bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Mechanism of Ziyin Tongluo Formula in the Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis：based on Network Pharmacology and Ovariectomized Rat Model
Authors: Rongbin Chen , Yingdong Yang , Kai Sun , Shan Liu , Wei Guo , Jinxin Zhang , Yong Li
Published: June 2021

BackgroundAmending from ancient classic, Ziyin Tongluo Formula (ZYTLF) has been prescribed to treat Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) for decades and obtained beneficial effect. However, the possible mechanisms of it are still unknown. MethodsOvariectomized rat model were established to validate the therapeutic effect of ZYTLF on PMOP by Micro-CT bone analysis and pathological observation. Subsequently, active ingredients of ZYTLF and corresponding putative targets were identified by online databases. Overlapping genes were obtained by mining genes associated with PMOP and then overlapping them with the putative targets. Key genes were selected from the multiple constructed and analyzed networks. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed by importing the key genes to the DAVID database. Moreover, validation of the binding association between key targets and their corresponding active compounds were accomplished by AutoDock Tools and other softwares. Lastly, Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa) detection and Western blot analysis were utilized to further explore the possible mechanism of ZYTLF on PMOP. ResultsWith 129 target genes interacting with PMOP, 92 active compounds of ZYTLF corresponded to 243 targets, and 50 key genes were chosen. Network analysis revealed the top 10 active ingredients, such as quercetin, kaempferol and the top 50 key genes, such as ERα, p38 MAPK , p-AKT, TGF-β1. Enrichment analysis uncovered multiple signaling pathways, including estrogen signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, our finding of the foremost active compounds were tightly bound to the core proteins was verified by molecular docking analysis. We confirmed that the prescription of ZYTLF could ameliorate the OVX-induced bone loss, suppress the osteoclast activity and boost osteoblastg ability through experimental studies. ConclusionThe potential mechanisms and therapeutic effects of ZYTLF against PMOP may be ascribed to inhabit osteoclast activity, boost osteoblast activity and enhance the expression of ERα .
Prediction of Locations in Medical Images Using Orthogonal Neural Networks
Authors: Kim Jong Soo , Cho Yongil , Lim Tae Ho
Published: June 2021

An orthogonal neural network (ONN), a new deep-learning structure for medical image localization, is developed and presented in this paper. This method is simple, efficient, and completely different from a convolution neural network (CNN). The diagnostic performance of ONN for detecting the location of pneumothorax in chest X-rays was assessed and compared to that of CNN. An area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.870, an accuracy of 85.3%, a sensitivity of 75.0%, and a specificity of 86.5% were achieved; the ONN outperformed the CNN. The diagnostic performance of the ONN with a sigmoid activation function for all the nodes obviously outperformed the ONN with the rectified linear unit (RELU) activation function for all the nodes other than the output nodes. In addition, by applying ONN and CNN to predict the location of the glottis in laryngeal images, we achieved accurate and adjacent prediction rates of 70.5% and 20.5%, respectively, with the ONN. The prediction accuracy of the ONN was compared favorably with that of the CNN. Compared to a CNN, an ONN required only approximately 10% of the computations using a CNN trained on images with an input resolution of 256 × 256 pixels. A fully-connected small artificial neural network (ANN), selected by comparing the test results of several dozens of small ANN models, achieved the best location prediction performance on medical images. This study demonstrated that an ONN can be used as a quick selection criterion to compare ANN models for image localization since an ONN performed well compared decently with the selected ANN model.
The FEED1 Trial: Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial of Full Milk Feeds Versus Intravenous Fluids with Gradual Feeding for Preterm Infants (30-33 Weeks Gestational Age)
Authors: Mitchell Eleanor Jane , Meakin Garry , Anderson Josie , Dorling Jon , Gale Chris , Haines Rachel , Kenyan Charlotte , Johnson Mark J. , McGuire William , Mistry Hema , Montgomery Alan , Oddie Sam , Ogollah Reuben , Pallotti Phoebe , Partlett Christopher , Walker Kate F , Ojha Shalini
Published: June 2021

