bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable development of the Republic of Bashkortostan of the Russian Federation: current state and prospects
Authors: Akchulpanov Yu. K.
Published: October 2024

The issues and prospects of sustainable development of the Republic of Bashkortostan with a focus on innovation aspects have been considered in order to develop recommendations to ensure the long-term progress of the region. The research methodology is based on the analysis and comparison of economic, social, and environmental factors of sustainable development, assessment of the role of innovation in each sphere, study of successes and experience of other constituent entities of the Russian Federation and foreign countries, as well as on the proposals for creating regional centers for assessing and monitoring sustainable development that in their activities will be focused on comprehensive research in regional socio-economic systems, considering the innovation component. The main spheres and components of ensuring sustainable development of the region have been defined and presented. The main study results are: identification of key aspects of sustainable development of the Republic of Bashkortostan; identification of issues and prospects in developing the economy and social and environmental spheres; analysis of the role of innovation in ensuring sustainable development; recommendations development for creating regional centers for assessing and monitoring sustainable development. Sustainable development of the territory is one of the main strategic objectives of the constituent entity. In order to achieve it, it is necessary to continue the work, as well as to increase attention to innovations, education and management systems. The centers creation can contribute to the system analysis and assessment of sustainable development processes, as well as the development of recommendations and strategies to improve the economic, social, and environmental condition of the territory.
Analysis of demand for managerial and teaching staff (with knowledge of the Russian language) in the economy of the United Republic of Tanzania
Authors: Nikitin N. A.
Published: October 2024

The analysis and economic evaluation of the prerequisites of demand for Russian language teachers in the education system in Tanzania show the Russian and Tanzanian interstate projects growth, which require not only political and legal, but also educational support. The activities of domestic structures (Rossotrudnichestvo, Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, and business structures) in Tanzania create economic prerequisites for demand for the Russian language in the country’s economy. Considering the increased level of interstate relations between the two states, due to the changes in Russia’s foreign policy course, it is possible to predict increasing demand for specialists in the field of Russian language, as well as knowledge of the language as a competitive advantage in Tanzania’s labor market. As a result of the analysis of the presence or planned presence of the structures associated with Russia, it is advisable to open centers for Russian language teachers training in the administrative districts of Tanzania, such as Zanzibar, Kigoma, Pemba, Rukwa, Mbeya, Arusha, and Mwanza. In these administrative units the interaction between the two countries is carried out or is planned, which will lead to an increase in demand for specialists speaking the Russian language, whose training is carried out as part of the main professional activity by Russian language teachers from among locally trained specialists.
Financial flow management of trading companies based on business process modeling
Authors: Byblya G. N. , Tretyakova S. N.
Published: October 2024

The issues of process approach implementation in enterprise financial flows management system have been highlighted. The stages of financial flows management within the framework of business processes model have been defined. The advantages of the balanced scorecard have been revealed. The approach to financial flows management based on business process models and their optimization methods has been proposed. The approach to enterprise process management is based on the Deming-Shewhart cycle. The strategic map has been considered as tools for process management and metrics control. The composition of balanced scorecard has been proposed, reflecting the dependence of profit, accounts receivable, and equity turnover rate on the key indicators of cost, fragmentation. and time of fulfilling tasks of the AS-IS and TO-BE business process models. The cause-and-effect relationships between the business processes tasks and a company’s financial performance have been considered. The paper presents the results of the analysis and visualization of the dynamics of change in indicators depending on business process model transformation. In order to reduce risks and increase the efficiency of implementing process optimization results, a number of simulation experiments have been conducted for a company actively developing online sales channels. Practical recommendations have been developed and changes in the key business process management system justified. The system effect from simulation modeling results implementation has been obtained.
Gamification: characteristics, trends, risks
Authors: Avdeeva A. P. , Safonova Yu. A.
Published: October 2024

Digital technologies development stimulates game elements inclusion into culture and different spheres of society. The identification of regularities and specifics of this process became the purpose of the study. The research methodology was based on the J. Huizing’s “man playing” concept and K. Verbach’s system description of gamification mechanisms. On the basis of these concepts, a grid of typical features of gamification has been compiled and gamification processes in different sociospheres analyzed. The research methods included the emerging gamification practices analysis. Based on the analysis results, trends and risks of implementing the game element into culture have been identified. The complex influence of gamification process on society and culture is manifested by consumers’ demand for interactivity, personal participation, and involvement (immersiveness) in almost all types of activities. These needs are strengthened under the influence of clip culture, making it easier for individuals to assimilate disparate and fragmented pieces of information. The request for immersiveness is closely related to the human need to be the author of the “text”, to control the plot, to create a plurality of readings (hypertext). It has been shown that gamification stimulates innovation in various areas, leads to the emergence of new products, processes, and services. The main risks of gamification development have been highlighted: hyperorientation to entertainment in areas that traditionally involve effort, and manipulation of people’s behavior in areas related to “shoulds”.
Transhumanism, managerism and the special military operation in Ukraine
Authors: Kovalev V. V.
Published: October 2024

