bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Rheological Properties of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene-Based High-Viscosity Modified Asphalt Using Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Chen Jiangcai , Huang Zhenfu , Wang Haipeng , Yang Zhenxing , Zhang Tao
Published: December 2022

Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) is currently the most widely used asphalt modifier. However, high-SBS-concentration high-viscosity modified asphalts (HVMA) are characterized by poor flow and storage instability. To make up for the lack of performance of traditional SBS-HVMA, a nano-based high-viscosity composite modified asphalt with excellent performance was developed. Since carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are nanomaterials, they are prone to agglomeration when added to the modified asphalt, and the dispersion effect is poor, which affects the modifier’s contribution rate. To better disperse CNTs in the modified asphalt, the nanomaterials were modified, and two new CNT additives were prepared by combining two polymers with CNTs. The appropriate ratio of these two new additives was selected to be further combined with SBS to obtain CNTs/SBS-HVMA. The flow characteristics and anti-aging properties of the three kinds of bitumen in different temperature ranges were studied by taking the common SBS-HVMA and Tafpack super (TPS) high-viscosity modified asphalts (TPS/SBS-HVMA) as comparison samples and by evaluating the road performance of a stone mastic asphalt (SMA-13) mixture. The storage stability, workable performance, rheological characteristics, and aging resistance of three high-viscosity asphalts were analyzed through a segregation test, dynamic viscosity analysis, Brookfield viscosity measurements, bending beam rheometer (BBR) tests, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), and multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) before and after short-term aging. The experimental results showed that CNT/SBS-HVMA exhibited good storage stability and workability. DSR measurements and other rheological tests revealed that TPS/SBS-HVMA had higher low-temperature flexibility than the other modified asphalts, while CNT/SBS-HVMA exhibited good high-temperature resistance, aging resistance, and deformation resistance. Through the verification of asphalt mixture performance, it was found that the high-temperature rutting resistance of CNTs/SBS-HVMA prepared by new CNT additives was 7% and 28% higher than those of SBS-HVMA and TPS/SBS-HVMA, respectively, but the low-temperature performance of CNT/SBS-HVMA was 5% lower than that of SBS-HVMA. This showed that CNT/SBS addition improved the high-temperature performance of the asphalt without a significant negative impact on the low-temperature performance of the asphalt.
Newton-Type Methods for Solving Equations in Banach Spaces: A Unified Approach
Authors: Argyros Ioannis K. , Shakhno Stepan , Regmi Samundra , Yarmola Halyna
Published: December 2022

A plethora of quantum physics problems are related to symmetry principles. Moreover, by using symmetry theory and mathematical modeling, these problems reduce to solving iteratively finite differences and systems of nonlinear equations. In particular, Newton-type methods are introduced to generate sequences approximating simple solutions of nonlinear equations in the setting of Banach spaces. Specializations of these methods include the modified Newton method, Newton’s method, and other single-step methods. The convergence of these methods is established with similar conditions. However, the convergence region is not large in general. That is why a unified semilocal convergence analysis is developed that can be used to handle these methods under even weaker conditions that are not previously considered. The approach leads to the extension of the applicability of these methods in cases not covered before but without new conditions. The idea is to replace the Lipschitz parameters or other parameters used by smaller ones to force convergence in cases not possible before. It turns out that the error analysis is also extended. Moreover, the new idea does not depend on the method. That is why it can also be applied to other methods to also extend their applicability. Numerical applications illustrate and test the convergence conditions.
Critical Success Factors Evaluation for Blockchain’s Adoption and Implementing
Authors: Grida Mohamed O. , Abd Elrahman Samah , Eldrandaly Khalid A.
Published: December 2022

Blockchain has completely changed how business is performed today, thus making it one of the most disruptive technologies in recent times. However, it is a challenging task to adopt and implement blockchain technologies in different services and industries. Therefore, this study introduces a framework for investigating critical factors influencing the successful adoption of blockchain technologies in different applications and prioritizes them using the hierarchical Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique. First, it provides fourteen critical success factors with the help of the extant literature and further classifies them into three categories: technological, organizational, and environmental. In addition, a set of sixteen key performance indicators (KPI) of successful blockchain adoption is introduced and classified into five categories: overall performance, system robustness, data robustness, accessibility, and overall cost. Then, the fourteen success factors are ranked based on their degree of prominence and relationships. It is concluded that environmental factors are the most critical factors for successful blockchain adoption, and law and policies and competitive pressure are the top two factors needed for blockchain adoption. In the technological context, only blockchain scalability is ranked among the top significant factors for blockchain adoption. On the other hand, adequate resources, top management support, and financial constraints are highly ranked in the organizational context.
Green Building Concepts and Technologies in Ethiopia: The Case of Wegagen Bank Headquarters Building
Authors: Gelan Eshetu
Published: December 2022

