bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Peptide Biomaterials for Biofabrication
Authors: Firipis Kate , Nisbet David R. , Franks Stephanie J. , Kapsa Robert M. I. , Pirogova Elena , Williams Richard J. , Quigley Anita
Published: August 2021

Biofabrication using well-matched cell/materials systems provides unprecedented opportunities for dealing with human health issues where disease or injury overtake the body’s native regenerative abilities. Such opportunities can be enhanced through the development of biomaterials with cues that appropriately influence embedded cells into forming functional tissues and organs. In this context, biomaterials’ reliance on rigid biofabrication techniques needs to support the incorporation of a hierarchical mimicry of local and bulk biological cues that mimic the key functional components of native extracellular matrix. Advances in synthetic self-assembling peptide biomaterials promise to produce reproducible mimics of tissue-specific structures and may go some way in overcoming batch inconsistency issues of naturally sourced materials. Recent work in this area has demonstrated biofabrication with self-assembling peptide biomaterials with unique biofabrication technologies to support structural fidelity upon 3D patterning. The use of synthetic self-assembling peptide biomaterials is a growing field that has demonstrated applicability in dermal, intestinal, muscle, cancer and stem cell tissue engineering.
Polyaniline: Doping and Functionalization with Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Photovoltaic and Photocatalytic Application
Authors: Saoudi Mariem , Zaidi Boubaker , Alotaibi Abdullah A. , Althobaiti M.G. , Alosime Eid M. , Ajjel Ridha
Published: August 2021

Polyaniline (PANI) was chemically doped and functionalized with single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Various characterization methods were employed to study the structure and optical properties of PANI/SWCNTs nanocomposite, such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical absorption, and stationary photoluminescence. Additionally, a theoretical study using density functional theory calculations was also carried out. It has been demonstrated that the doping process may reduce the band gap without affecting the molecular structure, leading to a better compatibility with the solar spectrum. Moreover, the functionalization process with SWCNTs was able to significantly improve the properties of the resulting nanocomposite. The final interpenetrating network of PANI/SWCNTs exhibited an optical gap of nearly 2.28 eV, from which localized states induced by the charge transfer were created at nearly 1.70 eV. In addition, the resulting donor–acceptor network leads to a separation of electron holes pairs rather than their recombination, which can be used as an active layer in photovoltaic applications and a photocatalyst for advanced oxidation processes.
PMMA Application in Piezo Actuation Jet for Dissipating Heat of Electronic Devices
Authors: Chang Yu-Teng , Wang Rong-Tsu , Wang Jung-Chang
Published: August 2021

The present study utilizes an acrylic (PMMA) plate with circular piezoelectric ceramics (PC) as an actuator to design and investigate five different types of piezo actuation jets (PAJs) with operating conditions. The results show that the heat transfer coefficient of a device of PAJ is 200% greater than that of a traditional rotary fan when PAJ is placed at the proper distance of 10 to 20 mm from the heat source, avoiding the suck back of surrounding fluids. The cooling effect of these five PAJs was calculated by employing the thermal analysis method and the convection thermal resistance of the optimal PAJ can be reduced by about 36%, while the voltage frequency, wind speed, and noise were all positively correlated. When the supplied piezoelectric frequency is 300 Hz, the decibel level of the noise is similar to that of a commercial rotary fan. The piezoelectric sheets had one of two diameters of 31 mm or 41 mm depending on the size of the tested PAJs. The power consumption of a single PAJ was less than 10% of that of a rotary fan. Among the five types of PAJ, the optimal one has the characteristics that the diameter of the piezoelectric sheet is 41 mm, the piezoelectric spacing is 2 mm, and the length of the opening is 4 mm. Furthermore, the optimal operating conditions are a voltage frequency of 300 Hz and a placement distance of 20 mm in the present study.
Improving Interlayer Adhesion of Poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA)/Ultra-high-molecular-weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) Laminates Prepared by Plasma Treatment and Hot Pressing Technique
Authors: Zhu Long , Dikin Dmitriy A. , Percec Simona , Ren Fei
Published: August 2021

Poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA) is a high-performance polymer that has been utilized in a range of applications. Although PPTA fibers are widely used in various composite materials, laminar structures consisting of PPTA and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), are less reported. The difficulty in making such composite structures is in part due to the weakness of the interface formed between these two polymers. In this study, a layered structure was produced from PPTA fabrics and UHMWPE films via hot pressing. To improve the interlayer adhesion, oxygen plasma was used to treat the PPTA and the UHMWPE surfaces prior to lamination. It has been found that while plasma treatment on the UHMWPE surface brought about a moderate increase in interlayer adhesion (up to 14%), significant enhancement was achieved on the samples fabricated with plasma treated PPTA (up to 91%). It has been assumed that both surface roughening and the introduction of functional groups contributed to this improvement.
Biosynthesis of Polyhydroxybutyrate with Cellulose Nanocrystals Using Cupriavidus necator
Authors: Shin Giyoung , Jeong Da-Woon , Kim Hyeri , Park Seul-A , Kim Semin , Lee Ju Young , Hwang Sung Yeon , Park Jeyoung , Oh Dongyeop X.
Published: August 2021

