bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust H∞ Loop Shaping Controller Synthesis for SISO Systems by Complex Modular Functions
Authors: Azar Ahmad Taher , Serrano Fernando E. , Kamal Nashwa Ahmad
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a loop shaping controller design methodology for single input and a single output (SISO) system is proposed. The theoretical background for this approach is based on complex elliptic functions which allow a flexible design of a SISO controller considering that elliptic functions have a double periodicity. The gain and phase margins of the closed-loop system can be selected appropriately with this new loop shaping design procedure. The loop shaping design methodology consists of implementing suitable filters to obtain a desired frequency response of the closed-loop system by selecting appropriate poles and zeros by the Abel theorem that are fundamental in the theory of the elliptic functions. The elliptic function properties are implemented to facilitate the loop shaping controller design along with their fundamental background and contributions from the complex analysis that are very useful in the automatic control field. Finally, apart from the filter design, a PID controller loop shaping synthesis is proposed implementing a similar design procedure as the first part of this study.
The Spread of the COVID-19 Outbreak in Brazil: An Overview by Kohonen Self-Organizing Map Networks
Authors: Galvan Diego , Effting Luciane , Cremasco Hágata , Conte-Junior Carlos Adam
Published: March 2021

Background and objective: In the current pandemic scenario, data mining tools are fundamental to evaluate the measures adopted to contain the spread of COVID-19. In this study, unsupervised neural networks of the Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) type were used to assess the spatial and temporal spread of COVID-19 in Brazil, according to the number of cases and deaths in regions, states, and cities. Materials and methods: The SOM applied in this context does not evaluate which measures applied have helped contain the spread of the disease, but these datasets represent the repercussions of the country’s measures, which were implemented to contain the virus’ spread. Results: This approach demonstrated that the spread of the disease in Brazil does not have a standard behavior, changing according to the region, state, or city. The analyses showed that cities and states in the north and northeast regions of the country were the most affected by the disease, with the highest number of cases and deaths registered per 100,000 inhabitants. Conclusions: The SOM clustering was able to spatially group cities, states, and regions according to their coronavirus cases, with similar behavior. Thus, it is possible to benefit from the use of similar strategies to deal with the virus’ spread in these cities, states, and regions.
Maintaining Digestive Health in Diabetes: The Role of the Gut Microbiome and the Challenge of Functional Foods
Authors: Bezirtzoglou Eugenia , Stavropoulou Elisavet , Kantartzi Konstantina , Tsigalou Christina , Voidarou Chrysa , Mitropoulou Gregoria , Prapa Ioanna , Santarmaki Valentini , Kompoura Vasiliki , Yanni Amalia E. , Antoniadou Maria , Varzakas Theodoros , Kourkoutas Yiannis
Published: March 2021

Over the last decades, the incidence of diabetes has increased in developed countries and beyond the genetic impact, environmental factors, which can trigger the activation of the gut immune system, seem to affect the induction of the disease process. Since the composition of the gut microbiome might disturb the normal interaction with the immune system and contribute to altered immune responses, the restoration of normal microbiota composition constitutes a new target for the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Thus, the interaction of gut microbiome and diabetes, focusing on mechanisms connecting gut microbiota with the occurrence of the disorder, is discussed in the present review. Finally, the challenge of functional food diet on maintaining intestinal health and microbial flora diversity and functionality, as a potential tool for the onset inhibition and management of the disease, is highlighted by reporting key animal studies and clinical trials. Early onset of the disease in the oral cavity is an important factor for the incorporation of a functional food diet in daily routine.
Bacteriophages to Control Multi-Drug Resistant Enterococcus faecalis Infection of Dental Root Canals
Authors: El-Telbany Mohamed , El-Didamony Gamal , Askora Ahmed , Ariny Eman , Abdallah Dalia , Connerton Ian F. , El-Shibiny Ayman
Published: March 2021

Phage therapy is an alternative treatment to antibiotics that can overcome multi-drug resistant bacteria. In this study, we aimed to isolate and characterize lytic bacteriophages targeted against Enterococcus faecalis isolated from root canal infections obtained from clinics at the Faculty of Dentistry, Ismalia, Egypt. Bacteriophage, vB_ZEFP, was isolated from concentrated wastewater collected from hospital sewage. Morphological and genomic analysis revealed that the phage belongs to the Podoviridae family with a linear double-stranded DNA genome, consisting of 18,454, with a G + C content of 32.8%. Host range analysis revealed the phage could infect 10 of 13 E. faecalis isolates exhibiting a range of antibiotic resistances recovered from infected root canals with efficiency of plating values above 0.5. One-step growth curves of this phage showed that it has a burst size of 110 PFU per infected cell, with a latent period of 10 min. The lytic activity of this phage against E. faecalis biofilms showed that the phage was able to control the growth of E. faecalis in vitro. Phage vB_ZEFP could also prevent ex-vivo E. faecalis root canal infection. These results suggest that phage vB_ZEFP has potential for application in phage therapy and specifically in the prevention of infection after root canal treatment.
Effect of Colonization of Trichoderma harzianum on Growth Development and CBD Content of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)
Authors: Kakabouki Ioanna , Tataridas Alexandros , Mavroeidis Antonios , Kousta Angeliki , Karydogianni Stella , Zisi Charikleia , Kouneli Varvara , Konstantinou Artemis , Folina Antigolena , Konstantas Aristidis , Papastylianou Panayiota
Published: March 2021

