bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainability Indicators in Restaurants: The Development of a Checklist
Authors: Maynard Dayanne da Costa , Zandonadi Renata Puppin , Nakano Eduardo Yoshio , Botelho Raquel Braz Assunção
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to develop and carry out content validation, semantic evaluation, reproducibility, and internal consistency of a checklist designed to verify the sustainability indicators in foodservice. The preliminary version of the checklist was prepared based on the international standards ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 14000, ISO 14001, ISO 14004 and documents from the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) Certification, Green Seal Certifications, and Green Restaurant Association (GRA) certification, in addition to the American Dietetic Association (ADA) position. Thirteen experts in the study topic performed the content validation and semantic evaluation of the checklist (a minimum of 80% agreement among experts and mean value ≥4 on a 5-point Likert scale were needed to keep the item in the instrument). After consensus was reached by the experts’ panel, two different researchers applied the checklist in 20 restaurants (at the same time, in the same place, without communication between them) for the analysis of reproducibility and internal consistency (Federal District, Brazil). The agreement among answers was verified by Cohen’s Kappa coefficient. The final version of the checklist consisted of 76 items, divided into three sections (1. water, energy, and gas supply; 2. menu and food waste; 3. waste reduction, construction materials, chemicals, employees, and social sustainability). The developed checklist was validated concerning the content, approved in the semantic evaluation, reproducible, and with good reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) > 0.9 and alpha > 0.672).
Corporate Social Responsibility and Financial Performance: Evidence from Pakistani Listed Banks
Authors: Szegedi Krisztina , Khan Yahya , Lentner Csaba
Published: May 2020

This study intends to examine corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Pakistan’s banking sector, CSR disclosure practices and their impact on financial performance. For the study, relevant data was collected from the banks’ annual reports, financial websites, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSE) from 2008 to 2018. The methods utilized in this research study were content analysis and panel data techniques. The results indicate an increase in overall CSR disclosure by all banks in the sample and the findings suggest the involvement of commercial banks in CSR activities, and its proper disclosure has helped to improve their accounting-based financial performance proxied by the return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA). The research findings contribute to a better understanding of the CSR practices in the financial sector of an emerging country, which makes a dynamic effort to develop its financial culture and can encourage rapprochement with Pakistan’s financial sector.
Building Performance Evaluation Using Coupled Simulation of EnergyPlus™ and an Occupant Behavior Model
Authors: Jia Mengda , Srinivasan Ravi
Published: May 2020

Building energy simulation programs are used for optimal sizing of building systems to reduce excessive energy wastage. Such programs employ thermo-dynamic algorithms to estimate every aspect of the target building with a certain level of accuracy. Currently, almost all building simulation tools capture static features of a building including the envelope, geometry, and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, etc. However, building performance also relies on dynamic features such as occupants’ interactions with the building. Such interactions have not been fully implemented in building energy simulation tools, which potentially influences the comprehensiveness and accuracy of estimations. This paper discusses an information exchange mechanism via coupling of EnergyPlus™, a building energy simulation engine and PMFServ, an occupant behavior modeling tool, to alleviate this issue. The simulation process is conducted in Building Controls Virtual Testbed (BCVTB), a virtual simulation coupling tool that connects the two separate simulation engines on a time-step basis. This approach adds a critical dimension to the traditional building energy simulation programs to seamlessly integrate occupants’ interactions with building components to improve the modeling capability, thereby improving building performance evaluation. The results analysis of this paper reveals a need to consider metrics that measure different types of comfort for building occupants.
Sustainability of Educational Technologies: An Approach to Augmented Reality Research
Authors: Abad-Segura Emilio , González-Zamar Mariana-Daniela , Luque-de la Rosa Antonio Luque-de la , Morales Cevallos María Belén
Published: May 2020

Technological advancements have posed a challenge to educational institutions in the sustainability of management, research and teaching activities. Virtual technologies have allowed digital transformation to be incorporated into university education—among them, augmented reality (AR). The study examined the evolution of global research on this topic in the period 2005–2019. A bibliometric analysis of 1977 articles was performed, obtaining results of scientific productivity. The evidence showed a growing interest in studying the sustainability of AR in higher education. According to the results, the main category was computer science; the most productive journal was Computer and Education; the authors with the largest number of publications were Nee and Ong, while Wang was the most frequently cited author; the most productive institution was the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology; the United States was the country with the largest number of publications and citations; and, finally, the United States and Spain were the countries with the largest number of international collaborations in their articles. Five lines of research were identified, among which those oriented to the topics of technological resources, computer, simulation, education and learning stand out. It was verified that this research topic has a growing and dynamic interest in scientific activity, and its sustainable approach is confirmed by being linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Importance of Social Media in the Image Formation of Tourist Destinations from the Stakeholders’ Perspective
Authors: de las Heras-Pedrosa Carlos , Millan-Celis Elena , Iglesias-Sánchez Patricia P. , Jambrino-Maldonado Carmen
Published: May 2020

