bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on optimization design of roadway cross-section form in Xinyu mine
Authors: Kong Xiang-song , Xiao Sheng-chao , He Pei-xian , Lu Yun-fang , Zhang Tian-yu
Published: January 2021

The stability of roadway is of great significance to mine safety production. In this paper, according to the geological conditions of Xinyu coal mine, the cross-section form of track roadway is optimized. Under the condition of the same ratio of height to width, rectangular section, circular arch section and straight wall semicircular arch section are designed respectively. FLAC3D is used to establish numerical model to simulate three kinds of section forms. The optimal section form is obtained by analyzing displacement field, plastic zone distribution and stress field. The results show that: (1) The cross-section form of coal mine roadway is an important factor affecting the stability of roadway. (2) Under the same ratio of height to width, the stability of roadway from high to low is straight wall semicircular arch, circular arch and rectangle. (3) The field test data show that the straight wall semicircular arch roadway has good engineering effect. (4) Comprehensive comparison shows that the straight wall semicircle arch is the best roadway section form. The research results can provide reference for the design of roadway section form in the future.
Factorial model of the strategy of increasing the level of energy security of enterprises in terms of resource-saving
Authors: Voynarenko M , Mykoliuk O , Kucherova H , Bobrovnyk V
Published: January 2021

The strategy of increasing the energy security of enterprises, and also the factors of influence on their production relations, socio-economic development and functioning in a crisis are studied. It is proved that the scarcity of energy resources requires an assessment of the factors influencing energy security and taking them into account in the formation of business strategies. The concept of energy security was further developed through the prism of a factor model of strategy implementation taking into account energy saving policy. In the course of the research the methods of critical analysis, structuralization, factorial, generalization, scenario, matrix, impulse process was used. The scientific result concerns a substantiated strategy to increase the level of energy security of enterprises based on the structuring of the factor environment and the built factor model that takes into account formal and informal aspects. The practical value of the study consists in substantiated strategic measures, the implementation of which ensures the maximum possible growth of energy security of enterprises, in particular: investment in energy efficiency, energy efficiency of enterprises, development of eco-consciousness of staff, which allows to justify a stable and prone system of energy security of the state to growth.
Models and strategies for financing innovative energy saving activities
Authors: Heyets Valeriy , Voynarenko Mykhailo , Dzhedzhula Viacheslav , Yepifanova Iryna , Trocikowski Tadeusz
Published: January 2021

In modern conditions, a very important issue to ensure sustainable development is the constant implementation of innovation activity. Taking into account the high cost of energy carriers, the implementation of innovative energy saving activity is a very important issue. In this paper, the authors have simulated the process of intellectual support for management decisions to determine the sources of funding for innovative energy saving activity. The proposed mathematical model allows to use the concentrated experience of experts for intellectual support of decision-making on the estimation of efficiency of financial maintenance of innovation activity. The received results show that the evaluation of priority strategic directions for machine-building enterprises in terms of efficiency of financial support of innovation activity will determine a hierarchical structured set of innovation strategies for each enterprise, taking into consideration the available financial support and external and internal environment of the enterprise. The first section in your paper.
Evaluation of efficiency of wind power plants operation in wind conditions of the Northern Black Sea region of Ukraine
Authors: Podhurenko V , Kovshova I , Terekhov V , Dubovyk N
Published: January 2021

The article presents the results of many years’ experience of industrial operation of wind power plants (WPPs) of the Ochakiv Wind Park. In the course of the research a parametric model of WPP performance was developed; factors influencing the performance of wind power plants in Ukraine were analysed; modern methods of economic and mathematical modelling were studied and appropriate ones were selected to assess the efficiency of WPP operation in wind conditions of the Northern Black Sea region of Ukraine; an algorithm for solving the problem of efficient operation of WPPs in Ukraine has been developed; grounding on six years’ studies of results of the Ochakiv WPP operation in Ukraine unique databases have been created; a model of correlation between the capacity of wind power plant (WPP) FL 2500-100 and wind speed in the Northern Black Sea region of Ukraine was developed; the obtained results were interpreted and conclusions were made based on the parametric model of WPP performance taking into account the specific external factors of the Northern Black Sea region of Ukraine.
Requirements and conditions for ensuring sustainable energy-saving economic development of enterprises
Authors: Yemelyanov O , Petrushka T , Koleshchuk O , Miahkykh I , Sekirozh Y
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study was to establish criteria and determine the conditions for sustainable energy-saving economic development of enterprises. The relative and absolute types of such development are distinguished. It is found that the absolute type of development occurs when the index of physical output of the enterprise falls within a certain range of values. The length of this interval determines the value of the indicator of the potential for sustainable energy-saving economic development of enterprises. In turn, this value is determined by the values of the four indices. This conclusion is obtained on the basis of building a model of decomposition of the indicator of potential of sustainable energy-saving economic development of enterprises. The theoretical and methodological developments obtained in this work were tested on a sample of 120 Ukrainian enterprises belonging to four industries. Among other things, the hypothesis was confirmed that there is a tendency to increase the share of enterprises in which there was an absolutely stable energy-saving economic development, while increasing the indicator of the potential of such development. It turned out that this dependence for the sample of the studied enterprises is linear.
Methodological aspects of assessing the sustainable development of energy companies
Authors: Prokhorova V , Bozhanova O , Putro A , Dalyk V , Yukhman Y , Azizova K
Published: January 2021

