bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Was Nature Able to Discover Its Own Laws—Twice?
Authors: Pross Addy
Published: July 2021

The central thesis of the modern scientific revolution is that nature is objective. Yet, somehow, out of that objective reality, projective systems emerged—cognitive and purposeful. More remarkably, through nature’s objective laws, chemical systems emerged and evolved to take advantage of those laws. Even more inexplicably, nature uncovered those laws twice—once unconsciously, once consciously. Accordingly, one could rephrase the origin of life question as follows: how was nature able to become self-aware and discover its own laws? What is the law of nature that enabled nature to discover its own laws? Addressing these challenging questions in physical-chemical terms may be possible through the newly emergent field of systems chemistry.
Effect of PWHT on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Welded DP780 Steel
Authors: Chaudry Umer Masood , Han Seung-Chang , Alkelae Fathia , Jun Tea-Sung
Published: July 2021

In the present study, the effect of post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir welded (FSW) DP780 steel sheets was investigated. FSW was carried out at a constant tool rotation speed of 400 rpm and different welding speeds (200 mm/min and 400 min/min). A defect free weld was witnessed for both of the welding conditions. The mutual effect of severe plastic deformation and frictional heat generation by pin rotation during the FSW process resulted in grain refinement due to dynamic recrystallization in the stir zone (SZ) and thermo-mechanically affected zone (TMAZ). Lower tensile elongation and higher yield and ultimate tensile strengths were recorded for welded-samples as compared to the base material (BM) DP780 steel. The joints were subsequently annealed at various temperatures at 450–650 °C for 1 h. At higher annealing temperature, the work hardening rate of joints gradually decreased and subsequently failed in the softened heat-affected zone (HAZ) during the uniaxial tensile test. Reduction in yield strength and tensile strength was found in all PWHT conditions, though improvement in elongation was achieved by annealing at 550 °C. The digital image correlation analysis showed that an inhomogeneous strain distribution occurred in the FSWed samples, and the strain was particularly highly localized in the advancing side of interface zone. The nanoindentation measurements covering the FSWed joint were consistent with an increase of the annealing temperature. The various grains size in the BM, TMAZ, and SZ is the main factor monitoring the hardness distribution in these zones and the observed discrepancies in mechanical properties.
Settling of Copper Phases in Lime Modified Iron Silicate Slag
Authors: Isaksson Jenny , Vikström Tommy , Lennartsson Andreas , Andersson Anton , Samuelsson Caisa
Published: July 2021

Copper in discarded slag decreases the profits and copper recovery during the pyrometallurgical extraction processes. The copper losses to slag can be reduced by using a settling furnace, in which mechanically entrained copper droplets separate from the slag under the action of gravity. The settling rate of entrained droplets can be increased by modifying the slag composition and, thus, the slag properties, which are known to influence the settling rate. The knowledge of industrial CaO slag modification in a reduced iron silicate slag with a Fe/SiO2 ratio close to unity is limited. An industrial trial was thus conducted in an electric settling furnace, where the slag had been pretreated in a fuming furnace, to investigate the effect of CaO slag modification on the final slag copper content. Slag samples were collected from the ingoing and outgoing slag and from within the furnace of batches modified with CaO up to about 16 wt %. The trial was evaluated by comparing the final slag copper content and the copper recovery in the settling furnace. The results indicate that the settling becomes more efficient with the CaO modification as the final slag copper content decreased with increasing CaO content.
Antimicrobial Activity and Degradation of Superhydrophobic Magnesium Substrates in Bacterial Media
Authors: Emelyanenko Alexandre M. , Kaminsky Valery V. , Pytskii Ivan S. , Emelyanenko Kirill A. , Domantovsky Alexander G. , Chulkova Elizaveta V. , Shiryaev Andrei A. , Aleshkin Andrei V. , Boinovich Ludmila B.
Published: July 2021

The interest in magnesium-based materials is promoted by their biocompatibility, their bioresorbability, and their recently discovered antibacterial potential. Until now, the widespread use of magnesium alloys in different corrosive environments was inhibited by their weakly controllable degradation rate and poorly understood microbiologically induced corrosion behavior. To better understand the degradation and usability of magnesium-based alloys, in this study we have fabricated superhydrophobic coatings on a magnesium-based alloy, and analyzed the behavior of this alloy in bacterial dispersions of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae cells in phosphate-buffered saline. It was shown that the immersion of such coatings in bacterial dispersions causes notable changes in the morphology of the samples, dependent on the bacterial dispersion composition and the type of bacterial strain. The interaction of the superhydrophobic coatings with the bacterial dispersion caused the formation of biofilms and sodium polyphosphate films, which provided enhanced barrier properties in magnesium dissolution and hence in dispersion medium alkalization, eventually leading to the inhibition of magnesium substrate degradation. The electrochemical data obtained for superhydrophobic samples in continuous contact with corrosive bacterial dispersions for 48 h indicated a high level of anticorrosion protection.
Possible Targets of Pan-Coronavirus Antiviral Strategies for Emerging or Re-Emerging Coronaviruses
Authors: Li Xue , Zhang Liying , Chen Si , Ouyang Hongsheng , Ren Linzhu
Published: July 2021

