenomenon. It was observed that the need for variety partially mediates the relationship between the need for uniqueness, innovativeness, and brand extension. As per the results of this study, it was found that the variety of products matters a lot for young customers so, marketers must consider the variation in the products while extending their product line. Theoretically, this study contributed and enhanced the nomological network of brand extension for young consumers. Practically, the study would help the decision-makers understand the preferences of the young generation to devise the new strategies of brand extension.
Impact of environmental innovation on country socio-economic development
Authors: Huseynov Arif G.
Published: July 2021

Global warming and deterioration of the ecological situation trigger the necessity of innovation development and implementation to reduce the negative impact of industry on the environment. It is considered that the oil industry is one of the most environmentally damaging industries. Therefore, the implementation of environmental innovation in the oil industry becomes crucial. This paper is dedicated to identifying environmental innovation impact on country socio-economic development parameters in countries specialized in oil extraction and production. The article realized a bibliometric analysis with VOSviewer v.1.6.16 to identify critical contextual directions of scientific research on environmental innovation. In the paper, it is developed and tested a scientific hypothesis about the positive influence of environmental innovation on country socio-economic development (CO2 emissions from manufacturing industries and construction, electricity production from oil sources, employment in industry, and industry value added are chosen as proxies of environmental innovation, while GDP growth, current account balance, foreign direct investment and gross fixed capital formation – as proxies of country socio-economic development). Under testing of the research hypothesis, it is realized several procedures: 1) correlation analysis aimed at identification of strongly correlated explanatory variables and their elimination to avoid multicollinearity problem; 2) comprehensive analysis of descriptive statistics aimed at identification of data sufficiency; 3) identification of model specification with Hausman test (random or fixed effects model); 4) regression modeling and characteristics of its results (in this research, it is developed four regression models with different dependent variables). Technically all these procedures are realized in Stata 12/SE software. Research is realized based on data for 9 countries specializing in oil extraction and production, such as Azerbaijan, Canada, Brazil, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Romania, the Republic of Yemen, and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The time horizon is 2005-2019 (or the available last year). Bibliometric and panel data regression analysis allows concluding that oil-producing countries' environmental innovation improves oil enterprises' competitiveness and stimulates socio-economic growth in these countries.
Purchase intention of frugal household appliances among generation y in Germany – modified tam approach
Authors: Schneider Sandra
Published: July 2021

Frugal innovations are characterized by a focus on the core product functions, high product quality, and the reduction of raw material and financial resources across the entire value chain. They were initially developed for people in emerging countries and focused on the unmet needs of people at the bottom of the pyramid (BOP). Different researches show that frugal innovations could also be interesting for people in industrialized countries. Existing literature indicates that customers in developed countries have different acceptance factors for frugal innovations than customers in emerging countries. The present study refers to this gap. For the first research, potential users of Generation Y from Germany are used. This generation comprised a large consumer group of more than 15 million people. They are characterized by their interest in sustainable products and social fairness. Household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, or coffee machines are used as a potential product group for frugal innovation in developed countries like Germany. They have been an integral part of daily life in industrialized countries for many years, but they are expensive and often highly sophisticated with many functions. The basis for the study is the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) expanded based on the literature. A total of 12 hypotheses were derived and combined into a study model. The subject of the research was Generation Y in Germany. For model testing, a dataset of 463 participants was generated through an online survey from December 2020 to January 2021. A multi-equation structural model was created and evaluated with the variance-based procedure PLS-SEM to analyze the relationships. The results confirmed that even in the case of frugal household appliances, the opinion of third parties influences the usefulness and the purchase intention in Generation Y. Furthermore, there was an influence of environmental awareness on the attitude towards use. Despite the affinity for technological applications, the ease of use of a frugal household appliance was shown to influence the usefulness of frugal household appliances. Contrary to expectations, the performance expectations of household appliances and the possible price advantage did not influence usefulness within this consumer group. This study concluded with indications for future research approaches in this research area.
Rational design for a friction unit of a disc-shoe brake
Authors: Litvinov A. E. , Polyakov P. A. , Golikov A. A. , Zadayanchuk N. A.
Published: July 2021

