bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equilibrium modeling of thermal plasma assisted co-valorization of difficult waste streams for syngas production
Authors: Sikarwar Vineet Singh , Reichert Annika , Pohorely Michael , Meers Erik , Ferreira Newton Libanio , Jeremias Michal
Published: July 2021

Thermal plasma assisted treatment is a viable pathway to process difficult waste streams to generate useful product gas.
Correction: Phase mechanics of colloidal gels: osmotic pressure drives non-equilibrium phase separation
Authors: Johnson Lilian C. , Zia Roseanna N.
Published: July 2021

Correction for ‘Phase mechanics of colloidal gels: osmotic pressure drives non-equilibrium phase separation’ by Lilian C. Johnson et al., Soft Matter, 2021, 17, 3784–3797, DOI: 10.1039/D0SM02180F.
The electronic structure of transition metal oxides for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Wang Hongxia , Zhang Kelvin H. L. , Hofmann Jan P. , de la Peña O'Shea Victor A. , Oropeza Freddy E.
Published: July 2021

In this review article, we summarise the key electronic features of transition metal oxides that govern their OER catalytic properties, and how such electronic descriptors are applied for OER electrocatalysts design.
Bioorthogonal chemistry in metal clusters: a general strategy for the construction of multifunctional probes for bioimaging in living cells and in vivo
Authors: Chen Xueqian , Zhang Yong , Yuan Qing , Li Mingrui , Bian Yongning , Su Dongdong , Gao Xueyun
Published: July 2021

Bioorthogonal chemistry in metal clusters: a new strategy for the preparation of modular multifunctional probes based on the bioorthogonal reaction system is presented.
Deep learning enabled classification of real-time respiration signals acquired by MoSSe quantum dot-based flexible sensors
Authors: Bokka Naveen , Karhade Jay , Sahatiya Parikshit
Published: July 2021

Classfication of the respiration rate for early detection of disease.
Quantitative insights into the phase behaviour and miscibility of organic photovoltaic active layers from the perspective of neutron spectroscopy
Authors: Zbiri Mohamed , Finn Peter A. , Nielsen Christian B. , Guilbert Anne A. Y.
Published: July 2021

Neutron spectroscopy as a master microscopic probe of the composition-dependent phase behaviour and miscibility of organic solar cell active layers.
Induced axial chirality by a tight belt: naphthalene chromophores fixed in a 2,5-substituted cofacial para-phenylene–ethynylene framework
Authors: Sidler Eric , Malinčík Juraj , Prescimone Alessandro , Mayor Marcel
Published: July 2021

We report the design of a synthetically easy accessible axial chirality-inducing framework for an achiral chromophore of choice. The spatial arrangement excitonically couples the chromophores and thus results in intense molar dichroism.
Facile fabrication of highly sensitive and durable cotton fabric-based pressure sensors for motion and pulse monitoring
Authors: Zhao Yinan , Liu Lin , Li Zhen , Wang Feifei , Chen Xinxin , Liu Jikai , Song Chuhan , Yao Juming
Published: July 2021

A graphene/gelatin functionalized pressure sensor (GGFPS) could sense various human motions and physiological signals including the pulse of wrist arteries in real-time.
Brahma-related gene-1 promotes tubular senescence and renal fibrosis through Wnt/β-catenin/autophagy axis
Authors: Gong Wangqiu , Luo Congwei , Peng Fenfen , Xiao Jing , Zeng Yiqun , Yin Bohui , Chen Xiaowen , Li Shuting , He Xiaoyang , Liu Yanxia , Cao Huihui , Xu Jiangping , Long Haibo
Published: July 2021

Although accelerated cellular senescence is closely related to the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and renal fibrosis, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we reported that tubular aberrant expression of Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1), an enzymatic subunit of the SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable complex, is critically involved in tubular senescence and renal fibrosis. BRG1 was significantly up-regulated in the kidneys, predominantly in tubular epithelial cells, of both CKD patients and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice. In vivo, shRNA-mediated knockdown of BRG1 significantly ameliorated renal fibrosis, improved tubular senescence, and inhibited UUO-induced activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In mouse renal tubular epithelial cells (mTECs) and primary renal tubular cells, inhibition of BRG1 diminished transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced cellular senescence and fibrotic responses. Correspondingly, ectopic expression of BRG1 in mTECs or normal kidneys increased p16INK4a, p19ARF, and p21 expression and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity, indicating accelerated tubular senescence. Additionally, BRG1-mediated pro-fibrotic responses were largely abolished by small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated p16INK4a silencing in vitro or continuous senolytic treatment with ABT-263 in vivo. Moreover, BRG1 activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which further inhibited autophagy. Pharmacologic inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway (ICG-001) or rapamycin (RAPA)-mediated activation of autophagy effectively blocked BRG1-induced tubular senescence and fibrotic responses, while bafilomycin A1 (Baf A1)-mediated inhibition of autophagy abolished the effects of ICG-001. Further, BRG1 altered the secretome of senescent tubular cells, which promoted proliferation and activation of fibroblasts. Taken together, our results indicate that BRG1 induces tubular senescence by inhibiting autophagy via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which ultimately contributes to the development of renal fibrosis.
Vocabulary Development and the Shape Bias in Children With Hearing Loss
Authors: Perry Lynn K. , Meltzer Amy L. , Kucker Sarah C.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Although children with hearing loss (HL) can benefit from cochlear implants (CIs) and hearing aids (HAs), they often show language delays. Moreover, little is known about the mechanisms by which children with HL learn words. One mechanism by which typically hearing (TH) children learn words is by acquiring word learning biases such as the “shape bias,” that is, generalizing the names of novel solid objects by similarity in shape. In TH children, the shape bias emerges out of regularities in the early vocabulary and, once acquired, has consequences for subsequent vocabulary development.

