bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Cardiac Evaluation of children with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) Following COVID-19 by Conventional and Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography
Authors: Anagnostopoulou Andriana , Dourdouna Maria-Myrto , Loukopoulou Sofia , Mpourazani Evdoxia , Poulakis Marios , Karanasios Evangelos , Michos Athanasios
Published: October 2023

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), is a rare but severe, hyperinflammatory complication of COVID-19, in which cardiovascular abnormalities are frequently detected. In this prospective study, we describe the echocardiographic findings in patients with MIS-C, with the use of Two-Dimensional Echocardiography and Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography (STE) with Left Ventricle (LV) Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) analysis, in the acute and follow-up phase. In total, 25 MIS-C patients [64% females, mean (± SD) age: 8.53 (± 3.66) years] were included. In the acute phase, median (IQR) Troponin and NT-proBNP and mean heart rate, were 8.07 (14.52) pg/dL, 2875.00 (7713.00) pg/mL, and 102.87 (± 22.96) bpm, respectively. Median LV Ejection Fraction (LVEF) was 66 (8)% and LVEF impairment was detected in 2/25 (8%) patients. On follow-up (interval 9.5 ± 4.6 months), heart rate was significantly lower, with a mean value of 90.00 (± 14.56) bpm (p-value = 0.017). Median LVEF was 66.00 (6.70)% (p-value = 0.345) and all 25 participants had normal LVEF. In 14/25 patients, additional LV-GLS analysis was performed. During the acute phase, mean LV-GLS was − 18.02 (± 4.40)%. LV-GLS was abnormal in 6/14 patients (42.9%) and among them, only one patient had reduced LVEF. On follow-up (range:5.3–18 months), mean LV-GLS was 20.31 (± 1.91)% (p-value = 0.07) and in 1/14 patient (7.1%), the LV-GLS impairment persisted. In conclusion, myocardial functional recovery was observed during the follow-up of most MIS-C patients. However, in the acute and follow-up phase, we detected abnormal LV-GLS values in some patients, in the presence of normal LVEF, indicating that STE-GLS is a valuable tool for identifying subclinical myocardial injury in MIS-C.
Assessment of risk perception by toxic metals in calcareous soil: evaluate environmental and health fate using multimodal statistical approach
Authors: Mondal Gourav , Ghosh Saibal , Banerjee Sonali , Bhattacharyya Pradip
Published: October 2023

Faulty irrigation practices and industrial activities lead to the pollution of heavy metals (HMs) in agricultural soil, resulting in adverse effects on human health. The present study was conducted for the assessment of source identification, probabilistic health hazard assessments, and analysis of dietary risks associated with HM pollution in the calcareous soil of India. The mean concentrations of total and bioavailable forms of heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cd, Pb, Cu) surpassed the permissible limits in sample areas (zone1 and 2), with zone 1 showing higher contamination levels compared to zone 2. The free ion activity model (FIAM) was employed to detect HMs in contaminated soil and assess their potential transfer to rice grains. Hazard quotient values were notably higher than the safe threshold (FIAM-HQ < 0.5) for Cr (2.87E-01), Ni (1.08E-01), and Pb (1.88E-01), except for Cd (1.49E-02) and Cu (1.27E-03), which remained within safe limits. Risk thermometer indicates high and moderate human health risk for Cr (CrSAMOE= 0.006) and Ni (NiSAMOE= 0.03), respectively. Self-organizing map (SOM) and positive matrix factorization (PMF) identify pollution sources in the calcareous region. Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) unveiled that children were more vulnerable to total carcinogenic risk (TCR) compared to adults through the ingestion pathway. A geostatistical approach was employed to predict the spatial distribution patterns of various heavy metals across the area. This comprehensive evaluation, utilizing appropriate and reasonable methods, serves as a valuable resource for environmental scientists and policymakers aiming to manage and mitigate HM pollution in agricultural soils near residential areas.
Research on Routing Optimization Model of Demand Responsive Connector under Simultaneous Pickup and Delivery Mode
Authors: Li Jin , Zhang Hongping , Liu Huasheng
Published: October 2023

With the continuous progress of urbanization, the phenomenon of urban suburbanization and the separation of work and housing is becoming increasingly obvious. Due to the low passenger flow density in the suburbs and the poor operation effect of conventional public transportation, there is an urgent need to find a rail transit bus operation mode that is suitable for low passenger density areas such as urban suburbs. Demand Responsive Connector (DRC) is a transportation mode that adopts "online booking and offline travel" to meet the needs of passengers. This paper will focus on the DRC route optimization problem under the simultaneous pick-up mode. This paper analyses the DRC path optimization problem under the single transfer point simultaneous pick-up mode, defines the research situation, proposes the modelling idea, considers the balance of the interests of both passengers and enterprises, and establishes the DRC path optimization model under the single transfer point simultaneous pick-up mode with the goal of maximum passenger satisfaction and minimum enterprise operating cost. According to the characteristics of the model, a multichain chromosome genetic algorithm is designed to solve the model.
Rhizobium hidalgonense and Rhizobium redzepovicii as novel faba bean (Vicia faba) microsymbionts in Mexican soils
Authors: Rivera Flor N. , Guevara-Luna Joseph , Yan Jun , Arroyo-Herrera Ivan , Li Yan , Vásquez-Murrieta Maria Soledad , Arellano Danae Rojas , Wang En Tao
Published: October 2023

