bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of mycorrhizal drug Mycosoil in seed production of tomato and sweet pepper
Authors: Martirosyan G , Tadevosyan L , Dubinin B V
Published: December 2020

Research has been conducted on the effect of the Mycosoil drug on economically valuable traits of tomato of Anahit-351 and Lia varieties, as well as pepper of Hayk and Loshtak varieties. After seed treatment with the Mycosoil drug, seed germination of tomatoes increased by 1.9–2.9%, and of peppers by 4.2–4.4%. Mycosoil contributed to an increase in germination energy: for Anahit-351 tomato variety by 4.3%, and for Lia variety by 6.6%. The germination energy of Hayk and Loshtak pepper varieties increased, respectively, by 1.6–2.5%. For all tomato varieties, the yield gain varied from 9.2 to 9.6%, and for Loshtak pepper variety – 7.5 %. An increase in fruit mass was observed in tomatoes: within 20.6–23.1 g, and in peppers – 5.4–11.1 g. Both the number of seeds formed in one fruit and the mass of 1000 seeds increased. The increase in the number of seeds for tomato varieties ranged between 3.8–4.8 seeds, for pepper – 3.3–7.9 seeds per fruit, and the mass of 1000 seeds increased in the range of 0.5–0.6 g for tomato and 0.3–0.6 g for pepper. When studying the effect of Mycosoil on seedlings in tomato of Anahit and Lia varieties in the variant of Fusarium + Mycosoil, the FAM signal showed values of 20.05–25.40 and it was lower than with control + Fusarium (35.61–38.74).
Optimization of feeding conditions for dairy goats in order to increase their productivity
Authors: Moroz M T , Samorukov V I
Published: December 2020

Currently, goat farming becomes a perspective sector focused on production of goat’s milk and its products. Volume of milk produced by goats is determined by three factors: genetic heredity; environmental conditions, animal welfare and care conditions; feeding quality. In order to increase the productivity of dairy goats, it is necessary to improve and optimize feeding rates as the feeding is an essential factor defining the development of milk productivity. Sound feeding practices result in goats producing more than1000 kg of milk containing up to 4.5% fat. This practice-oriented research is based on the decision to use the information and analytical systems “RATIONS” in order to calculate balanced rations for adequate nutrition of dairy goats. Particular attention was given to introduction of feeding rates adjusted to fulfill their nutrient requirements of Saanen goats in North-West District of Russia.
Monitoring the impact of major adverse factors on sustainability of Novgorod forests
Authors: Nikonov M V , Polikarpov M I
Published: December 2020

The study analyzes the major adverse factors that caused destruction of forest stands in Novgorod region over the past 10 years based on the data on monitoring the state of forest ecosystems. Adverse effects such as weather conditions, fires, forest diseases, and insect forest pests were considered. The crucial reason of forest stand mortality in the region over the period under study was revealed. The features and patterns of the mortality of forest stands were studied with regard to their taxation characteristics and confinement to the natural landscapes of the region.
Effect of presowing treatment of seeds with Flavobacterin on development of diseases, pests and weeds in oil flax crops
Authors: Nosevich M A , Ganusevich F F , Spiricheva A P
Published: December 2020

Increase in oil flax seed production largely depends on the effectiveness of the integrated protection of crops. In this regard, in 2017 and in 2018, studies were conducted to investigate the development of diseases, pests and weeds in crops depending on seed treatment with the bacterial preparation Flavobacterin at the small experimental field of the Department of Plant Production named after I. A. Stebut. The study results showed that inoculation with the biofungicide Flavobacterin is recommended before sowing for effective control of diseases in oil flax crops and in order to obtain a stable yield of high quality seeds at the level of 2.0 t/ha. This agrotechnical technique increases biological effectiveness by 72% against white rot, 87% against verticillium wilt and by 51% against blackspot. The biological preparation does not affect the development of pests and weeds in oil flax crops. In this regard, a system of weed and pest control in oil flax cultivation in the conditions of Leningrad region should be developed.
Improving the efficiency of the flax complex in Novgorod region
Authors: Pavlov S B
Published: December 2020

The paper considers the problems of fiber flax production in Novgorod region. The directions of increasing the efficiency of the flax complex are proposed. Options for shive application are analyzed. A project for organizing the production of fuel briquettes from shives in a flax mill is proposed.
Development of ointment with antimicrobial activity from plant materials and its study
Authors: Proshina L G , Okonenko T I , Antropova G A , Zheznyakovskaya L F , Proshin A V
Published: December 2020