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a natural polyester synthesized by several microorganisms. Moreover, it has excellent biodegradability and is an eco-friendly material because it converts water and carbon dioxide as final decomposition products. However, the applications of PHB are limited because of its stiffness and brittleness. Because cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have excellent intrinsic mechanical properties such as high specific strength and modulus, they may compensate for the insufficient physical properties of PHB by producing their nanocomposites. In this study, natural polyesters were extracted from Cupriavidus necator fermentation with CNCs, which were well-dispersed in nitrogen-limited liquid culture media. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy results revealed that the additional O–H peak originating from cellulose at 3500–3200 cm−1 was observed for PHB along with the C=O and –COO bands at 1720 cm−1. This suggests that PHB–CNC nanocomposites could be readily obtained using C. necator fermented in well-dispersed CNC-supplemented culture media.
Effects of Grinding Corn with Different Moisture Content on Subsequent Particle Size and Flowability
Authors: Braun Michaela , Dunmire Kara , Evans Caitlin , Stark Charles , Woodworth Jason , Paulk Chad
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of whole-corn moisture and hammermill screen size on subsequent ground corn moisture, particle size and flowability. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial design with two moisture concentrations (14.5 and 16.7%), each ground using 2 hammermill screen sizes (3 mm and 6 mm). Corn was ground using a lab-scale 1.5 HP Bliss Hammermill at three separate timepoints to create three replications per treatment. Ground corn flowability was calculated using angle of repose (AOR), percent compressibility, and critical orifice diameter (COD) measurements to determine the composite flow index (CFI). There was no evidence for a screen size × corn moisture interaction for ground corn moisture content (MC), particle size, standard deviation, or flowability metrics. Grinding corn using a 3 mm screen resulted in decreased (p < 0.041) moisture content compared to corn ground using the 6 mm screen. There was a decrease (p < 0.031) in particle size from the 6 mm screen to the 3 mm, but no evidence of difference was observed for the standard deviation. There was a decrease (p < 0.030) in percent compressibility as screen size increased from 3 mm to 6 mm. Angle of repose tended to decrease (p < 0.056) when corn was ground using a 6 mm screen compared to a 3 mm screen. For the main effects of MC, 16.7% moisture corn had increased (p < 0.001) ground corn MC compared to 14.5%. The 14.5% moisture corn resulted in decreased (p < 0.050) particle size and an increased standard deviation compared to the 16.7% moisture corn. The increased MC of corn increased (p < 0.038) CFI and tended to decrease (p < 0.050) AOR and COD. In conclusion, decreasing hammermill screen size increased moisture loss by 0.55%, decreased corn particle size by 126 µm and resulted in poorer flowability as measured by percent compressibility and AOR. The higher moisture corn increased subsequent particle size by 89 µm and had improved flowability as measured by CFI.
When the Poison Is the Cure—Healing and Embodiment in Contemporary Śrīvidyā Tantra of the Lalitāmbikā Temple
Authors: Karasinski-Sroka Maciej
Published: August 2021

This paper discusses the healing practices of samayācāra Śrīvidyā, a Hindu Tantric tradition. This study is based on field research conducted in the Śrī Lalitāmbikā temple in Coimbatore, India. The tradition not only advocates inner ritualism, but also focuses on healing practices derived from Tantric sources. By using both emic and etic approaches, this paper attempts to show how the rituals and Śrīvidyā meditative practices became incorporated into this system of healing and well-being. A further aim of this paper is to indicate how various forms of embodiment and healing define the spiritual practice of Lalitāmbikā Śrīvidyā.
A Phenomenology of the Liturgy of Maundy Thursday
Authors: Jones Tamsin
Published: August 2021

In this article, I propose a phenomenological analysis of the liturgy of Maundy Thursday, as it is celebrated in the contemporary Anglican Church of Canada. As an example of liturgy, Maundy Thursday is particularly generative for phenomenological description because of its affective range and drama. A participant in the liturgy is given the opportunity to experience a combination of grief, lament, remorse, joy, thanksgiving, kindness and compassion, care for the body, vulnerability and humility, as well as fear and confusion. Situated on the threshold between Lent and Easter, it is a richly complex moment in the liturgical year and combines, in a creative and affective tension, celebration with mourning, order with chaos, and love and service with betrayal and repentance.
Sentinel-1 Data Processing for Detecting and Monitoring of Ground Instabilities in the Rocky Coast of Central Asturias (N Spain)
Authors: Cuervas-Mons José , Domínguez-Cuesta María José , Mateos Redondo Félix , Barra Anna , Monserrat Oriol , Valenzuela Pablo , Jiménez-Sánchez Montserrat
Published: August 2021

