bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DIGITALIZATION IN SMALL BUSINESS FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN UKRAINE
Authors: Kolarov Kostadin , Kononenko Igor , Grinchenko Marina , Bukrieieva Karina
Published: May 2021

From September 2020 to April 2022, the “DIGI-WOMEN, digital entrepreneurship tools and support for women entrepreneurs” project is being implemented within the “Erasmus +” program. Project coordinator is the University of National and World Economy, Sofia, Bulgaria. Project partners are National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute”, Ukraine; Bit-management Beratung Gesmbh, Austria; Baltijas Juras Regiona Klasteru Eksperti, Latvia; Consulenza Direzionale di Paolo Zaramella, Italy; CEPOR Centar za politiku razvoja malih i srednjih poduzeća i poduzetništva, Croatia; Greek Association of Women Entrepreneurs – SEGE, Greece. Project overall objective is to develop a training program that will train experts in order to offer trainings and mentorship sessions that are tailored to the needs of the female entrepreneurs digitalizing their business and help them overcome the obstacles they face in the digitalization. As a result of analyzing the relevance of digitalization in small business for women entrepreneurs in Ukraine the conclusion was made that important areas of digitalization are:  search for ideas for business and substantiate these ideas using digital technologies;  creation and promotion of business websites;  presentation and promotion of business in social networks;  implementation of a CRM system at the enterprise. A training program is proposed to prepare experts who will then train women entrepreneurs who run small businesses. The program is designed in such a way that women entrepreneurs have mastered precisely those areas of knowledge that are recognized as the most important in the studies. The program consists of a number of trainings on the following topics: "Training techniques for women entrepreneurs in small business", "Search and Substantiation of Ideas for Business", " Development, deployment, analysis and promotion of the web site ", "Introduction to Social Media Marketing (SMM), "Implementation of digital technologies on the example of the Bitrix24 CRM system".
THE CONCEPT OF CREATING A MINIMUM VIABLE PRODUCT AND DESIGN-THINKING IN THE IT-PROJECT TEAM MANAGEMENT
Authors: Blyznyukova Iryna , Teslenko Pavlo , Danchenko Оlena , Melenchuk Victor
Published: May 2021

The IT industry, like any other, has its own specifics. There are developed and tested methods for creating and managing IT projects at all levels of formalization from waterfall to flexible. However, the processes of forming and managing the team of any IT project remain poorly structured and uncertain. Modern life is constantly changing the attitude of customers and users of a project's product to project management methodologies. The criteria for assessing the success of a project are steadily shifting towards ensuring the satisfaction of its main stakeholders. To do this, develop new, or use previously unused means. Among them are the technology of design thinking and the concept of creating a minimum viable product (MVP). These tools began to be used in project management processes with the aim of maximizing stakeholder satisfaction. The paper analyzes the technology of using design thinking and shows the feasibility of its use as an element of the IT project management methodology, which applies client-oriented and value-oriented management approaches. However, at this stage, the technology of design thinking is more developed in a psychological and communicative context. Therefore, the use of the algorithm for creating the MVP will allow formalizing the stages of design thinking when creating an IT project product, and the MVP itself will be used as the current version of the IT project product, unlike the existing IT project management tools, it will exist almost from the very start of the IT project. It is clear that the proposed tools will be applied in practice by the IT project team, which usually suffers from "sudden deadlines", constant temporary overloads in the implementation of an IT project. Therefore, it is important to develop mechanisms for the formation, management and training of an IT project team based on design thinking with a minimum viable product as the basis for development.
STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL RISK MANAGEMENT OF TRANSPORT ENTERPRISES
Authors: Kis Iryna
Published: May 2021

The article is devoted to the study of theoretical and methodological aspects of strategic risk management of environmental risks of the transport enterprise. The urgency of the issue is due to the acceleration of changes in the external environment of economic activity of transport enterprises, which determines the need for adjustments to the management system. Strategic environmental risk management is currently the main direction for its effective management. Statistical data on the number of enterprises in the transport industry, the introduction of new fixed assets, the financial result of enterprises are given. The prerequisites for improving the risk management system of the transport enterprise, which is currently defined as one of the main tools for sustainable development of the enterprise. The need to take into account the trends of changing the prerequisites for risk management, which leads to the transformation of the system of strategic management of economic activity of the transport company to ensure the implementation of projects. The diagram of environmental risks in the context of the foresight approach of risk management of a transport company is presented. The definition of environmental risk is proposed to be carried out on three «horizons»: operational; tactical and strategic. It is proposed to determine the probability of environmental risk and losses from its occurrence using the formula for calculating the mathematical expectation from the PERT (Program Evaluation and Research Task) system. Management must understand the probabilities of risk and the results of its impact on the enterprise, its projects. This approach will provide: an understanding of the trend of risk change and, accordingly, will develop the necessary measures to respond to it; adjustment of risk management policy taking into account forecast risk values; identification of long-term prospects for environmental risk management. Forecasting environmental risk at the operational, tactical and strategic levels is a necessary element of the risk management system of the transport company.
TO THE ISSUE OF CREATING MODELS OF PRECISE SOIL COMPACTION DETECTION FOR PRODUCTION SCALE USE
Authors: Kunderenko Danyil , Пугач Arsen , Zhukovskyy Viktor
Published: May 2021