Antibiotic resistance and side effects of drugs are the current concerns of mankind. Therefore, studies aimed at finding and creating new drugs with antibiotic activity from plant materials are of high relevance. The authors formulated the composition of an ointment that contains extracts from Cetraria islandica (Icelandic moss), sphagnum and propolis for treatment of purulent wounds, and determined its pH and bioavailability in vivo. The antimicrobial activity of the ointment was studied on experimental animals. To analyze the morphological features of the wound process, three groups of animals were formed: group 1, control without treatment; group 2, treatment of the wound with Levomekol ointment; experimental group 3, treatment of the wound with ointment that consists of Icelandic moss, sphagnum and propolis. Each group included 10 animals. The ointment for treatment of purulent wounds was developed on lipophilic base with optimal pH of 5.3, antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms, and it can be used in phases 1 and 2 of the wound process. It has a more pronounced therapeutic effect compared with Levomekol ointment, and facilitates earlier regeneration.
Features of protein metabolism in turkeys of different genotypes and age
Authors: Rebezov Y M , Gorelik O V , Bezhinar T I , Safronov S L , Vinogradova N D , Maryanovskaya Yu V
Published: December 2020

The study describes the characteristics of protein metabolism in turkeys of different genotypes and age. It is established that poults during industrial cultivation were physiologically healthy, and the studied parameters fluctuated within normal limits. At the same time, the magnitude of the blood parameters depends on the age of the bird and the genotype determined by both the breed and crossing. The protein metabolism intensity determining the concentration of the total protein and its fractions in the blood of poultry, the activity of transamination enzymes (AlAT, AsAT) does not so much depend on age, but on the birds genotype. The highest level of protein parameters is found in the blood of heavy cross Hybrid Converter. At the same time, the rate of growth and development of their body is associated with the exchange of albumin and the ways of using free amino acids to cover its energy consumption. Therefore, turkey poults of this cross are superior to their analogues in terms of albumin (by 9.54%), activity of AsAT (by 1.61–6.93%) and AlAT (by 2.77–5.23%).
Technological solution for turkey meat processing
Authors: Rebezov Y M , Khayrullin M F , Bezhinar T I , Zinina O V , Sereda T I , Drapeko E E
Published: December 2020

Turkey meat is the most valuable product for human nutrition. In this research, we suggest a technological solution for food production from turkey meat, as well as assess the influence of cross on the organoleptic characteristics of the product. The technological result of this invention was a slight reduction in the time cost of producing a gourmet food from poultry meat (turkey), while maintaining a fairly high sensory characteristics of the finished product. Also, the developed product expands the range of meat delicacies that will be presented on the domestic market. An organoleptic evaluation showed that the crossbred meat of Hybrid crosses the meat of white broad-chested crosses. It was established that the best rating was given to a product made from meat of medium cross-country hybrid poultry Hybrid Grade Maker (group III). The score was 8.62 points.
Application of mathematical modeling and the principles of qualimetric forecasting in the production of semi-finished horse meat products with the use of a protein fortifier
Authors: Rebezov M B , Zhumanova G T
Published: December 2020

Meat products are a key part of human nutrition. It is necessary to introduce and apply new, extraordinary solutions to the problems of improving technological processes and developing optimal technologies for processing raw materials of animal origin, taking into account the biological risks at the enterprise. One of the ways to improve production technology is by using mathematical modeling and qualimetric forecasting. Semi-finished meat products are in high demand among the population lately. The purpose of the research is the application of mathematical modeling and the principles of qualimetric forecasting in the production of semi-finished horse meat products with the use of a protein fortifier. The appearance is characterized by the most significant coefficients of organoleptic assessment – 44.2%, and flavor – 15.1%. The use of mathematical modeling in assessing consumer preferences of customers and the quality of food products gives a fairly objective end result.
Monitoring the research results on the toxic elements content (lead, cadmium and arsenic) in food
Authors: Rebezov M B , Shariati Mohammad Ali , Ryskina E A , Bogonosova I A , Sepiashvili E N
Published: December 2020

The high quality of the services provided is a component that determines the competitiveness of laboratories. It is necessary to update laboratories in modern conditions of the development of scientific and technological progress. Another important task is to ensure control of the quantitative content of toxic elements, the introduction and application of fast and reliable methods of their analysis. Analysis of monitoring the quantitative content of toxic elements in food samples confirms the need for analytical express control; its implementation allows tracking the content of potentially hazardous elements in products and preventing their influence on human health. The analysis of monitoring results for 2017-2019 showed the predominant ranges of toxic elements’ concentrations in various categories of products. It was revealed that when the quantitative content of cadmium is detected, the maximum number of test results falls within the range of less than 0.001 mg/kg. In the case of the quantitative content of lead detection, the maximum number of test results falls within the range of less than 0.01 mg/kg; in the case of detecting arsenic, the range is less than 0.02 mg/kg.
Formation of rheological characteristics of vegetable and fruit smoothies to ensure their quality
Authors: Rozhnov E D , Shkolnikova M N , Kazarskikh A O , Chernova E V , Voitsekhivskyi V I , Nurymkhan G N
Published: December 2020