In this study, we develop a rational design for a friction unit provided that restrictions are imposed on the fly-wheel masses of rotating elements and the onset of a thermal stabilization state. The input calculation data were the braking torque, specific pressure in the friction pair, angular velocity and the diameter of the brake disc hub. The geometric programming method was used at the preliminary stage to calculate the design and operational parameters of a discshoe brake. Further, the parameters were refined based on the conditions of mutually exclusive factors (energy intensity and braking time) and the stress-strain state. On the basis of the proposed rational design for a friction unit, a software application for calculating in the DELPHI programming language was developed. The ranges of design parameters were determined at the preliminary design stage: a brake disc diameter from 0.237 to 0.37 m; the width of working surfaces from 0.0335 to 0.1 m; and the thickness of half-discs from 0.012 to 0.026 m. The final result of the rational design method was the specified ranges of design parameters: diameter from 0.31 to 0.324 m; width from 0.041 to 0.0485 m; and thickness from 0.0148 to 0.0151 m. The developed method of rational design reduces the diameter ranges of the designed brake disc in comparison with the preliminary calculation by 9.5 times, while the ranges of the width of the working surfaces are reduced by 8.9 times, and the thickness range – by 46.6 times. At the final stage, the secondary design and operational parameters of the friction unit were determined: the areas of the working and non-working surfaces of the friction pairs and the coefficient of their mutual overlap. The proposed method of rational design reduces the selected range of design parameters, which will provide a more rational choice of compliance with their specified performance characteristics.
Microbiologic assessment of accelerated solid-state fermentation of agricultural organic wastes
Authors: Fomicheva N. V. , Rabinovich G. Yu. , Prutenskaya E. A. , Smirnova Yu. D.
Published: July 2021

Livestock and poultry wastes, when effectively managed, become feedstock for organic fertiliser production. Researchers from the All-Russian Research Institute of Reclaimed Lands, the branch of Federal Research Center “V.V. Dokuchaev Soil Science Institute”, proposed an accelerated regimen of cattle manure solid-phase fermentation with peat: 48 h at 37 °C, then 48 h at 60 °C and 24 h at 37 °C, terminating with nat-ural cooling of the fermented mass. A distinctive feature of the proposed accelerated fermentation is maintenance of set-point temperatures. The aim of the work is to perform a microbiological evaluation of the process of accelerated solid-phase fermentation. An experiment was carried out in a 1.75 dm3 laboratory fermenter. During the fermentation, we studied the number of microorganisms, which use organic and mineral nitrogen forms, using the limiting dilution method, as well as the species membership by mass spectrometry. The experimental findings showed that the temperature regime of the main fermentation steps yielded the maximum number of mesophilic and thermophilic nitrogen-transforming microorganisms. Their active growth caused the intensive transformation of the fermented mixture, as evidenced by mesophilic and thermophilic mineralisation coefficients. At the end of the process, the linear mineralisation coefficients were used to assess the completion of the fermentation product transformation and stabilisation. The fermentation product comprised a high number of nitrogen-transforming microorganisms (on average, 3.5±0.3•108 COE/g on a dry weight basis). The determination of the microbiota species membership in the fermented mass and the final product confirmed that the process temperature regime ensured the elimination of the sanitary-indicatory microorganisms present in the original mixture (E. coli, Citrobacter, Proteus). In addition, during pasteurisation, this regime led to the active development of non-pathogenic Bacillus bacteria (B. megaterium, B. subtilis, B. licheniformic, B. pumilus and B. altitudinis). The fermentation product is recommended for use as an environmentally safe organic fertiliser based on the microbiological evaluation.
The effect of probiotic crops and lipolytic enzymes on the properties of dairy products in the cheese biotechnology under development
Authors: Sturova Yu. G. , Grishkova A. V. , Konshin V. V.
Published: July 2021