The cliff coastline of the central region of Asturias (N Spain) is severely affected by terrain instabilities, causing considerable damage to properties and infrastructures every year. In this study, we applied the A-DInSAR technique based on Sentinel-1 imagery to map and monitor active slopes in an emblematic rocky area of the Asturian coast: the Peñas Cape. The A-DInSAR dataset analysis has been focused at regional and local scales. For the local scale assessment, six areas were selected based on previous work and the landslide database of the Principality of Asturias region (BAPA-Base de datos de Argayos del Principado de Asturias), created by the University of Oviedo. The processing of the data has been performed using two independent sets of processing tools: the PSIG software tools, a professional tool and, the GEP service, an unsupervised platform. The dataset consisted of 113 SAR IW-SLC images acquired by the Sentinel-1 A/B satellites between January 2018 and February 2020. LOS mean deformation velocity maps (mm year−1) and deformation time series (mm) were obtained by PSIG and GEP software, allowing coastal areas with landslide incidence and other terrain movements to be distinguished. Deformation motion has been estimated from PSIG VLOS rates to be from −17.1 to 37.4 mm year−1 and GEP VLOS rates from −23.0–38.3 mm year−1. According to deformation time series (mm), the minimum and maximum accumulated displacements are −68.5–78.8 and −48.8–77.0 mm by means of PSIG and GEP, respectively. These ground motions could be associated with coastal instabilities related to marine activity and coastal retreat, both at regional and local study scales. The main contributions of this work are: (1) the demonstration of the potential of A-DInSAR techniques to evaluate coastal instabilities in a coastal retreat context and (2) the comparison of the results provided by the two sets of tools, which allowed the ground motion to be assessed by using an unsupervised approach vs. a contrasted one (robust software). This study increases the knowledge about coastal instabilities and other ground movements along the rocky coast and cliffs of Central Asturias. As a conclusion for the future, we believe that this work highlights the evaluated methods as significant tools to support the management of coastal territories with jagged and rocky coastlines.
Nature Sports: Prospects for Sustainability
Authors: Van Rheenen Derek , Melo Ricardo
Published: August 2021

This paper articulates a paradigm shift in the adoption of a critical ecopedagogy focused on substantive and systemic change within nature sports. In analyzing the unifying concept of nature sports, we propose an ontological shift towards genuine sustainability, a communion among people and with nature. These activities comprise a group of physical practices that have the potential to challenge participants in novel ways that provide an alternative to traditional sports and the ideological values associated with these dominant sports, such as competition and personal gain. Nature sports inscribe meaning on bodies in motion, with a blurring or erasure of boundaries, as participants become one with nature rather than seeking to exploit or conquer it. These novel and countercultural practices promise the possibility of systemic sustainability, as participants redefine sport in terms of relational equity and ecoliteracy. As a utopian project, this systems approach recognizes the nature-sport nexus as a living framework to honor culturally appropriate practices and traditions in building an ecological movement centered on environmental justice. In this way, nature sports offer an opportunity to reimagine sustainable development through the promotion of a circular, rather than linear, economy—an economy based on re-creation rather than exploitation and waste.
7-Tesla Functional Cardiovascular MR Using Vectorcardiographic Triggering—Overcoming the Magnetohydrodynamic Effect
Authors: Hamilton-Craig Christian , Stäeb Daniel , Al Najjar Aiman , O’Brien Kieran , Crawford William , Fletcher Sabine , Barth Markus , Galloway Graham
Published: August 2021

Objective: Ultra-high-field B0 ≥ 7 tesla (7T) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) offers increased resolution. However, electrocardiogram (ECG) gating is impacted by the magneto-hydrodynamic effect distorting the ECG trace. We explored the technical feasibility of a 7T magnetic resonance scanner using an ECG trigger learning algorithm to quantitatively assess cardiac volumes and vascular flow. Methods: 7T scans were performed on 10 healthy volunteers on a whole-body research MRI MR scanner (Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany) with 8 channel Tx/32 channels Rx cardiac coils (MRI Tools GmbH, Berlin, Germany). Vectorcardiogram ECG was performed using a learning phase outside of the magnetic field, with a trigger algorithm overcoming severe ECG signal distortions. Vectorcardiograms were quantitatively analyzed for false negative and false positive events. Cine CMR was performed after 3rd-order B0 shimming using a high-resolution breath-held ECG-retro-gated segmented spoiled gradient echo, and 2D phase contrast flow imaging. Artefacts were assessed using a semi-quantitative scale. Results: 7T CMR scans were acquired in all patients (100%) using the vectorcardiogram learning method. 3,142 R-waves were quantitatively analyzed, yielding sensitivity of 97.6% and specificity of 98.7%. Mean image quality score was 0.9, sufficient to quantitate both cardiac volumes, ejection fraction, and aortic and pulmonary blood flow. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 56.4%, right ventricular ejection fraction was 51.4%. Conclusion: Reliable cardiac ECG triggering is feasible in healthy volunteers at 7T utilizing a state-of-the-art three-lead trigger device despite signal distortion from the magnetohydrodynamic effect. This provides sufficient image quality for quantitative analysis. Other ultra-high-field imaging applications such as human brain functional MRI with physiologic noise correction may benefit from this method of ECG triggering.
The Significance of Echo Time in fMRI BOLD Contrast: A Clinical Study during Motor and Visual Activation Tasks at 1.5 T
Authors: Boursianis Themistoklis , Kalaitzakis Georgios , Nikiforaki Katerina , Kosteletou Emmanouela , Antypa Despina , Gourzoulidis George A. , Karantanas Apostolos , Papadaki Efrosini , Simos Panagiotis , Maris Thomas G. , Marias Kostas
Published: August 2021

Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) is a commonly-used MR imaging technique in studying brain function. The BOLD signal can be strongly affected by specific sequence parameters, especially in small field strengths. Previous small-scale studies have investigated the effect of TE on BOLD contrast. This study evaluates the dependence of fMRI results on echo time (TE) during concurrent activation of the visual and motor cortex at 1.5 T in a larger sample of 21 healthy volunteers. The experiment was repeated using two different TE values (50 and 70 ms) in counterbalanced order. Furthermore, T2* measurements of the gray matter were performed. Results indicated that both peak beta value and number of voxels were significantly higher using TE = 70 than TE = 50 ms in primary motor, primary somatosensory and supplementary motor cortices (p < 0.007). In addition, the amplitude of activation in visual cortices and the dorsal premotor area was also higher using TE = 70 ms (p < 0.001). Gray matter T2* of the corresponding areas did not vary significantly. In conclusion, the optimal TE value (among the two studied) for visual and motor activity is 70 ms affecting both the amplitude and extent of regional hemodynamic activation.
Current Data on COVID-19 mRNA-Vaccine Safety during Pregnancy Might Be Subject to Selection Bias. Reply to Stroobandt, S.; Stroobandt, R. Data of the COVID-19 mRNA-Vaccine V-Safe Surveillance System and Pregnancy Registry Reveals Poor Embryonic and Second Trimester Fetal Survival Rate. Comment on “Stuckelberger et al. SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Willingness among Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women during the First Pandemic Wave: A Cross-Sectional Study in Switzerland. Viruses 2021, 13, 1199”
Authors: Stuckelberger Sarah , Favre Guillaume , Ceulemans Michael , Gerbier Eva , Lambelet Valentine , Stojanov Milos , Winterfeld Ursula , Baud David , Panchaud Alice , Pomar Léo
Published: August 2021

We would like to thank Stroobandt, S. and Stroobandt, R. for showing interest in our paper [...]
The Health Belief Model Predicts Intention to Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine in Saudi Arabia: Results from a Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Mahmud Ilias , Kabir Russell , Rahman Muhammad Aziz , Alradie-Mohamed Angi , Vinnakota Divya , Al-Mohaimeed Abdulrahman
Published: August 2021

We examined the intention and predictors of accepting the COVID-19 vaccine in Saudi Arabia. We conducted a nation-wide, cross-sectional online survey between February and March 2021. A total of 1387 people (≥18 years) participated. Only 27.3% adults had a definite and 30.2% had a probable vaccination intent; 26.8% and 15.6% had a probable and definite negative vaccination intent. Older people (≥50 years) (p < 0.01), healthcare workers/professionals (p < 0.001), and those who received flu vaccine (p < 0.001) were more likely to have a positive intent. People from Riyadh were less likely to receive the vaccine (p < 0.05). Among the health belief model constructs, perceived susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19 (p < 0.001), and perceived benefit of the vaccine (p < 0.001) were positively associated with vaccination intent, whereas perceived barriers had a negative association (p < 0.001). Individuals were more likely to receive the vaccine after obtaining complete information (p < 0.001) and when the vaccine uptake would be more common amongst the public (p < 0.001).
Using Failure Mode, Effect and Criticality Analysis to Improve Safety in the COVID Mass Vaccination Campaign
Authors: Buja Alessandra , Manfredi Mariagiovanna , De Luca Giuseppe , Zampieri Chiara , Zanovello Sofia , Perkovic Davor , Scotton Francesca , Minnicelli Anil , De Polo Anna , Cristofori Vittorio , Biasi Laura , Baldovin Tatjana , Bertoncello Chiara , Cocchio Silvia , Baldo Vincenzo
Published: August 2021

Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 will likely be the most promising way to combat the pandemic. Even if mass vaccination is urgent, it should still always be supported by appropriate patient safety management. The aim of this study, based on failure mode, effects and criticality analysis (FMECA), was to identify possible failures and highlight measures that can be adopted to prevent their occurrence. A team of resident doctors in public health from the University of Padua and specialists in risk analysis in public health examined the mass vaccination process. A diagram was drafted to illustrate the various phases of mass vaccination, analyze the process, and identify all failure modes. Criticalities were ascertained by rating the severity, frequency and likelihood of failure detection on a scale of 1 to 10. We identified a total of 71 possible faults distributed over the various phases of the process, and 34 of them were classified as carrying a high risk. For the potentially high-risk failure modes, we identified 63 recommended actions to contain the cause of their occurrence or improve their detection. For the purpose of detecting potential failures, FMECA can be successfully applied to mass vaccination, which should be considered a high-risk process.
Experimental Validation of a Solar Powered Multistage Flash Desalination Unit with Alternate Storage Tanks
Authors: Alsehli Mishal
Published: August 2021

The fossil fuels that power conventional desalination systems cause substantial environmental impact. Solar desalination can satisfy critical water needs with only a minimal contribution to global warming. The current work presents an attractive new design suitable for regions with limited water resources and high solar radiation rates. This work is an experimental study of a newly designed, solar-powered, multi-stage flash (MSF) desalination plant. The design could address the need to increase the limited water resources in solar energy-rich areas. The prototype consists of a solar collector, an MSF unit, and a novel dual thermal storage tank design. In this prototype, preheated brine is directly heated by circulation through the solar collector. Two tanks serve the MSF unit; one tank feeds the MSF unit while the other receives the preheated feed water. The two tanks alternate roles every 24 h. The study was conducted in Taif, Saudi Arabia, throughout the month of September 2020. The results of the experiment showed that 1.92 square meters of solar collector area is needed for an average daily production of 19.7 kg of fresh water, at a cost of approximately $0.015 per liter.
Effects of Dam Construction in the Wang River on Sediment Regimes in the Chao Phraya River Basin
Authors: Charoenlerkthawin Warit , Namsai Matharit , Bidorn Komkrit , Rukvichai Chaipant , Panneerselvam Balamurugan , Bidorn Butsawan
Published: August 2021

The Wang River is one of the major tributaries of the Chao Phraya River (CPR) system in Thailand as the key riverine sediment source supplying the Chao Phraya Delta that has experienced severe shoreline retreat in the past six decades. Historical and observed river flow and sediment data measured during 1929–2019 were used to assess the variation in total sediment load along the Wang River and evaluate the effects of three major dam constructions on sediment supplied from the Wang River to the CPR. Results indicated that sediment loads increased toward downstream. Variation in long-term total sediment load (TSL) along the river suggested that construction of the Kiew Lom Dam in 1972 did not cause a reduction in sediment yield in the Wang River Basin because it impounded less than 20% of the average annual runoff, while the Mae Chang and Kiew Koh Ma Dams caused downstream sediment reduction. These three dams are located in the upper and middle river basins, and their effects on sediment load in the Wang River are ameliorated by additional sediment supplied from the lower basin. Results confirmed that construction of these three major dams in the Wang River did not greatly impact sediment supply from the Wang River to the CPR system. The dam site and sediment load variation along the river are the primary factors controlling the impact of the dam construction.
Application of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Tools for Assessing Biogas Plants: A Case Study in Reykjavik, Iceland
Authors: Llano Tamara , Dosal Elena , Lindorfer Johannes , Finger David C.
Published: August 2021

The European Union is planning a new program to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. In this context, the Icelandic government plans to ban new registrations of fossil fuel cars after 2030 as one of the strategies to make Iceland a carbon-neutral country by 2040. Upgraded biogas can be directly used in vehicles with CNG engines, reducing CO2 emissions by 80%. In this paper, several alternatives of biogas plants, simulated in previous research, were evaluated by considering techno-economic and environmental criteria through the application of multi-criteria decision-making tools. Twelve alternatives were analyzed using the Definite 3.1 software. A weighted summation algorithm, which transforms all criteria into the same scale by multiplying them by weights and then summing them to obtain the results, was used in the analysis. The multi-criteria analysis of the twelve proposed alternatives included eleven criteria (three technical, five economic, and three environmental) whose weights were changed in a total of eleven scenarios. From a global perspective, when all criteria were considered (9.1% weight) the best alternative with a score of 0.58 was the single-stage biogas plant working with municipal solid waste. Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses also demonstrated that the multi-criteria results obtained were robust and reliable.
Modelling Weirs in Two-Dimensional Shallow Water Models
Authors: García-Alén Gonzalo , García-Fonte Olalla , Cea Luis , Pena Luís , Puertas Jerónimo
Published: August 2021

2D models based on the shallow water equations are widely used in river hydraulics. However, these models can present deficiencies in those cases in which their intrinsic hypotheses are not fulfilled. One of these cases is in the presence of weirs. In this work we present an experimental dataset including 194 experiments in nine different weirs. The experimental data are compared to the numerical results obtained with a 2D shallow water model in order to quantify the discrepancies that exist due to the non-fulfillment of the hydrostatic pressure hypotheses. The experimental dataset presented can be used for the validation of other modelling approaches.
The features of bone metabolism in COVID-19
Authors: Minasov Timur Bulatovich , Baikov Denis Enverovich , Khafizov Munavis Munavisovich , Yakupova Ekaterina Rishatovna
Published: August 2021