Typical approaches to test soil compaction, along with technical possibilities are assessed with a purpose of scaling best approaches in production. Modern soil works related technologies, GPS accuracy aspirations for precision agriculture are addressed. Two most popular technologies in Ukraine to measure soil compaction are «The Top Soil Mapper» and «CTS-1000», although they function differently, most commonly are used independently. Simple mathematical calculations bringing together timing needed to gather reliable data to form variable depth soil ripping machinery and scale of Ukrainian production demonstrate irrelevance of applying typical mechanical methods. At the same time, sensor technologies have their own limitations. Thus, this article introduces the benefits of the mutual use of «The Top Soil Mapper» and «CTS-1000». Soil compaction models presented in the article include: 1. Smallest possible grid approach of soil compaction data presentation and interpolation for further use to create variable depth soil works assignment proves to provide a very good set of results and can be used as a standard, but at the same time it consumes so much time that production scaling is not achievable. As an example we can state that a grower with 1000 fields would need about 3 years to test all the fields, when production needs are to test all the fields within two or three months (depending on weather and crop rotation). 2. Small, midsize and large grid approach of soil compaction data presentation and interpolation for further use to create variable depth soil works assignment proves to vary from being still time inefficient to having gaps to gather enough data as main approach of any data processing for further interpolation makes an unproven assumption that the sample location is a center of a zone. In case with a smallest possible grid, that difference would be minimal, with a larger distance difference can be significant. 3. Depending on detecting zones to test compaction based other parameters does not prove to work and lacks scientific background. Thus it has been suggested to combine use of «Top Soil Mapper» and «CTS-1000».
PORTFOLIOS FORMATION OF MOTOR TRANSPORT ENTERPRISES HYBRID PROJECTS
Authors: Tryhuba Anatoliy , Kondysiuk Igor , Koval Nazar
Published: May 2021

The state use analysis of the project-oriented management in the enterprises of various subject branches is executed. The expediency of hybrid projects portfolios forming of motor transport enterprises and method developing for performing the specified management process is substantiated. The proposed method of hybrid projects portfolios forming of motor transport enterprises involves the implementation of four stages and twelve systemically related management processes, which take into account the characteristics of the subject area and project activities in it, as well as the design environment. In contrast to the existing methods of project portfolio formation, the proposed method proposes the experience usage of previously implemented hybrid projects. The peculiarities of the project environment of individual hybrid projects of motor transport enterprises and temporarily available resources (vehicles, contractors) are taken into account. Simulation of hybrid projects is envisaged to assess their value, which provides high-quality forecasting of the level of satisfaction of stakeholders of individual hybrid projects carried out under different scenarios. The balance of the hybrid projects portfolio is offered by using cluster model of their value, which provides the identification of priority hybrid projects that have the maximum value for stakeholders.
Students' interest and cognitive learning outcomes: Biology education in high schools during COVID-19
Authors: Gustia Linda , Suhartini S
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study to determine the interest in studying biology and the effect of interest in studying biology on the learning outcomes of cognitive biology during the Covid-19 pandemic. Based on several previous studies, it is known that online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic greatly influenced students' interest in learning biology. However, it is not yet known the level of interest in learning itself due to the effect of online learning, and it is not yet known the magnitude of the influence of interest in learning biology during online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. This research was conducted in 2nd-grade science in Senior High School No. 13 Semarang using a survey method with correlational analysis. The data collection techniques in this study were questionnaires and documentation which were analyzed by testing the hypothesis using the correlation test and regression test. The results showed that the percentage of students' interest in learning biology online during the Covid-19 pandemic was 68.16%. The results of the correlation test show that there is a relationship between interest in learning biology with the cognitive biology learning outcomes of students. The results of the regression test and the value of R squared indicated that students' interest in learning biology affects learning outcomes of cognitive biology. The percentage of the influence of students' interest in learning biology on the cognitive biology learning outcomes is 34%. The interest in learning biology of students when learning biology online during the Covid-19 pandemic is still low. The interest in learning biology when learning biology online during the Covid-19 pandemic effect the cognitive biology learning outcomes of students
“Gully pit inserts” shown to reduce pollutants in stormwater
Authors: Dalrymple Brad , Wicks Michael , Jones Warren , Allingham Blake
Published: May 2021