The building sector is a key contributor to climate change, accounting for 40% of global energy consumption and 39% of CO2 emissions. Presently, green buildings have been viewed as crucial strategies to reduce the negative effects of the construction sector. Yet green building research is often carried out in developed countries, while relatively little is known in sub-Saharan African countries. Therefore, this study attempts to investigate the extent of adoption of green building concepts and technologies in Ethiopian buildings, with particular reference to the Wegagen Bank Headquarters building. The study employed an interview, which was underpinned by observation. The quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive statistics while the qualitative data were analyzed through content and context analysis. Results revealed that while the building provides convenient access to transportation; it lacks designated open spaces. Based on the findings, the widely used technologies were energy-saving lighting, highly efficient plumbing fixtures, and external solar shading system. Lack of awareness, lack of policy, insufficient professional skills, the perception that green buildings are expensive, and lack of green building materials hindered the adoption of the concepts. Therefore, the study suggests developing green building policy and rating systems, professional capacity building, and awareness creation as important measures.
Reduction in Radiation Exposure in Minimally Invasive Pedicle Screw Placement Using a Tubular Retractor: A Pilot Study
Authors: Oki Takeshi , Lefor Alan Kawarai , Nakamura Kentaro , Higashi Takahiro , Oki Isao
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives: Percutaneous pedicle screw (PPS) placement is a minimally invasive spinal procedure that has been rapidly adopted over the last decade. However, PPS placement has elicited fear of increased radiation exposure from some surgeons, medical staff, and patients. This is because PPS placement is performed using a K-wire, and the operator must perform K-wire insertion into the pedicle under fluoroscopy. In order to prevent erroneous insertion, there are many occasions when direct insertion is required during radiation exposure, and the amount of radiation exposure to hands and fingers in particular increases. Although these problems are being addressed by navigation systems, these systems are still expensive and not widely available. Attempts have been made to address this situation using instrumentation commonly used in spinal surgery. First, it was considered to visualize anatomical bone markers using a tubular retractor and a microscope. In addition, the use of a self-drilling pin was adopted to locate the pedicle in a narrower field of view. Based on these considerations, a minimally invasive and highly accurate pedicle screw placement technique was developed while avoiding direct radiation exposure. This study evaluated radiation exposure and accuracy of pedicle screw placement using this new procedure in one-level, minimally invasive, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF). Materials and Methods: Data were collected retrospectively to review pedicle screw placement in single-level MIS TLIFs using a tubular retractor under a microscope. The total fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, and screw placement accuracy were reviewed. Extension of operating time was also evaluated. Results: Twenty-four patients underwent single-level MIS TLIFs, with placement of 96 pedicle screws. There were 15 females and 9 males, with an average age of 64.8 years and a mean body mass index of 25.5 kg/m2. The mean operating time was 201.8 min. The mean fluoroscopic time was 26.8 s. The mean radiation dose of the area dose product was 0.0706 mGy∗m2. The mean radiation dose of air kerma was 6.0 mGy. The mean radiation dose of the entrance skin dose was 11.31 mGy. Postoperative computed tomography scans demonstrated 93 pedicle screws confined to the pedicle (97%) and three pedicle screw breaches (3.2%; two lateral, one medial). A patient with screw deviation of the medial pedicle wall developed right-foot numbness necessitating reoperation. There were no complications after reoperation. The average added time with this combined procedure was 39 min (range 16–69 min) per patient. Conclusions: This novel pedicle screw insertion technique compares favorably with other reports in terms of radiation exposure reduction and accuracy and is also useful from the viewpoint of avoiding direct radiation exposure to hands and fingers. It is economical because it uses existing spinal surgical instrumentation.
Microplastics in the Surface Water and Gastrointestinal Tract of Salmo trutta from the Mahodand Lake, Kalam Swat in Pakistan
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Ul Hassan Habib , Siddique Mohammad , Khan Wali , Gabol Karim , Ullah Imran , Sultana Saira , Abdali Umaiya , Mahboob Shahid , Khan Muhammad , Atique Usman , Khubaib Muhammad , Arai Takaomi
Published: December 2022