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which caused Coronaviruses Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and a worldwide pandemic, is the seventh human coronavirus that has been cross-transmitted from animals to humans. It can be predicted that with continuous contact between humans and animals, more viruses will spread from animals to humans. Therefore, it is imperative to develop universal coronavirus or pan-coronavirus vaccines or drugs against the next coronavirus pandemic. However, a suitable target is critical for developing pan-coronavirus antivirals against emerging or re-emerging coronaviruses. In this review, we discuss the latest progress of possible targets of pan-coronavirus antiviral strategies for emerging or re-emerging coronaviruses, including targets for pan-coronavirus inhibitors and vaccines, which will provide prospects for the current and future research and treatment of the disease.
Electronic Currents Induced by Optical Fields and Rotatory Power Density in Chiral Molecules
Authors: Summa Francesco Ferdinando , Monaco Guglielmo , Zanasi Riccardo , Pelloni Stefano , Lazzeretti Paolo
Published: July 2021

The electric dipole–magnetic dipole polarizability tensor κ′, introduced to interpret the optical activity of chiral molecules, has been expressed in terms of a series of density functions kαβ′, which can be integrated all over the three-dimensional space to evaluate components καβ′ and trace καα′. A computational approach to kαβ′, based on frequency-dependent electronic current densities induced by monochromatic light shining on a probe molecule, has been developed. The dependence of kαβ′ on the origin of the coordinate system has been investigated in connection with the corresponding change of καβ′. It is shown that only the trace kαα′ of the density function defined via dynamic current density evaluated using the continuous translation of the origin of the coordinate system is invariant of the origin. Accordingly, this function is recommended as a tool that is quite useful for determining the molecular domains that determine optical activity to a major extent. A series of computations on the hydrogen peroxide molecule, for a number of different HO–OH dihedral angles, is shown to provide a pictorial documentation of the proposed method.
Design, Synthesis and Antiparasitic Evaluation of Click Phospholipids
Authors: Magoulas George E. , Afroudakis Pantelis , Georgikopoulou Kalliopi , Roussaki Marina , Borsari Chiara , Fotopoulou Theano , Santarem Nuno , Barrias Emile , Tejera Nevado Paloma , Hachenberg Julia , Bifeld Eugenia , Ellinger Bernhard , Kuzikov Maria , Fragiadaki Irini , Scoulica Effie , Clos Joachim , Gul Sheraz , Costi Maria Paola , de Souza Wanderley , Prousis Kyriakos C. , Cordeiro da Silva Anabela , Calogeropoulou Theodora
Published: July 2021

A library of seventeen novel ether phospholipid analogues, containing 5-membered heterocyclic rings (1,2,3-triazolyl, isoxazolyl, 1,3,4-oxadiazolyl and 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl) in the lipid portion were designed and synthesized aiming to identify optimised miltefosine analogues. The compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antiparasitic activity against Leishmania infantum and Leishmania donovani intracellular amastigotes, against Trypanosoma brucei brucei and against different developmental stages of Trypanosoma cruzi. The nature of the substituents of the heterocyclic ring (tail) and the oligomethylene spacer between the head group and the heterocyclic ring was found to affect the activity and toxicity of these compounds leading to a significantly improved understanding of their structure–activity relationships. The early ADMET profile of the new derivatives did not reveal major liabilities for the potent compounds. The 1,2,3-triazole derivative 27 substituted by a decyl tail, an undecyl spacer and a choline head group exhibited broad spectrum antiparasitic activity. It possessed low micromolar activity against the intracellular amastigotes of two L. infantum strains and T. cruzi Y strain epimastigotes, intracellular amastigotes and trypomastigotes, while its cytotoxicity concentration (CC50) against THP-1 macrophages ranged between 50 and 100 μM. Altogether, our work paves the way for the development of improved ether phospholipid derivatives to control neglected tropical diseases.
Coptisine Attenuates Diabetes—Associated Endothelial Dysfunction through Inhibition of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Zhou Yan , Zhou Chunxiu , Zhang Xutao , Vong Chi Teng , Wang Yitao , Cheang Wai San
Published: July 2021

Coptisine is the major bioactive protoberberine alkaloid found in Rhizoma Coptidis. Coptisine reduces inflammatory responses and improves glucose tolerance; nevertheless, whether coptisine has vasoprotective effect in diabetes is not fully characterized. Conduit arteries including aortas and carotid arteries were obtained from male C57BL/6J mice for ex vivo treatment with risk factors (high glucose or tunicamycin) and coptisine. Some arterial rings were obtained from diabetic mice, which were induced by high-fat diet (45% kcal% fat) feeding for 6 weeks combined with a low-dose intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (120 mg/kg). Functional studies showed that coptisine protected endothelium-dependent relaxation in aortas against risk factors and from diabetic mice. Coptisine increased phosphorylations of AMPK and eNOS and downregulated the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers as determined by Western blotting. Coptisine elevates NO bioavailability and decreases reactive oxygen species level. The results indicate that coptisine improves vascular function in diabetes through suppression of ER stress and oxidative stress, implying the therapeutic potential of coptisine to treat diabetic vasculopathy.
Sintering Bonding of SiC Particulate Reinforced Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites by Using Cu Nanoparticles and Liquid Ga in Air
Authors: Gao Zeng , Yin Congxin , Cheng Dongfeng , Feng Jianguang , He Peng , Niu Jitai , Brnic Josip
Published: July 2021