This research aimed to provide a more informed and systematic basis on which to develop the positioning strategy in social media due to the interactive capacity and influence that social media has in the success of tourist destinations. In particular, we investigated the role of stakeholders. We carried out an exploratory study using a mixed method which included interviews and an analysis of the activity conducted on the official social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) of the Spanish regions of Andalusia, Catalonia, and Valencia. The findings provide insight into how tourist destinations promote their image through the use of social media. Social media was found to be a strategic platform for enhancing brand image and achieving tourist engagement. Additionally, the role of stakeholders in supporting and facilitating the image destination strategy is worth highlighting. This study shows that the results achieved by social media can be improved by identifying all stakeholders and defining a content generation strategy by integrating and adding value.
The Effect of Adapted Utilitarian Judo, as an Educational Innovation, on Fear-of-Falling Syndrome
Authors: Campos-Mesa María Carmen , DelCastillo-Andrés Óscar , Toronjo-Hornillo Luis , Castañeda-Vázquez Carolina
Published: May 2020

Background: The aim of the research was to analyze the effects of an intervention program based on Adapted Utilitarian Judo (AUJ) to teach fall control, over fear of falling syndrome (FOF) in a group of older adults. Method: A quasi-experimental design (pre–post measurement) was adopted, with a healthy and pre-fragile sample of 19 subjects in the experimental group and 11 subjects in the control group (65–85 years), chosen using non-probabilistic-incidental accessibility sampling. The intervention program was conducted over six weeks, with two 60-minute sessions each week. To evaluate FOF, it was applied (pretest and post-test) the 16-item version of the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Results: The data show significant differences between pre- and post-test in reducing FOF into both specific variables (do the shopping, walk on a slippery surface, walk in a crowded place, walk on an uneven surface, and go up and down a ramp), as in the overall score (the global values of the experimental group decreased six points in the perceived fear scale, while the global values of the group increased three points). Conclusion: The application of the AUJ program meant significant improvements in subjects’ perception of FOF.
The Impact of Self-Quantification on Consumers’ Participation in Green Consumption Activities and Behavioral Decision-Making
Authors: Zhang Yudong , Zhang Huilong , Zhang Chubing , Li Dongjin
Published: May 2020

Looking at the contradiction between the prevalence of self-quantification and unclear applicable boundaries, the objective of this study is to examine the internal mechanism of how self-quantification influences consumers’ participation and behavioral decision-making in green consumption activities. Based on the goal setting theory, a series of research hypotheses were proposed. Four experiments were designed and performed in different situations with different subjects. Through the analysis of variance and bootstrap testing, the experimental data were analyzed and processed. The results show that, under specific goals, consumers with low self-quantification participate more in promotional activities and less in defensive activities. In promotional green consumption activities, self-quantification enables consumers with (without) goal requirements to reduce (enhance) their participation performance, and choose high-intensity promotional activity categories less (more) with better (worse) participation experience. In defensive green consumption activities, self-quantification enables consumers with (without) goal limitations to enhance (reduce) participation performance and choose high-intensity defensive categories more (less) with better (worse) participation experience. The conclusions can provide enlightenment for enterprises to guide consumers to participate in green consumption activities.
Alternative POME Treatment Technology in the Implementation of Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO), and Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) Standards Using LCA and AHP Methods
Authors: Nasution Muhammad Ansori , Wulandari Ayu , Ahamed Tofael , Noguchi Ryozo
Published: May 2020

Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is a major concern as open lagoon technology is not environment-friendly. Therefore, the palm oil industry refers to a roundtable on sustainable palm oil (RSPO), Indonesian sustainable palm oil (ISPO), and Malaysian sustainable palm oil (MSPO) standards for POME treatment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. An alternative POME treatment technology is the combination of open lagoon technology (COLT) with composting, biogas technology plus composting, biogas technology plus membrane, and biogas technology plus land application. The objective of this study is to analyze the life cycle assessment (LCA) result using a multi-criteria decision approach and to determine the implementation of POME treatment in the RSPO, ISPO, and MSPO standards. The LCA system boundary was considered from gate-to-gate and unit per ton of fresh fruit bunch as a functional unit. SimaPro® was used as the LCA analysis tool; Expert Choice® and Super Decision Software® were used to perform the analytic hierarchy process and analytic network process, respectively. In this study, COLT–Biogas plus composting technology had the maximum priority weight (0.470), according to the opinion of experts. The results could help palm oil mill decision-makers in choosing environment-friendly POME treatment technology.
Simulation Modeling Approach for Collaborative Workplaces’ Assessment in Sustainable Manufacturing
Authors: Ojstersek Robert , Buchmeister Borut
Published: May 2020

