bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ameliorative Role of Moringa Oleifera against Gamma Radiation and Mercury Induced Nephrotoxicity in Swiss Albino Mice
Authors: Agarwal Manisha , Kumar Manoj , Purohit Archana , Chakrawarti Aruna , Purohit R.K.
Published: September 2022

Herbal plants and products represent important source of natural antioxidant and offer an alternative to synthetic protectors. Moringa oliefera, a herbal medicinal plant has been screen for their radioprotective activity. For the purpose of study male Swiss albino mice were divided into seven groups. The mice were exposed to gamma radiation (2.5 Gy and 5.0 Gy) and also provided mercuric chloride (0.5 ppm) both separately and combined. The herbal radioprotector Moringa was given to experimental groups after irradiation and mercury treatment. Animals were autopsied at post treatment interval of 1, 2, 4, 7, 14 and 28 days. After sacrificing the animal’s histopathology of kidney was observed. Renal glomeruli and tubules depicted degenerative changes and changes were more pronounced in combined treatment groups. Moringa treated groups demonstrated early and fast onset of recovery in comparison to non-Moringa treated groups. Radioprotective efficacy of MOE was due to presence of various bioactive compound.
Improving the Financial Stability of IT Companies through Social Media Marketing
Authors: Sydorenko Natalya , Mitchuk Olha , Holik Oksana , Diahovchenko Liliia , Havryliuk Inna , Myronets Nina
Published: September 2022

In the context of the COVID19 pandemic, many companies face the problem of declining financial stability. IT companies are unique in this aspect, because their field of activity is entirely based on digital platforms and does not require direct contact with customers. Besides, social media marketing is becoming increasingly popular. The study of the impact of social media marketing on improving the financial stability of IT companies becomes urgent under the conditions of fierce competition, when it is necessary to ensure high rates of financial stability. The aim of the study is to determine the impact of social media marketing on improving the financial stability of IT companies. The data sample for this study includes the 20 largest IT outsourcing companies in Ukraine in 2020. The study was conducted using linear regression models, which were tested by the least squares method. The impact of social media marketing was introduced into the model through the use of a dummy variable. The results of the study showed that social media marketing has a positive statistically significant impact on Profitability of Cash, Profitability of Cash Outflow, Profitability of Cash Inflow, Profitability of Net Cash Flow. The obtained results can be used to assess the impact of social media marketing on cash flow indicators and financial stability of IT companies. The study opens up new areas for further research, in particular the impact of the established brand of the IT company in social media on its financial stability.
ДІЯЛЬНІСТЬ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОЇ АКАДЕМІЇ ПЕДАГОГІЧНИХ НАУК УКРАЇНИ В УМОВАХ ВОЄННОГО СТАНУ (лютий-серпень 2022 р.)
Authors: Kremen Vasyl , Lugovyi Volodymyr , Topuzov Oleh , Sysoieva Svitlana , Maksymenko Serhii , Liashenko Oleksandr , Nychkalo Nellia , Saukh Petro , Reheilo Iryna
Published: September 2022

В аналітичному огляді представлено інформацію про діяльність НАПН України, її відділень та наукових установ в умовах воєнного стану (за період лютий — серпень 2022 р.), запровадженого і продовженого відповідно до указів Президента України у зв’язку із повномасштабною війною Російської Федерації проти України. Висловлюючи безумовну підтримку керівництву держави та Збройним Силам України щодо захисту суверенітету і територіальної цілісності України, зусилля вчених НАПН України спрямовано на організацію властивих для академії комплексних заходів щодо опору російській агресії, посилення ефективності діяльності задля прискорення перемоги, вдосконалення науково-методичного супроводу освіти, розвитку науки для повоєнного відновлення країни на високотехнологічній основі.

Висвітлено ключові напрями роботи НАПН України, зокрема, розкрито зміст наукових і науково-організаційних заходів; провадження наукових досліджень та науково-організаційної роботи в наукових установах НАПН України; системний науково-методичний супровід освіти, співпрацю з МОН України та закладами освіти; експертну діяльність; психологічний супровід освітянської спільноти, надання психологічної підтримки населенню в кризових умовах; міжнародну інформаційно-просвітницьку діяльність і підтримку інформаційної безпеки та волонтерську допомогу вчених НАПН України.
E-COMMERCE: A BIG APPROACH FOR BUSINESS
Authors: Parashar Dr Suhasini
Published: September 2022

Commerce as the activity of operating business amongst economic entities and all business dealings for buying and selling of goods in an economy considered as, commerce. Electronic commerce (ecommerce) refers to companies and individuals , buying and selling goods and services over the Internet . E-Commerce operates in various market segments and conducts over computers, tablets, smart phones, and other smart devices. Every product and service is available through e-commerce transactions, including books, music, plane tickets and financial services, such as stock investing and online banking. The focus of this article is as follows: (a) to study the increasing concern for use of e-Commerce in the Global World and new developments, (b) to analyse the evolution of commerce and modes of payment, and (c) to evaluate the emerging start-ups and businesses sector with developments.
Tagoropsis sabulosa zanzibarica ssp. nov. from Zanzibar Island (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)
Authors: Spitsyn Vitaly M. , Kondakov Alexander V. , Tomilova Alena A. , Spitsyna Elizaveta A. , Bolotov Ivan N.
Published: September 2022