There was given an analysis of existing methods for assessing the level of sustainable development of energy companies, respectively. There has been highlighted the components of sustainable development which are interconnected and are separate objects of management. Methodological aspects of energy company sustainable development assessment are proposed, which are based on an integrated approach, which allow to present sustainable energy company development as a multicomponent phenomenon in the form of a set of sustainable development factors and indicators that shape them.
Predictors of oil shocks. Econophysical approach in environmental science
Authors: Bielinskyi A O , Khvostina I , Mamanazarov A , Matviychuk A , Semerikov S , Serdyuk O , Solovieva V , Soloviev V N
Published: January 2021

The instability of the price dynamics of the energy market from a theoretical point of view indicates the inadequacy of the dominant paradigm of the quantitative description of pricing processes, and from a practical point of view, it leads to abnormal shocks and crashes. A striking example is the COVID-stimulated spring drop of spot prices for crude oil by 305% to $36.73 a barrel. The theory of complex systems with the latest complex networking achievements using pragmatically verified econophysical approaches and models can become the basis of modern environmental science. In this case, it is possible to introduce certain measures of complexity, the change in the dynamics of which makes it possible to identify and prevent characteristic types of critical phenomena. In this paper, the possibility of using some econophysical approaches for quantitative assessment of complexity measures: (1) informational (Lempel-Ziv measure, various types of entropies (Shannon, Approximate, Permutation, Recurrence), (2) fractal and multifractal (Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis), (3) recurrent (Recurrence Plot and Recurrence Quantification Analysis), (4) Lévy’s stable distribution properties, (5) network (Visual Graph and Recurrence based) and (6) quantum (Heisenberg uncertainty principle) is investigated. Each of them detects patterns that are general for crisis states. We conclude that these measures make it possible to establish that the socially responsive exhibits characteristic patterns of complexity and the proposed measures of complexity allow us to build indicators-precursors of critical and crisis phenomena. Proposed quantitative measures of complexity classified and adapted for the crude oil market. Their behavior in the face of known market shocks and crashes has been analyzed. It has been shown that most of these measures behave characteristically in the periods preceding the critical event. Therefore, it is possible to build indicators-precursors of crisis phenomena in the crude oil market.
Environmental Management in Condition of Stable Development and Efficient Use of Resources
Authors: Matukova H , Khrapkina V , Bahashova N , Matukova-Yaryha D , Mamanazarov M
Published: January 2021

In the article there is the necessity of strategic management as a new conception of management in the conditions of environment unstable and dynamic is established, the aspects of strategic management theoretical and methodological are considered as a new perspective direction to the management in the conditions of unstable external environment. The article provides theoretical and methodological recommendations for the development of a model of a strategic management system for an enterprise, its resources and a design algorithm in different periods in an unstable market environment. Nowadays, it is of primary importance to develop innovative technological processes that could provide the foundation for waste-free green production with high engineering and economic indices and integrated resource use.
Hazards and risks in assessing the impact of oil and gas companies on the environment
Authors: Khvostina Inesa , Oliinyk Viktor , Semerikov Serhiy , Solovieva Victoria , Yatsenko Valerii , Kohut-Ferens Oksana
Published: January 2021

This paper considers an algorithm for constructing an integrated assessment of the environmental risk of enterprises based on risk indicators. An overview of risk assessment methods is given. To find and process the research results, the method of expert assessments and elements of the fuzzy logic method were used. The membership function is constructed for the classification of the current value of the environmental risk factor. Based on the obtained numerical results, the ranking of the studied variables is given. A generalized indicator of the level of environmental risk of an oil and gas enterprise is found.
Pricing Model For Eco-Innovative Products On The Basis Of Its Technological Readiness
Authors: Kozyk Vasyl , Mrykhina Oleksandra , Fadyeyeva Iryna , Lisovska Lidiya , Novakivskyj Ihor , Zinchuk Iryna
Published: January 2021

A pricing model for eco-innovative products has been developed based on its technological readiness for commercialization in the context of sustainable economic development. It is proved that the pricing model for eco-innovative products can be based on an integral indicator that includes a set of factors influencing the level of its technological readiness – from the point of view of the developer (manufacturer, seller) and market perception (buyer, consumer, etc.). The formalization of such an indicator is carried out on the basis of algorithms of fuzzy set theory. The developed method is tested on a number of types of eco-innovative products developed by Ukrainian business entities. The obtained price integral indicators are determined by a fuzzy number with a certain range, which makes it possible to take into account the features characteristic of a particular market situation due to the level of technological readiness of eco-innovative products. This method allows you to achieve a higher level of price accuracy.
Online training of specialists in the energy industry
Authors: Bodnar L , Chebykin A , Belenko K , Yaremchuk N , Kiv A
Published: January 2021