The presented manuscript represents a new simulation modeling approach, which evaluates the impact of collaborative workplaces on manufacturing sustainability in terms of workplaces’ cost, flow times and electrical energy consumption. The impact of collaborative workplaces on the manufacturing system and on its sustainable viability as a whole has not yet been explored, despite the fact that collaborative workplaces are increasingly present in different manufacturing systems. In the past, researchers have devoted a lot of time to research individually examining the collaborative machines, workplaces and various aspects of Sustainable Manufacturing. Investigating the impact of collaborative workplaces on an enterprise’s financial, social and environmental points of view is a very complex task, since we are talking about a multicriteria evaluation of manufacturing systems. The simulation approach is based on a newly proposed block diagram structure that allows for an evaluation of the impact of collaborative workplaces on Sustainable Manufacturing in its entirety. Using the input data of the real-world manufacturing system characteristics and Eurostat statistical values, numerical and graphical results of the proposed simulation evaluation are given, which, with a high degree of evaluation credibility, influences the introduction of collaborative workplaces in manual workplaces. The results obtained show a 20% reduction in the cost of collaborative workstations compared to manual assembly workstations, a 13.2% reduction in order throughput times, a negligible increase in energy consumption in operation mode of 3.28% and a 4.57% reduction in the idle mode. The new evaluation approach allows for a comprehensive consideration of the influence of the collective workplace when developing new or modernizing existing manufacturing systems from a financial, social and environmental point of view.
Sustainable Application of Hybrid Point Cloud and BIM Method for Tracking Construction Progress
Authors: Kim Seungho , Kim Sangyong , Lee Dong-Eun
Published: May 2020

Compared to the past, the complexity of construction-project progress has increased as the size of structures has become larger and taller. This has resulted in many unexpected problems with an increasing frequency of occurrence, such as various uncertainties and risk factors. Recently, research was conducted to solve the problem via integration with data-collection automation tools of construction-project-progress measurement. Most of the methods used spatial sensing technology. Thus, this study performed a review of the representative technologies applied to construction-project-progress data collection and identified the unique characteristics of each technology. The basic principle of the progress proposed in this study is its execution through the point cloud and the attributes of BIM, which were studied in five stages: (1) Acquisition of construction completion data using a point cloud, (2) production of a completed 3D model, (3) interworking of an as-planned BIM model and as-built model, (4) construction progress tracking via overlap of two 3D models, and (5) verification by comparison with actual data. This has confirmed that the technical limitations of the construction progress tracking through the point cloud do not exist, and that a fairly high degree of progress data which contains efficiency and accuracy can be collected.
A Bi-Objective Approach to Minimize Makespan and Energy Consumption in Flow Shops with Peak Demand Constraint
Authors: Cui Weiwei , Lu Biao
Published: May 2020

With the growing concern of energy shortage and environment pollution, the energy aware operation management problem has emerged as a hot topic in industrial engineering recently. An integrated model consisting of production scheduling, preventive maintenance (PM) planning, and energy controlling is established for the flow shops with the PM constraint and peak demand constraint. The machine’s on/off and the speed level selection are considered to save the energy consumption in this problem. To minimize the makespan and the total energy consumption simultaneously, a multi-objective algorithm founded on NSGA-II is designed to solve the model effectively. The key decision variables are coded into the chromosome, while the others are obtained heuristically using the proposed decoding method when evaluating the chromosome. Numerical experiments were conducted to validate the effectiveness and efficiency by comparing the proposed algorithm and the traditional rules in manufacturing plant. The impacts of constraints on the Pareto frontier are also shown when analyzing the tradeoff between two objectives, which can be used to explicitly assess the energy consumption.
An Agent-Based Simulation Approach for Evaluating the Performance of On-Demand Bus Services
Authors: Liyanage Sohani , Dia Hussein
Published: May 2020

On-demand multi-passenger shared transport options are increasingly being promoted as an influential strategy to reduce traffic congestion and emissions and improve the convenience and travel experience for passengers. These services, often referred to as on-demand public transport, are aimed at meeting personal travel demands through the use of shared vehicles that run on flexible routes using advanced tools for dynamic scheduling. This paper presents an agent-based traffic simulation model that was developed to evaluate the performance of on-demand public transport and compare it with existing scheduled bus services using a case study of the inner city of Melbourne in Australia. The key performance measures used in the comparative evaluation included quality of service and passenger experience in terms of waiting times, the efficiency of service and operations in terms of hourly vehicle utilization, and system efficiency in terms of trip completion rates, passenger kilometers travelled and total passenger trip times. The results showed significant benefits for passengers who use on-demand bus services compared to scheduled bus services. The on-demand bus service was found to reduce average total passenger waiting times by 89% during the Morning Peak; by 78% during the Mid-Day period; by 81% during the Afternoon Peak; and by more than 95% during other periods of the day. From an operator’s perspective, the on-demand services were found to achieve around 70% vehicle utilization rates during peak hours compared to a utilization rate not exceeding 16% for the scheduled bus services. Even during off-peak periods, the occupancies for on-demand services were almost twice the vehicle occupancies for scheduled bus services. In terms of system efficiency, the on-demand services achieved a trip completion rate of 85% compared to a trip completion rate of 67% for the scheduled bus services. The total passenger-kilometers travelled was similar for both scheduled and on-demand bus services, which refutes claims that on-demand bus services induce more kilometers of travel. The trip completion times were around 55% shorter for on-demand bus services compared to scheduled services, which represents a significant saving in travel time for users. Finally, the paper presents average emissions per completed trip for both types of services and shows a significant reduction in emissions for on-demand services compared to conventional bus services. These include, on average, a 48% reduction in CO2 emissions per trip; 82% reduction in NO emissions per trip; and 41% reduction in p.m.10 emissions per trip. These findings clearly demonstrate the superior benefits of on-demand bus services compared to scheduled bus services.
Dynamic Coordination of Internal Displacement: Return and Integration Cases in Ukraine and Georgia
Authors: Bazaluk Oleg , Balinchenko Svitlana
Published: May 2020

