bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying the Data Modeling Tools for the Gender Inequality Analysis in the IT-industry in Ukraine and Worldwide
Authors:   Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics, Shchepilova O. I. , Korol M. V. ,   Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics
Published: November 2020

Nowadays, the information-technology industry is one of the most masculine and asymmetrical in the world labor market. The fact of having male workers in more prestigious and highly paid positions is proved, while female workers are more represented in low-profitable sectors of the economy (healthcare, education, social services, etc.). The article is aimed at researching the status of gender inequality in the IT sphere in the labor market of both Ukraine and the world by means of modeling tools. The publication analyzes the current status of gender segregation of labor in the sphere of information technology worldwide and in Ukraine. The relevance of the research on the process of functioning of companies engaged in foreign economic activity is substantiated. Using statistics of the most technological companies in the world (Amazon, Microsoft, etc.) it is proved that the average share of women in the companies comprises 30-40% of all employees. Gender inequality, as it has been proven, harms the business of companies around the world. Replacing female employees who resigned from a job because of the inability to build a career increases business costs and slows down the activities of individual projects and/or companies in general. At present, most large international companies deliberately perceive the need to achieve gender equilibrium among their employees. Despite numerous measures that have a positive impact on the involvement of women in the IT market, there are factors in the global labor market that increase gender discrimination, as emphasized in the article. Economic-mathematical models of the process are built up using multiple regression with panel data. With the help of the appropriate criteria, the quality of the built up models has been proven. Economic interpretation of the results is provided. Prospects for further research in this direction are described.
Diagnostics of the Effectiveness of Development of the Machine-Building Quasi-Integration Structures in Ukraine
Authors:   National Technical University of Ukraine «Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute», Zhygalkevych Z. M.
Published: November 2020

The article is aimed at diagnosticating the effectiveness of quasi-integration structures on the basis of domestic machine-building enterprises. The relevance of the research is associated with the slow development of the machine-building quasi-integration structures in Ukraine. 11 quasi-integration structures on the basis of machine-building enterprises were examined, namely: public union «Ukrainian Aerospace Cluster» (Dnipro); aerospace cluster «Mekhatronika» (city of Kharkiv); industrial park «Vinnytsya cluster of refrigeration machine-building» (city of Vinnytsya); corporation «Scientific park «Innovation and Investment Cluster of Ternopil region»; aviation cluster of the corporation «Ukrainian aircraft company» of the State-owned concern «Ukroboronprom»; cluster of radiolocation, radiocommunication and special instrument engineering of the State-owned concern «Ukroboronprom»; cluster of precision weapons and ammunition of the State-owned concern «Ukroboronprom»; armored cluster of the State-owned concern «Ukroboronprom»; Mykolayiv shipbuilding cluster; Zakarpattya automotive cluster (Uzhhorod); machine-building cluster «AhroBUM» (Melitopol). On the basis of the information available on the Internet and by means of the analytical on-line system YouControl, an economic analysis of participants in the clusters of the State-owned concern «Ukroboronprom» and «AhroBUM» was carried out. A diagnostics of the effectiveness of these clusters represents an argument for quasi-integration of other machine-building domestic enterprises along with the interacting firms and institutions. It is concluded that the slow development of quasi-integration processes in Ukraine is connected with the ignorance of entrepreneurs and the lack of methodological recommendations for the formation of quasi-integration structures.
E-Government as a Major Factor in the Development of Social Insurance Funds in Ukraine
Authors:   V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Feklistova D. P. , Zagorska D. M. ,   V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University
Published: November 2020