SiC particulate reinforced aluminum metal matrix composites (SiCp/Al MMCs) are characterized by controllable thermal expansion, high thermal conductivity and lightness. These properties, in fact, define the new promotional material in areas and industries such as the aerospace, automotive and electrocommunication industries. However, the poor weldability of this material becomes its key problem for large-scale applications. Sintering bonding technology was developed to join SiCp/Al MMCs. Cu nanoparticles and liquid Ga were employed as self-fluxing filler metal in air under joining temperatures ranging from 400 °C to 500 °C, with soaking time of 2 h and pressure of 3 MPa. The mechanical properties, microstructure and gas tightness of the joint were investigated. The microstructure analysis demonstrated that the joint was achieved by metallurgical bonding at contact interface, and the sintered layer was composed of polycrystals. The distribution of Ga was quite homogenous in both of sintered layer and joint area. The maximum level of joint shear strength of 56.2 MPa has been obtained at bonding temperature of 450 °C. The specimens sintering bonded in temperature range of 440 °C to 460 °C had qualified gas tightness during the service, which can remain 10−10 Pa·m3/s.
Coupled Investigation of Contact Potential and Microstructure Evolution of Ultra-Thin AlOx for Crystalline Si Passivation
Authors: Zheng Zhen , An Junyang , Gong Ruiling , Zeng Yuheng , Ye Jichun , Yu Linwei , Florea Ileana , Roca i Cabarrocas Pere , Chen Wanghua
Published: July 2021

In this work, we report the same trends for the contact potential difference measured by Kelvin probe force microscopy and the effective carrier lifetime on crystalline silicon (c-Si) wafers passivated by AlOx layers of different thicknesses and submitted to annealing under various conditions. The changes in contact potential difference values and in the effective carrier lifetimes of the wafers are discussed in view of structural changes of the c-Si/SiO2/AlOx interface thanks to high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Indeed, we observed the presence of a crystalline silicon oxide interfacial layer in as-deposited (200 °C) AlOx, and a phase transformation from crystalline to amorphous silicon oxide when they were annealed in vacuum at 300 °C.
The Development and Content Validation of the Care Partner Hospital Assessment Tool
Authors: Fields Beth , Schulz Richard , Terhorst Lauren , Carbery Madeline , Rodakowski Juleen
Published: July 2021

Background/Objectives: When aging adults are hospitalized due to a major health event, they often turn to care partners (‘family members or friends’) for support. Assessment of care partners’ needs during hospital care may be important to inform and target information and skills training that will equip them to fulfill caregiving tasks for the aging adults. The objectives of this study were to develop and complete content validation of the Care Partner Hospital Assessment Tool (CHAT). Methods: Based on standard instrumentation methodology and an assessment framework recommended by the National Center on Caregiving at the Family Caregiving Alliance, three steps were followed to develop and validate CHAT: (1) generation of a 24-item tool grouped into three content domains (background, plans and preferences, skills and supports), and a survey by a multidisciplinary team, (2) administration of an online survey of care partners and experts, and (3) assessment of item and scale-content validity indices (I-CVI and S-CVI). Results: A total of four care partners that provide unpaid care to a family member or friend age 65 years or older with a chronic illness or disability either before or after a hospitalization, and 19 leading experts in gerontology, caregiving, and health services completed an online survey in English. Twenty-two items were accepted by having an I-CVI at or above the acceptable 78% cut point; the S-CVI for the tool was 85%. Most revisions to the tool were associated with modifying or clarifying language within each item. For example, participants shared the following open-ended suggestions for revising CHAT: (1) change the “do you prefer” sentence stem to “do you want” (n = 12), define “training” (n = 6), and (2) allow care partners to provide an unsure response (n = 5). Conclusion: CHAT may be a promising way to increase health care practitioner’s understanding of care partners’ backgrounds, preferences and plans, and potential information or training needs during a patient’s hospital stay. Initial evaluation of CHAT reveals strong conceptual development and content validity.
Bioformulations with Beneficial Microbial Consortia, a Bioactive Compound and Plant Biopolymers Modulate Sweet Basil Productivity, Photosynthetic Activity and Metabolites
Authors: Comite Ernesto , El-Nakhel Christophe , Rouphael Youssef , Ventorino Valeria , Pepe Olimpia , Borzacchiello Assunta , Vinale Francesco , Rigano Daniela , Staropoli Alessia , Lorito Matteo , Woo Sheridan L.
Published: July 2021

