bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Climate Change on Hydro-meteorological Droughts Using Copula Functions
Authors: Fahimirad Zahra , Shahkarami Nazanin
Published: April 2021

Climate change has made many alterations to the Earth's climate, including hydro-climatic extreme events. For investigating the effect of climate change on hydro-meteorological droughts in the Kamal-Saleh dam basin in Markazi province, Iran, a new and comprehensive index was developed for accurate estimation of drought in a more realistic condition, for future climate conditions. This aggregate drought index (ADI) represents the main characteristics of meteorological and hydrological drought. Temperature and precipitation projections for future climates were simulated by five CMIP5 models and downscaled over the study area for the periods of 2050s (2040-2069) and 2080s (2070-2099) relative to the baseline period (1976-2005). By fitting five univariate distribution functions on drought severity and duration, proper marginal distributions were selected. The joint distribution of drought severity and duration was chosen from five types of copula functions. The results revealed that severe droughts are expected to occur frequently in a shorter period in the future.
Detection of aberrantly methylated tumor suppressor genes in breast cancer patients as a potential diagnostic biomarker
Authors: Yang Dejuan , Wu Yue , Xiang Qin , Zhou Dishu , Qiu Zhu , Yin Xuedong , Zeng Beilei , Tang Jun , Luo Xinrong , Peng Weiyan , Ren Guosheng , Xiang Tingxiu
Published: April 2021

Background: Aberrant methylation of tumor suppressor genes is a common feature of breast cancer. Identifying a panel of methylated genes that are sensitive and specific for breast cancer could help to diagnose and predict prognosis of breast cancer.Methods: We determined the methylation status of DACT1, PAX5, PLCD1, ZNF545 and TET1 in 32 benign controls, 237 cancer tissue samples and 33 paired plasma samples.Results: PAX5 and PLCD1 showed exceedingly high methylation rates with percentages of 69.2% and 54.9%, whereas the methylation percentage of DACT1, ZNF545 and TET1 were 33.8%, 28.7% and 18.2% in cancer samples, respectively. A better survival of patients with ZNF545 methylation (p = 0.0350) was detected. Correlation of promoter methylation and clinicopathological features in 32 individuals with benign disease and 237 cancer patients demonstrated that methylated status of DACT1 (p=0.012), PLCD1 (p=0.013), and ZNF545 (p=0.012) had significant difference in age, and the methylation of PAX5 (p=0.006) was correlated with absence of hormone receptors, which implied an adverse outcome. PAX5 and PLCD1 both had high sensitivity (69.20% and 54.85%, respectively) and high specificity (87.50% and 100.00%, respectively). Patients with methylation of PAX5 likely to have a higher risk of breast cancer (OR=15.726, 95% CI=5.323-46.463, p<0.001), and statistical analysis of public online database showed the similar results. Conclusion: PAX5, PLCD1, ZNF545 and TET1 may serve as new potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for breast cancer.
Prolonged High Dose Esomeprazole for the Treatment of Chronic Cough in an Israeli Adult Population – An Open Label Study
Authors: Dickman Ram , Boltin Doron , Gingold-Belfer Rachel , Vaisbuch Yona , Nachalon Yuval , Ritter Amit , Shvero Jacob , Bshara Amani , Alkan Uri
Published: April 2021

Background

Chronic cough is considered to be part of the gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) spectrum. However, the response rate to standard dose proton pump inhibitors (PPI's) is poor. Our aim was to evaluate the response rate of chronic cough to an extended course of high dose PPI's and to identify predictors of treatment response.
Methods

This prospective study included adult nonsmoking patients with chronic cough, normal spirometry, normal upper endoscopy and with no evidence of postnasal drip (PND). Treatment consisted of high dose PPI's (esomeprazole, 40mg b.i.d.) for 4 months. Primary end point was the reduction of the Reflux Symptoms Index (RSI), Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) and the Reflux Findings Score (RFS) by more than 50% at 4 months from baseline.
Results

Forty-one patients (39% female; mean age 55.9 ± 15.19 years) were enrolled, most of them with mean cough duration of more than 1 year. The primary end point was achieved in 39% of patients. Predictors of response included higher educational level (p = 0.035), hyperemia of the arytenoids and the postcricoid area (p = 0.026), and hoarseness (p < 0.01). No difference was found in the frequency of heartburn and regurgitation between responders and nonresponders. More complaints of difficulty in swallowing were reported by nonresponders (p < 0.01).
Conclusion

A therapeutic benefit of high dose PPI's for chronic cough cannot be dismissed, especially in patients with hoarseness, and arytenoid or postcricoid hyperemia. Prolonged high dose therapy may be warranted.
Transcriptional Activity of Aerobic and Anaerobic Ammonia-Oxidizing community in the Intertidal Sponge Cinachyrella Australiensis, Ambient Seawater, and Sediment
Authors: Feng Guofang , Li Shaofeng , Zhang Lijuan , Tao Huchun
Published: April 2021

