bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics, surgical approach, BRAFV600E mutation and sodium iodine symporter expression in pediatric patients with thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Castro Paula , Patiño Esteban , Fierro Fernando , Rojas Carolina , Buitrago Giancarlo , Olaya Natalia
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine neoplasm in childhood. There are few studies characterizing pediatric population in Colombia. We intend to detail the clinical, histological characteristics, BRAFV600E mutational status and NIS (sodium-iodine symporter) expression of children with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) managed at Hospital de La Misericordia.

Methods

Medical records of the Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pathology from 2009 to 2018 were scrutinized in search of cases of differentiated thyroid carcinoma. A descriptive analysis was made. Paraffin embedded tumoral tissue was recovered to assess BRAF V600E mutational status by PCR and NIS expression by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Sixteen patients were selected, 81.2% were girls. Average age of presentation was 11.8 years. Only one patient had previous radiation exposure. Most frequent symptom was cervical adenopathy with a mean time of 29.2 weeks before diagnosis. 93.7% underwent total thyroidectomy and lymphadenectomy. 62.5% were PTC combining both classic and follicular pattern. 6.25% cases had BRAFV600E mutation and 25% showed NIS focal reactivity.

Conclusions

We found greater female predominance, lower percentage of risk factors described and a high percentage of patients requiring aggressive surgical treatment. We consider important to contemplate thyroid cancer as a differential diagnosis of cervical lymph node enlargement in children. Diagnosis can be challenging in benign and indeterminate categories of the FNA cytology and biomolecular profiles such as BRAF and NIS could be determinant in guiding treatment. More studies with larger sample size, complete genetic analysis, evaluation to iodine response and long term follow up are required.
Photoinduced electron transfer processes of single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT)–based hybrids
Authors: Du Lili , Xiong Wenjuan , Chan Wai Kin , Phillips David Lee
Published: October 2020

In this review, noncovalent functionalization of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is briefly reviewed. The functional materials summarized here include metalloporphyrin derivatives, biomolecules and conjugated polymers. Notably, time-resolved spectroscopic techniques such as time-resolved fluorescence and transient absorption were employed to directly investigate the electron transfer and recombination processes between the functionalities and the SWCNTs. In addition, Raman spectroscopy is also useful to identify the interaction and the electron transfer direction between both the functionalities and the SWCNTs. An improved understanding of the mechanisms of these SWCNT-based nanohybrids in terms of their structural and photophysical properties can provide more insights into the design of new electronic materials.
Coda: Ten Questions on Globality
Authors: Editors The , Chakrabarty Dipesh
Published: October 2020

Dipesh Chakrabarty is Lawrence A. Kimpton Distinguished Service Professor in History and South Asian Languages and Civilizations at the University of Chicago. He is the author of several books, including The Crises of Civilization (2018) and Provincializing Europe (2000); and was one of the principal founders of the editorial collective of Subaltern Studies. In this discussion he ruminates upon the state of globality; its relationship to the planet Earth; the scope and possible duration of the Anthropocene; and some of globalization's consequences for humanity and human understanding. The interview was conducted by managing editor, Kenneth Weisbrode.
Models for Machining Accuracy in Multi-Tool Adjustment
Authors: Yusubov N.D. , Abbasova H.M.
Published: October 2020

The article discusses the technology capabilities of multi-purpose CNC machines, and possible options for implementing parallel multi-tool processing. It was revealed that the technological capabilities of these machines are used at best by 50% in factories. This is due to the lack of recommendations for the design and use of such adjustments for these machines. To this end, generalised lattice matrix models of the accuracy of multi-tool machining have been developed in order to fulfill the requirements of algorithmic uniformity models and their structural transparency. The use of lattice matrices greatly simplifies the error in model of multi-tool machining and makes it extremely visual. Also, full-factorial distortion models and scattering fields of the dimensions of multi-tool machining performed on modern multi-purpose CNC lathe machines have been developed to take into account the angular displacements of the workpiece when machining parts with prevailing overall dimensions. They take into account the flexibility of the technological system for all six degrees of freedom to identify the influence degree of complex of technological factors on the machining accuracy (structure of multi-tool adjustment, deformation properties of subsystems of a technological system, cutting conditions). A methodology has been developed for determining the complex characteristics of compliance of a technological system. On the basis of the developed accuracy models in spatial adjustments, it is possible to develop recommendations for the design of adjustments for modern multi-purpose machines in CNC turning group (creation of CAD of multi-tool machining). Thus, it is possible to achieve a number of ways to control multi-tool machining, including improving the structure of multi-tool adjustment, calculating the limiting cutting conditions.
Fatigue Crack Growth and Fracture Toughness in a Dual Phase Steel: Effect of Increasing Martensite Volume Fraction
Authors: Perez Velasquez C. , Avendano Rodriguez D. , Narvaez Tovar C. , Mujica Roncery L. , Rodríguez Baracaldo R.
Published: October 2020