The conflict-related internal displacement in Ukraine since 2014, after the armed combats with Russian military forces backing the separatist administrations, as well as the occupation of Crimea by the Russian Federation have not been state-organized. They imply a range of personal choices depending on civil positions and destinations for resettlement; therefore, the affected persons get involved in the consequent practical discourses and decision-making processes. Based on the legislative acts and the international reports on internal displacement, the internal displacement due to the current hybrid war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine is compared with the first Russia-backed separatist conflicts after the collapse of the USSR—the wars in South Ossetia, in 1992, and in Abkhazia, in 2008. The internal displacement situations have been reviewed through their dynamic coordination patterns, with regard to non-equilibrium transitions, fluctuations, and adaptations triggered on the systemic, community, and personal levels, as well as to the expected durable solutions: integration, return, temporary resettlement. Therefore, we suggest, for further discussion, the patterns of bistability—for the internal displacement due to the Russo-Georgian wars of 1992 and 2008, characterized by an overfocus, in the practical discourses, on the return of the internally displaced persons (IDP), and metastability—for the conflict-related internal displacement in Ukraine, with both the return and local integration solutions creating the quasi-stable system.
Effects of Different Fertilization Regimes on Crop Yield and Soil Water Use Efficiency of Millet and Soybean
Authors: Liu Qiang , Xu Hongwei , Mu Xingmin , Zhao Guangju , Gao Peng , Sun Wenyi
Published: May 2020

Soil water and nutrients are major factors limiting crop productivity. In the present study, soil water use efficiency (WUE) and crop yield of millet and soybean were investigated under nine fertilization regimes (no nitrogen (N) and no phosphorus (P) (CK), 120 kg ha−1 N and no P (N1P0), 240 kg ha−1 N and no P (N2P0), 45 kg ha−1 P and no N (N0P1), 90 kg ha−1 P and no N (N0P2), 120 kg ha−1 N and 45 kg ha−1 P (N1P1), 240 kg ha−1 N and 45 kg ha−1 P (N2P1), 120 kg ha−1 N and 90 kg ha−1 P (N1P2), 240 kg ha−1 N and 90 kg ha−1 P (N2P2)) in the Loess Plateau, China. We conducted fertilization experiments in two cultivation seasons and collected soil nutrient, water use, and crop yield data. Combined N and P fertilization resulted in the greatest increase in crop yield and WUE, followed by the single P fertilizer application, and single N fertilizer application. The control treatment, which consisted of neither P nor N fertilizer application, had the least effect on crop yield. The combined N and P fertilization increased soil organic matter (SOM) and soil total N, while soil water consumption increased in all treatments. SOM and total N content increased significantly when compared to the control conditions, by 27.1–81.3%, and 301.3–669.2%, respectively, only under combined N and P application. The combined N and P application promoted the formation of a favorable soil aggregate structure and improved soil microbial activity, which accelerated fertilizer use, and enhanced the capacity of soil to maintain fertilizer supply. Crop yield increased significantly in all treatments when compared to the control conditions, with soybean and millet yields increasing by 82.5–560.1% and 55–490.8%, respectively. The combined application of N and P fertilizers increased soil water consumption, improved soil WUE, and satisfied crop growth and development requirements. In addition, soil WUE was significantly positively correlated with crop yield. Our results provide a scientific basis for rational crop fertilization in semi-arid areas on the Loess Plateau.
Switching Perfect Control Algorithm
Authors: Krok Marek , Hunek Wojciech P. , Feliks Tomasz
Published: May 2020

The application of the switching control framework to the perfect control algorithm is presented in this paper. Employing the nonunique matrix inverses, the different closed-loop properties are obtained and further enhanced with possible switching methodology implementation. Simulation examples performed in the MATLAB/Simulink environment clearly show that the new framework can lead to benefits in terms of the control energy, speed, and robustness of the perfect control law. The possibility of transferring the new obtained results to the symmetrical nonlinear plants seems to be immediate.
S-box Construction Based on Linear Fractional Transformation and Permutation Function
Authors: Nizam Chew Liyana Chew , Ismail Eddie Shahril
Published: May 2020

