bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative Activities within Ukrainian Insurance Companies
Authors: Starostina A. , Pikus R. , Kravchenko V.
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this research is to identify the role of innovations in overcoming the problems arising out of activities within insurance companies. Against the background of fluctuating marketing environment and high level of business risks, the staff of insurance companies is in high demand of scientifically substantiated recommendations on the very innovations which could bring business processes to a more increased efficiency level. The research of innovative activities within insurance companies in this paper is done using the following logical sequence: the place of innovations in the deployment of 4 Industrial Revolutions and their role in the modern insurance business (within Ukraine and abroad) about its fundamental and subsidiary business processes is displayed; common problems of national insurance companies and selected risk factors varying in terms of customer market (B2B or B2C), experience and foreign capital participation are described; the most practical innovative solutions for mitigation of identified risks in activities within insurance companies are suggested. The research presents the results of the sample survey of 52 insurance companies. The survey focused on hypotheses relating to as follows: threats to the business environment of insurance companies; directions for employment of innovations to develop insurance companies’ business; differences in assessment of threats to business environment; differences in opportunities and directions of innovations. ІВМ SPSS 20 software was used for processing of the data obtained. The following research methods were used to analyze the data: frequency distribution of variables, cross-tabulation, and nonparametric tests of variables. The research confirms that from 51.5 to 77 % of Ukrainian insurance companies are faced with some difficulties in their performance. The risk factors being the most relevant for insurance companies are the low paying capacity of customers at the insurance market (1st place), high competition (2nd place), imperfect legislation (3rd place). The research identified the following significant problems associated with the company's internal environment: lacking a definite strategic business development plan (1st place), problems involving qualified staff (2nd place), and problems with the interaction of structural units (3rd place). The research empirically lends support to specific directions of putting into practice and nature of innovations necessary for countering specific threats in their activities. Research findings can be of some practical value for improved efficiency of business processes both for Ukrainian and foreign insurance companies operating under the conditions of ever-changing factors of the business environment.
Keywords:
insurance companies, innovations, business processes, В2С market, В2В market.
Management of agriculture innovations: Role in Economic Development.
Authors: Sira Elena , Pukala Ryszard
Published: July 2020

Agriculture has a significant economic position in each country, either historically or in terms of importance. Without the products of agriculture, there could be no life. That's the reason to analyze this industry. This industry is now, in the current global world, affected by new trends and new competition on the market. New management, innovations, and other challenges that occurred in this sector. It must face new threats. Especially, significant changes in the global world environment significantly affect this sector. Firstly, through the volume of crop production, respectively non-production due to significant climate changes. Secondly, due to stricter market conditions and its current regulation. Changes in these areas have a significant impact not only on the development in the agricultural sector itself but also on the development of the economy as a whole. Today, competitiveness plays a significant role in the world, as well as in agriculture. This paper summarizes the findings from the area of agriculture, nowadays trends in this sector, innovations. It analyses the competitiveness in this sector, which is characterized by its specific features. Then it summarizes the findings and main thesis about Common Agricultural Policy and its instruments. Another part of this article is dedicated to a very important topic - innovation in agriculture. Agricultural innovation is seen as a co-evolutionary process because it combined technological, social, economic, and institutional changes. The main aim of the article is to identify the impact of agriculture on the economic development of the Slovak Republic economy and to show the possibilities for innovation implementing into this sector. The selected indicators will analyze the description of the position of this sector in the past and today. The typical indicators for the agricultural sector were set. Methodological tools of the research methods were analyzing statistical methods as a regression model, and p-value. Through a regression model, we would like to know what is the dependence of crop and livestock productions on the GDP of agriculture. Finally, improvements to the current state will be suggested. To gain the representative data, more than 20 years of research were set. The object of research is the Slovak republic. The position of agriculture within this country was identified. The article shows the results of verification of dependencies between indicators in the agricultural sector, which showed that statistical significance is assumed, which of course is confirmed both in crop and livestock production. The systematization of domestic and foreign scientific studies and approaches to answering problems in the management of agricultural innovations and the low share of agriculture on GDP makes it possible to create suggestions for the innovative solutions in agriculture in Slovakia.
Keywords:
agriculture, management, innovation, crop production, livestock production, Slovak Republic.
Innovations as the Competitive Advantage for Small and Medium Enterprises: the Case for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alghanmi Ahlam Otaibi
Published: July 2020