The article analyzes two ideologies that are the most important for the modern Transhumanism and managerialism as two ideologies most significant for the modern Western world have been analyzed. The study of these issues was carried out in the context of identifying the relationship between the Western elites’ support for Ukraine and the transformation processes that are taking place in the European Union and North America. The purpose of the study is to determine what social changes in the West lead to forming barriers to the peaceful resolution of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The work applied general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, as well as the comparative method of scientific cognition. Document analysis was used as an applied method of collecting empirical information (the study of information portals, state authorities’ and non-governmental organizations’ websites). As the study result, the following conclusions have been made. The transhumanism ideology in the countries of the European Union and North America is focused on creating a “society of the chosen”. The transhumanism and managerialism application leads to a significant increase in society manageability by accelerating traditional social ties disintegration. Western society transformation increases its vulnerability due to incomplete change of social values and internal resistance to transhumanism and managerialism. The special military operation on the territory of Ukraine is used to strengthen integration processes in the West.
Sociological monitoring of student youth involvement in regional socio-economic development processes in modern Russian society
Authors: Tanina M. A. , Yudina V. A.
Published: October 2024

Student youth is the most creatively active, creative, able to put forward new ideas and implement promising projects social-demographic group of the population of the country and the region. In this regard, the student youth role in the processes of socio-economic development of the region and the country as a whole is key. At the same time, this socio-demographic group requires development and implementation of a clear, systematic, and effective policy in the field of education, culture, socio-economic and professional development, as well as mechanisms of involvement in the processes of regional socio-economic development in order to preserve and further develop human capital. The results of the sociological survey of students of Russian universities and colleges (N = 1.560 thousand people) from all federal districts conducted in 2023 have been presented. According to the sociological monitoring results, it has been revealed that a significant part of students is not purposefully interested in and does not track information about the activities of public authorities and is not involved in the processes of regional socio-economic development. The level of awareness and interaction of student youth with regional youth organizations is low. More than a third of students are not properly informed about the activities of these organizations, and their involvement is no more than 11 %. In order to increase the level of student youth involvement in the processes of regional socio-economic development in modern Russian society, the authors have developed methodological recommendations for engaging activities implementation.
Reproductive behavior of youth: theory and key factors
Authors: Filippenko V. A.
Published: October 2024

The reproductive behavior concept has been considered, which is the key to personal behavior formation in the context of childbirth and family formation. The analysis of approaches to reproductive behavior has been carried out, due to which main factors influencing reproductive behavior patterns formation have been highlighted. Material provision, the possibility to give children quality education and decent living conditions, the place of family and children in the system of values, as well as cultural norms in the complex influence behavior development in relation to family planning and childbirth. Currently, there is a problem of combining parenthood and the image of a successful careerist, so there is competition between the value aspects. The value of family and parenthood remains high, while the need for children decreases. In addition, psychological motives for having children prevail over economic and social ones. The topic of reproductive letting down contains many sides that need to be subjected to analysis. The difficulty lies in the fact that not only we operate with actual objective data, but also deal with personal and psychological characteristics, which complicates the analysis procedure, so it is necessary to further study the issue.
Some objective factors influencing delinquent behavior of regional youth in the 2000s
Authors: Yuzhaninov V. S.
Published: October 2024

Delinquent behavior and objective factors influencing it have been considered. It should be noted that crime is a complex phenomenon, which is influenced by many factors. Modern scientists combine these factors into two large groups such as subjective (or socio-cultural) and objective (or socio-economic). In order to study the latter and establish the existence of a relationship between them and youth crime, we have selected the most common criminal acts committed in the youth environment such as theft and robbery, as well as the most numerous crimes committed by young people against life and health such as infliction of minor and moderate harm to health. Among objective factors, we have chosen the indicators that can have the strongest impact on youth crime as a whole and on its individual categories such as ­average monthly accrued wages in the region, cash income per capita, and average per capita consumer spending. According to the conducted simple statistical analysis results, an inverse correlation between the number of criminals committing property crimes and the selected socio-economic factors has been revealed. Due to the use of a simple research method, it was not possible to establish any dependence of the number of young people committing crimes against property on the selected objective (socio-economic) factors.
Neural networks utilization in the video game industry
Authors: Godin V. V. , Terekhova A. E. , Bulatov D. N. , Zaremba I. А.
Published: October 2024