Substitution boxes (S-box) with strong and secure cryptographic properties are widely used for providing the key property of nonlinearity in block ciphers. This is critical to be resistant to a standard attack including linear and differential cryptanalysis. The ability to create a cryptographically strong S-box depends on its construction technique. This work aims to design and develop a cryptographically strong 8 × 8 S-box for block ciphers. In this work, the construction of the S-box is based on the linear fractional transformation and permutation function. Three steps involved in producing the S-box. In step one, an irreducible polynomial of degree eight is chosen, and all roots of the primitive irreducible polynomial are calculated. In step two, algebraic properties of linear fractional transformation are applied in Galois Field GF (28). Finally, the produced matrix is permuted to add randomness to the S-box. The strength of the S-box is measured by calculating its potency to create confusion. To analyze the security properties of the S-box, some well-known and commonly used algebraic attacks are used. The proposed S-box is analyzed by nonlinearity test, algebraic degree, differential uniformity, and strict avalanche criterion which are the avalanche effect test, completeness test, and strong S-box test. S-box analysis is done before and after the application of the permutation function and the analysis result shows that the S-box with permutation function has reached the optimal properties as a secure S-box.
Substitution of the CD81 Binding Site and β-Sandwich Area in E2 of HCV in Cambodia
Authors: Yamamoto Chikako , Nagashima Shintaro , Chuon Channarena , Ko Ko , Huy Do Son , Lim Oline , Hok Sirany , Svay Somana , Matsuo Junko , Katayama Keiko , Takahashi Kazuaki , Tanaka Junko
Published: May 2020

The high genetic variability of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the main obstacle to developing a vaccine. E2 has attracted attention for vaccine development because targeting this protein could potentially overcome issues related to the genetic diversity of HCV. In this study, we analyzed HCV genes in the general population of Cambodia and investigated the E2 locus as a candidate for vaccine development. HCV sero-epidemiological surveys were conducted between the period 2010 and 2014, with an HCV RNA–positive rate of 1.3% (11/868). Follow-up blood samples were collected from four anti-HCV– and HCV RNA– positive patients (genotype 1b: 2 cases, 6e: 1 case, 6r: 1 case) after 4.12 years. Analysis of HCV full-length nucleotide sequences in paired specimens revealed that the mutation rates of HCV genotypes 1b and 6e/6r were 1.61–2.03 × 10−3 and 2.52–2.74 × 10−3 substitutions/site/year, respectively. Non-synonymous substitutions were detected in HVR1, the front layer of the CD81 binding site, and the β-sandwich, but not in the N-terminal region or adjacent to the CD81 binding site. Therefore, we conclude that the CD81 binding site is a promising locus for HCV vaccine development.
HIV-1 Proviral Transcription and Latency in the New Era
Authors: Shukla Ashutosh , Ramirez Nora-Guadalupe P. , D’Orso Iván
Published: May 2020

Three decades of extensive work in the HIV field have revealed key viral and host cell factors controlling proviral transcription. Various models of transcriptional regulation have emerged based on the collective information from in vitro assays and work in both immortalized and primary cell-based models. Here, we provide a recount of the past and current literature, highlight key regulatory aspects, and further describe potential limitations of previous studies. We particularly delve into critical steps of HIV gene expression including the role of the integration site, nucleosome positioning and epigenomics, and the transition from initiation to pausing and pause release. We also discuss open questions in the field concerning the generality of previous regulatory models to the control of HIV transcription in patients under suppressive therapy, including the role of the heterogeneous integration landscape, clonal expansion, and bottlenecks to eradicate viral persistence. Finally, we propose that building upon previous discoveries and improved or yet-to-be discovered technologies will unravel molecular mechanisms of latency establishment and reactivation in a “new era”.
Efficacy of Lytic Phage Cocktails on Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Mixed-Species Planktonic Cultures and Biofilms
Authors: Kifelew Legesse Garedew , Warner Morgyn S. , Morales Sandra , Thomas Nicky , Gordon David L. , Mitchell James G. , Speck Peter G.
Published: May 2020

The efficacy of phages in multispecies infections has been poorly examined. The in vitro lytic efficacies of phage cocktails AB-SA01, AB-PA01, which target Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively, and their combination against their hosts were evaluated in S. aureus and P. aeruginosa mixed-species planktonic and biofilm cultures. Green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labelled P. aeruginosa PAO1 and mCherry-labelled S. aureus KUB7 laboratory strains and clinical isolates were used as target bacteria. During real-time monitoring using fluorescence spectrophotometry, the density of mCherry S. aureus KUB7 and GFP P. aeruginosa PAO1 significantly decreased when treated by their respective phage cocktail, a mixture of phage cocktails, and gentamicin. The decrease in bacterial density measured by relative fluorescence strongly associated with the decline in bacterial cell counts. This microplate-based mixed-species culture treatment monitoring through spectrophotometry combine reproducibility, rapidity, and ease of management. It is amenable to high-throughput screening for phage cocktail efficacy evaluation. Each phage cocktail, the combination of the two phage cocktails, and tetracycline produced significant biofilm biomass reduction in mixed-species biofilms. This study result shows that these phage cocktails lyse their hosts in the presence of non-susceptible bacteria. These data support the use of phage cocktails therapy in infections with multiple bacterial species.
Preventively significant information on big city residents’ dental status discovered during epidemiological study according to the questionnaire survey
Authors: Shchipskiy A. V. , Shakirova R. R. , Lekomtseva U. V.
Published: May 2020

Relevance. Effective preventive programs cannot be developed without studying the issue using population epidemiological survey.