Increasing attention is being given to the development of innovative formulations to substitute the use of synthetic chemicals to improve agricultural production and resource use efficiency. Alternatives can include biological products containing beneficial microorganisms and bioactive metabolites able to inhibit plant pathogens, induce systemic resistance and promote plant growth. The efficacy of such bioformulations can be increased by the addition of polymers as adjuvants or carriers. Trichoderma afroharzianum T22, Azotobacter chroococcum 76A and 6-pentyl-α-pyrone (6PP; a Trichoderma secondary metabolite) were administrated singularly or in a consortium, with or without a carboxymethyl cellulose-based biopolymer (BP), and tested on sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) grown in a protected greenhouse. The effect of the treatments on basil yield, photosynthetic activity and secondary metabolites production was assessed. Photosynthetic efficiency was augmented by the applications of the bioformulations. The applications to the rhizosphere with BP + 6PP and BP + T22 + 76A increased the total fresh weight of basil by 26.3% and 23.6%, respectively. Untargeted LC-MS qTOF analysis demonstrated that the plant metabolome was significantly modified by the treatments. Quantification of the profiles for the major phenolic acids indicated that the treatment with the T22 + 76A consortium increased rosmarinic acid content by 110%. The use of innovative bioformulations containing microbes, their metabolites and a biopolymer was found to modulate the cultivation of fresh basil by improving yield and quality, thus providing the opportunity to develop farming systems with minimal impact on the environmental footprint from the agricultural production process.
Mycological Investigation of Bottled Water Dispensers in Healthcare Facilities
Authors: Tischner Zsófia , Sebők Rózsa , Kredics László , Allaga Henrietta , Vargha Márta , Sebestyén Ágnes , Dobolyi Csaba , Kriszt Balázs , Magyar Donát
Published: July 2021

The usage of bottled water dispensers (BWDs) has spread worldwide. Despite their popularity, few studies have dealt with their microbial contaminants, and little attention is given to their fungal contamination. To our knowledge this is the first mycological study of BWDs in Europe. 36 devices have been examined in Budapest, Hungary. Despite of the strictly regulated water hygiene system in Hungary, molds and yeasts were detected in 86.8% of the samples, 56.76% were highly contaminated. Elevated heterotrophic plate counts were also observed in all samples compared to that of Hungarian drinking water. As all physical and chemical water quality characteristics have met the relevant national and European parametric values and neither totally explained the results of microbial counts, the effect of usage and maintenance habits of the devices were examined. Fungal concentrations were affected by the time elapsed since disinfection, days remaining until expiration of bottles, month of sampling and exposure to sunlight during storage. Microbes are able to proliferate in the bottled water and disperse inside the BWDs. Many of the detected fungal species (Sarocladium kiliense, Acremonium sclerotigenum/egyptiacum, Exophiala jeanselmei var. lecanii-corni, Exophiala equina, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Cystobasidium slooffiae, Aspergillus jensenii, Bisifusarium biseptatum) are opportunistic pathogens for subpopulations of sensitive age groups and patients with immunodeficient conditions, including cystic fibrosis. Thus BWDs may pose a health risk to visitors of healthcare institutions, especially to patients with oral lesions in dental surgeries. The study draws attention to the need to investigate microbial contamination of these devices in other countries as well.
Histopathological Features of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Honeybees Naturally Infected by Deformed Wing Virus
Authors: Power Karen , Martano Manuela , Altamura Gennaro , Piscopo Nadia , Maiolino Paola
Published: July 2021

Deformed wing virus (DWV) is capable of infecting honeybees at every stage of development causing symptomatic and asymptomatic infections. To date, very little is known about the histopathological lesions caused by the virus. Therefore, 40 honeybee samples were randomly collected from a naturally DWV infected hive and subjected to anatomopathological examination to discriminate between symptomatic (29) and asymptomatic (11) honeybees. Subsequently, 15 honeybee samples were frozen at −80° and analyzed by PCR and RTqPCR to determinate the presence/absence of the virus and the relative viral load, while 25 honeybee samples were analyzed by histopathological techniques. Biomolecular results showed a fragment of the expected size (69bp) of DWV in all samples and the viral load was higher in symptomatic honeybees compared to the asymptomatic group. Histopathological results showed degenerative alterations of the hypopharyngeal glands (19/25) and flight muscles (6/25) in symptomatic samples while 4/25 asymptomatic samples showed an inflammatory response in the midgut and the hemocele. Results suggest a possible pathogenic action of DWV in both symptomatic and asymptomatic honeybees, and a role of the immune response in keeping under control the virus in asymptomatic individuals.
Evaluation of Biofilm Formation and Prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant Strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis Isolated from Neonates with Sepsis in Southern Poland
Authors: Skiba-Kurek Iwona , Nowak Paweł , Empel Joanna , Tomczak Magdalena , Klepacka Joanna , Sowa-Sierant Iwona , Żak Iwona , Pomierny Bartosz , Karczewska Elżbieta
Published: July 2021

Staphylococcus epidermidis strains play an important role in nosocomial infections, especially in the ones associated with biofilm formation on medical devices. The paper was aimed at analyzing the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and confirming the biofilm-forming ability among S. epidermidis strains isolated from the blood of hospitalized newborns. Genetic analysis of resistance mechanism determinants included multiplex PCR detection of mecA, ermA, ermB, ermC, msrA, and mef genes. Biofilm analysis comprised phenotypic and genotypic methods including Christensen and Freeman methods and PCR detection of the icaADB gene complex. Among the tested S. epidermidis strains, 89% of the isolates were resistant to methicillin, 67%—to erythromycin, 53%—to clindamycin, 63%—to gentamicin, and 23%—to teicoplanin, while all the strains were susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid. The mecA gene was detected in 89% of the isolates, the ermC gene was the most common and present among 56% of the strains, while the msrA gene was observed in 11% isolates. Eighty-five percent of the strains were described as biofilm-positive by phenotypic methods and carried the icaADB gene cluster. Multidrug resistance and the biofilm-forming ability in most of the strains tested may contribute to antimicrobial therapy failure (p < 0.05).
Retrospective Study of the Seroprevalence of HIV, HCV, and HBV in Blood Donors at a Blood Bank of Western Mexico
Authors: Guerrero-García José de Jesús , Zúñiga-Magaña Alejandra Guadalupe , Barrera-De León Juan Carlos , Magaña-Duarte Rafael , Ortuño-Sahagún Daniel
Published: July 2021