Crack growth resistance in dual-phase steel was studied. The dual phase steel microstructure was modified through heat treatments to increase the martensite volume fraction from 10% to 40%. The as-received and heat-treated samples were evaluated using a uniaxial tensile test, fatigue crack growth test, and fracture toughness test. Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) was used to simulate the crack growth in compact tension test specimens. The results showed that an increase in martensite volume fraction is an effective way to increase the fracture resistance under different load conditions, quasistatics and dynamic, increasing the fracture toughness, tensile strength and fatigue resistance of the heat-treated material. Presence of a highest content of martensite results in formation of an important number of secondary cracks during the fatigue crack growth, which slow down the crack propagation. Moreover, martensite generates a crack closure over the crack tip, making the propagation difficult due to the irregularities caused by the crack growth on the martensite. Finally, the computational load-displacement curves are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Composite Failure Modes at High Cyclic Fatigue Life Evaluation
Authors: Al-Qrimli Haider F. , Al-Dulaimi Mustafa J. , Ameen Kayser A.
Published: October 2020

Fibre reinforced polymer composite have been utilised in applications that require high strength-to-weight ratio and durability like automotive and spacecraft components. The literatures has indicated that there is a gap of knowledge in fatigue failure mechanism, and reliable prediction of fatigue life for glass and carbon fibre laminates. This study is to address experimentally the stress level dominated the composite failure mode and how to avoid stress concentration in fatigue design. In addition, it contributes to the scientific knowledge and to further increase the understanding the fatigue behaviour of composite materials structures. To accomplish this investigation goals, three types of materials were fabricated and tested; glass/epoxy, carbon/epoxy, and chopped glass/epoxy. Traditional hand layup technique for composite processing was used to fabricate the composite specimens. It involves manually positioning the reinforcement woven roving in an open mould and pouring, brushing, the resin onto the composites. This study details the experimental results of the ultimate tensile strength and high cycle fatigue, with a stress ratio of 0.1, using ASTM. Results showed that carbon fibre composite had the highest ultimate tensile strength. The power curves conducted from this paper were used to estimate the number of cycles which the material can endure.
Performance Analysis on Eco-friendly Machining of Ti6Al4V using Powder Mixed with Different Dielectrics in WEDM
Authors: Chakraborty S. , Mitra S. , Bose D.
Published: October 2020

The recent scenario of modern manufacturing is tremendously improved in the sense of precision machining and abstaining from environmental pollution and hazard issues. In the present work, Ti6Al4V is machined through wire EDM (WEDM) process with powder mixed dielectric and analyzed the influence of input parameters and inherent hazard issues. WEDM has different parameters such as peak current, pulse on time, pulse off time, gap voltage, wire speed, wire tension and so on, as well as dielectrics with powder mixed. These are playing an essential role in WEDM performances to improve the process efficiency by developing the surface texture, microhardness, and metal removal rate. Even though the parameter’s influencing, the study of environmental effect in the WEDM process is very essential during the machining process due to the high emission of toxic vapour by the high discharge energy. In the present study, three different dielectric fluids were used, including deionised water, kerosene, and surfactant added deionised water and analysed the data by taking one factor at a time (OFAT) approach. From this study, it is established that dielectric types and powder significantly improve performances with proper set of machining parameters and find out the risk factor associated with the PMWEDM process.
An Investigation on Surfactant Added PMWEDM of Inconel 718
Authors: Ranjan A. , Chakraborty S. , Kumar D. , Bose D.
Published: October 2020

This paper shows the impact of different process parameters and powder characteristics on the material removal rate and surface roughness obtained in surfactant added Powder Mixed Wire Electric Discharge Machining (PMWEDM). Inconel-718 is selected as the workpiece material, which has ample application in the industries handling environment of extreme stress, pressure and temperature. It has high work hardening properties along with high rupture strength, fatigue, and creep, making it extremely difficult to machine. So, additives having different thermo-physical properties are studied to improve the machining efficiency. The additives experimented includes aluminium, silicon carbide, graphite, and aluminium oxide. It is found that the electrostatic force present creates an agglomeration effect with dielectric additive powders, causing inhomogeneity in the mixture. So, a surfactant SPAN20 is used here to maintain the homogeneity of the mixture. The obtained MRR and SR are then modelled and optimised through Particle Swarm Optimization technique (PSO). It is observed that the addition of SPAN20 has improved the MRR by 13.56% and, SR by 45.05%. Also, it has been found that due to the combined abrasive action, abrasive powders increase MRR significantly than others. Furthermore, it is found that low grit size powders with lower density produces better machined surfaces.
Squeal Noise Analysis Using A Combination of Nonlinear Friction Contact Model
Authors: Rusli M. , Fesa M.H. , Dahlan H. , Bur M.
Published: October 2020