Purpose. Improving efficiency of dental diseases preventionbasing on the information obtained during an epidemiological survey of Izhevsk citizens.

Materials and methods. 107 residents were examined according to WHO criteria in representative age categories: n = 57 (63.3%) in the category from 35 to 44 years old; n = 50 (46.7%) - from 65 to 88 years; n = 83 (77.6%) women (54.9 ± 1.9 years); n = 24 (22.4%) men (53.7 ± 3.7 years). The study was random and voluntary, the conclusions are based on the results of statistical analysis.

Results. The respondents’ menu included products with a cariogenic effect: fruits (4.27 ± 0.09 on a 6-point scale), cookies (3.66 ± 0.11), jam or honey (3.56 ± 0.13), pies (3.48 ± 0.12), coffee (3.33 ± 0.13), tea (3.25 ± 0.13), chewing gums (3.21 ± 0.13 points), sweets (3.05 ± 0.12), beverages (3.02 ± 0.14). Respondents brushed their teeth 2 times (67.3%) or 1 time daily (30.8%), some of them used flosses (14.0%). Prevalence (p < 0.001) of positiveteeth(61.7%) and gums (72.8%) conditionappraisalmust be conceived as subjective perception. Considering “satisfactory” and “unsatisfactory” as similar critical manifestation negative assessment of the respondents reliably prevails (p <0.001). Respondents visited dentist when they felt pain (91.6%). Most of them (93.5%) advised of a partial lack of teethand the need for prosthetics.

Conclusion. Cariogenic diet, lack of interdental hygiene and a check-upculture define Izhevsk citizensas potentialdentist patients. Forming preventive programs we have to explain the importance of interdental hygiene; dental care should be refocused from the category of forced demand to the category of preventive conscious demand in the mind of citizens. Due to the high educational levelwe can hope for the effectiveness of prevention programs among Izhevsk citizens.
The infrared thermometry: registration of healing process of the free gingival graft
Authors: Bespalova N. A. , Durnovo E. A. , Galkina E. S. , Tarakanova V. A. , Runova N. V.
Published: May 2020

Relevance. The main aim of this article is determining the possibilities of clinical application of the infrared thermometry method in order to identify, predict and correct early complications such as ischemic and necrotic process after vestibuloplasty surgery using free gingival graft.

Purpose. To determine the possibility of using the infrared thermometry method to study the regeneration processes of the mucous graft after vestibuloplasty surgery using free gingival graft.

Materials and methods. 34 patients with a thin biotype and a small vestibule of the oral cavity. The vestibuloplasty was indicated. Depending on the choice of the method of surgical treatment, vestibuloplasty with/ or without free gingival graft, all patients were divided into 2 groups. And the 3rd (control) group consisted of patients with similar clinical picture for control data. Particular attention was paid to the healing process in the early postoperative period on days 1, 3, 7, 14. Patients were examined using a CEM-ThermoDiagnostics infrared thermometer.

Results. The study confirmed the high clinical efficacy the both surgical methods of vestibuloplasty with/ or without free gingival graft. We did not registrate negative temperature values indicating the development of ischemic process which can lead to necrosis. We have diagnosed correlation between temperature values and clinical pictures.

Conclusion. Using of IR-thermometry is an effective method for examination of the healing process after vestibuloplasty using with/ or without free gingival graft. It can show processes of revascularization of free gingival graft and examine some inflammation. This is the additional method of research, but in combination with clinical picture, it can be proposed as an accurate criterion for predicting early ischemic complications.
Рarameters of spontaneous activation of basophils on dental materials with allergic rhinitis patients
Authors: Kozlov V. A. , Satygo E. A. , Shakhaev S. G.
Published: May 2020

Relevance. Тhe quality of dental care is greatly influenced by the biocompatibility of the materials used. This problem is particularly acute in patients with a high level of sensitization, such as allergic rhinitis. Currently, the CAST-test is used to diagnose allergies and sensitization of the body. The method has 100% specificity and significantly complements the definition of IgE antibodies.

Purpose. To determine the individual tolerance of dental materials in patients with allergic rhinitis.

Materials and methods. 47 patients with allergic rhinitis were examined. All patients were sent to determine the test of spontaneous activation of peripheral blood basophils on dental materials: cobalt-chromium alloy; zirconium dioxide; glass ionomer cement; composite material; plastic for the basis of the prosthesis (non-monomer).