Microbial ammonia oxidation plays a central role in nitrogen cycling. Hitherto, four types of autotrophic ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms are identified, including aerobic ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA), aerobic partial-nitrification ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (parAOB), aerobic complete-nitrification AOB (comAOB), and anaerobic AOB (AnAOB). However, revelation and comparison of the active ammonia-oxidizing community in the marine sponges and their ambient environments is scarce. Here, transcribed ammonia oxidation phylomarker gene amoA of AOA, parAOB, and comAOB and hzsB of AnAOB were amplified to investigate the active ammonia-oxidizing populations in a representative marine sponge Cinachyrella australiensis, ambient seawater, and sediment niches. Ammonia-oxidizing population in C. australiensis consists of AOA, parAOB, and AnAOB, significantly different from that in seawaters comprising of AOA and in sediments containing AOA, parAOB, comAOB, and AnAOB. The quantitative assay demonstrates that AOA amoA transcripts are exclusively detectable or higher in abundance than parAOB amoA, comAOB amoA, or AnAOB hzsB transcripts by orders of magnitude in C. australiensis, seawater, and sediment niches. This transcript-based analysis clarifies the remarkable niche differentiation of putatively active ammonia-oxidizing microbiota in C. australiensis and the ambient environments. Such a work further contributes to the understanding of in situ active ecological functions of sponge microsymbionts in nitrogen cycling.
Estimation of the 10-Year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease and The Framingham Risk Score Among Adults Living with HIV/AIDS in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Hospital-Based, Observational Study.
Authors: Woldu Minyahil , Minzi Omary , Shibeshi Workineh , Shewaamare Aster , Engidawork Ephrem
Published: April 2021

Background

With a much improved ART of the present day, most morbidities and mortalities in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are associated with factors such as non-infectious diseases (NIDs) in the form of coronary heart disease (CHD). This study aimed at determining the prevalence and predictors of coronary heart disease (CHD) using the 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and Framingham risk score (FRS) tools among PLWHA.
Methods

A hospital-based, observational study was carried out from January 2019 to February 2020 in HIV infected adults. Prevalence of FRS (age 20 to 79) was determined using the National, Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and prevalence of ASCVD (age 40 to 79) was determined using the peer-reviewed online (ClinCalc.com) tool.
Results

Using the 10-years ASCVD risk estimation 27.3% of the study participants had an elevated risk > 7.5 % CHD. Similarly using the 10-year FRS, 1.4 % had high-risk score of developing CHD. Using multiple linear regression analysis age (β = .061, p < .001), gender (β = .816, p < .001), systolic blood pressure (β = .21, p < .001), total cholestrol (β = .002, p = .001), high density lipoprotein (β = − .02, p < .001), and Tobacco use (β = .559, p < .001) had significant contribution to the risk of CHD using the ASCVD tool, while using binary logistic regression for the FRS tool, gender (OR = 26.105, 95% C.I. [6.110, 111,543], p < 0.001), age (OR = 1.293, 95% C.I. [1.181, 1.415], P < 0.001), and low HDL-C (OR = 0.887, 95% C.I. [.786, .979], P = 0.19) had significant contribution.
Conclusions

The prevalence of high-risk CHD among PLWHA using the FRS and ASCVD tools were 1.4 & 27.3 percent respectively. In both the tools advanced age, male gender, and low level HDL were significant contributor for the risk of CHD in PLWHA.
Indirubin suppresses 4T1 murine breast cancer in vitro and in vivo by induction of ferroptosis and up-regulation of Ptgs2
Authors: Kuang Xiuping , Jiang Yingnan , Huang Jiwei , Guo Yongzhi , Li weixi
Published: April 2021

Background

Indirubin, isolated from Indigo Naturals, is reported to have the inhibitory activity of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells in vitro. However, studies on its anti-breast cancer activity in vivo and underlying mechanism are insufficient. We explored whether indirubin could trigger ferroptosis of breast cancer cells to exert anti-tumor activity.
Methods

Bioinformatical analysis was performed to detected the expression of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2) in breast cancer tissues Ptgs2-related prognosis for patients with breast cancer. Growth of 4T1 cells was assessed using wound healing assay and MTT assay. The levels of 4-HNE, GPX4, PTGS2 and GSK-3β proteins were detected by Western blot, and the mRNA of Ptgs2 was tested by qPCR. The GSH and MDA were determined by commercial kits. Molecular docking was employed to study interaction between indirubin and GSK-3β. An 4T1 murine breast cancer was adopted to evaluate the in vivo antitumor activity of indirubin.
Results

Indirubin promoted ferroptosis of 4T1 breast cancer cells with deplete of GSH, increased MDA and 4-HNE level, as well as decreased GPX4 expression. Indirubin suppressed the growth of 4T1 breast tumor in vivo. Mechanism study showed indirubin up regulated Ptgs2 expression by promoting phosphorylation (Ser 9) of GSK-3β.
Conclusions

Indirubin suppresses 4T1 murine breast cancer in vitro and in vivo by induction of ferroptosis and up-regulation of Ptgs2.
Technique Using a Titanium Plate to Reconstruct the Inferior Sternal Cleft in Pentalogy of Cantrell: Lessons From Four Patients
Authors: Xi Linyun , Wu Chun , Pan Zhengxia , Xang Ming
Published: April 2021