There is a lack of studies on innovations and competitiveness in Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia; to fell this gap, this paper will study change as the competitive advantage for Small and Medium Enterprises: the case for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study aims to explore different practices of SMEs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to examine the impact of innovation strategies (Organizational, Product, Process, and Market) on the competitive advantage of SMEs. The study was conducted on one hundred and forty-seven (147) SMEs that are practicing different activities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study's analysis indicates that most of the enterprises were young (operation years were less than ten years), which shows the strong need to apply innovative strategies to maintain their position and competitiveness in the market. Competitive advantage enables the firm to utilize its resources efficiently and maintain high levels of quality performance. The results show that the correlation between Innovation strategies such as product innovation strategy, market innovation strategy, process innovation strategy, and organizational innovation strategy practiced by SMEs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and competitiveness was Positive. Therefore, it indicates that different innovation strategies were significantly influencing the competitiveness of the SMEs. To remain a competitor enterprise in the market is not a natural or an easy attempt, and it can be challenging for SMEs, especially without the needed knowledge and support. Findings and recommendations of the study can be used as a guideline for SMEs. Also, emphasizing on the importance of education that plays a vital role in SMEs innovations. It is essential to establish with different research centers and universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia programs or activities that focus on changes in business, and it will result in gaining competitive advantage and sustainability for Small and Medium Enterprises in the market.
Keywords:
competitive advantage, innovation, small enterprises, medium enterprises.
Innovations in Management Forecast: Time Development of Stock Prices with Neural Networks
Authors: Vochozka Marek , Horak Jakub , Krulicky Tomas
Published: July 2020

Accurate prediction of stock market values is a challenging task for over decades. Prediction of stock prices is associated with numerous benefits including but not limited to helping investors make wise decisions to accumulate profits. The development of the share price is a dynamic and nonlinear process affected by several factors. What is interesting is the unpredictability of share prices due to the global financial crisis. However, classical methods are no longer sufficient for the application of share price development prediction.However, over-relying on prediction data can lead to losses in the case of software malfunction. This paper aims to innovate the prediction management when predicting the share price development over time by the use of neural networks. For the contribution, the data on the prices of CEZ, a.s. shares obtained from the Prague Stock Exchange database. The stock price data are available for the period 2012-2017. In the case of Statistica software, the multilayer perceptron networks (MLP) and the radial basis function networks (RBF) are generated. In the case of Matlab software, the Support Vector Regression (SVR) and the Back-Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) are generated. The networks with the best characteristics are retained and based on the statistical interpretation of the results, and all are applicable in practice. In all data sets, MLP networks show stable performance better than in the case of SVR and BPNN networks. As for the final assessment, the deviation of 2.26% occurs in the most significant differential of the maximal and the minimal prediction. It is not necessarily significant regarding the price of one stock. However, in the case of purchasing or selling a large number of stocks, the difference may seem significant. Therefore, in practice, the application of two networks is recommended: MLP 1-2-1 and MLP 1-5-1. The first network always represents a pessimistic, minimal prediction. The second one of the recommended networks is an optimistic, maximal prediction. The actual situation should correspond to the interval of the difference between the optimistic and pessimistic prediction.
Keywords:
Statistica software, Matlab software, stock price development, neural networks, prediction.
MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF DIESEL ENGINE CHARACTERISTICS FOR DETERMINING THE PERFORMANCE OF TRACTION DYNAMICS OF WHEEL-TYPE TRACTOR
Authors: Rebrov Oleksii , Kozhushko Andrii , Kalchenko Boris , Mamontov Anatoliy , Zakovorotniy Alexander , Kalinin Evgeniy , Holovina Elena
Published: July 2020

Wheel-type tractors carry out a range of processing operations, with the exception of early spring work, when caterpillar tractors are used to reduce the compaction effect on the soil. Therefore, to plan the costs and reserves associated with fuel consumption, it is necessary to have an estimate of the fuel economy of the tractor in basic agricultural operations.

An objective assessment of fuel consumption requires a mathematical model that describes the fuel characteristics of the engine, taking into account the speed and load torque in a wide range of variation. Verification of the model is possible only with experimental data.

Since the efficiency and fuel economy of a tractor depends not only on engine performance, but also on the perfection of the transmission, the running system and the rational choice of speed, it is necessary to take into account the time-varying nature of the tractor’s traction load. The complex of agricultural operations can be divided into characteristic cycles of load change over time. This principle is the basis of PowerMix test cycles, which are conducted on a concrete track to ensure repeatability of the experiment. The use of the variable load on the tractor in the PowerMix tests is positive, but in actual field tests the results may differ due to the instability of the soil properties. On the other hand, PowerMix field cycles can be taken as standard test loads in the simulation of tractor traction tests on the ground
NAVIGATION AND MOTION CONTROL SYSTEMS OF THE AUTONOMOUS UNDERWATER VEHICLE
Authors: Antonov Dmitry , Kolganov Leonid , Savkin Aleksey , Chekhov Egor , Ryabinkin Maxim
Published: July 2020

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are widely used and have proven their effectiveness in tasks such as transportation safety, area monitoring and seafloor mapping. When developing AUV’s navigation and control systems, the engineers have to ensure the required levels of accuracy and reliability for solving navigation and motion control tasks in autonomous underwater operation under restrictions on the overall dimensions and power consumption of the AUV. The main purpose of this paper is to present preliminary results of AUV navigation and motion control systems development.

The AUV’s navigation system is built around strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS) designed specifically for this AUV. When surfaced, position and angular SINS correction is performed using data from dual-antenna GNSS receiver and doppler velocity log (DVL). When underwater, SINS position and velocity correction is performed using acoustic navigation system (ANS) and DVL data.