BackgroundIn the UK, approximately 8% of live births are preterm (before 37 weeks gestation), more than 90% of whom are born between 30 and 36 weeks, forming the largest proportion of a neonatal units’ workload. Neonatologists are cautious in initiating full milk feeds for preterm infants due to fears of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). There is now evidence to dispute this fear. Small studies have shown that feeding preterm infants full milk feeds enterally from birth could result in a shorter length of hospital stay, which is important to parents, clinicians and NHS services without increasing the risk of NEC. This trial aims to investigate whether full milk feeds initiated in the first 24 hours after birth reduces the length of hospital stay in comparison to introduction of gradual milk feeding with IV fluids.MethodsFEED1 is a multi-centre, open, parallel group, randomised, controlled superiority trial of full milk feeds initiated on the day of birth versus gradual milk feeds for infants born at 30+0 to 32+6 (inclusive) weeks gestation. Recruitment will take place in around 40 UK neonatal units. Mothers will be randomised 1:1 to full milk feeds, starting at 60 ml/kg day, or gradual feeds, as per usual local practice. Mother’s expressed breast milk will always be the first choice of milk, though will likely be supplemented with formula or donor breast milk in the first few days. Feeding data will be collected until full milk feeds are achieved (>140 ml/kg/day for 3 consecutive days). The primary outcome is length of infant hospital stay. Additional data will be collected 6 weeks post-discharge. Follow-up at 2 years (corrected gestational age) is planned. The sample size is 2088 infants to detect a between group difference in length of stay of two days. Accounting for multiple births, this requires 1700 women to be recruited. Primary analysis will compare the length of hospital stay between groups, adjusting for minimisation variables and accounting for multiple births.DiscussionThis trial will provide high-quality evidence on feeding practices for preterm infants. Full milk feeds from day of birth could result in infants being discharged sooner.Trial RegistrationISRCTN, ISRCTN89654042 prospectively registered on 23 September 2019; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN89654042
Text Data Augmentation for Deep Learning
Authors: Shorten Connor , Khoshgoftaar Taghi M. , Furht Borko
Published: June 2021

Natural Language Processing (NLP) is one of the most captivating applications of Deep Learning. In this survey, we consider how the Data Augmentation training strategy can aid in its development. We begin with the major motifs of Data Augmentation summarized into strengthening local decision boundaries, brute force training, causality and counterfactual examples, and the distinction between meaning and form. We follow these motifs with a concrete list of augmentation frameworks that have been developed for text data. Deep Learning generally struggles with the measurement of generalization and characterization of overfitting. We highlight studies that cover how augmentations can construct test sets for generalization. NLP is at an early stage in applying Data Augmentation compared to Computer Vision. We highlight the key differences and promising ideas that have yet to be tested in NLP. For the sake of practical implementation, we describe tools that facilitate Data Augmentation such as the use of consistency regularization, controllers, and offline and online augmentation pipelines, to preview a few. Finally, we discuss interesting topics around Data Augmentation in NLP such as task-specific augmentations, the use of prior knowledge in self-supervised learning versus Data Augmentation, intersections with transfer and multi-task learning, and ideas for AI-GAs (AI-Generating Algorithms). We hope this paper inspires further research interest in Text Data Augmentation.
Inhibition of Lactate-GPR81-PI3K/Akt Pathway May Exacerbate Aβ Aggregation in 3-Month-Old APP/PS1 Mice
Authors: Zhang Mao , Wang Yanyan , Chen Xuedan , Dai Limeng , Bai Yun , Yao Zhongxiang , Li Rongrong , Guo Hong
Published: June 2021

Lactate is not only an energy metabolite for neurons, but also serves as a molecule regulator affecting neuronal activity through its receptor, G protein-coupled receptor 81 (GPR81). This receptor can trigger cellular signaling pathways, such as phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase /protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway. Particularly, lactate deficit and inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway were observed to be related with early synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In addition, amyloid beta (Aβ) is toxic to neurons, while in vitro lactate administration of neurons can resist against this toxicity. Hence, this work focuses on the effect of lactate deficiency on Aβ production, suggesting that lactate decrease can inhibit GPR81-PI3K/Akt pathway, and then reduce deoxyribonucleic acid methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) expression, further resulting in increase of beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and Aβ production. Based on the analysis of results, this study primarily proves that lactate reduction suppresses its downstream GPR81-PI3K/Akt pathway, which decreases the expression of DNMT1 through regulating cyclic-adenosine-monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB)/P300. Then, it is proved that DNMT1 reduction can lead to the increase of BACE1 and Aβ accumulation in AD. At last, in vitro experiment recognizes that lactate directly activates GPR81-PI3K/Akt pathway. Thus, this study provides a novel insight in Aβ production in relation with lactate deficit at early stage of AD. Particularly, it is suggested that extra addition of lactate might be protective for neurons targeting Aβ clearance in early treatment of AD.
Genome-wide Association Study Revealed Loci Linked to Post-drought Recovery and Traits Related to Persistence of Smooth Bromegrass (Bromus Inermis)
Authors: Saeidnia Fatemeh , Majidi Mohammad Mahdi , Mirlohi Aghafakhr , Ahmadi Benyamin
Published: June 2021

Association analysis has been proved as a powerful tool for genetic dissection of complex traits. This study was conducted to identify marker–trait associations for recovery, persistence, and as well as finding stable associations. In this study, a diverse panel of polycross derived progenies of smooth bromegrass was phenotyped under normal and water stress, during three consecutive years. Association analysis was performed between nine important agronomic traits along with three seasonal growth activity indices based on 535 SRAP markers. Population structure analysis identified five main subpopulations possessing significant genetic differences. Association analysis using mixed linear mode1 identified 339 and 233 marker-trait associations under normal and water stress environments, respectively. Some of these markers were associated with more than one trait; which can be attributed to pleiotropic effects or to a number of tightly linked genes affecting several traits. If the effectiveness of these markers in genetic control of these traits is validated, they could be potentially used for initiation of marker-assisted selection and targeted trait introgression of smooth bromegrass under normal and water stress environments.
Metabolic Engineering of the Methylotrophic Yeast Pichia Pastoris (Komagataella phaffii) for the Production of Β-alanine From Methanol
Authors: Miao Liangtian , Li Yin , Zhu Taicheng
Published: June 2021