BackgroundBy reviewing the outcomes of four patients, we summarize our experience with the strategy of using a titanium plate to reconstruct the inferior sternal cleft in pentalogy of Cantrell (POC).MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of 4 patients who visited our department between January 2000 and June 2020 concurrent with POC. All four patients underwent an operation, as well as cardiac ultrasound and thoracoabdominal computed tomography (CT). Cardiac malformations achieved satisfactory correction according to echocardiographs. A titanium plate was used to repair the sternal and supraumbilical abdominal defects. The hospital course, operative data, and outpatient records were reviewed.ResultsAll 4 patients had partial sternal clefts, and 4 patients underwent a single-stage operation. All 4 cases of ectopia cordis were eventually repositioned. The defect in the sternum and supraumbilical abdomen was repaired using a titanium plate. One patient with double-outlet right ventricle (DORV) developed low cardiac output syndrome and pulmonary infection, and symptomatic treatment was administered until discharge. The mean follow-up time ranged from 9 months to 10 years. No patient developed pectus excavatum, and there were no cases of retrosternal seroma or pneumothorax. The titanium plate was migratory in the second patient and was dislodged at another hospital 3.5 years postoperation, and a fibreboard was formed in the area where sternal cleft; the beating heart could not be observed outside the thoracoabdominal or thoracic wall. In the first patient, the titanium plate was torn with a small fissure at 2 years postoperation, but the fissure was not enlarged during follow-up. In the other two patients, the appearance of both the abdominal wall and lower sternum and cardiac function were good. The New York Heart Association function class was I in all four patients.ConclusionThe use of a titanium plate to construct the neosternum can yield a satisfactory exterior appearance of the thorax with a partial sternal cleft, but long-term outcomes need to be examined further.
Materials degradation in non- thermal plasma generators by corona discharge
Authors: Cogollo Mar , Arrabal Adrián López , Lantada Andrés Díaz , Aguirre M. Vega
Published: April 2021

Atmospheric corona discharge devices are being studied as innovative systems for cooling, sterilization and propulsion, in several industrial fields, from robotics to medical devices, from drones to space applications. However, their industrial scale implementation still requires additional understanding of several complex phenomena, such as corrosion, degradation and fatigue behaviour, which may affect final system performance. This study focuses on the corrosive behaviour of wires that perform as a high-voltage electrodes subject to DC positive corona discharge in atmospheric air. The experiments demonstrate that the non-thermal plasma process promotes the growth of the oxidative films and modifies the physicochemical properties of the materials chosen as corona electrodes, hence affecting device operation. Surfaces exposed to this non-thermal plasma are electrically characterized by negative exponential decay of time-depend power and analysed with SEM. Implications on performance are analysed and discussed.
Microchannel Porous Hydroxyapatite Scaffold Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation by Altering the Expression of miRNAs
Authors: Deng Li , Qing Wei , Huang Lijuan , Liu Cong , Zheng Jiajun , Huang Hao , Peng Pairan , Lai Shuang , Huang Jie , Mu Yandong
Published: April 2021

Hydroxyapatite is a commonly used scaffold material for bone tissue engineering. However, the osteogenic mechanism of hydroxyapatite scaffolds remains unclear. Recently, we have prepared a hydroxyapatite scaffolds with microchannels and porous structures (HAG) which have good osteogenic effects in vitro and in vivo. In present study, we explained the mechanism of HAG scaffolds promoted the osteogenic differentiation from the perspective of miRNA differential expression. We used microarray assays to analyze the expression profiles of miRNAs from the osteogenic differentiation of hPMSCs with or without HAG; 16 miRNAs were upregulated and 29 miRNAs were downregulated between the two types of cells. And overexpression the differential miRNAs could promote the osteogenic differentiation of hPMSCs. Additionally, gene ontology analysis, pathway analysis, and miRNA-mRNA-network built were performed to reveal that the differentially expressed miRNAs participate in multiple biological processes, including cell metabolic, cell junction, cell development, differentiation, and signal transduction, among others. Furthermore, we found that these differentially expressed miRNAs connect osteogenic differentiation to processes such as axon guidance, MAPK, and TGF-beta signaling pathway. This is the first study to identify and characterize differentiational miRNAs derived from HAG-hPMSC cells.
A novel non-invasive method for detection of breast and ovarian cancer using volatile organic compounds from urine sample
Authors: Nakrani Mital , Doshi Pooja , Joshi Chaitanya , Joshi Madhvi
Published: April 2021

The present study describes a novel method for early diagnosis of breast and ovarian cancer from urine samples using a non-invasive method by determining the level of the selected volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In this study, solvent (hexane) was used for the extraction of VOCs and further detected using GC-MS. Total twenty-six compounds were analyzed, out of which, six (Naphthalene; 2-methylOctacosane; Benzaldehyde 2,5dimethyl; 11-Methyldodecanol; Heptane 2,4 dimethyl, and 2,4-Dimethylhept-1-ene) were found to be uniquely present in breast and ovarian cancer patients. These six VOCs could be used as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of breast and ovarian cancer. Out of these six, two compounds (2-methylOctacosane and 11-Methyldodecanol) were detected for the first time in the aforementioned cancer patients. Quantitation of the remaining twenty VOCs common to both control individuals and subjects revealed significant log2 fold change (P-value<0.05) range from-0.7 to 1.4. The maximum decrease in the concentration level was observed in pentadecane and the maximum increase was observed in trans-1, 2-Diethyl cyclopentane in cancer subjects as compared to the control individuals. The present study may be used to identify these compounds simultaneously from the urine that are potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of breast and ovarian cancer.
Proteoglycan-4 is an Essential Regulator of Synovial Macrophage Polarization and Inflammatory Macrophage Joint Infiltration
Authors: Qadri Marwa , Jay Gregory D. , Zhang Ling X. , Schmidt Tannin A. , Totonchy Jennifer , Elsaid Khaled Ahmed
Published: April 2021