Method

Here, we ask whether children with HL exhibit similar word learning biases as TH children. In the current study, nineteen 2- to 3.5-year-old children with HL generalized the names of novel objects by similarity in shape or material. We compared their performance to that of 20 TH children matched on age and 20 TH children matched on vocabulary size.

Results

Children with HL were significantly less likely than age-matched TH children and vocabulary-matched TH children to generalize novel names to objects of the same shape. However, there was also an interaction such that vocabulary has a stronger effect on novel noun generalization for those with HL than for those who are TH. Exploratory analyses of children with HL reveal similar novel noun generalization and vocabulary sizes in children who use CIs and those who use HAs, regardless of hearing age or degree of HL.

Conclusion

Together, the results suggest that, although vocabulary knowledge drives development of the shape bias in general for all children, it may be especially important for children with HL, who are at risk for language delays.
Basic Counseling Skills: Working With People With Aphasia and Their Families
Authors: Hunting Pompon Rebecca
Published: July 2021

Purpose

People with aphasia (PWA) and their families experience dramatic changes to many facets of life following stroke or other brain injury. With these changes comes complex loss and grief that can lead to chronic stress and depression, and impact recovery and rehabilitation. Clinicians working with PWA are often unsure how to best address these experiences and reactions. This tutorial introduces an approach to building the therapeutic alliance and navigating challenging conversations with clients and families using basic counseling skills that can be adapted to varying situations and clinical contexts. In addition to demonstrating each skill using example scenarios (Part 1), these skills are applied to the evolving stages of crisis and recovery experienced by many clients with communication impairment and their families—from injury onset to adjustment to chronic aphasia (Part 2).

Conclusions

Clinicians can adapt a set of basic counseling skills to promote effective therapeutic relationships and change in the lives of their clients across the contexts of recovery and rehabilitation. Although the clinician and client may work together for a relatively limited period of time, these flexible skills can help galvanize client engagement and participation in clinical activities, yield high-quality client information for treatment planning, and motivate clients as they navigate life with aphasia.
Joint relay and channel selection against mobile and smart jammer: A deep reinforcement learning approach
Authors: Yuan Hongcheng , Song Fei , Chu Xiaojing , Li Wen , Wang Ximing , Han Hao , Gong Yuping
Published: July 2021

This paper investigates the joint relay and channel selection problem using a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithm for cooperative communications in a dynamic jamming environment. The latest types of jammers include the mobile and smart jammer that contains multiple jamming patterns. This new type of jammer poses serious challenges to reliable communications such as huge environment states, tightly coupled joint action selections and real‐time decision requirements. To cope with these challenges, a DRL‐based relay‐assisted cooperative communication scheme is proposed. In this scheme, the joint selection problem is constructed as a Markov decision process (MDP) and a double deep Q network (DDQN) based anti‐jamming scheme is proposed to address the unknown and dynamic jamming behaviors. Concretely, a joint decision‐making network composed of three sub‐networks is designed and the independent learning method of each sub‐network is proposed. The simulation results show that the user agent is able to anticipate the jammer behaviors and elude the jamming in advance. Furthermore, compared with the sensing‐based algorithm, the Q learning‐based algorithm and the existing DRL‐based anti‐jamming approaches, the proposed algorithm maintains a higher average normalized throughput.
An adjustable 0.3 V current winner‐take‐all circuit for analogue neural networks
Authors: Akbari Meysam , Chou Ting‐I , Tang Kea‐Tiong
Published: July 2021

This letter presents an upgraded winner‐take‐all (WTA) circuit that is capable of operating under low‐voltage supplies. The proposed circuit re‐configures the basic loop of a conventional WTA through an auxiliary transistor to decrease the dropped voltage across the tail current. This reconfiguration creates an additional biasing voltage providing more adjustability. Moreover, the new feedback path decreases the delay compared to the conventional WTA. Both conventional and proposed WTAs were fabricated in the TSMC 0.18 μm CMOS technology. The experimental results show a 29.4 and 33.2 μs reduction in rising and falling times, respectively, for the proposed WTA under a supply voltage of 0.3 V.
Electricity economics for ex‐ante double‐sided auction mechanism in restructured power market
Authors: Kanagaraj Aruna , Raguru Pandu Kumudini Devi
Published: July 2021