This article aims to evaluate the influence of probiotic microorganisms and pregastric lipase on organoleptic and biochemical characteristics of soft cheese made from a mixture of milk and buttermilk. The study was designed to determine how the temperature and exposure at this temperature affect the growth and development of lactose and bifidobacteria, as well as their quantity in the finished product. In order to increase the biological and nutritional value of the developed soft cheese, protein-carbohydrate raw materials rich in vitamins A, B12, D, E, phosphate and minerals were introduced into the production mixture. The addition of buttermilk increased the biological value of the product and improved its consistency. The taste and consistency of cheese was improved by a pregastric lipase preparation, widely used in the cheesemaking industry for production of various cheeses with high and low temperatures of the second heating. As a result of directed lipolysis, the finished product accumulates free fatty acids and diacylglycerols, acting as plasticizers and affecting the texture and organoleptic characteristics of the cheese. The results show that combining buttermilk and milk in an optimal ratio and addition of lipase produce a product with the best physicochemical parameters and a maximum evaluation of organoleptic characteristics. In the presence of a probiotic starter culture (provided there is a ready-made substrate), an active synthesis of enzymes necessary for the complete hydrolysis of milk fat begins. This all creates a functional product.
Study on efficiency of corrosion inhibitors based on derivatives of isothiuronic salts
Authors: Ushakov I. A. , Nikonova V. S. , Polynskii I. V. , Knyazeva L. G. , Polynskaya M. M. , Antsiferov E. A.
Published: July 2021

Metals play a pivotal role in industry; their use constantly grows. It is virtually impossible to find an industrial field without the use of metals and their alloys. However, owing to the quality degradation of metal during the operational process, corrosion appears not only on its surface but also under a coating, which leads to its destruction. To avoid this, corrosion inhibitors are necessary. Organic compounds have been widely used as corrosion inhibitors. Many organic corrosion inhibitors have been developed nowadays. In the literature, organic compounds comprising N, O, S and P heteroatoms are described, which reduce corrosion rate. The organic compounds are adsorbed on the metal surface, forming a thin layer. Adsorption occurs either through electrostatic interaction or, in some cases, the formation of covalent bonds. The work aimed to study isothiuronic salts as corrosion inhibitors to evaluate their protective properties using the polarisation curves method. Objects of research were isothiuronic compounds containing two active centres separated by saturated and unsaturated carbon bonds (structures 1-3). In structures 4-7, one isothiuronic fragment has different propylene substituting groups. It has been previously shown that these compounds can act as effective brightening agents when applying nickel coatings. A model solution with a density of 1.12 g/cm3 was prepared to study the corrosion inhibitors. The corrosion inhibitor concentration was 400 mg/L. Studies have shown that the compounds with two isothiuronic moieties do not always exhibit improved properties for inhibiting metal degradation in a corrosive environment. In particular, they showed worsening of the inhibiting properties for samples made of steel 20 and identical properties for that made of steel 3.
Hábitat residencial. Configuración del entono en la vivienda colectiva.
Authors: Cobo Fray Constanza
Published: July 2021

Esta investigación evalúa el impacto de los proyectos de arquitectura en la construcción del hábitat residencial, ya sea para estimular o reprimir procesos socioculturales o económicos propios de las dinámicas cotidianas del habitar. Se considera que los proyectos de arquitectura son capaces de asumir las intervenciones que los habitantes efectúen, enriqueciendo así tanto el espacio físico como sociocultural, lo cual se constituye en un complemento del habitar y no en un obstáculo.
Penerapan Metode Finite State Machine pada Game Santri on the Road
Authors: Sifaulloh Hafizzudin , Fadila Juniardi Nur , Nugroho Fresy
Published: July 2021

Endless running adalah game yang sangat digemari oleh anak-anak zaman sekarang, karena diselain gamenya yang sangat simple, game endless ini bernuansa 2D dan untuk alur gamenya berjalan tanpa mengenal batas dimana karakter terus bergerak maju dengan mengikuti serangkaian aksi. Dengan memainkan karakter seorang santri pengembara yang mencari ilmu berupa kitab-kitab dan mengumpulkan sebanyak-banyaknya, maka penulis menerapkan metode Finite State Machine. Finite State Machine digunakan pada saat player atau karakter penentuan karakter dalam gerakan serta aksi untuk mengambil setiap poin (icon kitab). Finite State Machine pada karakter player yang digerakan oleh kecerdasan buatan untuk mendukung game Endless Santri on the road.
Structural property and risk assessment of loose deposits in drinking water distribution systems
Authors: Zhuang Yuan , Qin Xinyi , Li Yongtong , Xu Shuo , Yu Ying , Gu Yifan , Shi Baoyou
Published: July 2021