Social insurance as a system of guaranteeing material support in case of occurrence of insured cases undergoes the process of reforming, the State uses a variety of methods of influence, including achievements of scientific-technological progress. Social security funds were created to provide citizens with a full range of services that provide a decent life. The article is aimed at analyzing the opportunities of social security funds to provide electronic services. The latest changes in the reform of the social insurance system of Ukraine are illuminated. The functions performed by these establishments are considered in order to understand their essence. The concept of «e-government» is described and it is defined that its application influences the improvement of effectiveness of the government policy. The analysis of services of the Pension fund of Ukraine, the Social insurance fund and the Social insurance fund in case of unemployment was carried out. The largest number of electronic services is now provided by the Pension fund of Ukraine, which successfully implements e-government. The Social security fund does not yet provide the opportunity to receive services remotely. The Social security fund in case of unemployment in the aspect of e-government focuses on the employment services of citizens. Recommendations for further development of the social insurance system using electronic services are provided.
Financial Architectonics as a Methodological Basis for the Formation of Business Architecture of the Banking Sector of the Economy
Authors:   Institute of Banking Technologies and Business of the Banking University, Rudevska V. I.
Published: November 2020

The methodological basis of the research on the business architecture of the banking sector of the economy is grounded upon the complex application of the basic provisions of institutional theory, where architeconics are used as a method for constructing financial-economic systems. The article analyzes scientific views on defining the essence of financial architetonics and reasonably concludes that this conception has a wide range of applications and includes most of the open, socio-economic systems, and can be used as a methodological basis for the formation of the business architecture of the banking sector of the economy. The definition of business architecture from the position of methodology of modern architetonics is proposed and a model of the process of formation of the architetonics of the banking system with the allocation of the place of business architecture of the banking sector therein is built. The principles, laws of architeconics and the institutional approach to the study of financial, economic and organizational construction of the business architecture of the banking sector are researched. The research is not only of theoretical, descriptive nature, but it also reflects the results of using a sufficient volume of analytical methods and techniques and contains a number of reasoned empirical generalizations, which allowed to obtain objectively agreed conclusions and formulate separate hypotheses about the ways, mechanisms and dynamics of the processes of formation of modern business architecture of the banking sector.
The Axiomatics and Signs of Both the Life Genesis and the State Formation, Their Socio-Economic Provision
Authors:   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Karpinskyi B. A. , Karpinska O. B. ,   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv
Published: November 2020

The article is aimed at developing scientific views on the axiomatics of the life genesis and the State formation from a position of systemacity of relationships, ranging from an individual to a State. It is allocated and substantiated that, considering the establishment of the basic concepts and creation of the modern model of life formation, there is a fundamental merit of Ukrainian scientists, who in their innovative works, concerning the issues from the biosphere and up to geo- and sozio-systematology, have crystallized the studied problematics. It is emphasized that the axiomatics, as the system of axioms of science, closer defines and systematizes the initial facts of life formation on the basis of their coherence, independence and completeness. It is substantiated that the scientific results from studying the problematics of the initial stages of origin and formation of life existence on Earth mostly concern the instrumental capabilities of different directions of natural sciences, causing the need for their further fundamentalization and taking into account the resource and socio-economic provision in the context of global development. The axiomatics of life genesis and the State formation are developed. It is stressed that only a coordinated work of the State-owned institutions with the United Nations Organization can effectively and comprehensively solve the strategiological development problem arising from the allocated axiomatics and signs of both the life genesis and the modern State formation. It is proved that the issue of ensuring the energy balance of human life should be at the heart of the activities of both national and international governments. The need for managerial measures to form constitutional-legal and strategiological responsibility to future generations, taking into account the doctrines of the State formation patriotism of the nation is substantiated, because their efficiency along with a purposeful realization of the taxpayer’s motivation in the State formation will provide the related financial resources and the ensured economic growth.
The Use of Strategic Alliances in an Innovative Economy
Authors:   Odesa National Academy of Telecommunications named after O. S. Popov, Kuznetsova M. A. , Drahan K. Y. ,   Odesa National Academy of Telecommunications named after O. S. Popov
Published: November 2020