In this study, we describe Tagoropsis sabulosa zanzibarica Spitsyn & Bolotov ssp. nov. from Zanzibar (Unguja) Island. The new subspecies differs from the nominate one by having a yellow wing coloration and a contrast postmedial line on the forewing. The male of the new subspecies does not have marginal spots on the hindwing.
The Effect of Heavy Exercise on Plasma Lipid Levels in Elite Volleyball Male Athletes
Authors: BÜLBÜL Alpay , ÖZSOY Şeyma , OCAKLI Seda , OLCUCU Burcin
Published: September 2022

It is known that physical activity plays a cardioprotective role. Various types of physical exercise have positive effects on the plasma lipid panel, which generally indicates the risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study is to examine the plasma lipid levels of elite volleyball players who trained heavily for 10 weeks. Male elite volleyball athletes voluntarily participated in the study, who are healthy and between the ages of 18-35 (n=18). Body mass index (BMI) values were calculated by measuring the weight and height of all athletes participating in the study before and after heavy exercise. Before and after the heavy exercise program, blood plasma samples were taken from the athletes for biochemical and hematological analyzes. When the plasma values of the athletes were compared before and after exercise, no statistically significant difference was found (p>0.05). It was determined that the total cholesterol (TC) value in the plasma lipid panel of the athletes after heavy exercise decreased (p
L’accueil des réfugiés en République tchèque
Authors: Seidlová Markéta
Published: September 2022

Avec une population immigrée de 660 000 personnes, la République tchèque est la principale cible des migrants économiques parmi les pays d’Europe centrale. Cependant, le pays reste encore assez omis par la population des demandeurs d’asile, à la fois en nombre de demandeurs de protection internationale et en nombre de personnes y résidant avec un statut de réfugié accordé. Cela pourrait s’expliquer partiellement par le fait que le pays applique une politique très restrictive dans ce domaine depuis plus de 20 ans. Sur un total de 99 352 personnes ayant demandé la protection entre 1993 et 2021, seulement 3 499 (soit 3,52 %) ont obtenu le statut de réfugié (l’asile). En ce qui concerne les pays d’origine des demandeurs d’asile, traditionnellement la plus grande partie (environ 50 %) des demandeurs d’asile sont les citoyens ukrainiens, qui font aussi le groupe immigré le plus nombreux. Côté juridique, les demandes de protection internationale sont régies par la loi n° 325/1999 Coll. sur l’asile qui définit la procédure complète, y compris le séjour dans différents types d’établissements pendant que le demandeur d’asile suit le processus. Le travail social dans ces structures consiste alors principalement en diagnostic, information, médiation, conseil ; et l’intervention de crise peut également être fournie.
Le point de vue du personnel sur les pratiques de développement des ressources humaines dans le secteur public : le rôle du soutien de l’organisation et du superviseur
Authors: Mylona Evangelia , Mihail Dimitrios
Published: September 2022

Cet article adopte le point de vue du personnel, qui fait actuellement défaut dans la littérature du secteur public, et répond à la demande de recherches supplémentaires concernant les facteurs qui affectent les attitudes et les comportements professionnels des employés du secteur public. Basée sur une enquête menée auprès de fonctionnaires, cette étude explore les antécédents et les résultats de l’investissement perçu dans le développement des employés. Notre recherche démontre l’influence significative du soutien organisationnel sur la perception du développement par les employés. En outre, le soutien du superviseur médie la relation entre le soutien organisationnel et l’investissement perçu dans le développement des employés. Cette constatation met en lumière le rôle des superviseurs en tant qu’agents qui représentent ou personnifient l’organisation. En outre, conformément au modèle exigences – ressources de l’épuisement professionnel et à la théorie de l’échange social, nous indiquons que les agents du secteur public qui travaillent dans un lieu de travail offrant des incitations substantielles en matière de formation et de développement sont plus susceptibles de faire état de niveaux plus élevés d’engagement organisationnel et de comportement citoyen. L’investissement perçu dans le développement du personnel s’est révélé être un médiateur important entre les relations de soutien organisationnel et les résultats du personnel, et entre le soutien du superviseur et les résultats du personnel. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens Lorsque les budgets des ressources humaines sont de plus en plus restreints, les facteurs de motivation non monétaires peuvent constituer une alternative viable aux récompenses financières coûteuses. Il est suggéré que non seulement les pratiques de développement des employés profiteront aux organisations publiques en termes d’employés mieux formés et plus qualifiés, mais que les perceptions du personnel concernant les investissements des organisations dans leur développement créent également un sentiment d’obligation chez les agents de l’État de rendre la pareille par des attitudes et des comportements professionnels positifs.
Walking dynamics for an ascending stair biped robot with telescopic legs and impulse thrust
Authors: Chen Jiarui , Tang Aimin , Zhou Guanfeng , Lin Ling , Jiang Guirong
Published: September 2022