We considered the psychological and pedagogical problems arising from online learning, especially in a pandemic. Since in these conditions the lecturer’s emotional impact on the audience is depleted, the task is to use the achievements of information technologies to find ways to “bring” the audience closer to the lecturer. A computer program has been developed that uses the image recognition function so that in the online learning process the lecturer receives information about the emotional state of the audience directly during classes. The developed program can be used for the practical implementation of the proposed approach.
The role of personnel motivation in the risk management system of energy companies with employee stock ownership
Authors: Mnykh O , Dikan O , Yukhnov B , Kvasova L , Shkvaryluk M
Published: January 2021

The impact of motivation of the personnel of joint-stock companies on increasing the efficiency of their economic activities and reducing management risks has been examined. The world experience in the development of property and management decentralization has been investigated. The current state of the functioning of companies with employee stock ownership has been analyzed, and main contradictions in the distribution of their income have been given. Specific recommendations have been given to resolve these contradictions in order to apply them by joint-stock companies of the energy sector of Ukraine in their economic activities.
Monitoring the economic stability of the company’s business processes as a prerequisite for sustainable development: investment and security aspects
Authors: Arefieva O , Piletska S , Khaustova V , Poberezhna Z , Zyz D
Published: January 2021

The economic stability of the company’s business processes was monitored, especially during the period of implementation of the benefits of sustainable development, which will attract new investment flows and ensure economic security. A conceptual model for monitoring the economic stability of the company’s business processes has been developed. A methodical approach to monitoring the economic stability of the company’s business processes by influencing the financial, personnel, marketing, innovation, production components depending on the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of available resources is proposed.
Preliminary exploration of processability and self-lubricating properties of polythioetherimides/PEEK blends and their composites
Authors: Yuan Ping , Qiu Yong , Wu Juying , Li Xiaomin , Xing Tao , He Ren , Zhang Kai , Huang Yuhong , Duan Chunjian , Tao Liming , Lu Ai , Wang Tingmei
Published: January 2021

Polythioetherimides (STPI) were first synthesized from 3- and 4-chlorophthalic anhydrides, and 4,4’-oxydianline and 1,3-bis(4-aminophenoxy) benzene by a two-step poly- condensation procedure via their soluble poly (amic acid) precursors. Then a series of isomeric polythioetherimides/polyetheretherketone (STPI/PEEK) blends samples with compositions (wt%) of 30/70, 40/60 and 50/50 were prepared and characterized. The structure characterization of STPI demonstrated by FTIR, Raman and elemental analysis show that there are little S-S bonds of the copolythioetherimides chains. Thermal, rheological, ultrasonic nondestructive testing technique, mechanical measurements and dynamic thermomechanical analysis were conducted to process and assess the morphology and mechanical properties of the STPI/PEEK blends, and 30/70 weight composition of STPI/PEEK was preferred. There are few voids or air gaps in the molding samples. The samples of STPI/PEEK-30/70 show two relaxations at 164.2 °C and 243.5 °C, an average tensile modulus of 1.264 GPa, an average bending elastic modulus of 2.061 GPa and a bending strength of 78.3 MPa. Finally, the friction-wear characteristics of STPI/PEEK composites with solid lubricants such as graphite, MoS2 and PTFE were investigated, indicating a promising way to develop a STPI-based thermoplastic for tribological applications.
One–step template–free fabrication and capacitive properties of flower–like polyaniline in strong acidic solution
Authors: Yang Lifeng , Liu Yeping , Wu Yuanfeng , Li Yunting , Qin Zongyi
Published: January 2021

Three-dimensional hierarchical nanostructured polyaniline (PANI) was constructed through a simple and efficient template-free frozen polymerization of aniline in strong acid condition for fabricating high performance electrode for supercapacitor. The morphology and structure of flower-like PANI was investigated, and its charge storage ability was evaluated. The PANI electrode exhibited the specific capacitance of 428.5 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1, the capacitive retention remains 78.8% from 1 to 10 A g−1, and cycling retention of 62 % after 1000 cycles, exhibiting its great potential application as the supercapacitor electrode materials.
Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Activity of Two Novel transition metal complexes of pyrazolone
Authors: Chen Yating , Fan Yipeng , Zhang Jingling , Zhang Shuhua
Published: January 2021

