bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Feasibility of Augmenting Fall Detection Systems by Relying on UWB-Based Position Tracking and a Home Robot
Authors: Capra Maurizio , Sapienza Stefano , Motto Ros Paolo , Serrani Alessio , Martina Maurizio , Puiatti Alessandro , Bonato Paolo , Demarchi Danilo
Published: September 2020

Falls in the home environment are a primary cause of injury in older adults. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year, one in four adults 65 years of age and older reports experiencing a fall. A variety of different technologies have been proposed to detect fall events. However, the need to detect all fall instances (i.e., to avoid false negatives) has led to the development of systems marked by high sensitivity and hence a significant number of false alarms. The occurrence of false alarms causes frequent and unnecessary calls to emergency response centers, which are critical resources that should be utilized only when necessary. Besides, false alarms decrease the level of confidence of end-users in the fall detection system with a negative impact on their compliance with using the system (e.g., wearing the sensor enabling the detection of fall events). Herein, we present a novel approach aimed to augment traditional fall detection systems that rely on wearable sensors and fall detection algorithms. The proposed approach utilizes a UWB-based tracking system and a home robot. When the fall detection system generates an alarm, the alarm is relayed to a base station that utilizes a UWB-based tracking system to identify where the older adult and the robot are so as to enable navigating the environment using the robot and reaching the older adult to check if he/she experienced a fall. This approach prevents unnecessary calls to emergency response centers while enabling a tele-presence using the robot when appropriate. In this paper, we report the results of a novel fall detection algorithm, the characteristics of the alarm notification system, and the accuracy of the UWB-based tracking system that we implemented. The fall detection algorithm displayed a sensitivity of 99.0% and a specificity of 97.8%. The alarm notification system relayed all simulated alarm notification instances with a maximum delay of 106 ms. The UWB-based tracking system was found to be suitable to locate radio tags both in line-of-sight and in no-line-of-sight conditions. This result was obtained by using a machine learning-based algorithm that we developed to detect and compensate for the multipath effect in no-line-of-sight conditions. When using this algorithm, the error affecting the estimated position of the radio tags was smaller than 0.2 m, which is satisfactory for the application at hand.
IoT-Enabled Smart Sustainable Cities: Challenges and Approaches
Authors: Belli Laura , Cilfone Antonio , Davoli Luca , Ferrari Gianluigi , Adorni Paolo , Di Nocera Francesco , Dall’Olio Alessandro , Pellegrini Cristina , Mordacci Marco , Bertolotti Enzo
Published: September 2020

The ongoing diffusion of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies is opening new possibilities, and one of the most remarkable applications is associated with the smart city paradigm, which is continuously evolving. In general, it can be defined as the integration of IoT and Information Communication Technologies (ICT) into city management, with the aim of addressing the exponential growth of urbanization and population, thus significantly increasing people’s quality of life. The smart city paradigm is also strictly connected to sustainability aspects, taking into account, for example, the reduction of environmental impact of urban activities, the optimized management of energy resources, and the design of innovative services and solution for citizens. Abiding by this new paradigm, several cities started a process of strong innovation in different fields (such as mobility and transportation, industry, health, tourism, and education), thanks to significant investments provided by stakeholders and the European Commission (EC). In this paper, we analyze key aspects of an IoT infrastructure for smart cities, outlining the innovations implemented in the city of Parma (Emilia Romagna region, Italy) as a successful example. Special attention is dedicated to the theme of smart urban mobility.
Impact of Government Subsidies on Manufacturing Innovation in China: The Moderating Role of Political Connections and Investor Attention
Authors: Wang Shuang , Zhao Shukuan , Shao Dong , Liu Hongyu
Published: September 2020

Although government subsidies have gradually become a crucial means of endorsing public innovation policies, there remains no unified conclusion on the mechanism of their role in enterprise sustainable innovation investment. Employing sample data of listed Chinese manufacturing companies between 2011 and 2019, this study aims to discuss the incentive effect of government subsidies on enterprise innovation investment based on different enterprise ownership. With the combination of resource dependency theory and stakeholder theory, the findings suggest that the intensity of government subsidies exerts an incentive effect on corporate innovation investment; however, the incentive effect is different under the influence of political connections and investor attention. In particular, political connections inhibit the incentive effect and investor attention promotes the incentive effect. Overall, this study provides empirical evidence for the rational allocation of resources by the Chinese government and the acquisition of innovation investment by enterprises of different ownerships and the development of innovation capabilities.
Predicting Perceptual Quality in Internet Television Based on Unsupervised Learning
Authors: Frnda Jaroslav , Nedoma Jan , Martinek Radek , Fridrich Michael
Published: September 2020