AUV’s control system provides manual and automatic control. Manual control is carried out in real-time by operator via fiber-optic cable using a joystick. Automatic control allows AUV to move independently along a specified trajectory at a given depth and speed. The AUV also has a collision avoidance system that utilizes readings from a forward-facing acoustic rangefinder to estimate time before impact based on AUV’s analytic model. If possible collision is detected, information is transmitted to the control system so that a further appropriate action can be taken.

Computer simulation utilizing the analytic AUV model was used in order to check the performance characteristics of the designed control and navigation algorithms. After confirming the operability of the developed algorithms, preliminary tests of the AUV were carried out. During the tests, AUV’s on-board equipment and navigation system readings were recorded and compared to the readings of the reference system, which was also installed on the AUV. During the tests, the dynamic characteristics of the AUV were evaluated. AUV’s characteristics obtained during simulation and testing will be used as a reference during future development
DOCUMENTÁRIO “O POVO BRASILEIRO” COMO FERRAMENTA PARA DISCUSSÃO ACERCA DO PRECONCEITO
Authors: Silva Lilian Bento de Souza
Published: July 2020

Este artigo tem como foco elaborar um levantamento das possibilidades encontradas em documentários para a reflexão, em sala de aula, acerca do preconceito. Para alcançar o objetivo, analisou-se o documentário “O povo brasileiro”, em busca de identificar elementos fílmicos que contribuíssem para a desconstrução do preconceito. Os materiais audiovisuais são meios de comunicação que têm uma grande relevância na formação e nas interpretações que as pessoas constroem acerca do mundo onde vivem. Alunos e alunas estão em constante aprendizado e entrado em contato com novas formas de compreender a sociedade e a si mesmos. A imagens têm uma capacidade especial de transmitir mensagens. As maneiras pelas quais são produzidos indicam um caráter pedagógico e informativo desses filmes.

Palavras-chave: Documentário. Escola. O povo brasileiro. Preconceito.
BIOCATALISADORES VEGETAIS NA REDUÇÃO DE ACETOFENONAS PRÓ-QUIRAIS E SUAS CONTRIBUIÇÕES PARA A QUÍMICA VERDE
Authors: De Goes Sampaio Vitor Hugo , Da Costa Assunção João Carlos , Araújo Dantas Camylla Rachelle Aguiar , Alves Ferreira Daniele , Pessoa Bastos Ana Karine , De Goes Sampaio Caroline
Published: July 2020

Inserida nos processos biotecnológicos, a biocatálise se destaca por ser eficiente, economicamente viável e ambientalmente correta. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo investigar o potencial biocatalítico de resíduos vegetais na redução da acetofenona. Dos materiais testados, o abacate não apresentou atividade catalítica. Já as cascas de abacaxi formaram diferentes produtos, como o 1-feniletanol, 2-feniletanol, acetato de 1-feniletila e acetato de 2-feniletila, assim como as sementes de abóbora e amêndoas da manga, 1-feniletanol, 2-hidroxiacetofenona e 1-fenil-1,2-etanol, mostrando baixa seletividade química, resultado destoante do desejado, mas com bons rendimentos de conversão. Cascas de banana, maracujá, bagaço da cana-de-açúcar e sabugos de milho formaram apenas o 2-feniletanol, sendo os três primeiros mais efetivos, com conversão variando entre 21,7% e 80,0%. Em seguida foram realizados estudos para otimização das condições reacionais com a banana e o maracujá, através do monitoramento da conversão e do excesso enantiomérico, que permitiram otimizar tempo e pH de reação, quantidade de biocatalisador e derivados da acetofenona. As melhoras condições encontradas para a banana foram 36 horas, 15 g, pH 7,0, enquanto para o maracujá foram 48 horas, 15 g, pH 7,6. Utilizando as condições otimizadas, avaliou-se o potencial biorredutor da banana e maracujá frente aos derivados da acetofenona 2-bromoacetofenona, 3-bromoacetofenona, 4-bromoacetofenona, 1-fenil-2,2,2-trifluoretanona, 3-fluoracetofenona, 4-fluoracetofenona e 2-nitroacetofenona. Dentre os derivados testados 1-fenil-2,2,2-trifluoretanona foi o mais reativo com rendimento >99%. O estudo foi fundamental para a obtenção de novas fontes de biocatalisadores, podendo ser transformado futuramente em produtos comercialmente viáveis, contribuindo decisivamente para a consolidação da Química Verde.
METODOLOGIAS ALTERNATIVAS NA PERSPECTIVA DO DOCENTE DE CIÊNCIAS DA NATUREZA E MATEMÁTICA
Authors: Silva Maria Alcilene Gomes de Menezes , Silva Lilianne de Sousa , Bertini Luciana Medeiros , Alves Leonardo Alcântara
Published: July 2020