As a legume crop widely cultured in the world, faba bean (Vicia faba L.) plants form root nodules with diverse Rhizobium species in different regions. But the symbionts associated with this plant in Mexico has not been studied although it has been cultured for more than 500 years in the country. To investigate the diversity and species-symbiovar affiliations of rhizobia associated with faba bean in Mexico, we isolated the rhizobia of this plant grown in Mexico. Based upon the analysis of recA gene phylogeny, two genotypes were distinguished among a total of 35 isolates, and they were identified as Rhizobium hidalgonense and Rhizobium redzepovicii, respectively, by the whole genomic sequence analysis. Both the species harbored identical nod gene cluster and the same phylogenetic positions of nodC and nifH. So, all of them were identified into the symbiovar viciae. R. hidalgonense was only isolated from slightly acid soil and R. redzepvicii was found in acid and neutral soils in this study. The community composition of rhizobia associated with faba bean in Mexico was unique since these two Rhizobium species previously reported as symbionts of common bean. As conclusion, faba bean rhizobia in Mexico formed novel symbiovar, sv. viciae, in species R. hidalgonense and R. redzepovicii. These results added novel evidence about the co-evolution, diversification and biogeographic patterns of rhizobia in association with their host legumes in distinct geographic regions.
Heterogenous Patterns of Brain Atrophy in Schizophrenia Localize to A Common Brain Network
Authors: Makhlouf Ahmed T. , Drew William , Stubbs Jacob L. , Taylor Joseph J. , Liloia Donato , Grafman Jordan , Silbersweig David , Fox Michael D. , Siddiqi Shan H.
Published: October 2023

Understanding the neuroanatomy of schizophrenia remains elusive due to heterogenous findings across neuroimaging studies. Here, we investigated whether patterns of brain atrophy associated with schizophrenia would localize to a common brain network. Using the human connectome as a wiring diagram, we identified a connectivity pattern, a schizophrenia network, uniting heterogenous results from 90 published studies of atrophy in schizophrenia (total n>8,000). This network was specific to schizophrenia, differentiating it from atrophy in high-risk individuals (n=3038), normal aging (n=4,195), neurodegenerative disorders (n=3,707), and other psychiatric conditions (n=3,432). The network was also stable with disease progression and across different clusters of schizophrenia symptoms. Patterns of brain atrophy in schizophrenia were negatively correlated with lesions linked to psychosis-related thought processes in an independent cohort (n=181). Our results propose a unique, stable, and unified schizophrenia network, addressing a significant portion of the heterogeneity observed in prior atrophy studies.
Lignin Biosynthesis Gene Expression Is Associated with Age-related Resistance of Winter Squash to Phytophthora capsici
Authors: Alzohairy Safa A. , Moore Bethany M. , Hammerschmidt Raymond , Shiu Shin-Han , Hausbeck Mary K.
Published: October 2023

The Oomycete plant pathogen, Phytophthora capsici, causes root, crown, and fruit rot of winter squash (Cucurbita moschata) and limits production. Some C. moschata cultivars develop age-related resistance (ARR), whereby fruit develop resistance to P. capsici 14 to 21 days postpollination (DPP) because of thickened exocarp; however, wounding negates ARR. We uncovered the genetic mechanisms of ARR of two C. moschata cultivars, Chieftain and Dickenson Field, that exhibit ARR at 14 and 21 DPP, respectively, using RNA sequencing. The sequencing was conducted using RNA samples from ‘Chieftain’ and ‘Dickenson Field’ fruit at 7, 10, 14, and 21 DPP. A differential expression and subsequent gene set enrichment analysis revealed an overrepresentation of upregulated genes in functional categories relevant to cell wall structure biosynthesis, cell wall modification/organization, transcription regulation, and metabolic processes. A pathway enrichment analysis detected upregulated genes in cutin, suberin monomer, and phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathways. A further analysis of the expression profile of genes in those pathways revealed upregulation of genes in monolignol biosynthesis and lignin polymerization in the resistant fruit peel. Our findings suggest a shift in gene expression toward the physical strengthening of the cell wall associated with ARR to P. capsici. These findings provide candidate genes for developing Cucurbita cultivars with resistance to P. capsici and improve fruit rot management in Cucurbita species.
Underwriting Operations and Financial Performance: Evidence from Non-Life Insurance Firms in Nigeria
Authors: Oluwaleye Taiwo Olarinre , Ajemunigbohun Sunday Stephen , Abiodun Kehinde Emmanuel
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the relationship between underwriting operations and the performance of non-life insurance firms in Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the combined metrics of claim ratio, insurance premium, and re-insurance claims on the return on assets using the non-life insurance firms as bases in Nigeria. The study engaged data within the period of 2011-2020 extracted from the financial statements of five selected non-life insurance firms and analysis of data was conducted with a panel regression procedure. The result showed that insurance premium had a positive significant effect on return on asset, while re-insurance claim and claim ratio had positive but insignificant effect on return on asset. Therefore, this study concluded that underwriting operations contribute to the performance of non-life insurance firms in Nigeria. Hence, this study recommended that non-life insurance firms should put more effort into harnessing strategies and resources that enhances insurance premium in order to improve financial performance.
Glycaemic control in comorbid patients: an important element of CVD progression prevention
Authors: Trukhan D. I. , Davidov E. L. , Shevchenko G. Yu.
Published: October 2023