Obtaining blood which is safe for transfusions is one of the principal challenges in the health systems of developing countries. Supply of contaminated blood increases morbidity, mortality, and the costs of patient care. In Mexico, serological screening is mandatory, but only a few of the main blood banks routinely perform a nucleic acid test (NAT). Data from 80,391 blood donations processed between August 2018 and December 2019 at the Central Blood Bank of the Western National Medical Center of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) were analyzed. All donors were screened for serological markers and NAT was performed. Reactive donors were followed-up to confirm their results. The number of reactive donors and seroprevalence rates for HIV, HCV, and HBV were 152 (18.91/10,000), 385 (47.89/10,000), and 181 (22.51/10,000), respectively; however, these rates decreased when NAT-confirmed reactive results were considered. Male donors were found to have a higher seroprevalence than females, and younger donors higher than older donors. The present study shows that HIV, HCV, and HBV seroprevalence in blood donors in Western Mexico is low. We propose that Mexico should establish future strategies, including pathogen reduction technologies (PRTs), in order to improve blood safety and reduce transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs).
Thymus serpyllum Essential Oil and Its Biological Activity as a Modern Food Preserver
Authors: Galovičová Lucia , Borotová Petra , Valková Veronika , Vukovic Nenad L. , Vukic Milena , Terentjeva Margarita , Štefániková Jana , Ďúranová Hana , Kowalczewski Przemysław Łukasz , Kačániová Miroslava
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to analyze the chemical composition and biological and antibiofilm activity of the essential oil (EO) of Thymus serpyllum with the use of a MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper. The main compounds of the EO were thymol, 18.8%; carvacrol, 17.4%; o-cymene, 15.4%; and geraniol, 10.7%. It was found that free-radical scavenging activity was high. The highest antimicrobial activity was observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enteritidis, and biofilm-forming bacteria. The changes in the biofilm structure after T. serpyllum EO application confirmed the inhibitory action and the most pronounced effect was observed on Bacillus subtilis biofilm. The antifungal activity of the vapor phase was the most effective against Penicillium crustosum. T. serpyllum should be a suitable alternative to synthetic antioxidants as well as antimicrobials. The EO of T. serpyllum can be used in the vapor phase in the storage of root vegetables as well as a growth inhibitor of Penicillium on bread.
Evaluation of the Antidiabetic and Antihyperlipidemic Activity of Spondias purpurea Seeds in a Diabetic Zebrafish Model
Authors: Muñiz-Ramirez Alethia , Garcia-Campoy Abraham Heriberto , Pérez Gutiérrez Rosa Martha , Garcia Báez Efrén Venancio , Mota Flores José María
Published: July 2021

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious chronic degenerative disease characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood. It is associated with an absolute or relative deficiency in the production and/or action of insulin. Some of the complications associated with DM are heart disease, retinopathy, kidney disease, and neuropathy; therefore, new natural alternatives are being sought to control the disease. In this work, we evaluate the antidiabetic effect of Spondias purpurea seed methanol extract (CSM) in vitro and in a glucose-induced diabetic zebrafish model. CSM is capable of lowering blood glucose and cholesterol levels, as well as forming advanced glycation end-products, while not presenting toxic effects at the concentrations evaluated. These data show that CSM has a promising antidiabetic effect and may be useful in reducing some of the pathologies associated with diabetes mellitus.
Re-Examining Death: Doors to Resilience and Wellbeing in Tibetan Buddhist Practice
Authors: Namdul Tenzin
Published: July 2021

This paper explores how conceptions of death and the ways in which such conceptions shape responses to death determine ways of living as well as valued approaches to dying. The paper posits the question: can a fundamental understanding of death contribute to the development of adaptive social traits that lead to more sustainable phenomenological experiences of happiness and flourishing? Employing an anthropological lens, this work starts from the initial inquiry of “what is death?” by looking at cross-cultural historical and theoretical accounts of death and comparing the modern (medicalized) death to the Tibetan Buddhist notion of death. It examines how the practice of a “medicalized death” has shaped the understanding of contemporary death and the ways in which dying is approached. It employs the hermeneutic of a biopsychosociospiritual death to gain a holistic understanding of human mortality. This analysis, based on an 18-month ethnographic study among a Tibetan refugee community in southern India, explores the conception of death for this community using biological and cultural lenses. Moreover, it presents conceptions of death in Tibetan Buddhist culture, paying particular attention to how death is employed as an adaptive cultural tool in pursuance of positive behavioral changes and happiness at both individual and societal levels. In doing so, the paper presents both the theoretical conception of death and dying as well as its role in animating Buddhist cultural values and beliefs. Importantly, it presents a general landscape of Tibetan Buddhist cultural models that facilitate multiple ways of dying that are specifically dependent on an individual’s familiarity with practices related to death and dying and his or her own level of engaging such spiritual practices.
Method to Increase Dependability in a Cloud-Fog-Edge Environment
Authors: Stan Ovidiu , Enyedi Szilárd , Corches Cosmina , Flonta Stelian , Stefan Iulia , Gota Dan , Miclea Liviu
Published: July 2021