Quality of service (QoS) and quality of experience (QoE) are two major concepts for the quality evaluation of video services. QoS analyzes the technical performance of a network transmission chain (e.g., utilization or packet loss rate). On the other hand, subjective evaluation (QoE) relies on the observer’s opinion, so it cannot provide output in a form of score immediately (extensive time requirements). Although several well-known methods for objective evaluation exist (trying to adopt psychological principles of the human visual system via mathematical models), each of them has its own rating scale without an existing symmetric conversion to a standardized subjective output like MOS (mean opinion score), typically represented by a five-point rating scale. This makes it difficult for network operators to recognize when they have to apply resource reservation control mechanisms. For this reason, we propose an application (classifier) that derivates the subjective end-user quality perception based on a score of objective assessment and selected parameters of each video sequence. Our model integrates the unique benefits of unsupervised learning and clustering techniques such as overfitting avoidance or small dataset requirements. In fact, most of the published papers are based on regression models or supervised clustering. In this article, we also investigate the possibility of a graphical SOM (self-organizing map) representation called a U-matrix as a feature selection method.
System-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) for Hazard Analysis in Complex Systems: The Case of “Demand-Side Management in a Smart Grid”
Authors: Karatzas Stylianos , Chassiakos Athanasios
Published: September 2020

Inelasticity of demand along with the distributed energy sources and energy market democratization pose significant challenges which have considerable negative impacts on overall grid balance. The need for increased capacity and flexibility in the era of energy market digitalization has introduced new requirements in the energy supply network which could not be satisfied without continuous and costly local power network upgrades. Additionally, with the emergence of Smart Homes (SHs) and Home Energy Management (HEM) systems for monitoring and operating household appliances, opportunities have arisen for automated Demand Response (DR). DR is exploited for the modification of the consumer energy demand, in response to the specific conditions within the electricity system (e.g., peak period network congestion). In order to optimally integrate DR in the broader Smart Grid (SG) system, modelling of the system parameters and safety analysis is required. In this paper, the implementation of STPA (System-Theoretic Process Analysis) structured method, as a relatively new hazard analysis technique for complex systems is presented and the feasibility of STPA implementation for loss prevention on a Demand Response system for home energy management, and within the complex SG context, is examined. The applied method delivers a mechanism useful in understanding where gaps in current operational risk structures may exist. The STPA findings in terms of loss scenarios can be used to generate a variety of safeguards to ensure secure operational control and in implementing targeted strategies through standard approaches of risk assessment.
Water-Pipe Smoking Exposure Deregulates a Set of Genes Associated with Human Head and Neck Cancer Development and Prognosis
Authors: López-Ozuna Vanessa M. , Gupta Ishita , Kiow Ryan Liu Chen , Matanes Emad , Kheraldine Hadeel , Yasmeen Amber , Khalil Ashraf , Vranic Semir , Al Moustafa Ala-Eddin , Farsi Halema F Al
Published: September 2020

Water-pipe smoking (WPS) is becoming the most popular form of tobacco use among the youth, especially in the Middle East, replacing cigarettes rapidly and becoming a major risk of tobacco addiction worldwide. Smoke from WPS contains similar toxins as those present in cigarette smoke and is linked directly with different types of cancers including lung and head and neck (HN) carcinomas. However, the underlying molecular pathways and/or target genes responsible for the carcinogenic process are still unknown. In this study, human normal oral epithelial (HNOE) cells, NanoString PanCancer Pathways panel of 770 gene transcripts and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis were applied to discover differentially expressed genes (DEG) modulated by WPS. In silico analysis was performed to analyze the impact of these genes in HN cancer patient’s biology and outcome. We found that WPS can induce the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT: hallmark of cancer progression) of HNOE cells. More significantly, our analysis of NanoString revealed 23 genes deregulated under the effect of WPS, responsible for the modulation of cell cycle, proliferation, migration/invasion, apoptosis, signal transduction, and inflammatory response. Further analysis was performed using qRT-PCR of HNOE WPS-exposed and unexposed cells supported the reliability of our NanoString data. Moreover, we demonstrate those DEG to be upregulated in cancer compared with normal tissue. Using the Kaplan–Meier analysis, we observed a significant association between WPS-deregulated genes and relapse-free survival/overall survival in HN cancer patients. Our findings imply that WPS can modulate EMT as well as a set of genes that are directly involved in human HN carcinogenesis, thereby affecting HN cancer patients’ survival.
Molecular Characterisation of a Novel and Highly Divergent Passerine Adenovirus 1
Authors: Athukorala Ajani , Forwood Jade K. , Phalen David N. , Sarker Subir
Published: September 2020

Wild birds harbour a large number of adenoviruses that remain uncharacterised with respect to their genomic organisation, diversity, and evolution within complex ecosystems. Here, we present the first complete genome sequence of an atadenovirus from a passerine bird that is tentatively named Passerine adenovirus 1 (PaAdV-1). The PaAdV-1 genome is 39,664 bp in length, which was the longest atadenovirus to be sequenced, to the best of our knowledge, and contained 42 putative genes. Its genome organisation was characteristic of the members of genus Atadenovirus; however, the novel PaAdV-1 genome was highly divergent and showed the highest sequence similarity with psittacine adenovirus-3 (55.58%). Importantly, PaAdV-1 complete genome was deemed to contain 17 predicted novel genes that were not present in any other adenoviruses sequenced to date, with several of these predicted novel genes encoding proteins that harbour transmembrane helices. Subsequent analysis of the novel PaAdV-1 genome positioned phylogenetically to a distinct sub-clade with all others sequenced atadenoviruses and did not show any obvious close evolutionary relationship. This study concluded that the PaAdV-1 complete genome described here is not closely related to any other adenovirus isolated from avian or other natural host species and that it should be considered a separate species.
Identification of Inhibitors of ZIKV Replication
Authors: Morales Vasquez Desarey , Park Jun-Gyu , Ávila-Pérez Ginés , Nogales Aitor , de la Torre Juan Carlos , Almazan Fernando , Martinez-Sobrido Luis
Published: September 2020