Microplastic pollution is becoming an increasingly severe environmental problem. As compared to the marine ecosystem, freshwater ecosystems at high-altitude, remote regions are less studied and lag far behind. Thus, the present study aims to highlight this issue and fill the gap in this regard. The presence of microplastics (MPs) in the surface water and the gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) of brown trout (Salmo trutta) from Lake Mahodand, Kalam Swat, Pakistan, at a high altitude of 2865 m above sea level was investigated. For microplastic extraction, samples were digested with H2O2, NaCl solution was added for density separation, and then samples were filtered with a cellulose nitrate filter (pore size 0.45 µ). After this, visual observation and polymer detection with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, microplastics were characterized by their shapes, sizes, colors, and polymer types. In the surface water sample, MP particles were found in the range of 0–5 MPs/L, where the mean concentration of MPs was 2.3 ± 1.52 MPs/L and 1.7 ± 1.05 MPs/gastrointestinal tract (GIT) isolated from the GIT of brown trout. Particles of relatively larger size (500–300 µm) were more abundant than other ranges of particles (300–150 and 150–50 µm) in the surface water and fish samples. The fiber was the most abundant shape of MP particles, followed by sheets and fragments in surface water and fish samples (fibers > sheets > fragments). Four types of polymer viz. low-density polyethylene (LDPE) (44.4%), polypropylene homopolymer (PPH) (19.4%), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (30.5%), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) (5.5%) were detected by FTIR spectroscopy. The findings of the present study showed that MPs reached into higher altitudes in remote areas due to tourism activities.
First Case of Monkeypox in Venezuela: Partial Complete Genome Sequence Allowed Its Grouping into the West African Clade II
Authors: D’Angelo Pierina , Loureiro Carmen L. , Jaspe Rossana C. , Sulbaran Yoneira F. , Rodríguez Lieska , Alarcón Víctor , García José Manuel , Zambrano José Luis , Liprandi Ferdinando , Rangel Héctor R. , Pujol Flor H.
Published: December 2022

The ongoing epidemic of monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection has already reached more than 50,000 persons worldwide until the end of August 2022. We report the first case detected in Venezuela. The patient reported traveling from Spain and contact with friends tested positive for MPXV after his return. Partial complete genome phylogenetic analysis allowed to group the isolate within the clade II of MPXV, the major one circulating worldwide. No other case of MPXV has been detected until the end of August 2022 in the country, although the presence of undiagnosed cases due to the fear of stigmatization cannot be ruled out.
Multiverse Predictions for Habitability: Stellar and Atmospheric Habitability
Authors: Sandora McCullen , Airapetian Vladimir , Barnes Luke , Lewis Geraint F.
Published: December 2022

Stellar activity and planetary atmospheric properties have the potential to strongly influence habitability. To date, neither have been adequately studied in the multiverse context, so there has been no assessment of how these effects impact the probabilities of observing our fundamental constants. Here, we consider the effects of solar wind, mass loss, and extreme ultra-violet (XUV) flux on planetary atmospheres, how these effects scale with fundamental constants, and how this affects the likelihood of our observations. We determine the minimum atmospheric mass that can withstand erosion, maintain liquid surface water, and buffer diurnal temperature changes. We consider two plausible sources of Earth’s atmosphere, as well as the notion that only initially slowly rotating stars are habitable, and find that all are equally compatible with the multiverse. We consider whether planetary magnetic fields are necessary for habitability, and find five boundaries in parameter space where magnetic fields are precluded. We find that if an Earth-like carbon-to-oxygen ratio is required for life, atmospheric effects do not have much of an impact on multiverse calculations. If significantly different carbon-to-oxygen ratios are compatible with life, magnetic fields must not be essential for life, and planet atmosphere must not scale with stellar nitrogen abundance, or else the multiverse would be ruled out to a high degree of confidence.
Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Mutational Signatures from 1.5+ Million Raw Sequencing Samples
Authors: Aroldi Andrea , Angaroni Fabrizio , D’Aliberti Deborah , Spinelli Silvia , Crespiatico Ilaria , Crippa Valentina , Piazza Rocco , Graudenzi Alex , Ramazzotti Daniele
Published: December 2022

We present a large-scale analysis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) substitutions, considering 1,585,456 high-quality raw sequencing samples, aimed at investigating the existence and quantifying the effect of mutational processes causing mutations in SARS-CoV-2 genomes when interacting with the human host. As a result, we confirmed the presence of three well-differentiated mutational processes likely ruled by reactive oxygen species (ROS), apolipoprotein B editing complex (APOBEC), and adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR). We then evaluated the activity of these mutational processes in different continental groups, showing that some samples from Africa present a significantly higher number of substitutions, most likely due to higher APOBEC activity. We finally analyzed the activity of mutational processes across different SARS-CoV-2 variants, and we found a significantly lower number of mutations attributable to APOBEC activity in samples assigned to the Omicron variant.
Application of Lytic Bacteriophages and Their Enzymes to Reduce Saprophytic Bacteria Isolated from Minimally Processed Plant-Based Food Products—In Vitro Studies
Authors: Shymialevich Dziyana , Wójcicki Michał , Wardaszka Artur , Świder Olga , Sokołowska Barbara , Błażejak Stanisław
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to isolate phage enzymes and apply them in vitro for eradication of the dominant saprophytic bacteria isolated from minimally processed food. Four bacteriophages—two Enterobacter-specific and two Serratia-specific, which produce lytic enzymes—were used in this research. Two methods of phage enzyme isolation were tested, namely precipitation with acetone and ultracentrifugation. It was found that the number of virions could be increased almost 100 times due to the extension of the cultivation time (72 h). The amplification of phage particles and lytic proteins was dependent on the time of cultivation. Considering the influence of isolated enzymes on the growth kinetics of bacterial hosts, proteins isolated with acetone after 72-hour phage propagation exhibited the highest inhibitory effect. The reduction of bacteria count was dependent on the concentration of enzymes in the lysates. The obtained results indicate that phages and their lytic enzymes could be used in further research aiming at the improvement of microbiological quality and safety of minimally processed food products.
Phage Encounters Recorded in CRISPR Arrays in the Genus Oenococcus
Authors: Barchi Yasma , Philippe Cécile , Chaïb Amel , Oviedo-Hernandez Florencia , Claisse Olivier , Le Marrec Claire
Published: December 2022