Background: Synovial macrophages (SMs) perform a multitude of functions that include clearance of cell debris and foreign bodies, tissue immune surveillance, and resolution of inflammation. At one end of the macrophage polarization spectrum is the inflammatory phenotype (M1), which secretes IL-1β, IL-6 and expresses iNOS. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the anti-inflammatory phenotype (M2) which is characterized by the secretion of IL-10 and TGF-β. PRG4 is an important regulator of synovial hyperplasia and fibrotic remodeling and the involvement of SM activation in PRG4’s homeostatic role is yet to be defined. Our objectives were to study PRG4’s importance to SM homeostasis, M1 and M2 polarization and joint infiltration of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and investigate the role of SMs in mediating synovial fibrosis in Prg4 gene-trap (Prg4GT/GT) murine knee joints.Methods: SM phenotyping in Prg4GT/GT and Prg4+/+ joints was performed using flow cytometry and the balance between CD86+/CD206- (M1) and CD86-/CD206+ (M2) SMs was studied as animals aged. Expression of iNOS and IL-6 in CD86+ SMs, arginase-1 in CD206+ SMs and the impact of Prg4 recombination on SM polarization and BMDM infiltration following a TLR2 agonist challenge were determined. Inflammatory SMs were depleted using liposomal clodronate and synovial membrane thickness and expression of fibrotic markers: α-SMA, PLOD2 and collagen type I (COL-I) were assessed using immunohistochemistry.Results: Total macrophages in Prg4GT/GT joints were higher than corresponding age-matched Prg4+/+ joints (p<0.0001) and the percentages of CD86+/CD206- and CD86+/CD206+ SMs increased in Prg4GT/GT joints as animals aged (p<0.0001), whereas the percentage of CD86-/CD206+ SMs decreased (p<0.001). CD86+ SMs expressed iNOS and IL-6 compared to CD86- SMs (p<0.0001) while CD206+ SMs also expressed arginase-1. Prg4 re-expression limited the accumulation of CD86+ SMs, increased CD86-/CD206+ SMs and attenuated BMDM recruitment (p<0.001). Liposomal clodronate reduced inflammatory SMs and in turn reduced synovial hyperplasia, α-SMA, PLOD2 and COL-I expression in the synovium (p<0.0001).Conclusions: SM accumulation in the joint and the balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory SM subsets are regulated by PRG4. In the absence of PRG4’s role, the synovium is populated with inflammatory macrophages that drive synovial fibrosis.
Design and Optimization of a Novel Hydro Cylinder Displacement Sensor
Authors: Zhou Jie , Wen Zhiguo , Ren Huaiwei , Han Zhe , Gong Shixin
Published: April 2021

In recent years, the coal mine intelligent development process has constantly advanced, putting forward higher requirements for monitoring mining equipment data. Sensor technology suitable for the special underground environment has also been developing. Hydraulic support is a key piece of equipment in fully mechanized coal mining. Monitoring the hydraulic support position and attitude has been an important part of coal mine intelligent development. In the present paper, a new oil cylinder displacement sensor was proposed. The oil cylinder translational motion was transformed into the magnet rotary motion via the motion conversion mechanism. The magnet angle was calculated by utilizing the single-chip microcomputer, and the oil cylinder expansion and contraction were calculated via the filtering algorithm. Results showed that the sensor accuracy could reach 0.5 mm. In recent years, the coal mine intelligent development process has constantly advanced, putting forward higher requirements for monitoring mining equipment data. Sensor technology suitable for the special underground environment has also been developing. Hydraulic support is a key piece of equipment in fully mechanized coal mining. Monitoring the hydraulic support position and attitude has been an important part of coal mine intelligent development. In the present paper, a new oil cylinder displacement sensor was proposed. The oil cylinder translational motion was transformed into the magnet rotary motion via the motion conversion mechanism. The magnet angle was calculated by utilizing the single-chip microcomputer, and the oil cylinder expansion and contraction were calculated via the filtering algorithm. Results showed that the sensor accuracy could reach 0.5 mm.
Social and emotional loneliness among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic: the predictive role of coping behaviours, social support, and personal resilience
Authors: Labrague Leodoro J. , Santos Janet Alexis A. De los , Falguera Charlie
Published: April 2021

ObjectiveTo determine the influence of coping behaviors, resilience, and social support on students' emotional and social loneliness during the COVID‐19 pandemic.Design and MethodsA cross‐sectional research design was used to gather data from 303 college students from the Central Philippines using four standardized scales through an online survey.FindingsLoneliness among students was high during the coronavirus pandemic. Resilience, coping behaviors, and social support were identified as protective factors against loneliness.Practice ImplicationsInterventions directed toward increasing resilience, social support, and coping behaviors may help decrease emotional and social loneliness caused by the mandatory lockdown during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Associations between insecure attachment styles to parents and suicidal ideation in adolescents with depression
Authors: Waraan Luxsiya , Mehlum Lars , Rognli Erling W. , Czajkowski Nikolai O. , Aalberg Marianne
Published: April 2021

Objective:

Suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms are often interrelated in clinical settings. Insecure attachment may be a risk factor for suicidal ideation in depressed adolescents. To our knowledge, this study is the first to examine the association between self-reported insecure attachment styles to both parents and suicidal ideation in a clinical sample of adolescents with depression.