There is a clear and specific bidirectional relationship between diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. It is known that cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes occurs 2–5 times more often than in people without diabetes. CVD itself, and it is cardiovascular outcomes, are the main cause of death in patients with diabetes mellitus, both in men and women. In diabetes mellitus, there is a high risk of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, arterial hypertension, and acute cerebrovascular accident, and patients with diabetes may experience painless acute myocardial infarction associated with the presence of autonomic cardiac neuropathy. Much more often in diabetes mellitus there are various rhythm disturbances, including paroxysmal forms of atrial fibrillation, which increase the risk of death by 1.8–2 times. Currently, numerous international clinical studies have convincingly demonstrated that improved glycemic control causes a significant reduction in the risk of late macroand microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus. The concept of dysglycemia includes disorders of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting glycemia, postprandial glycemia, hypoglycemia, and glycemic variability. Dysglycemia increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases, and their poor prognosis. HbA1c is the “gold standard” for monitoring glycemic control, but this indicator does not provide complete information about daily and intraday changes in glucose levels. Variability (not level) of fasting glucose determines cardiovascular mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Achieving glucose stability may become an additional therapeutic goal for the management of this category of patients with diabetes mellitus, and low glycemic variability is currently assessed as an additional target. Algorithms of specialized medical care for patients with diabetes mellitus recommend that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus carry out self-monitoring, depending on the type of treatment taken and the degree of carbohydrate metabolism compensation. An important aspect of the technical impact on the adherence of patients to self-control and treatment of diabetes mellitus is the availability of convenient communication between the patient and the doctor, in particular, the possibility of contact remotely via a computer and mobile phone. In conclusion, the possibilities of a new model of the Contour® glucometer line, the Contour® Plus One glucometer, are considered.
Cardiovascular complications in the context of COVID-19: arrhythmias
Authors: Zmitrukevich A. S. , Mamedova A. E. , Reznik E. V.
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global crisis of unprecedented level for all mankind. The whole process of studying the disease (etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, prognosis) was not easy, because COVID-19 is a relatively new nosology that the world has never encountered. Cardiovascular complications in COVID-19 play an important role in the prognosis of morbidity and mortality. As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, more and more patients with cardiac arrhythmias, arterial hypertension and other cardiovascular complications appear. This may be due to the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the respiratory, cardiovascular and other systems, as well as the development of inflammation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were more patients with arrhythmias. According to some data, the risk of arrhythmias in COVID-19 in hospitalized patients varies from 7.57% to 17.97%. The main causes of arrhythmia in the context of COVID-19 are hypoxia (acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary embolism, the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on chemoreceptors), myocarditis (direct and indirect effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the myocardium), electrolyte imbalance, autonomic dysfunction, cardiotoxic drugs used in COVID-19. There can often be several reasons, and it is quite difficult to figure out which one has become the main one for each patient. This review focuses on the potential mechanisms for the development of cardiac arrhythmias in patients with COVID-19. Cardiologists, therapists and family medicine physicians should be aware of cardiovascular complications in the management of patients with COVID-19, and the prophylactic medical examination of the population.
Uric acid as a predictor of the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with arterial hypertension
Authors: Statsenko M. Е. , Streltsova A. M.
Published: October 2023

Introduction. Currently, increased uric acid (UA) levels are considered an independent risk factor for the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Oxidative stress, chronic systemic inflammation, and insulin resistance characteristic of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may represent possible mechanisms for the association between the development of hyperuricemia and NAFLD.

Aim. To clarify the meaning and nature of the relationship between an increase in the level of UA concentration and the development of NAFLD, as well as to evaluate the relationship between uric acid and the risk of cardiovascular complications in patients with hypertension and NAFLD.

Materials and methods. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted, which involved 120 patients aged from 45 to 65 with hypertension of 1–2 degrees, 1–2 stages (with and without NAFLD (FLI > 60). During the examination, a clinical examination was carried out: analysis of anamnesis data, anthropometry. Lipids and uric acid in blood plasma were also analyzed.