β-Alanine (3-aminopropionic acid), is the only naturally occurring β-amino acid and an important precursor for the synthesis of a variety of nitrogen-containing chemicals. Fermentative production of β-alanine from renewable feedstocks such as glucose has attracted significant interest in recent years. Methanol has become an emerging and promising renewable feedstock for biomanufacturing as an alternative to glucose. In this work, we demonstrated the feasibility of β-alanine production from methanol using Pichia pastoris (Komagataella phaffii) as a methylotrophic cell factory. Aspartate decarboxylases (ADCs) from different sources were screened and expressed in P. pastoris, followed by the optimization of aspartate decarboxylation by increasing the ADC copy number and C4 precursor supply via the overexpression of aspartate dehydrogenase. The production potential of the best strain was further evaluated in a 1-liter fermenter, and a β-alanine titer of 5.6 g/L was obtained. To our best knowledge, this is the highest chemical production titer ever reached in P. pastoris using methanol as the substrate.
Rifampicin-resistance Pattern of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and Associated Risk Factors Among Presumptive Pulmonary and Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients at Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Southeast Ethiopia
Authors: Kelecha Wakuman Taye , Teklegiorgis Solomon Gebra-Sellasie , Gemechu Mesay Mitiku
Published: June 2021

Background: Drug resistant M.tuberculosis is one of the serious public health trouble that intimidating progress made in tuberculosis cases and control in several countries. Early detection of drug-resistant tuberculosis is crucial for patient management and infection control. Methods: Hospital based cross-sectional study design was conducted from October 2020 to February 2021. Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and resistance to Rifampicin pattern was determined by using GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay. Data were entered and analyzed by SPSS version 23.0. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine the relationship between dependent and independent variables. Less than 0.05 P-value was used to show significance.Results: A total of 301 presumptive tuberculosis patients were included in the study; of these, 46 (15.3%) of them were identified as having Mycobacterium tuberculosis, 2/46 (4.35%) were resistant to Rifampicin and 4/46 (14.8%) patients were TB/HIV co-infected. From the total of M. tuberculosis detected 40 (16.7%) were identified in pulmonary and 6 (9.8%) were in extra-pulmonary presumptive patients. Rifampicin-resistant M. tuberculosis was detected in 2 patients who had a history of taking Anti-tuberculosis drugs. Conclusion: Previous history of tuberculosis treatment and having close contact history with tuberculosis patients were found as important associated factors that enhance the prevalence of tuberculosis among presumptive tuberculosis patients. This indicates the mandate to make better and oversee the treatment protocol to control the burden of drug resistant M.tuberculosis.
PRESSAFE-Disp: A Method For The Fast Seismic Assessment of Existing Precast RC Buildings After The Emilia Earthquake Of May 2012
Authors: Bovo Marco , Praticò Lucia , Savoia Marco
Published: June 2021

The existing precast reinforced concrete structures, especially those not specifically designed against the earthquakes, have proved to be inadequate to withstand the remarkable seismic demands related to the presence of heavy roof elements. In fact, the cantilever columns entailing large top displacements and the poor devices adopted to connect different precast elements have shown high sensitivity to seismic actions. After the lesson learned from the recent Emilia earthquake of May 2012, causing many collapses and severe damage, reliable seismic design criteria have been established for the design of new precast structures and for the strengthening of the existing ones. Despite this, a large percentage of the existing precast buildings in the Italian territories actually has not been object of interventions and remains in an unsafe condition with regards to the seismic actions. In this context, the methods for a rapid seismic assessment can be very helpful both to estimate the current safety level of large building stocks and to plan the necessary strengthening interventions, possibly at the wide scale of an industrial area. To this aim, the paper proposes a new method, named PRESSAFE-disp (PRecast Existing Structure Seismic Assessment by Fast Evaluation-displacements), for the fast evaluation of the fragility curves of precast structures. The method follows the approach of the PRESSAFE method, but different damage criteria have been introduced in order to take into account the relative displacements and the sliding between different precast elements. The damage criteria considered, applicable to both structural elements and perimeter cladding elements conceived as non-structural elements, have been properly selected in order to capture the damage mechanisms observed during the several building inspections conducted by the authors in the aftermath of the 2012 Emilia earthquakes. In the present configuration, the method allows a comprehensive explanation of the seismic behaviour of the existing precast buildings and could be effectively adopted, for example, in earthquake loss estimations and seismic risk assessments of large Italian industrial areas, as well as of wide seismic-prone territories of the Mediterranean area.
Prophylactic Implantation of Biologic Mesh in Peritonitis (PROPHYBIOM): A Prospective Multicentric Randomized Controlled Trial.
Authors: Coccolini Federico , Tarasconi Antonio , Petracca Gabriele Luciano , Perrone Gennaro , Giuffrida Mario , Disisto Caterina , Sartelli Massimo , Carcoforo Paolo , Ansaloni Luca , Catena Fausto
Published: June 2021