Squeal noise is generated by an unstable friction-induced vibration in a mechanical structure with friction load. Nonlinear mechanisms like sprag-slip, stick-slip, and negative frictions damping are believed in contributing to generate this kind of noise. However, the prediction of its occurrence still counts on the analysis of complex-linear eigenvalue, which may underpredict the number of unstable vibration modes. The structure also is found to seem to generate squeal noise randomly.  In this paper, nonlinear analysis of a squeal noise is investigated. The study is conducted numerically by a simple two-degree of freedom model and an experimental observation using a circular and slider plate with a friction contact interface. The friction force is modeled as a function cubic nonlinear contact stiffness and nonlinear negative velocity function of friction coefficient. It is found that mode coupling instability will occur if the normal contact stiffness and friction coefficient exceed the bifurcation point to generate a couple-complex conjugate eigenvalue and eigenvector. However, when the system is stated linearly stable, instability still can appear because of increasing the nonlinear contact stiffness and coefficient of friction. The instability is affected significantly by relative velocity and pressing force. Both parameters dynamically change depending on the vibration response of the structure. Furthermore, it is also found the stick-slip phenomenon interacted with mode coupling instability to generate squeal noise. It contributes to supply energy to increase the response caused by instability of mode coupling.
Tuft Flow Visualisation on UTM-LST VFE-2 Delta Wing Model Configuration at High Angle of Attacks
Authors: Said M. , Imai M. , Mat S. , Dahalan M. N. , Mansor S. , Mohd Nasir M. N. , Nik Mohd N. A. R.
Published: October 2020

This paper reports on flow visualisation and surface pressure measurements over the upper surface of a blunt-edged delta wing model at high angles of attack. The flow structure above the upper surface of the blunt-edged delta wing was found to be different compared to delta wing with sharp leading edge. The flow becomes more complicated especially in the leading edge region of the wing. Currently, there is no data available to verify if the primary vortex could reach the apex of the wing when the angle of attack is further increased. Most prior experiments were performed at the angles of attack, α, below 23° with only a few experiments that had gone to α = 27°. These prior experiments and some CFD works stipulated that the attached flow continue to exist in the apex region of the delta wing even at very high angles of attack above 23°. In order to verify this hypothesis, several experiments at high angles of attack were conducted in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Low Speed wind Tunnel (UTM–LST), using a specially constructed VFE2 wing model equipped with blunt leading edges. This series of experiments employed two measurement techniques; the first was the long tuft flow visualisation method, followed by surface pressure measurements. The experiments were performed at Reynolds numbers of 1.0×106 and 1.5×106.  During these experiments, several interesting flow characteristics were observed at high angles of attack, mainly that the flow became more sensitive to changes in Reynolds number and the angles of attack of the wing. When the Reynolds number increased from 1×106 to 1.5×106, the upstream progression of the initial point of the main vortex was relatively delayed compared to the sharp-edged delta wing. The experiments also showed that the flow continued to be attached in the apex region up to α = 27º.
Androgens by immunoassay and mass spectrometry in children with 46,XY disorder of sex development
Authors: Oliveira Letícia Ribeiro , Longui Carlos Alberto , Guaragna-Filho Guilherme , Costa José Luiz , Lanaro Rafael , Silva David Antônio , Chiamolera Maria Izabel , de Mello Maricilda Palandi , Morcillo André Moreno , Maciel-Guerra Andrea Trevas , Guerra-Junior Gil
Published: October 2020

Objective

Steroid measurement is a challenge in pediatric endocrinology. Currently, liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is considered a gold standard for this purpose. The aim of this study was to compare both LC-MS/MS and immunoassay (IA) for androgens before and after human recombinant chorionic gonadotropin (rhCG) stimulus in children with 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD).

Methods

Nineteen patients with 46,XY DSD were evaluated; all of them were prepubertal and non-gonadectomized. Testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), DHEA and androstenedione were measured by IA and LC-MS/MS before and 7 days after rhCG injection. The correlation between IA and LC-MS/MS was analyzed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (SCC). For concordance analysis the Passing and Bablok (PB) regression and the Bland and Altman (BA) method were used.

Results

Testosterone showed excellent correlation (ICC = 0.960 and SCC = 0.964); DHT showed insignificant and moderate correlations as indicated by ICC (0.222) and SCC (0.631), respectively; DHEA showed moderate correlation (ICC = 0.585 and SCC = 0.716); and androstenedione had poor and moderate correlations in ICC (0.363) and SCC (0.735), respectively. Using the PB method, all hormones showed a linear correlation, but proportional and systematic concordance errors were detected for androstenedione, systematic errors for testosterone and no errors for DHEA and DHT. By the BA method, there was a trend of IA to overestimate testosterone and androstenedione and underestimate DHEA and DHT when compared to LC-MS/MS.