Results. In the group of comorbid patients, there were significantly more patients with excess of the reference values of UA levels in the blood plasma (OR = 2.25: 95% CI 1.08–4.71). ROC analysis showed that with an uric acid level of 369.5 µmol/l, a high risk of developing NAFLD is predicted. The UA/Cr index in patients with hypertension and NAFLD was statistically significantly higher than in patients in the control group. Increase in the MK/Kr index by 1 USD increases the chances of developing NAFLD by 1.54 times (95% CI: 1.11–2.13). Also, an increase in the concentration of sUA level by 1 µmol/l increases the chances of an increase in the 10-year risk of cardiovascular events to 5.0% or more by 0.6%.

Conclusions. With an uric acid level of 369.5 µmol/l, a high risk of developing NAFLD in the study group is predicted. Increase in UA/creatinine index by 1 USD increases the chances of developing NAFLD by 1.54 times. In addition, an increase in the concentration of sUA in the blood plasma by 1 µmol/l increases the chances of an increase in the 10-year risk of cardiovascular events to 5.0% or more by 0.6% in patients with hypertension and NAFLD.
Pharmacokinetics of first semaglutid drug in Russian Federation: results of open-label randomized clinical trial
Authors: Arefeva A. N. , Banko V. V. , Sadovskikh M. O. , Noskov S. M.
Published: October 2023

Introduction. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that can impact all aspects of metabolism. Incretin mimetics, such as semaglutide, are a promising group of drugs to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus both through the improvement of glycemic control and additional effects on the cardiovascular system and body weight. The development of a generic semaglutide-containing drug is a burning issue which settlement will increase the availability of semaglutide in the Russian Federation

Aim. To study the comparative pharmacokinetics, bioequivalence, safety and tolerability of a semaglutide containing GP40221 and Ozempic® in healthy volunteers.

Materials and methods. This open-label, randomized, single-dose, parallel group study assessed the bioequivalence of a single dose of 0.5 mg of the study drugs in healthy male subjects under fasting conditions. The conclusion about the bioequivalence of the brand name drug versus the generic drug was made using the classical approach based on the assessment of 90% confidence intervals of the ratios of geometric means of the primary pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC0-t, Сmax) for the active substance of the study drugs.

Results. The results of the study showed that the 90% CI values of the ratios of geometric means of the primary PK parameters of semaglutide were 85.96–109.01% and 89.14–111.40% for AUC0-t и Cmax, respectively, and are well within acceptable limits 80.00–125.00%. The comparable safety of the study drugs containing semaglutide has been proven.

Conclusion. Thus, GP40221 (GEROPHARM LLC, Russia) and Ozempic® (Novo Nordisk A/S, Denmark) can be considered bioequivalent and equally safe based on the results of this clinical study. The results of this study allow us to recommend a drug developer to submit specific data on their study drug GP40221 to the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation to obtain marketing authorization.
Benefits and risks of revascularization in senile coronary artery disease patients: is there any optimal choice?
Authors: Rakhimi N. A. , Konstantinova E. V. , Velikotskiy A. A. , Ploshchenkov E. V. , Svetlova O. N. , Nesterov А. P.
Published: October 2023

There has been an increase in the population of elderly patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) in recent years. Elderly and, especially, senile patients typically have comorbid conditions, multivessel coronary artery disease and coronary calcification, which make treatment more challenging. The available data from evidence-based medicine is not enough to determine the best treatment strategies for elderly patients, because large randomized clinical trials usually do not include elderly individuals with severe comorbidities. In the presented case, an 80-year-old patient with severe calcification and multivessel coronary artery disease experienced recurrent dissection of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and stent thrombosis of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) during the second phase of percutaneous coronary intervention, which required the implantation of 8 stents and administration of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, leading to the clinical manifestation of gastrointestinal bleeding. An important feature of the presented case was the necessity to implant a large number of stents, which is a risk factor for restenosis. Various issues are discussed in this case, including the choice of optimal management strategy for an 80-year-old patient with multivessel coronary artery disease. Physicians had to make difficult decisions to achieve a balance between potential benefit and risk. In order to improve the management of elderly patients, further research is needed, as well as the accumulation and discussion of clinical data.
The Correlation Between Project Learning Models and Student Activities in Online Learning for Chemistry Innovative Learning Model
Authors: Manasikana Oktaffi Arinna , Berlianti Nindha Ayu , Hayati Nur
Published: October 2023

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of project learning on student activity in chemistry innovative learning models courses. The research conducted used the experimental method. The results showed that students’ activeness in action was included in the successful category, which is 72.7%, and student activity in understanding the innovative learning model was included in the successful category, which is 63.6%. Student responses to project learning are included in the very successful category at 81.8%. The results of statistical research using partial regression correlation analysis techniques and multiple correlations show a significant positive relationship between project learning and learning effectiveness with a correlation coefficient (ry1) = 0.201. A significant positive relationship exists between student activities in innovative chemistry learning models and learning effectiveness with a correlation coefficient (ry2) = 0.759. There is a significant positive relationship between project learning and student activities and learning effectiveness with a correlation coefficient (ry12) = 0.769. Based on the results of these studies, it can be concluded that the effectiveness of learning can be increased through project learning and student activities.
Development of Communication and Creativity Competency Assessment Instruments in The Chempreneurship Course
Authors: Prayitno Mohammad Agus , Rusilowati Ani , Isnaeni Wiwi , Nugroho Deni Ebit
Published: October 2023

