bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric Properties and Measurement Invariance of Short-Form Life Attitude Inventory for Hospital Staff
Authors: Chou Kang-Ju , Cheng Ying-Yao , Fang Hua-Chang , Wu Fu-Zong , Lin Pei-Chin , Tsai Chun-Teng
Published: October 2021

Background: The life attitude of health care workers can deeply influence the quality of care. Examining the performance of the Short-Form Life Attitude Inventory (SF-LAI), this study analyzes the factorial structure, reliability, and invariance of the revised SF-LAI across genders and professions among the staff of a teaching medical center.Methods: The SF-LAI was developed for university students in Taiwan. From January to February 2019, we administered a cross-sectional survey of life attitudes by distributing the SF-LAI to all staff members of a medical center in Taiwan. The construct validity was evaluated using a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Model fit was assessed in terms of the comparative fit index (CFI), Tucker–Lewis index (TFI), standardized root mean square residual (SRMR), and root mean square of error of approximation (RMSEA). Internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach’s alpha. We also performed the CFA invariance analysis for the SF-LAI-R across genders and professions (physician, nurse and other hospital staff). Results: Of 884 (24.62%) responses, 835 were valid. The participants had a mean age of 47.8 years, and 20.12% were male. In a comparison of multiple CFAs, a second-order model with six factors outperformed other models. The goodness of fit indices revealed the CFI was 0.955, TFI was 0.952, RMSEA was 0.071, and SRMR was 0.038. The Cronbach’s alphas for composite reliability and internal consistency were all greater than 0.8. The first and second-order model had metric and scalar invariance across genders and professions.Conclusions: As health care demands evolve, humanities are becoming more important in medical education. Life attitude of hospital care worker is a crucial indicator of whether one embodies the ideals of a humanistic education. The revised SF-LAI has acceptable structural validity, internal consistency, and invariance across genders and professions among staff members of a teaching medical center.
Serum Free Fatty Acids were Associated with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Complexity of Coronary Artery Disease in Premature Coronary Artery Disease Patients
Authors: Guan Qianglin , Ma Xiaoteng , Sun Yan , Shen Hua , Qiao Jiaming , Liu Xiaoli , Zhou Yujie
Published: October 2021

Background: With the rapid change of lifestyle, the incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) was gradually rising among young people, but the specific reason for it was unclear. There were many evidences suggesting free fatty acids (FFAs) were involved in progression of CAD, our study was designed to discuss the relationship between serum FFAs and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and the complexity of coronary artery disease in premature coronary artery disease (pCAD) patients. Methods: 502 pCAD patients suffering from ACS confirmed by coronary angiography in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January to December 2019 were enrolled (ACS group), and 141 patients of the same age whose coronary angiography result was negative were selected during the same period (control group). The clinical data and characteristics of CAD among two groups were gathered and compared.Results: The level of FFAs in ACS group was significantly higher than control group (P < 0.001), and the value of FFAs in AMI group was higher than UA (P < 0.05) in both genders. The concentration of FFAs in three-vessel disease group was higher than double-vessel disease group and double-vessel disease group was higher than single-vessel disease group. The linear correlation coefficient between FFAs value and SYNTAX score was 0.370, P < 0.001. The AUC of FFAs to diagnose ACS was 0.798 (0.743-0.853, P < 0.001) in males, and 0.738 (0.677-0.800, P < 0.001) in females. Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated level of FFAs [odds ratio (OR) = 7.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.40-11.33, P < 0.001] was independently associated with ACS. Conclusions: Concentration of FFAs is an independent risk factor associated with the incidence of ACS in pCAD patients and positively correlated with the complexity of CAD.
TMEM16 scramblases thin the membrane to enable lipid scrambling
Authors: Accardi Alessio , Falzone Maria , Feng Zhang , Alvarenga Omar , Pang Yangang , Lee Byoung , Cheng Xiaolu , Fortea Eva , Scheuring Simon
Published: October 2021

TMEM16 scramblases dissipate the plasma membrane lipid asymmetry to activate multiple eukaryotic cellular pathways. It was proposed that lipid headgroups move between leaflets through a membrane-spanning hydrophilic groove. Direct information on lipid-groove interactions is lacking. We report the 2.3 Å resolution cryoEM structure of the Ca2+-bound afTMEM16 scramblase in nanodiscs showing how rearrangement of individual lipids at the open pathway results in pronounced membrane thinning. Only the groove’s intracellular vestibule contacts lipids, and mutagenesis suggests scrambling does not entail specific protein-lipid interactions with the extracellular vestibule. Further, we find scrambling can occur outside a closed groove in thinner membranes and is inhibited in thicker membranes despite an open pathway. Our results show how afTMEM16 thins the membrane to enable scrambling and that an open hydrophilic pathway is not a structural requirement to allow rapid transbilayer movement of lipids. This mechanism could be extended to other scramblases lacking a hydrophilic groove.
Effect of Six-Week Traditional Resistance and Functional Training On Functional Performance in Female Netball Players
Authors: Kovac Dimitrije , Krkeljas Zarko , Venter Ranel
Published: October 2021