The Oenococcus genus comprises four recognized species, and members have been found in different types of beverages, including wine, kefir, cider and kombucha. In this work, we implemented two complementary strategies to assess whether oenococcal hosts of different species and habitats were connected through their bacteriophages. First, we investigated the diversity of CRISPR-Cas systems using a genome-mining approach, and CRISPR-endowed strains were identified in three species. A census of the spacers from the four identified CRISPR-Cas loci showed that each spacer space was mostly dominated by species-specific sequences. Yet, we characterized a limited records of potentially recent and also ancient infections between O. kitaharae and O. sicerae and phages of O. oeni, suggesting that some related phages have interacted in diverse ways with their Oenococcus hosts over evolutionary time. Second, phage-host interaction analyses were performed experimentally with a diversified panel of phages and strains. None of the tested phages could infect strains across the species barrier. Yet, some infections occurred between phages and hosts from distinct beverages in the O. oeni species.
Immune Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Vaccine in a Big Italian COVID-19 Hospital: An 18-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Sansone Emanuele , Bonfanti Carlo , Sala Emma , Renzetti Stefano , Terlenghi Luigina , Matteelli Alberto , Tiraboschi Mara Maria , Pedrazzi Tatiana , Lombardo Massimo , Rossi Camillo , Indelicato Anna Maria , Caruso Arnaldo , De Palma Giuseppe
Published: December 2022

Objectives: This is a longitudinal prospective study which was designed to assess the trend of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies targeting the Spike (anti-S) and Nucleocapside protein (anti-N) viral antigens over a 9-month period after the administration of an anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in a big COVID-19 hospital located in Northern Italy. Participants: 7411 vaccinated workers were included in a linear mixed-effect model analysis performed to model the anti-S decay over the 9 months following the vaccination, during serological screening performed approximately 2, 4, and 9 months following the first jab administration. Serological tests performed in the 9 months preceding vaccine administration were retrospectively analysed to identify the burden of infections occurring before vaccination. Results: The serological assays were used for monitoring the antibody titres during the observational period. Vaccination significantly reduced the rate of infection and elicited a specific humoral response, which lasted during the whole observational period (9 months). A decay was observed in all considered subgroups. At 35 weeks, workers with no history of pre-vaccine infection showed a significantly lower anti-S titre (−2522 U/mL on average (−2589.7 to −2445.7)); younger workers showed significantly higher anti-S titres (140.2 U/mL on average (82.4 to 201.3)). Only seven immunocompromised workers did not show significant levels of anti-S antibodies; three of them, all females, showed a specific T-cell response. Conclusions: Comparing the 9-month periods before and after the first vaccine dose, a significant reduction in infection rate was observed (1708 cases vs. 156). Pre-vaccine infection, especially if contracted during the first pandemic wave, greatly enhanced the response to vaccination, which was significantly affected also by age both in extent and duration (inversely related). A gender effect on the T-cell immune response was observed in a small group of workers who did not produce antibodies after vaccine administration.
Efficient Anticipatory Longitudinal Control of Electric Vehicles through Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Vehicle Speeds
Authors: Eichenlaub Tobias , Heckelmann Paul , Rinderknecht Stephan
Published: December 2022

Driving style and external factors such as traffic density have a significant influence on the vehicle energy demand especially in city driving. A longitudinal control approach for intelligent, connected vehicles in urban areas is proposed in this article to improve the efficiency of automated driving. The control approach incorporates information from Vehicle-2-Everything communication to anticipate the behavior of leading vehicles and to adapt the longitudinal control of the vehicle accordingly. A supervised learning approach is derived to train a neural prediction model based on a recurrent neural network for the speed trajectories of the ego and leading vehicles. For the development, analysis and evaluation of the proposed control approach, a co-simulation environment is presented that combines a generic vehicle model with a microscopic traffic simulation. This allows for the simulation of vehicles with different powertrains in complex urban traffic environment. The investigation shows that using V2X information improves the prediction of vehicle speeds significantly. The control approach can make use of this prediction to achieve a more anticipatory driving in urban areas which can reduce the energy consumption compared to a conventional Adaptive Cruise Control approach.
Personalized approach to selecting probiotics in the post-COVID period
Authors:   FSAEI HE I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Moscow, Sankova M.V.
Published: December 2022