Global tendencies in recent decades have strengthened competition in world markets, so it is necessary to create such an organizational form that could respond as quickly and efficiently as possible to changes in the external environment. One of these new forms of organization of enterprises is strategic alliances, the development of which has significantly influenced changes in the structure of many industries. Through the creation of strategic alliances, companies join forces and resources to maintain their competitive positions and create new opportunities. In the article, the strategic alliance is seen as an effective form of the companies joining that best meets the criteria for strategic goals. The authors examine types of strategic alliances, the development of which should provide enterprises with access to certain innovations; the goals of creating strategic alliances are specified. It is proved that a case of strategic alliance means conducting joint research, sharing production facilities, exchanging technologies, marketing each other’s products or joining efforts to produce components or final products. It is noted that partnership in strategic alliances is based on flexible organizational forms of cooperation. The authors allocate the problems that interfere with innovation; actions to resolve them are suggested. Prospects for further research in this direction are the analysis of existing strategic alliances in Ukraine, carrying out a study on their status, number and sphere of formation. Also in the future it is planned to distinguish the problems of determining the advantages and disadvantages of creating strategic alliances in Ukraine, and most importantly – to analyze the readiness of the legislative base for their successful development in the country.
Interface of the Natural Ventilation Systems with Building Management Systems
Authors: Karadag Ilker , Cakmakli Aysem Berrin
Published: November 2020

The vertical city is increasingly being seen as the most viable solution for many urban centers. However, being vertical means constructing tall buildings which imply a large amount of energy requirement mostly due to the mechanical ventilation systems. Replacing these systems with natural ventilation is of importance on the way of achieving sustainable buildings and cities. However, there are many challenges in incorporating natural ventilation systems into tall office buildings. Because, having a far distance from the ground levels, tall buildings are exposed to turbulent and unstable wind conditions. Therefore, advanced technical systems to monitor/control a tall building is required even though natural ventilation is mostly considered a passive, low technological approach to condition a building. These systems utilize sensors to measure internal environmental conditions and external conditions of air temperature, humidity, wind velocity, and rain to utilize passive or active modes, based on the data received. To integrate such systems, in most cases, a hybrid approach is required to fill the gap between the natural and mechanical ventilation systems. Since, climate conditions may not be suitable for solely depending on natural ventilation throughout the year, using mechanical ventilation systems as a back-up to natural ventilation is mostly required. Based on this approach, this study presents advanced natural ventilation strategies of a number of buildings integrating Building Management Systems. Throughout the study, it is intended to guide further researches on natural ventilation and consequently to contribute to the environmental quality of urban areas and smart sustainable development of the cities.
Corporate Tax Avoidance: Kontribusi Mekanisme Corporate Governance dan Corporate Social Responsibility Pada Perusahaan Industri Manufaktur Sektor Industri Dasar dan Kimia Yang Terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia Tahun 2014-2018
Authors: Hendrani Ai , Ramdhani Dadan , Febriani Thika , Sriyani Sriyani
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the corporate governance mechanism using indicators of institutional ownership, independent commissioners, audit committee and managerial ownership and corporate social responsibility on corporate tax avoidance, empirical studies on basic industrial companies and chemicals listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. in 2014-2018. The research method used is quantitative research methods. Determination of the sample in this study is by purposive sampling technique, in order to obtain a research sample of 30 companies with a total of 150 (30 x 5 years) observations that match the specified characteristics. The data analysis technique used in this study is multiple linear regression analysis. which is done using the help of IBM SPSS 23.0 software. The results of this study show that institutional ownership, audit committee and managerial ownership have a positive effect on corporate tax avoidance. Independent commissioners have no effect on corporate tax avoidance. And corporate social responsibility has a negative effect on corporate tax avoidance.
Kingdom of Heaven: The One State Solution and Western Military Intervention in the Holy Land
Authors: Yousef Nisreen T.
Published: November 2020