‘Gully pit inserts’ (or ‘gully baskets’) are a commonly applied stormwater control measure given they can often be easily integrated into gully pits with no impact to the usability of the area. Stormwater treatment performance monitoring has been undertaken for a gully pit with a fine grade (200-micron) bag of 300mm depth in a car-park in Western Sydney, NSW, Australia. The gully pit insert receives runoff from a 100% impervious car-park area of 400m2. Influent and effluent water quality samples were collected using automated samplers, which were connected to pre-configured and calibrated flow analysis of treated effluent and sample pacing with remote communication and data access. Collected samples were delivered to and analysed in a NATA-accredited laboratory for pH and concentrations of suspended solids and nutrient species. Monitoring was undertaken between December 2019 and March 2021, with a total of fifteen (15) runoff events recorded during this period. The performance testing demonstrated that the gully pit insert was able to achieve significant reductions in stormwater pollutant concentrations, with a concentration reduction efficiency ratio for total suspended solids, total phosphorus and total nitrogen of 52, 67 and 41% respectively.
On understanding the role of South Asian High on the Onset and Withdrawal of the Indian Monsoon
Authors: Agrawal Nishtha , Pandey Vivek
Published: May 2021

The Indian monsoon is always considered to be a large-scale process that has a profound impact on the agriculture and economic conditions of India. The present study addresses the role of South Asian High (SAH) and subtropical westerly jet (STJ) on the onset and withdrawal of Indian monsoon. For this purpose, we have utilized the output of the Regional Climate Model (RegCM v4.6) and reanalysis ERA5 pressure level data for 24 years (1982–2005) of study. We begin our analysis with the evaluation of Tibetan Plateau (TP) heating and its connection with different atmospheric factors during the seasonal transition of monsoon is perused. We have further tried to decipher the link between SAH and inter-annual variability of monsoon. Our analysis shows the efficiency of the model in simulating inter-annual variability of monsoon onset and withdrawal features. The days of onset and withdrawal simulated by the model have a similar mid-latitude connection as that obtained from the reanalysis data. The vertical structure of the Hadley cell and the horizontal position of SAH have been produced realistically during the transition of the monsoon. We found that the change in meridional position of STJ has a significant impact on phase-shifting of arrival and departure of monsoon. This repositioning of STJ in a meridional direction is strongly correlated to the upper-level high developed over the eastern periphery of the western pacific which is an important component of monsoon flow over the Bay of Bengal. Thus the zonal position of SAH is observed to have direct implications on the onset and withdrawal dates of India.
Topographical effects on the timing of growing season in alpine grasslands
Authors: Hua Xiaobin , Ohlemüller Ralf , Sirguey Pascal
Published: May 2021

Context: It is important to understand the responses of alpine vegetation to recent anthropogenic climate change. The mountainous landscapes with high climatic heterogeneity are good locations to investigate the effects of microclimatic variation on alpine ecosystems.

Objectives: a) To what degree do topographical factors (aspect and elevation) affect the timing of growing season in alpine grasslands? b) Are these topographical effects different on alpine and non-alpine grasslands?

Methods: We extracted five annual growth phenology indices (Start, End, Length, Peak and Peak-NDVI) in alpine and non-alpine grasslands in the Clutha river catchment, New Zealand with a near-daily NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) dataset through 16 years (2001-2016). The shifting rates of these phenology indices were quantified with two topographical factors (aspect and elevation).

Results: The start of season was delayed by 7.5, 5.1 and 3.7 days per 100 m higher of elevation in three grassland types (Alpine, Tall Tussock and Low Producing) respectively, and the end of season was advanced by 1.7, 1.3 days and delayed by 0.3 days per 10-degree-south on slopes individually. The longer season length was observed at lower elevation and on north-facing (sunny) slopes. The later season peak occurred at higher elevation and on north-facing slopes. The lower peak NDVI was detected at the higher elevation.

Conclusions: In the studied grasslands, aspect and elevation were correlated to different phenological indices, and they affect phenology independently. The topographical effects are more pronounced in alpine ecosystems at the elevation above 1,300 m than in non-alpine ecosystems at lower elevation.
Assessing urban atmospheric environmental efficiency and factors influencing it in China
Authors: Liu Kai , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhang Zongbin
Published: May 2021

With rapid urbanization and industrialization in developing countries, cities have become the major sources of air pollution. Studying urban atmospheric environmental efficiency has important reference value for the prevention and control of air pollution. This study used data from 267 cities in China between 2001 and 2016 to assess the urban atmospheric environmental efficiency using the super-efficiency slacks-based measure model, to test the spatial characteristics of urban atmospheric environmental efficiency using the spatial autocorrelation method, and to identify factors influencing it using the Geodetector. The results are as follows: (1) The atmospheric environmental efficiency of most cities in China is increasing. The average efficiency in the entire country exhibits an upward “wavy” trend. The average urban atmospheric environmental efficiency in Eastern China is the highest and that in Western China is the lowest. (2) The urban atmospheric environmental efficiency exhibits the characteristic of global spatial autocorrelation, and high–high and low–low are the main types of efficiency in local spatial autocorrelation. (3) Population density, industrialization, and science and technology are the main factors influencing urban atmospheric environmental efficiency.
Anti-aging properties of whey against brain damage of senile Wistar rat
Authors: El-Sayyad Hassan , Amin Ali , El-Beeh Mohammed E
Published: May 2021