Robots can be very different, from humanoids to intelligent self-driving cars or just IoT systems that collect and process local sensors’ information. This paper presents a way to increase dependability for information exchange and processing in systems with Cloud-Fog-Edge architectures. In an ideal interconnected world, the recognized and registered robots must be able to communicate with each other if they are close enough, or through the Fog access points without overloading the Cloud. In essence, the presented work addresses the Edge area and how the devices can communicate in a safe and secure environment using cryptographic methods for structured systems. The presented work emphasizes the importance of security in a system’s dependability and offers a communication mechanism for several robots without overburdening the Cloud. This solution is ideal to be used where various monitoring and control aspects demand extra degrees of safety. The extra private keys employed by this procedure further enhance algorithm complexity, limiting the probability that the method may be broken by brute force or systemic attacks.
GPS-Free, Error Tolerant Path Planning for Swarms of Micro Aerial Vehicles with Quality Amplification ‡
Authors: Barbeau Michel , Garcia-Alfaro Joaquin , Kranakis Evangelos , Santos Fillipe
Published: July 2021

We present an error tolerant path planning algorithm for Micro Aerial Vehicle (MAV) swarms. We assume navigation without GPS-like techniques. The MAVs find their path using sensors and cameras, identifying and following a series of visual landmarks. The visual landmarks lead the MAVs towards their destination. MAVs are assumed to be unaware of the terrain and locations of the landmarks. They hold a priori information about landmarks, whose interpretation is prone to errors. Errors are of two types, recognition or advice. Recognition errors follow from misinterpretation of sensed data or a priori information, or confusion of objects, e.g., due to faulty sensors. Advice errors are consequences of outdated or wrong information about landmarks, e.g., due to weather conditions. Our path planning algorithm is cooperative. MAVs communicate and exchange information wirelessly, to minimize the number of recognition and advice errors. Hence, the quality of the navigation decision process is amplified. Our solution successfully achieves an adaptive error tolerant navigation system. Quality amplification is parameterized with respect to the number of MAVs. We validate our approach with theoretical proofs and numeric simulations.
Wearable Movement Sensors for Rehabilitation: From Technology to Clinical Practice
Authors: Regterschot Gerrit Ruben Hendrik , Ribbers Gerard M. , Bussmann Johannes B. J.
Published: July 2021

Motor disorders are a common and age-related problem in the general community [...]
On the prospects for the evolution of the problematics of economic theory in the period after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dementiev V. E.
Published: July 2021

The article is devoted to the prospects of the evolution of the problematics of economic theory in the post-COVID period. At the same time, the author proceeds from a number of methodological assumptions, including the following two. First, one of the general and enduring tasks of this theory is to anticipate the next challenges on the path of socio-economic development. Secondly, the reconstruction of history is considered in economic science as a tool not only for solving current problems, but also for predicting new challenges. For example, is it advisable to maintain the increased influence of the state on the economy in the context of COVID-19 after the end of the pandemic? This is one of the questions facing economic theory. It is given a non-trivial nature by the tendency of increasing various risks faced by socio-economic development. The challenges associated with the artificial overflow of information channels and manipulation of the behavior of economic agents require close attention. As a particularly important task of economic science, the author sees the search for ways to adapt national economies and their agents in the increased turbulence of the economic environment as a «new normality». As a result, the importance of scientific development of institutional and structural solutions that ensure the adaptability of socio-economic systems increases dramatically.
O fio da meada
Authors: Arantes Paulo Eduardo
Published: July 2021

O Fio da Meada foi originalmente concebido como posfácio ao livro Ressentimento da Dialética, em que o autor explicaria as razões que o levaram a reunir naquele livro uma série de ensaios redigidos há cerca de quinze anos sobre as origens intelectuais da dialética hegeliana, relida de acordo com o ABC da Miséria Alemã.
Puro pretexto esse do posfácio, que serviu apenas para cooptar as entrevistadoras, que, ingênuas e entusiasmadas, caíram no conto-conversa do vigário, seduzidas pelo desafio de participar do livro. Acontece que Paulo Arantes não é entrevistável. Inaugura aqui um novo estilo – o da resposta-pergunta – com sua diabólica capacidade de provocar as perguntas às quais ele gostaria de responder. Assim, este livro poderia muito bem estar classificado no gênero ficção, não fosse pela verdadeira identidade de entrevistado e entrevistadoras da primeira parte e pela própria existência da segunda parte, composta de “entrevistas” já publicadas nos jornais Folha de São Paulo e O Estado de São Paulo e na revista Teoria e Debate.
Parafraseando o autor, este livro poderia chamar-se: “Drama de consciência da filosofia profissional”, porém, do ponto de vista do leigo, poderia ser um manual intitulado “Tudo que você sempre quis saber sobre a vida intelectual no Brasil e nunca teve coragem de perguntar”. Aliás, não só por aqui: o leitor verá que há muito mais entre o Brasil e o Resto do Mundo do que possa sonhar nossa vã filosofia.
Autor e obra são a tal ponto didáticos e esclarecedores que, assim como na literatura infantil, pode-se recomendar: “Este livro também é adequado para ser lido em voz alta”.
(CR, ICC e MEC, orelha da edição original, 1996) 
 