Trichoderma harzianum, as a natural endophytic biocontrol agent, can ameliorate plant development, nutrient uptake, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Trichoderma harzianum inoculation on agronomical and quality characteristics of two monoecious hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) varieties, Fedora 17 and Felina. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design of two treatments of Trichoderma harzianum with a low and high dose of the fungus (T1 and T2). The significance of differences between treatments was estimated by using a Fisher’s test with a significance level p = 0.05. The root density of both varieties was significantly affected by treatments, and higher values were recorded in Fedora 17 (2.32 mm cm−3). The Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) colonization of the root system and the soil emission of CO2 were higher after the inoculation of Trichoderma harzianum. The highest values of plant height and dry weight were noticed for T2, especially in variety Felina. Trichoderma harzianum positively influenced characteristics of inflorescences such as their number, fresh weight moisture, and compactness in both varieties, while the dry weight, length, and dry yield of inflorescences were not improved. Finally, the fertigation of Trichoderma harzianum in hemp plants was beneficial by increasing the cannabidiol (CBD) content, especially in T2 treatment (4 × 1012 CFU kg−1).
Coordinated Expression of HPV-6 Genes with Predominant E4 and E5 Expression in Laryngeal Papilloma
Authors: Ikegami Taro , Hirakawa Hitoshi , Tsukahara Narutoshi , Murakami Akikazu , Kise Norimoto , Kiyuna Asanori , Kosugi Takayoshi , Agena Shinya , Kinjyo Hidetoshi , Hasegawa Narumi , Touyama Masatomo , Kondo Shunsuke , Maeda Hiroyuki , Suzuki Mikio , Ganaha Akira
Published: March 2021

Laryngeal papilloma (LP) associated with human papillomavirus (HPV)-6 or -11 infection shows aggressive growth. However, the detailed molecular mechanism of virus-driven tumorigenesis has not been uncovered fully. HPV-6 viral gene expression and dynamic alterations were investigated with in situ localization of viral DNA and RNA in 13 patients with HPV-6-infected laryngeal papilloma. The average viral load was 4.80 × 105 ± 1.86 × 105 copies/ng DNA. E4, E5a, and E5b mRNAs accounted for 96% of the expression of 9 mRNAs. The alteration of viral DNA load during recurrence paralleled the mRNA expression levels, and the expression of all mRNAs showed a similar curve. E4, E5a, and E5b were expressed in the middle to upper part of the epithelium and were co-expressed in the same cells. E4 immunohistochemistry demonstrated an extensively positive reaction in the upper cell layer in accordance with E4 mRNA expression. These results suggest that individual viral genes are coordinately expressed for viral replication, virus release, and immunosurveillance avoidance. The newly developed E4-specific monoclonal antibody can be applied to further functional studies and clinical applications such as targeted molecular therapies.
Properties of SU(2) Center Vortex Structure in Smooth Configurations
Authors: Golubich Rudolf , Faber Manfried
Published: March 2021

New analysis regarding the structure of center vortices is presented: Using data from gluonic SU(2) lattice simulation with Wilson action, a correlation of fluctuations in color space to the curvature of vortex fluxes was found. Finite size effects of the S2-homogeneity hint at color homogeneous regions on the vortex surface.
Study of Amine Functionalized Mesoporous Carbon as CO2 Storage Materials
Authors: Faisal Muhamad , Pamungkas Afif Zulfikar , Krisnandi Yuni Krisyuningsih
Published: March 2021

Carbon sequestration via the carbon capture and storage (CCS) method is one of the most useful methods of lowering CO2 emissions in the atmosphere. Ethylenediamine (EDA)- and triethylenetetramine (TETA)-modified mesoporous carbon (MC) has been successfully prepared as a CO2 storage material. The effect of various concentrations of EDA or TETA added to MC, as well as activated carbon (AC), on their CO2 adsorption capacity were investigated using high-purity CO2 as a feed and a titration method to quantitatively measure the amount of adsorbed CO2. The results showed that within 60 min adsorption time, MCEDA49 gave the highest CO2 capacity adsorption (19.68 mmol/g), followed by MC-TETA30 (11.241 mol/g). The improvement of CO2 adsorption capacity at low TETA loadings proved that the four amine functional groups in TETA gave an advantage to CO2 adsorption. TETA-functionalized MC has the potential to be used as a CO2 storage material at a low concentration. Therefore, it is relatively benign and friendly to the environment.
Facing Change through Diversity: Resilience and Diversification of Plant Management Strategies during the Mid to Late Holocene Transition at the Monte Castelo Shellmound, SW Amazonia
Authors: Furquim Laura P. , Watling Jennifer , Hilbert Lautaro M. , Shock Myrtle P. , Prestes-Carneiro Gabriela , Calo Cristina Marilin , Py-Daniel Anne R. , Brandão Kelly , Pugliese Francisco , Zimpel Carlos Augusto , da Silva Carlos Augusto , Neves Eduardo G.
Published: March 2021