The scope of the video game industry and the use of neural networks in it have been studied. The impact of this technology on the computer games development process has been analyzed, the efficiency of its application in this area noted. The generalized scheme of video games development with identification of the stages most favorable for neural networks application has been considered. The possibilities of artificial intelligence in the video game characters’ visual image development, starting from the idea stage, touching the concept creation and ending with the realization stage, have been studied. The possibility of optimizing this process by implementing neural network technology has been shown. The neural networks application in the processes of writing game scripts and implementing dialog voicing in a game has been analyzed. The difference between the variability of plots and conversations of game characters created with the use of artificial intelligence model has been shown. The future concept of using neural networks as a digital twin of a video game developer has been considered. Estimates of the video game industry development through the generative artificial intelligence implementation have been formulated. As the study result, the positive influence of neural networks application on the computer games development up to the possible full automation of the industry under consideration due to the active use of this technology in the near future has been proved.
A study of Belarusian women’s perceptions of safety and its relationships with victimization and social gender
Authors: Golyakova I. V. , Karpiyevich V. А.
Published: October 2024

The differences between Belarusian women’s perceptions of safety, as well as the links between these perceptions with victimization and social gender have been analyzed. The purpose of the study is to identify the peculiarities of women’s perceptions of safety, considering its relationship with victimization and social gender. Methods used: analysis and synthesis, method of interview and psychological testing, results processing and generalization, tabular, etc. The psychological safety perceptions assessment has been studied with the help of N.E. Kharlamenkova’s psychological safety questionnaire and victimization with the help of V.P. Sheinov’s methodology, to determine gender-role peculiarities the masculinity-femininity scale from the Freiburg Personality Inventory (FPI) was used. The sample included 590 women aged 18 to 60 years old. Differences in perceptions of psychological safety among women of different age groups have been revealed. It has been shown that for women security is associated with such concepts as peace in their country, reliability, health, and control of the situation. Adult women also associate safety with compliance with norms and rules, possession of information, and a reliable companion. For young girls, security is also associated with a sense of comfort, trust, and lack of anxiety. Perceptions of safety differ between feminine and masculine women. It has been shown that feminine-type women associate safety with their qualities and abilities, and masculine-type women associate it with the attitude to solving personal safety problems with the help of psychological strength and orientation to independence.
Innovative technologies for growing digital maturity in auditors
Authors: Ruban-Lazareva N. V.
Published: October 2024

The changeable, unknown, complex, and multivalent world embraced by innovations makes new demands on auditors’ professional competencies, which are inseparable from the mastery of technologies. Innovative auditing technologies of regional finance and real economy auditing have been analyzed to substantiate the value of auditors’ digital maturity in the diversity of such technologies. Quantitative methods based on statistical studies confirmed the growth of audit, control, expert analytical activities, and the need to implement innovative technologies for greater coverage of the control data set. Innovative technologies used in audit practice have been presented. The definition of digital maturity in an auditor has been given, which substantiates the need for continuous training in modern technologies such as digital inspector of state and municipal financial audit, conducting and accounting of general audit results, and processing of huge arrays of reporting data, analytical dashboards, and tools for checking counterparties using the analysis of their debts and risks. Digital maturity has been proposed to be assessed by considering digital culture, professional knowledge, skills and competencies of tool ownership, and process thinking in quality data collection implementation during the udit. The planning, execution, and automation of audit control activities with innovative technologies create the basis for prompt effective management of the entire process, company resources, and regional finances. Visualization of the reporting verification results provides for their visibility for users in order to immediately make management decisions aimed at sustainable financial development.
Educational services sphere as a tool for improving the quality of human resources in the region
Authors: Agarkova L. V. , Ostapenko E. A.
Published: October 2024

The educational services sphere of Stavropol Krai occupies a significant place in the Russian economic sector development, as its main task is to meet the needs of the region, which is currently receiving special attention from the state, in qualified personnel. It is the end result of the functioning of the sphere that is a reliable foundation for human resources formation in this constituent entity. The role of education and human resources in the development of the regional economy of Stavropol Krai has been considered. The influence of the educational system on qualified specialists training necessary for sustainable development of the regional economy has been analyzed. The main trends and challenges related to education development in the region have been studied, and practical recommendations for optimizing educational programs and improving the quality of training offered. Particular attention has been paid to the issues of training highly qualified personnel and creating favorable conditions for their retention in the region. The influence of the human factor on educational services development in the region by means of SWOT-analysis has been considered. The purpose of the study is to develop institutional tools for the human factor development in the educational services sphere. The objective of the study is the identification of forms and issues of human factor development in the sphere. The research methodology is represented by institutional analysis and statistical method, SWOTanalysis is also applied. The results obtained can be used for forming and implementing a strategy for improving the education system in order to increase the region’s competitiveness.
Quality of services as a vector for expansion and development of service activities
Authors: Sofiyannikova I. Yu.
Published: October 2024