Background. Patients undergoing emergency surgery for peritonitis are at increased risk of abdominal wall-related complications. In patients with peritonitis the risk of incisional hernia (IH) is extremely elevated. The evaluation of quality of life of patients with incisional hernia showed lower mean scores on physical components of health-related quality of life and body image. Furthermore, the arise of a post-operative abdominal wall complication (i.e. wound dehiscence, evisceration and IH) greatly increases morbidity and mortality rates and prolongs the hospitalization.Methods. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the use of a swine dermal collagen prosthesis implanted preperitoneally as a prophylactic procedure in urgency/emergency setting against abdominal wall complications in patients operated with contaminated/infected field in peritonitis. The sample size was defined in 90 patients divided in two arms (prosthesis positioning versus normal wall abdominal closure). The follow-up will be performed at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. The percentage of incisional hernias, wound infections, adverse events will be investigated by physical examination and ultrasound.Discussion. The objective is to evaluate the possibility to reduce the incisional hernia rate in patients undergoing urgent/emergent laparotomy in contaminated/infected field with peritonitis by using swine dermal collagen prosthesis preperitoneal positioning as a prophylactic procedure.Trial registration. The trial has been registered on clinicaltrials.gov (ID number: NCT04681326) from 23 December 2020.
Correspondences between parameters in a reaction-diffusion model and connexin functions during zebrafish stripe formation
Authors: Nakamasu Akiko
Published: June 2021

Different diffusivities among interacting substances actualize the potential instability of a system. When these elicited instabilities manifested as forms of spatial periodicity, they are called Turing patterns. Simulations using general reaction-diffusion (RD) models have demonstrated that pigment patterns on the body trunk of growing fish follow a Turing pattern. Laser ablation experiments performed on zebrafish revealed apparent interactions among pigment cells, which allowed for a three-components RD model to be derived. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for Turing pattern formation in this system had been remained unknown. A zebrafish mutant with a spotted pattern was found to have a defect in Connexin41.8 (Cx41.8) which, together with Cx39.4, exists in pigment cells and controls pattern formations. Here, molecular-level evidence derived from connexin analyses was linked to the interactions among pigment cells described in previous RD modeling. Channels on pigment cells were generalized as “gates,” and the effects of respective gates were deduced. The model used partial differential equations (PDEs) to enable numerical and mathematical analyses of characteristics observed in the experiments. Furthermore, the improved PDE model included nonlinear reaction terms, enabled the consideration of the behavior of components.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Implementing a Secondary Prevention Programme in Those Patients Who Visited an Emergency Department for Drug-Related Problems
Authors: Ruiz Jesus , Juanes-Borrego Ana , Puig-Campmany Mireia , Blazquez-Andion Marta , Lopez-Vinardell Laia , Gilabert-Perramon Antonio , Guiu Josep María , Mangues-Bafalluy María Antonia
Published: June 2021

Background: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a secondary prevention programme in patients admitted to the Emergency department due drug-related problems (DRPs) Methods: A decision model compared costs and outcomes of patients admitted to the Emergency department with drug-related problems included in Anatomical Therapeutic Classification (ATC) groups A, B or C was designed, based on the results of a randomized clinical trial (NCT03607097). Model variables and costs, along with their distributions, were obtained from the trial results and the literature. The study was performed from the perspective of the National Health System including only direct costs. The Incremental Cost-Effectiveness ratio (ICER) was analysed regarding the ability of the programme to reduce emergency department revisits. Uncertainty in ICERs was evaluated with probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Results: According to the results of the proposed model, the implementation of a secondary prevention programme for DRPs reduces the cost associated with Emergency Department revisits, with an annual net benefit of €87,639. Considering a mortality rate attributable to readmission for DRPs of 4.7%, the cost per life-years gained (LYG) with the implementation of this program was €2,205. In the short term, the reduction in the number of revisits due to the implementation of the programme was the variable that most affected the model, with the benefit threshold value corresponding to a relative reduction of 12.4% of the number of revisits in patients with DRPs to obtain benefits with the implementation of this type of programme. Conclusions: Implementing a secondary prevention programme is cost-effective on patients admitted to the emergency department with DRPs. Implementation costs will be exceeded by reducing revisits to the emergency department.
Self-Driven Pretreatment and Room-Temperature Storage of Water Samples for Virus Detection Using Enhanced Porous Superabsorbent Polymer (PSAP) Beads
Authors: Chen Wensi , Wang Ting , Dou Zeou , Xie Xing
Published: June 2021