Aging of mammalian species results in impaired biological function and cognitive decline. The purpose of this study was to determine the capacity of whey supplementation to improve aging –related changes of cognitive impairment markers; tau and amyloid-B and α-amylase in the brain of old rats. These have been conducted in conjunction with histopathology, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry of apoptosis. Twenty-four male Wistar albino rats (Rattus novergicus) ages 8 and 30-M (months) old were used. They were arranged into four main groups; adult (8-month old) and old rats (30 month old) with or without buffalo whey syrup supplementation. Oral whey supplementations was given daily twice doses of 2 mL3 of whey syrup for two months. At the end of experiment, the rats were sacrificed by light anesthesia. The brain was examined for histological, immunohistochemical of synaptophysin and caspase 3 and biochemical and flow cytometric investigation. Old rats presented with depletion of superoxide dismutase (SOD), adenosine triphosphatase (ATP), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT). The 30 M old rats also presented with increased lipid peroxidation MDA, inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor- α and 5-lpooxygenase), apoptic marker caspase 3, Annexin-v and aging marker tau-protein, amyloid-β and α-amylase. The combination of these findings in old rats predicts cognitive impairment. Among old rats, whey supplementations reduced inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. Whey supplementation also enhanced neurotransmitters and decreased tau-protein, amyloid-β, α- amylase cognitive impairment markers. Improved the histopathology and immunohistochemistry of cerebrum, cerebellum and hippocampus of old rats confirmed these effects of supplementation. The rates of apoptosis were decreased by assessment of Annexin v via flow cytometry. Whey supplementation to 8M old rats resulted in maintenance of the brain structure and function. The authors concluded that whey contains antioxidants and amino acids that decrease brain oxidative stress and restore normal cognitive function. These findings were evaluated by enhanced antioxidant defense and DA and 5-HT neurotransmitters which coincides with improved histology. The authors concluded that whey contains antioxidants and amino acids that decrease brain oxidative stress and restore normal cognitive function. These findings were evaluated by enhanced antioxidant defense and DA and 5-HT neurotransmitters which coincides with improved histology.
Hydraulic modeling of water flow in the thick vadose zone under precipitation
Authors: Wang Yu , Li Tonglu , Zhang Yaguo , Li Ping
Published: May 2021

Since the visual observation of water flow in the vadose zone remains a challenge, two controversial theories have been proposed, namely non-uniform preferential flow and uniform unsaturated flow, also known as piston flow. This study used a hydraulic model to illustrate water flow in a vadose zone under intermittent recharge by precipitation. The model comprises a set of vertically aligned water tanks. A small outlet is set in the bottom of each tank through which water can flow out. This study conducted a physical experiment and derived the theoretical solution to investigate variations in tank water under intermittent water recharge. Water was supplied to the top-most tank to simulate precipitation. The water levels of the upper tanks varied over time whereas water levels in the lower tanks stabilized. The variable water levels of the upper tanks were attributed to the intermittent water recharge boundary condition and water flow into and out of these tanks represented transient flow. The stabilization of water levels in the lower tanks reflected mean recharge of the boundary condition. The measured rainfall series of a site in Gansu province, China was taken as the boundary recharge to simulate using the model. The same scenarios were also produced and confirmed by in-situ monitoring data. The results clearly showed that although water content in the lower vadose zone did not change, steady flow supplied groundwater. Therefore, uniform unsaturated flow (piston flow) is the main water flow process occurring in the thick vadose zone.
Ovarian Reserve in Nigerian Women with Sickle Cell Anaemia: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Authors: Garba Sunusi-Rimi Rimi , Makwe Christian Chigozie , Osunkalu Vincent Oluseye , Kalejaiye Olufunto Olufela , Soibi-Harry Adaiah Priscillia , Aliyu Amina Umar , Afolabi Bosede Bukola
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Sickle cell disease is the most common monogenetic disorder worldwide. There have been reports of endocrine dysfunction and gonadal failure among affected individuals, especially in males. The findings on ovarian reserve and failure in women with sickle anaemia has been inconsistent.Aim and objective: The aim of this study was to determine and compare the ovarian reserve of Nigerian women with and without sickle cell anaemia attending a University Teaching Hospital.Study Design: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Adult Sickle Cell Clinic and the Community Health Clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.Methodology: A total of 166 participants who met the selection criteria, were recruited for the study. The study population consisted of two groups of women matched for age; 83 women with HbSS and 83 women with HbAA. The haemoglobin phenotypes of each participant were determined on alkaline electrophoresis (pH 8.4) before analysis. serum Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) were determined using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method (Calbiotech Inc. USA, Catalog no AM448T).Results: The mean ± SD serum Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) level in women with HbSS 3.64 ± 0.65 ng/mL was lower than that of women with HbAA 7.35 ±1.19 ng/mL (p < 0.001). Serum AMH negatively correlated with age in both study groups (HbAA and HbSS). Also, a significant negative correlation was found between serum AMH and BMI in women with HbAA.Conclusion: The study showed diminished ovarian reserve in women with HbSS when compared to age-matched women with HbAA.
IRF1-triggered ZBP1 Transcription Mediates Cell Death of Neurons
Authors: Zhou Hongli , Liu Ji , Lu Yuting , Chen Yixin , Limpanon Yanin , Dekumyoy Paron , Wei Hang , Maleewong Wanchai , Lv Zhiyue
Published: May 2021