In this study, an ascending stair biped robot model with impulse thrust is presented. The biped robot contains a hip joint and two legs with massless telescoping actuator. Impulse thrust is applied at the ankle joint of robot's stance leg to simulate the forward push-off of the ankle during human walking. The nonlinear ascending stair biped model is linearized and a discrete map is obtained. The conditions for the existence and stability of period-1 gait are obtained by means of this discrete map. The expressions of torques to ensure robot walking are derived and Flip bifurcation is investigated. Numerical simulations, such as phase diagram of period-1, 2, 4 gaits and bifurcation diagram, are given in an example. Theoretical analysis and numerical results obtained in this study provide a theoretical basis for stable walking of ascending stair biped robot with periodic gaits.
To pay or not to pay? Understanding public acceptance of congestion pricing: A case study of Nanjing
Authors: Selmoune Aya , Liu Zhiyuan , Lee Jinwoo
Published: September 2022

Congestion pricing has been unquestionably recognized as an efficient strategy for managing traffic demand following the successful introduction of such schemes in a number of cities. However, the lack of political and public acceptance can be blamed for the nonexecution of congestion pricing projects in numerous cities around the world. This paper sheds light on the impacts of congestion pricing and the factors influencing its public acceptance. Our research was aimed to answer the following questions: (ⅰ) What are the factors that can influence public acceptance of congestion pricing? (ⅱ) What are the impacts of implementing a congestion pricing scheme? (ⅲ) How can we overcome the barriers that currently stand in the way of public acceptance of congestion pricing? To answer these questions, we developed a case study combining stated preference and revealed preference data collected in Nanjing, China. The study analyzes the acceptance of congestion pricing and the factors influencing it, such as socioeconomics, the perceived impact, fairness and public transit-related factors. We compare logistic regression and artificial neural network models to gain a deeper knowledge of the important factors and investigate the respondents' attitudes. The results revealed that the perceived impacts on congestion, the environment, trips to the city center, revenue allocation, public transportation price satisfaction, annual income, fairness, car ownership and travel frequency, along with the efficiency and capacity of public transport systems, need to be included when evaluating individuals' acceptance of congestion pricing. Among these, the perceived impacts on congestion and the environment, fairness and revenue allocation to public transportation are the most significant factors. Moreover, we offer further qualitative insight into the individual, economic and social impacts of congestion pricing. This paper provides decision- and policy-makers with important advice on how to promote public acceptance when considering the implementation of a congestion pricing scheme.
A systematic review of green finance in the banking industry: perspectives from a developing country
Authors: Rahman Shahinur , Moral Iqbal Hossain , Hassan Mehedi , Hossain Gazi Shakhawat , Perveen Rumana
Published: September 2022

Globally, scholars and practitioners are becoming increasingly interested in determining the interaction between finance and environmental sustainability. However, a few studies have investigated and organized existing information in the context of the green finance of banks in developing countries. The purpose of our study is to find major dimensions of green finance and research gaps from a thorough evaluation of the literature. As a result, existing research on green finance in the banking industry has been evaluated in this paper with a focus on green finance and sustainable development. This study employs the content analysis method and it analyzes and summarizes a total of 53 relevant previous studies in the field of green finance. The findings of this research reveal 21 crucial dimensions of green finance in Bangladesh. The primary green finance products of Bangladeshi banks include green securities, green investments, climate finance, green insurance, green credit, green bonds and green infrastructure. The other factors include environmental performance and green economic growth, energy efficiency, green finance policy and environmental protection and the risk impact of bank policy formulation. The findings of this study will help policymakers to understand the green finance concept and its associated variables, which need to be considered when adopting and implementing green finance.
Nonlinear normal modes in a network with cubic couplings
Authors: Caputo Jean-Guy , Khames Imene , Knippel Arnaud
Published: September 2022

We consider a network with cubic couplings. This is related to the well known Fermi-Pasta-Ulam-Tsingou model. We show that nonlinear periodic orbits extend from particular eigenvectors of the graph Laplacian, these are termed nonlinear normal modes. We present large classes of graphs where this occurs. These are the graphs whose Laplacian eigenvectors have components in $ \{1, -1\} $ (bivalent), and $ \{1, -1, 0\} $ with a condition (soft-regular trivalent), the bipartite complete graphs and their extensions obtained by adding an edge between vertices having the same component. Finally, we study the stability of these solutions for chains and cycles.
Schistosomiasis model with treatment, habitat modification and biological control
Authors: Nur Wahyudin , Trisilowati  , Suryanto Agus , Kusumawinahyu Wuryansari Muharini
Published: September 2022