This study aims to develop and produce an instrument for assessing students' communication skills and creativity in the Chempreneurship course. This research is a development research that uses the 4D model. This assessment instrument contains a theoretical description, a lattice of communication and creativity skills assessment instruments and communication and creativity skills assessment sheets that have been validated by experts and tested. The results of this study are a communication skills and creativity research instrument that is feasible to use, valid, and reliable. The instrument is declared fit for use if the results of the expert appraisal test with CVI obtain a score of ≥ 0.8. The results of the expert appraisal test for communication instruments with CVI obtained a score of 0.88 and a creativity instrument of 0.90. The results of the development testing of the communication skills instrument obtained 16 items, which were declared valid and reliable with a reliability value of 0.891. The results of the development testing of the creativity instrument show that all items are declared valid and reliable with a reliability value of 0.854. The result of the development instrument is feasible to measure communication skills and creativity.
On the stability of the zero solution with respect to a part of variables in linear approximation
Authors:   National Research Mordovia State University, Shamanaev Pavel A.
Published: October 2023

The article presents the sufficient conditions for stability and asymptotic stability with respect to a part of the variables of the zero solution of a nonlinear system in the linear approximation. the case is considered when the matrix of the linear approximation may contain eigenvalues with zero real parts and the algebraic and geometric multiplicities of these eigenvalues may not coincide. The approach is based on establishing some correspondence between the solutions of the investigated system and its linear approximation. The solutions of such systems starting in a sufficiently small zero neighborhood and the systems themselves possess the same componentwise asymptotic properties in this case. Such solutions’ properties are stability and asymptotic stability with respect to some variables, and for systems componentwise local asymptotic equivalence and componentwise local asymptotic equilibrium. Considering the correspondence between the solutions of systems as an operator defined in a Banach space, there is proved that it has at least one fixed point according to the Schauder’s principle. The operator allows to construct a mapping that establishes the relationship between the initial points of the investigated system and its linear approximation. Further, a conclusion about the componentwise asymptotic properties of solutions of the nonlinear system is made on the basis of estimates of the fundamental matrix of the linear approximation rows’ entries. There is given an example of the investigation of stability and asymptotic stability with respect to a part of the variables of the zero solution of a nonlinear system is given, when the linear approximation matrix contains one negative and one zero eigenvalues, and the algebraic and geometric multiplicities of the zero eigenvalue do not coincide.
US positions in world economy: Current conditions and prospects
Authors:   Institute for US and Canadian Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Supyan Victor
Published: October 2023

There are several indicators which reflect the level of economic development of each country. Among most important — GDP, GDP per capita, scientific and technological potential human resources, the country’s positions in the world trade and capital transactions. The author makes a conclusion that the US positions remain strong in the world economy and international economic relations. The article aims to show the evolution of the American model of capitalism and its opportunities to adapt to new challenges of the 21st century. The author reviews the basic characteristics of this model and its distinction from other market economy models. It is demonstrated that in the USA, the leading role in economic development is played by private sector, and the government occupies much more modest positions. The author demonstrates that due to the liberal model the country has reached significant economic and social results, including high economic growth and high living standards. The advantages of the American model are quite obvious: commitment to high economic efficiency, development of science and innovations, economic growth and high living standards. The shortcomings of the American model are also quite evident. Among them there are: a problem of social and income inequality, the emergence of new economic challenges, including those connected with pandemics and climate change, which test the American model for its sustainability and effectiveness. Another issue is new emerging markets that are not liberal at all. Especially we can talk about China which became the real rival to the American economy. The modern stage of globalization puts several new problems before the American capitalism, such as the is exacerbation of contradictions between old industrial countries and emerging economies, between strengthened multinational corporations and the governments of the countries they came from. The author makes a conclusion that despite both internal and external challenges the existing potential of the American economic model is still not exhausted. At the same time, it is evident that the question of its adaption to all existing issues is quite real and demands solution.
The role of online visual images in the everyday life of the older
Authors:   Sociological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences — Branch of the Federal Center of Theoretical and Applied Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Galkin Konstantin A.
Published: October 2023