In this article I argue that in Kingdom of Heaven Ridley Scott creates historical analogies between Saladin's taking of Jerusalem and the Third Crusade, on the one hand, and the Israeli-Palestinian question and American-led ‘War on Terror’, on the other hand. I maintain that Scott pictures the one-state solution in which both the Israelis and the Palestinians can coexist peacefully as a feasible settlement. By presenting the idea of a shared Jerusalem under the Crusaders' rule in the past, Scott wittingly promotes through a contrived historical analogy to contemporary Western interventionism in the Middle East. Crucially, Scott goes beyond Samuel Huntington's essentialist views of Muslims. He provides variable representations of Muslim characters, fluctuating between characters that are superstitious, on the one hand, and characters that are capable of rational thinking, on the other hand. Nevertheless, Scott seems to be highly convinced about the myth of religious violence, as suggested by William Cavanaugh. This myth suggests that secular violence is rational and useful whereas religious violence is irrational and dangerous. Moreover, Scott proves to be swayed by the idea of the ‘just war’ according to which the use of force can be legitimate. In Kingdom of Heaven, Scott pictures the ongoing ‘War on Terror’ as an incarnation of earlier centuries' European (colonial) ‘civilising missions’ towards the ‘less-civilised’ nations.
GEODESIC MONITORING OF LARGE-SPAN CONSTRUCTIONS WITH SPATIAL METAL STRUCTURE
Authors:   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies, Sholomitskii Andrei A. , Akhmedov Bakhtiyor N. ,   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies
Published: November 2020

The article draws the estimation of geodetic measurement results and conclusions, obtained at observation of deformations during the construction and exploitation of large span structure with bridging of space shell type, located on the territory with hazardous natural and seismic processes and hot climate. On the basis of measurement results of the vertical and horizontal deformation constituents the analysis of actual behavior of the constructions in these conditions was performed. Estimating the deformations on different stages and environmental parameters one can set critical parameters and tolerance for the behavior of a real spatial metal structure. The article draws the data of three observation cycles carried out during the construction process and three ones performed after the start of operation. The observations allowed making a conclusion that the structure undergoes little appropriate deformations, which correspond to the designed ones.
PSEUDONORMAL OPTIMIZATION METHOD AND GEODESIC EQUATION CALCULATIONS
Authors:   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies, Barliani Amridon G. , Nefedova Galina A. ,   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies, Karnetova Irina V. ,   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this paper is a comparative analysis of the methods of least squares and pseudonormal optimization on the example of equalization and estimation of the accuracy of the first-class triangulation link. Pseudonormal optimization is radically different from the traditional method of least squares optimization, since it leads to complex and cumbersome procedures for equalizing and evaluating the accuracy of the results of processing geodesic constructions due to complex formulas. A recurrent method of sequential formation of a pseudoinverse matrix of parametric correction equations is presented, which allows avoiding the time-consuming computational process of composing and solving normal equations. A mathematical algorithm for estimating the accuracy of the equalized parameters is considered. The analysis of the equation works has shown that the pseudonormal optimization method allows calculating the values of the equalized coordinates 4 times more accurately than the least squares optimization.
ANALYSIS OF INPUT INFLUENCING FACTORS AND SELECTION OF THE TYPE OF A MATHEMATICAL MODEL AT THE STAGES OF THEIR STRUCTURAL AND PARAMETRIC IDENTIFICATION FOR STUDYING DEFORMATION STATE OF THE SAYANO-SHUSHENSKAYA HPP DAM IN 2013-2016
Authors:   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies, Kobeleva Natalia N. , Khoroshilov Valery S. ,   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies
Published: November 2020

Assessment of the operational state of a hydraulic structure and its technical safety should be carried out by comparing the obtained quantitative and qualitative diagnostic indicators with their criteria values. For this purpose, predictive mathematical models of the structure's behavior should be developed, which are recommended to be calibrated according to field observations. The article considers features of constructing predictive mathematical models for studying deformation process of displacements of the dam crest of the Sayano-Shushenskaya hydroelectric power plant. For various combinations of input influencing factors, including the results of field observations and calculated values of component displacements, the most successfully designed predictive mathematical models were studied, on the basis of which the dam body points were forecasted for stages of its operation in different times. The advantages of using the created forecast models for various temperature conditions of the structure (medium, warm and cold temperatures of year) are presented.
GLOBAL REFERENCE SYSTEM AND ITS LOCAL REALIZATION – RUSSIAN STATE COORDINATE SYSTEM GSK-2011
Authors:   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies, Tereshchenko Vyacheslav E. , Radchenko Andrey V. ,   Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Science of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Melkiy Vyacheslav A. ,   Institute of Marine Geology and Geophysics of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: November 2020