Recent advances in the archaeology of lowland South America are furthering our understanding of the Holocene development of plant cultivation and domestication, cultural niche construction, and relationships between environmental changes and cultural strategies of food production. This article offers new data on plant and landscape management and mobility in Southwestern Amazonia during a period of environmental change at the Middle to Late Holocene transition, based on archaeobotanical analysis of the Monte Castelo shellmound, occupied between 6000 and 650 yr BP and located in a modern, seasonally flooded savanna–forest mosaic. Through diachronic comparisons of carbonized plant remains, phytoliths, and starch grains, we construct an ecology of resource use and explore its implications for the long-term history of landscape formation, resource management practices, and mobility. We show how, despite important changes visible in the archaeological record of the shellmound during this period, there persisted an ancient, local, and resilient pattern of plant management which implies a degree of stability in both subsistence and settlement patterns over the last 6000 years. This pattern is characterized by management practices that relied on increasingly diversified, rather than intensive, food production systems. Our findings have important implications in debates regarding the history of settlement permanence, population growth, and carrying capacity in the Amazon basin.
Assessing Health Damages from Improper Disposal of Solid Waste in Metropolitan Islamabad–Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Authors: Akmal Tanzila , Jamil Faisal
Published: March 2021

Rapid urbanization in developing countries leads to a dramatic increase in solid waste production, with serious socio-economic and ecological impacts. In order to avoid the associated hazards, particularly those related to human health and the environment, solid waste management is indispensable. Disposal of municipal waste that predominantly comprises household and commercial refuse has become a daunting task for local governments and municipalities of Pakistan. Issues related to both inadequacy of service delivery and inappropriate disposal signify that waste management should be high on the local environment policy agenda. In particular, the external cost of waste management is high, and cost recovery of refuse collection may cause the exclusion of many households and additional costs on the households that avail themselves of the service. In this study, we carried out an evaluation of the health damage caused by improper waste disposal in a sample of heterogeneous households. The study shows a framework for evaluating the damages caused by inadequate waste management practices. The results indicate that irregular disposal in the vicinity of residents causes illness: respondents living within 100 m are more vulnerable to malaria, dengue, and asthma than those living more than 500 m away. Moreover, the findings highlight that households lack knowledge of waste hazards and 75.9% of waste is not segregated. We suggest a subsidized waste collection and disposal service provided either by the local government or by outsourcing.
Food Consumption in Cologne Ehrenfeld: Gentrification through Gastrofication?
Authors: Lütke Petra , Jäger Eva Maria
Published: March 2021

Food and nutrition trends cater for many more functions than simply satisfying the physical need for food. Given the fundamental significance of everyday food it seems clear that it is also relevant in urban development processes. Nutrition trends and food outlets influence the attractiveness and quality of life of neighborhoods, and therefore also reflect the development of urban space. This article aims to bring together the topics of urban development, consumption, and current nutrition trends. Attention is focused on the role played by gastronomic landscapes in urban gentrification processes and how current nutrition trends are manifested. Empirical research was conducted between 2019 and 2020 in the case-study district of Ehrenfeld in the city of Cologne. In the past, this industrial neighborhood was affected by downgrading processes. After years of decline, rising vacancy rates, and outwards migration, there have been clear signs of upgrading in Ehrenfeld since the end of the 1990s. The neighborhood is also characterized by an extensive and continuously growing gastronomic landscape, which combines a multiplicity of national and international cuisines and food cultures. About one-third of the food outlets located on Venloer Straße were established between 2010 and 2020.
Is there an association between long-term antibiotics for acne and subsequent infection sequelae and antimicrobial resistance? A systematic review
Authors: Bhate Ketaki , Lin Liang-Yu , Barbieri John S , Leyrat Clémence , Hopkins Susan , Stabler Richard , Shallcross Laura , Smeeth Liam , Francis Nick , Mathur Rohini , Langan Sinéad M , Sinnott Sarah-Jo
Published: March 2021

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health priority. Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition for which antibiotic use ranges from a few months to years of daily exposure.

Aim

To systemically search for and synthesise evidence on the risk of treatment-resistant infections, and other evidence of AMR, following long-term oral antibiotic use for acne.

Design & setting

In this systematic review, a literature search was carried out using the databases Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Web of Science. They were searched using MeSH, Emtree, or other relevant terms, and followed a pre-registered protocol.

Method

Search strategies were developed with a librarian and undertaken in July 2019. All searches date from database inception. The primary outcome was antibiotic treatment failure or infection caused by a resistant organism. Secondary outcomes included detection of resistant organisms without an infection, rate of infection, or changes to flora.

Results

A total of 6996 records were identified. Seventy-three full-text articles were shortlisted for full review, of which five were included. Two investigated rates of infection, and three resistance or changes to microbial flora. Three studies had 35 or fewer participants (range 20–118 496). Three studies had a serious or high risk of bias, one moderate, and one a low risk of bias. Weak evidence was found for an association between antibiotic use for acne and subsequent increased rates of upper respiratory tract infections and pharyngitis.