Background
Improving quality of functional movements in athletes generally requires additional training targeting specific functional deficiencies. However, well-rounded, traditional strength and conducting program should also improve player’s movement quality. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to compare the effect of two different six-week interventions on functional score of female netball players.
Methods
In a randomized controlled study, players were divided into control and intervention group. Both groups completed identical six-week strength and conditioning program, with the intervention group also completing additional corrective exercises three sessions per week during the same period.
Results
The results indicate significant main effect in total FMS® score (f= 9.85, p = 0.004). However, the differences in total score may be attributed mainly to differences between groups in active straight leg raise (p = 0.004) and trunk stability push-up test (p = 0.02), as other individual tests demonstrated similar time and group effect.
Conclusions
These results indicate that a well-rounded strength and conditioning program should result in functional as well as physical performance improvements. However, trainers may include additional functional or corrective exercises as part of the recovery training session to correct individual athlete’s movement patterns. More sport-specific research on functional movement scoring is required to devise effective and sport-specific interventions.
In Vivo Three-dimensional Kinematics of Normal Knees During Sitting Sideways
Authors: Kono Kenichi , Yamazaki Takaharu , Konda Shoji , Inui Hiroshi , Tanaka Sakae , Sugamoto Kazuomi , Tomita Tetsuya
Published: October 2021

Background

The normal knee kinematics during asymmetrical kneeling such as the sitting sideways remains unknown. This study aimed to clarify in vivo kinematics during sitting sideways of normal knees.
Methods

Twelve knees from six volunteers were examined. Under fluoroscopy, each volunteer performed a sitting sideways. A two-dimensional/three-dimensional registration technique was used. The rotation angle, varus-valgus angle, anteroposterior translation of the medial and lateral sides of the femur relative to the tibia, and kinematic pathway in each flexion angle was evaluated.
Results

Bilateral knees during sitting sideways showed a femoral external rotation relative to the tibia with flexion. Whereas the ipsilateral knees showed valgus movement, and the contralateral knees showed varus movement. The medial side of the contralateral knees was more posteriorly located than that of the ipsilateral knees beyond 110° of flexion. The lateral side of the contralateral knees was more anteriorly located than that of the ipsilateral knees from 120° to 150° of flexion. In the ipsilateral knees, a medial pivot pattern followed by a bicondylar rollback was observed. In the contralateral knees, no significant movement followed by a bicondylar rollback was observed.
Conclusion

Even though the asymmetrical kneeling such as sitting sideways, the knees did not display asymmetrical movement.
The Effects of Physical Running on Dendritic Spines and Amyloid-Beta Pathology in 3xTg-AD Male Mice
Authors: Xu Benke , He Yun , Liu Lian , Ye Guosheng , Chen Lulu , Wang Qingning , Chen Michael , Chen Yuncai , Long Dahong
Published: October 2021

Background: Memory loss is the key symptom of Alzheimer's disease (AD). As successful drug treatments have not yet been identified, non-pharmaceutical intervention, such as physical exercise has been recognized as an effective strategy to improve memory function of people with dementia. Here we investigated the effect of prolonged physical running on hippocampal-dependent spatial memory and underlying mechanisms in 3xTg-AD mouse, a well-established rodent model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: 3xTg-AD transgenic mice with three AD mutations were used and compared with non-transgenic mice. Voluntary wheel running continued for 5 months (1 hour per day, 5 days per week) and was followed by spatial memory testing. At the end of behavior testing, dendritic spines, synapses, and synaptic proteins as well as amyloid-beta (Aβ) pathology were analyzed in the dorsal hippocampi. Results: Running improved hippocampal-dependent spatial memory in 3xTg-AD mice. This running strategy prevented both thin and mushroom-type spines on CA1 pyramidal cells in 3xTg-AD mice, whereas the effects of running in non-transgenic mice were limited to thin spines. The enormous effects of running on spines were accompanied by increased synapses and higher expressions of synaptic proteins. Notably, running downregulated the processing of amyloid precursor protein, resulting in reduced Aβ peptides, and spatial memory performance correlated with levels of Aβ peptides Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42. Conclusion: These data suggest that prolonged running may improve memory in preclinical AD via slowing down amyloid pathology and preventing loss of synaptic contacts.
An efficient scoring model for diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion
Authors: Wu Senquan , Li Shaomei , Fang Nianxin , Mo Weiliang , Wang Huadong , Zhang Ping
Published: October 2021