Summarizing the data from the follow-up of patients who underwent COVID-19 indicated that, unlike in case of other epidemic viral diseases, pathological symptoms and complaints associated with respiratory dysfunction after COVID-19 persist for a long time, for several weeks and months after the end of treatment. Recently, an important role in maintaining the homeostasis of the respiratory tract has been assigned to the intestinal microbiota, so the use of probiotics is a promising direction in the framework of complex rehabilitation measures in the post-COVID period. The purpose of the study: to identify probiotics with a proven effect on the correction of respiratory symptoms in order to develop a personalized approach to the selection of an optimal probiotic in the post-COVID period.
Epidemiological danger of botulism spread in the Russian Federation
Authors:   Medical University «REAVIZ», Moscow, Zakharov G. D. , Ionov S. N. ,   Medical University «REAVIZ», Moscow, Romanovskaya N. Yu. ,   Medical University «REAVIZ», Moscow
Published: December 2022

Cases of botulism continue to be registered annually in the Russian Federation, which creates instability in terms of epidemiology. In this article, the epidemic situation with botulism in the Russian Federation has been studied and summarized. The statistics of incidence in dynamics for the period 2007–2021 is presented. An analysis of the epidemic situation in this nosology in the Russian Federation has been carried out. From 2010 to 2021, there was an increase in the incidence of botulism. In the Central Federal District (including Moscow and the Moscow Region) in 2009, there was a sharp increase in registered cases of botulism infections. The article uses the data from the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in Moscow, the Department of Rospotrebnadzor for Moscow and the Moscow Region, and the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat).
Genetic studies in multifactorial diseases
Authors:   Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Ermakova M. A. , Pinigina A. Yu. ,   Moscow University for Industry and Finance «Synergy»
Published: December 2022

This article is devoted to the role of gene mutations in the development of multifactorial diseases such as arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, and cancer, as well as to genotyping in optimizing the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of various pathologies in children and young people.
Photobioacoustic methods in the correction of index indicators of autonomic tension and reactivity in children with frequent acute recurrent infections
Authors:   National Medical Research Center of Rehabilitation and Balneology of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Russia, Kulikova Natalya Gennadievna , Volkova Inna Vladimirovna ,   Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Continuing Medical Education, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), Chkheidze Tinatin ,   Department of Physiotherapy, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Tkachenko Albina Sergeevna ,   Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Continuing Medical Education, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN)
Published: December 2022

Objective: to increase the effectiveness of treatment of children suffering from frequent acute recurrent infections by methods of photobioacoustic exposure. Research methods. The study of 140 children with frequent recurrent infections included the analysis of the data on developmental histories (form No. 026/u «Children’s Medical Card for School» and form 112/ «History of Child Development»), clinical complaints, vegetative indicators (Kerdo, Hildebrandt, and Baevsky-Parin indices), and enzyme immunoassay before and after the use of the photobioacoustic complex, which includes: biofeedback bioacoustic impact on the head area and LLLR on the projection of the cubital area and thymus. The vegetative indices were studied on the «Poly-Spectr» device of Neurosoft (Russia). LLLR was performed on the «Milta» (l=0.89 mcm) on the overhead projection area at a frequency of 80 Hz for 5 minutes and on the projection zone of the thymus at a frequency of 1500 Hz for 3 minutes, as responsible for immune support. The total duration was 8–9 minutes (children of 7–8 years — 5–8 minutes; children of 9–12 years — 8–9 minutes). Bioacoustic exposure on the head area was performed on the hardware-computer complex of acoustic correction (biofeedback bioacoustic correction) «SINKHRO-S» (Russia). Results: Subjective complaints of the children with frequent acute recurrent infections had a brighter picture than those of the children without an infectious factor. Gender-age differences in the children’s subjective complaints which correlated with the type of vegetative support and immune status were revealed. Conclusion: The developed photobioacoustic complex provides high correction of index indicators of autonomic tension, autonomic reactivity, and immune status in children with frequent acute recurrent infections. After a decrease of the high initial index vegetative indicators, the correlations between vegetative indices and autonomic tension were eliminated, which had a positive effect on the immune status and adaptive potential of children suffering from frequent acute recurrent infections.
Dynamics of matrix metalloproteinases when correcting immature hypertrophic scars with pulsed dye laser and fermencol phonophoresis
Authors:   OOO «Skin Art», Moscow, Russia, Ismailyan K.V. , Nagornev S.N. ,   Department of Restorative Medicine and Medical Rehabilitation with courses in Pediatrics, Nursing, Clinical Psychology, and Pedagogy, FSBI CPE Central State Medical Academy, Moscow, Russia, Kruglova L. S. ,   Department of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology, FSBI CPE Central State Medical Academy, Moscow, Russia, Frolkov V.K. ,   FSBI Center for Strategic Planning and Management of Medical and Biological Health Risks, FMBA of Russia, Moscow, Russia
Published: December 2022