As metodologias alternativas são estratégias pedagógicas utilizadas pelos docentes para tentar tornar o processo de ensino-aprendizagem mais atrativo e significativo para os discentes. Com este foco, o presente artigo tem como objetivo principal verificar quais as perspectivas dos docentes de Ciências da Natureza e Matemática sobre essas estratégias. Para tanto, aplicamos uma escala de Likert, contendo 21 afirmativas, com os professores das duas áreas em duas escolas da rede estadual de ensino de Apodi/RN, uma escola localizada na Zona Rural e uma da Zona Urbana. Após aplicação da pesquisa e análise dos dados, observamos que os docentes acreditam que o uso de metodologias alternativas pode beneficiar a aprendizagem dos alunos. Concluímos ainda que, para os docentes participantes da pesquisa, a metodologia alternativa é um auxílio nos processos cognitivos do aluno, além de ser fator motivador, ajudando também na construção do conhecimento em sala de aula.
MEDIÇÃO DAS FORÇAS DE ARRASTO E SUSTENTAÇÃO EM UM TÚNEL DE VENTO DIDÁTICO
Authors: SILVA ALLAN JOSÉ DA , PINTO ABNER RODRIGUES , OLIVEIRA DARIO JUNIOR MUNIZ DE , SOUZA JONATAS OLIVEIRA ALCARDE DE , SILVA KEVIN ALMEIDA , KAMIMURA LINCOLN TOSHIKAZU
Published: July 2020

O presente artigo abordou um estudo experimental sobre a medição das forças de arrasto e sustentação que são realizadas em ensaios feitos com um perfil aerodinâmicos utilizando um túnel de vento do tipo soprador, onde, este túnel de vento tem por finalidade o uso em âmbito acadêmico de ensino superior e tecnológico. Utilizando um modelo de perfil aerodinâmico com duas inclinações de ângulo de ataque diferentes, foi possível comparar as medições das forças, visualizar as diferenças que o ângulo de ataque promove nas forças de arrasto e sustentação e comprovar a viabilidade da utilização de um túnel de vento didático em instituições de ensino voltadas ao nível superior.
Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in drinking water fountains in urban parks
Authors: Santos Geyse A. C. , Dropa Milena , Rocha Solange M. , Peternella Francisca A. S. , Razzolini Maria Tereza Pepe
Published: July 2020

The presence of Staphylococcus aureus in drinking water is a concern because of its potential to cause human infection and also because of its multiple antimicrobial resistance. This study evaluated the water quality of drinking water fountains and mist makers in four municipal parks of São Paulo for 13 months. Although all samples met bacteriological water quality criteria according to Brazilian regulations, the absence of residual chlorine (<0.1 mg/L) was observed. These data were significantly correlated with the frequency of S. aureus that was found in 25.2% of the samples. The mecA gene was detected in 36.7% of the isolates demonstrating its potential for resistance to several antimicrobials. Furthermore, 27.3% isolates carrying the mecA gene had methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) phenotypic potential. The presence of S. aureus with characteristics of microbial resistance in water for human consumption is an unprecedented finding. Hence, conducting surveillance for opportunistic bacteria, such as staphylococci in drinking water, is reasonable to take control measures and to protect human health, especially in public places with high attendance.
Optimal allocation model of the water resources in Harbin under representative concentration pathway scenarios
Authors: Meng Fanxiang , Li Linqi , Li Tianxiao , Fu Qiang
Published: July 2020

Water conservation is a strategic choice for sustainable societal development. Rational planning and allocation of water resources is an effective way to improve the efficiency of water resource utilization. Taking Harbin as an example, this paper constructs a linear fractional programming model based on chance-constrained programming. The model can reflect the randomness of water inflow under different climatic conditions while taking into account the interests of different decision makers at the upper and lower levels and the two contradictory objectives of maximizing economic benefits and minimizing water demands to improve water distribution efficiency and reduce the complexity of water resource distribution systems. The results showed that under the three climatic scenarios of RCP4.5, RCP6.0, and RCP8.5, the agricultural water supply accounted for 90.04%, 87.66%, and 84.15% of the total regional water supply, respectively. In the process of building the model, considering the importance of sewage treatment in water safety evaluations, the cost of sewage treatment is included in the upper-level benefits of the model. The sustainable development of water resources should be guaranteed while rationally allocating water resources and pursuing economic benefits.
Mechanism of Regulating Informal Employment on Russian Labour Market
Authors: Glinskaya M. I.
Published: July 2020

In conditions of globalization, computerization of work places, use of flexible forms of employment it is necessary to design new radical solution aimed at regulating and stabilizing the situation connected with the rise in informal employment of the population. The article provides author’s mechanism of regulating informal employment on Russian labour market, which covers tools being used now and those put forward by the author: a new form of individuals’ work, i. e. state-freelance partnership and a tool of regulating social and labour relations on federal, regional and municipal levels on the basis of studying international and Russian normative and legal acts in the field of employment. The key goal of the mechanism is to involve informally employed population in work based on official conditions of employment. This mechanism is not a drastic solution for struggling informal employment, it is aimed at raising the work force interest in leaving the shadow employment. In unfavorable economic conditions connected with the corona-virus infection, reducing the number of jobs, loss of work by people this mechanism can act as a program of improving the situation on Russian labour market. State support in this period can raise loyalty to measures introduced by the government, whose aim is to regulate informal employment.
Regulating Labour Migration in the Republic of Uzbekistan
Authors: Mamatkhanov A. A.
Published: July 2020