Background: Due to the low efficiency of single clinical feature or laboratory variable in the diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion (TBPE), The diagnosis of TBPE is still challenging. This study aimed to build an efficient scoring diagnostic model based on laboratory variables and clinical features to differentiate TBPE from non-tuberculous pleural effusion(non-TBPE). Methods: A retrospective study of 125 patients (63 with TBPE; 62 with non-TBPE) were undertaken. Univariate analysis was used to select the laboratory and clinical variables relevant to the model composition. The statistically different variables were selected to undergo binary logistic regression. Variables B coefficients were used to define a numerical score to calculate a scoring model. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate the best cut-off value and evaluate the performance of the model. Results: Six variables were selected in the scoring model: Age ≤ 46 years old (4.96 point), Male (2.44 point), No cancer (3.19 point), Positive T-cell Spot (T-SPOT) results (4.69 point), Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) ≥ 24.5U/L (2.48 point), C-reactive Protein (CRP) ≥ 52.8mg/L (1.84 point). With a cut-off value of total score was 11.038 points, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the scoring model was 93.7%, 96.8% and 99.2% respectively. Conclusion: The scoring model was efficient to differentiate TBPE from non-TBPE.
Numerical Prediction of Joule Heating Effect in Electric Hot Incremental Sheet Forming
Authors: Li Zhengfang , He Songlin , Zhang Yuhang , An Zhiguo , Gao Zhengyuan , Lu Shihong
Published: October 2021

Since the deformation region involves the interaction of electric-thermal-force coupling in electric hot incremental sheet forming, the numerical simulation of the forming process is unusually difficult. Currently, the thermal-force coupling method is adopted to simulate approximately the whole forming process, and the Joule heating effect is often ignored. Therefore, the numerical simulation of Joule heating effect is especially significant for the prediction accuracy of forming process. In this paper, a novel numerical simulation method, considering electric-thermal-force parameters, was proposed to instantly update the thermal-force condition of forming region. Meanwhile, the model of contact thermal conductance was established combining geometrical and electric-thermal parameters, and then a high-precision finite element model was obtained to predict the Joule heating effect of forming region. In addition to this, the effect of thermal superposition on forming temperature was further analyzed and a modified model of contact thermal conductance was established in electric hot incremental sheet forming.
Degraded Coral Reefs are Becoming More Resistant to Hurricanes
Authors: Mudge Laura , Bruno John
Published: October 2021

The frequency and intensity of Atlantic cyclonic storms are projected to increase as climate change warms the ocean 1,2. These changing disturbance dynamics, paired with simultaneous changes in the condition and composition of Caribbean coral reefs, could be altering reef resilience to storms in unexpected ways. For example, the observed decline of fast-growing, disturbance-sensitive species could promote resistance to and decrease recovery from storms3,4, increasingly locking reefs into a state dominated by weedy taxa. To test this hypothesis, we combined data from coral reef monitoring studies and historical hurricane records to develop a regional reef-storm interaction database. We found that as the living cover of Caribbean corals declined over the past 40 years, while resistance to storms increased, despite a concurrent increase in cyclonic storm frequency and intensity. Because storms selectively damaged branching coral species and had no measurable effect on the cover of “weedy” corals, reef composition shifted towards greater weedy dominance and reduced ecological function. Additionally, storms accelerated the loss rate of threatened acroporid corals, already in pre-storm decline, suggesting a worrisome synergism with other climate-related disturbances.
MIGRATION INTENTIONS OF SCIENTISTS OF UKRAINE
Authors: Polishchuk Ye. , Zhabin S. , Nagorna O.
Published: October 2021

The article presents analytical materials of the survey, which was aimed at identifying the migration sentiments of Ukrainian scientists, as well as recommendations for mitigating the impact of migration processes on the economy of Ukraine.
The purpose of the study is to identify various factors influencing the migration intentions of Ukrainian scientists and to develop practical recommendations for leveling their negative effects.
The article contains information on gender, age and professional characteristics of those scientists who intend to leave Ukraine. The key issue of the study is the expectations of Ukrainian scientists about the reality of employment in a foreign research institution or university.
The attitude of respondents to migration in terms of their intentions to carry out scientific or educational activities is considered. The study found that some scientists are ready to leave Ukraine even if they carry out activities not related to science or education. In addition, the results of the research showed the scientists' plans to return to Ukraine after the visit for 1) scientific and educational purposes, 2) the purpose of employment in another field, 3) the purpose of permanent residence.
The survey found that a significant proportion of respondents found it difficult to answer questions related to migration, indicating their intention to stay in the country.
The study also contains information on the impact of mobility for educational or scientific purposes. Thus, the results of the survey indicate the presence of the impact of scientific mobility on the effectiveness of scientists.
The analysis of the data allowed to formulate evidence based recommendations for the development of state migration policy, which would be aimed more at attracting talent from abroad. Therefore, research institutions, universities, R&D centers should work intensively in this direction. Moreover, local businesses may also be in demand for such staff. In this regard, it is recommended that universities and research institutions focus on finding such needs and formulate their staffing proposals. In order to increase the efficiency of mobility, free economic zones and research institutions should develop incentives and create conditions for the implementation of foreign experience in their organizations. In addition, the purpose of scientific mobility should be consistent with the development strategy of the institution that sends the scientist abroad for scientific or educational mobility.
Priorities of marketing, competitiveness, and innovative development of transport service providers under sustainable urban development
Authors: Borysova Tetiana , Monastyrskyi Grygorii , Borysiak Olena , Protsyshyn Yuliia
Published: October 2021