The article highlights the issue of interpreting reference stations networks as a local realization of the global reference system. The substantiation of the proposed approach is given and its advantages are shown. The rationale for the proposed approach is given and its advantages are shown. In particular, the top block in the structure of the formation of the Russian state coordinate system (GSK‑2011) is the fundamental astronomical and geodetic network. It is a regional realization of a global reference system. The creation of GSK‑2011 was carried out with a focus on the global International Terrestrial Reference System (ITRS) however geodynamic processes affecting the displacement of reference points relative to the center of the Earth's masses play a different role in the time evolution of systems. Such processes in GSK‑2011 are not subject to accounting, since the system was created to conduct various types of applied geodetic and cartographic activities in it. In this case, taking into account the constant change in the coordinates of reference points is almost never implied. In this regard, the asynchronous movement of the Russian state coordinate system (GSK‑2011) with the global reference system (ITRS) began to lead to inconsistencies in the results of high-precision positioning performed at different times, by different methods. Based on this, the necessity to find a way of matching GSK‑2011 to ITRS is urgent. The article presents the rates of change of the match parameters of the above-mentioned systems. These parameters make it possible to match the results of high-precision positioning performed in different reference systems using different methods of positioning for different epochs of the GNSS observations. The experiment carried out in the second part of the article confirms this.
Çift Pervaneli Çok Girişli Çok Çıkışlı (TRMS) Sistemin Kontrolü için Ayrık Zaman PID Kontrolör Tasarımı ve Gerçek Zaman Uygulaması
Authors: Ozdemir Ayhan , Mucuk Ibrahim , Ilhan Selim
Published: November 2020

Günümüzde birçok ileri kontrolör tasarım yöntemi geliştirilmiş olmasına rağmen PID kontrolör basit yapısı, kolay uygulanabilirliği, bozuculara ve lineersizliklere karşı dayanıklılığı sayesinde yaygın olarak kullanılmaya devam etmektedir. Bu çalışmada helikopter simülatörü olarak kabul edilen çift pervaneli çok girişli çok çıkışlı (TRMS) sistemin kontrolü için ayrık zaman PID kontrolör tasarımı ve simülasyon/gerçek zaman sonuçları sunulmaktadır. TRMS modern hava araçlarındaki kontrol zorluklarını barındıran, kublaj etkisi bulunan, lineer olmayan sistemdir. Sistemde bulunan kublajlar bozucu olarak kabul edilmiş ve iki SISO sistem için iki adet ayrık zaman PID kontrolör tasarımı yapılmıştır. Simülasyon/Gerçek zaman sonuçları karşılaştırmalı olarak değerlendirilmiştir.
Toz enjeksiyon kalıplamada iç vida profilinin maça kullanmadan elde edilmesinin araştırılması
Authors: Subasi Mehmet
Published: November 2020