The article studies problematic aspects of expansion and development of service activities in Russia. The main purpose of the study is to analyze problematic aspects of the service sphere development and existing and most popular methods of assessing the quality of services. The relevance of the study is due to the need to expand service in the country, considering orientation on the interests of the end consumer and with simultaneous improvement of service quality. The main objectives of the study are: to identify problematic aspects of development of service activities in Russia, to identify and analyze the shortcomings of the methods used by service enterprises to assess the quality of services, and to propose options for their minimization and elimination. The article used both theoretical methods (analysis of current regulatory legal acts, as well as scientific works of researchers in this field) and empirical research methods (practical substantiation of the need to improve the quality of services provided to customers). On the basis of the analysis of the most popular and frequently used methods of service quality assessment the advantages and disadvantages of their application have been revealed. The study results are the problems identification that have a negative impact on service activities development and proposal of possible options for their solution.
Computationally efficient DFT-based sampling of ion diffusion in crystalline solids
Authors: Gustafsson Hannes , Schwarz Fabian , Smolders Thijs , Barthel Senja , Mace Amber
Published: October 2024

We present a method for large scale DFT-based screening of ion diffusion in crystalline solids. This is accomplished by extending the Ionic TuTraSt method to sample the Potential Energy Surface (PES) using single-point DFT calculations. To drastically reduce the number of single-point DFT calculations, symmetry, interpolation and the exclusion of high-energy regions are employed. The method, together with the strategies to reduce the number of DFT calculations are tested on a large dataset. This allows to optimize the interpolation and high-energy exclusion with respect to balancing computational efficiency and accuracy of the diffusion properties. Furthermore, Ionic TuTraSt is validated by comparison with ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations on a set of known Li-ion superconducting materials.
Screening of newly synthesized Ionic Liquids and Deep eutectic solvent for enhancing the activity and stability of fungal laccase: empowering kinetic parameters and long-term conservation
Authors: Haj Kacem Sihem , Silva Rafaela , Rosatella Andreia , Afonso Carlos , Omar Souheil , Galai Said
Published: October 2024

Ionic Liquids (ILs) and Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) are currently with great interest due to their highly interesting physicochemical properties, it was studied throughout many chemical and biological approaches and it was used intensively in biocatalysis and biomedicine. In the present study, 10 newly synthesized ILs and 04 newly synthesized DES has been used to study their effect on laccase enzyme. Hence ILs and DES have been screened in conventional reaction buffered medium (25°C and pH 7.0) and using ABTS and DMP as substrates to study the catalytic ability and the stability of the enzyme. From 14 newly synthetized items, only three water-miscible ILs ([BMIM][Ac], [Chol][Ac], and [Chol][Prop]) and one DES ([Chol][Ac.Ox]) have shown interest for improving the enzyme activity and stability. Among them, the [BMIM][Ac] has shown impressive empowering power for the laccase activity (almost 20 folds enhancement versus control) however it was not efficient to protect the enzyme against high temperature or long conservation. The two Choline based ILs, [Chol][Ac] and [Chol][Prop], have allowed the increase of laccase activity with a rate of 1.7 folds and 7.8 folds, respectively and it was shown interesting properties to protect the enzyme against temperature and storage. Regarding the DES [Chol][Ac.Ox], it was improved the laccase at about 8.9 folds but this rate has not been stable along the experiment due to the high hydrophobic nature of the solution, it could be more useful when applied in high temperature. The four screened items in general improved the activity of the enzyme especially at pH7.0 and shown a great sensitivity against temperature. By kinetic studies versus [BMIM][Ac], it was demonstrated that the IL can improve the laccase activity by increasing the catalytic markers (Vm and Kcat), however a decrease of the affinity has been notified by Km decreasing, which testify that the interaction of the enzyme with ILs can affect the proteinic structure in aqueous medium.
Synthesis of Chiral δ-Aminoboronic Esters by Enantioselective Hydrogenation of 1,2-Azaborines
Authors: Liu Jiangpeng , Robinson Devon , Li Bo , Liu Shih-Yuan
Published: October 2024