Conclusion

There is a lack of high quality evidence on the relationship between oral antibiotics for acne treatment and subsequent AMR sequelae. This needs to be urgently addressed with rigorously conducted studies.
Progress of Self Help Group-Bank Linkage Programme in India
Authors: Muthu N
Published: March 2021

In this paper an attempt has been made to analyse the progress of SHG-Bank linkage programme in India during the period between 2007-2008 and 2019-2020. The progress of SHG-Bank linkage programme has been analyzed in terms growth of savings of SHGs with banks and growth of bank loans disbursed to SHGs. For this purpose the data required for the study were collected from the official publication of National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD), different published reports, journals and existing available literature. This study employed simple statistical tools such as percentage analysis and averages to analyze the data. The result of the study shows that there is significant raise in the amount of savings of SHGs with banking sector and amount of loans disbursed to SHGs, During this study period. However the agency-wise analyses of savings of SHGs and loans disbursed to SHGs show that the Commercial banks lead in getting savings of SHGs and loans disbursed to them followed by Regional Rural Banks and Co-operative banks. Not with standing the remarkable progress, geographically there has been skewed development of SHG-Bank linkage programme in India. There is wide regional disparity in the spread of SHGs, savings of SHGs with banks and loans disbursed to SHGs under this programme. The outreach of this programme is spectacular in Southern region while North, West and Eastern regions are lagging behind. In view of the large outreach, predominant position and the possible benefits to the poor, it is very important to see the benefits of this programme to reach across all sections of the society and regions. So far the SHG movement is India is mostly South-Centric and it is yet to take off the real sense in other regions of India.
Guilt as impact factor on family functioning in families with cancer
patient
Authors: Krivonis T.G.
Published: March 2021

Cancer has a negative impact on the mental health not only patients but
also their relatives. Based on ethical and deontological principles were
examined 288 family members of cancer patient, 174 husbands and 114 wives.
In the study used such diagnostic methods as Perceived Guilt Index and the
Family Adaptation and Cohesion Scale (FACES-3), a clinical-psychological
interview. It is determined, that cancer progression, the level of family
adaptation and gender influenced on the intensity of guilt. The severity of
situational guilt was higher than the severity of personal guilt in families
with a cancer patient. For cancer guilt in the patient and its family
members were a frequent manifestation of mental distress, but the
progression of the disease was a significant factor in its actualization.
Females were at increased risk for the effect of guilt on psychological
status. In families with impaired family adaptation, feelings of guilt were
a component of the negative experiences that accompanied marital
interaction, and were greatly exacerbated in the crisis situation such as
oncopathology. It is shown, that medical-psychological help for the
patient’s family is an important and necessary component of interventions in
oncology practice.
Analisis Buy Back Saham Tanpa Rapat Umum Pemegang Saham pada PT Bank Mandiri, Tbk.
Authors: Choirun Nisful Laili
Published: March 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pengumuman buyback terhadap respon pasar pada PT. Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk berdasarkan Surat Edaran OJK Nomor 3/SEOJK.04/2020 tanggal 9 Maret 2020 tentang Kondisi Lain Sebagai Kondisi Pasar yang Berfluktuasi secara Signifikan dalam Pelaksanaan Pembelian Kembali Saham yang Dikeluarkan oleh Emiten atau Perusahaan Publik. Penelitian ini juga bertujuan untuk mengetahui apakah ada perbedaan yang signifikan Return, Abnormal Return, dan Trading Volume Activity saham sebelum dan sesudah pengumuman buyback saham tahun 2020. Objek penelitian adalah PT. Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk. Hasil penelitian ini adalah tidak terdapat perbedaan antara Return sebelum dan sesudah pengumuman buyback saham di PT. Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk. Untuk Abnormal Return sebelum dan sesudah pengumuman buyback tidak menunjukkan perbedaan yang signifikan. Untuk trading volume activity juga tidak ditemukan perbedaan yang signifikan, dapat disimpulkan bahwa pengumuman buyback saham tahun 2020 tidak memberikan keuntungan bagi para investor.
Climatic Envelope as an Urban Planning Tool to Configure Urban Fabric of Guwahati City to Support Daylight and Natural Ventilation
Authors:   Department of Architecture, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India., Barman* Amal , Roy Dr. Madhumita ,   Department of Architecture, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India., Dasgupta Dr. Arpan ,   Amity school of Architecture and Planning, Amity University, Kolkata, India.
Published: March 2021