Zika virus (ZIKV) was identified in 1947 in the Zika forest of Uganda and it has emerged recently as a global health threat, with recurring outbreaks and its associations with congenital microcephaly through maternal fetal transmission and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Currently, there are no United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved vaccines or antivirals to treat ZIKV infections, which underscores an urgent medical need for the development of disease intervention strategies to treat ZIKV infection and associated disease. Drug repurposing offers various advantages over developing an entirely new drug by significantly reducing the timeline and resources required to advance a candidate antiviral into the clinic. Screening the ReFRAME library, we identified ten compounds with antiviral activity against the prototypic mammarenavirus lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). Moreover, we showed the ability of these ten compounds to inhibit influenza A and B virus infections, supporting their broad-spectrum antiviral activity. In this study, we further evaluated the broad-spectrum antiviral activity of the ten identified compounds by testing their activity against ZIKV. Among the ten compounds, Azaribine (SI-MTT = 146.29), AVN-944 (SI-MTT = 278.16), and Brequinar (SI-MTT = 157.42) showed potent anti-ZIKV activity in post-treatment therapeutic conditions. We also observed potent anti-ZIKV activity for Mycophenolate mofetil (SI-MTT = 20.51), Mycophenolic acid (SI-MTT = 36.33), and AVN-944 (SI-MTT = 24.51) in pre-treatment prophylactic conditions and potent co-treatment inhibitory activity for Obatoclax (SI-MTT = 60.58), Azaribine (SI-MTT = 91.51), and Mycophenolate mofetil (SI-MTT = 73.26) in co-treatment conditions. Importantly, the inhibitory effect of these compounds was strain independent, as they similarly inhibited ZIKV strains from both African and Asian/American lineages. Our results support the broad-spectrum antiviral activity of these ten compounds and suggest their use for the development of antiviral treatment options of ZIKV infection.
Vaccination and Vaccine Effectiveness: A Commentary of Special Issue Editors
Authors: Costantino Claudio , Casuccio Alessandra , Restivo Vincenzo
Published: September 2020

The Special Issue “Vaccination and Vaccine Effectiveness”, published in the journal Vaccines, has the main aim to increase international literature data on vaccine effectiveness and safety and on vaccination strategies in order to reduce vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccination coverage rates. The main topics included in the call for papers were vaccines administered to infants, adolescents, adults, elderly people, at-risk populations (due to comorbidities and personal risk factors) and healthcare workers and strategies adopted to promote vaccination adherence among these categories. This Special Issue started from the assumption that, despite vaccination being universally recognized as one of the best strategies to increase duration and quality of life during the last centuries, vaccination coverage rates are often under the levels recommended to reduce circulation and to extinguish vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccine hesitancy involves at least 15% of the general population, and healthcare workers also sometimes demonstrate doubts on vaccination effectiveness and safety. At the end of the six-month submission period, 16 articles (15 research article and one review) were accepted after the peer-review processes and published online.
How the Infestation Level of Varroa destructor Affects the Distribution Pattern of Multi-Infested Cells in Worker Brood of Apis mellifera
Authors: Floris Ignazio , Pusceddu Michelina , Satta Alberto
Published: September 2020

The mite Varroa destructor, the main ectoparasite of honey bees, is a threat to apiculture worldwide. Understanding the ecological interactions between Varroa and honeybees is fundamental for reducing mite impact in apiaries. This work assesses bee colonies with various Varroa infestation levels in apiaries to determine: (1) the relationship between multi-infested brood cells and brood infestation level, (2) the damage caused by Varroa to parasitized honey bee pupae, and (3) mite reproduction rate at various infestation levels. Data were collected from 19 worker brood combs, each from a different colony, ranging from 160 to 1725 (mean = 706) sealed cells per comb. Mite distribution was aggregated, ranging from about 2% to 74% infested cells per comb. The percentage of cells invaded by one, two, three, four, or more than four foundress mites, as a function of infestation level, was estimated by five highly significant (p < 0.0001) second-degree polynomial regression equations. The correction factors found could increase the precision of prediction models. Varroa fertility and adult bee longevity decreased as multi-infestation levels increased, and the implications of this relationship are discussed. Finally, these findings could improve sampling methods and the timing of mite treatments in apiaries, thus favoring sustainable management strategies.
Puborectalis Muscle Involvement on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Complex Fistula: A New Perspective on Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Jeong Hong Yoon , Song Seok Gyu , Nam Woo Jung , Lee Jong Kyun
Published: September 2020