Neurodegenerative disease (ND) characterized by progressive neuronal cell death is closely associated with excessive production of TNF-α in the cerebrum. However, the specific molecular mechanism linking TNF-α and neuronal cell death remains to be fully elucidated. Here, we report that TNF-α-induced expression of ZBP1 plays a central role in neuronal cell death. We further demonstrate that IRF1 activates ZBP1 expression by directly binding to a core regulatory motif in the ZBP1 promoter in murine neuronal cells but not microglial cells. Moreover, the binding of IRF1 to the ZBP1 promoter causes the increase in ZBP1 expression in two human cell lines. Importantly, the expression levels of IRF1 and ZBP1 are positively correlated in TNF-α-related neurodegenerative disease, suggesting that the TNF-α-IRF1-ZBP1 axis may be a previously unrecognized mechanism of neuronal cell death in neurodegenerative diseases. Our study expands the knowledge on the upstream regulators that induce ZBP1 transcription and provides new insight into the role of ZBP1 in neurodegenerative diseases.
Disability, economic and work-role status of individuals and their families in Bangladesh, post-unilateral lower-limb amputation (LLA) and pre-rehabilitation: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sayeed Md Shapin Ibne , Oakman Jodi , Dillon Michael P. , Stuckey Rwth
Published: May 2021

Background

To quantify disability, occupation and socioeconomic status of individuals and their families in Bangladesh, post-unilateral lower-limb amputation (LLA) and pre-rehabilitation.
Methods

Between November 2017 and February 2018, people with unilateral LLA attending two XXX prosthetic rehabilitation centres were surveyed prior to rehabilitation, using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS-2.0) with additional socio-economic questions. Data was analysed descriptively, and cross-tabulation conducted with Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact tests.
Results

Seventy-six individuals participated. The majority had transtibial amputation (61.8%) from trauma (64.5%), were young adults (37.92 ± 12.35 years), in paid work prior to LLA (80%), married (63.2%), male (81.6%), from rural areas (78.9%), with primary/no education (72.4%). After LLA, mobility (WHODAS score 74.61 ± 13.19) was the most negatively affected domain. Most (60.5%) participants did not return to a paid or unpaid occupation. Acute healthcare costs negatively impacted most families (89.5%), and over 80% became impoverished. Nearly 70% of previous income-earners became economically dependent resulting in changes to traditional family roles.
Conclusions

Following LLA, most participants experienced significant mobility impairment, were unable to return to paid occupation and became economically dependent. The study population presents with many different characteristics from other people with LLA globally, which suggest with timely rehabilitation a return to paid employment is possible. The impact of LLA extends beyond the individual, including to families, many of whom face challenges with changes to traditional primary earner gendered roles. Improved access to timely and affordable rehabilitation is required to reduce the significant personal and societal costs of disability after LLA.
Serum Ghrelin in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Xiaodong , Luo Yunfeng
Published: May 2021

Background

Serum ghrelin levels have been reported to be altered in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients and individuals with Mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, whether serum ghrelin can be used as a biomarker of AD is inconsistent and conflicting.
Methods

We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the serum levels of ghrelin and acylated ghrelin (AG) in patients with AD or MCI, in comparison with normal controls (NC). We searched PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) from 1999 to March 2021.
Results

10 relevant studies were included for this study. 8 studies reported serum levels of ghrelin (417 AD or MCI patients and 382 controls) and 5 studies reported serum levels of AG (142 AD or MCI patients and 152 controls). We found that AD and MCI patients had a tendency toward a decrease in the serum levels of ghrelin (SMD=-1.04; 95%CI (-2.30, 0.23); P = 0.11; significant heterogeneity: I2 = 98%), but no statistical significance was found. AG levels in the serum level of AD and MCI patients were significantly higher than NC subjects (SMD = 0.99; 95%CI (0.21, 1.77); P = 0.01; significant heterogeneity: I2 = 87%).
Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggested that AG may be a potential MCI or early AD biomarker and confirmed previous findings that ghrelin became desensitized in AD patients. This meta-analysis was limited to small sample sizes and lacked of stratifying the level of heterogeneity in AD and MCI patients. More and large sample, multi-center case-control studies on the relationship between serum AG and AD or MCI patients are still needed in the future.
The Mechanism of Bitterness Suppression in Huanglian Jiedu Decoction
Authors: Xiumei KE , Yang Junxuan , Ma Hongyan , Zhang Lisheng , Li Pan , Wang Meng , Wang Jianwei , Han Li , Zhang Dingkun
Published: May 2021

Background

Bitterness is one of the main reasons that affect the clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Preliminary research shows γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) and neotame can significantly improve the taste of TCM, while its mechanism still remains unknown. Huanglian jiedu decoction (HLJDD), as a typical representative of the bitter prescription of TCM, will be a breakthrough point to study the taste correcting strategy of TCM in this study.
Methods