Auction mechanism analysis provides favourable economic outcomes for key stakeholders involved in the restructured power market. Real power pricing based on locational marginal pricing has been implemented in the electricity market worldwide. In this study, the optimal power flow is considered to minimise the operating cost of the active power generation in the ex‐ante energy market and an augmented optimal power flow in the ex‐ante reserve market. The double‐sided auction mechanism has better control over the energy and reserve markets, enhancing social welfare in the restructured power markets. Single‐ and double‐sided auction mechanisms are considered to analyse the allocation and pricing economics in the ex‐ante day‐ahead energy and ex‐ante day‐ahead reserve markets. Locational marginal pricing is calculated and analysed for both the on‐and off‐peak demand periods. The proposed auction model was validated using an IEEE 30‐bus power system. The benefits of the double‐sided auction are assessed from technical and economic perspectives.
An intelligent islanding detection of distribution networks with synchronous machine DG using ensemble learning and canonical methods
Authors: Hussain Arif , Kim Chul‐Hwan , Admasie Samuel
Published: July 2021

One of the crucial challenges of the distribution network is the unintentionally isolated section of electricity from the power network, called unintentional islanding. Unintentional islanding detection is severed when the local generation is equal to or closely matches the load requirement. In this paper, both ensemble learning and canonical methods are implemented for the islanding detection technique of synchronous machine‐based distributed generation. The ensemble learning models for this study are random forest (RF) and Ada boost, while the canonical methods are multi‐layer perceptron (MLP), decision tree (DT), and support vector machine (SVM). The training and testing parameters for this technique are the total harmonic distortion (THD) of both current and voltage signals. THD is the most important parameter of power quality monitoring under islanding scenarios. The parameter and data extraction from the test system is executed in a MATLAB/Simulink environment, whereas the training and testing of the presented techniques are implemented in Python. Performance indices such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F 1 score are used for evaluation, and both ensemble learning models and canonical models demonstrate good performance. Ada‐boost shows the highest accuracy among all the five models with original data, while RF is robust and gives the best results with noisy data (20 and 30 dB) because of its ensemble nature.
Design and implementation of virtual experiment for complex control system: A case study of thermal control process
Authors: Guan Shiqi , Hu Wenshan , Zhou Hong , Lei Zhongcheng , Feng Xingle , Liu Guo‐Ping
Published: July 2021

Online experimental systems that include remote and virtual experiments based on the Internet has become a new form of experiment in engineering education. This paper proposes a virtual experiment for the complex process control system. It is based on the networked control system laboratory (NCSLab), which provides a reliable framework for virtual thermal experiment. Taking the combustion system of 1000 MW ultra‐supercritical coal‐fired once‐through boiler‐turbine units as an example, the framework and the implementation process of the online system are given in this paper. A new presentation form for complex processes control experiment is provided, which could be a solution for simulating physical experimental equipment in virtual environments. The potential danger in practical experiments could be avoided. Additionally, the real‐time operation for complex control systems could be presented in a 3D scene. Meanwhile, the flexibility and efficiency could be increased in engineering experimental education. Moreover, using the experiment evaluation method, the references and feedback for teaching and assessment are provided in this paper.
Hybrid successive discretisation algorithm used to calculate parameters of the photovoltaic cells and panels for existing datasets
Authors: Cotfas Daniel T. , Deaconu Adrian M. , Cotfas Petru A.
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a new hybrid successive discretisation algorithm, used to calculate the parameters of the photovoltaic cells and panels, by the one diode model and the two diode model. Nine known datasets from the specialised literature were used to validate the new algorithm and then it was firstly applied for two new datasets. For the first time only one algorithm is applied to extract the parameters, in both cases—one and two diode models. The new datasets are for commercial monocrystalline silicon and amorphous silicon photovoltaic cells. The main test used to prove the performance of HDSA is the root mean square error. Other four tests were used for comparison: the mean absolute error, the mean bias error, t‐statistic, and the coefficient of determination. The hybrid successive discretisation algorithm proved its accuracy and reliability for parameter extraction of different types of photovoltaic cells and panels for all datasets used. Comparing the hybrid successive discretisation algorithm with the best algorithms from the specialised literature shows an improvement of the root mean square error by up to10.4% for the one diode model and by up to 7.5% for the two diode model, respectively.
Textile‐based sensors for electrical current measurement in three‐phase cables
Authors: Strickland Dani , Heinzel Tincuta , King Bee , Abedi Varnosfaderani Mina , Zeidler Alana , Seager Rob
Published: July 2021