Purpose: According to recent studies, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of complex fistulas provides a significant benefit compared to fistulography, computed tomography, and ultrasonography. The aim of this study was to describe the accuracy of MRI and the importance of identifying puborectalis muscle involvement on MRI in patients with complex fistula.Methods: All patients who were clinically diagnosed with ‘complex’ or showed multiple fistula tracts underwent fistula MRI. Eligible patients were consecutive patients who underwent fistula MRI between September 2018 and September 2019 at our hospital.Results: A total of 83 patients (74 males, 9 females; 116 tracts) were included in this study. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI in diagnosing fistula tracts were 94.8% and 98.2%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity in identifying internal opening were 93.9% and 97.3%, respectively. Of the 35 patients with puborectalis muscle involvement in the MRI, 31 images of suprasphincteric-type patients on the Park’s classification were classified. The patients of puborectalis involvement were divided into 2 groups according to the surgical procedure that was performed. There were 12 sphincter-saving procedures and 19 sphincter division procedures performed. Recurrence was seen in 2 patients in the sphincter-saving procedure group, while no case was seen in the sphincter division procedure group. Five complications were found in the sphincter division procedure group, of which 2 reported incontinence.Conclusion: Fistula MRI is a highly accurate examination for evaluating complex fistulas, and the puborectalis muscle involvement findings are very important for diagnosis and treatment.
The Use of M2-Pyruvate Kinase as a Stool Biomarker for Detection of Colorectal Cancer in Tertiary Teaching Hospital: A Comparative Study
Authors: Che Alhadi Shahidah , Wan Zain Wan Zainira , Zahari Zalina , Md Hashim Mohd Nizam , Syed Abd. Aziz Syed Hassan , Zakaria Zaidi , Wong Michael Pak-Kai , Zakaria Andee Dzulkarnaen
Published: September 2020

Purpose: Guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) has been the standard for colorectal screening but it has low sensitivity and specificity. This study evaluated the use of fecal tumor M2-pyruvate kinase (M2-PK) for detection of colorectal cancer and to compare with the current surveillance tool; gFOBT in symptomatic adult subjects underwent colonoscopy.Methods: Stool samples were collected prospectively from symptomatic adults who had elective colonoscopy from September 2014 to January 2016 and were analyzed with the ScheBo M2-PK Quick test and laboratory detection of fecal hemoglobin.Results: The results were correlated to the colonoscopy findings and/or histopathology report. Eighty-five subjects (age of 56.8 ± 15.3 years [mean ± standard deviation]) were recruited with a total of 17 colorectal cancer (20.0%) and 10 colorectal adenoma patients (11.8%). The sensitivity of M2-PK test in colorectal cancer detection was higher than gFOBT (100% vs. 64.7%). M2-PK test had a lower specificity when compared to gFOBT (72.5% vs. 88.2%) in colorectal cancer detection. The positive and negative predictive values were 47.2% and 100% for M2-PK test and 57.9% and 90.9% for gFOBT.Conclusion: Fecal M2-PK Quick test has a high sensitivity for detection of colorectal cancer when compared to gFOBT, making it the potential choice for colorectal tumor screening biomarker in the future.
Long-term evolution of continence and quality of life after sphincteroplasty for obstetric fecal incontinence
Authors: Pla-Martí Vicente , Martín-Arévalo Jose , Martí-Fernández Rosa , Moro-Valdezate David , García-Botello Stephanie , Espí-Macías Alejandro , Mínguez-Pérez Miguel , Ruiz-Carmona Maria Dolores , Roig-Vila Jose Vicente
Published: September 2020

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the long-term evolution of continence and patient’s quality of life after surgical treatment for obstetric fecal incontinence.Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted including consecutive patients who underwent sphincteroplasty for severe obstetric fecal incontinence. The first phase analyzed changes in continence and impact on quality of life. The second phase studied the long-term evolution reevaluating the same group of patients 6 years later. Degree of fecal incontinence was calculated using the Cleveland Clinic Score (CCS). Quality of life assessment was carried out with the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life scale.Results: Thirty-five patients with median age of 55 years (range, 28 to 73 years) completed the study. Phase 1 results: after a postoperative follow-up of 30 months (4 to 132 months), CCS had improved significantly from a preoperative of 15.7 ± 3.1 to 6.1 ± 5.0 (P < 0.001). Phase 2 results: median follow-up in phase 2 was 110 months (76 to 204 months). The CCS lowered to 8.4 ± 4.9 (P = 0.04). There were no significant differences between phases 1 and 2 in terms of quality of life; lifestyle (3.47 ± 0.75 vs. 3.16 ±1.04), coping/behavior (3.13 ±0.83 vs. 2.80 ±1.09), depression/self-perception (3.65 ±0.80 vs. 3.32 ± 0.98), and embarrassment (3.32 ± 0.90 vs. 3.12 ± 1.00).Conclusion: Sphincteroplasty offers good short-medium term outcomes in continence and quality of life for obstetric fecal incontinence treatment. Functional clinical results deteriorate over time but did not impact on patients’ quality of life.
Tackling NCDs: The Need to Address Alcohol Industry Interference and Policy Incoherence Across Sectors Comment on "Towards Preventing and Managing Conflict of Interest in Nutrition Policy? An Analysis of Submissions to a Consultation on a Draft WHO Tool"
Authors: Townsend Belinda , Miller Mia , Gleeson Deborah
Published: September 2020