Firstly, UPLC-MS/MS was used to identify the ingredients of HLJDT. Secondly, pharmacophore model of bitter taste receptors (BTR) Tas2r10, Tas2r14 and Tas2r46 was built by Discovery Studio 4.0 software. Thirdly, bitter taste compounds in HLJDD were identified by pharmacophore model. Finally, molecular modeling was used to explore how γ-CD and neotame make effect.
Results

We found γ-CD masked bitterness by preventing bitter components from contacting its receptor, or reducing the affinity between them. While components are extremely rigid such as coptisine, cannot complete self-assemble with γ-CD. Hence, inclusion (γ-CD) is difficult to achieve good effects for drugs containing those compounds such as Coptidis Rhizoma and Phellodendri Chinrnsis Cortex. However, neotame can strongly bind with those extremely bitter compounds such as coptisine and epiberberine in Coptidis Rhizoma and Phellodendri Chinrnsis Cortex, and thus can mask taste of them significantly.
Conclusions

The strategy achieves a significant bitter block effect from blocking the formation of the bitter signal to hindering its transmission after the formation of the signal, achieving a multilevel and significant taste effect. This article provides references for the research and development of flavoring companions for TCM, which will help improving the clinical efficacy of TCM.
Analysis of curative effect: percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy for lumbar disc herniation with buttock pain as the main symptom
Authors: An Jun-Yan , Zhang Jun , Wu Jiu-Ping , Yu Tong , Xue Wu , Qi Le , Liu Qin-Yi
Published: May 2021

Background

. Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common disease in spinal surgery which often causes acute radicular pain. However, LDH with buttock pain (BP) as the main clinical symptom is rare. Herein, we retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) in the treatment of LDH with the buttock as the primary clinical symptom.
Methods

. Totally 12 patients have LDH (L4-5) with BP who underwent PTED from January 2019 to June 2020 were enrolled. All patients performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) preoperatively, 1 week postoperatively, and at follow-up. The pain relieve were evaluated by the Visual analog scale (VAS), the functional recovery was assessed by Oswestry disability index (ODI) and Roland-Morris questionnaire (RMQ). Parameters were evaluated preoperatively, immediately after surgery, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after surgery, respectively. Moreover, the lumbar function was determined by modified MacNab criteria.
Results

. Pain relieve was found in 11 patients postoperatively. The VAS, ODI and RMQ scores were improved significantly at the latest follow up visit compared to preoperative (P < 0.05). One patient suffered from LDH recurrence one month after operation and received revision surgery, then achieved satisfied effect. Two patients experienced residual BP after operation and obtained good clinical outcomes by conservative treatment. No other surgical complications were found during follow up period. The average length of follow-up was 6.68 ± 0.67 months.
Conclusion.

PTED is a safe and efficacious method in treating LDH with BP.
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in people with migratory backgrounds: A cross- sectional study among Turkish- and German-speaking citizens in Munich
Authors: Aktürk Zekeriya , Linde Klaus , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Kunisch Raphael , Schneider Antonius
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and vaccine hesitancy of people with migratory backgrounds among Turkish- and German-speaking patients in Munich regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsPrimary outcomes were the intention to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and COVID-19 knowledge levels (25 true/false items). Other variables included demographics, attitudes to COVID-19 and vaccination (7 items), and behaviors regarding COVID-19 (7 items). The attitude and behavior questions had 5-point Likert scales. Of the 10 Turkish-speaking family physicians in Munich, 6 agreed to administer Turkish or German questionnaires to consecutive patients during February 2021. Participants with either citizenship, country of origin, native language, or place of birth being non-German were categorized as “Having a migratory background.” Data from 420 respondents were analyzed.ResultsWomen constituted 41.4% (n=174), the mean age was 42.2±15.5 years, 245 (58.3%) preferred the Turkish questionnaire, 348 (82.9%) had a migratory background, and 197 (47.9%) intended to be vaccinated. The mean knowledge, attitude, and behavior scores were 21.5±3.2 (max=25), 3.7±0.8 (max=5), and 4.0±0.5 (max=5). While 42.3% (n=145) of the participants with a migratory background considered getting vaccinated, this proportion was 76.5% (n=52) for non-immigrant Germans (Chi-square=26.818, p<0.001). Non-migratory background (Odds Ratio (OR): 3.082), high attitude scores (OR: 2.877), male sex (OR: 2.185), years of schooling (OR: 1.064), and age (OR: 1.022) were positively associated with vaccination intention.ConclusionsWe suggest initiating or supporting projects run by persons or groups from inside the immigrants targeting to elaborate and change their vaccination attitudes.
Operando NMR Visualization of Ion Dynamics in PEDOT:PSS
Authors: Jin Yanting , Magusin Pieter , Sturniolo Simone , Zhao Evan Wenbo , Lyu Dongxun , Yamamoto Shunsuke , Malliaras George , Grey Clare
Published: May 2021