Discoloration events caused by loose deposits resuspension in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) are the main aspects of customer complaints across the world, but the understanding of the potential risks of loose deposits is insufficient. In this study, loose deposits in real DWDS were collected from regions frequently experiencing ‘yellow water’. Cytotoxicity of healthy human liver cells was used to evaluate the toxicity risks of the particle samples. The results showed that the loose deposits would have a realistic discoloration risk (turbidity > 10 NTU) when their concentrations were higher than 10 mg/L. The water sample containing 1,000 mg/L loose deposits had a dark yellow color (100–300 PCU) and cytotoxicity (viability of human liver cells during cytotoxicity tests 59.18–80.69%), while the water sample containing 1 mg/L loose deposits did not have obvious color (<15 PCU) and cytotoxicity (>97.00%). Particle size showed a stronger correlation with relative viability (r = 0.761) than other properties (specific area, metal content, contact angle, saturation magnetization and electron transfer number). However, it is interesting to note that both turbidity and color had a low correlation with relative viability, thus the toxicity of the particles could not be properly judged using turbidity or color. This study gives an important guidance that although the loose deposits could be visualized during water discoloration, its toxicity risks could not be evaluated through aesthetic indicators.
Hydrophobically modified cotton fabric assisted separation of oil-water mixture
Authors: Bhatt Neha , Mishra Abhilasha , Goswami Rekha
Published: July 2021

Superhydrophobic-superoleophilic fabrics were prepared and evaluated for oil–water mixture separation efficiencies. The nano-TiO2 and nano-SiO2 based coatings were done on the surface of the cotton fabric to create nanoscale roughness over the surface which was further modified by low energy material 1, 1, 3, 3-Hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) and, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Particle size and stability of prepared sol were characterized by particle size analysis and zeta potential. Coated cotton fabric samples were characterized by contact angle, contact angle hesteresis and surface free energy for its hydrophobic nature. Surface morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The coated fabrics were found to be hydrophobic with low surface free energy values. The maximum contact angle was found to be 133° and lowest contact angle hysteresis was 5°. SEM confirmed the appearance of nanoscale surface roughness after coating of sols on cotton fabric. The average particle size and zeta potential values of silica sol was 61 nm and 137 mv whereas for titania sol it was found 344 nm and 200 mv, respectively. The oil–water separation efficiency of coated fabric was also observed by a different oil–water mixture. The coatings were found to be hydrophobic in nature and seem to be very useful for oil–water mixture separation.
Formation and Assessment of Skills of Independent Preparation of Written Works in General
Authors: Vakurova O. A. , Filippova O. A.
Published: July 2021

Purpose of research. Today, the informatization of school education has reached a qualitatively new level, schools now have access to fast Internet, modern computer equipment, etc. However, the quality of independent written work of students may significally fall, due to open and free access to fabricated texts (essays, reports, essays), as well as the lack of basic skills of independent work and curiosity among the younger generation. In this regard, the purpose of the study is to pose the problem of formation and evaluation of skills for independent preparation of written work in General education, to consider the current state of affairs in this area of primary education, to develop proposals and solutions to this problem.

Materials and methods. To solve this problem, the authors of the article have analyzed the works of Russian and foreign authors in the field of pedagogy, as well as works on the digital generation and the information society formation in the Russian Federation and legislative acts (Federal law «on education in the Russian Federation» dated 29.12.2012 N 273-FZ, national project «Education», order of the Ministry of education and science of the Russian Federation dated December 17, 2010 No. 1897 «on approval of the Federal state educational standard of basic General education», The procedure for admitting citizens to study in educational programs of primary General, basic General and secondary General education, approved by order of the Ministry of education and science of the Russian Federation of January 22, 2014, No. 32, etc.).