Monitoring the growing role of implementing sustainable development goals, on the one hand, and the use of the Internet of things in various spheres of life, on the other, is changing the way people think about their mobility. The urgency of this scientific problem is the need to review municipal policies on approaches to the use of appropriate methods of public transport to improve municipal transport infrastructure policies in the light of advances in «green» energy development. This article justifies the need to focus on the study of changes in the Ukrainian taxi drivers’ behavior in the urban environment on the development of «green» energy, development of appropriate programs to coordinate the requests of users and providers of taxi services through sustainable development and digitization of taxi services. In addition, the impact of sustainable energy development on transport diversification and the use of environmental modes of transport, in particular, electric cars as taxis, are analyzed, depending on the number of charging stations and access to electricity. The methodological tools used were cluster analysis, expert surveys, face-to-face interviews, statistical and fuzzy multiple estimation methods. The subject of the study was selected taxi services and taxi users in the Ternopil region. According to the survey results, the priority factors for the environmental behavior of Ukrainian taxi drivers were the level of business automation and the size of the taxi fleet. In a survey conducted by experts to examine the environmental safety of vehicles and the level of automation of enterprises, most taxi services were found to be environmentally unsound, focusing on sustainable development and environmental issues. The most problematic are technical support, automated ordering system, and significant vehicle wear in small cities. To determine the approaches to the management of greening, the objects of study were organized into relatively homogeneous groups. To this end, a cluster analysis was conducted. The study subjects were grouped into relatively homogeneous groups. The authors justified the feasibility of differentiated strategies and reaffirmed the idea of developing different approaches to environmental development depending on the level of environmental friendliness of vehicles, business automation, and relative shares of the fleet. The study results could be useful for infrastructure scientists and practitioners, taxi managers and owners, andlocal government officials.
The impact of customer engagement on retailer's brand equity components
Authors: Gallart-Camahort Valentin , Callarisa-Fiol Luis , Sanchez-Garcia Javier
Published: October 2021

Strong brand equity is important for any business. Although the concept of brand equity has been studied in various fields, its analysis has not been as extensive in the retail sector. On the other hand, the analysis of engagement is gaining more importance in recent times. Customer engagement is an increasingly relevant and researched topic. However, studies that relate this concept to retail trade are not common. The present work aims to analyze the effect of engagement on the different components of retail brand equity. The a priori model considers the previous research and the proposed hypotheses. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis is performed, based on the data obtained through a structured questionnaire with closed questions and a 5-point Likert-type response scale. The study sample consists of 623 respondents. This study involved a conceptual model that includes the brand equity dimensions (awareness, perceived quality, image, perceived value, and loyalty) to gain the research goal. The hypothesized causal model relates the variables that make up brand equity and the engagement influence on them. The empirical analysis results showed that customer engagement positively affects all the components of the brand equity retailer (except its image), mainly concerning retailer awareness, loyalty, and perceived quality. The authors concluded that retailer awareness, loyalty towards the retailer, and retailer perceived quality are influenced by engagement. Consequently, it would be necessary for the retailer manager to pay special attention to creating actions that contribute to customers' engagement in the different areas of interaction with them, both online and at the physical point of sale. For future studies, the geographic space should be expanded, considering different regions or even countries and observing possible differences in the behavior of the interviewees.
Forecasting the number of incoming tourists using Arima model: case study from Armenia
Authors: Tovmasyan Gayane
Published: October 2021

This paper summarizes the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on the issue of forecasting tourism demand and touristic flows. During COVID-19 tourism sphere suffered a lot in the whole world. Many countries try to do forecasts and make recovery plans for tourism. Tourism has been a growing sphere in Armenia in recent years. However, the number of incoming tourists decreased by 80 percent because of the pandemic. The main purpose of the research is to forecast tourism demand in the Republic of Armenia. Systematization of scientific sources and approaches for solving the problem identified many methods and models for doing forecasts. The variables used to depend on the method selected. For gaining the research goal, the study was carried out in the following logical sequence: 1) discussion on some literature sources; 2) analysis of the current situation of tourism in Armenia; 3) interpretation of forecast results; 4) providing some recommendations. The methodological tool of the research was mainly the ARIMA method. The data rest on the publications of the Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia. Time series for the number of incoming tourists include from 2001-Q1 till 2019-Q4 data. 2020 was not included in the model, as there was a sharp decline. Besides, in the second quarter of 2020, there were no tourists at all because of restrictions and flight cancellations. The obtained data show that if there were no pandemic, the number of incoming tourists would increase on average by 12.81% in 2021, 13.42% – in 2022, and 13.66% – in 2023. The results are realistic. The tourism sphere is expected to grow in 2021. This paper suggested some steps for recovering and restoring tourism, particularly by using aggressive marketing strategies, word-of-mouth, influencer marketing, etc. The research results could be useful for state organs of the sphere to forecast their strategic policies. The applied approach and suggestions may be helpful in many countries which try to restart tourism after the pandemic.
An Organizational Scheme for Scaling Innovative Energy Projects. Smart Grids Case
Authors: Vakulenko Ihor , Fritsak Maksym , Fisunenko Pavlo
Published: October 2021