While organic mixed ionic/electronic conductors are widely studied for various applications in bioelectronics, energy generation/storage, and neuromorphic computing, a fundamental understanding of the interactions between the ionic and electronic carriers remains unclear, particularly in the wet state and on electrochemical cycling. Here, we show that operando NMR spectroscopy can selectively probe and quantify ion and water movement during the doping/dedoping of poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) films, the most widely used organic mixed conductor. Na+ ions near or within the PEDOT-rich domains experience an anisotropic environment resulting from the underlying partial PSS chain orientation in the polymer films, giving rise to a distinct quadrupolar splitting in the 23Na NMR spectrum. Operando 23Na NMR studies reveal a linear correlation between the quadrupolar splitting and the charge stored in the film, which is interpreted in terms of the roles that the Na+ ions at the PEDOT/PSS interfaces play in charge balance and electric double layer formation. The observed correlation is quantitatively explained by a competitive binding model, in which holes on the PEDOT backbone are bound to PSS, the hole concentration changes during doping/dedoping inducing variations in the Na+ binding percentage at the PEDOT/PSS interfaces. The Na+-to-electron coupling efficiency, measured via 23Na NMR intensity changes, varies noticeably depending on the cycling history of the film. Operando 1H NMR spectroscopy confirms that water molecules accompany the ions that are injected into/extracted from the films. These findings shed light on the working principles of organic mixed conductors and demonstrate the utility of operando NMR spectroscopy in revealing structure-property relationships in electroactive polymers.
Diabetes Mellitus: Evaluation of Cornea Biomechanics with Corvis-ST
Authors: manzelat Amir masood Rafie , Nasrabadi Farzaneh Dehghanian , jafarzadehpour Ebrahim , Peyman‎ Alireza
Published: May 2021

Objective: We conducted the present work to evaluate cornea biomechanics, using Corvis-‎ST device parameters amongst patients with diabetes mellitus‎.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 62 type II diabetic patients and 28 non-diabetic individuals were recruited. Following slit-lamp examination, the participants were further assessed and compared with Corvis-ST device (OCULUS Germany) in order to evaluate the cornea biomechanical response.‎Result: The Applanation 2 Velocity variable was significantly different between ‎the diabetic and non-diabetic patients (-0.3±0.04, respectively) (P value=0.02). ‎Conclusion: This study revealed an increased corneal biomechanical strength amongst diabetic patients.
Fur glowing under UV: a widespread consequence of porphyrin accumulation in mammals
Authors: Toussaint Séverine , Ponstein Jasper , Thoury Mathieu , Métivier Rémi , Kalthoff Daniela , Habermeyer Benoît , Guilard Roger , Bock Steffen , Mortensen Peter , Sandberg Sverre , Gueriau Pierre , Amson Eli
Published: May 2021

Spectacular photoluminescence (PL) phenomena have been increasingly reported in various organisms from diverse ecosystems. However, the chemical basis of this PL remains poorly defined, and its potential ecological function is still blurry, especially in mammals. Here we used state-of-the-art spectroscopy and multispectral imaging techniques to document new cases of mammalian ultraviolet-induced PL (UV-PL) and to identify free-base porphyrins and natural derivatives as the organic compounds responsible for the reddish luminescence observed in the hairs and spines of distantly related species. We argue that pink to red UV-PL is predominantly observed in crepuscular and nocturnal mammals because porphyrins are photodegradable, and that this phenomenon might not have a specific function in intra- or interspecific communication but consists of a byproduct of a widespread physiological condition, overlooked in mammals.Co-first authors: Séverine Toussaint and Jasper Ponstein
Influence of the heat transfer field on anomalous lubricant film formation in elastohydrodynamic lubrication conditions
Authors: Yagi Kazuyuki , Nishida Kazuki , Suigmura Joichi
Published: May 2021

The influence of the heat transfer field on anomalous film formation under elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) conditions was studied. Liquid lubricant film shapes between a transparent disc and steel ball friction pair were investigated by white light optical interferometry. 1-Dodecanol was used as the representative lubricant to develop anomalous film shapes. A sapphire disc and glass disc, which have different thermal conductivities, were used as the transparent bounding surface. The heat transfer field significantly influenced the formation of anomalous film shapes. The anomalous film shapes approximated the shape of a conventional EHL film with increasing ambient temperature. However, a thickened part of the lubricant film remained, although the phase diagram of 1-dodecanol suggested it to be in the liquid state.
Transcriptome analysis of Nelumbo nucifera in response to antimony stress
Authors: Liang Yanhong , Zhou Xiujie , Liu Qingchuan , Liu Fei
Published: May 2021