Ralston et al highlight the ways that different actors in global nutrition governance conceptualise and frame the role of non-state actors in governance arrangements, including the potential for conflict of interest (COI) to undermine global health efforts. The authors argue that the World Health Organization (WHO) draft tool on managing COI in nutrition policy is an important innovation in global health, but that further research and refinement is needed for operationalising the management of COI with diverse actors in diverse contexts. In this commentary, reflecting on strategic framing and industry interference in policy-making, we argue for the urgent need for states and intergovernmental organisations to prevent alcohol industry interference in the development of national and global alcohol policy. We argue that policy incoherence remains a key barrier, where governments pursue health goals in the health sector while pursuing exports and market liberalisation of health harmful commodities in the trade sector.
Comparison of serum lead level of opium dependent patients with a healthy control group
Authors: Masoomi Gholam Reza , Rastegar Chupani Zeinab , Heidari Beigvand Hazhir , Rezai Mahdi , Hasan Pour Shahin Dokht
Published: September 2020

Introduction: The prevalence of multiple symptoms, including mental illness, symptoms that mimic diseases such as pancreatitis, nonspecific abdominal pain and cholecystitis, are high in drug-dependent patients. Objectives: The aim of this study was to consider the clinical signs and serum lead levels of individuals referred to four university hospitals with various complaints. Patients and Methods: In this study, 128 sample cases in two groups, the case group and control group, have been examined. The case group included 64 persons using oral opium who were suffering from various complaints and referred to emergency department of mentioned hospitals. The control group included 64 patients without any history of addiction. Results: Mean of blood serum lead level in opium users and control group was 76.34±17.82 mg/dL and 7.68±3.72 mg/dL respectively, and the difference between these groups was significantly meaningful (P<0.001). The most prevalent complaints were abdominal pain and pulmonary complaints. Conclusion: Findings of the current study showed high levels for an average serum lead level for oral opium addicts among the studied statistical population. In addition, results show that ultimate diagnosis of lead poisoning is a factor justifying symptoms for addicts with nonspecific symptoms, the subject that confirms several previous reports. This finding asserts the necessity of screening of serum lead level for patients addicted to opium compounds in order to prevent more severe side effects.
Changing epidemiology of acute renal failure at a tertiary care hospital in North India
Authors: Kumar Raju , Kumar Ramesh , Manhas Sapna , Sharma Poonam
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common clinical condition with a significant economic burden worldwide. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the aetiology, clinical presentation and outcome of AKI from 2012-2014 and compared these findings with historical controls (2007-2011). Patients and Methods: This was an observational prospective comparative study with two groups - historical control group (group 1; 2007-2011) and prospective group (group 2; 2012-2014). Patients of either gender or aged between 18 and 70 years with AKI were included in the study. Demographic details, clinical signs and symptoms, and laboratory evaluations were noted. Outcomes evaluated were etiological parameters of renal failure, the outcome of renal failure and histology. Results: A total of 100 patients were included in the study (group 1, n=50; group 2, n=50). Overall, demographics were comparable between the two groups. Oliguria or anuria was the commonest presentation. Proteinuria was found in 12% and 6% of patients in group 1 and group 2, respectively. The mean (SD) serum creatinine at presentation was 5.39 (2.49) and 4.93 (2.99) in two groups, respectively. The medical causes were the most common etiological parameters of AKI (76% versus 94% in groups 1 and 2, respectively). Post-surgical and obstetrics causes were less prevalent in group 2. Acute interstitial Nephritis was common histology pattern in both group 1 and 2. The frequency of haemodialysis increased in group 2 and the mortality was decreased in both groups. Conclusion: Results showed that some etiological factors were slowly becoming less prevalent, while others were becoming more important factors in the genesis of AKI.
Application of polyaniline and polypyrrole in electronics
Authors: Mezhuev Y. O. , Shtilman M. I. , Korshak Yu. V.
Published: September 2020

Aspects of application of nitrogen-containing polyconjugated systems in electronics are considered. It is shown that the use of polyaniline and polypyrrole in the manufacture of structural elements of current sources and supercapacitors has significant prospects for increasing the eﬃciency of these devices. The fundamental possibility of using polyaniline in the creation of electrochromic displays and photovoltaic cells is shown.
Rheological properties of organo-inorganic hybrid gels based on functionalized low density polyethylene and clinoptilolite
Authors: Qurbanova R. V.
Published: September 2020

The results of studying the eﬀect of temperature on the dependence of shear rate on shear stress, eﬀective viscosity on shear rate and eﬀective viscosity on reciprocal temperature in Arrhenius coordinates for nanocomposites based on chemically modified low density polyethylene and clinoptilolite are presented. The object of study was the initial polyethylene functionalized with methacrylic acid filled with clinoptilolite, as well as hybrid gels based on modified polyethylene filled with appreted clinoptilolite. A temperature-invariant characteristic of the viscosity properties of hybrid gels is constructed, which allows predicting the temperature regime of their processing by injection molding and extrusion.
Methods of manufacturing polymer packaging for foodstuﬀs (overview)
Authors: Ukhartseva I. Yu. , Tsvetkova E. A. , Goldade V. A.
Published: September 2020