The rheological feature of vegetable-fruit smoothies is a non-stratified, partially heterogeneous texture that fits seamlessly into the concept of a smoothie as a healthy food drink with minimal heat treatment, containing a large number of biologically active substances, primarily vitamins, provitamins, polyphenol substances, as well as dietary fiber - the so-called “superfood”, the effectiveness of which has been proven in vitro. At the same time, the stability of such drinks is a serious technological problem requiring new approaches to the solution. The aim of the study was to study the possibility of using the amylolytic enzyme preparation Termamil 2XL to achieve the stability of the rheological characteristics of the pumpkin-sea buckthorn smoothie, which together provide a stable texture of the drink. It is shown that the use of coarse pumpkin pulp does not allow to achieve the desired result in terms of stable rheological characteristics, since the smoothing separation begins almost immediately after preparation. The possibility of using enzymatic hydrolysis of pumpkin starch, which causes a stable framework due to starch grains in tissue cells, has been established to stabilize the rheological properties of fruit and vegetable smoothies and increase the consumer characteristics of the drink. It is proved that the use of the enzyme preparation Termamil 2XL in a dosage of 0.04% and a treatment time of 60 minutes leads to the production of a stable pseudoplastic fluid with a homogeneous structure and a maximum separation of the liquid phase not exceeding 3% within 24 hours.
Meat minced semi-finished products with iodine-containing vegetable components
Authors: Salikhov A R , Salikhova G G , Konovalov S A , Mikolaychik I N , Morozova L A , Bazarnova J G
Published: December 2020

The problem of iodine deficiency for most residents of the Russian Federation remains relevant for many decades. The situation is aggravated by the fact that with an inferior monotonous diet, a deficiency of proteins, vitamins and trace elements occurs side by side. To solve this problem, we can choose the path of enrichment of the product with organic iodine, as well as vitamins and vegetable protein. It is economically feasible to provide a combination of raw meat with cheaper functional components that are full in amino acid composition. The possibility of using the kelp preparation in the production of food products based on meat raw materials with the aim of correcting the iodine deficiency of the population in ecologically unfavorable areas was investigated. We used a natural iodinating dietary supplement - a hydrated preparation of Japanese kelp, which is a source of dietary fiber. A study of the process of the influence of this additive on the functional and technological properties of minced meat systems shows the promise of the use of this drug in the production technology of meat food products. In addition, the rational use of meat raw materials (fatty pork and spike fat) in combination with vegetable components (Dantex soybean texturate) and Japanese kelp in an optimal dose of 5% has a number of economic advantages compared to similar products.
Monitoring of the feed base and provision of dairy cattle with adequate feeding
Authors: Semkiv M V , Lukashik E E
Published: December 2020

At the current stage of dairy cattle breeding, one of the most pressing problems is monitoring of the feed base, which includes the procurement of high quality feed. Solution of this problem also requires a focus on ration formulation, since unbalanced feeding can cause metabolic disorders, which ultimately affects realization of the genetic potential of dairy breeds. In this regard, to increase the production of cows, it is necessary to constantly improve and optimize their feeding rates, since feeding is the most important factor to advance dairy cattle breeding. Appropriate feeding ensures cow production amounting to 6,000–8,000 kg of milk and more, with a milk fat content of 3.7–4.2%. The paper provides data on monitoring of the state of the feed base on the studied farm to ensure adequate feeding of cows. Within the stated problem, the study also focuses on the analysis and assessment of the rations of cow feeding with regard to the physiological state of the animal, which was confirmed through the use of the targeted ration. The basis of the practice-oriented study was the decision to use the information and analytical system RATIONS to calculate balanced feed rations for adequate feeding of dairy cows. In the future, the farm needs to pay special attention to introduction of adapted feeding norms for black-motley cows to satisfy their need for nutrients.
Influence of weather conditions on the honey productivity of bee colonies in the Valdai district of the Novgorod region
Authors: Solovev V V
Published: December 2020

The article discusses the natural climatic factors affecting the yield of nectar from plants and the collection of nectar by honey bees (Apis mellifera) in the Valdai district of the Novgorod region of the Russian Federation. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of air temperature and rainfall on the honey flow in the climatic conditions of North-West Russia. The meteorological observations in the main flow period were collected and analyzed during two years. The relationship between weather conditions and bees honey productivity is established. In the course of the work, the key role of air temperature and rainfall in the intensity of honey collection was confirmed. Optimum weather conditions have been established for nectar production and its collection by bees in the study area.
Assessment of safety indicators for the developed functional bioyogurt
Authors: Temerbaeva M V , Schetinina E M , Artemova E N , Gaidarenko L V , Petuhova E P , Nikolaev I A
Published: December 2020

Yoghurts are superior to milk in many ways in preventive nutrition and can be used in daily human nutrition. The purpose of the research is to assess the safety indicators of the developed functional bioyogurt. The safety indicators of the developed product are revealed. Microbiological indicators of the fermented milk product meet the requirements of the current regulatory documentation. The content of toxic elements is significantly lower than the established permissible levels and meets the requirements of technical regulations. Antibiotics were not found in the studied products. The content of pesticides and mycotoxins in functional bioyogurt meets the requirements of regulatory documents. The content of radionuclides does not exceed the norm. The developed bioyogurt for functional purposes is completely safe (from the point of view of the requirements of technical regulations).
A Comparative Study on Vibration-Based Damage Identification and Localization Methods
Authors: Shah A J , Jayprakash V , Vesmawala G R
Published: December 2020