Over the last decade, as a result of rapid urban growth and increasing human population, Guwahati city is witnessing multilayered transformation owing to socio-economic, geo-political and technological issues. This constant increase of built form is resulting haphazard urban growth pattern in down town city areas sacrificing the access to daylight and solar radiation inside residential buildings. Even though the development pattern of Guwahati is controlled by established GMDA building bye-laws; these building regulations and guidelines are unable to control the organic growth of the city since there is no climate-sensitive approach available in the existing GMDA bye-laws. This paper aims to discuss the likelihood of constructing a composite climatic envelope by using daylight spacing angle and solar elevation angle techniques within the residential zone of Guwahati city. This paper also analyses how climatic envelope technique helps to establish an efficient height-to-width (H/W) ratio in spatial arrangement of residential neighbourhood and ensures a higher levels of daylight factor (DF), permits solar access to the neighboring buildings and also enables better ventilation rate inside every rooms of residential buildings. This paper analyses further to discuss about the performance of natural ventilation inside building envelope and reviews the common energy code of openable window to floor area (WFRop) ratio in urban residential buildings. During this study, an existing urban spatial arrangement of residential neighbourhood under GMDA jurisdiction is studied, discussed and analysed. Results of this study, plotting H/W ratio against average daylight factor and ventilation rate can be used as a preliminary urban design tool to configure the urban fabric especially within the residential zone of GMDA area.
Optimization of Spraying Process in Thermal Power Plant using Robot
Authors:   Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Satya Sai University of Technology & Medical Sciences, Sehore (MP), India, Shravankumar*  , Diwakar Dr. Nilesh ,   Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Satya Sai University of Technology & Medical Sciences, Sehore (MP), India, Selokar Dr. G.R. ,   Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Satya Sai University of Technology & Medical Sciences, Sehore MP, India, Rao Dr. B Nageshwar ,   Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Mahaveer Institute of Science & Technology, Hyderabad, India.
Published: March 2021

To synthesize the surface of the metal bodies, a thermal spray coating is used. There is a great need for this new coating technology in today's progressive world where modification of the substrate material is carried out a great deal. Thermal spray covering, electroplating, powder metallurgy and other metallurgical processes are used very quickly in the field of surface modification. We have presented the summary of all different types of thermal spray coating in this review paper and the advantages of high-speed oxy fuel coating. There is a literature review and an experiment was conducted on behalf of that to demonstrate the effect of coating on mild steel plate. Through Robot, we present a proposed optimization of the spraying process in a thermal power plant. We will explore the thermal spraying and oxidation effect on deposited aluminium and bronze in this research work. We present a detailed assessment of the robot kinematics and optimize the generation of the robot trajectory with a focus on the constant relative scanning speed. The results show that the motion behavior of each axis of robot permits to identify the motion problems in the trajectory. This approach enables the generation of robot trajectories in a limited working envelope to be optimised.
Hand Side Recognition and Authentication System based on Deep Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors:   Computer Science from George Washington University, USA., Abbadi Mohammad , Tareef Afaf ,   Department of Computer Science from Mutah University, Jordan., Sarayreh Afnan ,   Department of Computer Science from Mutah University, Jordan.
Published: March 2021

The human hand has been considered a promising component for biometric-based identification and authentication systems for many decades. In this paper, hand side recognition framework is proposed based on deep learning and biometric authentication using the hashing method. The proposed approach performs in three phases: (a) hand image segmentation and enhancement by morphological filtering, automatic thresholding, and active contour deformation, (b) hand side recognition based on deep Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), and (c) biometric authentication based on the hashing method. The proposed framework is evaluated using a very large hand dataset, which consists of 11076 hand images, including left/ right and dorsal/ palm hand images for 190 persons. Finally, the experimental results show the efficiency of the proposed framework in both dorsal-palm and left-right recognition with an average accuracy of 96.24 and 98.26, respectively, using a completely automated computer program.
Functional Electrical Stimulation for Upper Limbs Flexion-Extension and Prehension Movements in Rehabilitation
Authors: Francesco Lullo , Armando Coccia , Anna Maria Saltalamacchia , Mario Cesarelli , Bernardo Lanzillo , Giovanni D'Addio
Published: March 2021

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), is a tecnique that uses low-energy electrical pulses to artificially generate muscle contractions, in individuals with damages regarding the central nervous system. The application of FES in clinical environment involves both patients care and rehabilitation. Aim of this work is to introduce a clinical FES protocol for upper limbs rehabilitation, in order to assist and train the execution of complex movement, such as flexion- extension of wrist and fingers and palmar prehension. The new FES protocol has been tested on a cohort of five subjects with different upper limb neuromotor deficits, during their rehabilitation. The benefits deriving from the application of the new FES protocol have been evaluated by comparing specific quantitative electromyographic parameters assessed before and after the treatment. Results show effective improvements in performances of 4 patients out of 5.
Human 2.0: Behavioral Dissonance between Online and Offline Personal Traits, And Implications on e-Marketing Practices
Authors: Kamel Moataz
Published: March 2021

This research paper presents an attempt to explore the
phenomenon of a consistent disconnection between the online and offline
personality traits of Internet users. The research delves deeper into this
notion, explores the possible drivers and stimulants, and then puts special
emphasis on its implications and repercussions on various business aspects,
such as online advertising and e-marketing techniques.
The research uses a variety of instruments and tools, including structured
observations, face-to-face interviews, online surveys, and mock computer
User Interfaces designed specifically for the purpose of the experiments
conducted as part of the primary data collection for the research. The paper
then proceeds to analyze the primary data and presents an attempt to
understand the phenomenon and its underlying stimulants. Finally, the
paper presents a set of conclusions, again with more focus on marketing
and business-related issues.
The research, through its primary data analysis and rationalization,
concludes that there is strong evidence that most internet users exhibit different facets of behavioral
dissonance between their online and offline traits. The research also concludes that such dissonance may
be induced by the social internet ecosystem and dynamics, rather than intrinsic tendencies in the users’
actual characters. The research also relates these findings with common business practices of successful
online businesses and sheds the light on potential ethical dilemmas pertaining to internet businesses
exploiting these phenomena (albeit sometimes unknowingly) to lure their users into buying products or
to generate more traffic.
Detection of drug resistance mutations of hepatitis C virus in patients with failure of the treatment with direct acting antivirals
Authors: Valutite D. E. , Semenov A. V. , Ostankova Yu. V. , Kozlov K. V. , Borisov A. G. , Nazarov V. D. , Totolian A. A.
Published: March 2021