There is much discussion about the implementation and benefits of smart electricity networks. However, the reality is that the instrumentation needed at low voltage is too expensive for large‐scale deployment. The most highly used monitoring systems in use today are based on Rogowski coil technology, which can only be used on single‐phase cables and terminations at £1k–£2k per substation. This study presents the results of novel research into modelling and analysis of a low‐cost sensor which can measure load on a 3 core cable at <£150 per substation. This study uses a new textile‐based sensor that can be produced by low‐cost, high‐volume manufacturing techniques. The study describes the modelling that is required in conjunction with the sensor geometry to be able to calculate the load current. Three textile‐based sensors of different dimensions were produced and tested and the results were compared with the current probe readings. The study shows that the textile sensors have an offset error of 14% but good linearity of 0.998, for around 10% of the cost of Rogowski coil technology.
Characterizing the morphology of the debris disk around the low-mass star GSC 07396-00759
Authors: Adam C. , Olofsson J. , van Holstein R. G. , Bayo A. , Milli J. , Boccaletti A. , Kral Q. , Ginski C. , Henning Th. , Montesinos M. , Pawellek N. , Zurlo A. , Langlois M. , Delboulbé A. , Pavlov A. , Ramos J. , Weber L. , Wildi F. , Rigal F. , Sauvage J.-F.
Published: July 2021

Context. Debris disks have commonly been studied around intermediate-mass stars. Their intense radiation fields are believed to efficiently remove the small dust grains that are constantly replenished by collisions. For lower-mass central objects, in particular M stars, the dust removal mechanism needs to be further investigated given the much weaker radiation field produced by these objects.

Aims. We present new observations of the nearly edge-on disk around the pre-main-sequence M-type star GSC 07396-00759, taken with VLT/SPHERE IRDIS in dual-beam polarimetric imaging mode, with the aim to better understand the morphology of the disk, its dust properties, and the star-disk interaction via the stellar mass-loss rate.

Methods. We model the polarimetric observations to characterize the location and properties of the dust grains using the Henyey–Greenstein approximation of the polarized phase function. We use the estimated phase function to evaluate the strength of the stellar winds.

Results. We find that the polarized light observations are best described by an extended and highly inclined disk (i ≈ 84.3 ° ± 0.3) with a dust distribution centered at a radius r0 ≈ 107 ± 2 au. Our modeling suggests an anisotropic scattering factor g ≈ 0.6 to best reproduce the polarized phase function S12. We also find that the phase function is reasonably well reproduced by small micron-sized dust grains with sizes s > 0.3μm. We discuss some of the caveats of the approach, mainly that our model probably does not fully recover the semimajor axis of the disk and that we cannot readily determine all dust properties due to a degeneracy between the grain size and the porosity.

Conclusions. Even though the radius of the disk may be overestimated, our best-fit model not only reproduces the observations well but is also consistent with previous published data obtained in total intensity. Similarly to previous studies of debris disks, we suggest that using a given scattering theory might not be sufficient to fully explain key aspects, such as the shape of the phase function or the dust grain size. Taking into consideration the aforementioned caveats, we find that the average mass-loss rate of GSC 07396-00759 can be up to 500 times stronger than that of the Sun, supporting the idea that stellar winds from low-mass stars can evacuate small dust grains in an efficient way.
A CHEOPS white dwarf transit search
Authors: Morris Brett M. , Heng Kevin , Brandeker Alexis , Swan Andrew , Lendl Monika
Published: July 2021

White dwarf spectroscopy shows that nearly half of white dwarf atmospheres contain metals that must have been accreted from planetary material that survived the red giant phases of stellar evolution. We can use metal pollution in white dwarf atmospheres as flags, signalling recent accretion, in order to prioritize an efficient sample of white dwarfs to search for transiting material. We present a search for planetesimals orbiting six nearby white dwarfs with the CHaracterising ExOPlanet Satellite (CHEOPS). The targets are relatively faint for CHEOPS, 11 mag < G < 12.8 mag. We used aperture photometry data products from the CHEOPS mission as well as custom point-spread function photometry to search for periodic variations in flux due to transiting planetesimals. We detect no significant variations in flux that cannot be attributed to spacecraft systematics, despite reaching a photometric precision of < 2 ppt in 60 s exposures on each target. We simulate observations to show that the small survey is sensitive primarily to Moon-sized transiting objects with periods between 3 h < P < 10 h, with radii of R ≳ 1000 km.
Acoustic response to transverse oscillations in a solar coronal loop
Authors: White S. J. , Verwichte E.
Published: July 2021

Context. Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves play an important role in the dynamics and heating of the solar corona. Their investigation also reveals information about the local conditions. Transverse (Alfvénic) oscillations of loops commonly occur in response to solar eruptions. It has been shown that these oscillations elicit an acoustic response through wave coupling at the footpoint and the pondermotive force.

Aims. We extend the modelling of wave coupling between a transverse loop oscillation and slow magnetoacoustic waves through line-tied footpoint boundary conditions by considering the effect of transverse loop structuring and non-linearity.

Methods. We combine analytical wave modelling with fully non-linear MHD simulations to study the wave field of propagating slow waves in a two-dimensional slab loop (arcade) model.