We describe herein an iridium-catalyzed highly diastereo- and enantioselective hydrogenation of 1,2-azaborines ac- cessing δ-aminoboronic esters of potential biological importance. This method represents the first enantioselective hydrogenation of boron-containing heteroarene and features a diverse substitution pattern and wide scope. The synthetic utility of our method was demonstrated by the synthesis of (–)-Phenibut and the formal synthesis of (+)-3-PPP and Fluvirucinine A1.
Running and analyzing massively parallel molecular simulations
Authors: Singh Sukrit , Hanson Sonya
Published: October 2024

Protein conformational landscapes contain the functionally relevant information useful for understanding biological processes. Mapping out conformational landscapes provides valuable insights into protein behaviors and biological phenomena, and has relevance to therapeutic design. While experimental structural biology (X-ray, Cryo-EM, NMR) can provide high resolution structures, they struggle to provide information about the full conformational landscapes of biomolecules. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are a powerful tool for exploring these landscapes at atomic-scale resolution. However, inferring functionally relevant information, such as the full conformational pathway of long-timescale processes, the impact of mutations on binding, or allosteric coupling between residues across long distances, requires too extensive sampling that a single MD simulation may not achieve. This sampling limitation can be circumvented by generating datasets of parallel molecular simulations, a powerful approach to sample long-timescale events and study complex biological phenomena. Here, we discuss recent advances and present a practical guide to generating massively parallel molecular dynamics datasets. We start by detailing the practical considerations prior to generating a dataset, spanning from storage needs to the timescales addressed by the dataset, as well as modern simulation engines. Subsequently, we discuss how to analyze thee datasets to build unified models of conformational space, including future insights to be made possible by distributed simulation architectures.
The state of rheological properties of blood in pregnant smokers with chronic nonspecific bronchial inflammation
Authors: Dzyubailo Anna V. , Lotkov Viacheslav S.
Published: October 2024

Aim. To evaluate the effect of smoking on the blood rheology of pregnant smokers with chronic nonspecific bronchial inflammation.
Materials and methods. The prospective study included 107 pregnant smoking patients and 136 non-smoking pregnant women who were observed in a polyclinic. The control group consisted of 42 non-smoking women without chronic diseases. The patients were examined according to the clinical guidelines for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The speed and volume indicators of the function of external respiration, indicators of blood rheology were studied. The reliability of the results was assessed using the methods of parametric and nonparametric statistics. Before applying all statistical research methods, it was checked whether the sample obeys the Gaussian (normal) distribution law. A single-factor analysis of variance was used to determine whether there was a statistically significant difference between the averages of three or more independent groups.
Results. Having refuted the null hypothesis about the absence of the effect of smoking on hemoglobin, using the Student's t-test method for dependent samples, it was established.
Conclusion. The longer the period of tobacco use lasted, the more likely it was to develop changes in the viscosity qualities of blood, which undoubtedly affected the condition of patients and the fetus.
Modern concepts about the problem of endometrial infertility against the backdrop of the "thin endometrium" (literature review)
Authors: Motovilova Tatiana M. , Simakova Viktoria Y. , Kazakova Kseniia V. , Kazarinova Daria A.
Published: October 2024

Endometrial infertility is the cause of inadequate implantation and serves as an obstacle to the onset and progression of spontaneous pregnancy and the implementation of assisted reproductive technology (ART) programs. One of the most common mechanisms for the development of infertility is endometrial thinning. Despite the abundance of publications, today there are no generally accepted diagnostic criteria and treatment and rehabilitation approaches for this pathology, which encourages continued scientific research in this direction. Aim was to highlight the problem of decreased fertility caused by “thin endometrium”. To create the review, the bibliographic method was applied and domestic and foreign literary sources from the Pubmed, MedLine, RSCI, e-library and Cyberleninka search engine databases were used. The search depth was 10 years. The following search phrases were used: “uterine factor of infertility”, “endometrial factor of infertility”, “thin endometrium”. Seventy five sources that were included in this review were studied and analyzed. Data presented in the literature indicate that endometrial causes of infertility are associated with incompetence of the uterine cavity mucosa, which may manifest itself as a phenomenon of ”thin endometrium”, the development mechanisms of which have not yet been fully studied. Determining the functional status of the endometrium is very important for predicting the onset of pregnancy in the natural cycle or in ART programs, since even in the presence of a good quality embryo, endometrial deficiency can prevent adequate implantation. Thus, before planning a subsequent pregnancy, it is necessary to diagnose and, if possible, neutralize or correct endometrial causes of infertility. One of the main markers of readiness for implantation at the moment is the thickness of the endometrium.
Effectiveness of Scapular Stabilization Versus Non-Stabilization Stretching on Shoulder Range of Motion, a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Howell Alan J , Burchett Andrew , Heebner Nicholas , Walker Cody , Baunach Alec , Seidt Asia , Uhl Tim L
Published: October 2024

Background

Previous research has demonstrated the benefits of both stabilization and non-stabilization of the scapula during stretching in individuals with posterior shoulder tightness, but limited evidence exists in patients with shoulder pain.