Methods:

Fifty clinically depressed adolescents (13-17 years, 84% girls) completed self-reported measures of suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, and attachment style to parents.

Results:

There was a statistically significant bivariate association between higher levels of attachment anxiety in relation to mothers and fathers and higher levels of suicidal ideation. When attachments to both parents were included in the same multivariate model, only attachment anxiety to the mother was significantly associated with the level of suicidal ideation. Self-reported depressive symptoms remained significantly associated with the level of suicidal ideation in all analyses. Younger adolescents with attachment anxiety reported higher levels of suicidal ideation than older adolescents.

Conclusion:

Conclusions about directionality and causality of associations between insecure attachment and suicidal ideation are limited due to the cross-sectional design. Our findings suggest that attachment anxiety in relation to the mother and father is associated with increased levels of suicidal ideation. Implication of these findings for treatment selection is discussed.
Revealing the membrane fouling mechanism caused by the denitrification filter effluent during ozonation by model assessment
Authors: Bai Yuan , Wu Yin-Hu , Tong Xin , Wang Yun-Hong , Ikuno Nozomu , Wang Wei , Shi Yu-Long , Hu Hong-Ying
Published: April 2021

Membrane fouling has been a major obstacle for stable operation of ultrafiltration. In this study, prevailing fouling models were applied to assess the fouling behavior of the denitrification filter (DNF) effluent during ozonation. In order to clarify the fouling mechanism, correlation analysis and redundancy analysis (RDA) were conducted to investigate the correlations among model parameters, fouling potential and water features of the DNF effluent. The combined intermediate-standard model exhibited superior determination coefficients (R2 > 0.99). Based on analytical results, the model parameter of intermediate blocking (Ki) and standard blocking (Ks) was fairly applicable to describe the fouling of higher molecular weight (F1, MW >4,000 Da) and lower molecular weight fractions (F2, MW = 2,000–4,000 Da and F3, MW < 2,000 Da), respectively. In comparison, F1 played a predominant role in the fouling behavior of the DNF effluent. Increased ozone dosage resulted in decreased membrane fouling contribution of F1 and increased fouling contribution of F2 and F3 during ozonation. The change of fouling contributions was attributed to the transformation of high MW fractions into lower MW fractions by ozonation. This study clarified the relationships between model parameters and the membrane fouling process caused by organic fractions with specific molecular weight, thus demonstrating the membrane fouling mechanism of the DNF effluent during ozonation.
Transformation of Manager Competences in Conditions of Digital Economy
Authors: Syaglova Yu. V. , Maslevich T. P.
Published: April 2021

Today digital economic environment penetrates deeply in different spheres and industries of economy. Now doubt that digital transformations deal not only with outer environment of company functioning but also with their internal business-processes. The outer elements of digital transformation include such business-spaces, which in their essence were born as global, i. e. they are not connected with geographical location or specific segment of buying audience. We mean the development of the so-called digital platforms – ecosystems of digital business, where participants of different profiles or lines of commercial activity can be present, such as logistics, production, finance, marketing, sales, etc. Due to active emergence of outer aspects of digital transformation internal businessprocesses in such digital spaces are also subjected to transformations. These transformations in some cases are inevitable because of rising competition among companies inside one industry on the level of product range being sold and among related industries on the level of services that determine the company value for customers. In the digital business environment classical process approach undergoes serious changes due to transformation of business-models of business running, altered information opportunities, emergence of new digital competences of experts and technological breakthrough. The goal of the research is to develop a competence model of manager for decision-making in conditions of digital environment with regard to factors influencing the process of decisionmaking and advanced methodologies of management, such as Agile. The article shows conditions of digital transformation penetration in the business environment of present day companies, identifies factors of digital transformation impact on decision-making in management within the frames of the process approach, substantiates opportunities and threats of business-process digitalization in managerial decision-making and demonstrates new competences necessary for efficient functioning of business-processes. The authors put forward a complex model of decision-making in digital business environment, which gives an opportunity for companies to make the most effective managerial decisions.
Developments in green surfactants for enhanced oil recovery
Authors:   Koehler Instrument Co., Shah Raj , Calderon John ,   Stony Brook University
Published: April 2021

Scientists are developing improved surfactants for enhanced oil extraction that have superior capabilities while being environmentally friendly and capable of strong operational tolerances to pH, salinity, and temperature.In laboratory tests, numerous green surfactants synthesized from vegetable oils and other plant-based materials matched or exceeded the capabilities of conventional synthetic surfactants. Plant-based zwitterionic surfactants are reported to have strong interfacial reduction values and operational tolerances
Novas práticas de ensino em tempos de pandemia: tutorial de acesso a salas de aula virtuais
Authors: Carvalho Milena , Ferreira Junior Moacir Natercio
Published: April 2021