Results. We demonstrate that transverse loop oscillations generate propagating slow waves from the footpoints with the same periodicity but shorter wavelength determined by the local sound speed. The degree of wave coupling is proportional to the square root of the plasma-β. The slow wave field is anti-symmetric in the direction of transverse wave polarisation. We show through synthetic diagnostics that this has important consequences for their observability in terms of the orientation of the loop with respect to the observer. We also show that for the interpretation of intensity oscillations associated with typical loop oscillations the ponderomotive response also needs to be taken into account. The modelling presented here allows for the successful identification of the slow waves and pondermotive response in a previous observational study.
Technical and economic aspects of the use of microwave technologies in crop production
Authors: Bastron Andrey , Bastron Tatiana , Ermakova Irina , Mikheeva Natalia , Yamshchikova Irina
Published: July 2021

Ensuring food security is achieved by increasing the volume of agricultural products in compliance with environmental requirements. The proposed technologies for pre-sowing treatment of rapeseed seeds with EMF UHF will improve the quality of these seeds, which, ultimately, will affect the increase in yield, as well as provide gain in yield and improve the quality of oil during processing. The implementation of the project of pre-sowing treatment of rapeseed seeds with EMF UHF in this regard, for example, in LLC “Nichkinskoe” of the Minusinsky District, seems promising. The article devoted to the economic assessment of two possible technologies for pre-sowing treatment of seeds with EMF UHF in LLC “Nich-kinskoe” of the Minusinsky District with the use of spring rapeseed varieties “Nadezhny-92” and “Hephaestus”. It is established that additional income can be obtained for both options.
Formation of sports clusters of the territory, considering the concept of SROI
Authors: Pyankova Svetlana , Arkalov Dmitriy
Published: July 2021

The article considers a cluster approach to the development of sports infrastructure in the concept of sustainable development of territories. Analysis of foreign and Russian experience shows a high potential for the concentration of the system of organizations in a certain territory, as a mechanism for the effective and rational use of the resource potential of the region. The sports cluster has its own characteristics in the construction and organization of the functioning process. From the standpoint of social return on investment (SROI) in sports, it is necessary to provide convenience for users of as many categories as possible, ranging from healthy lifestyle enthusiasts to professional athletes. Taking these features into account makes it possible to ensure the maximum load of the sports infrastructure, create additional social benefits and help to attract extra budgetary funding sources. On the other hand, the divergent interests of various categories of users of the sports infrastructure can serve as an obstacle to uniting amateurs and professionals on the same territory.
Geoinformation planning for location of solid municipal waste accumulation sites to ensure urban safety and environmental sustainability
Authors: Avrunev Evgeny Ilyich , Dubrovsky Alexey Viktorovich , Ershov Anatoly Viktorovich , Malygina Olesya Igorevna , Sharikalov Andrey Gennadievich
Published: July 2021

The article describes results of research work on planning for location of solid municipal waste accumulation sites, as well as the creation a register of solid municipal waste accumulation permanent plots in Novosibirsk. The requirements for the site placement land plot, as well as the applicable process operations for picking the optimal site location are shown. Quantitative data on solid municipal waste accumulation sites in Novosibirsk and the geoinformation database structure are given. Conclusions on the importance of the work carried out for the ecological well-being of Novosibirsk, the creation of a comfortable and safe living environment for the population are made.
Tourism SME sustainability social and economic challenges during pandemic: cases of Russian Federation, Georgia and Latvia
Authors: Berzina Kristine , Tsoy Marina
Published: July 2021

Until 2020, the tourism industry was characterized by a growth rate, the statistics highlight that globally 2019 was the tenth year with a consecutive annual growth. However, the Covid-19 pandemic marked a major turning point in the development of tourism, instead of tourism overdevelopment, the underdevelopment issues appeared in front pages of the industry news. The effects of the pandemic are intensified by the fact that tourism is a labour-intensive industry and that most companies in the sector are SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises). At this time, it is crucially important to look at sustainability issues, therefore the aim of this study is to analyse the social and economic dimensions of sustainability for tourism SMEs. Descriptive statistics as well as qualitative research methods were used to study the challenges posed by the pandemic, in-depth interviews were conducted with tourism SMEs from three different countries. The conclusions show the situation from an enterprise perspective in Russian Federation, Georgia and Latvia.
Assessment of the diversity of mental work in the context of the digitalization of the economy
Authors: Stepus A.F. , Zlobina E.Yu. , Firsova S.N. , Мatveeva I.V. , Domaratskaya E.A.
Published: July 2021

The article provides a detailed analysis of the developments of domestic scientists in the field of assessing the complexity of mental work. The directions of labor reduction are considered, the possibility of using this methodology in the development of modern methods for assessing the diversity of accumulated professions is given. The research of modern scientists in the field of digitalization, in terms of the emergence of threats to the stability of the economy, is considered. This is especially important given the fact that mental work of different categories is more significantly different from predominantly physical work of different categories, which requires taking into account in special units of changes in the complexity of mental work.
Impact of regional aspects on the assessment of natural gas consumption by industrial facilities
Authors: Koksharov Vladimir , Kirshina Irina
Published: July 2021