The article is devoted to the analysis of the features of the creation and communication of older people through photographs and visual content in social networks. Based on the “objectcentric” approach proposed by B.Latour, the article analyzes the mechanisms of communication of older people through the creation of memories in visual images in social networks, as well as mechanisms for overcoming loneliness by them. The empirical basis of the study is biographical interviews with older people from St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region (N = 30) in which they talked about their experiences and the meanings of visual images and photographs through which communication and interaction with other users of the social network takes place and which allowed them to minimize the state of loneliness. Also, the study used the method of digital ethnography, during which the communication of older people and the content of visual content was examined, a total of 1000 photos and posts were analyzed. The study revealed that visual images of older people in social networks construct a single whole necessary for the invidualization of the personality of an older person. Visual images can be used by older people as a means of achieving community, or they can act as a self-defense mechanism and a necessary fulcrum when, with the help of visual images, people seek to minimize and stop the negative consequences of loneliness and age-related changes. Also, it is the communication that takes place through visual images in social networks that contributes to the creation of a therapeutic effect for the older and the expansion of the circle of communication
The 17th Century Dutch Art in E.I.Rotenberg’s Studies
Authors:   A. S.Pushkin School of Arts and Crafts “Izograph”, Akimov Sergey S.
Published: October 2023

The contribution of Evsei Rotenberg to the studies in history of the 17th century Dutch art is analyzed in this article. Investigations in Dutch art of the Golden Age were one of the main lines in scientific interests of Evsei Rotenberg, great specialist in classical West-European art, during all his activity. He also wrote about Italian Renaissance, especially Michelangelo and Titian, and about the most important esthetic and creative problems and tendencies of the 17th century art, the greatest masters of this epoch. The paper highlights his evolution as a researcher from point of view subjects and methodology of studies, analyzes the conceptual ideas explaining the specificity of the Dutch art, shows their place in Russian scientific tradition and their significance for the further development of art historian science. His professional formation was held under guidance of Prof. B.R.Vipper in Moscow University and in post-graduate course. Rotenberg’s PhD dissertation (1956) was devoted to realistic bases of Dutch art of the period of flourishing (Rembrandt and masters of genre painting). He is the author of works about Rembrandt and Vermeer, the monograph about development of the Dutch art including architecture, sculpture and decorative crafts. His most fundamental investigations — “West-European 17th Century Art” and “West-European 17th Century Painting. Thematic Principles” — were published in 1971 and 1989. Rotenberg analyzed Dutch school in aspects of style and non-style line and relationships between mythological and non-mythological creative conceptions in art of this epoch.
Proximity to the technological frontier as a factor of firms’ competitiveness in Russia
Authors:   Center for structural policy research, Kuzyk Michael G. ,   HSE University, Simachev Yuri V. ,   HSE University
Published: October 2023

Goal: to identify and analyze the factors of Russian firms’ proximity to the technological frontier; the specifics of innovation activity of firms at different distances to the technological frontier; the relationship between the proximity of firms to the technological frontier and their competitiveness. Methodology: econometric analysis of data from a survey of over 700 firms in Russian non-energy industries conducted in 2019. Findings: the technological leadership of Russian firms is positively related to their size, market power, implementation of innovations, primarily process ones, as well as R&D funding, including those performed by external contractors. Borrowing of advanced technologies is characteristic of both lagging companies and leaders. However, the latter are more open to external knowledge and active in searching for advanced solutions and practices, primarily abroad. Foreign direct investment contributes to catching-up technological development rather than to gaining leadership. A positive relationship between the proximity of firms to the technological frontier and their competitiveness is revealed: technology leaders, other things being equal, are characterized by higher labor productivity and export activity. In addition, leading firms were more likely than others to increase their productivity, output, market share and exports. Originality and contribution of the authors: while much attention is paid in the modern economic literature to the competitiveness of firms and their distance to the technological frontier, these issues are rarely considered in relation to each other. The study partially fills this gap. The authors apply an innovative approach to determining the proximity of firms to the technological frontier, based on a combination of the level of technologies used and the novelty of products (services) produced. Characteristic features of Russian firms at different distances from the technological frontier and peculiarities of their innovative behavior are revealed It is shown that along with the introduction of advanced technologies Russian firms have other ways to ensure their competitiveness.
Germinação de sementes de Livistona chinensis (Jack.) R. Br. ex. Mart. em diferentes substratos e estágio de maturação
Authors: Petterson Baptista da Luz  , Severino de Paiva Sobrinho
Published: October 2023

O agronegócio de plantas ornamentais tem se consolidado como uma atividade econômica representativa na economia brasileira. As palmeiras vêm sendo mais utilizadas no paisagismo urbano brasileiro, graças a associações com características tropicais. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi verificar o efeito dos diferentes tipos de substratos e estágio de maturação das sementes na germinação da palmeira-leque[1]da-china. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado (DIC) em esquema fatorial 2 x 3 (duas fases de maturação das sementes = frutos marrons e frutos verde-azulados e três tipos de substratos = Plantmax®, vermiculita e areia). O experimento foi realizado em câmara de germinação do tipo B.O.D., com quatro repetições de 15 sementes, em caixas Gerbox® transparentes. Fizeram[1]se as avaliações a cada 3 dias, considerando-se germinadas as sementes que apresentavam a protrusão do botão germinativo. Houve uma maior porcentagem de germinação para as sementes originadas de frutos verde-azulados. O substrato Plantmax® sobressaiu em relação à vermiculita e areia esterilizada, com maior IVG em sementes verde-azuladas.
Aquatic insects in plateau streams in Southern Brazil: a functional feeding group analysis
Authors: Mario Arthur Favretto  , Emili Bortolon dos Santos  , Osvaldo Onghero-Jr.
Published: October 2023