The transition to a carbon-neutral economy, which is now taking place in many countries, requires the use of profound transformations in energy, including the use of innovative technologies. Smart grids are the embodiment of innovative energy development. They involve the widespread use of modern advanced technologies in many areas, from energy production to designing a secure information system. Successful local projects need help to spread them globally. However, such assistance should not be limited to government intervention and administrative methods. A self-regulatory market mechanism is required to scale such projects. Some countries have a well-trodden path for innovation. However, the speed of innovation differs in each country. It depends on many unique conditions that exist in a country. There is hardly a one-size-fits-all way to spread innovation quickly that will be good for every country. However, there must be a mechanism where all stakeholders work organized to spread innovation, which accelerates this process. This article proposes an approach to developing a stakeholder interaction scheme to implement innovative projects in the energy sector based on the smart grid maturity model. To achieve this goal, the results of a comparative analysis of smart grids' comprehensive assessment systems were used, which allowed algorithmizing the processes of their creation, development, and maintenance as a basis for further scaling successful projects. The defined algorithm is a modification of the smart grid maturity model developed by IBM. In addition, a thorough analysis of scientific publications in the field of innovative projects in the energy sector is dedicated to introducing smart grids. The visualization of the proposed approach to streamlining the activities of stakeholders is based on the results of a study aimed at finding ways to overcome organizational and communication barriers between stakeholders, where the coding of the processes of smart grid projects.The scientific results presented in this article are an intermediate stage in the study of mechanisms to improve the efficiency of implementation and scaling of innovative energy-efficient projects, particularly the development of smart grids, based on the activation of latent drivers. Such drivers are organizational and communication tools.
Innovative approaches to the assessment of the impact of the shadow economy on social development: an analysis of causation
Authors: Tiutiunyk Inna , Kuznetsova Angela , Spankova Jana
Published: October 2021

The article investigates the causal links between the level of the shadow economy and indicators of social development of 13 European countries. Based on the analysis of research results of scientists, three hypotheses concerning relationship between the analyzed indicators: there is a one-way link between social development indicators and the level of the shadow economy; there is a one-way causal link between the level of the shadow economy and the country's social development; there is a bilateral relationship between the analyzed indicators were tested. Based on the causal analysis the main hypothesis that the increase in the level of the shadow economy is accompanied by a decrease in the level of social development of the country is proved. The purpose of the paper is to analyze the correlation between the level of the shadow economy and the indicators of social development of the country using methods of causal analysis and panel data from 2010 to 2019. Based on comparative analysis of the levels of the shadow economy, share of the population at the level of poverty and share of the population in a difficult financial situation the statistically significant indirect relationship between indicators has been proved. The analysis of the relationship between the level of the shadow economy and the share of personal income tax and social contribution to GDP was made using the Granger test. Reliability established hypotheses and the nature of the relationship between the indicators on the basis of the construction of end-to-end regression (Wald test), regression with fixed individual effects (Brush-Pegan test) and regression with random individual effects (Hausman test) was carried out. Empirical calculations show that it is appropriate to describe the relationships between the level of the shadow economy and the amount of single social contribution, personal income tax and Index of Social Development by using a model with fixed individual effects. All indices are statistically at 5% significant level.
Phototrophs in alternative energy
Authors: Konovalo M. S. , Konovalova E. Yu. , Egorova I. N. , Zhdanova G. O. , Stom D. I.
Published: October 2021

Abstract: The role of phototrophs is examined in alternative energy, with the main emphasis on unicellular algae. Particular attention is paid to the use of phototrophs for generating electricity using biofuel cells (plant and enzymatic biofuel cells are discussed). This study focuses on microbial fuel cells (MFC), which, along with electric power, allow obtaining biofuels and biohydrogen. This article explains the factors limiting the MFC power, and ways of overcoming them. For example, it seems promising to develop various photobioreactors in order to reduce the loss of MFC power due to overvoltage. The use of microphototrophs in MFC has led to the development of photosynthetic MFC (or PhotoMFC) through the design of autotrophic photobioreactors with forced illumination. They allow generating oxygen through photosynthesis, both in situ and ex situ, by recirculating oxygen from the photobioreactor to the cathode chamber. Artificial redox mediators can be used here, transferring electrons directly from the non-catalytic cathode to O2, formed as a result of the photosynthetic activity of algae. Biologically catalyzed cathodes have been proven to generate less power than chemical catalysts. It is noted, that the MFC installations with the micro-algae allow utilizing a wider circle of different connections – the components of effluents and withdrawals: organic acids, sugar, alcohols, fats and other substrata. The use of phototrophs for the production of biofuels is of special interest. Several different types of renewable biofuels can be produced from microalgae, the production of which can be combined with wastewater treatment, CO2 capture and production of various compounds.
Exogenous calcium modulates the activity of adenylate cyclases in potato plants under biotic stress
Authors: Filinova N. V. , Lomovatskaya L. A. , Romanenko A. S.
Published: October 2021