The gas industry in the modern Russian economy is of great significance both at the at the national level as a whole and on the scale of a particular region. The task of ensuring reliable power supply to the population is enshrined in the framework of the Energy Strategy of Russia for the period until 2035. Gasification of the regions of Russia is one of the large-scale and socially significant areas of work in the domestic market, within the framework of which the task of providing energy to consumers is being solved. At the same time, the current problem of slowing down the demand for natural gas by industrial consumers in the country should be noted. An attempt to explain the behavior of natural gas demand determined the relevance, purpose and objectives of the study. The purpose of the study conducted by the authors is to study the peculiarities of the influence of regional aspects on the assessment of natural gas consumption by industrial facilities. The authors analyzed the complex of existing problems, and proposed a unified classification of natural gas consumption factors in order to solve this problem.The classification of natural gas consumption factors proposed by the authors can be considered in the development of General schemes of gas supply and gasification of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, programs for the development of gas supply and gasification of regions.
Investment activity and environmental protection: Balancing investors’ interests and environmental challenges
Authors: Istomin Valery , Beldina Oksana
Published: July 2021

At present, the issue of environmental pollution is gradually becoming one of the central problems facing individual countries and the international community. Meanwhile, the analysis of investment projects shows that most of them are focused on profit making, without due consideration of public environmental interests. In this regard, there is a serious need to find a balance between the interests of investors and the interests of society and citizens in preserving and improving the natural environment. In such circumstances, the state environmental policy should be based on an optimal combination of both administrative methods of influencing investors (penalties, environmental taxes, compensation for environmental damage) and the promotion of so-called environmental investment which implies the development and implementation of a specific investment project, whose goal will be to solve a specific environmental problem. The authors identify various legal forms of environmentally oriented investment, as well as formulate proposals for improving the current legislation in this area.
Environmental and digital competencies in the education of engineering specialists
Authors: Popov Vladimir , Klycheva Natalya , Bolandova Julia , Asmankin Eugene , Sukhov Philipp
Published: July 2021

The article discusses the acquisition of environmental and related digital competencies in the training of engineering specialists of different levels. Provides data on current trends in education. The approaches to basic, universal and general technical competencies, and their relationship with digital competencies are considered. When working with expert opinions, the necessary, in the opinion of the expert community, environmental and digital competencies that are relevant in modern conditions are identified. Based on these results, changes were proposed to the work program for the discipline related to ensuring environmental safety on the one hand and digital competencies on the other. Based on a review of modern approaches, a survey of experts and work with new generation work programs, conclusions were drawn about the advisability of continuing research in this direction, as well as the implementation of digital competencies in the field of environmental education.
Intercultural competence and intercultural communication in the context of education for sustainable development
Authors: Nikiforova Marina , Skvortsova Irina
Published: July 2021

The paper discusses the essence of intercultural competence in the light of transition to education for sustainable development. The authors provide critical review of the concept of intercultural competence and its components. The interrelation of intercultural and linguistic competences in higher education has been reevaluated. Special attention has been given to Intercultural Communication as an academic discipline. The authors stress the importance of developing intercultural competence as an integral part of University education.
Mechanism of action of tin on the semi-conductive properties of PbO layer in lead acid battery
Authors: Dilmi Toufik , Dakhouche Achour , Benaicha Mohamed , Latelli H’mida
Published: July 2021

Although antimony in alloys for lead-acid batteries has better mechanical and electrochemical performance, it reduces the excessive potential for hydrogen evolution, resulting in excessive water loss and self-discharge of the battery. This paper aims to examine the action of tin in PbSn using different techniques. In this work, the addition of tin in PbCa was intended to suppress the premature capacity loss (PCL) caused by the substitution of antimony in the PbSb alloy by calcium that has good mechanical properties and a high hydrogen evolution potential (200 mV higher than that of antimony). This substitution induces the formation of a passive film composed mainly of α-PbO. The mechanism of action of tin on the anodic film obtained at 700 mV vs. Hg/Hg2SO4/K2SO4 saturated electrode with Pb – (0–5) wt.% Sn in 0.5 mol/L sulfuric acid solution at 25 °C was studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), AC voltammetry, Mott–Schottky plots and X-ray diffraction (XRD) of the film obtained. It was found that tin stops the growth of the anodic film due to the co-precipitation of certain conductive oxides which reduce the thickness of the passive film and increase its conductivity. A mechanism of action of tin on the electrochemical behavior of the anodic film was suggested based on the results.
Organisationale Gesundheitskompetenz deutscher
Gesundheitsämter (OGK-GA): Entwicklung eines theoretischen Modells mit
Hilfe von ExpertInneninterviews
Authors: Mehlis Anika , Locher Verena , Hornberg Claudia
Published: July 2021

Ziel der Studie Zusätzlich zur individuellen Gesundheitskompetenz
der NutzerInnen spielt die organisationale Gesundheitskompetenz (OGK) von
Gesundheitsorganisationen eine große Rolle. In Deutschland sind die
Gesundheitsämter (GA) für die Gesundheit auf
Bevölkerungsebene zuständig. Sie sollten ihren NutzerInnen
helfen, auf Informationen und Dienste zuzugreifen, diese zu verstehen, zu
navigieren und für gesunde Entscheidungen zu nutzen. Diese Studie
beschäftigt sich erstmals mit der OGK deutscher GA. Welches
konzeptionelle Modell beschreibt diese am besten?