The article analyzes the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) in the pathogenesis of immature hypertrophic scars. The revealed decrease in the MMP level in the patients’ initial state against the background of an increased content of TIMP1 indicates a disorder in the mechanisms of regulation of collagen formation in a hypertrophic scar, as a result of which its synthesis significantly predominates over decay, contributing to the formation of a fibrous process. The obtained results convincingly prove that reduced expression of MMP against the background of an increased TIMP1 level is an important pathogenetic mechanism providing excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components in pathological skin scarring. The use of a pulsed dye laser (PDL) in combination with Fermencol phonophoresis promotes an increase in the MMP content in the blood serum of patients with immature hypertrophic scars. The reliable dynamics of the studied biomarkers indicates an increase in the processes of catabolism of the extracellular matrix components and an increase in the regenerative potential of the skin defect, which determine the intensity of the clinical effect during the treatment of immature hypertrophic scars. The correlation analysis between the level of membrane metalloproteinases and the parameters of the Vancouver Scar Scale revealed a set of significant relationships that confirm the clinical and pathogenetic significance of these biochemical variables in the development of fibroplastic processes and also act as informative criteria for the effectiveness of the therapy.
Sound stimulation in medical rehabilitation of children with megaureter
Authors:   Department of Medical Rehabilitation of Children and Adolescents, SAHI Moscow Centre for Research and Practice in Medical Rehabilitation, Restorative and Sports Medicine of the Moscow Healthcare Department, Novikova Elena Vladimirovna , Khan Maya Alekseevna ,   Center for Medical Rehabilitation, SBHI N.F. Filatov Children’s City Clinical Hospital of the Moscow Healthcare Department, Department of Medical Rehabilitation of Children and Adolescents, SAHI Moscow Centre for Research and Practice in Medical Rehabilitation, Restorative and Sports Medicine of the Moscow Healthcare Department, Menovshchikova Lyudmila Borisovna ,   Department of Pediatric Surgery, N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, SBHI Children’s City Clinical Hospital named after N.F. Filatov of the Moscow Healthcare Department
Published: December 2022

This article discusses the issues of medical rehabilitation of children with megaureter. Objective of the study: scientific substantiation of the use of sound stimulation in the medical rehabilitation of children with megaureter. Materials and research methods: clinical observations and special studies were carried out in dynamics in 40 children, aged 1 to 7 years, with megaureter after ureteral surgery. Of these, 20 children made up the main group (received sound stimulation) and 20 children — the comparison group (without physiotherapy). Based on the studies carried out, the inclusion of sound stimulation in medical rehabilitation of children with megaureter has been scientifically substantiated. The inclusion of sound stimulation in the medical rehabilitation program for children with megaureter contributed to a decrease in the activity of inflammation in the renal parenchyma. Medical rehabilitation with the inclusion of physiotherapy technologies had a beneficial effect on the urodynamics of the urinary tract and renal blood flow. The effectiveness of medical rehabilitation with the inclusion of sound stimulation accounted for 80.0%, while in the comparison group (without physiotherapy), it was 60.0%.
Selection of an effective dose of autologous probiotics for patients in the rehabilitation period
Authors:   Serpukhov City Hospital named after Semashko N.A,, Svetlana Alekseevna Okrugina Svetlana Alekseevna Okrugina , Naumova Anastasiya Vitalievna ,   OOO “OBL-BIO”, Ishchenko Vladimir Leonidovich ,   OOO “OBL-BIO”, Stavitskiy Sergey Bronislavovich ,   OOO “OBL-BIO”, Eremin Ilya Igorevich ,   FSBSI Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, Moscow, Nadelyaeva Irina Ivanovna ,   Research and Development Department, FSBSI Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, Moscow
Published: December 2022

It is known that the presence of microorganisms with probiotic properties protects the body from pathogenic bacteria. The classification of symbiotic microorganisms living in the human gastrointestinal tract is constantly changing. Probiotics do not form colonies in the intestine, therefore, to obtain a long-term positive effect, the concentrations of probiotic strains in the intestine should reach a level of at least 10⁸ CFU/ml and remain so for a long time. The biotechnology of designing probiotic drugs is based on the isolation of probiotic strains of microbes from the intestines of a healthy individual. This is the basis for a new promising direction in practical medicine — the preparation of autoprobiotics used for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. The recommended effective daily dose of probiotic should be 10⁸–10⁹ CFU, but the dose may vary depending on the probiotic strain and the pharmaceutical form. The preservation of the viability of bacteria in the required amount until the end of the drug shelf life is also crucial for its effective use. It is assumed that auto-strains of probiotics in identical doses will be effective as well.
Abdominal surgery method for endosurgical treatment of achalasia of the upper esophageal sphincer
Authors:   Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation, Shapovalov A. V. , Tereschenko S. G. ,   Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation, Vakurova E. S. ,   Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation, Prishepo M. I. ,   Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: December 2022

he article presents a historical background and current trends in the surgical treatment of patients with neuromuscular dysphagia (achalasia) of the upper esophageal sphincter. The technique, features and results of the first endoscopic operations are described.
Early reconstructive rescue surgery for acquired short bowel syndrome (clinical report)
Authors:   FSAEI HE N. I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Rodoman G. V. ,   SBHI City Clinical Hospital № 24 of the Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, Kornev L. V. ,   FSAEI HE N. I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow; SBHI City Clinical Hospital № 24 of the Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, Volenko R. А. ,   SBHI City Clinical Hospital № 24 of the Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, Shipovskaya M. I. ,   FSAEI HE N. I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow; SBHI City Clinical Hospital № 24 of the Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow
Published: December 2022