Results. The study has revealed the current situation in teaching and explaining the basic skills of independent and creative work of students: the lack of methodological foundations and practice of teaching the basics of academic ethics and academic writing, the lack of automated means of monitoring the independent performance of written works.

Conclusion. In the article, the authors provide basic recommendations and suggestions for improving the current situation, such as the introduction of elements of informing the school system about the requirements for independence in the performance of educational work as part of academic ethics, elements of independence control (systems for detecting borrowings in written works), the development of programs for teachers to master the means of controlling the independence of students’ written work.
Snake Eye Appearance; A Rare Radiology Presentation in Acute Flaccid Paralysis: A Case Report
Authors: Vafaee-Shahi Mohammad , Saeedi Roghayeh , Pak Neda , Riahi Aina , Ghasemi Saeide
Published: July 2021

Background:

Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) is defined by the acute onset of weakness or paralysis with reduced muscle tone in children. There are many non-infectious and infectious causes. Snake eye appearance (SEA) is a rare radiologic appearance and helps narrow down differential diagnoses in flaccid paralysis.

Case Presentation:

Here, we reported a 6 months-old girl who was admitted with sudden onset flaccid paralysis. She was lethargic and ill without any detectable deep tendon reflexes. She had a high fever that had started 3 days earlier with malaise, poor feeding and coryza. The first child of the family was a boy who expired with similar symptoms; however, the reason is still unknown. Her parents were relatives (cousins). The laboratory and cerebrospinal fluid tests analysis were normal. The brain MRI analysis revealed T1 dim Hypo intensity and T2 hyperintensity along with obvious ADC map hyperintensity in the brain stem. At first, the PCR tests analysis of stool samples for poliovirus and enterovirus were normal. Spinal MRI showed snake eye appearance and helped us narrow our differential diagnosis. We repeated the PCR tests of stool because of snake eye appearance in cervical MRI that was positive for poliovirus and indicated vaccine-associated Paralytic Poliomyelitis (VAPP). Unfortunately, she expired from vaccine associated poliomyelitis.

Conclusion:

Snake eye appearance is a rare radiologic appearance that can be seen in several pathological conditions; however, it is very rare in patients with acute flaccid paralysis. Radiology signs, especially in spinal cord MRI, can help recognizing abnormalities in images, and narrow the list of differential diagnosis in acute flaccid paralysis. Therefore, spinal cord MRI has an important role in the evaluation of patient with brain stem involvement in acute flaccid paralysis.
Clinical, Radiologic, and Functional Outcomes Following Methotrexate Withdrawal in Etanercept-Treated Patients with Active Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Subanalysis of COMET Year 2 by Week 52 DAS28 Status
Authors: Emery Paul , Breedveld Ferdinand , Campos-Alberto Eduardo , Szumski Annette E. , Hirose Tomohiro
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

This post-hoc analysis explored Methotrexate (MTX) withdrawal on clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis who previously received 52 weeks of Etanercept (ETN) + MTX treatment in the COMET study.

Methods:

Response at week 104 was analyzed based on the attainment of remission (28-joint disease activity score [DAS28] <2.6; Boolean); low disease activity (LDA; 2.6 ≤DAS28 ≤3.2); normal Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) score (≤0.5); or radiographic non-progression (change in modified Total Sharp Score ≤0.5).

Results:

Of 208 patients with baseline DAS28 scores at week 52, 105 received ETN + MTX and 103 received ETN over weeks 52-104 (Period 2). At week 104, rates of LDA (70% vs 67%), remission (59% vs 52%), and normal HAQ-DI (63% vs 61%) were similar in both arms; week 52 responders also had a higher response rate at week 104 irrespective of treatment during Period 2. Overall rates of radiographic non-progression were higher for ETN + MTX (90%) vs ETN (74%) at week 104; week 52 non-responders in the Period 2 ETN + MTX arm had a 21-27% higher rate vs ETN, while the treatment difference was 11-12% for week 52 responders.

Conclusion:

The data suggest that for responders to ETN + MTX at week 52, MTX may be safely withdrawn. For non-responders where de-escalation would not be considered, the continuation of the combination is advisable. Radiological outcome was numerically worse, but of uncertain clinical significance.