International migration, in particular migration of labour resources plays an important role both for migrants themselves as participants of international division of labour and for countries of departure and destination, especially from the point of view of economic development. We know the positive impact of labour migration for countries of departure as a labour resource donor, when migrants send considerable cash to their native land, which improves the standard of living of members of their households and provides access to key social welfare and services, such as education and Public health service, food. However, issues dealing with regulation of migration processes in Uzbekistan are still topical and the latest attempts to settle them were useless. At the same time Russia as a key partner of Uzbekistan in migration exchange of labour resources, as a country of destination is taking first steps to liberalize migration legislation and is ready to take other decisions to simplify the procedure of granting its citizenship to more and more people (citizens of the CIS). Uzbekistan in the medium- range of time will have an excess amount of labour resource, which can be used in Russia but for building the strong foundation of social protection of Uzbek migrants it is necessary to develop local legislative basis and international agreements. The author provides recommendations aimed at designing migration policy to ensure stable economic growth in Uzbekistan and sustainability of its public system.
Affordable Credit Resources to Implement Investment Projects in Industry of Russia
Authors: Eremkin V. A.
Published: July 2020

Raising loan finance by industrial enterprises for the development of their investment projects is an important factor for economic growth in Russia. Due to this the problem of credit resource affordability for Russian business becomes more and more topical. The article analyzes possibilities of credit affordability regulation for industrial enterprises by tools of monetary policy of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation. The author aims at indentifying the current problems of the credit system for industrial enterprises and finding the key lines in its improvement. Within the frames of the research the author estimates the impact of high and low interest rates on the volume of industry crediting, analyzes the structure of giving credits to non-financial organizations and studies the problem of long cash affordability for realizing investment projects in industry. The article also investigates the asset concentration in the banking sector and shows the higher role of state and the diminishing number of commercial banks and their branches. Certain important lines of development were identified, which in the future could determine the situation in industry crediting in Russia. Finding of the research can be used for devising the state strategy of developing the system of industry crediting in Russia.
Integrative Model of Building the Education System as a Tool of Providing Well-Balanced Transforming Labour Market
Authors: Kuzminov A. N. , Tyaglov S. G. , Arhipova L. S. , Sedova N. V.
Published: July 2020

The article provides a new approach to building a system of continuous education as interdisciplinary synthesis of theoretical, methodological and instrumental tools of analyzing, forecasting, projecting and state governance. These problems are discussed in the context of labour market stability. The research object is the processes of developing the fundamental institutions of labour market in their interconnection with education and economic systems of mezzo-level, whose complication could hinder the use of classical instrumental means of analysis and promote the attraction of new models, including those based on cognitive and cenology approaches. The key lines in academic research in the field are being studied with special focus on approaches to shaping a new institutional model of the education system. To attain the set goal tools are used, which take into account complexity of all sub-systems being investigated, including versatile nature of processes taking place on labour market and their interconnection, which leads to impossibility to single out and research in detail separate phenomena. The theoretical and methodological approach to forecast and governance of well-balanced labour market at the expense of coordination between key stakeholders’ interests and principle institutions relies on laws of imitation and cenology modeling, which can ensure realization of strategic goals of sustainable development through building the optimum supply within the frames of continuous education.
Optimization, Purification and Antitumor Activity of Kodamaea ohmeri ANOMY L-Asparaginase Isolated from Banana Peel
Authors: Shabana Ahmed M.I. , Shetaia Yousseria M. , Abdelwahed Nayera A.M. , Esawy Mona A. , Alfarouk Omar R.
Published: July 2020

Objective:

L-Asparaginase is an important enzyme that converts L-asparagine to L-aspartate
and ammonia. Microbial L-asparaginase has important applications as anticancer and food processing
agents.

Methods:

This study reported the isolation, screening of a local yeast isolate from banana peel for
L-asparaginase production using submerged fermentation, optimization of the production, purification,
and anticancer assay of L-asparaginase. The yeast isolate was identified as Kodamaea ohmeri ANOMY
based on the analysis of nuclear large subunit (26S) rDNA partial sequences. It was a promising
L-asparaginase producer with a specific activity of 3059±193 U/mg in a non-optimized medium. The
classical one-variable-at-a-time method was used to optimize the production medium components, and
it was found that the elimination of K2HPO4 from the medium increased L-asparaginase specific activity
(3100.90±180 U/mg).

Results:

Statistical optimization of L-asparaginase production was done using Plackett-Burman and
Box-Behnken designs. The production medium for the maximum L-asparaginase specific activity
(8500±578U/mg) was as follows (g/L): L-asparagine (7.50), NaNO3 (0.50), MgSO4.7H2O (0.80), KCl
(0.80) associated with an incubation period of 5 days, inoculum size of 5.60 %, and pH (7.0). The optimization
process increased L-asparaginase production by 2.78-fold compared to the non-optimized
medium. L-Asparaginase was purified using ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by gel filtration
on a Sephadex G-100 column. Its molecular weight was 66 KDa by SDS-PAGE analysis.