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma worm infection. Some species of snails can serve as the intermediate hosts for the parasite. Numerous interventions have been performed to repress the snail population. One of them is the use of molluscicide. Nevertheless, it is debated that molluscicide intervention has negative impacts on the ecosystem. To investigate the impact of more environmentally friendly interventions, we develop a schistosomiasis model with treatment, habitat modification and biological control. The biological control agent examined in our model is a snail predator. Moreover, to investigate the impact of snail habitat modification, we assume that the snail population grows logistically. We show that all solutions of our model are non-negative and bounded. We also study the existence and stability conditions of equilibrium points. The basic reproduction numbers are determined using the next-generation operator. Linearization combined with the Routh-Hurwitz criterion is used to prove the local stability condition of disease-free equilibrium points. Bifurcation theory is applied to investigate the local stability condition of the endemic equilibrium points. To examine the global behavior of our model, we use asymptotically autonomous system theory and construct a Lyapunov function. We perform several numerical simulations to validate and support our deductive results. Our results show that early treatment can reduce the basic reproduction number and schistosomiasis cases. In addition, modifying snail habitat and releasing the snail predator at the snail habitat can reduce schistosomiasis prevalence. We suggest using snail predators which can hunt and kill snails effectively as a biological control agent.
Determination of 3D Transformation Parameters for the Sri Lankan Geodetic Reference Network Using Ordinary and Total Least Squares
Authors: Prasad K. V. C. , Prasanna H. M. I.
Published: September 2022

Since the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) has been a common and convenient practice for many local geospatial applications, it is required to transform the geodetic coordinates from global to local datums. In the Sri Lankan context, datum transformation is performed from the WGS84 to the Everest (1830) geodetic datums. Usually, transformation parameters are determined using the least squares adjustment technique. This research compares the ordinary and total least squares adjustment techniques in three coordinate transformations: Bursa-Wolf; Molodensky-Badekas; Veis, and determines new transformation parameters for coordinate transformation in Sri Lankan local geodetic reference network. Cross-Validations of hold out and leave-one-out were applied for the validation of the results, in which the latter performed best. The research concludes that though the Bursa-Wolf model is simple, Molodensky-Badekas and Veis models are more suitable for coordinate transformation in Sri Lanka.
Imaging and spectral analysis of autofluorescence patterns in larval head structures of mosquito vectors
Authors: Scolari Francesca , Girella Alessandro , Croce Anna Cleta
Published: September 2022

Autofluorescence (AF) in mosquitoes is currently poorly explored, despite its great potential as a marker of body structures and biological functions. Here, for the first time AF in larval heads of two mosquitoes of key public health importance, Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens, is studied using fluorescence imaging and spectrofluorometry, similarly to a label-free histochemical approach. In generally conserved distribution patterns, AF shows differences between mouth brushes and antennae of the two species. The blue AF ascribable to resilin at the antennal bases, more extended in Cx. pipiens, suggests a potential need to support different antennal movements. The AF spectra larger in Cx. pipiens indicate a variability in material composition and properties likely relatable to mosquito biology, including diverse feeding and locomotion behaviours with implications for vector control.
Estimating high-order brain functional network via signed random walk for mild cognitive impairment identification
Authors: Zhang Li-Mei , Wu Xiao , Su Hui , Guo Ting-Ting , Liu Ming-Xia
Published: September 2022

Brain functional network (BFN) has become an increasingly important tool to discover informative biomarkers for diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and its prodrome stage, namely mild cognitive impairment. Currently, the most popular BFN estimation methods include Pearson's correlation and sparse representation. Despite their empirical success in some scenarios, such estimated BFNs only capture the low-order relationship (i.e., the direct connectivity strength between brain regions), ignoring the high-order information in the brain (e.g., the global network structure). Therefore, in this study, we proposed a novel method based on the signed random walk (SRW) to estimate high-order BFNs. Not only can SRW measure the global network structure, but it can also naturally deal with negative brain functional connectivity through the structural balance theory. To the best of our knowledge, this study was the first to use SRW in BFN estimation. Furthermore, considering the complex interaction among different brain regions, we developed a parameterized variant of SRW for improving the flexibility of the high-order BFN estimation model. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, we identified patients with mild cognitive impairment from normal controls based on the estimated high-order BFNs. Our experimental findings showed that the proposed scheme tended to achieve higher classification performance than baseline methods.
Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperexcitation syndrome caused by ventriculoperitoneal shunt pressure-regulation in post-traumatic hydrocephalus
Authors: Yang Li-Jun , Tang Xin-Wei , Li Hai-Qing , Dun Wang-Huan , Fan Wen-Ke , Xie Hong-Yu , Wang Nian-Hong , Wu Jun-Fa , Wu Yi
Published: September 2022

Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) is a rare symptom, but is difficult to manage. Here, we report a case of post-trauma PSH in a young male patient. The main reason for the occurrence of PSH in trauma patients may be nonnoxious or noxious stimuli. In this case, the detection of positive sympathetic parameters and heart rate variability after pressure regulation provided strong evidence for the PSH attack, thus enhancing the accuracy and reliability of early diagnosis. Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of PSH caused by rapid decline of ventricular pressure. Moreover, the appropriate regulation of ventricular pressure combined with pharmacologic interventions, rehabilitation and nutritional support may reduce and control this symptom.
Perspectives on effect of spleen in ischemic stroke
Authors: Ding Yarong , DeGracia Donald , Geng Xiaokun , Ding Yuchuan
Published: September 2022