Methodik Für diese explorative Studie wurden elf
leitfadengestützte ExpertInneninterviews mit MitarbeiterInnen von GA in
drei deutschen Bundesländern durchgeführt und die Transkripte
einer qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse unterzogen.

Ergebnisse Für die OGK der GA in Deutschland wurde ein neues
konzeptionelles Modell mit zwölf Attributen erstellt. Diese lassen sich
den Aspekten „Führung und Organisationskultur“,
„MitarbeiterInnen“ sowie „Erstellung und Implementierung
von Informationen und Angeboten“ zuordnen.

Schlussfolgerungen Das vorliegende Modell für OGK-GA legt den
Grundstein für zukünftige Forschung in diesem Bereich. Es
ermöglicht die Entwicklung eines Selbstbewertungswerkzeuges und damit
perspektivisch die Messung des Kompetenzlevels sowie die Identifikation von
Barrieren. Deren Überwindung und damit die Erhöhung der OGK
deutscher GA kann erheblich zur Verbesserung der öffentlichen Gesundheit
beitragen.
Hypoxia-inducible Factor 2α: A Key Player in Tumorigenesis and Metastasis of Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma?
Authors: Bechmann Nicole , Eisenhofer Graeme
Published: July 2021

Germline or somatic driver mutations linked to specific phenotypic features are identified in approximately 70% of all catecholamine-producing pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs). Mutations leading to stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2α) and downstream pseudohypoxic signaling are associated with a higher risk of metastatic disease. Patients with metastatic PPGLs have a variable prognosis and treatment options are limited. In most patients with PPGLs, germline mutations lead to the stabilization of HIF2α. Mutations in HIF2α itself are associated with adrenal pheochromocytomas and/or extra-adrenal paragangliomas and about 30% of these patients develop metastatic disease; nevertheless, the frequency of these specific mutations is low (1.6–6.2%). Generally, mutations that lead to stabilization of HIF2α result in distinct catecholamine phenotype through blockade of glucocorticoid-mediated induction of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase, leading to the formation of tumors that lack epinephrine. HIF2α, among other factors, also contributes importantly to the initiation of a motile and invasive phenotype. Specifically, the expression of HIF2α supports a neuroendocrine-to-mesenchymal transition and the associated invasion-metastasis cascade, which includes the formation of pseudopodia to facilitate penetration into adjacent vasculature. The HIF2α-mediated expression of adhesion and extracellular matrix genes also promotes the establishment of PPGL cells in distant tissues. The involvement of HIF2α in tumorigenesis and in multiple steps of invasion-metastasis cascade underscores the therapeutic relevance of targeting HIF2α signaling pathways in PPGLs. However, due to emerging resistance to current HIF2α inhibitors that target HIF2α binding to specific partners, alternative HIF2α signaling pathways and downstream actions should also be considered for therapeutic intervention.
Recapitulation of Evidence of Phytochemical, Pharmacokinetic and
Biomedical Application of Silybin
Authors: Islam Anas , Mishra Anuradha , Siddiqui Md Aftab , Siddiquie Saman
Published: July 2021

Silymarin is a standardized extract obtained from seeds of Silybum marianum (SM)
belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is a flavonolignan complex and consists
of various compounds like silybin A silybin B, isosilybin A, isosilybin B,
silydianin, silychristin and isosilychristin. Silybin is the major active
component present in 60–70% of the silymarin extract. It has
been used traditionally for the treatment of various liver disorders like
cirrhosis, jaundice, and hepatitis. Silymarin possesses antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory properties and is responsible for its antitumor activity.
Other than hepatoprotective effect SM also possesses renoprotective,
anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, hypolipidemic, anti-atherosclerosis and
cardioprotective effects. Rather antimicrobial property of silymarin was
observed against specific microbes, fungi, and viruses. This manuscript covered
recent preclinical and clinical evidence of specific components silybin,
responsible for its efficacy and about clinical studies has been conducted so
far, which proven it’s safety and offers mild effect like nausea,
diarrhea and bloating. This review specifically focused on recent updates on its
active components therapeutic applications against complicated ailments not
covered in earlier reports.
Novel Endoscopic Management of Colovesical Fistula Secondary to Colonic Diverticular Disease
Authors: Mallaiyappan Murugesh , Sankarapandian Ganesh Prasad , Sarveswaran Venugopal , TB Noufal , Venkatesan Jothiprasad , Venugopal Vishmaya
Published: July 2021