O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar um tutorial sobre o acesso à plataforma de aulas on-line Google Classroom para os estudantes do Centro Interescolar de Línguas de Recanto das Emas, uma cidade na periferia de Brasília, capital do Brasil. O objetivo do tutorial é apresentar aos estudantes, de forma lúdica e com linguagem simples, a realização do acesso à plataforma, haja vista as dificuldades relatadas pelos estudantes ao tentarem o acesso a tal mecanismo. No contexto da pandemia COVID-19, o ensino presencial nas escolas foi suspenso, dando lugar ao ensino remoto. Visto que muitos estudantes de nossa cidade vivem em situação de vulnerabilidade socioeconômica, o acesso à tecnologia é restrito, fazendo com que muitos deles tenham dificuldades operacionais ao acessarem as tecnologias no contexto de ensino remoto. A repercussão do tutorial foi muito positiva, alcançou diversas cidades e este foi apresentado pelo próprio Secretário de Educação da Secretaria de Estado de Educação do Distrito Federal como uma “ferramenta facilitadora do acesso”. O tutorial foi apresentado em jornais locais e em redes de televisão como uma ferramenta prática, lúdica e esclarecedora sobre como acessar a plataforma Google Classroom, possibilitando a um grande número de estudantes o acesso ao ensino remoto.
Agradecimentos: 
Gostaríamos de agradecer à equipe de gestão do CEd 104 do Recanto das Emas e ao Professor Moacir Natercio Ferreira Júnior pela assistência durante o desenvolvimento deste trabalho.
Ensino-aprendizagem de línguas utilizando Zoom e Facebook: uma realidade possível
Authors: Ferreira de Jesus Gonçalves Claudiana , Lenine Silva Temporim Davi , Dos Santos Mota Igor , Almeida de Oliveira Iranildes , de Souza dos Santos Michelle , Souza e Sousa Rianne
Published: April 2021

O contexto de pandemia nos impôs uma realidade educacional de transformação de paradigmas num espaço de tempo muito curto. Quase à velocidade da luz, tivemos que tomar decisões que mexeram com as estruturas do nosso fazer pedagógico e de como nos relacionamos com o mundo. A nossa rotina, profissional e pessoal, mudou drasticamente e, nesse movimento, escancararam-se as desigualdades e as dificuldades de acesso a bens básicos para o desenvolvimento do ensino remoto emergencial: as tecnologias digitais e a internet. Este trabalho se ambienta nessa realidade, com o intuito de apresentar uma proposta de uso de plataformas on-line nos cursos de línguas estrangeiras desenvolvidos em dois programas de ensino-aprendizagem de línguas da Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana. Demonstraremos em que medida o Zoom e o Facebook nos foram úteis nesse contexto educativo.
Navigating the future of industry 4.0 in Malaysia: A proposed conceptual framework on SMEs’ readiness
Authors:   Faculty of Business and Management, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Shah Alam, Malaysia, et al. Muhamad
Published: April 2021

As technology keeps advancing at an accelerated rate, small and medium-sized enterprises (hereafter SMEs) must prepare to adapt to the emergence of technology under an uncertain economic realm. Growing evidence shows Industry 4.0 has brought massive opportunities in respective industries, manufacturing and information technology. Innovation capability has become a distinct possibility, set to serve better product and service reengineering and distinction. Although Industry 4.0 paradigm has emerged worldwide, it is, however, still a challenge for small firms to adopt particularly in developing countries. The adoption process of Industry 4.0 digitalization varies considerably. Coming to terms with the low involvement and unreadiness of SMEs in Malaysia towards Industry 4.0 has induced researchers to conduct this study so that by employing cloud computing, Big Data, Artificial Intelligent, and the Internet of Things (IoT) SMEs can secure a new competitive advantage thus evolve significantly over time. Therefore, this study served as a solid conceptual paper with a proposed framework that intends to highlight potential factors which are people, process, and technology (PPT) enhancing SMEs’ readiness towards Industry 4.0 in a Malaysian context. At the end of the study, it is expected to conclusively contribute to a new horizon of knowledge supporting the significant development of SMEs.
Former and present attractiveness of industrial sectors in the development process of Poland and Mazovia
Authors: Karpiński Andrzej
Published: April 2021

In the current discussions on the past and future prospects of industry in Poland, at least four areas require, in my opinion, much more attention and reflection. This means learning from our – not always positive – experiences. Four matters are the most pressing, and I believe that getting answers to the following four questions is of the utmost urgency: 1) What measures to stimulate development, what we sometimes call the “anatomy of growth or development”, were applied to the industry in Poland in the initial period of its transformation and during the first 25 years – 1990-2014. Among others, what factors initiated the development, propelled it and contributed conclusively to its further growth, and whether and what changes are currently required? 2) If the state decides to support the development of selected branches and areas of industry that offer the greatest development opportunities – what should be the criteria for their selection and whether they require addenda or corrections? 3) What changes were made in these industries which were recognized as having the greatest development opportunities in the initial period of the abovementioned Polish transformation? What conclusions should be drawn from the changes currently taking place in them? 4) Which branches of industry are and may be the most attractive for development in Warsaw and Mazovia region? In each of these four areas, there have recently been many new addenda to the existing diagnoses and proposals which seem to be worthy of discussion.
Study of the development of prosumer microgeneration in the Siedlce subregion
Authors: Cieszkowski Zbigniew
Published: April 2021