This paper outlines various vibration-based methods for detecting and locating damage in mechanical and civil structural systems. The basic premises of these methods are that any changes in physical characteristics (mass and stiffness) of the structure will induce detectable changes in the modal properties of the structure (natural frequency, mode shape and damping). A comparative study of eight extensively used damage identification methods is done on a simulated simply supported beam to demonstrate the validity and effectiveness. The outcomes of various methods are compared in terms of damage detection and localization under single and multiple damage scenarios.
Buckling Response Analysis of Laminated Plates Subjected to Localised Bi-axial In-plane Compressive Loading
Authors: Lal Achchhe , Parghi Anant , Mahto Anil Kumar , Kumar Rahul
Published: December 2020

Laminated composite plates are well known structural member since last four decades because of its high stiffness and strength to weight ratio. Usually this type of structural members is subjected to partial biaxial loading during their functioning. For better safety and stability of structure, analysis of these structural member in that condition of loading is necessary. In this present analysis buckling response of laminated composite plates under biaxial partial in-plane loading is examined and effect of various parameters like aspect ratio, stacking sequence, fiber orientation and plate thickness ratio of nondimensionalised critical buckling load (NCBL) are revealed. A MATLAB program is developed higher order shear deformation theory based on finite element method for buckling analysis of laminated composite plate. Efficiency of the program is checked by comparing the result of the present work with that of already published which shows good favour of later one.
Investigation of Rupture in SS304 Steel Sheet using Macroscopic Criteria
Authors: Jain Appurva , Mishra Abhishek , Tiwari Vikrant
Published: December 2020

Macroscopic ductile rupture prediction in materials always has been great interest in the investigation of rupture. Numerical simulations with finite element codes allow investigating rupture prediction in real scale model. This paper is focused on discussion of procedure for prediction of the rupture in tensile test for a typical SS 304 Stainless Steel sheet. For this procedure, experimentation of tensile test with the conventional Universal Testing Machine (UTM) and Digital Correlation Devices (DIC) are needed to be used. The data obtained from experimentation is used for determining Young’s modulus (E), Rp0.2% and Rm These data further used for simulation upto rupture. The output result obtained from simulation is used in macroscopic ductile fracture criteria which gives damage value to predict onset rupture.
A Review on Identification and Elimination of Ovality in Circular Holes During Manufacturing of Hollow Cylindrical Components
Authors: Mane Shrinath , Dabir Jamil
Published: December 2020

This review paper aims toward the investigation of manufacturing process of hollow cylindrical component to identify the defects causing ovality in circular holes. The manufacturing refers to the processes required to convert raw material into the final product which may include casting, machining, welding, finishing, heat treatment processes and ends with final inspection to check for defects. Mostly the circular holes of hollow cylindrical components show ovality after manufacturing, exceeding tolerance values and such defect leads to poor fittings. After careful study of the variety of research papers related to ovality, it was found that the ovality may occur due to component characteristics or due to defects in manufacturing process of the component. The results of these research papers concluded that machining parameters, unbalanced workpiece, clamping pressure, clamping geometry and clamping technique influence the dimensional deviations and it can be prevented by improving the production with corrective techniques.
Experimental Investigation of Inclined Circular Ring Turbulators on Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow Characteristics
Authors: Suryavanshi Atul M. , Kamble Avinash G. , Kore Sandeep S.
Published: December 2020

This paper demonstrates influence of various inclination of Circular Ring Turbulator (CRT) on thermal characteristics in circular type heat exchanger. “A wall linked circular inserts were analyzed having constant inner diameter to achieve uniform flow blockage area (FBA) of 40%”. These CRTs located within the tube to prevailed different angular patterns (-10°, -15°, - 20° and -25°) w. r. t. horizontal of tube. Influence of these geometries on fluid friction and heat performance were studied. Parameter constant throughout the investigation was diameter ratio and Pitch Diameter Ratio (PDR). Modified parameters throughout study were the angular inclinations of CRT and Reynolds number. Inner side of tube is preserved at constant heat flux having air as working medium at atmospheric temperature with variation of Reynolds number from 6,000 to 24,000 respectively.