Using 2-hydrazinopyridine, dimethyl butynedioate and sodium methoxide as raw materials, a new pyridine-pyrazolone derivative containing multiple nitrogen coordination atoms was synthesized through a multi-step reaction, namely the ligand 1-(2-pyridine)-5-hydroxyl -1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (HL). Using solvothermal method, two novel transition metals Co and Zn complexes of pyrazolone were synthesized. The structures were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, XRD and X-ray single crystal diffraction. Notably, MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay showed that 2 displayed relatively high cytotoxic activity against Hep-G2 and MGC80-3 cancer cells.
High performance CH3NH3PbI3-based photodetector fabricated in ambient condition by doctor-blading deposition
Authors: Li Shuigen , Qiu Guangxiong , Xie Xiangyu , Li Cheng , Fu Haiyan , Wu Runsheng , Yang bingchu
Published: January 2021

High-quality CH3NH3PM3 perovskite thin films in air via doctor-blading technology of in-situ heat treatment were prepared, the resulting perovskite film has the advantages of large crystal domains, good stability and repeatability. Based on the perovskite film, the perovskite photodetectors with such a simple structure of glass/ CH3NH3PbI3/Au were constructed, and the high resulting responsivity (R) of 5.70 AW−1 was achieved, the as fast as rise and fall response speed of 14.0ms and 13.4ms were showed, which indicates that the perovskite films via doctor- blading have a potential application prospect in constructing low-cost and large-area optoelectronic devices.
Progress in the preparation, stability and functional applications of Pickering emulsion
Authors: Guo Qinxin
Published: January 2021

Due to the excellent properties, Pickering emulsions have been widely applied in the fields of biomedicine, food, cosmetics, agriculture, etc. Nowadays studies on Pickering emulsions have become a hotspot in the science field. This article synthesizes various of literature and reports around the world, conducts an in-depth analysis of the mechanism and influence factors of the stability of Pickering emulisons, and summarizes the function and application in different fields. It is expected to provide reference for further studies and the development of new Pickering emulsion.
Synthesis of Novel NiFe2O4/Fe3O4 Nanotube arrays as flexible negative electrodes for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Sun Baolong , Wang Ni , Hu Wencheng
Published: January 2021

Electrode materials with specific morphologies and microstructures can help to speed up the charge transfer to a certain extent and provide more electrochemically active sites in electrochemical reactions. In this work, NiFe2O4/Fe3O4 nanotube arrays were synthesized on the stainless steel mesh through an ion-exchange reaction involving Zn(OH)2 nanorods under the hydrothermal condition. By analyzing the electrochemical performances of the supercapacitor electrodes, the optimal electrode could be obtained by the hydrothermal process at 160 °C. It has a specific capacity of 258.8 F g−1 at a current density of 1.25 A g−1 as a negative electrode. This work provides a new strategy to prepare nickel-iron oxide as negative electrode materials in supercapacitor applications.
Application of copolymerization in preparation of superhydrophobic surfaces
Authors: Ma Jinsheng , Wang Xiaoning , Wang Rui
Published: January 2021

Superhydrophobicity refers to a wetting phenomenon in which the contact angle with water is greater than 150°and the sliding angle is less than 10°. Superhydrophobic surfaces have been extensively studied due to its self-cleaning, corrosion resistance, anti-icing, oil-water separation and other characteristics. Among the studies, copolymerization is one of the important methods in the preparation of superhydrophobic surfaces. In this paper, the mechanism of superhydrophobicity and the models are introduced. Then, in view of the three ways to obtain superhydrophobic surfaces through copolymerization - modification, directly synthesis of superhydrophobic Copolymer, preparation of superhydrophobic coatings or coatings - the methods are summarized, and the related applications are briefly described. Finally, possible future researching directions are summarized and prospected to provide reference for the application of copolymerization in preparation of superhydrophobic surfaces.
Preparation and Properties of a Kind of Hydrophilic Polyimide Film with Quaternary Ammonium Salt Structure
Authors: XueFang  , Su Guiming , HaijianJiang  , MingyueChen  , XiaodongLiu  , MeihuiSong  , XiaochenZhang
Published: January 2021

We synthesized a polyamide acid by copolycondensation reaction using diphenyl ether tetraacid dianhydride (ODPA) as the dianhydride monomer, diaminodiphenyl ether (ODA) and N-methyl-2,2-diaminodiethylamine (diethylamine) as the diamine monomer. Then the polymer with side-linked branch sulfonate structure was synthesized, and the structure of quaternary ammonium salt was added to the polyamide acid. A hydrophilic PI film was prepared by coating and thermal imidization process. The main influence factors in the formation process of hydrophilic PI film were discussed, then its hydrophilic properties and thermal properties were tested. The results show that diethylamine can react with lactone in the PI molecular chain in the DMAc system. The introduction of quaternary ammonium salt significantly improves the hydrophilic properties of the polyimide film surface,the water contact angle of the film dried at 130°C is 58.065°. Above 140°C, breakage and decomposition of the -N+SO3
− structure bond will occur, and the hydrophilic property will decrease.
Thermal properties of a series of tetra-functional quinoxaline-based benzoxazine/monofunctional benzoxazine blends
Authors: Feng Tiantian , Li Yanxia , Zhang Xiumei , Cao Yuhua , Li Lin
Published: January 2021