Conclusion:

The cell morphology technique was used to evaluate the anticancer activity of
L-asparaginase against three different cell lines. L-Asparaginase inhibited the growth of HepG-2,
MCF-7, and HCT-116 cells at a concentration of 20, 50, and 60 μL, respectively.
Glycyrrhetinic Acid and TAT Peptide Modified Dual-functional Liposomes for Treatment of Hepatocellular Cancer
Authors: Huang Sixi , Ren Di , Wu Xinrong , Li Ming , Yu Xuesong , Nie Xiaoling , Wang Ying , Wang Yan
Published: July 2020

Background:

Surgery remains the front-line therapeutic strategy to treat early hepatocellular
carcinoma (HCC). However, the 5-year recurrence rates of HCC patients are high. 10-
Hydroxycamptothecin (10-HCPT) is a known anti-HCC agent but its poor solubility and bioavailability
have limited its clinical use.

Objective:

In this study, we developed a novel nanoliposome encapsulated 10-hydroxycamptothecin
modified with glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) and TAT peptide (GA/TAT-HCPT-LP) for the treatment of
HCC. Dual modified GA and TAT can enhance tumor targeting and tumor penetration.

Methods:

The GA/TAT-HCPT-LP NPs were synthesized using the thin-film dispersion method.
GA/TAT-HCPT-LP were characterized for particle size, zeta potential and morphology. Drug release
from the GA/TAT-HCPT-LP liposomes was measured by dialysis. Cell-uptake was assessed by microscopy
and flow cytometry. Cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis were measured to evaluate in vitro
antitumor activity of GA/TAT-HCPT-LP via CCK-8 assays, Transwell assays, and flow cytometry, respectively.
The in vivo distribution of GA/TAT-HCPT-LP was evaluated in HCC animal models. Tumor-
bearing mouse models were used to assess the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of GA/TAT-HCPT-LP.

Results:

The mean particle size and mean zeta potential of GA/TAT-HCPT-LP were 135.55 ± 2.76 nm
and -4.57 ± 0.23 mV, respectively. Transmission electron micrographs (TEM) showed that the
GA/TAT-HCPT-LP had a near spherical shape and a double-membrane structure. GA/TAT-HCPT-LP
led to slow and continuous drug release, and could bind to HepG2 cells more readily than other groups.
Compared to control groups, treatment with GA/TAT-HCPT-LP had a significantly large effect on inhibiting
cell proliferation, tumor cell migration and cell apoptosis. In vivo assays showed that GA/TATHCPT-
LP selectively accumulated in tumor tissue with obvious antitumor efficacy.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, the synthesized GA/TAT-HCPT-LP could effectively target tumor cells and
enhance cell penetration, highlighting its potential for hepatocellular cancer therapy.
Nanotechnology Assisted Chemotherapy for Targeted Cancer Treatment: Recent Advances and Clinical Perspectives
Authors: Lan Huan-Rong , Wu Zhi-Qiang , Zhang Li-Hua , Jin Ke-Tao , Wang Shi-Bing
Published: July 2020

Nanotechnology has recently provided exciting platforms in the field of anticancer research with promising potentials for improving drug delivery efficacy and treatment outcomes. Nanoparticles (NPs) possess different advantages over the micro and bulk therapeutic agents, including their capability to carry high payloads of drugs, with prolonged half-life, reduced toxicity of the drugs, and increased targeting efficiency. The wide variety of nanovectors, coupled with different conjugation and encapsulation methods available for different theranostic agents provide promising opportunities to fine-tune the pharmacological properties of these agents for more effective cancer treatment methods. This review discusses applications of NPs-assisted chemotherapy in preclinical and clinical settings and recent advances in design and synthesis of different nanocarriers for chemotherapeutic agents. Moreover, physicochemical properties of different nanocarriers, their impacts on different tumor targeting strategies and effective parameters for efficient targeted drug delivery are discussed. Finally, the current approved NPs-assisted chemotherapeutic agents for clinical applications and under different phases of clinical trials are discussed.
Current Challenges and Implications of Proteogenomic Approaches in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Shukla Nidhi , Siva Narmadhaa , Malik Babita , Suravajhala Prashanth
Published: July 2020

In the recent past, next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches have heralded the omics
era. With NGS data burgeoning, there arose a need to disseminate the omic data better. Proteogenomics
has been vividly used for characterising the functions of candidate genes and is applied in ascertaining
various diseased phenotypes, including cancers. However, not much is known about the role and application
of proteogenomics, especially Prostate Cancer (PCa). In this review, we outline the need for proteogenomic
approaches, their applications and their role in PCa.
Heck Cross-Coupling Reactions in Ionic Liquid mediated Pd Nanocatalysts
Authors: Gautam Prashant , Srivastava Vivek
Published: July 2020

:

We straightforwardly synthesized 18 different types of palladium nanoparticles by using a
series of palladium metal precursors and ionic liquids. All the materials went for XRD, TEM, and ICPOES
analysis, before going to Heck cross-coupling reaction as a catalyst. We evaluated the catalytic
performance of our developed IL#Pd MNP catalyst over Heck cross-coupling reaction between different
terminal olefins with various 3-iodo-benzopyrones, including sterically hindered, electron-rich,
electron neutral and electron-deficient systems. We obtained the Heck cross-coupling reaction product
in good to average yield under phosphine free reaction condition with an added advantage of 6 times
catalyst recycling.
Neuroprotective Potential of Adenyl Cyclase/cAMP/CREB and Mitochondrial CoQ10 Activator in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Rats
Authors: Alam Mohmmad M. , Minj Elijabeth , Yadav Rajeshwar K. , Mehan Sidharth
Published: July 2020

Aim:

To investigate neuroprotective potential of Forskolin (FSK) in combination with
Solanesol (SNL) along with clinically proven drugs (riluzole, baclofen, and citalopram) on behavioral,
molecular and neurochemical alterations in methyl mercury-induced Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
(ALS) rats.