Abstract: This article aims to study the influence of different concentrations of calcium ions on the activity of transmembrane (tmAC) and soluble forms of adenylyl cyclase (sAC) in the cells of roots and stems of the plants of two types of potatoes. It compares and contrasts their stability to the agent of the annular rot Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. Sepedonicus (Cms) when exposed to its exopolysaccharides. The experimental results have shown that the reaction of tmAC from the roots and stems to exogenous Ca2+ was almost opposite in the plants of both types. In the root cells of the plants of the resistant types, 1 and 10 mM of Ca2+ have activated tmAC in a very intensive way. In the stem, the average concentrations of Ca2+ inhibited the tmAC activity, while the highest, 1 and 10 mM, did not affect it. the activity of tmAC taken from the root cells of the receptive type of plants was not activated significantly by the increased concentrations of Ca2+, whereas, in the stems, all the concentrations of Ca2+, tmAC activity increased substantially starting with 1 μM. Thus, the unequal reaction of adenylate cyclases of the potato plants of both types to different concentrations of exogenous calcium, testifies, most likely, the presence of several isoform of this ferment that differ in the sensitivity to calcium ions. At the same time, it is possible that the plants of both types may also differ in the spectrum of such isoforms. Since the influence of Cms exopolysaccharides significantly changes the sensitivity to the calcium ions of both forms of adenylate cyclases in the cells of plants of both types, it can be assumed that this feature is one of the mechanisms of these plants’ resistance to the pathogen.
Study into biodegradation of cocamidopropyl betaine, an amphoteric surfactant, by Pseudomonas bacteria and activated sludge
Authors: Burlachenko A. S. , Salishcheva O. V. , Dyshlyuk L. S.
Published: October 2021

Abstract: The paper examines the biodegradation rate of cocamidopropyl betaine by bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas and activated sludge. The following microorganisms were taken as destructor strains: Pseudomonas fluorescens TR (VKPM B-4881), Pseudomonas putida TP-19 (B-6582), Pseudomonas stutzeri T (B-4904), Pseudomonas putida TSh-18 (B-2950), Pseudomonas putida TO (B-3959), Pseudomonas mendocina 2S (B-4710), Pseudomonas oleovorans TF4-1L (B-8621) and activated sludge obtained at activated sludge reactors of a Kuzbass plant. Biooxidation of surfactant samples was carried out in 250 cm3glass flasks, placed into an incubator shaker, at a constant temperature of 30ºС for pure cultures and 18ºС for activated sludge. The destructor strain should reduce the surfactant concentration to safe values within a minimum time interval. Pseudomonas stutzeri T (B-4904) and Pseudomonas fluorescens TR (B-4881) strains provided the shortest half-life of the surfactant under study – 2.5 and 2.6 days, respectively. For Pseudomonas putida TO (B-3959), Pseudomonas putida TSh-18 (B-2950) and Pseudomonas oleovorans TF4-1L (B-8621) strains, these values amounted to 3.0, 4.5 and 4.9 days, respectively. The maximum half-life of the surfactant under study was demonstrated by Pseudomonas mendocina 2S (B-4710) and Pseudomonas putida TP-19 (B-6582) microorganisms – 5.5 and 6.0 days, respectively. The maximum biodegradation of the surfactant was observed under its exposure to the biocenosis of microorganisms. Over 14 days, the concentration of cocamidopropyl betaine decreased to 0.27% of its initial concentration. The efficiency of Pseudomonas bacteria as destructors of surfactants was demonstrated. Bacteria of this genus exhibit a shorter generation time and a higher rate of biomass growth when compared to other strains and a shorter period of adaptation to surfactants when compared to activated sludge. Capable of reducing surfactant concentrations to safe values in a minimum time interval, Pseudomonas strains can be used as an effective agent in the development of technologies for wastewater purification from amphoteric surfactants.
Transformation of oil dispersed systems during operation
Authors: Cherepanov V. D. , D’yachkova S. G. , Kuzora I. I. , Dubrovskii D. A. , Lukina V. I.
Published: October 2021

Abstract: Using the example of oil road bitumen grades BND 100/130, BND 130/200 and BND 70/100, this article studies the transformation of oil dispersed systems under various logistic schemes of operation. This research focuses on the influence of the conditions for storing road bitumens of different grades on their physical and mechanical properties and group hydrocarbon composition during transportation from the manufacturer to the consumer. The results show that a change in the physical and mechanical properties of road bitumens during high-temperature storage is related to the changes in the group hydrocarbon composition due to the hydrocarbons autooxidation and destabilization of the colloidal structure of dispersal systems. The conditions for storing bitumen with a minimum change in its quality indicators have been determined. It has been established that storage of bitumen under atmospheric conditions allows preserving its original properties without significant changes. There is evidence that nitrogen purging significantly reduces the effect of homolytic processes leading to the transformation of oil dispersed systems during further transportation from the manufacturer to the consumer. Experimental data confirm that of all basic physical and mechanical properties of bitumen, “the depth of penetration of needle” is the most sensitive index, while the “softening temperature” index, frequently used for quality control of bitumen, is inertial. Determining the change in penetration, depending on the duration of storing bitumen, has required formulating a special equation. It has been established that when storing road bitumen at a temperature of 180 ºС, for each hour the index of the penetration depth of the needle at 25 º decreases by 0.8 units. Organizational and technical measures have been determined to ensure the stability of the road bitumen quality during manufacture, storage and transportation to consumers.
SIS-CNN: Semantic Image Segmentation Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Tahir Muhammad Adeel Ahmed , Feng Xiao , Shaker Zaryab
Published: October 2021