: In this article, a series of tetra-functional quinoxaline-based benzoxazine/ monofunctional benzoxazine (P-a) blending resins were prepared. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were utilized to study the curing behavior of blends and heat resistance and thermal stability of the corresponding resins. The obtained blends show lower onset and peak exothermic temperatures than that of a phenol/phenylamine-based benzoxazine. Additionally, the cured blends possess much better heat resistance, higher char yields, and better thermal stability than monofunctional benzoxazine resins.
Withdrawn as duplicate: Advancing ambulatory pharmacy practice through a crisis: Objectives and strategies used in an ambulatory care action team’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Do Tina , Luon Steph , Boothe Kimberly , Stutsky Martha , Renauer Marie
Published: January 2021

This article has been withdrawn due to a publisher error that caused the article to be duplicated. The definitive version of this article is published under DOI 10.1093/ajhp/zxab063.
The “Hug Flap”: Surgical Technique to Enhance the Aesthetic Breast Projection in Autologous Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Hamdi Moustapha , Al Harami Sara , Chahine Fadel , Giunta Gabriel , De Baerdemaeker Randy , Zeltzer Assaf
Published: January 2021

Background

Obtaining a natural breast mound shape contributes profoundly to a symmetrical and successful outcome in breast reconstruction.

Objectives

The authors sought to describe a new and efficient technique that enhances breast projection in delayed breast reconstruction employing abdominal free flaps and compare it with the current standard methods utilized.

Methods

The charts of 490 consecutive patients who underwent delayed breast reconstruction employing free abdominal perforator flaps were reviewed between 2007 and 2017. Three methods of breast reconstruction were compared: undermining, de-epithelialization, and the “hug flap” (HF). In the newly described technique, the caudal mastectomy skin was de-epithelialized, and then the medial and lateral thirds were undermined and folded over to cover the central part. The rates of complications and secondary corrections were analyzed between the 3 groups.

Results

There were 570 free abdominal flaps performed. The de-epithelization technique was the most commonly utilized (328 cases) followed by the undermining technique (153 cases). The HF technique was employed in 89 cases. The majority of HFs were performed in unilateral breast reconstruction. Bilateral cases were conducted in only 12 patients. The need for additional fat grafting was significantly (P = 0.003) less required in the HF group compared with the undermining and de-epithelializing groups (12% vs 28% and 21%, respectively).

Conclusions

Although all breast-enhancing options can be mixed and matched based on the surgeon’s preference and experience as well as each patient’s needs, the HF can be considered as an adjunct tool to provide adequate flap projection and enhance breast symmetry.

Level of Evidence: 4
Selenium nanoparticles inhibit tumor metastasis in prostate cancer through upregulated miR-155-5p-related pathway
Authors: Liao Guolong , Ma He , Li Yamei , Sheng Yiyu , Chen Chujie
Published: January 2021

Prostate cancer are the most common, malignant and lethal tumors in men, and the complexity of prostate cancer (CaP) is also due to the diverse metastasis profile. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have been reported to have potent antitumor activity, but whether it impacted the tumor metastasis is not fully clear. Here, we confirmed that SeNPs could inhibit the CaP cell migrations and invasions. Combined with our previous findings, we identified a series of microRNAs that could be upregulated significantly under SeNP treatment, among which miR-155-5p acts as a key component in mediating the SeNP-inhibited migration and invasion of CaP cells, through directly targeting IκB kinase ɛ and Sma- and Mad-related protein 2. The cell-based results were proved in xenograft mice modeling. These results have evidently signified the antitumor potential of SeNPs in the treatment of prostate cancer.
Mercator: a pipeline for multi-method, unsupervised visualization and distance generation
Authors: Abrams Zachary B. , Coombes Caitlin E. , Li Suli , Coombes Kevin R.
Published: January 2021

Unsupervised machine learning provides tools for researchers to uncover latent patterns in large-scale data, based on calculated distances between observations. Methods to visualize high-dimensional data based on these distances can elucidate subtypes and interactions within multi-dimensional and high-throughput data. However, researchers can select from a vast number of distance metrics and visualizations, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Mercator R package facilitates selection of a biologically meaningful distance from 10 metrics, together appropriate for binary, categorical and continuous data, and visualization with 5 standard and high-dimensional graphics tools. Mercator provides a user-friendly pipeline for informaticians or biologists to perform unsupervised analyses, from exploratory pattern recognition to production of publication-quality graphics.