Background. The development of direct acting antivirals (DAAs) has spurred a revolution in treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C. However, there are cases showing no response to treatment. In 5% of cases, the viral breakthrough is most likely caused by DAA resistance mutations in the hepatitis C virus genome.The purpose of the study is to detect drug resistance mutations of hepatitis C virus in patients with DAA treatment failure.Materials and methods. The study was performed on plasma samples from 3 patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C virus infection and demonstrating DAA virological treatment failure. All isolates had genotype 1b. Drug resistance mutations were detected by using direct sequencing of NS3, NS5A, and NS5B genome regions. The detection technique was developed at the Pasteur Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology.Results. Drug resistance mutations were detected in all cases. By using the Geno2pheno [hcv] 0.92 tool, nucleotide substitutions were detected in different viral genome regions and presumably caused resistance or decreased sensitivity to antivirals both present and absent in the sofosbuvir + daclatasvir combination therapy. Antiviral treatment failure in patients with chronic hepatitis C is caused by drug resistance mutations.Conclusions. The developed technique is efficient for detection of drug resistance mutations in NS3, NS5A, and NS5B regions in cases of virological failure of DAA treatment.
Optimum silkworm feeding rates
Authors:   Azərbaycan Dövlət Aqrar Universiteti, Miri Adigozalova Dursun , Fakhraddin Isgandarov Turay ,   Gəncə, Azərbaycan
Published: March 2021

The article notes that non-regulation of temperature and relative humidity in silkworm feeds can lead to malnutrition, digestive disorders, edema and inhibition of growth, as well as to a number of diseases. To avoid this, the heat in the greenhouse should be adjusted according to optimal temperature norms. In the first years I-II-III the average temperature in the greenhouse is 25.5° C, in IV-23.5 ° C, in V-24 ° C. Normal relative humidity should be adjusted during feeding in the greenhouse to avoid the above. In the first I-II-III years it is normal when the relative humidity in the greenhouse is 70%, in the IV age 70% and in the V age 65%. If the temperature and humidity are not in the normal range during the cocoon transition process, the turnover breaks, resulting in loss of product. The normal temperature during the cocoon transition process should be 23.50 C and the relative humidity should be 65%. One of the main factors affecting the yield of silkworms is the correct regulation of field norms at different ages. If an age-appropriate area is not created, the silkworm becomes ill, leading to malnutrition. Normal field units (per 1 box of silkworms) were assigned at different ages: I year-2.5 m2, II year 6-7 m2, III year 15-17 m2, IV year 30-35 m2, V year 55-60 m2. The amount of greenhouse gases, the flow rate and the volume of air should be normal during feeding in the greenhouse. Therefore, the greenhouse air must be changed frequently during feeding. The presence of toxic gases, such as ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, is unacceptable. The speed or lack of airflow is harmful to the silkworm. During feeding, the airflow rate is 0.1 m/s. When feeding of silkworms is applying in accordance with established norms, biological and technological indicators of silkworms are high. Key words: Bombyxi mori, silk, temperature, relative humidity
On the Calibration of the Cherenkov Detector of Galactic and Solar Cosmic Protons with Energies of 600 MeV and More
Authors: Fokov Gennadiy , Kozhemyakin Valeriy
Published: March 2021

This article discusses a possible approach to creating a calibration technique for the Galactic and Solar Cosmic Proton Cherenkov Detector. The method is based on the Monte Carlo simulation of proton and electron transfer and their generation of Cherenkov photons in the polymethylmethacrylate radiator. It is shown that, under certain conditions, the device calibration with electrons of 9,38 MeV energy is equivalent to the calibration with a 600 MeV proton beam incident laterally on the detector.
THE EVOLUTION OF FINTECH INDUSTRY: THE ROLE OF INTERACTION BETWEEN DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION AND ECOSYSTEM
Authors: Ryoo Joohan
Published: March 2021

Disruptive innovations have radically transformed many industries at a time of information and communication technology and fourth industrialization. Salient examples such as Apple, Google, and Facebook reveal how disruptive innovations often emerge at the ecosystem or system level rather than individual firms. Unfortunately, there has been little attention in the academic literature about the role of ecosystem development and the evolution of disruptive innovations. To overcome the chasm, this study introduces the concepts of disruptive innovation ecosystems and clarifies how the financial technology (FinTech) ecosystem has transformed the financial service industry. Finally, this study discusses the evolution of the FinTech ecosystem and proposes a future research agenda on disruptive innovations and ecosystems. Our study shows that disruptive innovation ecosystems are deserving of further attention.
Diagnostic parallels in the cytological diagnosis of squamous breast cancer. Clinical case
Authors: Smetanina Svetlana , Uskova Evgeniya , Smetanina Olga
Published: March 2021