Colovesical fistula (CVF) is an abnormal communication between bowel and urinary bladder. Most common cause is complicated colonic diverticular disease. The treatment of choice for CVF is surgery. Conservative treatment is reserved for highly selected patients who are unfit for definitive surgery. We report the case of an 86-year-old gentleman with multiple comorbidities, who presented with pneumaturia, fecaluria, and recurrent urinary tract infection. He was diagnosed to have sigmoid colonic diverticulosis with a CVF and was successfully managed with the novel combined endoscopic approach (a simultaneous cystoscopy and flexible colonoscopy), which could be the first to be reported from India.
Functional Changes of the Upper Esophageal Sphincter in Gastroesophageal Reflux
Authors: Dantas Roberto Oliveira
Published: July 2021

Introduction The upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is a muscular structure located at the transition from the pharynx to the esophagus, with the cricopharyngeal muscle as the most important component. During gastroesophageal reflux, the pressure in the UES elevates, which is apparently a protective mechanism to prevent esophagopharyngeal reflux and airway aspiration. In gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), there may be functional changes in the UES.

Objective The objective of the present review was to determine UES functional changes in GERD.

Data Synthesis In healthy individuals, gastroesophageal reflux causes an increase in the UES pressure. This response of the sphincter is at least partially impaired in patients with GERD. In the disease, the UES has a reduced length and decreased resting pressure. However, other publications found that in chronic gastroesophageal reflux the basal sphincter pressure increase, differences which may be consequent to the measurement method or to disease severity. The UES opening during swallowing has a smaller diameter, and the bolus transit time through the sphincter is longer.

Conclusion The UES of patients with GERD does not open as expected and the bolus flow through the sphincter is longer. This behavior may be associated with dysphagia, a frequent complaint in patients with GERD.
Endoscopic Submucosal Hydrodissection with Paradoxical Movement of the Colonoscope Using Hybrid Knife “Traction Mode” for Malignant Polyp in the Cecum
Authors: Ramos-Zabala Felipe
Published: July 2021

The water-jet hydro dissection technique has been shown to be effective for colorectal tumors. This case report illustrates type T hybrid knife for the elevation of the submucosal layer, cutting the mucosa and dissecting submucosal fibers. ESD was performed using ERBEJET 2 hydrodissection system and hybrid Knife. The resection was completed en bloc within 135 minutes without adverse events. Pathology examination revealed a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma confined to the shallow submucosal layer with free resection margins.
Morphology and Biochemistry of Ovulation
Authors: Medeiros Sebastião Freitas de , Barbosa Bruna Barcelo , Medeiros Matheus Antonio Souto de , Yamamoto Márcia Marly Winck
Published: July 2021

The process of ovulation involves multiple and iterrelated genetic, biochemical, and morphological events: cessation of the proliferation of granulosa cells, resumption of oocyte meiosis, expansion of cumulus cell-oocyte complexes, digestion of the follicle wall, and extrusion of the metaphase-II oocyte. The present narrative review examines these interrelated steps in detail. The combined or isolated roles of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are highlighted. Genes indiced by the FSH genes are relevant in the cumulus expansion, and LH-induced genes are critical for the resumption of meiosis and digestion of the follicle wall. A non-human model for follicle-wall digestion and oocyte release was provided.
A Collaborative Partnership between the Multicenter Handoff Collaborative and an Electronic Health Record Vendor
Authors: Hong Mershon Bommy , Vannucci Andrea , Bryson Trent , Lin Felix , Greilich Philip E. , Dear Guy , Guffey Patrick , Agarwala Aalok
Published: July 2021

Objectives The operating room is a specialized, complex environment with many factors that can impede effective communication during transitions of care between anesthesia clinicians. We postulated that an efficient, accessible, standardized tool for intraoperative handoffs built into standard workflow would improve communication and handoff safety. Most institutions now use an electronic health record (EHR) system for patient care and have independently designed intraoperative handoff tools, but these home-grown tools are not scalable to other organizations and lack vendor-supported features. The goal of this project was to create a standardized, intraoperative handoff tool supported by EHR functionality.

Methods The Multicenter Handoff Collaborative, with support from the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation, created a working group of frontline anesthesia experts to collaborate with a development team from the EHR vendor (Epic Systems) to design a standardized intraoperative handoff tool. Over 2 years, the working group identified the critical elements for the tool and software usability, and the EHR team designed a standardized intraoperative handoff tool that is accessible to any institution using this EHR.

Results The first iteration of the intraoperative handoff tool was released in August 2019, with a second version in February 2020. The tool is standardized but customizable by individual institutions.

Conclusion We demonstrate that work on complex health care processes critical to patient safety, such as handoffs, can be performed on a national scale through cross-industry collaboration. Frontline experts can partner with health care industry vendors to design, build, and release a product on an accelerated timeline.