To date, there is little information about the effect of the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19 on bone metabolism. However, this topic is relevant, since COVID-19 mainly affects the elderly, who are more prone to osteoporosis. In the course of our study, it was found that changes occurring in the body under the direct influence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus affect the parameters of bone metabolism of the spine, reducing the density of bone tissue in the Th5 — Th7 vertebrae, which determines the need for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis after the infection.
Clinical picture and risk factors of occurrence of pulmonary artery thromboembolism
Authors: Stepchenkov Roman Petrovich
Published: August 2021

Pulmonary artery thromboembolism (PATE) is a life-threatening condition in which the pulmonary artery or its branches are occluded by a detached thrombus (embolus). In this case, a thrombus can form both on the walls of blood vessels and directly in the right ventricle or atrium; in some cases, air or fat embolism may occur. The most common cause of pulmonary thromboembolism are thrombi that appear in the vessels of the lower extremities and migrate upward; a particular danger are floating thrombi, which attach to the vascular wall with one «leg» and can easily come off when coughing or exercising. Pulmonary embolism occurs in 1 case per 1000 patients, is observed mainly in adults and has a high mortality rate. There are no specific signs, characteristic of this particular pathology. Patients may have a sharp pain behind the sternum of a pleuritic nature, sudden shortness of breath, tachycardia, sometimes a cough with hemoptysis; precollaptoid state or even loss of consciousness may occur. Correct diagnosis is of utmost importance for the timely provision of emergency care. To make a diagnosis, pulse oximetry, chest radiography, CT angiography, and duplex or triplex angioscanning are used. In case of untimely provision of medical care, mortality in this condition can reach 50 %.
Health care of Cyprus
Authors: Frolova Elena Vladimirovna
Published: August 2021

In terms of its efficiency and accessibility, the health care of Cyprus is not inferior in many ways to the systems of medical care in a number of developed countries of the world. By placing the main emphasis on the organization of preventive care, the Cypriots were able to achieve quite a high level of life expectancy — 85 years for women and 81 years for men. Due to its excellent geographical position and mild climate, the country has a special attraction in terms of medical tourism, the most popular areas of which are plastic cosmetology, dentistry, and reproductive medicine. Foreigners who come for medical services have the opportunity not only to improve their health, but also to have a wonderful rest, enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, golden sandy beaches and blessed sunshine. Fortunately, nature provides all the opportunities for this — scientists say that at least 300 days a year are sunny on this island.
Improving the method of grinding substances to a nanostate
Authors: Yurenkova L. R. , Voronin I. A. , Kostyaev N. A.
Published: August 2021

At the end of the 20th century, a theory was put forward, suggesting that with the help of universal molecular robots, it would be possible to collect any objects from improvised molecules according to a given program. The process was called "nanotechnology". The term «nano» comes from the Greek word "nanos" (dwarf) and corresponds to one billionth of a unit. Nanotechnology is the most modern and advanced direction of science and technology development. The excavations of archaeologists prove that nanomaterials were widely used in the ancient world, for instance, the Mayan civilization used clay, the structure of which contained nanofragments. In ancient Mesopotamia, weapons and glasses painted with metal nanoparticles were produced. In 2007, the state corporation "Russian Corporation of Nanotechnologies" was officially registered in Russia. For the implementation of processes occurring at the molecular level, it was necessary to develop methods for grinding substances to design new substances with super-efficient properties. Due to the introduction of nanotechnology to science, technology, medicine and other fields, there will be significant changes in people's lives. Recently, the problem of introducing nanotechnology into medicine and pharmacology to obtain effective medicines of superhigh quality is especially urgent. One of the main issues nanotechnologists are facing is the problem of grinding substances to a nanostate. The existing processes of grinding substances often require not only high energy costs and labor intensity, but also do not allow achieving the desired result. The article presents an original method of grinding various substances to the molecular level by grinding the molecules of the substance with the particles of the complex "carbyne-cyclic ion-ligand" during the rotation of the complex under the influence of an external electric field. The conducted laboratory tests confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.
On the issue of rational use of production areas in the enterprise
Authors: Ovchinnikov A. N. , Ganina G. E.
Published: August 2021