To explore the probable mechanism of antimony stress resistance by Nelumbo nucifera and screen out relevant antimony-resistant genes, we conducted transcriptome sequencing of Nelumbo nucifera seeds treated by antimony at low, medium, and high concentrations (100, 500, 1000 mg/L respectively), screened differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and analyzed gene ontology classification and KEGG enrichment.Totally 18078 DEGs between antimony stress treatments and the control were identified, and 4192, 5850 and 8036 DEGs were found respectively.The pathways underlying the degradation of phosphopentose, limonene and pinene, the biosynthesis of flavonoid and ubiquinone, and the biosynthesis of terpenoids play critical roles in this responding process. The expressions of 7 genes validated by qPCR were consistent with the RNA-Seq results, which confirms the reliability of RNA-Seq results.This study on transcriptome analysis of Nelumbo nucifera under antimony stress provides a genetic resource and a theoretical basis for research on plant restoration of antimony pollution.
Evaluation of Red Blood Cell Parameters as a Biomarker for Long-Term Glycemic Control Monitoring Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Southwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Asmamaw Misganaw , Sime Tariku , Kene Kumsa , Fekadie Minale , Teshome Muluken , Zawdie Belay
Published: May 2021

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2 DM) is a common type of DM characterized by hyperglycemia. Glycation of hemoglobin and related proteins in DM can affect the physiological and structural properties of red blood cells. Although glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test continues to be the gold standard for the assessment of long-term glycemic control accessibility and affordability of the test in routine diagnosing service are still limited in developing countries. Hence, this study was aimed to assess red blood cell parameters as a biomarker for long-term glycemic monitoring among T2 DM patients.Methods: Facility-based cross-sectional study through a consecutive sampling technique was conducted among 124 T2 DM patients at the chronic illness follow-up clinic of Jimma Medical Center (JMC) from July 27 to August 31, 2020. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and clinical-related data. Five milliliters of the blood specimen was collected from each eligible T2 DM patient. HbA1c and red blood cell parameters were determined by Cobas 6000 and DxH 800 fully automated analyzers respectively. Data were entered into Epi-data software version 3.1 and exported to SPSS 25 version for analysis. Independent t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used to address the research questions. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of study participants was 51.84± 11.6 years. 60.5% of T2 DM patients were in poor glycemic control. There was a significant mean difference between good and poor glycemic controlled T2 DM patients in red blood cell count (4.79±0.5 vs 4.38±0.8), hemoglobin (14.13±1.4 vs 13.60±1.6), mean corpuscular volume (89.52±4.7 vs 92.62±7.5), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (29.63±1.6 vs 30.77±2.9), and red cell distribution width (13.68±1.1 vs 14.63±1.2) respectively. Red blood cell count was inversely correlated (r=-0.280, p=0.002) with HbA1c while mean corpuscular volume (r=0.267, p=0.003), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (r=0.231, p=0.010), and red cell distribution width (r= 0.496, p=0.000) were positively correlated with level of HbA1c. Conclusion: Red cell count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and red cell distribution width could be useful indicators to monitor the glycemic status of T2 DM patients instead of HbA1c, though large prospective studies should be considered.
Prevalence of Sarcopenia in Idiopathic Dropped Head Syndrome Patients is Similar to Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Igawa Tatsuya , Isogai Norihiro , Suzuki Akifumi , Ishizaka Masahiro , Funao Haruki , Ishii Ken
Published: May 2021

Dropped head syndrome (DHS) exhibits cervical deformity due to weakness of the cervical extensor group, and sarcopenia is characterized by progressive and systemic reduction in skeletal muscle mass. These clinical finding are associated with reduced activity of daily living, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of mortality. We collected and reviewed prospective registry data for 16 consecutive female patients with idiopathic DHS and 32 healthy individuals who matched their gender and age. The prevalence of sarcopenia and body composition data were compared. There were no differences in the prevalence of sarcopenia, appendicular muscle mass, and leg muscle mass between DHS patients and the healthy elderly. Trunk muscle mass in DHS patients was significantly lower than that in healthy individuals. A significant correlation was found between appendicular muscle mass and trunk muscle mass in healthy subjects but not in DHS patients. Sarcopenia was not associated with the onset of idiopathic DHS. The prevalence of sarcopenia was not high in patients with idiopathic DHS due to the preservation of their appendicular skeletal muscle mass. Patients with DHS were characterized by a significant loss of trunk muscle mass that may be related to the disease but not aging.
Multiple Primary Lung Cancer Comprised of Adenocarcinoma and Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: xu jieyu , Yang Xiaorong
Published: May 2021

Background: Multiple primary lung cancer is a rare type of tumor, which is necessary to differentiate from a metastatic tumor.Case presentation: We report a 67-year-old female with coughing and expectoration in the past eight days. Chest computed tomography revealed that there are two nodules in the patient's lung. Radiographic findings cannot distinguish between the two nodules and distinguish between primary and metastatic lesions.The patient underwent bronchoscopic biopsy and percutaneous lung puncture. Combined with morphological and immunohistochemical results, we concluded that this is a case of multiple primary lung cancers, consisting of adenocarcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma. In clinical practice, surgery is considered to be the first choice for the treatment of cases of multiple primary lung cancer. The patient received symptomatic treatment because of the metastases. Conclusions: The article aims to report a rare case and emphasize the role of immunohistochemistry in diagnosing multiple lung cancer.