Despite decades of research, stroke therapies are limited to recanalization therapies that can only be used on <10% of stroke patients; the vast majority of stroke patients cannot be treated by these methods. Even if recanalization is successful, the outcome is often poor due to subsequent reperfusion injury. A major damage mechanism operating in stroke is inflammatory injury due to excessive pro-inflammatory cascades. Many studies have shown that, after stroke, splenic inflammatory cells, including neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages, and lymphocytes, are released and infiltrate the brain, heightening brain inflammation, and exacerbating ischemia/reperfusion injury. Clinical studies have observed spleen contraction in acute stroke patients where functional outcome improved with the gradual recovery of spleen volume. These observations are supported by stroke animal studies that have used splenectomy- or radiation-induced inhibition of spleen function to show spleen volume decrease during the acute phase of middle cerebral artery occlusion, and transfer of splenocytes to stroke-injured brain areas. Thus, activation and release of splenic cells are upstream of excessive brain inflammation in stroke. The development of reversible means of regulating splenic activity offers a therapeutic target and potential clinical treatment for decreasing brain inflammation and improving stroke outcomes.
Shoulder Ultrasound – Protocols and Pitfalls
Authors: Sreejith K.
Published: September 2022

Musculoskeletal ultrasound of shoulder is an important tool for physiatrist in diagnosing and treating patients with shoulder pain. Here a brief anatomy and sono anatomy of rotator cuff tendons is mentioned. Protocols of Shoulder Ultrasound and the common pitfalls are described.
Multiple Intracranial Vessel Fenestrations
Authors: Datta Amlan Kusum , Gupta Subhadeep
Published: September 2022

Intracranial vascular fenestrations are unique anatomical anomalies, consequential to developmental perturbations in vessel embryology. The importance of identification rests on its frequent association with disturbed cerebral flow dynamics and intracranial pathologies. Herein, we report two cases from the same institute of such an association. One presented with an isolated intraventricular hemorrhage, found to have basilar artery fenestrations, whereas the other presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage, with fenestrations involving both the anterior and posterior circulations. Neither of the two patients had any evidence of aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, or dissections and were managed conservatively. Being acquainted with the anatomy and pathophysiology of these vascular aberrations are paramount in achieving optimal patient outcomes in certain vascular catastrophes.
Biodiversidad, conservación y mejoramiento del cultivo de la papa (Solanum tuberosum) con énfasis en el grupo Chilotanum
Authors: Fernández R. , Lizana C. , Behn A.
Published: September 2022

La papa pertenece al género Solanum, subgénero Potatoe, sección Petota, la cual reúne a 19 series, entre las cuales se encuentran las especies formadoras de tubérculos (serie tuberosa). Las especies S. tuberosum ssp. tuberosum y S. tuberosum ssp. andigena, o también llamadas S. tuberosum grupo Chilotanum y grupo Andigenum, respectivamente, son las principales representantes de este cultivo y las que más aportan a la alimentación actual; estas series contienen un gran número de parientes silvestres que pueden contribuir con genes de resistencia a estreses bióticos y abióticos. Gran parte de las variedades de papa que se cultivan a nivel mundial fuera de las zonas andinas, descienden de Solanum tuberosum grupo Chilotanum.

La diversidad de la papa a nivel mundial se conserva actualmente en cerca de 174 bancos de germoplasma que almacenan cerca de 30.000 accesiones de papa ex situ. El Banco de Germoplasma de Papas de la Universidad Austral de Chile mantiene 289 accesiones de S. tuberosum ssp. tuberosum del grupo Chilotanum que han mostrado alta variabilidad genética y presencia de múltiples caracteres de interés como resistencias a estreses bióticos y abióticos. Estos caracteres le confieren a este material un alto potencial para su uso en mejoramiento genético y la producción de nuevas variedades. Por lo anterior, es de suma importancia la conservación de su diversidad in situ y ex-situ, ya que los recursos genéticos representan una de las estrategias de mayor relevancia para enfrentar desafíos como el cambio climático global y cubrir la demanda alimentaria de la población mundial a corto y largo plazo en forma sustentable. En esta revisión se abordará la biodiversidad del cultivo de la papa, haciendo énfasis en las variedades presentes en Chile, considerando los métodos de conservación del cultivo y los avances en mejoramiento genético para el desarrollo de variedades más resistentes a estreses abióticos y bióticos.
DIREÇÕES PARA MITIGAR OS IMPACTOS DA SECA EXTREMA NAS POPULAÇÕES DE JACARÉS (Caiman yacare) NO PANTANAL
Authors: Campos Zilca , Mourão Guilherme , Muniz Fábio de Lima , Maffei Fábio , Botero-Arias Robin , Magnusson William Ernest
Published: September 2022