Conclusion

Traditional IA should be replaced by LC-MS/MS for the androgens measurement in prepubertal children whenever is possible.
AdaptingDrosophila melanogasterCell Lines to Serum-Free Culture Conditions
Authors: Luhur Arthur , Mariyappa Daniel , Klueg Kristin M , Buddika Kasun , Tennessen Jason M , Zelhof Andrew C
Published: October 2020

Successful Drosophila cell culture relies on media containing xenogenic components such as fetal bovine serum to support continuous cell proliferation. Here, we report a serum-free culture condition that supports the growth and proliferation of Drosophila S2R+ and Kc167 cell lines. Importantly, the gradual adaptation of S2R+ and Kc167 cells to a media lacking serum was supported by supplementing the media with adult Drosophila soluble extract, commonly known as fly extract. The utility of these adapted cells lines is largely unchanged. The adapted cells exhibited robust proliferative capacity and a transfection efficiency that was comparable to control cells cultured in serum-containing media. Transcriptomic data indicated that the S2R+ cells cultured with fly extract retain their hemocyte-specific transcriptome profile, and there were no global changes in the transcriptional output of cell signaling pathways. Our metabolome studies indicate that there were very limited metabolic changes. In fact, the cells were likely experiencing less oxidative stress when cultured in the serum-free media supplemented with fly extract. Overall, the Drosophila cell culture conditions reported here consequently provide researchers with an alternative and physiologically relevant resource to address cell biological research questions.
High-Flow Nasal Cannula Use Outside of the ICU Setting
Authors: Kalburgi Sonal , Halley Tina
Published: October 2020

OBJECTIVES:

To describe the practice of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) use in the pediatric ward setting across North America.

METHODS:

A survey was distributed through the Pediatric Research in Inpatient Settings Network, which represents 114 hospital sites. Questions included indication for HFNC use, flow and oxygen parameters, guideline availability, and use of outcomes measures.

RESULTS:

There was a response rate of 68% to the survey from sites representing all regions from the United States. Thirty-seven sites (48%) used HFNC in the pediatric ward setting. All 37 sites used HFNC for patients with bronchiolitis. All children’s hospital sites providing HFNC on the wards had an on-site ICU, compared with only 60% of non–children’s hospital sites (P = .003). Seventy-six percent of sites used local protocols, including parameters for patient assessment, initiation, weaning, and feeding practices.

CONCLUSIONS:

HFNC is used outside the ICU in nearly 50% of responding hospitals, with variation related to flow rate, feeding, and protocol use. HFNC is used for management of acute respiratory distress due to bronchiolitis, asthma, and pneumonia. Study findings suggest that HFNC is often used by pediatric hospitalists, but its use across North American hospitals remains variable and based on local consensus.
Symptoms and Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Among Children — Utah and Wisconsin, March–May 2020
Authors: Laws Rebecca L. , Chancey Rebecca J. , Rabold Elizabeth M. , Chu Victoria T. , Lewis Nathaniel M. , Fajans Mark , Reses Hannah E. , Duca Lindsey M. , Dawson Patrick , Conners Erin E. , Gharpure Radhika , Yin Sherry , Buono Sean , Pomeroy Mary , Yousaf Anna R. , Owusu Daniel , Wadhwa Ashutosh , Pevzner Eric , Battey Katherine A. , Njuguna Henry , Fields Victoria L. , Salvatore Phillip , O’Hegarty Michelle , Vuong Jeni , Gregory Christopher J. , Banks Michelle , Rispens Jared , Dietrich Elizabeth , Marcenac Perrine , Matanock Almea , Pray Ian , Westergaard Ryan , Dasu Trivikram , Bhattacharyya Sanjib , Christiansen Ann , Page Lindsey , Dunn Angela , Atkinson-Dunn Robyn , Christensen Kim , Kiphibane Tair , Willardson Sarah , Fox Garrett , Ye Dongni , Nabity Scott A. , Binder Alison , Freeman Brandi D. , Lester Sandra , Mills Lisa , Thornburg Natalie , Hall Aron J. , Fry Alicia M. , Tate Jacqueline E. , Tran Cuc H. , Kirking Hannah L.
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Limited data exist on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in children. We described infection rates and symptom profiles among pediatric household contacts of individuals with coronavirus disease 2019.

METHODS:

We enrolled individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 and their household contacts, assessed daily symptoms prospectively for 14 days, and obtained specimens for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and serology testing. Among pediatric contacts (<18 years), we described transmission, assessed the risk factors for infection, and calculated symptom positive and negative predictive values. We compared secondary infection rates and symptoms between pediatric and adult contacts using generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS:

Among 58 households, 188 contacts were enrolled (120 adults; 68 children). Secondary infection rates for adults (30%) and children (28%) were similar. Among households with potential for transmission from children, child-to-adult transmission may have occurred in 2 of 10 (20%), and child-to-child transmission may have occurred in 1 of 6 (17%). Pediatric case patients most commonly reported headache (79%), sore throat (68%), and rhinorrhea (68%); symptoms had low positive predictive values, except measured fever (100%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 44% to 100%). Compared with symptomatic adults, children were less likely to report cough (odds ratio [OR]: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.57), loss of taste (OR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.74), and loss of smell (OR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.96) and more likely to report sore throat (OR: 3.4; 95% CI: 1.04 to 11.18).