The continuous emergence of infectious viral diseases has become a major threat to public health. To quantify viruses, proper handling of water samples is required to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the testing results. In this study, we develop enhanced porous superabsorbent polymer (PSAP) beads to pretreat and store water samples for virus detection. By applying PSAP beads to collect water samples, the viruses are captured and encapsulated inside the beads while undesired components are excluded. We have successfully demonstrated that the shelf life of the model virus can be effectively extended at room temperature (22°C) and elevated temperature (35°C). Both the infectivity level and genome abundance of the viruses are protected even in a complex medium like untreated wastewater. Under the tested conditions, the viral degradation rate constant can be reduced to more than 10 times using the PSAP beads. Therefore, the enhanced PSAP beads provide a low-cost and efficient sample pretreatment and storage method that is feasible and practicable for large-scale surveillance of viral pathogens in water samples.
Official Development Aid: Plaster in A Wound? Evidence Using Data From Ethiopia
Authors: Meaza Cherkos
Published: June 2021

The flow of aid to developing countries has increased massively and they receive billions of dollars per year in the form of aid from bilateral and multilateral donors. However, the economic growth achieved by many developing countries in general has not been satisfactory. Poverty is still there and resulted in a custom of aid dependence and foster the opportunity for the corrupted political leader. The conclusion on aid effectiveness is doubtful among economists, found to be inconclusive. This paper intends to see how ethiopian economy is reacting to the flow of foreign aid coming from rest of the world viz-a-viz the current most prestigous and influential arguments against and pro-effectiveness of aid. A time series on important parameters extending from 1981 to the most current 2017 is used and an econometrics techniques ECM is employed to examine the short run dynamics and long run relationship among the variables. The result of the short run dynamics showed that aid has a negative and statistically significant impact on economic growth. However, the impacts turns to be positive in the long run. economic growth measured by the real GDP adjusts to its long run equilibrium with an average speed of about 25.7 percent annually and it will roughly take it about 4 years to restore back to equilibrium, ceteris paribus.
Basal cells in the epidermis and epidermal differentiation
Authors: Singh Raghvendra
Published: June 2021

A definite identification of epidermal stem cells is not known and the mechanism of epidermal differentiation is not fully understood. Toward both of these quests, considerable information is available from the research on lineage tracing and clonal growth analysis in the basal layer of the epidermis, on the hair follicle and interfollicular epidermal stem cells, and on Wnt signaling along with its role in developmental patterning and cell differentiation. In this paper, literature on the aforementioned research has been collated and analyzed. In addition, models of basal layer cellular composition and epidermal differentiation have been presented.
IL-17A in COVID-19: a meta-analysis
Authors: Fadlallah Sukayna , Eddin Marcel Shams , Rahal Elias
Published: June 2021

Numerous reviews, commentaries and opinion pieces have suggested targeting IL-17A as part of managing Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the notorious pandemic caused by the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). IL-17A is a proinflammatory cytokine attributed with homeostatic roles but that is also involved in autoimmune disease pathogenesis. While some studies have reported an increase in IL-17A in subjects affected by COVID-19, no significant associations were found by others. Hence, we undertook this meta-analysis to examine whether serum IL-17A increases in COVID-19 patients. Multiple databases were systematically reviewed for literature published on the topic from January 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021. A random effects model was used to calculate weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) as well as the 𝜏2 and 𝐼2 statistics for heterogeneity analysis. We report that IL-17A increases in COVID-19 subjects irrespective of disease severity compared to controls [WMD=2.51 pg/ml (95% CI 1.73-3.28), p<0.00001]. It is also higher in patients with moderate disease compared to controls [WMD=2.41 pg/ml (95% CI:1.40-3.43), p<0.00001] as well as higher in patients with severe COVID-19 [WMD=4.13 pg/ml (95% CI:1.65-6.60), p=0.001]. While the increase in serum levels in subjects with severe disease over those with moderate disease was statistically significant, the association was not as robust as the other comparisons [WMD= 2.07 pg/ml (95% CI:0.20-3.95), p=0.03]. Variable heterogeneity was observed in the various analyses with no significant publication bias detected. Hence, IL-17A may be of relevance when considering management approaches to COVID-19.
Participation of V. Starosolsky in the publicistic polemic of 1919–1920 on the Treaty of Warsaw
Authors: Ohorodnyk Taras
Published: June 2021

The article examines the publicistic polemic of 1919–1920 between the Social Democrats Volodymyr Starosolsky, Mykola Hankevych and Dmytro Dontsov on one side and the National Democrats Kost’ Levytsky, Pavlo Lysyak on the other about the Ukrainian-Polish understanding and the conclusion of the Treaty of Warsaw in 1920 between the Ukrainian People’s Republic and Poland. The main focus is on the polemic over the participation and role of Volodymyr Starosolsky in the Ukrainian-Polish negotiations. The object of the study is primarily the Lviv newspapers «Vpered/Forward», «Hromadska Dumka / Public Opinion», «Nova Rada/New Council» and the Vienna magazine «Ukrainskyi Prapor/Ukrainian Flag». To study newspaper articles and define the basic concepts of journalistic polemic, the methods of analysis, synthesis, comparative method and press clipping were used. Historical and logical methods were chosen to determine the objectivity of the facts stated by the polemists, as well as a biographical method to reveal the political activity of Volodymyr Starosolsky as the scholar and publicist.
Tomos in the context of the Russia and Ukraine information war
Authors: Gabor Nataliya , Lavrysh Yuliana
Published: June 2021