Introduction. Squamous cell carcinoma is a rare form of breast cancer, makes up no more than 2% of invasive breast cancer, usually found in old age. The effectiveness of the cytological research method in the preoperative diagnosis of breast cancer directly depends on the sample preparation of the obtained material. Description of the clinical case. The possibilities of cytological diagnostics are presented using modern methods of sample preparation such as liquid cytology, cell blocks. Conclusion. Features of the cytological picture in combination with clinical and radiological data should become the basis for reliable diagnosis of squamous breast cancer at the preoperative stage.
Analytical indicators of observation.The year-by-year lethality of patients at each year
Authors: Merabishvili Vakhtang
Published: March 2021

Year-by-year lethality – the lethality of patients with malignant tumors in each year of observation - an indicator that determines the risk of death of patients, depending on the localization of tumors.

Lethality of patients in the first year of follow-up includes posthumously registered patients with malignant tumors, and is the inverse criterion to the indicator of one-year observed survival. In subsequent years, the calculation of year-by-year lethality is carried out without posthumously registered patients. It is important to note that the calculation of partial mortality rates is carried out only for the number of patients who died from malignant tumors. It is necessary to exclude patients who have dropped out of observation at each year of observation. Calculation of the year-by-year lethality indicator is possible only if there are at least 100 primary registered patients.

In February 2019, we created the database of the Population cancer registry. The North-Western Federal district (NWFD)of the Russian Federation, which includes more than 1 million patients (1211891 patients with posthumously registered patients and 1071112 cases without posthumously registered patients). Only reliable data was selected for development, the number of which was almost 10% less. In 2020, the database of the Population cancer registry of the NWFD of the Russian Federation increased by 73054 cases. We used the updated database in this study. The observation period is from 1994 to 2020. The year-by-year lethality study was conducted in total for all ICD-10 categories for the C00-96 neoplasm class.

DB analysis showed that in the NWFD of the Russian Federation, the proportion of posthumously registered patients decreased from 1995 to 2018 (both sexes) from 21.1 to 8.1%.

For 1995 – 1999, 2000 – 2004, the year-by-year lethality was calculated for 10 years of observation, the period 2005-2009 covered the year-by-year lethality for 7 years of observation, 2005-2009 for 5 years. We have considered the specifics of year-by-year lethality separately for men and women, for people from 0-34, 35-59, 60 years and older.

We pay special attention to year-by-year lethality for patients with localized (stage I and II of the disease) and widespread process (stage III and IV, including patients without the specified stage of the disease, which, as a rule, by the level of survival belong to stage III and IV of the disease).
Quantitative assessment of preoperative risk factors for aggressive course of medullary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Semenov Arseny , Buzanakov Dmitrii , Chernikov Roman , Sleptsov Ilya , Mаkarin Victor , Uspenskaya Anna , Timofeeva Natalia , Chinchuk Igor , Karelina Juliya , Novokshonov Konstantin , Fedorov Elisey , Malyugov Yurii , Alekseeva Svetlana , Sablin Ilya , Gorskaya Nataliya , Zolotukho Anna , Rebrova Dina , Valdina Elena , Bubnov Aleksandr
Published: March 2021

Objectives: to study the long-term results of surgical treatment of patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma and evaluate the significance of prognostic factors.
Materials and methods: the continuous retrospective study included 169 patients with histologically confirmed medullary cancer who were initially operated at the Northwestern Center for Endocrinology and Endocrine Surgery of the SPbSU University Clinic from 2010 to 2016. They were divided into prognostic groups according to the level and dynamics of postoperative calcitonin and clinical manifestations of the disease.
Results: The study allowed to assess the effect of predictive factors on the risks of progression and recurrence in medullary thyroid cancer.
Size of the primary tumor more than 2 cm significantly increases the risk of disease progression (OR=6,56 (0.52-17.96) p=0,00001495). Invasion of the thyroid capsule and metastases to regional lymph nodes are even more important prognostic value as OR=49,08 (10.72-224.89), p=0,00000011 и OR=30,63 (9,75-96,27), p<0.0000001 respectively.
Regional MTC metastases are a significant threat to the life of the patient. This fact is a fundamental difference with differentiated thyroid carcinoma were regional metastases do not affect the prognosis.
This study failed to link the prognosis to the patient's age.
As expected the level of basal calcitonin >600 pg/ml affects the prognosis (OR=6,65 (2,53-17,59) p=0.01055). Its prognostic value is comparable to the size of the primary tumor and significantly less than the presence of regional and distant metastases.
Conclusions: Unfavorable prognosis in 21 (12.4%) observed patients is associated not only with the presence of distant metastases, but also and independently with regional ones.
Social Wasps (Vespidae: Polistinae) in an Urban Park from Piauí, Brazil
Authors: Santos Luan V. B. , Monteiro Daniel P. , Sousa Caroline F. A. F. , Araújo Michelly D. F. , Fontes Lucia S. , Somavilla Alexandre
Published: March 2021