CONCLUSIONS:

Children and adults had similar secondary infection rates, but children generally had less frequent and severe symptoms. In two states early in the pandemic, we observed possible transmission from children in approximately one-fifth of households with potential to observe such transmission patterns.
Machine learning-based analysis of adolescent gambling factors
Authors: Seo Wonju , Kim Namho , Lee Sang-Kyu , Park Sung-Min
Published: October 2020

Background and aims

Problem gambling among adolescents has recently attracted attention because of easy access to gambling in online environments and its serious effects on adolescent lives. We proposed a machine learning-based analysis method for predicting the degree of problem gambling.

Methods

Of the 17,520 respondents in the 2018 National Survey on Youth Gambling Problems dataset (collected by the Korea Center on Gambling Problems), 5,045 students who had gambled in the past 3 months were included in this study. The Gambling Problem Severity Scale was used to provide the binary label information. After the random forest-based feature selection method, we trained four models: random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), extra trees (ETs), and ridge regression.

Results

The online gambling behavior in the past 3 months, experience of winning money or goods, and gambling of personal relationship were three factors exhibiting the high feature importance. All four models demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of >0.7; ET showed the highest AUC (0.755), RF demonstrated the highest accuracy (71.8%), and SVM showed the highest F1 score (0.507) on a testing set.

Discussion

The results indicate that machine learning models can convey meaningful information to support predictions regarding the degree of problem gambling.

Conclusion

Machine learning models trained using important features showed moderate accuracy in a large-scale Korean adolescent dataset. These findings suggest that the method will help screen adolescents at risk of problem gambling. We believe that expandable machine learning-based approaches will become more powerful as more datasets are collected.
The association between the Big Five personality traits and smartphone use disorder: A meta-analysis
Authors: Marengo Davide , Sindermann Cornelia , Häckel Daniela , Settanni Michele , Elhai Jon D. , Montag Christian
Published: October 2020

Background and aims

Personality is one of the most frequently investigated variables to shed light on the putatively addictive use of the smartphone. By investigating associations between personality and individual differences in addictive smartphone use, researchers aim to understand if some personality traits predispose technology users to develop addictive behaviors. Here, based on existing empirical literature, we aimed at determining the strength of associations between Big Five personality traits and smartphone use disorder (SmUD) by a meta-analytic approach.

Method

For each Big Five personality trait, we performed a meta-analysis of correlations representing their association with SmUD. We also investigated possible publication bias and the moderating effects of age, gender, nationality, length of personality assessments, and time of publication.

Results

We found n = 26 eligible studies. In line with both the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model and the framework on problematic mobile-phone use by Billieux, we observed a positive association between Neuroticism and SmUD (r = 0.25), while the association between Extraversion and SmUD was not significant. Partially in line with the aforementioned theoretical frameworks, Conscientiousness was negatively associated with SmUD (r = −0.16). Remaining traits showed smaller associations. No significant publication bias emerged. Moderator analyses showed that time of publication moderated the link between Conscientiousness and SmUD. Moreover, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness showed a heightened inverse association with SmUD among older samples.

Conclusions

The present meta-analysis provides robust empirical evidence that Big Five personality traits can help to understand individual differences in SmUD, supporting the usefulness of their assessment when planning and targeting interventions aimed at at-risk individuals.
Glacial Archaeology in the Austrian Alps (GAAA)
Authors: Bachnetzer Thomas , Nutz Beatrix , Metz Stephanie E. , Stadler Harald
Published: October 2020

As a result of global warming and the subsequent retreat of the glaciers, artefacts have emerged from the ice of the Alps repeatedly. These objects from different epochs of the last 10,000 years are of great interest to archaeology and its neighboring fields of research. Prehistoric ice finds, like those found at the Similaun (“Ötzi”) in 1991, make for scientific incentives. Such findings provide basic information about the previously unknown use of high alpine landscapes. The project “Glacial Archaeology in the Austrian Alps (GAAA),” carried out at the Insitute of Archaeologies at the University of Innsbruck, has the objective of providing a three-column system: A GIS-based prediction model of areas where finds can be expected, surveys and public relations to lay the foundations for future archaeological research of the glacial areas of Austria.
Development of Digital Ecosystems of Industrial Enterprises in the Regions of the South of Russia
Authors: Nikitaeva Anastasia , Serdyukov Roman
Published: October 2020