Aquatic insects are bioindicators regarding the quality of streams environments. The present study aimed to analyze the community of aquatic insects in streams from the Santa Catarina Plateau, in Brazil. Insects were classified according to their functional trophic structure as gathering-collectors, filtering-collectors, shredders, swallower-predators, perforator-predators and scrapers. Autotrophy and heterotrophy indices were calculated to evaluate the ecological conditions of the sampled streams. Associations between shredders and the riparian vegetation index, filtering-collector index, riverbed stability index, and predator-prey index were performed. The sampled streams demonstrated that the insects inhabiting these environments respond to the strong seasonality observed in the study region, an area located at high altitudes (over 1,200 m a.s.l.) that suffers harsh winters with snow events. This is also reflected in the seasonal heterotrophy and autotrophy index variations noted herein, with higher autotrophy observed during spring and summer. The relationship detected between shredder insects and riparian vegetation indicates that the sampled region may be suffering from deforestation, due to the low contribution of plant matter to the stream waters. However, as many nearby areas are characterized by natural grasslands, it is possible that it is actually an inherent characteristic of the sample area.
Caracterização de flora de restinga herbácea de Laguna, Santa Catarina, Brasil
Authors: Allison L. Tietz  , Romana Pedott Apel  , Denise M. D. S. Mouga
Published: October 2023

A restinga engloba o conjunto de depósitos arenosos costeiros e o conjunto das comunidades existentes sobre esses depósitos. Visando conhecer a diversidade atual de táxons botânicos, obter dados fenológicos e florísticos e realizar uma caracterização do local, foi estudada a vegetação da Praia do Cardoso (Farol de Santa Marta), em Laguna (SC). Durante 6 horas, uma vez por mês (21/6/2021 a 22/5/2022), por caminhamento, procuraram-se plantas floridas, sendo estas fotografadas, coletadas, herborizadas e identificadas. Foram encontradas 19 espécies, de nove famílias e 16 gêneros. Asteraceae conteve o maior número de espécies (7) e Baccharis, o menor número de espécies (3). A maioria das espécies é nativa (exceto uma naturalizada e outra cultivada); seis são medicinais; quatro são endêmicas; há cinco formas de vida, sendo erva aquela com maior número de espécies (8). Grande parte das espécies não tem um critério de ameaça avaliado, uma se encontra em estado menos preocupante (Symphyopappus casarettoi) e outra em perigo (Noticastrum hatschbachii). Durante o outono, dez espécies estiveram floridas, no inverno uma, na primavera cinco e no verão nove. O entendimento das espécies vegetais ali presentes constitui uma contribuição ao conhecimento para a conservação da vegetação pristina do Quaternário.
80 CORES NO TINGIMENTO NATURAL PARA APLICAÇÃO EM TECIDOS DE FIBRAS NATURAIS
Authors: Cristine Silva Santos  , Icléia Silveira  , Neide Köhler Schulte  , Lucas da Rosa1 Daniela Novelli
Published: October 2023

Os corantes químicos aplicados em têxteis na etapa de beneficiamento trazem sérios prejuízos ao meio ambiente e seres humanos envolvidos no processo. O uso de corantes naturais em substituição aos químicos proporciona benefícios no quesito ambiental, pois não são utilizados produtos químicos tóxicos altamente poluentes em seus processos. Mesmo sabendo da importância de seu emprego, muitas empresas optam pelo tingimento químico em detrimento do natural, justificando que a variedade de cores é escassa. O presente estudo pretende apresentar uma cartela variada de cores usando corantes naturais aplicados em fibras naturais. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de natureza aplicada. Quanto ao seu problema, é qualitativa; em relação ao seu objetivo, é uma pesquisa descritiva. Aplicaram-se procedimentos técnicos experimentais com o intuito de demonstrar a possibilidade de oferta de cores diversas advinda de corantes naturais. Como resultado do experimento, foi confeccionada uma cartela de 80 cores naturais utilizando apenas 14 plantas e resíduos alimentares. Dessa forma, este estudo contribui para a disseminação do conhecimento nessa área e para o incentivo ao consumo de peças têxteis pautadas em práticas pró-sustentabilidade na moda. Verificou-se que é possível oferecer uma gama variada de cores com corantes naturais aplicados em têxteis.
JOGO ROLETA CLIMÁTICA: UMA ABORDAGEM LÚDICA PARA TRATAR DAS MUDANÇAS CLIMÁTICAS
Authors: Ana Veronica Pazmino  , Ian Victor Silva Ferreira  , Rosália Corrêa
Published: October 2023