Results. The Average values of the activation coefficient of blood basophils in patients with nasal breathing disorders were revealed for a kobolto-chrome alloy – 1.29 ± 0.02, for zirconium dioxide – 1.04 ± 0.02, for glass ionomer cement – 1.11 ± 0.04, for composite dental light – curing material – 1.24 ± 0.03, for plastic for prostheses (non-monomer) – 1.19 ± 0.02.

Conclusion. The study shows the need for special attention to the planning of dental treatment in patients with nasal breathing difficulties, especially with allergic rhinitis. The frequency of detection of the coefficient of spontaneous activation of basophils test showed a 100% positive result for composite light-curing material and non-motionless plastic, in 91.5% of cases-for a cobolto chrome alloy. 100% negative result for zirconium diaxide and 82.9% of cases for glass ionomer cement.
Pilot in vivo animal study of bone regeneration by Laser Patterned Microcoagulation technology
Authors: Yaremenko A. I. , Zernitskiy A. Yu. , Kutukova S. I. , Zernitskaya E. A. , Stolyarova A. I. , Anisimova L. O.
Published: May 2020

Relevance. Fractional laser technologies are very popular. The ability to create microchannels (coagulation or ablative nature) in the tissue by laser radiation stimulating its regeneration is the basis of fractional technology. The histological structure of the rabbit parietal bone during its regeneration after Laser Patterned Microcoagulation treatment was investigated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain.

Purpose. This in vivo study investigated the regeneration of the rabbit’s parietal bone after fractional laser treatment using diode lasers with wavelengths 980 nm and 1550 nm.

Materials and methods. A study was performed on the bone tissue of 10 laboratory animals (rabbits) using laser fractional treatment with wavelengths 1.55 and 0.98 μm. As laboratory animals (rabbits) were used Soviet chinchillas weighing 2.5-3 kg. 2 different lasers were used: FONALaser (Sirona Dental Systems, Germany) with a wavelength of 980 nm, a power of 5 W and a laser surgical device (LSP “IRE-Polyus”, Russia) with a wavelength of 1550 nm, a power of 25 W and a pulse width range from 60 to 250 ms.

Results. On day 21, the thickness of the periosteum in the group with a wavelength of 980 nm did not significantly differ from the thickness of the periosteum in the group with a wavelength of 1550 nm – p = 0.4000. On the 45th day of observation, there were also no significant differences in the thickness of the periosteum between both groups – p = 0.2000.

Conclusion. It was shown that the most destruction processes were noted by laser with a wavelength 1550 nm in the experiment without periosteum. The smallest changes were noted by laser with a wavelength 980 nm in the presence of periosteum. In this study, in 6 cases out of 10, the formation of young bone tissue as thin strip form at the bottom of the lesion site was noted.
A Estruturação do Rol de Oportunidades de Visitação no Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros (GO)
Authors: Andrade Thamyris Carvalho , Souza Thiago do Val Simardi Beraldo , Cunha André de Almeida
Published: May 2020

Este artigo versa sobre a aplicação do método do Rol de Oportunidades de Visitação em Áreas Protegidas – ROVUC [recentemente atualizado e validado pelo Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade – ICMBio] no Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros – PNCV. Seu objetivo foi identificar ações prioritárias de planejamento de uso público que subsidiem a construção do Plano de Uso Público da referida Unidade de Conservação – UC. Para a coleta de dados foram realizadas oficinas com a participação de alguns atores sociais, a saber: gestores da UC e guias de Turismo atuantes na região. Sua justificativa se dá pela expansão da área de extensão do PNCV que associada ao crescente fluxo de visitação dos últimos dez anos reforçou a necessidade de um levantamento de subsídios que auxiliem em seu planejamento por se tratar de uma área de Cerrado de acentuado interesse ecológico. A partir dos procedimentos realizados e aqui descritos identificou-se que a diversificação das oportunidades é uma aliada para a gestão do PNCV, no que tange à oportunização do visitante não somente à realização de uma determinada atividade, mas sim, o favorecimento de uma experiência.
Planejamento do turismo comunitário: estudo de caso nas ilhas do município de Ananindeua (PA)
Authors: Pacheco Cristiane da Silva Assunção , Elias Leila Marcia Sousa de Lima
Published: May 2020

O Artigo tem como objetivo ampliar o conhecimento sobre o turismo no município de Ananindeua, localizado na Região Metropolitana de Belém (PA), analisar o potencial para o Ecoturismo na região e a importância de envolver a comunidade local em projetos que incentivem o desenvolvimento sustentável; Será apresentado a história do município e as etapas legais necessárias para a regulamentação e implantação de projetos ecológico.  O estudo foi realizado através do levantamento de dados em páginas oficiais do governo, artigos, pesquisa de campo realizada na ilha Igarapé Grande e depoimentos de moradores, no qual foi possível notar a carência de projetos turísticos nas ilhas. Sendo apresentado no estudo algumas etapas necessárias para a implantação de projetos que explore de forma responsável a área insular de Ananindeua, assim como a importância da participação dos órgãos públicos para que os projetos sejam bem sucedidos e benéficos a comunidade local, proporcionando o desenvolvimento econômico sustentável da região.
Validação empírica de um instrumento para mensurar os fatores que afetam o apoio dos residentes ao desenvolvimento do turismo em áreas naturais protegidas
Authors: Santana Carla Stefânia Cabral de Medeiros , Nascimento Marcos Antônio Leite do , Junior Sergio Marques
Published: May 2020