Implementation of CRT as turbulator favorably improves rate of heat exchange within heated enclosure of tube to fluid domain throughout the test model. Out of all studied inserts, CRT having angular deflection of -25° gives peak value of heat transfer at extreme Reynolds number and at slightest Reynolds number CRT having angle inclination of -10° offers greater friction factor which is at 2.5 and 5.5 times than smooth tube. CRT with angular inclination of -25° at minimum Reynolds number offers extreme thermal performance factor is 1.7.
Improvement of Weld Joint Strength by Applying Random Vibrations Along With External Magnetic Field
Authors: Chitturi Suresh , Mohana Krishna Chowdary K , Bhaumik Munmun , Ammisetti Dhanunjay Kumar
Published: December 2020

Welding is a metal joining process induces high residual stresses. These are strongly influencing the mechanical properties of weldment. In earlier days heat treatment and shot peening techniques were used to relieve these stresses. Due to the time consuming of these processes, in this research work we have applied random vibrations to relive the residual stresses to improve mechanical properties. Along with that, welding arc may get affected by magnetic field during welding. This leads to arc instability which is responsible for welding defects like lack of fusion, porosity. These reduce the quality and strength of weld. To overcome this, arc spattering with external magnetic field need to be reduced. In this research work, a setup has been designed for vibration assisted welding along with external magnetic field set up to improve the mechanical properties of Mild Steel weld joints by means of hardness and ultimate tensile strength. Welding had been performed with and without these setups. After performing welding work pieces have been tested both welding conditions and results have been compared.
Effect of Higher Transition Foundation on Dynamic Stability Boundaries of Simply Supported Beam
Authors: Subbaratnam B. , Jalagam Ravinder Rao , Jena Shakti Prasanna , Gupta M. Satyanarayana
Published: December 2020

Accurate closed form solution to predict the dynamic stability behavior of simply supported (SS) beam on elastic foundation, subjected to an end axial periodic load, has been derived using simple single term trigonometric function which satisfies the geometric boundary conditions. The effect of higher transition foundation on dynamic stability regions is studied. The energy method is used in the present work to evaluate the dynamic stability boundaries. Euler - Bernoulli beam theory is used for the analysis. Numerical results are presented using proper non-dimensional parameters with varying foundation parameters below and above the second transition foundation value of elastic foundation, in both the digital and analogue forms for better comprehension of the dynamic stability behavior of the beams. The effect of the higher transition foundation value of the elastic foundation on the dynamic stability behavior is brought out in the present work.
Multi-Criteria Optimization of Aerospace Alloys in WEDM Using TOPSIS
Authors: Heralge Sanjay , Gupta Umashanker , Dabir Jamil
Published: December 2020

Wire EDM is commonly used for machining of complex profiles in hard and exotic materials. In the present work the key performance of Wire EDM such as wire cutting speed, surface roughness and cut width in machining of three different aerospace class materials such as near beta titanium alloy, forged nickel base alloy and aged aluminum alloy are studied. Apart from electrical parameters, the wire with zinc coated brass and plain brass are used. TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) is the Multi-Criteria Decision-Making method used for selecting the best setting of control parameters. Parameter sets are ranked from best to worst based on the performance score. Zinc coated wire outperforms the brass wire almost for every response variable in case of Ni and Ti alloy while with Al it is as good as plain wire.
Model and Material Analysis of Gokart Chassis
Authors: Ramana Reddy D.V. , Kumar G. Revanth
Published: December 2020

The present study of this paper is to select the best material for manufacturing the Go-Kart. To meet this designing of go-kart chassis done by using CAD software CATIA tool and simulate with ANSYS work-bench. To select the best material, strength to weight ratio plays major role on it. Steel is considering to existing material another two materials Aluminum-6061, Kevlar selected. The main reason behind choosing Aluminum-6061, Kevlar materials is two materials are having less density and high yield limit values, and this factor can increase the strength/weight ratio compare to existing material steel. In this project material selection is one of the main design decisions that greatly increase the safety, reliability and performance. The material selection is choosen after my extensive research with various parameters like strength, weight and cost. We are comparing Aluminum-6061and Kevlar materials with mild steel. In this process boundary conditions applied on each material and calculated results like deformation, stress, strain, safety factor, natural frequency values, by knowing all these results, concluded with optimum material.
Performance of Fly Ash and Ggbs Based Geopolymer Concrete Using Single Alkaline Activator Solution and Its Cost Analysis
Authors: Rao G. Mallikarjuna , Kumar Y. Anil , Vengala Jagadish , Venu M.
Published: December 2020

Concrete is the most durable, versatile and reliable building material in the world. Next to water, concrete is the most used material. Ordinary Portland cement production accounts for 5-7% of total greenhous e gas emissions. It also consumes a lot of energy. Today, Geo-polymer concrete (GPC) has become a more sustainable concrete compared to conventional concrete. This research work focuses on the performance of Fly Ash and GGBS based geo-polymer concrete cured in outdoor conditions using a single alkaline activator solution (Geo activator). The variations of Fly Ash and GGBS were (FA100-GGBS0; FA90- GGBS10; FA70-GGBS30; FA50-GGBS50). In this study, only the Geo activator is used to activate Fly Ash and GGBS in the mixtures. Geo polymer concrete of size 100 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm was used in this research work to measure compressive strength at different ages of 7 days and 28 days. The results reveal that the increase in the proportion of GGBS content in the mix increases compression strength of concrete. The cost analysis was also carried for geopolymer concrete, compared with conventional concrete and the results reveals that for the lower grades, the cost will be the same as for conventional concrete and for the higher grades, the use of geo polymer concrete can reduce the cost of construction up to some extent.
Transient chaos in time-delayed systems subjected to parameter drift
Authors: Cantisán Julia , Seoane Jesús M , Sanjuán Miguel A F
Published: December 2020