Background:

ALS is a motor neuron disease in which oxidative stress is the principal mechanism
of neuronal death which can be mimicked by the dominant mutations in an antioxidant enzyme
SOD-1. Due to MeHg neurotoxicity, behavioral and neurochemical alterations occur in rats. During
ALS, mitochondrial CoQ10 dysfunctioning and downregulation of adenyl cyclase/CREB are
major pathological hallmark for neurodegeneration in ALS. Clinically proven drug therapy comes
with limited therapeutic involvement and is used as approachable therapy in ALS patients.

Objective:

Therefore, current research explores the up-regulation of adenyl cyclase/cAMP/CREB
by FSK 30, 60 mg/kg in combination with mitochondrial ETC-coenzyme-Q10 precursor SNL 15,
30 mg/kg can be a preventive therapeutic approach to overcome the ALS like symptoms.

Methods:

MeHg (5 mg/kg) is a neurotoxic compound that leads to ALS like behavioral & neurochemical
alterations.

Results:

Chronic treatment with the combination of FSK 30,60 mg/kg and SNL 15,30 mg/kg alone
and along with standard drugs citalopram (5 mg/kg), riluzole (5 mg/kg) and baclofen (3 mg/kg) increased
the adenyl cyclase and mitochondrial CoQ10 and ETC-complexes enzyme levels and
shows the neuroprotective potential by significantly improving the cognitive deficitslocomotion,
grip strength, and restoration of neurochemicals alterations along with reducing the level of inflammatory
mediators and oxidative stress in ALS rats.

Conclusion:

Thus, we concluded that FSK in combination with SNL along with standard drugs
can be a possible therapeutic approach for the treatment of ALS.
A New 1,2-Benzisoxazolin-3-one Synthetized from Eugenol Shows Anti- Candida Spp. Activity, Specially Against Opportunistic Candida Glabrata
Authors: Fregnan Antonio M. , Júnior Antonio A. Fernandes , Alvarenga Dalila J. , Oliver Josidel C. , Silva Naiara C. , Coelho Luiz F.L. , Dias Amanda L. Tranches , Dias Danielle F. , de Souza Thiago B. , Carvalho Diogo T.
Published: July 2020

Background:

In view of the need of discovering new antifungal agents, the synthesis of
compounds comprising new structural scaffolds is an important approach, since they may act by
new mechanisms of action and overcome resistance issues.

Objective:

Synthesis of new 1,2-benzisoxazolin-3-ones inspired in eugenol and ebselen as new antifungal
agents against Candida spp.

Methods:

A series of 1,2-benzisoxazolin-3-ones, based on eugenol and analogs, was synthesized
by the cyclization of the respective hydroxamic acids under Mitsunobu conditions. IR, NMR, and
MS spectroscopies characterized the synthesized compounds. The final products were screened for
their antifungal activity against five Candida spp., using microdilution assays and cytotoxicity
against peripheral blood mononuclear cells by the MTT method.

Results:

The products were obtained in good yields and the results showed that most of the synthesized
compounds were better antifungal agents than eugenol against the Candida species evaluated
and that the derivative IVd (IC50 53 μmol L-1) showed activity comparable to fluconazole against
C. glabrata. Moreover, IVd showed the best selectivity profile among the synthesized new compounds.

Conclusion:

A new 1,2-benzisoxazolin-3-one (IVd) was obtained as a promising candidate for the
development of new antifungal agents based on a new chemical scaffold.
Molecular Docking, QSAR and Microscopic Studies of Anti-trypanosomal Compounds from the Pathogen Box
Authors: Ogunleye Adewale J. , Olaolu Olushola S. , Ibrahim Nuraddeen B. , James Anthony A.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Trypanosoma brucei (T. brucei) is the cause of the deadly human African
trypanosomiasis (HAT) with a case fatality ratio of 10%.

Objective:

Targeting the essential Trypanosomal glucose metabolism pathway through the inhibition
of phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH)
is a valid strategy for anti-T. brucei drug development.

Methods:

Here, quantitative structure activity relationship, molecular docking and microscopic
studies were used to describe the mode of inhibition of selected compounds from the pathogen box
PGK and GAPDH.

Results:

We identified 4 hit compounds from the pathogen box with optimal binding and
chemical interactions. Notably, it was identified that interacting charge surface and atomic mass
were key aspects of both PGK and GAPDH inhibition. Also, novel anti-trypanosomal compounds
were identified from the pathogen box and their half maximal inhibitory concentrations
were described.