Studies of social wasps (Vespidae: Polistinae) in Piauí State are scarce and only two have been carried out. Due to the lack of studies, we surveyed the wasp species in the Zoobotanical State Park in the urban area of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil. From December 2017 to May 2018, 10 expeditions were carried out using active collection with entomological nets and attractive traps with guava juice. A total of 282 individuals were collected distributed in six genera and 12 species. Parachartergus fraternus Gribodo, 1892 and Synoeca surinama (Linnaeus, 1767) are new records for Piauí, which now has 12 genera and 24 species registered for the state. Such data reveals the need to continue studying Polistinae in Piauí, in order to determine their real species distributions, help conserve natural areas and accurately manage these sites.
Verdichtung mit Vibrationswalzen – Semi-analytische Modellierung des Interaktionssystems Bandage-Boden mit Berücksichtigung der veränderlichen Bandagenaufstandsbreite/Compaction with vibratory rollers – Semi-analytical modelling of the drum-soil interaction system with consideration of the variable drum contact width
Authors: Hager Mario , Pistrol Johannes , Kopf Fritz , Adam Dietmar
Published: March 2021

Für zahlreiche Aufgaben des Erdbaus werden Vibrationswalzen zur oberflächennahen Verdichtung von granularen Materialien genutzt. Die Bandage einer Vibrationswalze zeichnet sich durch eine Unwuchtmasse aus, die in der Achse der Bandage angeordnet ist und durch Rotation, der gesamten Bandage eine kreisförmig translatorische Schwingung aufzwingt. Die schwingende Bandage der Vibrationswalze und das zu verdichtende Material stellen dabei ein dynamisches Interaktionssystem dar. Im Beitrag wird ein vergleichsweise einfaches mechanisches Modell vorgestellt, welches in der Lage ist, die dynamische Wechselwirkung zwischen Vibrationsbandage und Boden abzubilden. Die wesentlichen Nicht-Linearitäten des dynamischen Interaktionssystems stellen die sich laufend ändernden Kontaktbedingungen zwischen Bandage und Boden sowie die gekrümmte Bandagengeometrie dar. Aus diesem Grund vergrößert sich die Kontaktfläche zwischen den beiden Kontaktpartnern während der Belastungsphase zunehmend, was wiederum die Reaktionskräfte des Bodens beeinflusst und das Bewegungsverhalten der Bandage ändert. Im Zuge der Entlastungsphase kann es zudem zu einem Abheben der Bandage vom Boden kommen, wodurch sich die beiden Teilsysteme kurzfristig getrennt voneinander bewegen. Es werden Möglichkeiten aufgezeigt, sowohl diese herausfordernden Kontaktbedingungen als auch die veränderliche Bandagenaufstandsbreite in der mechanischen Modellierung zu berücksichtigen.
The Development of Civic-Mindedness in College Students
Authors: Плотникова Е.Ю.
Published: March 2021

В статье рассмотрена актуальная проблема формирования гражданской позиции
у обучающихся гетерогенных групп в колледже. Представлены результаты опытно-экспериментальной работы по формированию гражданской позиции обучающихся гетерогенных групп в колледже. Сформулированы цель и гипотеза; описаны критерии и показатели сформированности гражданской позиции обучающихся в возрасте 15–19 лет (когнитивный, мотивационно-ценностный и деятельностный); организация и этапы экспериментальной работы. Методики диагностики гражданской позиции (бланковый тест М. Рокича «Ценностные ориентации», опросник А. Мехрабиена, Н. Эпштейна «Способность к эмпатии», анкета Е. Н. Титовой, Т. А. Мирошиной) позволили выявить доминирующие ценностные ориентации, уровень эмпатии обучающихся колледжа и степень осознания ими сущности гражданской позиции.
Описана теоретическая модель формирования гражданской позиции у обучающихся гетерогенных групп колледжа, на основе которой создана авторская программа «Моя страна», стимулирующая развитие этой позиции.
Дана краткая характеристика программы, предполагающей взаимодействие педагогов с разновозрастной группой первокурсников 15–19 лет с учетом индивидуально-личностных особенностей обучающихся и социальных условий их воспитания, в частности социального благополучия/неблагополучия семей.
Описаны результаты проверки авторской программы, экспериментально подтверждающие ее эффективность.

The article treats an urgent issue associated with the development of civic-mindedness in college students in heterogeneous classrooms. The article accounts for the aim and the hypothesis of the research, describes the criteria that can be used to assess the levels of civic-mindedness development in 15-19-year olds (cognitive, motivational, value-based, and activity-based), focuses on the organization and stages of experimental work.
The methods of assessing civic-mindedness (the Rokeach Value Survey, the Mehrabian Questionnaire, the Epstein Questionnaire Measure of Emotional Empathy, the Titova and Miroshina Questionnaire) enable the author to single out dominant value orientations, the level of emotional empathy in college students, the level of their civic-mindedness.
The author of the article describes a theoretical model of civic-mindedness development in college students in heterogeneous classrooms and presents her own course “My Country” aimed at the development of civic-mindedness in students.
The article describes the My Country course, which presupposes teachers’ interaction with 15-19-year old first-year students. It is expected that teachers should take into account their students’ individual characteristics and personality traits, their social backgrounds, the level of their family wellbeing.
The article describes the results of the course elaborated by the author, and provides experimental evidence that the course is efficient.