External and internal factors may cause a system’s parameter to vary with time before it stabilizes. This drift induces a regime shift when the parameter crosses a bifurcation. Here, we study the case of an infinite dimensional system: a time-delayed oscillator whose time delay varies at a small but non-negligible rate. Our research shows that due to this parameter drift, trajectories from a chaotic attractor tip to other states with a certain probability. This causes the appearance of the phenomenon of transient chaos. By using an ensemble approach, we find a gamma distribution of transient lifetimes, unlike in other non-delayed systems where normal distributions have been found to govern the process. Furthermore, we analyze how the parameter change rate influences the tipping probability, and we derive a scaling law relating the parameter value for which the tipping takes place and the lifetime of the transient chaos with the parameter change rate.
Endotoxin for Alcohol Research: A Call for Experimental Medicine Using Lipopolysaccharide Challenge
Authors: Burnette Elizabeth M , Grodin Erica N , Eisenberger Naomi I , Ray Lara A
Published: December 2020

Studies of inflammation in alcohol use disorder (AUD) are overwhelmingly preclinical, and translation to clinical samples is necessary. Endotoxin administration has been used successfully in humans to study mood disorders, offering a translational, reliable and safe model that may be validated in AUD research. We argue for the use of endotoxin challenge to elucidate the interplay between AUD and inflammation.
Recognition of small molecule–RNA binding sites using RNA sequence and structure
Authors: Su Hong , Peng Zhenling , Yang Jianyi
Published: December 2020

Motivation

RNA molecules become attractive small molecule drug targets to treat disease in recent years. Computer-aided drug design can be facilitated by detecting the RNA sites that bind small molecules. However, very limited progress has been reported for the prediction of small molecule–RNA binding sites.

Results

We developed a novel method RNAsite to predict small molecule–RNA binding sites using sequence profile- and structure-based descriptors. RNAsite was shown to be competitive with the state-of-the-art methods on the experimental structures of two independent test sets. When predicted structure models were used, RNAsite outperforms other methods by a large margin. The possibility of improving RNAsite by geometry-based binding pocket detection was investigated. The influence of RNA structure’s flexibility and the conformational changes caused by ligand binding on RNAsite were also discussed. RNAsite is anticipated to be a useful tool for the design of RNA-targeting small molecule drugs.

Availability and implementation

http://yanglab.nankai.edu.cn/RNAsite.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
shinyÉPICo: a graphical pipeline to analyze Illumina DNA methylation arrays
Authors: Morante-Palacios Octavio , Ballestar Esteban
Published: December 2020

Illumina DNA methylation bead arrays provide a cost-effective platform for the simultaneous analysis of a high number of human samples. However, the analysis can be time-demanding and requires some computational expertise. shinyÉPICo is an interactive, web-based, and graphical tool that allows the user to analyze Illumina DNA methylation arrays (450k and EPIC), from the user’s own computer or from a server. The tool covers the entire analysis, from the raw data to the final list of differentially methylated positions and differentially methylated regions between sample groups. It allows the user to test several normalization methods, linear model parameters, including covariates, and differentially methylated CpGs filters, in a quick and easy manner, with interactive graphics helping to select the options in each step. shinyÉPICo represents a comprehensive tool for standardizing and accelerating DNA methylation analysis, as well as optimizing computational resources in laboratories studying DNA methylation.

Availability and implementation

shinyÉPICo is freely available as an R package at the Bioconductor project (http://bioconductor.org/packages/shinyepico/) and GitHub (https://github.com/omorante/shinyepico) under an AGPL3 license.
Working with Incarcerated Youth: Emotional Labour and Moral Wages
Authors: Perry Kelsea , Ricciardelli Rosemary
Published: December 2020

Prisons are increasingly recognized as emotional places, especially for frontline staff. Though sociological accounts of emotional labour in prisons acknowledges the potential for negative outcomes (e.g. burnout), little scholarly attention has investigated the potential for positive outcomes, particularly opportunities for staff to earn moral wages. This article explores the emotional labour undertaken by correctional officers (COs) working with incarcerated youth in Canadian provincial prisons. Utilizing interviews with 40 COs, we unpack the patterned interactions characteristic of frontline work that call for emotional labour by prison staff, and its outcomes. Our results show that staff are aware of the emotional labour expected of them on the frontline, where opportunities to earn moral wages are contextualized by structural limitations inherent to the carceral environment.
Genetic alterations ofVWA1: a new link between extracellular matrix and neuromuscular diseases
Authors: Arribat Yoan
Published: December 2020