After the Revolution of Dignity on Maydan Square in Kyiv in 2013-2014, Russian military aggression began, which was marked by the annexation of Crimea and the beginning of a full-fledged war in the eastern territories of Ukraine. On January 6, 2019, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew signed the Tomos for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which testified to the independent vector of development undertaked by Ukrainian Orthodoxy, which has long been under pressure from the Moscow Patriarchate. This event caused a resonance in both Ukrainian and Russian media. The purpose of the study is to find out how the process of granting the Tomos turned into one of the aspects of the information war between Ukraine and Russia. The publication presents the content of Ukrainian and Russian web resources dedicated to this event and analyzes how the media event of receiving the Tomos by the Orthodox Church of Ukraine influenced the internal social dialogue in Ukraine, communication between Ukrainian and Russian Orthodoxy, and information confrontation between Russia and Ukraine.
Corporate social responsibility as a strategic aspect of achieving financial stability of a business
Authors: Chepeliuk Marharyta , Harkusha Vladyslava
Published: June 2021

In a modern turbulent economic environment, strengthening the principle of quasi-stability, globalization and competition, corporate social responsibility is becoming a driving force in establishing market proportions and business development prospects. This substantiates the importance of developing corporate social behavior as a strategic aspect of achieving financial stability in the practice of market participants. The study is aimed at developing a theoretical and methodological justification of the role of corporate social responsibility in optimizing the company’s costs and its impact on basic financial indicators, as well as identifying the relationship between the costs of corporate social behavior and the increase in company value. The research object is corporate social responsibility as one of the tools to achieve business financial performance. The theoretical basis was the analysis of works and publications of leading scientists, research data on CSR practices of successful Ukrainian and international companies, determination of the relationship between the current decline in company profits due to socially oriented costs and sustainable business development. The results obtained made it possible to demonstrate the CSR model of a financially stable company and to characterize the advantages and sources of reducing the company’s costs due to the effective CSR implementation by Ukrainian companies. The practical value of the results can be important not only for the company’s management system, but also for stakeholders such as consultants, shareholders, scientists, authorities, since the results show a positive relationship between CSR and financial performance, and stakeholders can exert some pressure on companies that do not have a CSR policy and thus encourage them to change.
Neurotechnologies in the advertising industry: Legal and ethical aspects
Authors: M. Skriabin Oleksii , B. Sanakoiev Dmytro , D. Sanakoieva Natalia , V. Berezenko Vita , V. Liubchenko Yuliia
Published: June 2021

As a result of technological and information development, there is a rapid spread of neurotechnology in the advertising industry, which sparks debate among law and marketing scholars regarding ethics, reasonability and legality of their use. The paper aims to identify possible ways to increase the effectiveness of regulatory and ethical aspects of using neurotechnology in Ukraine’s advertising industry. Based on a systematic analysis of theoretical experience and regulatory legal acts, the main threats to the development of neuromarketing are identified. The lack of a neurotechnology law, the distinguishing between “neuro data” and “personal data”, cyber-hacking risks, the lack of an interaction model between the state and advertisers are deemed to be regulatory shortcomings. Possible ways to optimize the legal regulation of the neurotechnology use are the development of a neurotechnology law, the legislative enshrinement of the neuro data concept, the introduction of restrictions on neuro data use depending on the industry and purpose, increased cybersecurity level. Threats to the ethical use of neurotechnology include low public awareness of neurotechnology and personal rights of citizens, lack of training activities for marketers and advertisers in the field of neuroscience. It is possible to overcome ethical threats through educational and informational work for marketers, advertisers and citizens. A comprehensive solution to the ethical and legal shortcomings of neurotechnology use will increase the neurotechnology development level, the proficiency level of marketers and advertisers, as well as improve the legal system in Ukraine.
Nanostructured Insecticide Composition through the Incorporation of Natural Abamectin in β-Cyclodextrin: Activity against Aedes aegypti Larvae
Authors: Bittencourt Vanessa , Moreira Ana , Ferreira Alexandre , Ferreira Erúzia , Gomides Antônio , Rodrigues Cibele , Martins Gustavo , da Silva Jeferson , Borges Keyller , Denadai Ângelo
Published: June 2021