Availabilityand implementation

Mercator is freely available at the Comprehensive R Archive Network (https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/Mercator/index.html).
Confronting taxonomic vandalism in biology: conscientious community self-organization can preserve nomenclatural stability
Authors: Wüster Wolfgang , Thomson Scott A , O’shea Mark , Kaiser Hinrich
Published: January 2021

Self-published taxon descriptions, bereft of a basis of evidence, are a long-standing problem in taxonomy. The problem derives in part from the Principle of Priority in the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, which forces the use of the oldest available nomen irrespective of scientific merit. This provides a route to ‘immortality’ for unscrupulous individuals through the mass-naming of taxa without scientific basis, a phenomenon referred to as taxonomic vandalism. Following a flood of unscientific taxon namings, in 2013 a group of concerned herpetologists organized a widely supported, community-based campaign to treat these nomina as lying outside the permanent scientific record, and to ignore and overwrite them as appropriate. Here, we review the impact of these proposals over the past 8 years. We identified 59 instances of unscientific names being set aside and overwritten with science-based names (here termed aspidonyms), and 1087 uses of these aspidonyms, compared to one instance of preference for the overwritten names. This shows that when there is widespread consultation and agreement across affected research communities, setting aside certain provisions of the Code can constitute an effective last resort defence against taxonomic vandalism and enhance the universality and stability of the scientific nomenclature.
Consequences of judging in transitional justice courts
Authors: Nyseth Brehm Hollie , Frizzell Laura C , Uggen Christopher , Gertz Evelyn
Published: January 2021

Research has found that participation in transitional justice (TJ) is associated with increased social capital and decreased well-being. This article extends this scholarship by examining how TJ mechanisms affect the social capital and well-being of the people who implement them via interviews with 135 Rwandan gacaca court judges. In terms of well-being, judges discuss pride and confidence yet also highlight stress and trauma. In terms of social capital, many judges are now mediators and local leaders, though numerous judges have also experienced grudges from the families of those they sentenced. These negative consequences were particularly prominent among judges with more authority.
Local peritoneal toxicity from adjuvant pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy with oxaliplatin in high-risk patients with colonic cancer
Authors: Graversen M , Detlefsen S , Pfeiffer P , B Mortensen M
Published: January 2021

This research letter describes unexpected and unacceptable local toxicity manifesting as abdominal pain after adjuvant pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy with 92 mg/m2 oxaliplatin in the PIPAC-OPC3 study. It is not clear whether the toxicity is dose- or drug-dependent (or both), but the preliminary data suggest that tolerability is improved by dose reduction to 46 mg/m2.
COVID-19 pandemic era: is it time to promote home dialysis and peritoneal dialysis?
Authors: Cozzolino Mario , Conte Ferruccio , Zappulo Fulvia , Ciceri Paola , Galassi Andrea , Capelli Irene , Magnoni Giacomo , La Manna Gaetano
Published: January 2021

The novel coronavirus, called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was declared a pandemic in March 2020 by the World Health Organization. Older individuals and patients with comorbid conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and immunologic diseases are at higher risk of contracting this severe infection. In particular, patients with advanced CKD constitute a vulnerable population and a challenge in the prevention and control of the disease. Home-based renal replacement therapies offer an opportunity to manage patients remotely, thus reducing the likelihood of infection due to direct human interaction. Patients are seen less frequently, limiting the close interaction between patients and healthcare workers who may contract and spread the disease. However, while home dialysis is a reasonable choice at this time due to the advantage of isolation of patients, measures must be assured to implement the program. Despite its logistical benefits, outpatient haemodialysis also presents certain challenges during times of crises such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and potentially future ones.
Prevention of esophageal stricture after circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection using a modified self-assembling peptide
Authors: Oumrani Sarra , Barret Maximilien , Beuvon Frédéric , Nicco Carole , Chêne Charlotte , Batteux Frédéric , Prat Frédéric
Published: January 2021

Circumferential endoscopic resection (ER) of the esophageal mucosa could find its place in the treatment of dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus or extensive squamous cell neoplasia. However, the occurrence of esophageal strictures remains a major complication after ER exceeding 75% of the circumference. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a modified, pH = 2, self-assembling peptide matrix (4[Arg-Ala-Asp-Ala]) (SAP) on the development of esophageal stricture after circumferential ER in a swine model. We performed a circumferential ER in 35 swine under general anesthesia. Five animals were included in the control group, 11 animals received the SAP matrix immediately after the resection, and 11 received the SAP matrix associated to a local steroid immediately after the resection. Follow-up endoscopy and esophagogram were performed before slaughter and necropsy at day 14. Eight treated animals were kept alive until day 28. At day 14, 27% of the animals in the SAP group developed a symptomatic stricture versus 100% in the control group (P = 0.008) and 50% in the SAP-triamcinolone group (P = 0.11). Application of an SAP matrix after circumferential ER in the swine allowed a significant reduction of the incidence of symptomatic stricture at day 14. Adding triamcinolone brought no significant improvement.
The human side of austerity: health spending and outcomes during the Greek crisis
Authors: Perotti Roberto
Published: January 2021