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Bi-allelic truncating mutations in VWA1 cause neuromyopathy’, by Deschauer et al. (doi:10.1093/brain/awaa418) and ‘An ancestral 10-bp repeat expansion in VWA1 causes recessive hereditary motor neuropathy’, by Pagnamenta et al. (doi:10.1093/brain/awaa420)
A novel approach for monitoring TGF-β signaling in vivo in colon cancer
Authors: Zhang Bin-hao , Wang Chao , Dong Wei , Chen Xin , Leng Chao , Luo Xin , Dong Shui-lin , Yin Ping , Zhang Bi-xiang , Datta Pran K , Chen Xiao-ping
Published: December 2020

The TGF-β receptor kinase inhibitors (TRKI) have been reported to inhibit tumorigenicity in colon cancer. However, there is no direct evidence showing that these inhibitors function through inhibiting the TGF-β- mediated tumor-promoting effects in vivo. We established a TGF-β inducible reporter system by inserting a luciferase reporter gene to the vector downstream of TGF-β-inducible promoter elements, and transfected it into colon cancer cell lines. TRKIs SB431542 and LY2109761 were used to treat TGF-β inducible cells in vitro and in vivo. The luciferase activity was induced 5.24-fold by TGF-β in CT26 inducible cells, while it was marginally changed in MC38 inducible cells lacking Smad4 expression. Temporary treatment of mice with SB431542 inhibited the TGF-β pathway and TGF-β induced bioluminescence activity in vivo. Long-term treatment with LY2109761 inhibited tumorigenicity and liver metastasis in vivo in concomitant with reduced luciferase activity in the tumor. In this study, we established a model to monitor the TGF-β pathway in vivo and to compare the antitumor effects of TRKIs. Based on this novel experimental tool, we provided direct evidences that LY2109761 inhibits tumorigenicity and liver metastasis by blocking the pro-oncogenic functions of TGF-β in vivo.
Endoscopic vacuum therapy for anastomotic leak after esophagectomy: a single-center’s early experience
Authors: Hayami Masaru , Klevebro Fredrik , Tsekrekos Andrianos , Samola Winnberg Johanna , Kamiya Satoshi , Rouvelas Ioannis , Nilsson Magnus , Lindblad Mats
Published: December 2020

Anastomotic leak is a serious complication after esophagectomy. Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) has become increasingly popular in treating upper gastrointestinal anastomotic leaks over the last years. We are here reporting our current complete experience with EVT as primary treatment for anastomotic leak following esophagectomy. This is a retrospective study analyzing all patients with EVT as primary treatment for anastomotic leak after esophagectomy between November 2016 and January 2020 at Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden. The primary endpoint was anastomotic fistula healing with EVT only. Twenty-three patients primarily treated with EVT after anastomotic leak following esophagectomy were included. Median duration of EVT was 17 days (range 5–56) with a median number of 3 (range 1–14) vacuum sponge changes per patient. A total number of 95 vacuum sponges were placed in the entire cohort, of which 93 (97.9%) were placed intraluminally and 2 (2.1%) extraluminally. The median changing time interval of sponges was 5 days (range 2–8). Successful fistula healing was achieved in 19 of 23 patients (82.6%), of which 17 (73.9%) fistulas healed with EVT only. There were 2 (8.7%) airway fistulas following EVT. No other adverse events occurred. Three patients (13%) died in-hospital. In conclusion EVT seems to be a safe and feasible therapy option for anastomotic leak following esophagectomy. The effect of EVT on the risk for development of airway fistulas needs to be addressed in future studies and until more data are available care should be taken regarding sponge positioning as well as extended treatment duration.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: a perspective from industry
Authors: West Nick E. J. , Cheong Wai-Fung , Boone Els , Moat Neil E.
Published: December 2020

The global COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented change throughout society.1 As the articles in this supplement outline, all segments of the broader cardiovascular community have been forced to adapt, to change models of care delivery, and to evolve and innovate in order to deliver optimal management for cardiovascular patients. The medtech/device industry has not been exempt from such change and has been forced to navigate direct and indirect COVID-associated disruption, with effects felt from supply chain logistics to the entire product lifecycle, from the running of clinical trials to new device approvals and managing training, proctoring and congresses in an increasingly-online world.

This sea-change in circumstances itself has enforced the industry, in effect, to disrupt its own processes, models and activities. Whilst some of these changes may be temporary, many will endure for some time and some will doubtless become permanent; one thing is for sure: the healthcare ecosystem, including the medical device industry, will never look quite the same again. Although the pandemic has brought a short- to medium-term medical crisis to many countries, its role as a powerful disruptor cannot be underestimated, and may indeed prove to be a force for long-term good, given the accelerated innovation and rapid adaptation that it has cultivated.
Is This Phishing? Older Age Is Associated With Greater Difficulty Discriminating Between Safe and Malicious Emails
Authors: Grilli Matthew D , McVeigh Katelyn S , Hakim Ziad M , Wank Aubrey A , Getz Sarah J , Levin Bonnie E , Ebner Natalie C , Wilson Robert C
Published: December 2020

Objectives

As our social worlds become increasingly digitally connected, so too has concern about older adults falling victim to “phishing” emails, which attempt to deceive a person into identity theft and fraud. In the present study, we investigated whether older age is associated with differences in perceived suspiciousness of phishing emails.