Semantic image segmentation is a vast area of interest for computer vision which has gained exceptional attention from the research community. It is the process of classifying each pixel in respective category. In this paper, we exploit the problem of scene understanding and perform the segmentation by combining different classification models as a feature encoder and segmentation models as a feature decoder. All of the experiments were performed on Camvid dataset. It covers a wide range of real-world applications such as autonomous driving, virtual/augmented reality, indoor navigation, etc.
Research and Implementation of Emitter Threat Assessment Based on Distributed Simulation
Authors: Feng Xiaojuan , Liang Xiangyang
Published: October 2021

The threat degree of radiation source detected by fighter in penetration operation is the main reference for fighter to make the next operation plan. The research objective of this project is to evaluate the threat of radiation sources detected by aircraft, based on distributed interactive simulation technology, the system modeling of aircraft flight detection data and ground radar detection warning in distributed system is realized by building a variety of simulation modules such as ground radar model, aircraft radar model, coordinate transformation model and threat level evaluation model, the simulation environment system of airborne emitter warning is completed. In this experimental environment, through simulation, the real-time calculation of the threat factor of the aircraft radiation source can be carried out, and then the dynamic threat assessment of the radiation source target can be realized.
A New Approach to the Development of Food Products
Authors: Kurakin Mikhail , Ozherel'eva Anastasia , Motyreva Olga , Krapiva Tatyana
Published: October 2021

Introduction. Negative trends in the service market make food companies create competitive products that meet the needs of consumers. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the need to design new formulations that meet complex requirements and use IT options. The research objective was to create a new approach to the development of products for various types of food industry enterprises.

Study objects and methods. The research featured a questionnaire, in which Kemerovo citizens were asked to establish and rank a list of consumer properties for food served at cafes, restaurants, and canteens, as well as to define the ratio of prescription components of model samples and the quality indicators of model samples. The study was based on standard survey methods, sensory and microbiological evaluation, and the Delphi 7software.

Results and discussion. The research revealed nomenclature of consumer properties (15 names) of public catering products, which were classified into seven groups of indicators. The following indicators received the highest score (86–100 points): sensory indicators, quality indicators, safety and freshness, appearance, and price. Caloric value proved to be of a relatively low significance (≤ 42 points). The research resulted in a methodology for designing competitive products based on consumer preferences and new application software.

Conclusion. Food companies should take into account the degree of significance of particular indicators to create popular and cost-friendly dishes. This research offers a new methodology for designing competitive products based on consumer preferences and the application of the developed program. The consistency and effectiveness of the proposed approach was confirmed by testing the developed dishes at cafes and school canteens.
PENA DE MORTE COMO MEIO DE GARANTIA DA SEGURANÇA PÚBLICA: ANÁLISE JURÍDICA À LUZ DA TEORIA DO DIREITO PENAL CONSTITUCIONAL
Authors: Diniz Marcos Vinícius Alves
Published: October 2021

O presente trabalho pretende refletir sobre a pena de morte enquanto possível forma de garantia da segurança pública, do ponto de vista da ciência jurídica. Para isso, faz-se uma análise técnica, a partir do Direito Penal Constitucional como meio dogmático de dar máximo rigor à estruturação da pesquisa, além de submeter a pena de morte ao princípio da proporcionalidade como intervenção no direito fundamental à vida. A conclusão é a da sua impossibilidade jurídica no contexto do Brasil, diante dos diversos subcritérios do exame constitucional aplicado.
A TEORIA DA ANOMIA SOCIAL NO ESTUDO CRIMINAL
Authors: Ramalho de Freitas Leão Rego Martin
Published: October 2021

O presente estudo avalia as bases teóricas da teoria da anomia social através da revisão das principais obras de seus representantes primários: Émile Durkheim e Robert Merton. Assim, objetiva-se rediscutir seus conceitos fundamentais, confrontando-os com estudos sociológicos e criminológicos contemporâneos e ligados ao contexto brasileiro. Desse modo, utiliza-se, como método, a revisão sistemática de literatura, pela qual foi possível traçar um paralelo entre as ideias originais e suas transformações ao longo do tempo, bem como a sua atualidade e suas influências à criminologia. Portanto, concluiu-se pela atualidade dos conceitos sociológicos que compõem a teoria da anomia social, bem como a sua pertinência para o estudo criminal hodierno.
ESTADO DE COISAS INCONSTITUCIONAL NO SISTEMA PENITENCIÁRIO BRASILEIRO
Authors: Morquecho Nôga Sophia Fátima
Published: October 2021