This paper considers the problem of uneven loading of the enterprise's production areas, when in the first half of the year they were significantly underutilized, and in the second — considerably overloaded. The result of solving this problem is to create a flexible approach to the planning of production areas, for which a mathematical model of the assembly site has been developed. This model is a linear programming problem. Four options were considered. The cost-effective option is to fulfill all orders in one shift and gradually rent the premises throughout the year. It can be noted that in general, it is more profitable to make absolutely all orders than not to make them — this is due to the high cost of equipment, so it is not possible to sacrifice it. The only exception when it is more profitable not to make part of the orders is if the rental of production areas occurs only at the beginning of the year. In the conditions that are now in the enterprise (one cannot rent areas per year, work in one shift), it is most profitable not to make part of the orders, and this option will be the second in total costs. As a result, a mathematical model of the enterprise was obtained, which can be used on tape transport system to assess the capabilities of the enterprise. This model can be used to obtain forecast values for costs. Further, this model can be extended to all other types of products.
Demographic basis of rural territories state support in the EU countries
Authors: Golovina Svetlana Georgievna , Mikolaychik Ivan Nikolaevich , Abilova Ekaterina Viktorovna , Smirnova Lidia Nikolaevna
Published: August 2021

Demographic processes observed within the boundaries of European Union rural areas, including a decrease in the rural population, unfavorable changes in its age composition, deterioration in health, an increase in mortality for various reasons, and especially in connection with the pandemic COVID-19, cause new serious problems that require an active state intervention, namely the development and application of government support various forms. The purpose of the study, the results of which are presented in this article, is generalization and analysis of the available statistical material on rural demography in the EU countries over the past few decades, identification of the main trends and problems in the development of their rural areas, general characteristics those components of the Common Agricultural Policy that are aimed directly at rural development in the current conditions. The work uses survey and analytical research methods that are suitable for studying a large amount of data over a long period of time, including information regarding the demography of the EU countries, presented in the sources of global statistics. The hypotheses verifi ed in the course of the study allowed, in the end, to conclude that negative demographic processes in some countries of the European Union correlate with the phenomena observed in domestic demography and, as a result, determine similar problems and directions for their solution, the growth of the rural population, recorded in some countries (especially in connection with the coronavirus crisis and its consequences), generates many important tasks in the development of rural areas, as it is accompanied by an additional need for jobs, infrastructure facilities, services that important for life. The conclusions obtained during the research of demographic processes in the EU countries are advisable for using as, firstly, a starting point in further research to identify the possibilities for incorporating the European experience in supporting rural areas in domestic economic practice, and secondly, conceptual ideas in determining the content of the relevant public policy.
Development institutions as a key aspect of sustainable development of territories
Authors: Pavlov Pavel Vladimirovich , Zashchitina Elena Konstantinovna
Published: August 2021

It is believed that one of the main functions of development institutions is to solve financial and non-financial tasks to create favorable conditions for investment in terms of reducing business costs, obtaining temporary or permanent tax benefi ts for commercial organizations. At the same time, the achievement of sustainable development goals and the «green» economy was previously neglected for the sake of rapid growth in investment, business volumes and income. In this regard, the purpose of this study is to identify possible points of existence of development institutions in the paradigm of sustainable development of territories. To achieve this goal, the main concepts, features and statistics of the "green" economy and sustainable development of territories were considered, including the performance indicators of companies with at least 20 % of "green" income, the "green" growth index by region, as well as directions development of the "green" economy and the basic principles on the basis of which they are implemented. Also, one of the tasks was to determine the activities of development institutions within the framework of sustainable development of territories, taking into account the classification of development institutions depending on their functions, characteristics of the types and goals of creating free economic zones and identifying the most effective practices for the functioning of development institutions, taking into account the implementation of the concept of sustainable development of territories. Thus, the experience of China and Cambodia was considered in terms of the implementation of the program for the creation of free economic zones within the framework of the strategy for sustainable development of territories. The article is intended for scientists-economists, employees of development institutions, as well as other specialists interested in sustainable development of territories.
Application of the Menges model in a modern economy based on panel data from the Central District of the Russian Federation
Authors: Myagotina Ekaterina Dmitrievna , Tregub Ilona Vladimirovna
Published: August 2021

Nowadays analysis of various econometric models is used to study a significant amount of updated statistical information and find out relationships between statistical economic indicators, that were not investigated earlier. Main idea of investigation in this research work — to find out whether factors influence on the GRP, Consumption, Profit of the organizations and Investments or the model is outdated and non-applicable nowadays. The results obtained in the framework of this research will give us understanding changing which factors (exogeneous variables) — for example, increasing or decreasing credit and deposit rates, tax rates will rise national income, consumer expenditure, investment and operating surplus and, as a result, will accelerate economic development of the Russian Federation. The purpose is to evaluate whether the Menges model which includes all the indicators mentioned as dependent variables is applicable in the modern conditions of the Central Federal District in Russia or not and to find out whether there are other factors which also have an impact on endogenous variables. The object — a set of the panel data of economic statistical information of the Central Federal District in Russia (2008–2013). The subject — the reduced form of Menges model including GRP, Consumption, Profit of the organizations and Net Investments. According to our research, it is reasonable enough to increase the volume of industrial production in order to increase GRP both economically and with the help of the Menges econometric model. Besides that, it is also reasonable to increase the volume of industrial production in order to get a higher cost of investment.
Controle metaborreflexo muscular da pressão arterial em pacientes com cirrose hepática e obesidade
Authors:   , Moreira Janaina Becari
Published: August 2021