A brief overview of the main methods, schemes and equipment for production of polymer packaging for food products is presented, their advantages and disadvantages are noted. The materials used in the production of packages for various purposes from single-layer to multi-layer and combined are described.
Gerencia cuántica como estrategia para el desarrollo de la espiritualidad a través de los neurotalentos
Authors: Urrego-Cruz Luis Eduardo
Published: September 2020

El propósito fundamental de esta investigación fue comprender la gerencia cuántica como estrategia para el desarrollo de la espiritualidad a través de los neurotalentos. Teniendo en cuenta teorías de Robles (2014), Bravo (2016), Marques (2010), entre otros, además aportes que hagan los informantes así como la opinión del mismo investigador. Basada desde la perspectiva del método fenomenológico hermenéutico-interpretativo, tomando en cuenta su naturaleza cualitativa de la investigación. La información se obtuvo mediante la observación y entrevistas semiestructuradas a (4) miembros de la Corporación Universitaria Americana Sede Barranquilla. Los resultados indicaron que cuando un gerente debe tomar decisiones tiene en su mente todas las opciones a las que tiene acceso, está el espectro completo pasando por las justificaciones más razonadas hasta las más emocionales, todos estos factores si bien en la realidad se ven aislados, existe un lugar donde están todos comprimidos, ese espacio es la mente, el principio de singularidad.
Cadena de suministros: Una alternativa de planificación de productos en el sector industrial de Colombia
Authors: Baleta-Araujo Elkin , Olmedo-Plata Aneleth Jasbleydi
Published: September 2020

La investigación que se desarrolló tuvo como objeto analizar la cadena de suministros como una alternativa de planificación de productos en el sector industrial de Colombia. La misma es de carácter descriptivo, ya que percibe la descripción, registro, análisis e interpretación de la naturaleza actual, composición o procesos de los fenómenos, además del investigador quien se involucra de manera objetiva y fiable en el proceso investigativo; Asimismo, se realizó una revisión documental sobre las cadenas de suministro para presentar la evolución y tendencias futuras de las operaciones, sustentándose en teorías referenciales de autores como Carrasco, (2010); Young y Esqueda, (2015), entre otros. Como conclusión, se afirmar que las cadenas de abastecimiento ofrecen ventajas competitivas a las empresas quienes se han visto en la necesidad de desarrollarlas y mantenerlas actualizadas.
El viaje solar en la religión egipcia
Authors:   , Catania María Silvana
Published: September 2020

El viaje solar constituye una cuestión relevante del sistema de creencias durante el Reino Nuevo egipcio. Al inicio de la etapa imperial su configuración en el ámbito funerario tiene continuidad con etapas anteriores, siendo evidente en la esfera real y poniéndose de manifiesto de manera progresiva en el ámbito privado. Nos proponemos interpretar el tema en la transición de las dinastías XVIII y XIX, cuando entendemos se produjo su consolidación, en un período de cambios políticos y religiosos y en correspondencia con las modificaciones en los fundamentos de la realeza. Las modificaciones verificadas con el inicio de las dinastías ramésidas son continuación directa de las del período postamarniano. Algunos aspectos se remontan al proceso comenzado con Amenhotep III –si no incluso durante el reinado de su predecesor Tutmosis IV- y al fortalecimiento del imperio exterior. En la civilización egipcia la estrecha relación existente entre el componente solar y los diferentes ámbitos de la vida social se expresó en dos niveles: la vida terrenal y la vida después de la muerte. En una religión que intentaba explicar los problemas humanos y divinos desde una “multiplicidad de enfoques” simultáneos (Frankfort 1998: 87-88), el dios sol -en tanto divinidad cósmica- se reveló como un poder trascendente y ordenador. Sea por la observación, la contemplación o la especulación intelectual en sí, el poder vivificador del sol hizo que se lo reconociera como creador; su salida diaria indicaba la victoria sobre la oscuridad de la muerte y su curso a través del cielo ejemplificaba el orden dinámico del cosmos.
Preparation of Ni-doped stainless steel thin films on metal to prevent hydrogen entry via sputter deposition with a powder target
Authors: Kawasaki Hiroharu , Nishiguchi Hiroshi , Ohshima Tamiko , Yagyu Yoshihito , Ihara Takeshi
Published: September 2020

Nickel-doped stainless steel thin films with high hydrogen-entry resistance were prepared on a metal and Si surface via sputter deposition. For this, mixed nickel oxide (NiO) and stainless steel (SUS304) powders were used as the sputtering target. The experimental results indicated that nickel-doped stainless steel thin films could successfully be prepared both on the stainless steel and Si substrate surface. XPS measurements demonstrated that the deposition rate was dependent on the processing conditions such as input RF power, and the thin-film Ni/SUS304 concentration ratio strongly depended on the powder target composition.
Patterns of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic spread in a megacity
Authors: Akimkin V. G. , Kuzin S. N. , Semenenko T. A. , Shipulina O. Yu. , Yatsyshina S. B. , Tivanova E. V. , Kalenskaya A. V. , Solovyova I. V. , Vershinina M. A. , Kvasova O. A. , Ploskireva A. A. , Mamoshina M. V. , Elkina M. A. , Klushkina V. V. , Andreeva E. E. , Ivanenko A. V.
Published: September 2020