As mudanças climáticas globais exercem diferentes efeitos negativos ao redor do mundo, e a seca extrema de 2019-2021 observada no Pantanal parece derivar desses efeitos. Espécies aquáticas e semiaquáticas ocorrem em abundância no Pantanal, devido à grande oferta de ambientes sazonalmente inundáveis. O jacaré-do-pantanal, Caiman yacare, que na década de 1990 apresentou população estimada em cerca de 3 milhões de indivíduos, apresenta declínio populacional devido à escassez de água nos rios, lagos e açudes restantes. A espécie responde às secas, adotando estratégias de sobrevivência como a estivação na lama e no interior da floresta. Recomendamos três medidas gerais para a conservação do Pantanal como um todo e cinco ações específicas de manejo para minimizar os efeitos da seca nas populações de jacarés no Pantanal.
Re-imagining Brake Disc Thermal Fatigue Testing to Relate to Field Use
Authors: Antanaitis David , Langhart Jerry
Published: September 2022

The validation of brake discs has remained, to this day, heavily reliant on “Thermal Abuse” or “Thermal Cracking” type testing, with many procedures so dated that most engineers active in the industry today cannot even recall the origin of the test. These procedures - of which there are many variants - all share the trait of greatly accelerating durability testing by performing repeated high power (high speed and high deceleration) brake applies to drive huge temperature gradients and internal stress, and often allowing the disc to get very hot, to where the strength of the material from which the disc is constructed is significantly degraded. There is little debate about whether these procedures work; by and large disc durability issues in the field are extremely rare. However, without the connection to the duty cycle in the field, it is extremely difficult to interpret results (especially since many standards allow significant cracking before a failure is declared), and this can lead to significant re-testing and design modifications that not necessarily needed. The publication of SAE J2995 (based heavily on VDA 311) provided a versatile and powerful means of relating simple lab-based test duty cycles to severe field use. There is not a straightforward interpretation of J2995 for brake discs; however, in combination with simple models relating braking power to disc stresses, a potential path emerges to connect disc thermal abuse to field use. The present study explores this path, with a series of inertia dynamometer-based studies designed to see if an S-N curve (relating braking power to disc life) could be developed for disc thermal abuse, and if this could then be used to relate the results to customer use. Initial results are promising, giving hope that disc durability validation can transition eventually to a less empirical, and more engineered approach.
Development of Brake Squeal Noise Robustness Index and Improve Noise Tuning Efficiency Using Friction Induced Modal
Authors: Lee Junwon , Choi Juhyun , Baek Myoungjin , Yoon Taewook , Yoon Kyuwon
Published: September 2022

NVH is one of the important factors in automobile development. Brake squeal noise, in particular, is an important indicator of perceived quality of automobile. Squeal noise, one of the most difficult factors in automobile brake development, is noise caused by the complex interaction of friction characteristics, caliper behavior, frequency characteristics and environmental conditions. Therefore, it is not easy to come up with an effective improvement plan in a short time. The purpose of this study is to develop a new evaluation method to improve the squeal noise of the brake caliper system and to select the FIM index, which is the standard for objective numerical analysis. The newly developed Friction Induced Modal Method is an evaluation method that uses an inertia noise dynamometer to control the environment and braking conditions in the same way as the squeal noise conditions generated in the field, and to analyze the NVH characteristics of brake calipers. In conclusion, measurement and index analysis method standardized to obtain objective values of squeal noise characteristics. After that, Five car models were selected to confirm their effectiveness, and FIM applied to newly developed car models to dramatically shorten the squeal tuning period and the number of noise dynamometer evaluations.
A Study on the Weight Trend of Passenger Car Brake Systems Based on Benchmarking Data from 2011 to 2021
Authors: Kim Yooho , Kwon Taiksang , Kim Dongsun
Published: September 2022

The history of the brake system for the passenger vehicles is no shorter than that of the automobile itself. With the long history, its performance, efficiency and reliability have been dramatically improved and as a result, even leading brake system suppliers now find it very difficult to come up with breakthrough ideas for further optimization of the current brake systems. In addition, as the powertrain of the vehicles has also been improved, the requirements of the brake system have become much more severe than before, leading to a trend of increasing the system size and weight especially for the parts belong to unsprung mass. In the case of high-end vehicles, the system was further optimized using expensive materials such as ceramic, carbon-fiber, etc. However, most normal vehicles have been developed without any significant changes in the existing systems. This decade-long trend of developing braking parts has seen a big change “electrification of the vehicle”. The electrification of the vehicles represented by Electric Vehicle (EV), Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Fuelcell has left room for further weight reduction in the current system as they always accompany with another braking mechanism called “Regenerative braking”. It is a well-known fact that regenerative braking can cover the most of braking equivalent to 0.1g to 0.3g, and the 0.1 - 0.3g deceleration takes a major part in normal brake use. Naturally, brake engineers have shown great interest in the possibility of the regenerative braking, and around 2017, they predicted that conventional brake system would eventually become fail-safe for the electric brake system. Likewise, brake system engineers have begun to recognize the potential for full-scale weight reduction in the conventional brake system using regenerative braking. In this paper, the trend of change in weight of brake parts corresponding to unsprung mass was analyzed using A2mac1’s benchmarking data from 2011 to 2021. The analyzed data includes pure internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. This study tries to illuminate the weight trend of the current brake systems and figure out how the electrification of the vehicle has affected the brake systems in terms of system weight.
Descriptions of Nature as Images of Moral Decline in the Letter of Jude
Authors: Nortje-Meyer SJ (Lilly)
Published: September 2022