This study searched for a new pre-formulation based on the natural compound from the class of the avermectins, named abamectin (ABA), in order to improve its action against Aedes aegypti larvae by complexation with β-cyclodextrin (βCD). Concerning the low aqueous solubility of ABA, even in the presence of βCD, it was also invoked the strategy of working with hydrophobic nanoprecipitates (HNPs). For these purposes, molecular and supramolecular characterizations of 1:1 ABA/βCD complex and evaluation of its toxicity against A. aegypti larvae were performed. In the physical-chemistry characterizations, changes in the infrared spectra and thermal profiles in relation to precursors confirmed the occurrence of interactions between ABA and βCD in solid state. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data suggest the inclusion of ABA in βCD via benzofuran ring. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiments allowed to verify the formation of complex with a 1:1 stoichiometry, which was entropy driven. The dynamic light scattering and zeta potential data from inclusion compounds demonstrated changes in the size of the ABA/βCD HNP if compared with the ABA HNP. Finally, the results for biological assays demonstrate that the strategy to prepare the inclusion compound led to an increase in the larvicidal activity in relation to free ABA.
Bitkisel Örücülük ve Sepet Ürünlerinde Koruma Onarım Çalışmaları
Authors: Yanar Ayşem , Arin Kardelen
Published: June 2021

Sepet; Anadolu’da ve dünyanın diğer bölgelerinde kültürün ve geleneğin meydana getirdiği biçimsel ve işlevsel olan objelerdir. Bu nedenle, yaşamsal değerini kaybetmeden ve teknolojiye yenilmeden günümüze kadar ulaşmıştır. Bu konuda yapılan çalışmalar incelendiğinde en ilkel sepet dokumalarda bataklık otu, hasır otu, saz gibi bitkilerin kullanıldığı anlaşılmaktadır. Geçmişten günümüze sepet örücülüğü; toplumların yaşam biçimlerine, inançlarına, gelenek ve göreneklerine, işlevlerine göre, şekil ve ölçütlerinde farklı özellikler barındırmaktadır. Özellikle Neolitik Dönemden sonra işlevsel, dekoratif ve ritüel amaçlı kullanım tarzları yaygınlaşarak artmıştır. Neolitik dönem, yerleşik düzene geçme dönemi olması nedeniyle pek çok kültürde erken ya da geç sepet örücülüğü ve dokumacılık eylemlerinin başladığı dönem sayılmaktadır. Liflerin işlenmesi ya da örülmesi dokumacılığın temel yapı taşı olmuştur. Organik hammadde olmaları sebebiyle günümüze kadar ulaşamayan birçok nesne olduğu düşünülmektedir. Bu yüzden arkeolojik ve etnografik nesneler koruma onarım biliminin çalışma alanına girmektedir. Nesneye uygun olarak belirlenen koruma tedavileri kültürel miras aktarımını sağlayan önemli çalışmalardır.
Bu çalışmada, sepet örme teknikleri, sepette görülen bozulma türleri, arkeolojik ve etnografik ürün olma statüsünde olan sepet ürünlerde korumaya yönelik uygulanan analiz yöntemleri, depolama gibi koruma yaklaşımları irdelenmektedir.
A novel hybrid XAJ-LSTM model for multi-step-ahead flood forecasting
Authors: Cui Zhen , Zhou Yanlai , Guo Shenglian , Wang Jun , Ba Huanhuan , He Shaokun
Published: June 2021

The conceptual hydrologic model has been widely used for flood forecasting, while long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network has been demonstrated a powerful ability to tackle time-series predictions. This study proposed a novel hybrid model by combining the Xinanjiang (XAJ) conceptual model and LSTM model (XAJ-LSTM) to achieve precise multi-step-ahead flood forecasts. The hybrid model takes flood forecasts of the XAJ model as the input variables of the LSTM model to enhance the physical mechanism of hydrological modeling. Using the XAJ and the LSTM models as benchmark models for comparison purposes, the hybrid model was applied to the Lushui reservoir catchment in China. The results demonstrated that three models could offer reasonable multi-step-ahead flood forecasts and the XAJ-LSTM model not only could effectively simulate the long-term dependence between precipitation and flood datasets, but also could create more accurate forecasts than the XAJ and the LSTM models. The hybrid model maintained similar forecast performance after feeding with simulated flood values of the XAJ model during horizons to . The study concludes that the XAJ-LSTM model that integrates the conceptual model and machine learning can raise the accuracy of multi-step-ahead flood forecasts while improving the interpretability of data-driven model internals.
BOD5 prediction using machine learning methods
Authors: Ooi Kai Sheng , Chen ZhiYuan , Poh Phaik Eong , Cui Jian
Published: June 2021