Palavras-chave: Adorno, Álvaro Vieira Pinto, Antonio Cândido, Auerbach, Bento Prado, Departamento francês de Ultramar, Filosofia no Brasil, Filosofia Uspiana, Foucault, Giannotti, Hegel, Ideologia Francesa, Intelectuais, Marx, Revolução de 1968, Roberto Kurz, Roberto Schwarz, Ruy Fausto, Teoria Crítica, Tradição Crítica Brasileira.
Using Inscription Data to Investigate Power in Angkor’s Empire
Authors: Lustig Eileen
Published: July 2021

An analysis of aggregated spatial and temporal data from pre-Angkorian and Angkorian period inscriptions allows us to appreciate the use of power in the Angkorian Empire. This paper argues that the Khmer empire depended to a significant degree on administration operating through regional centres and on its longestablished communication and trade links. The mode of control varied with distance from the capital and over time. The empire’s political economy is marked by three concurrent cycles indicative of changing power relationships : cycles of royal inscriptions, of non-royal inscriptions, and of control over peripheral territories. Angkor’s processes and strategies were sufficiently flexible for it to endure for approximately six centuries. At some stage from the fourteenth century, key processes and strategies for maintaining its integrity as an empire became less effective than before, and the cyclical pattern ended.
Les ruines, les « sauvages » et la princesse. Patrimoine et oralité à Viang Phu Kha, Laos
Authors: Évrard Olivier , Chiemsisouraj Chanthaphilith
Published: July 2021

La petite ville de Viang Phu Kha, dans le Nord du Laos, est entourée de ruines et de vestiges matériels dont l’origine demeure obscure. Ces vestiges ont donné naissance à une abondante littérature orale partagée, avec quelques variations, par les populations locales, principalement tai (Yuan, Lue, Yang) et mon-khmer (Khmu, Rmet, Samtao). Cet article présente les premiers résultats d’un travail d’ethnohistoire commencé en 2009 dans cette région. Il analyse les différentes versions du mythe d’origine racontant la construction d’une cité fortifiée à proximité du bourg actuel. Sont ensuite étudiées les descriptions faites par les villageois d’un rituel qu’ils effectuaient régulièrement jusqu’au début des années 1970 pour l’esprit tutélaire de la localité. L’objectif est de compléter une histoire «officielle » lacunaire par des sources orales mais aussi, et surtout, de comprendre comment les habitants mettent en relation le présent et le passé. Plus largement, il s’agit de révéler une partie de l’imaginaire commun aux populations tai et mon-khmer dans cette région et de contribuer à une approche transethnique des dynamiques culturelles.
Conflict of Laws on Occupational Accident Death Benefits: Presented with Actual Cases in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Chi-Hsin , Lin Ding-Hua , Yu Yun Chen
Published: July 2021

When a worker dies due to an occupational accident, the labor insurance death benefit being applied for by his/her survivors subject to more conditions due to the revision of the Act. When the survivor does not meet the requirements, the labor insurance will not be paid. At this time, the survivor of the occupational accident worker shall instead turn to the employer for compensation to pay the labor insurance premium as the Bureau of Labor Insurance did not pay. The employer had to pay out of its pocket to compensate the survivor for the absurdity of the death compensation by the Labor Standards Act. A large company can take care of family members in terms of corporate responsibility or financial resources, if it is a small and medium-sized enterprise or even a microenterprise, it cannot pay this huge amount, and family members have to fight for compensation through litigation. However, it is not commonly known that the premiums of the labor accident insurance are not shared by the government or workers, and 100% of the total amount is paid by the employer.
Российское оборудование для сетей 5G/IMT-2020
Authors: Devyatkin E.E. , Minov A.V. , Plyasunov Yu.V. , Fyodorov D.N.
Published: July 2021

It is shown that the most perspective technology to integrate mobile networks, which form the infrastructural basis of the digital economy is 5G/IMT-2020. The article analyses key documents and strategic objectives of the federal project Information infrastructure and opportunities for implementation of end-to-end digital technologies, including wireless communication technologies. The backlogs of world vendors for 5G equipment is introduced. The factors of potential growth of domestic production of 5G-equipment are defined.

Показано, что наиболее перспективной технологией для внедрения сетей подвижной связи, которые образуют инфраструктурную основу цифровой экономики, является 5G/IMT-2020. Рассматриваются основополагающие документы и стратегические задачи федерального проекта Информационная инфраструктура , возможности реализации сквозных цифровых технологий, в том числе Технологии беспроводной связи . Представлены заделы мировых производителей оборудования для сетей пятого поколения. Определены факторы потенциального роста отечественного производства в области средств связи для 5G/IMT-2020.
ERROR LEVELS OF THE PASSIVE GONIOMETRIC LOCATION OF RADIATION SOURCES WITH THE INCREASING AMOUNT OF PROCESSED INFORMATION
Authors: Юдин В.Н. , Волков А.М.
Published: July 2021

Рассмотрены варианты повышения точности угломерной пассивной локации источников излучения с использованием одиночного авиационного носителя и алгоритма местоопределения на основе метода наименьших квадратов. Оценены достижимые уровни ошибок локации применительно к различным условиям ведения воздушной разведки источников излучения.