In the Letter of Jude, the author uses images from the environment to demonstrate the moral decline of the faith community. The environment is portrayed inter alia as dark, clouds without rain, trees without fruit, and trees uprooted. The author uses provocative or insulting language to describe the opponents of Jude as men whose appearance, behaviour or speech is typically associated with women. By linking the men with immoral women, they are effeminated. This paper examines the language used for the environment and women to depict the moral decline of the opponents in the Letter of Jude. The aim of the paper is to challenge a worldview based on the inferior status of the environment and of women, and to promote a view of the environment and women as subjects rather than substances. Ecofeminists suggest a worldview that places a high value on connection and relationship, instead of the androcentric worldview of contrast and separation.
Assessment of lymphocyte populations and their subsets in the patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Safronova E. A. , Ryabova L. V.
Published: September 2022

We examined 23 patients aged 40 to 65 years (mean age 54.526.72) with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) at admission, who underwent emergency or delayed coronary stenting a day later. All patients had arterial hypertension as a concomitant disease. Upon additional examination, blood troponin levels were determined, ECG was performed in the time dynamics. Acute myocardial infarction with ST elevation was diagnosed in 7 patients, infarction without ST elevation, in 6 patients, the unstable angina rest, in the rest of this group (Grace risk from 75 to 150 points, on average, 107.727.16 points). To assess the immune status, especially, lymphocyte populations and subsets we used standardized techniques, i.e., flow cytometric assays with Navios cytofluorimeter (Beckman Coulter, USA). The following subpopulations were determined: CD45+ (panleukocyte marker for gating lymphocytes), CD45+, CD3+ (T cells), CD45+, CD3+, CD4+ (helper inducers), CD45+, CD3+, CD8+ (cytotoxic T cells), CD45+, CD3+CD16+, CD56+ (TNK cells) CD45+, CD3-, CD16+, CD56+ (natural killer cells), CD45+, CD3-, CD19+CD5+ (B cells), CD45+, CD3+, CD4+, CD25+ (activated helpers, early activation phase), CD45+, CD3+, HLA-DR (activated T lymphocytes late activation phase). The data obtained indicate that the relative indices of T helper subpopulations, T cells at early and late activation step, and B lymphocytes were increased in the patients with acute coronary syndrome, compared with control group. At the same time, there is a trend for increasing absolute values of these indexes. The subpopulation of TNK lymphocytes proved to be significantly increased both in relative and absolute values, whereas percentages of CD45+CD3+CD19- (p 0.01) and T cytotoxic lymphocytes (p 0.001) were decreased and showed the same trend in absolute terms. The ratio of CD4/CD8 lymphocytes was almost doubled (p 0.001), due to increased content of T-helpers and decrease in cytotoxic T lymphocytes. In clinical blood analyses of ACS patients a tendency for leukocytosis was shown, (10.155.22), with a shift to the band forms.
Comparative assessment of genetic polymorphism of Toll-like 2 and 6 receptors predisposing for non-specific ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome in Russians from Chelyabinsk Region
Authors: Stashkevich D. S. , Belyaeva S. V. , Evdokimov A. V.
Published: September 2022

Ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome are multifactorial disorders with genetic predisposition. Recent studies suggest that the mucosal immune activation, increased intestinal permeability, and altered host-microbiota interactions may modulate innate immune response, thus contributing to immunopathogenesis of these diseases. Toll-like receptors (TLR) are considered to play the main role in genetic susceptibility to the conditions. The mechanisms for regulating activity of Toll-like receptors are represented by single-nucleotide gene polymorphisms (SNPs), thus producing allelotypes with different biological effects. Among all known TLRs, TLR2 is the most actively studied. The TLR2 gene is located on the long arm of the chromosome 4 and contains the genetic variant leading to the substitution of arginine for glutamine (Arg753Gln) in TLR2 protein. Meanwhile, the most studied SNP of TLR6 is located at the C745T position causing Pro249Ser amino acid substitution in the protein. The present work aimed for analysis of distribution of alleles, genotypes and haplotype combinations of the TLR2 and TLR6 SNPs, and their associations with predisposal for ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome in Russians from Chelyabinsk Region. The following methods were used in the study: isolation of DNA samples from whole blood, genotyping of the studied gene polymorphisms using PCR with electrophoretic detection. The frequencies of two-locus haplotypes formed by SNPs TLR2 TLR6 were calculated with Arlequin ver 3.5 software. Comparison of two populational samples for predisposition to UC and IBS was carried out using standard immunogenetic criteria. Significance of differences was set at p 0.05. Results: Analysis of the data showed the association of specific alleles and genotypes, but not TLR2 TLR6 haplotypes, with predisposition to the studied diseases. The Arg753Gln gene polymorphism of TLR2 was shown to be significant for a predisposition to ulcerative colitis, and SNP Pro249Ser TLR6 is associated with susceptibility to irritable bowel syndrome in Russians from the Chelyabinsk Region.
Effect of mifepristone under acute stress on thymocyte apoptosis in mice
Authors: Shilov Yu. I. , Shilov S. Yu. , Barkov S. Yu. , Shilova N. A.
Published: September 2022