In the modern conditions of economic development, digital technologies are changing the approaches to the organization of activities and business models of industrial enterprises. Since flexible relationships between economic actors are currently increasing, digital value chains are being formed and dynamically developed, and cyberphysical systems are being formed, it is advisable to consider digital transformations of production enterprises from the point of view of the ecosystem approach. The purpose of this article is to provide a conceptual understanding of the essence of digital ecosystems of industrial enterprises and analyze their development in the regions of Southern Russia. In this paper, the ecosystem is considered as an interdependent group of actors that jointly use standardized digital platforms in the process of co-evolution for the achievement of mutually beneficial goals. At present, digital ecosystems are a new and promising form of interaction between market players in digital economy and a powerful tool for digitalization, increasing productivity, innovation and flexibility of enterprises. Conceptually, digital ecosystems combine technological, organizational and managerial components. Taking into account the mentioned above, an approach was proposed to analyze the level of development of digital ecosystems of industrial enterprises in the regions of the Southern Federal District of Russia by analyzing the indicators that characterize both digital and analogous components of digitalization of the enterprises themselves, consumers and counterparties. The analysis of the indicators allowed revealing that digital ecosystems are most developed in the following leading regions of Southern Russia: Rostov Region, Krasnodar Krai and the city of Sevastopol. At the same time, if the infrastructure and technological components are developing quite dynamically, more attention should be paid to personnel, organizational and managerial subsystems of these ecosystems.
Improving the Efficiency of Managing Regional Investment Projects
Authors: Sedova Nadezhda , Filatov Artemiy
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this work is to develop a concept for the management of regional investment projects which lead to more effective economic growth. The paper defines the decisive role of investments and investment policy in ensuring sustainable economic growth. A key element in the implementation of investment policy is the support for regional investment projects. The paper examines a set of approaches to the definition of regional investment projects. The authors provide a definition of their own, which gave grounds for socio-economic efficiency and synchronization with strategic documents devoted to regional development. The authors identify a set of objectives for the implementation of regional investment projects for various levels of power. Regional executive authorities will support the regional investment projects which will ensure the interests of the region, while federal authorities will do so to eliminate the spatial polarization among the countrys regions. At the same time federal authorities are not always able to choose effective projects to support. The paper shares findings from the analysis of the international experience of the distribution of powers between regional and federal authorities in the management of regional investment projects. The analysis indicates that German experience is of the greatest relevance for Russian practice. The work brings forward a concept for the management of regional investment projects on the basis of the portfolio approach. The concept involves the shift of the selection function to regional authorities when federal authorities provide the resource support. In order to accommodate the interests of both parties, it is proposed to work out a portfolio-building strategy that is based on federal strategic documents. It is recommended that the choice of projects for the inclusion into the portfolio should be based on the effectiveness and risk assessment. In addition, it is suggested to implement the practice of monitoring the implementation of regional investment projects. In summary, the paper describes a concept that will help increase the efficiency of the management of regional investment projects.
Foreign Trade of the Republic of Belarus: Trends and Prospects
Authors: Samakhavets Maria , Hrechyshkina Olena , Glazkova Natalya
Published: October 2020

Export-import relations and foreign trade operations directly affect the flow of foreign currency into the country, saturation of the Belarusian market, effectiveness of financial activities of business entities and state budget revenues. In this regard, the development of foreign trade and its government regulation in the conditions of constant changes in external factors plays a special role. The article considers foreign trade as an important factor of economic development and analyses it taking into account exports of goods and services and imports of goods and services in order to determine trends and prospects for the foreign trade development in the Republic of Belarus. The purpose of the article is to assess and identify the features of the foreign trade development of the Republic of Belarus in the international business environment for the effective management of foreign trade activities of both the Republic of Belarus as a whole and individual business entities in particular. The main indicators under analysis are balance and trade turnover, exports, share of exports in the GDP, imports, share of imports in the GDP of Belarus. The analysis of the dynamics and structure of Belarusian foreign trade by main types of goods and services has been conducted. The geographical distribution of exports and imports by main countries has been studied. The analysis was based on the official data of the National Statistical Committee of the Republic of Belarus. In the result of the analysis the following conclusions are made: 1. There is a significant share of exports and imports in the GDP of Belarus. 2. There is a negative balance of foreign trade. 3. Exports and imports are carried out mainly with the CIS countries (especially Russia). 4. Mineral products occupy the largest share in the commodity structure of exports and imports of Belarus. 5. Transportation services have the largest share in the structure of exports and imports of services to Belarus.
Formation of an Innovative Stratergy for Industrial Business in the Context of Economy Digitalization
Authors: Klimuk Vladimir , Dzhikiya Anastasiya
Published: October 2020