The paper presents the results of research and analysis of the currently most popular renewable energy sector, i.e. microgeneration. It is developed at the lowest level of the entire cycle of generation, transmission, distribution and consumption of energy, i.e. at the level of its customers. It is an important component of civic energy, in which the existing consumer (private person, local government unit, business entity, etc.) also becomes an energy producer and an active partner of the energy sector in local energy management. It acts to improve the efficiency of energy use, thus obtaining certain financial, energy and environmental benefits. The article presents the material results of RES energy use in the microgeneration of power and heat in the Siedlce subregion (52 municipalities – 16.5% of all the municipalities of Mazovia Province). It allowed gaining practical experience allowing to extend the research to other subregions of the region. The influence of national legal conditions, statutory support system, planning and organizational activities of the self-government and the municipalities of Mazovia Province on the development of local microgeneration (on the municipal level) was investigated. Basic local conditions were analysed, i.e. economic (municipal incomes), technical (municipal energy profiles, conditions of distribution net- works), construction and environmental. Numerous positive factors influencing the development of the sector were highlighted, but real limitations were also clearly indicated. The sources of information included basic legal acts of the national level, programming, planning and strategic documents of the regional and municipal level, data of the Central Statistical Office [GUS] and energy companies and information obtained from the survey conducted by the municipalities. There are no specialized and detailed publications on the practical results of the development of this energy sector at the Mazovian municipalities level. This article is intended to fill this gap. An author’s attempt was made to determine the real place and role of this energy sector in achieving national RES targets in the 2020–2030 period. It was based on the conducted analyses and the latest legislative and organizational actions of the government aimed at facilitating the development of prosumer microgeneration.
Innovative solutions for recreational areas for children with disabilities on the example of the city of Gdynia
Authors: Kocjan Piotr , Górski Jarosław
Published: April 2021

The article discusses the problem of innovative solutions in the field of recreational areas with particular emphasis on playgrounds for children with disabilities on the example of the city of Gdynia. The article identifies good practices in the area of social innovation in the field of designing and building integrated playgrounds without barriers, accessible to all users (full and disabled), based on the example of the city of Gdynia. It was indicated what benefits can be derived from innovative actions conducted to improve the quality of life of children with disabilities.
Modern neurooncology – the development of the field and the possibilities of glioma therapy in Warsaw – a neurosurgical perspective
Authors: Czapski Bartosz , Warzecha Adam , Górecki Wojciech , Wójcikiewicz Tomasz , Ząbek Mirosław
Published: April 2021

This article is devoted to discussing the possibility of treating malignant brain tumors in the Mazovia region. The difficult clinical problem confronted by doctors and scientists is discussed in relation to the complex nature of gliomas. The current state-of-the-art treatment along with its limitations is subjected to discussion. The opportunities available to Mazovian doctors, which can be used to significantly prolong and improve the quality of patients’ lives, are presented in detail. Finally, the paper presents the wide range of possibilities for scientific cooperation and the directions it should take in order to learn more about the genesis of brain cancer and make it curable.
Молекулы фуллерена C-=SUB=-60-=/SUB=- под однослойным графеном на металлической подложке
Authors: Рехвиашвили С.Ш. , Бухурова М.М.
Published: April 2021

The article discusses a hybrid nanomaterial - a monolayer of C60 molecules, which is located between a single-layer graphene and a metal substrate. Using the Lennard-Jones potential, formulas for the specific interaction energy of C60 fullerene molecules with single-layer graphene and a thick substrate are obtained. The specific energy of graphene adhesion and the equilibrium parameters of the considered nanostructure are calculated. The obtained theoretical results agree with the available experimental results.
Поверхностно-излучающий квантово-каскадный лазер с кольцевым резонатором
Authors: Бабичев А.В. , Колодезный Е.С. , Гладышев А.Г. , Денисов Д.В. , Вознюк Г.В. , Митрофанов М.И. , Харин Н Ю. , Паневин В.Ю. , Слипченко С.О. , Лютецкий А.В. , Евтихиев В.П. , Карачинский Л.Я. , Новиков И.И. , Пихтин Н.А. , Егоров А.Ю.
Published: April 2021

The results of studies of quantum-cascade laser with a surface emission through a grating formed in the layers of the top cladding of the waveguide by ion beam milling are presented. The active region of the QCL heterostructure was formed based on a heteropair of In0.53Ga0.47As / Al0.48In0.52As solid alloys with two-phonon resonance design. It is shown that lasing at room temperature close to 7.9 µm is demonstrated for a laser with a ring diameter of 191 µm. The mode spacing corresponds to whispering gallery modes.
A Prediction Model for Detecting Developmental Disabilities in Preschool-Age Children Through Digital Biomarker-Driven Deep Learning in Serious Games: Development Study
Authors: Kim Ho Heon , An Jae Il , Park Yu Rang
Published: April 2021

Background

Early detection of developmental disabilities in children is essential because early intervention can improve the prognosis of children. Meanwhile, a growing body of evidence has indicated a relationship between developmental disability and motor skill, and thus, motor skill is considered in the early diagnosis of developmental disability. However, there are challenges to assessing motor skill in the diagnosis of developmental disorder, such as a lack of specialists and time constraints, and thus it is commonly conducted through informal questions or surveys to parents.