Short bowel syndrome is a severe, rare malabsorption disorder, often resulting from extensive surgical resections of the small intestine. This condition is often accompanied by pronounced violations of the nutritional status and fluid and electrolyte balance, which are poorly amenable to drug correction. In this article, we describe three clinical cases of patients suffering from this pathology where it was possible to achieve pronounced clinical improvement through reconstructive surgery.
Possibilities of endovideosurgery to bypass appendicular peritonitis. Literature review
Authors:   Bashkir state medical university, Department of surgical diseases and new technologies with IPO, Ufa, Russia, Galimov O. V. , Khanov V. O. ,   Bashkir state medical university, Department of surgical diseases and new technologies with IPO, Ufa, Russia, Ibragimov T. R. ,   Bashkir state medical university, Department of surgical diseases and new technologies with IPO, Ufa, Russia, Galimov D. O. ,   Bashkir state medical university, Department of surgical diseases and new technologies with IPO, Ufa, Russia
Published: December 2022

An analysis of modern literature and our own clinical experience suggests that the use of laparoscopic methods in the surgical treatment of acute appendicitis complicated by peritonitis has proven advantages over open surgery. The key to successful treatment of patients is reliable elimination of the source of peritonitis — performing an adequate appendectomy. Early laparoscopic debridement for postoperative peritonitis can be an alternative to non-surgical treatment and delayed intervention. The success of the laparoscopic approach depends not only on technical aspects, but also on the correct determination of indications and contraindications for surgery.
Lived Experiences of Physical Education Instructors in Facilitating Distance Learning Education
Authors: M. Daw-as Dennis , C. Magat Sheila Marie
Published: December 2022

The global emergency of Covid-19 triggered an unprecedented shift in education that brought new challenges to students and educators alike. In particular, physical education instructors face a unique set of challenges as the most subscribed pedagogical strategies revolve on on-site setting. This study explored the lived experiences of physical education instructors in distance learning education in one of the missionary universities in Baguio City, Philippines. Employing a phenomenological design, data were gathered using semi-structured interviews to explore the struggles and successes in the experiences of physical education instructors who taught combative sports in a distance learning education setting during the academic years covering 2020 through 2022. Processing the interviews revealed themes about the specific struggles experienced by physical education instructors in relation to distance learning education. On the other hand, it revealed that these struggles gave rise to successes borne out of the need to address the identified struggles. Understanding both struggles and successes of physical education instructors is necessary as these could be critical in the successful online implementation of physical education programs, particularly in fitness-combative sports. It is recommended that a study be conducted on the coping mechanisms of fitness-combative sports instructors in dealing with the struggles in online teaching; furthermore, there is a need to examine how documented successes can be fostered to improve distance learning education.
Model Implementasi Sistem Informasi Penilaian Kinerja (E-Kinerja)
Authors: Veri Jhon , Pratama Niki , Irda  , Rosha Zeshasina
Published: December 2022

The Agency for Personnel and Human Resources Development (BKPSDM) at Sijunjung Regency, implemented e-Kinerja to analyze job requirements, workload of positions and units or work units, as a basis for calculating work performance and awarding awards. BKPSDM has never measured the success of using e-Kinerja. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the implementation of e-Kinerja at BKPSDM using the DeLone-McLean model. The total sample is 66 respondents. Research has found empirical evidence that successful e-Kinerja implementation plays a role in improving performance at BKPSDM. Where the results of the study explain that there is a significant relationship between system quality and user satisfaction. Quality of Information on user satisfaction, Quality of Service on Use of E-Performance, Quality of Service on User Satisfaction, Use of E-Kinerja on User Satisfaction, User Satisfaction with Use of E-Performance, User Satisfaction with Benefits Obtained, Benefits Obtained with User Satisfaction, while for System Quality there is no effect on the use of E-Kinerja, Information Quality has no effect on the use of E-Kinerja and it nothing to do with the benefits obtained and vice versa. E-Kinerja to be able to increase it has nothing to do with System Quality and Information Quality, what needs to be considered is User Satisfaction in using E-Kinerja. The findings are also robust in additional testing. The average weight of the measurement items is 4.04 and the success rate of e-Kinerja implementation is 80.8 percent. E-Kinerja is successful in improving job performance at BKPSDM.
Analisis Pengelolaan dan Pembentukan Kas Kecil pada Perusahaan
Authors: Diniyyah Maftuhatud , Handayani Anita
Published: December 2022