Hypothesis/Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of stabilized scapular stretching on patients with shoulder pain. The primary hypothesis of this study is that stabilized scapular stretching will improve glenohumeral motion and pain compared to non-stabilized stretch program. A secondary hypothesis of this study is that stabilized scapular stretching will produce greater improvement in function compared to the non-stabilized stretching program.

Study Design

Randomized Clinical Trial

Methods

Sixteen patients with sub-acromial pain associated with tendinopathy and associated pathologies presenting to physical therapy were randomized into two groups (stabilized or non-stabilized scapular stretching). Baseline pain and range of motion were measured prior to and following each treatment session for three visits that occurred over the course five to seventeen days depending on the patients availability. The dependent measurements were stabilized horizontal adduction, stabilized internal rotation, stabilized shoulder flexion, non-stabilized shoulder flexion, and current pain level.

Results

Patients in the scapular stabilization stretching group increased horizontal adduction 40° (CI95 31, 48°) compared to the non-stabilization stretching group increase of 8° (CI95 0, 17°) over the course of the three treatments (p<0.001). Similarly, the stabilized stretching group increased internal rotation 48° (CI95 26, 69°) compared to the non-stabilized stretching group increase of 26° (CI95 4, 48°) (p=0.001). Pain decreased in the stabilized stretching group by 1.4 points (CI95 -0.4, 3.2) but increased slightly in non-stabilized group by -0.5 points (CI95 -2.3, 1.3) which was not a clinically meaningful change. (p=0.03)

Conclusion

Stabilized scapular stretching was more effective than non-stabilized stretching at gaining shoulder mobility in patients with shoulder pain. Benefits were immediate and sustained between treatment sessions. Stretching interventions improved range of motion but had limited effect on shoulder pain.

Level of Evidence

2
Short-Term Clinical Outcomes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction In Adolescents During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Weaver Adam , Ness Brandon , Roman Dylan , Giampetruzzi Nicholas , Cleland Joshua
Published: October 2024

Background/Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted adolescents across multiple areas of health. While many factors influence outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on early patient outcomes after ACLR is currently unknown in an adolescent population. The purpose of this study was to determine if short-term clinical outcomes were different in adolescents after ACLR for those who underwent surgery pre-COVID versus during the COVID-19 pandemic timeframe.

Design

Retrospective cohort

Methods

A retrospective review of records occurred for patients who underwent ACLR with a quadriceps tendon autograft. Two separate review timeframes were defined according to date of surgery (control: September 2017 - October 2019; COVID: March 2020 - May 2021). Patients were classified into pre-COVID (control) and COVID groups by surgical date and were then age- and sex-matched. Three-month postoperative outcomes were included for analysis, including normalized isometric quadriceps and hamstring peak torque, Anterior Cruciate Ligament – Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI), and the Pedi International Knee Documentation Committee Form (Pedi-IKDC) scores.

Results

Sixty patients met the inclusion criteria (34 females, 56.7%). Follow-up testing occurred at 3.2 months (98.13 ± 14.91 days) postoperative. A significant difference was found between groups for normalized quadriceps peak torque on the uninvolved limb, with the control group (2.03 ± 0.47 Nm/kg) demonstrating decreased peak torque compared to the COVID group (2.49 ± 0.61 Nm/kg) (p =0.002, effect size (d) = 0.84). For the involved limb, no difference in normalized quadriceps peak torque was observed between the control group (1.25 ± 0.33 Nm/kg) and those who underwent surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic (1.49 ± 0.70 Nm/kg) (p = 0.09). No differences were identified between groups for any of the other strength outcomes (p = 0.31 – 0.87). Similarly, no differences in patient reported outcomes were found for Pedi-IKDC or ACL-RSI between groups (p = 0.12 – 0.43).