As a result of growing competition in the market of industrial goods and services, the mechanism of sustainable development of the industry is a continuous process of generating innovations. Moreover, the development of innovations is one of the first elements of the industrys competitiveness mechanism along with testing innovations and bringing them into use. The innovations which have successfully passed the stages of approbation and implementation, or the so-called “useful” innovations, present the basic complex of competitive advantages of the industry, its new vector of development, what is a tool of operational management of the countrys (regions) innovation policy which provides a set of specific tasks and mechanisms for the development of the system. The work pays attention to the study of corresponding methods and tools for the formation of an innovative strategy, taking into account the starting positions of the development of society and economy, and new conditions for the development. As a general methodological base, the authors chose the principles of the system methodology and the institutional approach to analyzing the role of innovative tactics of industrial enterprises in developing an effective strategy in the context of economy digitalization. The authors analyze and substantiate the role of “useful” innovations in industrial development in the context of growing competition in the industrial goods market. The researchers offer a tool for assessing the effectiveness of industrial policy based on indicators evaluating the effectiveness of the industrial sector. The authors also analyze the calculated indicators, including with the use of the proposed graphical tool. The types of strategies for the development of a new direction of policy, i.e. neo-industrialization, are presented. A set of main components influencing the level of industrial development, taking into account the barriers to neo-industrialization is added.
Analysis of the Operation of Gibrat’s Law in Cities of Russia
Authors: Manaeva Inna
Published: October 2020

Foreign researchers are testing Gibrat’s law on the example of firms, regions and countries. The importance of empirical confirmation of this law lies in the fact that it allows us to determine whether the population of a city, region or country as a whole has a common growth path and whether there is single size dependence between them. The relevance of this study is determined by the need to expand the indicators to assess the growth of cities using Gibrat’s law in modern Russian conditions. The purpose of the article is to analyze the feasibility of Gibrat’s law in Russian cities by indicators: population of the city, population density in the city, average annual number of employees in enterprises in the city, average monthly wage in the city, number of enterprises and organizations in the city, as well as to determine the
appropriateness of using this law for urban systems of Russia. In the Ural, Siberian and Far Eastern federal districts (2009–2016), in the North-Western, Volga, Siberian and Far Eastern federal districts (2016–2018), the growth rate of cities does not depend on their initial size. Gibrat’s law was confirmed for the following indicators: population density in a city in 2009–2016 in the Siberian Federal District, in 2016–2018 in all federal districts, except for the North Caucasian Federal District; average annual number of employees in a city in the Southern (2003–2009, 2009–2016), Ural (2009–2016), Siberian (2009–2016), Northwestern (2016–2018), North Caucasian (2016–2018) and Far Eastern (2016–2018) federal districts; average monthly salary in the cities of the Siberian Federal District (2009–2016), in the Central, Northwestern and Ural Federal Districts (2016–2018); number of enterprises and organizations in the city in the Southern Federal District (2009–2016), in the North Caucasian, Volga, Ural and Siberian federal districts (2016–2018).
Compatibility of tailings–nonwoven geotextile under stress and the effect of sand filter
Authors: Liu S. , Wang Y. , Feng D.
Published: October 2020

Geotextiles have been widely used in engineering drainage. The clogging of geotextile filters used in fine tailings dams often occurs owing to complex environmental conditions. To better understand the influence of stress and the hydraulic gradient (i) on the hydraulic compatibility of fine tailings–nonwoven geotextile filter, a series of gradient ratio (GR) tests were performed in this study. To reduce the physical clogging and enhance the drainage capability of nonwoven geotextiles, a layer of sand filter was placed between the tailings and the nonwoven geotextiles. The effects of the sand filter were explored by GR tests and the following beneficial conclusions were drawn. Compaction induced by normal stress increased the interlocking between tailings particles; consequently, the internal stability of the tailings increased, which lowered the clogging potential and volume of drainage of the system. The value of i (1–20) had only a slight effect on the clogging potential and permeability coefficient of the tailings, especially in the case of high normal stress. The sand filter prevented the formation of filter cake at the soil–geotextile boundary, and increased the volume of drainage of the system. This reduced the clogging potential and enhanced the drainage capability of the system.
Predicting operating speed: comparison of linear regression and structural equation models
Authors: Bamdad Mehrabani Behzad , Mirbaha Babak , Sgambi Luca , Kordani Ali Abdi
Published: October 2020

The aim of this research was to predict operating speed by considering geometric and roadside factors. Although most previous studies have employed linear regression modelling (LRM) to predict operating speed, this study recommends structural equation modelling (SEM) for the prediction of operating speed on rural multi-lane highways. In addition to geometric variables, LRM takes roadside variables into account. When employing SEM in this work, two latent variables were defined, namely ‘roadside effects’ and ‘geometric effects’. The first latent variable was the combination of land-use type, land-use density and number of accesses per segment, while the second was extracted from the segment length, highway grade, curvature, the presence of a guardrail and flat roadside slope, and the posted speed limits. The residual analysis and R2 values for LRM and SEM suggest that SEM demonstrates superior modelling performance compared with LRM. These results show the significant role of latent variables in predicting speed, which cannot be achieved through ordinary LRM.
AutoCUT&Tag: streamlined genome-wide profiling of chromatin proteins on a liquid handling robot v1
Authors: Janssens Derek , Henikoff Steven
Published: October 2020