Toz enjeksiyon kalıplama (TEK) metal ve seramik tozlarından karmaşık şekilli küçük hacimli parçaların kitlesel üretilmelerinde kullanılan bir tekniktir. Bu yöntem besleme stoku hazırlama, kalıplama, bağlayıcı giderme ve sinterleme aşamalarından meydana gelmektedir. TEK deki kalıplama aşaması plastik enjeksiyon kalıplama yöntemine benzer. Bu çalışma da parça içerisindeki vida geometrisinin insörtlü ve insörtsüz elde edilebilirliği araştırılmıştır. Çalışmada ilk olarak 316L besleme stoku kalıp içerisine enjekte edilmiştir. Kalıptan çıkan ham numunelerin bir kısmı 3,3 mm çapında delinmiş ve daha sonra M4 kılavuz çekilmiştir. Diğer bir kısmına ise delme işleminden sonra çekme oranı (%16) kadar büyük imal edilmiş M4 kılavuz çekilmiştir. Standart M4 kılavuz çekilmiş numunelerin içerisine insörtler konulmuştur diğerlerine konulmamıştır. Bu insörtler de yüksek sıcaklığa dayanıklı boya ile kaplanmıştır. Hazırlanan numuneler iki farklı sinterleme sıcaklığı (1260 °C - 1340 °C) ve süresin de (30-90 dakika) sinterlenmiştir. Deneyler sonucunda vidalı insört üzerindeki boya ara katmanın kusursuz diş geometrisinin elde edilmesinde yeterli olmadığı belirlenmiştir. Çekme oranı kadar büyük imal edilmiş M4 kılavuz çekilmiş numunelerde ise diş profilinin elde edilebildiği belirlenmiştir.
Rck of Salmonella Typhimurium Delays the Host Cell Cycle to Facilitate Bacterial Invasion
Authors: Mambu Julien , Barilleau Emilie , Fragnet-Trapp Laetitia , Le Vern Yves , Olivier Michel , Sadrin Guillaume , Grépinet Olivier , Taieb Frédéric , Velge Philippe , Wiedemann Agnès
Published: November 2020

Salmonella Typhimurium expresses on its outer membrane the protein Rck which interacts with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) of the plasma membrane of the targeted host cells. This interaction activates signaling pathways, leading to the internalization of Salmonella. Since EGFR plays a key role in cell proliferation, we sought to determine the influence of Rck mediated infection on the host cell cycle. By analyzing the DNA content of uninfected and infected cells using flow cytometry, we showed that the Rck-mediated infection induced a delay in the S-phase (DNA replication phase) of the host cell cycle, independently of bacterial internalization. We also established that this Rck-dependent delay in cell cycle progression was accompanied by an increased level of host DNA double strand breaks and activation of the DNA damage response. Finally, we demonstrated that the S-phase environment facilitated Rck-mediated bacterial internalization. Consequently, our results suggest that Rck can be considered as a cyclomodulin with a genotoxic activity.
A Data Augmentation Method for Deep Learning Based on Multi-Degree of Freedom (DOF) Automatic Image Acquisition
Authors: Chen Liangliang , Yan Ning , Yang Hongmai , Zhu Linlin , Zheng Zongwei , Yang Xudong , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: November 2020

Deep learning technology is outstanding in visual inspection. However, in actual industrial production, the use of deep learning technology for visual inspection requires a large number of training data with different acquisition scenarios. At present, the acquisition of such datasets is very time-consuming and labor-intensive, which limits the further development of deep learning in industrial production. To solve the problem of image data acquisition difficulty in industrial production with deep learning, this paper proposes a data augmentation method for deep learning based on multi-degree of freedom (DOF) automatic image acquisition and designs a multi-DOF automatic image acquisition system for deep learning. By designing random acquisition angles and random illumination conditions, different acquisition scenes in actual production are simulated. By optimizing the image acquisition path, a large number of accurate data can be obtained in a short time. In order to verify the performance of the dataset collected by the system, the fabric is selected as the research object after the system is built, and the dataset comparison experiment is carried out. The dataset comparison experiment confirms that the dataset obtained by the system is rich and close to the real application environment, which solves the problem of dataset insufficient in the application process of deep learning to a certain extent.
Mitigation of Gaseous Emissions from Swine Manure with the Surficial Application of Biochars
Authors: Meiirkhanuly Zhanibek , Koziel Jacek A. , Chen Baitong , Białowiec Andrzej , Lee Myeongseong , Wi Jisoo , Banik Chumki , Brown Robert C. , Bakshi Santanu
Published: November 2020