Biological oxygen demand (BOD5) is an indicator used to monitor water quality. However, the standard process of measuring BOD5 is time consuming and could delay crucial mitigation works in the event of pollution. To solve this problem, this study employed multiple machine learning (ML) methods such as random forest (RF), support vector regression (SVR) and multilayer perceptron (MLP) to train a best model that can accurately predict the BOD5 values in water samples based on other physical and chemical properties of the water. The training parameters were optimized using genetic algorithm (GA) and feature selection was made using the sequential feature selection (SFS) method. The proposed machine learning framework was first tested on a public dataset (Waterbase). The MLP method produced the best model, with an R2 score of 0.7672791942775417, relative mean squared error (MSE) and relative mean absolute error (MAE) of approximately 15%. Feature importance calculations indicated that chemical oxygen demand (CODCr), ammonium and nitrate are features that highly correlate to BOD5. In the field study with a small private dataset consisting of water samples collected from two different lakes in Jiangsu Province of China, the trained model was found to have a similar range of prediction error (around 15%), a similar relative MAE (around 14%) and achieved about 6% better relative RMSE.
Operational and technical performance of a water distribution network in Oman
Authors: Naamani Ahmed Al , Sana Ahmad
Published: June 2021

A water distribution network in an urban area in Muscat region (the capital city of Oman) is assessed for operational performance using the widely accepted methodology proposed by the International Water Association (IWA). The technical performance of this network was assessed using global performance index methods after modifying the performance levels as per local guidelines. A total of 37 operational performance indicators for the network were selected to carry out assessment. Overall operational performance showed high scores whereas some indicators showed unacceptable performance values. The network showed very high technical performance considering nodal pressures. The lower performance for pipe velocity may be attributed to the fact that the network is currently being utilized by 70% of the population for which it was designed. The residual chlorine levels were within the acceptable range of the Public Authority for Water (PAW), showing a very good performance by virtue of water quality. This study will be useful for decision makers to assess the operational, technical and water quality performance of urban networks and take actions for improvements.
THE ROLE OF ACCOUNTING AND CONTROL IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY OF AN ORGANIZATION
Authors: Labyntsev Nicolay T. , SHILOVA Lyubov F. , Chukhrova Ocsana V.
Published: June 2021

This article revises the mission and the name of the accounting profession in the context of strengthening the economic security of enterprises under the conditions of digitalization of the economy. The authors note that in the contemporary conditions of economic management, enterprises should form and ensure the functioning of the economic security of the enterprise at the proper level. The necessity of in-depth research of economic security at microlevel was considered, the factors influencing the stability of the enterprise were highlighted. High level of economic security of the subject of management consists in guaranteeing him maximum effective and stable functioning now and in future. Subjects of economic security were individual enterprises, and objects — their economic interests. The main goals of ensuring economic security of the enterprise in the part of accounting were singled out, the tasks of accounting policy, aimed at ensuring economic security, were determined. The prospects of the accounting profession in the process of ensuring economic security and reliable safe presentation of the results of doing business in reporting are substantiated. The study contains proposals on the revision of requirements for the qualifications of accountants in order to emphasize their activities aimed at strengthening the economic security of the enterprise.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE IN SUPPORTING EXPORTING ENTERPRISES DURING THE PANDEMIC
Authors: SIMONOVA Lyudmila M. , Safonova Ekaterina I. , Shabalov Alexander V.
Published: June 2021

The restrictions associated with the coronavirus pandemic have severely hampered the functioning of businesses and caused their key performance indicators to deteriorate. Small and medium-sized exporting enterprises (SME-exporters) have been the most vulnerable to the effects of such restrictions. Various support programs have been developed and introduced in different countries to protect such enterprises, and Russia is no exception in this sense. The current period predetermines the necessity of analysis and evaluation of anti-crisis measures and effectiveness of SME-exporters support programs implemented by different countries, as well as identification of best international practices that can be used to improve and optimize Russian support programs.
The purpose of this study is conducting a comparative analysis of SME-exporter support programs during the pandemic and identifying possible ways to improve Russian SME-exporter support programs based on international experience.
This study uses quantitative and qualitative analysis of the key performance indicators of exporting enterprises, the degree of impact of state support measures on the above indicators and the level of effectiveness of these support measures.
The study was conducted using the data from the Russian Export Center and its regional offices, authorities authorized to develop and implement measures to support SME-exporters, as well as foreign counterparts of the above-mentioned organizations.
This study analyzed the Russian and world experience in supporting SME-exporters during the pandemic and proposed ways to improve the Russian program to support these enterprises.
SCIENTIFIC REVIEW OF MATERIALS FROM THE 2ND NATIONAL FORUM ON ECONOMIC SECURITY IN TYUMEN
Authors: Skipin Dmitry L. , Koltsova Tatyana A.
Published: June 2021

On 20-21 April 2021, the 2nd National Forum on Economic Security was held in Tyumen, at the Financial and Economic Institute of the University of Tyumen. The forum attracted the attention of academicians, practitioners, and students. The participants exchanged opinions on the most topical issues of social and economic security of the state, regions, and individual businesses as well as on the problems of organizing the sustainable business. The participants were interested in panel discussions, meetings of problematic sections, round table, which considered effective methods of ensuring economic security, based on scientific principles and sound calculations. Special attention was drawn to the prospects of the “Economic Security” specialty, the need for students to form relevant professional competencies, which are the most important factor in the demand for specialists.