Conclusion

At roughly three months after ACLR, normalized quadriceps peak torque on the uninvolved limb was reduced by 18.5% for adolescents who underwent surgery pre-COVID versus during the COVID-19 pandemic timeframe. No group differences were observed for other isometric strength outcomes, Pedi-IKDC, or ACL-RSI scores.
Resident Case Series: Blood Flow Restriction as an Adjunct to Strengthening Exercises in Two Patients with Subacromial Impingement and High Irritability
Authors: Ceballos Angel , Zeppieri Giorgio , Bialosky Joel
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Evidence informed management of individuals presenting with subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) includes strengthening exercises directed at the shoulder musculature. Patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) can present with pain during and after completion of heavy resistance training limiting the applicability of this recommended treatment approach. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is indicated for patients who have pain while completing heavy resistance training and may represent an important treatment modification for patients with SAIS unable to fully participate in a strengthening exercise program. The purpose of this case series is to describe the inclusion of BFR in the treatment of two patients with SAIS.

Case descriptions

Two middle aged, non-operative patients with signs and symptoms consistent with SAIS and high levels of irritability were included. Treatment over one month consisted of three commonly used exercises in the treatment of SAIS in conjunction with a standard BFR protocol: 75 reps broken up into sets of 30,15,15,15 with the BFR cuff placed over proximal humerus.

Outcomes

Immediate within session improvements beyond measurement error were observed in resting pain and pain pressure thresholds at three sites. At the end of the course of treatment, clinically meaningful improvements were observed in patient reported outcomes including the PENN Score, ASES score, and the patient-specific functional scale. Clinically meaningful improvements and change beyond measurement error were also observed in range of motion and strength which (assessed via a handheld dynamometer).

Discussion

The incorporation of low load resistance training with BFR may be a useful adjunct for treating patients with SAIS to promote exercise-induced hypoalgesia, decrease pain, and increase function in the upper extremity.

Level of Evidence

5
‘Avoidance Preening’, Displacement Behavior and Co-Dependency in Professional Team Sport: When Wants Become More Important Than Needs
Authors: McLean Blake D. , Strack Donnie S. , Martin David T.
Published: October 2024

An athlete’s body plays an important role in their performance and well-being. However, game-relevant skills are better determinants of success, compared with physical fitness, in technically-driven team sports. In the professional era, over utilization of resources, in pursuit of physical optimization, can detract from time spent on priorities. Athletes’ non-strategic, time-demanding focus on physical preparation/treatments resembles avian ‘avoidance preening’, whereby stressful situations trigger birds to excessively preen in place of more productive activities. The purpose of this commentary is to explore the behaviors of resource-rich professional teams and the roles of staff dedicated to optimizing physical performance, including circumstances that foster avoidance behavior and create the potential for practitioners to encourage co-dependent relationships with athletes. To cultivate healthy/productive environments, the following is recommended: I) recognition of non-productive avoidance behaviors; II) eschewing unjustified, fear promoting, pathoanatomical language; III) fostering collaborative approaches; IV) encouraging utilization of psychology services; V) recognizing that optimal physical function and feeling good is rarely the primary goal in professional team sports.

Level of Evidence

5
Effects of drying conditions on physical properties, bioactive compounds and
antioxidant activity of Andrographis paniculata leaves
Authors: Soiklom S. , Siri-anusornsak W. , Petchpoung K.
Published: October 2024

Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees (AP) is a medicinal plant widely used
in the tropical area of Asia. The effects of drying temperature and time on the
andrographolide (AG) content, total phenolic content (TPC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-
picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and ferric ion reducing antioxidant
power (FRAP) activity were investigated. A 3×4 factorial completely randomized design
was performed. Sun drying and hot-air drying at different temperatures (50℃, 60℃ and
70℃) and different drying times (5 hrs, 6 hrs and 7 hrs) were investigated. The results
demonstrated that a higher drying temperature and a longer time decreased the AG
content, the TPC, the DPPH radical scavenging activity and the FRAP activity. Dried AP
leaves at 50℃ for 5 hrs had the highest AG content. However, sun drying for 5 hrs
resulted in the greatest TPC, DPPH radical scavenging activity and FRAP activity.
Therefore, the recommended options for the optimum drying of AP to maintain active
ingredients were 50℃ for 5 hrs, while sun drying was recommended to maintain
antioxidant activity. These results provided the basis for further development of dried
Andrographis paniculata leaf products containing high contents of bioactive and
antioxidant activity as functional or nutraceutical foods in the future.
Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control Platoon Fleet Formation Model Considering Efficiency and Stability
Authors: Li Shunli , Wang Zengqiang
Published: October 2024