A Constituição Federal brasileira de 1988 encarta um extenso rol de garantias e direitos fundamentais assegurados a todo e qualquer brasileiro. Todavia, através da pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e estudo de caso, constata-se que, com a falta de estrutura dos presídios brasileiros – com celas superlotadas e carência de condições de higiene e vida –, aquelas garantias constitucionais não estão sendo asseguradas à categoria socialmente excluída. Essa reiterada vulneração de direitos e o nexo de causalidade entre a conduta estatal – enquanto garante do apenado que se encontra sob custódia do Estado – e o dano moral provocado ensejam indenização ao detento lesionado. Esse é o ponto fulcral do Recurso Extraordinário nº 580.252. A análise desse julgado sob o prisma do estado de coisas inconstitucional é o objetivo maior desta pesquisa que se justifica tanto pela repercussão geral da matéria, como também pela colaboração científica em um campo pouco explorado.
UTILIZAÇÃO DO RECONHECIMENTO FACIAL ELETRÔNICO POR EMPRESAS PARA IDENTIFICAÇÃO DE SUSPEITOS
Authors: Pereira Paes de Barros Isabela Maria , Bernardino de Souza Silva Isabela Inês
Published: October 2021

O presente artigo busca analisar o uso do reconhecimento facial eletrônico por empresas públicas e privadas como uma ferramenta violadora de direitos humanos, especialmente quando utilizado para identificação de suspeitos de infrações e contravenções penais. Nesse sentido, é comum que esses sistemas de monitoramento estejam passíveis às situações de falsos positivos, identificando, erroneamente, pessoas que têm características físicas semelhantes, e fazendo com que os operadores de segurança acreditem que essas pessoas são culpadas por ações de terceiros. Muitos países estão reduzindo ou limitando o uso dessas tecnologias, mas o Brasil se encontra no caminho oposto a essa tendência. A metodologia de pesquisa deste trabalho é bibliográfica, com consultas a matérias de jornal, artigos científicos e documentos nacionais e internacionais. O resultado obtido é o de que o reconhecimento facial eletrônico, ainda que pareça benéfico, potencializa situações de preconceito e desigualdade que põe em risco parcelas historicamente marginalizadas da população.
A TAUTOLOGIA VAZIA DA LEI ANTITERRORISMO E A DIALÉTICA PENAL DO INIMIGO COMO INSTRUMENTO DE DEGENERAÇÃO DO ESTADO DE DIREITO
Authors: Do Prado Haram Colucci Pedro Henrique
Published: October 2021

A presente pesquisa tem por escopo realizar uma análise crítica do regramento da Lei Antiterrorismo (n. 13.260/2016), partindo da observação de que seus dispositivos refletem preceitos da teoria do Direito Penal do Inimigo, tais como condutas de perigo abstrato, punição de atos preparatórios e flagrante flexibilização de direitos e garantias fundamentais. Busca-se, através do procedimento metodológico hermenêutico, com abordagem qualitativa, realizar uma pesquisa exploratória que atravesse a lógica simbólica e arbitrária de se eleger um inimigo circunstancial dentro de um sistema democrático e as imbricações que originam da racionalidade de exceção que, quando tomada como regra, serve como um exercício de controle social permanente. A instrumentalização da lei penal macula o regime democrático e passa a cultivar elementos totalitários que ganham corpo e avançam livremente na esfera do indivíduo.
A POLÍCIA E A VIDA PÚBLICA DEMOCRÁTICA NUMA PERSPECTIVA HONNETHIANA
Authors: Hilário Cardoso Ferreira Tomás , Hot Pereira de Faria Antônio
Published: October 2021

A concepção de um regime democrático presume a participação igual de todos os cidadãos na formação de uma vontade democrática e soberana do povo. O presente artigo busca analisar os modelos reativo e proativo de polícia e as consequências advindas da escolha de cada um deles e, a partir disso, estabelecer parâmetros a serem observados pelas polícias para que se tornem instituições legitimadas pela sociedade. As análises se baseiam nas propostas de Axel Honneth para formação de uma vida pública democrática, presentes na obra “O Direito da Liberdade”. Trata-se da busca por um modelo de polícia garantista, no qual os direitos fundamentais e elementares do cidadão sejam garantidos, independentemente de qualquer característica ou peculiaridade específica. Uma busca pela vontade coletiva e democrática da população, através da qual a sociedade passe a desempenhar um protagonismo no desenvolvimento da segurança pública, numa consolidação da vida pública democrática, com a participação de todos.
DE EXCLUÍDO SOCIALMENTE A CRIMINOSO VIOLENTO: UMA ANÁLISE SOBRE A VIDA DE ARTHUR FLECK NO FILME “CORINGA” (2019)
Authors: De Jesus Mascarenhas Taís , Ribeiro Campos Lucas
Published: October 2021

Este artigo busca compreender, através da trajetória do personagem Arthur Fleck no filme “Coringa”, lançado no ano de 2019, a relação entre exclusão social, violência e crime. No trabalho, realizou-se um estudo exploratório, de natureza qualitativa, com coleta de dados que utilizou a ferramenta da análise fílmica. Os resultados obtidos indicam a relação entre as formas de exclusão social, através das desigualdades em sociedades capitalistas, com os diversos tipos de violência (simbólica, institucional e estrutural) e os atos criminosos. Portanto, para se pensar em soluções à violência, atenta-se para a necessidade das garantias de direitos e acesso à cidadania para aqueles em condições de vulnerabilidade social.