In 1936, the Canadian pathologist Hans Selye, in experiments with adrenalectomy, has shown adrenal cortex hormones to be involved in development of thymic acute involution under stress. By 1970s, the idea of lysis of lymphoid cells by glucocorticoids dominated among researchers as the main mechanism of these changes. Later on, increased migration of T lymphocytes from thymus as well as decreased migration of bone marrow precursors to the thymus were considered. Since 1990s, apoptosis induced by glucocorticoids was also studied in this respect. To elucidate the in vivo contribution of glucocorticoids these events, a convenient tool was developed in experimental endocrinology and pharmacology, i.e., treatment of male rats or mice with antagonist of glucocorticoid and progesterone receptors mifepristone, also known as RU-38486 or RU-486. The purpose of this work is to investigate the effect of mifepristone on thymocyte apoptosis in mice under acute stress. Experimental studies were performed in male white noninbred mice. Mifepristone was injected once subcutaneously 30 min before immobilization at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight prepared in olive oil solution. Control mice and the animals from comparison group were injected once subcutaneously with an equivalent amount of the drug solvent. A classical model of 24-hour immobilization stress in a plastic restrainer (supine position) was used for experimental simulation of acute stress. Thymocyte apoptosis was assessed by flow laser cytometry with BD PE Annexin V Apoptosis Detection Kit I (BD Pharmingen) reagent kit adapted for Guava EasyCyte flow laser cytometer by Millipore Corporation. It was found that acute stress induced by 24-hour immobilization of mice leads to an increase in the total relative number of 7-AAD-positive cells as well as proportion of cells stained with 7-AAD, but not annexin V-PE (nuclear debris, annexin V(-), 7-AAD (+)). Administration of mifepristone alleviated these changes, thus confirming involvement of glucocorticoids in increasing number of necrotic thymocytes. The number of thymocytes in early apoptosis (i.e., annexin V-PE-positive, 7-AAD-negative), as well as total relative number of cells with phosphatidylserine exposed at the surface (annexin V-PE-positive thymocytes) under acute stress and at stress on the background of the introduction of mifepristone did not differ from the control.
Expression of CD39 and CD73 ectonucleotidases in CD4+ lymphocyte populations in healthy children
Authors: Radygina T. V. , Kuptsova D. G. , Petrichuk S. V. , Semikina E. L. , Fisenko A. P.
Published: September 2022

Purinergic system plays an important role in functional regulation of immune system. Extracellular ATP belongs to non-infectious danger signals (DAMP), has a pro-inflammatory effect and modulates the immune response. The end product of ATP breakdown, adenosine, plays an important role in limiting the inflammatory response. The activity of ectonucleotidase CD39 and CD73 supports the balance of ATP and adenosine at the site of inflammation. CD39 and CD73 expression is characterized by high variability. From the literature data, appropriate studies were carried out either in transgenic mice, or with adult healthy donors. The number of cells expressing CD39 and CD73 in T lymphocyte populations has not been evaluated in healthy children. Hence, our aim was to study the features of CD39 and CD73 expression in various subpopulations of CD4+ lymphocytes in apparently healthy children of different ages.

We examined 45 healthy children aged 3.7 to 17.5 years (Me (Q0.25-Q0.75) 12.4 (10-16.1). The numbers of CD4+ cells, regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg CD4+CD25highCD127low), activated T helpers (Tact CD4+CD25+CD127high), and Th17 lymphocytes (CD4+CD161+CD3+) expressing CD39 and CD73 were evaluated by the flow cytometry.

The number of cells expressing CD39 and CD73 depends on specific cell subpopulation. The highest content of CD39+ cells was observed in Tregs, and maximal amounts of CD73+ cells were found among Tact subset. In the Th17 lymphocyte subpopulation, there was no significant difference between the number of cells expressing CD39 and CD73. E have also shown an increase in the relative number of Th17 cells expressing CD73, along with age-dependent decrease in the relative number of Tact cells expressing CD39. An age-dependent decrease in absolute values with age was revealed for Treg, CD39+Treg, CD73+Treg, CD39+Th17, thus being consistent with age-related decrease in absolute numbers of lymphocytes and CD4+ cells.

The obtained data concerning specific pattern of ectonucleotidases expression in functionally different populations of CD4+ lymphocytes should be taken into account when studying children with immune-mediated diseases from different age groups.