In the existing formation model, vehicles in the same lane or adjacent lane are regarded as the structure, and the driving behavior of vehicles is studied from the perspectives of safety, speed consistency, and stability, and the speed control model is proposed from the perspective of vehicles themselves, to obtain a stable fleet with the same distance and speed. However, in this process, the initial condition of the vehicle, the traffic flow environment, and the efficiency of the fleet formation are less considered. Therefore, based on summarizing the existing fleet building model, this paper puts forward the rapid construction model and algorithm of a cooperative adaptive cruise control platoon fleet. One of the important goals of forming a team is to enter the team with the smoothest trajectory in the shortest time. Therefore, this chapter studies the trajectory optimization of the vehicle formation process from the perspective of vehicle dynamics.
An Experimental Study of Wave Impact Loads on an FPSO Bow in 2D Wave-Tank
Authors: Park Dong-Min , Park Byoungjae , Lee Kangsu
Published: October 2024

In harsh environments, an floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) is occasionally damaged by impact loads, such as bow flare slamming and green water. This study conducted an impact load measurement experiment on a model of an FPSO bow in a 2D wave tank. Three types of frequency-focused waves (steep, spilling, and plunging) were generated, and the speed and slope of the waves were measured. Seven wave probes were placed in a row, and the wave elevation was measured to determine the speed and slope of the waves. In addition, the side of the 2D wave tank was photographed with a high-speed camera. The speed and slope of the waves obtained from the wave probe array agreed well with those obtained from the photographs taken using a high-speed camera. In the case of a steep wave, wave runup occurred at the bow before the wave reached the bow of the FPSO, so no impact load was generated, and only hydrostatic pressure was measured. Impact loads were generated in the spilling and plunging waves, and the magnitude of impact loads using the Von Karman’s estimation formula and the impact loads measured in model tests showed similar values.
Proteomic Characterization Of Clinical Candida glabrata Isolates With Varying Degrees Of Virulence And Resistance To Fluconazole
Authors:   ,   Lebanese American University -- Chouran Beirut, Zeidan Ahmad
Published: October 2024

Candida glabrata, an opportunistic fungal pathogen, is a significant contributor to mortality among individuals with weakened immune systems. Azoles represent the primary and most utilized antifungal agents in the treatment of Candida infections within hospitals and healthcare settings. Azoles work by inhibiting the Erg11 enzyme altering the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol, the main sterol found in fungi. Resistance to azoles is increasing among Candida species worldwide, and in Lebanon. This study aims to determine proteins responsible for resistance and virulence in Candida glabrata hospital isolates. Four isolates with varying degrees of resistance and virulence to fluconazole were analyzed. Cell wall proteins of each isolate were extracted and analyzed using MALDI TOF TOF mass spectrometry to detect and identify proteins responsible for virulence, and resistance under exposure to fluconazole drug. The results showed the exclusive presence of efflux pumps such as Cdr1 and Pdr1 after exposure to fluconazole, in addition to other resistance mechanisms such as activation of multidrug transporter proteins and specific response pathways such as the RIM 101 pathway that could be involved in drug resistance and adhesion. Moreover, proteomic profiling showed that the virulent isolates differentially expressed many proteins such as the autophagy related proteins Atg 11, Atg16, and stress responses proteins such as Sgf11, Alg2. Autophagy can help the pathogen survive in hostile environments, such as exposure to antifungal drugs. In conclusion, our study suggests several mechanisms that contribute to resistance and virulence in C. glabrata Lebanese hospital isolates.
EVALUATING PERFORMANCE, COMBUSTION, AND EMISSION CHARACTERISTICS OF WASTE PLASTIC OIL BLENDS IN CRDI DIESEL ENGINES USING DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS
Authors: Munaf A. Abdul , Velmurugan A , Balaji A , Loganathan M , Bakkiyaraj M
Published: October 2024

As fossil fuels run out quickly, researchers studying engines are increasingly interested in alternative fuels. This paper covers the use of plastic paralysis oil as biodiesel in diesel engines. This was done using a four-stroke, multi-cylinder CRDI diesel engine running between 2000 and 2500 rpm. From zero loads to fifty percent load, the performance, combustion, and emission characteristics were computed for a variety of load scenarios. The analysis revealed that the blend D80WPO20 at 2000 rpm reduced hydrocarbon emissions from 0.059 g/kW to 0.045 g/kW, which is lower than that of 25% diesel at 26 kW. At high speed, the blend D80WPO20 at 2000 rpm gave the maximum BTE of 34.53%. The nitric oxide (NOx) emissions from D50WPO50 and diesel at a 26 kW load are 6.48 g/kWh and 5.37 g/kWh, respectively, according to reports. Data envelopment analysis, a multi-response linear programming optimization tool, was used to evaluate the output and emissions of DI diesel engines using waste plastic oil mixtures.