Methods

Sixty-five cognitively normal middle-aged to older adults rated a series of genuine and phishing emails on a scale from definitely safe to definitely suspicious.

Results

Although older age was not related to a shift in overall perception of email safety, older age was related to worse discrimination between genuine and phishing emails, according to perceived suspiciousness.

Discussion

These findings suggest that cognitively normal older adults may be at particular risk for online fraud because of an age-associated reduction in their sensitivity to the credibility of emails.
Photon-magnon response to fluid variability and saturation levels in sandstone reservoirs
Authors: Ali Abdullah Musa , Rostami Amir , Yahya Noorhana
Published: December 2020

The need to recover high viscosity heavy oil from the residual phase of reservoirs has raised interest in the use of electromagnetics (EM) for enhanced oil recovery. However, the transformation of EM wave properties must be taken into consideration with respect to the dynamic interaction between fluid and solid phases. Consequently, this study discretises EM wave interaction with heterogeneous porous media (sandstones) under different fluid saturations (oil and water) to aid the monitoring of fluid mobility and activation of magnetic nanofluid in the reservoir. To achieve this aim, this study defined the various EM responses and signatures for brine and oil saturation and fluid saturation levels. A Nanofluid Electromagnetic Injection System (NES) was deployed for a fluid injection/core-flooding experiment. Inductance, resistance and capacitance (LRC) were recorded as the different fluids were injected into a 1.0-m long Berea core, starting from brine imbibition to oil saturation, brine flooding and eventually magnetite nanofluid flooding. The fluid mobility was monitored using a fibre Bragg grating sensor. The experimental measurements of the relative permittivity of the Berea sandstone core (with embedded detectors) saturated with brine, oil and magnetite nanofluid were given in the frequency band of 200 kHz. The behaviour of relative permittivity and attenuation of the EM wave was observed to be convolutedly dependent on the sandstone saturation history. The fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor was able to detect the interaction of the Fe3O4 nanofluid with the magnetic field, which underpins the fluid mobility fundamentals that resulted in an anomalous response.
The role of radiotherapy in the age of immunotherapy
Authors: Sato Hiro , Demaria Sandra , Ohno Tatsuya
Published: December 2020

With the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors, the efficacy of immunotherapy as a cancer treatment that is effective against multiple tumor types has been established, and this modality came to be considered as the fourth pillar of cancer therapy. The clinical success of immunotherapy greatly changed the field of oncology by highlighting the importance of the immune system in cancer control and elimination. It has now become clear that research into, and the clinical application of, the immune response are important for effective cancer treatment. Moreover, it has become apparent that conventional cancer treatments, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, can modulate the cross-talk between the tumor and the immune system, and their efficacy depends, in part, on the ability to elicit antitumor immune response. The ability of radiotherapy to induce an immune response has become relevant in the immunotherapy age. Radiotherapy has been redefined as a partner for cancer immunotherapy, based on evidence indicating the potential synergistic effect of the combination of these therapeutic modalities. This review outlines the major findings reported to date on the immune response induced by radiotherapy and discusses the role of radiotherapy in combination with immunotherapy. Furthermore, we introduce research aimed at the clinical application of combination therapy and discuss its potential in clinical practice and future issues.
Diversification of the cranium and mandible of spiny rats of the genus Trinomys (Rodentia: Echimyidae) in an environmental and phylogenetic context
Authors: Iaeger Chaiane Teila , Maestri Renan , Fornel Rodrigo
Published: December 2020

Evolutionary constraints and ecological pressures influence species’ morphological diversity. The aim of this study was to explore patterns of morphological variation, to investigate the influence of environmental variables on morphological differentiation, and assess the strength of phylogenetic signal for the cranium and mandible in spiny rats of the genus Trinomys. We examined 377 crania and mandibles of all species of the genus Trinomys. We used geometric morphometric methods based on two-dimensional anatomical landmarks to describe cranium and mandible shape and size. Phylogenetic signal was tested using the K statistics and associations between morphology and environmental variables were made using a phylogenetic partial least squares analysis. We found marked differences in size and shape in the synchranium among species, especially in the segregation of T. albispinus and T. yonenagae from the other species, which in turn greatly overlapped both in size and shape spaces. We found a weak phylogenetic signal for size of the synchranium and intermediate phylogenetic signals for shape, a pattern similar to other studies. Differentiation of the synchranium shape in Trinomys was associated largely with precipitation-related variables, while the association between size and environmental variables was weak. Notably, Trinomys species inhabiting xeric environments had relatively larger tympanic bullae.