The Greek crisis was the deepest in post-war Europe. Public spending on health, that had grown extremely fast in the first decade of the 2000s, was cut by almost 40% between 2010 and 2016, also an unparalleled figure in post-war Europe. Although some of the cuts were mitigated by a system of clawback on the private pharmaceutical industry and by increased household out of pocket expenditure, the provision of health services was also greatly impacted by the spread of long-term unemployment, which in the employment-based Greek system left possibly millions of individuals without access to health services, until universal coverage was effectively restored in 2016. In this paper I aim at establishing the basic facts about the health crisis. Although care must be exercised in not presenting a simplistic, uniformly bleak picture, I show that several indicators point to a substantial deterioration in the health outcomes of the Greek population during the critical years of loss of universal coverage until 2016, in particular for the more vulnerable sectors of the population.
Physician empathy and patient enablement: survey in the Portuguese primary health care
Authors: Simões José Augusto , Prazeres Filipe , Maricoto Tiago , Simões Pedro Augusto , Lourenço Joana , Romano João Pedro , Santiago Luiz Miguel
Published: January 2021

Background

Empathy is the capacity to understand and resonate with the experiences of other people. Patient enablement is the degree to which a patient feels strengthened in terms of being able to deal with, understand and manage their disease.

Methods

Secondary cross-sectional analysis of existing data from 2 independent datasets (456 primary health care patients), with the application of two validated questionnaires, Jefferson Scale of Patient Perceptions of Physician Empathy (JSPPPE) and Patient Enablement Instrument (PEI).

Objective

Evaluate medical empathy and patients’ enablement after consultation with their family doctors and to verify if there was an association between these two concepts.

Results

The median value of JSPPPE-VP score was 6.60 (interquartile range 1.00) and of PEI/ICC score was of 1.83 (interquartile range 0.67). Regarding empathy (JSPPPE-VP), patients taking chronic medication had a slight but significantly higher median score than patients not taking them (6.70 versus 6.60, P = 0.049), although regression modelling did not confirm any relevant predictor of JSPPPE-VP score. Regarding enablement (PEI/ICC), we found significantly higher scores on younger patients, as well as, on more educated and professionally active ones (P < 0.001). Multivariable linear regression and Poisson regression modelling confirmed such variables as statistically significant potential predictors.

Conclusions

A significant positive association was found between empathy score (JSPPPE-VP) and enablement score (PEI/ICC), when adjusted to sociodemographic cofactors. On this linear regression model, age category and educational level were also significantly associated with empathy score, with the same pattern found on bivariate analysis.
Gene-level quantitative trait mapping in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Noble Luke M , Rockman Matthew V , Teotónio Henrique
Published: January 2021

The Caenorhabditis elegans multiparental experimental evolution (CeMEE) panel is a collection of genome-sequenced, cryopreserved recombinant inbred lines useful for mapping the evolution and genetic basis of quantitative traits. We have expanded the resource with new lines and new populations, and here report the genotype and haplotype composition of CeMEE version 2, including a large set of putative de novo mutations, and updated additive and epistatic mapping simulations. Additive quantitative trait loci explaining 4% of trait variance are detected with >80% power, and the median detection interval approaches single-gene resolution on the highly recombinant chromosome arms. Although CeMEE populations are derived from a long-term evolution experiment, genetic structure is dominated by variation present in the ancestral population.
De novowhole-genome assembly and resequencing resources for the roan (Hippotragus equinus), an iconic African antelope
Authors: Gonçalves Margarida , Siegismund Hans R , Jansen van Vuuren Bettine , Koepfli Klaus-Peter , Ferrand Nuno , Godinho Raquel
Published: January 2021

Roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) is the second-largest member of the Hippotraginae (Bovidae), and is widely distributed across sub-Saharan mesic woodlands. Despite being listed as "Least Concern" across its African range, population numbers are decreasing with many regional Red List statuses varying between Endangered and Locally Extinct. Although the roan antelope has become an economically-important game species in Southern Africa, the vast majority of wild populations are found only in fragmented protected areas, which is of conservation concern. Genomic information is crucial in devising optimal management plans. To this end, we report here the first de novo assembly and annotation of the whole-genome sequence of a male roan antelope from a captive-breeding program. Additionally, we uncover single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) through re-sequencing of five wild individuals representing five of the six described subspecies. We used 10X Genomics Chromium chemistry to produce a draft genome of 2.56 Gb consisting of 16,880 scaffolds with N50 = 8.42 Mb and a BUSCO completeness of 91.2%. The draft roan genome includes 1.1 Gbp (42.2%) repetitive sequences. De novo annotation identified 20,518 protein-coding genes. Genome synteny to the domestic cow showed an average identity of 92.7%. Re-sequencing of five wild individuals to an average sequencing depth of 9.8x resulted in the identification of a filtered set of 3.4x106 bi-allelic SNVs. The proportion of alternative homozygous SNVs for the individuals representing different subspecies, as well as differentiation as measured by PCA, were consistent with expected divergence from the reference genome and among samples. The roan antelope genome is a valuable resource for evolutionary and population genomic questions, as well as management and conservation actions.
Orphan nuclear receptorftz-f1 (NR5A3)promotes egg chamber survival in theDrosophilaovary
Authors: Beachum Allison N , Whitehead Kaitlin M , McDonald Samantha I , Phipps Daniel N , Berghout Hanna E , Ables Elizabeth T
Published: January 2021