The CUT&Tag method is based on antibody tethering of the Tn5 transposase to profile the genome-wide occupancy of DNA-binding proteins, histone modifications and chromatin modifying proteinsin situ starting from relatively low cell numbers (1-100K cells). Activation of tethered transposase integrates library adapters at the sites of bound chromatin factors. By taking advantage of protocol modifications that enable Tn5 release and PCR in the same sample reaction chamber, we adapted CUT&Tag to an automated 96 well format. We provide programs and equipment specifications for performing AutoCUT&Tag on a Beckman Coulter Biomek FX liquid handling robot equipped for magnetic separation and temperature control, but in principle the method could be easily translated to other liquid handling units. Using this automated protocol a single operator is able to generate up to 96 CUT&Tag libraries in a single day that are ready to be pooled and sequenced.
Photographing Agave for 3D reconstruction using Structure From Motion v1
Authors: S Lebauer David
Published: October 2020

This protocol was used in 2014 to capture 3D models of plant canopies. The technology has certainly advanced since this time! Our goal was to obtain a representation of a plant as a triangluar mesh that could be used for phenotyping, biomass estimation, and simulation of light interception. All of the data collected in this effort is available here: https://uofi.box.com/v/ebi3Dcanopy. This folder contains images of five agave plants and a handful of 3D reconstructions https://uofi.box.com/v/dec2014agave. The general approach is to take photographs of a plant from all angles. This could be as much as sixty photographs, in three rounds of twenty - to give a conservatively high number. This should be done on a day with low wind and difuse light (the sun should not be visible - either fully cloudy or when sun is below the horizon). Here we describe how to take pictures of an Agave plant to generate photos that can be reconstructed into a 3D point cloud or triangular mesh representation of the plant using Structure From Motion software such as Agisoft Metashape.
Holobiont Virus Extraction Protocol (Veglia et al.) v2
Authors: Veglia Alex
Published: October 2020

The decribed holobiont virus extraction protocol contains five steps: i) Rinse and rest, ii) Tissue separation, iii) Physical cell disruption and homogenization, iv) Homogenate cleaning, and v) Virus particle concentration and extraction validation. These protocol stages were informed by previous virology studies applying common techniques for virus particle and nucleic acid extraction from biotic and abiotic materials (Williamson et al. 2003; Davy et al. 2006; Thurber 2009; Weynberg et al. 2014).The use of polyethylene glycol removed the need for ultracentrifugation making the protocol more practical for trips to the field and is designed to remove some level of impurities (BioVision Research Products).Overall, it is expected that most RNA viruses and double and single-stranded DNA viruses including cyanophages will be retained in the pellet. The speed of the final centrifugation step (Stage 4, Fig. 2) can be altered to target larger virus size classes (e.g. the proposed order Megavirales).
Rethinking Public Agenda in a Time of High-Choice Media Environment
Authors: Bentivegna Sara , Boccia Artieri Giovanni
Published: October 2020

Contemporary political communication is conditioned by an information environment characterised, on the one hand, by increased choice, and on the other by the fragmentation and multiplication of the ways of consuming information. This article introduces the notion of the ‘interrelated public agenda’ as a frame to study this context, taking into account elements of convergence and divergence from a single viewpoint, adopting a complex analysis model which proceeds along axes which make it possible to detect a continuum in which opposing forces are in a constant, problematic equilibrium. In this sense, we identified three dimensions which are helpful in describing public agenda interrelations. First, horizontality vs verticality, which contains the dynamics of power, and is generated in a context of political disintermediation, through the altered nature of the media system—in the complex relation between legacy media and web 2.0, and between social, institutional actors, and others. Second, personal vs aggregative, which stresses the need to take account of convergences and divergences between personal orientation towards certain issues and the aggregative pressure in different media spaces in which people feel at home: from information consumption via media diets of varying complexity to active participation in the production of content or in public discourse, offline and online. And finally, dynamic vs static, which points to the need to orient analysis towards the relation between media spaces rather than focusing on specific spaces, thus helping, importantly, to make up for the current dearth of research in comparison with studies of single platforms.
The Ongoing Transformation of the Digital Public Sphere: Basic Considerations on a Moving Target
Authors: De Blasio Emiliana , Kneuer Marianne , Schünemann Wolf , Sorice Michele
Published: October 2020

The recent decades more than anything else have revealed the ambivalence not only of the articulated expectations about the digital public sphere but also of the ‘real’ development itself. This thematic issue of Media and Communication highlights some of the criticalities and specificities of the evolution of the public sphere during this period where digital communication ecosystems are becoming increasingly central. The different articles offer a polyphonic perspective and thus contribute significantly to the debate on the transformations of the public sphere, which—in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic—dramatically affect the very essence of our democracy.