Financial management within the company is the main key to the company's operational activities and is inseparable from activities related to cash. Cash is an important thing that supports the ongoing operations of the company, cash is further divided into petty cash or petty cash which is provided to make payments in relatively small amounts on a regular basis. Good cash management is an indicator of the company's operational activities as well. The focus of the discussion in this study aims to analyze the procedures for managing and establishing petty cash at PT. XYZ with a type of qualitative descriptive research method. Data collection techniques used are observation, interviews, and documentation. The author was directly involved for about four months to find out the management and formation of petty cash at PT. XYZ. The results of this study indicate that the petty cash management method at PT. XYZ, namely by using the imprest fund system method, the procedure for recording and managing petty cash funds at PT. XYZ involves several parties (applicant, finance department, manager, accounting and finance SPV), the system for establishing and re-procuring petty cash funds at PT. XYZ is good enough, but there is a difference between the demand balance and the receipt balance due to the delay in submitting evidence of petty cash disbursements to accounting, so that accounting cannot record expenditures that have not been submitted.
Fronteras productivas decimonónicas en perspectiva multidisciplinar: el caso de Tres Arroyos (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Authors: Barcos María Fernanda , Bagaloni Vanesa Natalia
Published: December 2022

Esta investigación estudia de manera interdisciplinar los procesos de ocupación, poblamiento y desarrollo productivo que se generaron en un partido del sur de la provincia de Buenos Aires (Argentina) para dar cuenta de los prolegómenos del boom agrícola argentino en el contexto de expansión de las fronteras productivas latinoamericanas a inicios de la Primera Globalización. A partir de un enfoque de la frontera como proceso diverso y complejo que presta especial atención a las dinámicas locales en la construcción de nuevas territorialidades, se describe así el proceso de ocupación y acceso a la tierra en Tres Arroyos. En segundo lugar, se estudia cómo se produjo el proceso de despegue agrícola sobre “tierras nuevas”. Finalmente, se muestran las evidencias arqueológicas de estas sociedades a partir de la información que nos brindan algunos asentamientos rurales. Se concluye que, como en otras regiones con economías de ‘nuevo asentamiento’, en vísperas del auge exportador, el sur bonaerense luego de una política de tierras públicas que estuvo determinada por la necesidad de controlar el territorio frente al peligro indígena y de una serie de incentivos para la producción comenzó un sendero de crecimiento exponencial hasta inicios de la Primera Guerra Mundial. Con fuentes novedosas y detalladas, el trabajo muestra cómo se desempeñaron los diferentes sectores socioeconómicos del sector agrícola ganadero en esta etapa primigenia.
Nuevo Mundo y la ciencia del clima: el aporte de los cosmógrafos y cronistas españoles en los siglos XVI y XVII
Authors: Valenzuela Olivares Luis Andres , Cabrera Sánchez Gerardo
Published: December 2022

En las descripciones geográficas de los cosmógrafos y cronistas españoles de los siglos XVI y XVII, se puede detectar los primeros intentos de teorización científica sobre las causas empíricas que explican el particular clima de la zona tórrida y templada del Nuevo Mundo, específicamente para el hemisferio sur. De este modo, se propone que en las obras de Pedro Cieza de León y de los jesuitas José de Acosta, Bernabé Cobo y Alonso de Ovalle se presentan los primeros indicios de principios climáticas deducidos mediante la experimentación y proposición de teorías para dar explicación a los diversos fenómenos climáticos observados en el Nuevo Mundo. En ese sentido, dichos autores desarrollaron las primeras teorías sobre las precipitaciones, del efecto moderador del océano, la gradiente vertical de temperatura y de la presión atmosférica, y que las mismas no han sido suficientemente estudiadas por la historiografía actual.
Central Bank Digital Currency: the Next Money Revolution? : Central Bank Digital Currencies in the Dimension of Geopolitics
Authors: Boros Eszter , Horváth Marcell
Published: December 2022

Throughout history, financial innovation was always interlinked with shifts in the word’s economic centre of gravity and the emergence of new power hubs. Nowadays, the huge interest in central bank digital currencies proves that we must have arrived at a new turning point in the development of money. Most studies, however, focus on financial issues related to CBDCs, and only few embark on discussing historical analogies and geopolitical consequences in a comprehensive way. Our study aims to deliver such an analysis. According to the results, the revolutionary effects of CBDCs might arise from re-modelling cross-border payments, i.e., achieving direct (atomic) transactions through multilateral platforms. The remarkable results of China in developing the digital yuan, and most importantly, acquiring a key role in international projects, reinforce the geopolitical trends of the last decade. Global or regional standard-setting will be a critical question, and in this regard, there is still some room for manoeuvre on the side of the U.S. which started its own CBDC development (Project Hamilton) belatedly. In the long run, it might be realistic to expect a scenario in which the global financial system is divided in two parts, a Western and an Eastern one.