The purpose of the study is to analyze patterns demonstrated by the COVID-19 epidemic process in a megacity during the increase, stabilization and reduction in the incidence, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the epidemic prevention measures.Materials and methods. The comprehensive study incorporating epidemiological, molecular genetic and  statistical research methods was conducted to analyze the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Moscow during the COVID- 19 pandemic.Results and discussion. It was found that the exponential growth in COVID-19 cases was prevented due to the most stringent control and restrictive measures deployed in Moscow to break the chains of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and due to people who were very disciplined in complying with the self-isolation rules. The  analysis of the dynamics in detection of new COVID-19 cases showed that in a megacity, the impact of social distancing and self-isolation would become apparent only after 3.5 incubation periods, where the maximum length of the period is 14 days. It was discovered that the detection frequency of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in relatively healthy population and its dynamics are important monitoring parameters, especially during the increase and stabilization in the COVID-19 incidence, and are instrumental in predicting the development of the epidemic situation within a range of 1–2 incubation periods (14–28 days). In Moscow, the case fatality rate was 1.73% over the observation period (6/3/2020–23/6/2020).Conclusion. The epidemiological analysis of the COVID-19 situation in Moscow showed certain patterns of the SARS-CoV-2 spread and helped evaluate the effectiveness of the epidemic prevention measures aimed at  breaking the routes of transmission of the pathogen.
Study of the antiviral activity of the liquid corneal storage medium in relation to the herpes simplex virus in vitro
Authors: Alimbarova L. M. , Kerimov T. Z. , Borzenok S. A.
Published: September 2020

The aim of the study was to assess the antiviral activity of the 7 types of liquid corneal storage medium on an experimental model of herpesvirus infection in vitro.Material and methods. The study of antiviral activity of 7 samples of liquid corneal storage medium on a model of herpesvirus infection caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 in Vero-cell using virological and statistical research methods was carried out.Results and discussion. All the studied images of the corneal storage medium, including the Borzenka-Moroz base medium, did not have a cytotoxic effect on Vero cell culture. Out of of 7 samples of liquid corneal storage medium, 4 samples had reliable antiviral activity against HSV-1 when used under the therapeutic regimen (1 hour after infection) and under the preventive regimen (2 hours before infection). Antiviral activity was established in 2 samples containing the interferon inducer cycloferon at a concentration of 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg (sample 2, 3), in a sample containing the interferon inducer gamapren 15 mg/kg (sample 5), and in a sample containing a combination of drugs - 10 mg/kg cycloferon and an acyclic nucleoside analog-acyclovir 10 mg/kg (sample 6). According to the results of 2 test regimens, the maximum statistically significant inhibitory effect in relation to HSV-1 was detected in sample 6, containing a combination of drugs. Against the background of sample 6, the infectious activity of the test virus decreased by an average of 3.2 lg, the inhibition coefficient was 54.5%.Conclusion. The results of the study indicate the prospects of using types of media with antiviral activity (samples 2, 3, 5, 6) for storing donor corneas in order to increase the effectiveness of keratoplasty in patients with ophthalmic herpes.
Seamus Heaney’s ‘Hermit Songs’: An education in the nexus of identity and language
Authors:   Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, Maginess Tess
Published: September 2020

In this paper I am going to explore the theme of this ERL issue – language and identity, by focusing upon a sequence of poems by the Irish writer, Seamus Heaney, ‘Hermit Songs’ (2010). I will argue that, by telling the story of his own identity formation through his encounter with reading, writing and the learning of languages, Heaney offers his own portrait of the artist as a young man. The story is a dynamic and dramatic one. Drawing upon close analysis of the poems based on literary critical models such as Practical Criticism and Intertextual criticism, I will demonstrate how Heaney’s identity as a poet emerges out of a playful and painful agon about art and nature, about the private and the public, about art and reality. / Keywords: Heaney, practical criticism, education and identity, language and identity, postcolonialism
Using podcasts to support learners` positive attitude to listening comprehension in TEFL
Authors:   Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Slovakia, Horváthová Božena , Krištofovičová Katarína
Published: September 2020

The aim of the article is to find out how the Internet-based resources (podcasts) affect listening comprehension of learners at a lower secondary school level. First, the concept of listening comprehension, listening strategies, approaches, and possible listening problems in English language learning are tackled. Further on, podcasts, their advantages, disadvantages as well as their appropriate use in English classroom is discussed. Based on relevant theories, application of chosen podcasts in the classroom at a lower secondary level through action research was carried out. The application of the action research showed that podcasts integrated in the classes at all listening stages help develop listening comprehension of learners. By designing suitable lesson plans and introducing challenging activities intensive listening in the classroom can be taught in a meaningful and motivating way. / Key words: TEFL, listening comprehension, intensive and extensive listening, podcasts, bottom-up and top-down strategies, action research
Developing the potential of language and non-language courses, or on the significance of listening, speaking, reading and writing in education – a review of joint publication Educational Role of Language Skills
Authors:   Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Poland, Gajewska Klaudia Emanuela
Published: September 2020