Objective

This study sought to evaluate the possibility of using drag-and-drop data as a digital biomarker and to develop a classification model based on drag-and-drop data with which to classify children with developmental disabilities.

Methods

We collected drag-and-drop data from children with typical development and developmental disabilities from May 1, 2018, to May 1, 2020, via a mobile application (DoBrain). We used touch coordinates and extracted kinetic variables from these coordinates. A deep learning algorithm was developed to predict potential development disabilities in children. For interpretability of the model results, we identified which coordinates contributed to the classification results by applying gradient-weighted class activation mapping.

Results

Of the 370 children in the study, 223 had typical development, and 147 had developmental disabilities. In all games, the number of changes in the acceleration sign based on the direction of progress both in the x- and y-axes showed significant differences between the 2 groups (P<.001; effect size >0.5). The deep learning convolutional neural network model showed that drag-and-drop data can help diagnose developmental disabilities, with an area under the receiving operating characteristics curve of 0.817. A gradient class activation map, which can interpret the results of a deep learning model, was visualized with the game results for specific children.

Conclusions

Through the results of the deep learning model, we confirmed that drag-and-drop data can be a new digital biomarker for the diagnosis of developmental disabilities.
Preservation of the Historic City of Bandung through the Building of Cultural Heritage Group A
Authors: Muhammad Maksey
Published: April 2021

Bandung is one of the historical cities in Indonesia. Therefore, there are many historic heritage buildings adorning the city. According to local regulations, there are at least around 1700 cultural heritage buildings in the city of Bandung. The effort to preserve historic buildings has been carried out by the Bandung city government to maintain the historical value that exists in each building and its area. Along with the changing times, changes or shifts in the environment often occur in historic areas including social, cultural and economic. This has an effect on the complexity of preserving historic buildings, especially those included in class A cultural heritage buildings. One area that has a high historical value is Jalan Braga. Along the Braga street there are many classes A cultural heritage buildings, one of which is the Insulinde Building. The Insulinde building was built in 1917 as an oil factory office. During its establishment, the Insulinde building has changed functions 6 times. Its location in the Braga area makes adjustments to the building to the area need to be considered to see changes in the environment that occurs from year to year. This research uses qualitative methods by collecting data through literature studies and field observations. From the implementation of this research, it is expected to be able to contribute to the preservation of historic areas through its buildings as well as the adjustment of building functions seen from the shifting environment of the region.
El employer branding en las organizaciones que internacionalizan servicios de operación logística en Bogotá Colombia
Authors: López Rodríguez Campo Elías , Neme Chaves Samir Ricardo
Published: April 2021

El employer branding hace referencia a la gestión de marca como una alternativa para aumentar el compromiso y satisfacción de los empleados con la organización. El objetivo de la presente investigación es identificar la percepción que poseen los colaboradores de las organizaciones que internacionalizan servicios de operación logística en la ciudad de Bogotá, Colombia respecto a los diversos factores que sustentan las dimensiones del employer branding. Para ello, se utilizó el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson, el análisis de correspondencias simples y la normalización simétrica en las diferentes asociaciones obtenidas, las cuales muestran que las empresas participantes se han centrado en el hecho de capacitar a los empleados de nivel operativo, pero han descuidado a los empleados de alta y media gerencia; los empleados más jóvenes consideran que están bien remunerados, no así los mayores. Finalmente, las mujeres consideran que tienen límites respecto las labores que pueden llevar a cabo en dichas empresas, a diferencia de los hombres.
Redes sociales y salud mental: vivencias digitales de alumnos de la FES-I UNAM
Authors: Barrón-Colin Mariana , Mejía-Alvarado César Abraham
Published: April 2021

Introducción: Los individuos se desarrollan ambivalentemente en entornos tangibles y virtuales donde experimentan vivencias que definen su relación con las comunidades y la representación de sí mismo. Las redes sociales han permitido un avance en la comunicación y relaciones interpersonales, impactando en la salud de los usuarios. Metodología: Investigación cualitativa, con diseño fenomenológico descriptivo, que aborda vivencias exteriorizadas a partir de entrevistas semiestructuradas, participaron cuatro estudiantes elegidos con base en el típico ideal, los criterios de rigor aplicados fueron credibilidad y confirmabilidad, se tomaron en cuenta aspectos éticos contemplados en la Ley General de Salud.  Objetivo: Describir las vivencias de estudiantes de la carrera de enfermería entorno al uso de redes sociales. Hallazgos: Los jóvenes son un grupo vulnerable importante al presentar ansiedad, referido por los participantes, derivado de la convivencia digital, aspecto ligado estrechamente a las vivencias en las redes sociales a razón de sus interacciones personales, tiempo de uso y su identidad en el entorno virtual. Estos hallazgos sugieren que la personalidad del usuario será confrontada en esta dinámica digital. Conclusión: La forma de comunicación y relación ha evolucionado, el efecto de las redes sociales repercute directamente en la salud mental, positiva o negativamente, la prevención, promoción a la salud y bienestar psicoemocional es un área donde enfermería debe romper paradigmas, desde su área de intervención, identificando problemáticas del continuo de salud de los individuos al ser seres holísticos, la tecnología progresará, pero con ella, los retos en el primer nivel de atención.