Conclusions:

Our study presents new anti-trypanosomal compounds with optimal pharmacological
profiles and an optimization strategy for improving target specificity in the rational design of novel
anti-trypanosomal compounds.
Quality-by-design Enabled Chitosan Nanoparticles for Antitubercular Therapy: Formulation, Statistical Optimization, and In Vitro Characterization
Authors: Chogale Manasi M. , Gaikwad Sujay S. , Kulkarni Savita P. , Patravale Vandana B.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be among the leading causes of high mortality
among developing countries. Though a seemingly effective treatment regimen against TB is
in place, there has been no significant improvement in the therapeutic rates. This is primarily owing
to the high drug doses, their associated side-effects, and prolonged treatment regimen. Discontinuation
of therapy due to the severe side effects of the drugs results in the progression of the infection
to the more severe drug-resistant TB.

Objectives:

Reformulation of the current existing anti TB drugs into more efficient dosage forms
could be an ideal way out. Nanoformulations have been known to mitigate the side effects of toxic,
high-dose drugs. Hence, the current research work involves the formulation of Isoniazid (INH; a
first-line anti TB molecule) loaded chitosan nanoparticles for pulmonary administration.

Methods:

INH loaded chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation method using an anionic
crosslinker. Drug-excipient compatibility was evaluated using DSC and FT-IR. The formulation
was optimized on the principles of Quality-by-Design using a full factorial design.

Results:

The obtained nanoparticles were spherical in shape having an average size of 620±10.97
nm and zeta potential +16.87±0.79 mV. Solid-state characterization revealed partial encapsulation
and amorphization of INH into the nanoparticulate system. In vitro release study confirmed an extended
release of INH from the system. In vitro cell line-based safety and efficacy studies revealed
satisfactory results.

Conclusion:

The developed nanosystem is thus an efficient approach for antitubercular therapy.
Recent Patents on the Industrial Application of Alpha-amylases
Authors: Ferreira André V. F. , Silva Felipe F. , Silva Ana Amélia M. , Azevedo Lucas S. , da Fonseca Sara T. D. , Camilo Nathalia H. , dos Santos Keiza P. E. , de Carvalho Leiliane C. , Tarabal Vinícius S. , da Silva Jonatas O. , Machado Juliana M. , Nogueira Laís M. , Torres Fernando Araripe G. , Galdino Alexsandro S.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Alpha-amylases are enzymes capable of degrading polysaccharides,
such as starch and glycogen. Found in various organisms, such as fungi and bacteria,
these enzymes have great biotechnological potential due to their insertion in several
industrial sectors ranging from food to biofuels.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to analyze patents deposited in intellectual property
databases on alpha-amylases in the fields of food, beverages, detergents, animal feeds,
biofuels, pharmaceuticals and textiles, with the search period being 5 years.

Methods:

This study targeted the use of alpha-amylases in various industrial sectors, so
searches were carried out on the intellectual property database Espacenet website (European
Patent Office - EPO) which contains more than 90 million patents deposited in its
database.

Results:

During the search for patents filed in the last 5 years, 186 were found related to
the use of alpha-amylases. These were disturbed as follows: 84 (biofuel), 41 (drinks), 16
(pharmaceuticals), 15 (detergents), 11 (food), 10 (animal feed), 9 (textiles). From the total
number of patents found, we selected 6 from each area, except pharmaceutical products,
to discuss and provide information on the application of this enzyme.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that the sectors of beverages and animal feed have
preferences for thermostable alpha-amylases while sectors such as food, biofuels and textiles
only regarded the importance of enzymatic efficiency. The detergent sector presented
the greatest use of alpha-amylases which had distinct biochemical characteristics as solvent
resistance and thermostability. The pharmaceutical sector was the one that presented
less patents related to the application of alpha amylases. In addition, this work showed
that China is the country with the highest patent registration for the use of alpha-amylases
in the analyzed period.
A New Keeper Domino Logic Based Full Adder for High-Speed Arithmetic Circuits
Authors: Bansal Deepika , Nagar Bal Chand , Singh Brahamdeo Prasad , Kumar Ajay
Published: July 2020

Objective:

A new efficient keeper circuit has been proposed in this article for achieving low
leakage power consumption and to improve the power delay product of the dynamic logic using carbon
nanotube MOSFET.

Methods:

As a benchmark, a one-bit adder has been designed and characterized with both technologies
Si-MOSFET and CN-MOSFET using proposed and existing dynamic circuits. Furthermore, a
comparison has been made to demonstrate the superiority of CN-MOSFET technology with Synopsys
HSPICE tool for multiple bit adders available in the literature.

Result:

The simulation results show that the proposed keeper circuit provides lower static and dynamic
power consumption up to 57 and 40%, respectively, as compared to the domino circuits using
32nm CN-MOSFET technology provided by Stanford University. Moreover, the proposed keeper configuration
provides better performance using Si-MOSFET and CN-MOSFET technologies.

Conclusion:

A comparison of the proposed keeper with previously published designs is also given in
terms of power consumption, delay and power delay product with the improvement up to 75, 18 and
50%, respectively. The proposed circuit uses only two transistors, so it requires less area and gives
high efficiency.