Having addressed the problem of language skills which, despite their importance in everyday communication, personal growth and cognitive development, are often neglected in instructed settings, the authors of the publication Educational Role of Language Skill s(2018), Michał Daszkiewicz (University of Gdańsk), Ryszard Wenzel (University of Gdańsk) and Monika Kusiak-Pisowacka (Jagiellonian University), successfully demonstrate the fundamental role of listening, speaking, reading and writing in establishing the close connection between subjects from the curriculum as well as learners’ cognition and worldview. The scholars participated in an annual international interdisciplinary conference Educational Role of Language organized annually since 2016 with an intention of underlining the significance of the quaternary approach to language skills, which resulted in the publication of the book under discussion. The seminal work is divided into two complementary parts. The first one consists of Introduction and two sections devoted to the presentation of recent trends in education. The second one, on the other hand, isolates four sections, each of which discusses one of four language skills in the light of Learning to (…) and (…) to Learn approaches. The book also successfully relates to two scopes of the Educational Role of Language (ERL) framework, Scope Major and Minor, in that it addresses the multidimensional nature of education as well as its complex socio-affective and contextual character.
Cooperação para inovação em empresas de saneamento básico brasileiras
Authors: dos Reis Venditti Marcus Vinicius , Batista Pamplona João
Published: September 2020

O interesse e envolvimento da sociedade, a relevância econômica do setor e a expectativa de contribuição para a teoria sobre cooperação para inovação explicam a importância da pesquisa. A pesquisa respondeu à pergunta: “quais são os principais arranjos cooperativos identificados por parte das empresas do setor de saneamento básico brasileiro?” O objetivo geral desta pesquisa é identificar os principais arranjos cooperativos para o setor de saneamento básico brasileiro. Foi realizada uma pesquisa exploratória, com a realização de estudos de caso múltiplos, de abordagem qualitativa, com a participação de cinco empresas do setor. As participantes encontram-se listadas no Ranking 1000 da revista Valor Econômico. Os dados foram levantados por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica, pesquisa documental e questionário. Como resultados desta pesquisa destacam-se: a caracterização do aprofundamento da discussão teórica recente relacionada à temática de cooperação para inovação nas empresas e a identificação das principais relações entre os atores envolvendo arranjos cooperativos de inovação do setor de saneamento brasileiro, principalmente fornecedores e universidades, apontados como relações de alta importância. Palavras-chave: Inovação. Cooperação. Saneamento Básico.
Desenvolvimento e aplicação de ferramenta para remediação de lixões de resíduos sólidos urbanos
Authors: da Cunha Gomes Juliano , Gonçalves Moreira Ailton João , Lioi Nascentes Alexandre , Barrios Restrepo Jose Julio , Borges de Castilhos Junior Armando
Published: September 2020

Lixões são locais onde os resíduos sólidos urbanos são descartados diretamente no solo, sem controle ambiental, causando impactos adversos ao meio ambiente e à saúde pública. O objetivo deste artigo foi desenvolver uma ferramenta auxiliar à remediação de lixões. A ferramenta, chamada de ReLix, foi testada por especialistas em dez lixões localizados no Brasil e na República de Cabo Verde. Oito lixões foram classificados como tendo impacto ambiental médio e dois lixões foram classificados como de alto impacto ambiental. O cenário de remediação predominante entre os lixões foi a remoção dos resíduos. O ReLix foi avaliado pelos especialistas como capaz de fornecer um diagnóstico apropriado, estabelecendo o nível de impacto e indicando as técnicas e o cenário de remediação com 92% de confiabilidade, permitindo às partes interessadas fazer análise caso a caso para garantir tomadas de decisão adequadas sobre as prioridades de remediação e a seleção do cenário de remediação de lixões. Palavras-chave: Diagnóstico. Cenários de remediação. Resíduos sólidos urbanos. Lixões a céu aberto.
Renovação de adutoras: uma abordagem do ponto de vista da eficiência energética
Authors: Sotero Salustiano Martim André Luís , Buonanno Perini Lucas , Bonazzi Sodek Daniela , Amaral Tasca Elias Sebastião , Dalfré Filho José Gilberto
Published: September 2020

Frequentes rompimentos devido a transitórios hidráulicos, excesso de consumo de energia e material antiquado da tubulação tornaram necessária a substituição de uma adutora. Os tubos de cimento-amianto DN 125 mm foram substituídos por tubos de PVC DEFOFO DN 300 mm. Neste trabalho, investiga-se a relação entre consumo de energia e diâmetro, e os métodos de Bresse e de Prevedello para escolha de diâmetros econômicos são discutidos. A solução adotada pela concessionária gerou 23,8% de economia de energia. A avaliação do diâmetro ótimo para a adutora a partir dos dados fornecidos pela concessionária resultou em D = 210 mm. A fórmula de Bresse resultou em D = 179 mm. A aplicação do método de Prevedello resultou em D = 194 mm. Ficou evidenciada a necessidade da aplicação de metodologias adequadas para a otimização de diâmetros de adutoras. Palavras-chave: Dimensionamento de Adutoras, Eficiência Energética, Diâmetro Ótimo.