O objetivo deste artigo é realizar a validação estatística de um instrumento de pesquisa para medir o conjunto de variáveis observáveis pertencentes a cada um dos fatores que podem afetar o apoio dos residentes ao desenvolvimento do turismo na Unidade de Conservação da natureza Parque das Dunas, Natal/ RN. Para tanto, foi desenvolvido um estudo exploratório e descritivo, com abordagem analítica quantitativa. A amostra coletada foi composta de 180 respondentes residentes na localidade de Natal/RN que se encontravam em visita a área natural. Esta amostra foi coletada de maneira não probabilística por conveniência e utilizando-se a sistematização como critério de seleção dos respondentes. Os dados coletados foram analisados por meio da técnica de estatística multivariada, especificamente análise fatorial exploratória e análise fatorial confirmatória, através do SPSS, v. 18.0.  Dos resultados encontrados, conforme os critérios recomendados, conclui-se que estão adequados, consistentes e validados em âmbito exploratório e confirmatório. Desta forma, como contribuição, esta pesquisa possibilitou reforçar a relevância de estudos desta natureza, visando apurar variáveis observáveis na formação de fatores e se estão medindo o que devem efetivamente medir.
Media Representation of Religiousness in Modern Russian Society
Authors: Neskryabina Olga Fedorovna , Ustyuzhanina Daria Alexandrovna , Morozova Olga Fedorovna , Malimonov Igor Vasilievich , Piskorskaya Svetlana Yuryevna , Rakhinsky Dmitry Vladimirovich
Published: May 2020

The study is devoted to a relevant topic – the analysis of the media representation of religiousness in modern Russian society based on media materials. In the scientific literature, there are various assessments of religious media discourse: some authors argue that the media reflect and others that the media distort the real situation. The study presents the idea that the ambiguity of assessments of the level of religiousness and its features is only partially explained by ideological differences between the discourses. To a large extent, such ambiguity is formed as a consequence of the instability of religious identification. Media materials note the superficial nature of religious consciousness, which is evidenced by the low level of churching, predominantly ceremonial nature of religious practice, and shallow knowledge of the essence of dogma. However, according to the authors of the study, an insufficiently high level of religious culture should not be assessed as a profanation of faith. The analysis of the texts published in Russian printed and online media shows that the image of religiousness in the secular segment of the information field differs from the media of different political orientations.
The yield and baking quality of Siberia-bred spring soft wheat varieties in the north forest-steppe of the Tyumen region
Authors: Kazak Anastasia Afonasyevna , Loginov Yury Pavlovich
Published: May 2020

Over the past century and at the beginning of the current one, Siberian breeders have been intensively breeding spring soft wheat for improving the yield and grain quality. The ecologically and geographically diverse source material has been used at the breeding and educational institutions of the region. Thus, in the severe Siberian conditions, the wheat gene pool has been painstakingly created. It has been very difficult here to solve the problem of improving the grain quality, but, given the determination and the talent of many breeders and geneticists, the gene pool of valuable and strong wheat varieties has been created. As a result, being formerly a consumer of food wheat, Siberia has now become a region producing high-quality grain for domestic use and sale in the foreign market. The gene pool of spring soft wheat, which is so rich in the volume and quality, has not been studied in full, and not used throughout Siberia. In 2013 – 2015, sixteen valuable and strong varieties of Siberia-bred wheat had been studied in the northern zone of the Tyumen region on the experimental field of the Northern Trans-Ural State Agricultural University. It has been found that the average productivity of the early-ripening Novosibirskaya 16, Tulun 15, and Polyushko varieties over the three years amounted to 2.52 – 2.89 t/ha, and was close to the yield (2.35 – 3.10 t/ha) of the middle-early ripening varieties. In the midseason-ripening group, the Alyoshina and Altayskaya 110 and 325 varieties exceeded the Tyumen-bred standard Lutescens 70 by 0.23 – 0.69 t/ha with the yield of the latter being 2.54 t/ha. In terms of the content and quality of gluten, the following varieties stood out: Iren, Novosibirskaya 15, Tulun 15, Polyushko, Omskaya 36, Skala, Boyevchanka, Pamyati Vavenkova, Tyumenskaya 80, Alyoshina, and Altayskaya 325. In terms of baking properties (3.7 – 4.2 points), the following varieties stood out: Iren, Novosibirskaya 15, 29, 31, Polyushko, Skala, Boyevchanka, Pamyati Vavenkova, Tyumenskaya 80, Tulunskaya 12, and Altayskaya 325, which can be used as the source material for further wheat breeding.