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A forma da escola: um exercício de atenção
Authors:   , Rodrigues Marilia Villanova
Published: August 2021

Vivemos em uma sociedade onde nossa relação com o mundo, com as coisas e com as pessoas, se exerce em um nível de utilidade e autopromoção. A tudo queremos dominar e consumir. Há uma oferta incessante de propagandas e estímulos para produzirmos e consumirmos cada vez mais. Nos tornamos uma sociedade hiperativa e hiperconsumista. Isso destrói uma das principais faculdades humanas, a atenção. A escola é o lugar onde o que se gera em primazia, é atenção. O estudo é uma atividade de atenção a alguma coisa, onde procuramos ouvi-la, ao invés de consumi-la. A escola pode ser um lugar alternativo ao utilitarismo, consumo e autopromoção recorrentes. Para tal, pretendo pensar a escola como um lugar separado do tempo do trabalho, ou seja, um lugar do tempo livre. E, a partir disso, pensar uma educação que nos possibilite viver mais plenamente.
Características bucais peculiares no Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico
Authors:   , Fernandes Mariana Quinet Macedo
Published: August 2021

O lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) é uma doença autoimune crônica que pode afetar múltiplos órgãos e tecidos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a condição de saúde bucal de pacientes com LES, correlacionando os critérios médicos com os achados odontológicos. Os pacientes foram agrupados de acordo com a idade e a presença de LES. Foram avaliadas características sócio demográficas, características relacionadas ao tempo de diagnóstico e tratamento do LES, atividade e danos da doença através dos escores SLEDAI e SLICC, perfil dos hábitos associados aos cuidados com a saúde bucal, xerostomia, queixas relacionadas a dor orofacial, disfunção e mobilidade mandibular e avaliação periodontal. Os dados obtidos no presente estudo demonstram que pacientes com diagnostico de LES, mesmo com inatividade da doença pelo SLEDAI, apresentaram piores escores de xerostomia associada a redução do fluxo salivar, dor orofacial, dor ao movimento da boca e desconforto periodontal comparativamente ao grupo controle. Esses sinais e sintomas são associados a maior prevalência de focos infecciosos orais que podem agravar as doenças autoimunes, por isso a realização de uma avaliação orofacial sistematizada é muito importante, principalmente nos pacientes com LES, pois eles apresentam maior chance de desenvolver complicações bucais, devido a doença ou ao seu tratamento.
Métodos de elementos finitos híbridos estáveis e estabilizados para escoamentos miscíveis em meios porosos heterogêneos
Authors:   , Miranda Gabriel Brandão de
Published: August 2021

O escoamento de fluidos miscíveis em meios porosos é modelado matematicamente pelo acoplamento do problema de Darcy com o transporte. Essas equações apresentam uma forte relação de dependência principalmente em casos com razão de mobilidade adversa. Além da não-linearidade e do forte acoplamento entre as equações, há ainda dificuldades numéricas relacionadas à predominância dos efeitos convectivos, heterogeneidade dos meios porosos e compatibilidade dos espaços de aproximação. Neste sentido, propomos o estudo de métodos de elementos finitos híbridos estáveis e estabilizados capazes de superar as dificuldades típicas deste problema e, em alguns casos, assegurar a conservação local de massa. Os métodos ditos estáveis são caracterizados pelo uso dos espaços de aproximação de Raviart-Thomas, enquanto que os estabilizados incorporam resíduos de mínimos quadrados à formulação. Dessa forma, desenvolvemos métodos mistos híbridos para o problema de Darcy e para o problema do transporte, visando gerar formulações para a equação do transporte compatíveis com as formulações para o problema de Darcy, onde os métodos estáveis para Darcy são combinados aos estáveis para o transporte e o mesmo ocorre para os métodos estabilizados. Portanto para manter esta correspondência entre as formulações, a escolha para os multiplicadores de Lagrange, em ambas as abordagens, é de mesma natureza, associada ao traço da variável escalar. Os métodos estáveis e estabilizados para o problema do transporte são combinados a um esquema upwind, empregado para suavizar os efeitos do regime predominantemente convectivo, e discretizados no tempo por uma abordagem de segunda ordem baseada no método de Crank-Nicolson. Neste contexto, os métodos estáveis e estabilizados empregando multiplicadores contínuos e descontínuos são testados e validados, através de estudos de convergência, para o problema de Darcy e do transporte separadamente e de forma acoplada para problema Darcy-transporte. Além disso, diversos cenários são simulados em meios homogêneos e heterogêneos supondo razão de mobilidade unitária e adversa onde os métodos propostos demonstram a capacidade de capturar os fenômenos de geração de “dedos” e padrões fractais gerados por este tipo de abordagem, além de apresentar uma redução dos efeitos oscilatórios provenientes da convecção dominante que é inerente a essas aplicações.