Este artigo apresenta o desenvolvimento de um jogo sobre mudanças climáticas. Mesmo que as alterações do clima sejam um processo natural do planeta, desde o século XIX sabe-se que ações humanas, como desmatamento, produção excessiva de resíduos e emissão desenfreada de gases poluentes, impactam esse processo, gerando danos catastróficos. Tendo em vista esse cenário alarmante, o presente texto aborda o processo de projeto de um jogo físico educativo com ênfase nas mudanças climáticas e seus impactos no âmbito social. É um método intuitivo de fomentar o conhecimento e sensibilizar a população infantojuvenil: a geração futura. O projeto foi norteado pelos métodos de design abordados durante a disciplina Metodologia de Projeto do curso de Design de Produto da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC). A pesquisa sintetiza dados e sugestões do público-alvo, além de concorrentes no mercado atual. O resultado é um jogo composto por uma roleta, que explora a dinâmica por meio de perguntas e respostas, para ser utilizada nas escolas, residências ou em momentos de lazer com amigos, estimulando o envolvimento dos jovens com a temática.
O Museu Afro Brasil na paisagem cultural do Parque Ibirapuera (São Paulo)1
Authors: Correa Silvio Marcus de
Published: October 2023

A paisagem cultural do Parque Ibirapuera em São Paulo tem vários equipamentos modernistas, entre os quais se destaca o pavilhão sede do Museu Afro Brasil Emanoel Araújo (MAB|EA). Desde o 29.º número da série sobre os museus brasileiros do Instituto Cultural Joseph Safra, a relação cultura e natureza sobressai[1]se na narrativa do livro Museu Afro Brasil. Publicado em 2010, esse livro ilustrado apresenta a instituição por meio de textos e fotografias. Além das fotografias de objetos do rico acervo museológico, há também várias que retratam partes externas e internas do moderno pavilhão no Parque Ibirapuera. Uma outra narrativa patrimonial advém do novo website oficial do MAB|EA, que contém algumas fotografias do edifício, de suas áreas internas e externas. Tanto no livro Museu Afro Brasil (2010) quanto no website oficial do MAB|EA, a narrativa patrimonial da gestão e dos usos dos espaços (salas de exposição, auditório, biblioteca etc.) traduz diferentes práticas visuais de produção de imagens, notadamente sobre a paisagem cultural do Parque Ibirapuera.
De clínica a museu: tecendo as trajetórias memoriais de um castelo no centro da cidade de Estrela (RS)
Authors: Sehn Paulo Gustavo , Mangan Patrícia Kayser Vargas
Published: October 2023

A cidade de Estrela, no Rio Grande do Sul, é atualmente a terceira mais populosa do vale do Taquari, com aproximadamente 33 mil habitantes. Estrela tem 147 anos e foi colonizada inicialmente por imigrantes germânicos. Possui 13 bairros e 4 distritos. Neste artigo, contextualizamos o surgimento da cidade de Estrela, desde a chegada dos primeiros imigrantes até os primeiros indícios do nome “Estrela”. Após situarmos geograficamente a cidade, apresentamos o imóvel referência deste trabalho: um castelo no centro da cidade, construído em 1905 pelo médico austríaco, Dr. Gabriel Schlatter e, através de uma linha do tempo, discutimos as suas transformações  e as memórias que envolvem o imóvel, bem como sua importância no contexto da cidade, as relações que ele possui com as pessoas não só de Estrela, mas da região e do estado, o impacto da sua presença na paisagem cultural e geográfica da cidade, sua simbologia na formação identitária das pessoas, bem como sua importância sob o viés de patrimônio.
Dental students’ perceptions towards the remote learning to preclinical training
Authors: Liliane Roskamp  , Milton Drapalski Pellegrin  , Maria Eduarda Nunis Locks  , Allan Abuabara  , Luiza Tatiana Forte  , Camila Paiva Perin  , Maria Carolina Botelho Pires de Campos  , Flares Baratto-Filho  , Natanael Henrique Mattos  , Cintia Mussi Milani  , Mariana Perrota
Published: October 2023

Challenges imposed by the covid-19 pandemic on the dental education program included adaptations to remote education. The aim of this study was to assess dental students’ perceptions towards the remote learning (e-learning) to preclinical training. Material and methods: One hundred sixty dental students from the second to the fourth year were included. The questionnaire was filled out on Google Forms. All data was collected from May to July 2021. Results: Eighty-three dental students answered the questionnaire (51.9%). A minority of students rated online theoretical learning as excellent (8.4%). Concerning preclinical training after e-learning, excellent values ranged from 4.5% to 26.7%. Most students were willing to take dental residency programs (92.8%). The main areas of choice are dentistry, endodontics, oral surgery, and prosthodontics. Conclusion: Dental students reported many difficulties during preclinical training after e-learning. Most students intend to attend a residency program in dentistry, endodontics, oral surgery and prosthodontics.