Options for improving the accuracy of the goniometric passive location of radiation sources using a single aircraft carrier and location algorithm based on the least square method are considered.The achievable levels of location errors were assessed for different conditions of aerial reconnaissance of radiation sources.
Негеостационарные спутниковые системы:новые положения о вводе в действиеи поэтапном развертывании
Authors: Morozova E.L.
Published: July 2021

This article analyzes specific aspects of offering satellite services to operators of non-geostationary-orbit (NGSO) satellite systems. The need to develop separaterules to bring into use frequency assignments to non-geostationary multi-satellite constellations is justified. Emphasis is laid on the role of WRC-19 in dealing with this issue: WRC-19 elaborated on the procedures of bringing into use NGSO systems that differ depending on the type of space radio-communication service and approved a new Resolution setting a milestone-based approach to the implementation of frequency assignments to NGSO satellite systems. Thus, there was established a balance: on the one hand, any inefficient use of spectrum is prevented and, on the other hand, ITU mechanisms used to manage frequency assignments to NGSO systems are used appropriately without excessively affecting operators.

Анализируются особенности предоставления спутниковых сервисов операторам негеостационарных (НГСО)систем. Обоснована необходимость выработки отдельных правил для ввода в действие частотных присвоений негеостационарным многоспутниковым системам. Показана роль ВКР-19 в решении вопроса: на Конференции были уточнены процедуры ввода в действие систем НГСО, имеющие отличия в зависимости от вида космической радиослужбы, а также принята новаяРезолюция, определившая поэтапный подход к внедрению частотных присвоений системам НГСО. Тем самым установлен баланс между предотвращением неэффективного использования спектра и надлежащим функционированием механизмов МСЭ для управления частотными присвоениями системам НГСО без излишней нагрузки на операторов.
Сравнительный анализ возможностей интеллектуальных систем при выявлении скрытых закономерностей в данных
Authors: Palmov S.V. , Diyazitdinova A.A. , Artyushkina E.S.
Published: July 2021

Two programs developed by the authors of the article based on artificial intelligence methods are presented. These programs allow solving hidden patterns discovering problems in statistical data: Augur and iWizard-E. The first is based on association rules mining algorithm, and the second is based on a modified CART decision tree. To increase the reliability of the comparative analysis results, four third-party intelligent systems (Deductor, Orange, KNIME and WizWhy) were used in the study, as well as two sets of statistical data, each of which contains sixteen patterns. A series of seven experiments showed significant superiority of iWizard-E over Augur, which is due to a more advanced iWizard-E algorithm.

Представлены две разработанные авторами статьи программы на основе методов искусственного интеллекта, позволяющие решать задачи по выявлению скрытых закономерностей в статистических данных: Авгур и iWizard-E. Первая основывается на алгоритме поиска ассоциативных правил, вторая на модифицированном дереве решений CART. Для повышения достоверности результатов сравнительного анализа в исследовании задействованы четыре сторонние интеллектуальные системы (Deductor, Orange, KNIME и WizWhy), а также два набора статистических данных, каждый из которых содержит по 16 закономерностей. Серия из семи экспериментов показала заметное превосходство iWizard-E над Авгур , что обусловлено более совершенным алгоритмом iWizard-E.
Новый критерий оптимальности пространственно-временных матриц
Authors: Reznev A.A. , Kreyndelin V.B.
Published: July 2021

The application of optimality criteria for the study of space-time codes is considered. Known rank and determinant criteria are described. The computational complexity of determinant criteria is presented taking into account some estimation of the real CPUs specifications. An algorithm for calculating a new optimality criterion is described. The computational complexity of the new optimality criterion is evaluated. The new criterion is applied to the study of the space-time Golden matrix. The obtained criterion value is used to modify the Golden code. The modeling for Golden code demonstrates that criterion works and gives us better levels for noise immunity. The proposed optimality criterion is acceptable in terms of computational complexity even for a large number of antennas, which is typical for large-scale MIMO systems.

Рассматривается применение критериев оптимальности для исследования пространственно-временных кодов.Описаны известные ранговый и детерминантный критерии. Для детерминантного критерия оценена вычислительная сложность с учетом определения специальных высокопроизводительных процессоров. Описан алгоритм расчета нового критерия оптимальности. Проведена оценка вычислительной сложности нового критерия оптимальности. Новый критерий применен для исследования пространственно-временной матрицы Голден. Полученное значение критерия использовано для модификациикода Голден. Продемонстрированы кривые помехоустойчивости для кода Голден и кода Голден с модифицированным параметром, получен энергетический выигрыш. Предложенный критерий оптимальности приемлем с точки зрения вычислительнойсложности даже при большом числе антенн, характерном для систем широкомасштабного MIMO.
Nonlinear robust control of large-scale system with input saturation
Authors: Eremin Eugenie L. , Nikiforova Larisa V. , Shelenok Evgeniy A.
Published: July 2021

The article studies control algorithms of multiply connected system for dynamic plants with control saturation and nonlinear cross-connections. The authors of the article offer a decentralized control law based on the hyperstability criterion. They also use this law to constuct the MIMO servo system with input saturation. To illustrate the capability of the proposed decentralized robust control system the authors use an inverted pendulums connected by a spring.