Gamete production in mammals and insects is controlled by cell signaling pathways that facilitate communication between germ cells and somatic cells. Nuclear receptor signaling is a key mediator of many aspects of reproduction, including gametogenesis. For example, the NR5A subfamily of nuclear receptors is essential for gonad development and sex steroid production in mammals. Despite the original identification of the NR5A subfamily in the model insect Drosophila melanogaster, it has been unclear whether Drosophila NR5A receptors directly control oocyte production. Ftz-f1 is expressed throughout the ovary, including in germline stem cells, germline cysts, and several populations of somatic cells. We show that ftz-f1 is required in follicle cells prior to stage 10 to promote egg chamber survival at the mid-oogenesis checkpoint. Our data suggest that egg chamber death in the absence of ftz-f1 is due, at least in part, to failure of follicle cells to exit the mitotic cell cycle or failure to accumulate oocyte-specific factors in the germline. Taken together, these results show that, as in mammals, the NR5A subfamily promotes maximal reproductive output in Drosophila. Our data underscore the importance of nuclear receptors in the control of reproduction and highlight the utility of Drosophila oogenesis as a key model for unraveling the complexity of nuclear receptor signaling in gametogenesis.
The assembled and annotated genome of the pigeon louseColumbicola columbae, a model ectoparasite
Authors: Baldwin-Brown James G , Villa Scott M , Vickrey Anna I , Johnson Kevin P , Bush Sarah E , Clayton Dale H , Shapiro Michael D
Published: January 2021

The pigeon louse Columbicola columbae is a longstanding and important model for studies of ectoparasitism and host-parasite coevolution. However, a deeper understanding of its evolution and capacity for rapid adaptation is limited by a lack of genomic resources. Here, we present a high-quality draft assembly of the C. columbae genome, produced using a combination of Oxford Nanopore, Illumina, and Hi-C technologies. The final assembly is 208 Mb in length, with 12 chromosome-size scaffolds representing 98.1% of the assembly. For gene model prediction, we used a novel clustering method (wavy_choose) for Oxford Nanopore RNA-seq reads to feed into the MAKER annotation pipeline. High recovery of conserved single-copy orthologs (BUSCOs) suggests that our assembly and annotation are both highly complete and highly accurate. Consistent with the results of the only other assembled louse genome, Pediculus humanus, we find that C. columbae has a relatively low density of repetitive elements, the majority of which are DNA transposons. Also similar to P. humanus, we find a reduced number of genes encoding opsins, G protein-coupled receptors, odorant receptors, insulin signaling pathway components, and detoxification proteins in the C. columbae genome, relative to other insects. We propose that such losses might characterize the genomes of obligate, permanent ectoparasites with predictable habitats, limited foraging complexity, and simple dietary regimes. The sequencing and analysis for this genome were relatively low cost, and took advantage of a new clustering technique for Oxford Nanopore RNAseq reads that will be useful to future genome projects.
The complete genome and comparative analysis of the phage phiC120 infecting multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella strains
Authors: Amarillas Luis , Villicaña Claudia , Lightbourn-Rojas Luis , González-Robles Arturo , León-Félix Josefina
Published: January 2021

Phages infecting Salmonella and Escherichia coli are promising agents for therapeutics and biological control of these foodborne pathogens, in particular those strains with resistance to several antibiotics. In an effort to assess the potential of the phage phiC120, a virulent phage isolated from horse feces in Mexico, we characterized its morphology, host range and complete genome. Herein, we showed that phiC120 possesses strong lytic activity against several multidrug-resistant E. coli O157: H7 and Salmonella strains, and its morphology indicated that is a member of Myoviridae family. The phiC120 genome is double-stranded DNA and consists of 186,570 bp in length with a 37.6% G + C content. A total of 281 putative open reading frames (ORFs) and two tRNAs were found, where 150 ORFs encoded hypothetical proteins with unknown function. Comparative analysis showed that phiC120 shared high similarity at nucleotide and protein levels with coliphages RB69 and phiE142. Detailed phiC120 analysis revealed that ORF 94 encodes a putative depolymerase, meanwhile genes encoding factors associated with lysogeny, toxins, and antibiotic resistance were absent; however, ORF 95 encodes a putative protein with potential allergenic and pro-inflammatory properties, making needed further studies to guarantee the safety of phiC120 for human use. The characterization of phiC120 expands our knowledge about the biology of coliphages and provides novel insights supporting its potential for the development of phage-based applications to control unwanted bacteria.