Environmental impact associated with odor and gaseous emissions from animal manure is one of the challenges for communities, farmers, and regulatory agencies. Microbe-based manure additives treatments are marketed and used by farmers for mitigation of emissions. However, their performance is difficult to assess objectively. Thus, comprehensive, practical, and low-cost treatments are still in demand. We have been advancing such treatments based on physicochemical principles. The objective of this research was to test the effect of the surficial application of a thin layer (¼ inches; 6.3 mm) of biochar on the mitigation of gaseous emissions (as the percent reduction, % R) from swine manure. Two types of biochar were tested: highly alkaline and porous (HAP) biochar made from corn stover and red oak (RO), both with different pH and morphology. Three 30-day trials were conducted with a layer of HAP and RO (2.0 & 1.65 kg∙m−2, respectively) applied on manure surface, and emissions of ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), greenhouse gases (GHG), and odorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured. The manure and biochar type and properties had an impact on the mitigation effect and its duration. RO significantly reduced NH3 (19–39%) and p-cresol (66–78%). H2S was mitigated (16~23%), but not significantly for all trials. The phenolic VOCs had relatively high % R in most trials but not significantly for all trials. HAP reduced NH3 (4~21%) and H2S (2~22%), but not significantly for all trials. Significant % R for p-cresol (91~97%) and skatole (74~95%) were observed for all trials. The % R for phenol and indole ranged from (60~99%) and (29~94%) but was not significant for all trials. The impact on GHGs, isobutyric acid, and the odor was mixed with some mitigation and generation effects. However, larger-scale experiments are needed to understand how biochar properties and the dose and frequency of application can be optimized to mitigate odor and gaseous emissions from swine manure. The lessons learned can also be applicable to surficial biochar treatment of gaseous emissions from other waste and area sources.
Tropical Cyclone Temperature Profiles and Cloud Macro-/Micro-Physical Properties Based on AIRS Data
Authors: Liu Qiong , Wang Hailin , Lu Xiaoqin , Zhao Bingke , Chen Yonghang , Jiang Wenze , Zhou Haijiang
Published: November 2020

We used the observations from Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) onboard Aqua over the northwest Pacific Ocean from 2006–2015 to study the relationships between (i) tropical cyclone (TC) temperature structure and intensity and (ii) cloud macro-/micro-physical properties and TC intensity. TC intensity had a positive correlation with warm-core strength (correlation coefficient of 0.8556). The warm-core strength increased gradually from 1 K for tropical depression (TD) to >15 K for super typhoon (Super TY). The vertical areas affected by the warm core expanded as TC intensity increased. The positive correlation between TC intensity and warm-core height was slightly weaker. The warm-core heights for TD, tropical storm (TS), and severe tropical storm (STS) were concentrated between 300 and 500 hPa, while those for typhoon (TY), severe typhoon (STY), and Super TY varied from 200 to 350 hPa. Analyses of the cloud macro-/micro-physical properties showed that the top of TC cloud systems mainly consisted of ice clouds. For TCs of all intensities, areas near the TC center showed lower cloud-top pressures and lower cloud-top temperatures, more cloud fractions, and larger ice-cloud effective diameters. With the increase in TC intensity, the levels of ice clouds around the TC center became higher and the spiral cloud-rain bands became larger. When a TC developed into a TY, STY, or Super TY, the convection in the clouds was stronger, releasing more heat, thus forming a much warmer warm core.
An Exploratory Approach Using Regression and Machine Learning in the Analysis of Mass Absorption Cross Section of Black Carbon Aerosols: Model Development and Evaluation
Authors: Li Hanyang , May Andrew A.
Published: November 2020

Mass absorption cross-section of black carbon (MACBC) describes the absorptive cross-section per unit mass of black carbon, and is, thus, an essential parameter to estimate the radiative forcing of black carbon. Many studies have sought to estimate MACBC from a theoretical perspective, but these studies require the knowledge of a set of aerosol properties, which are difficult and/or labor-intensive to measure. We therefore investigate the ability of seven data analytical approaches (including different multivariate regressions, support vector machine, and neural networks) in predicting MACBC for both ambient and biomass burning measurements. Our model utilizes multi-wavelength light absorption and scattering as well as the aerosol size distributions as input variables to predict MACBC across different wavelengths. We assessed the applicability of the proposed approaches in estimating MACBC using different statistical metrics (such as coefficient of determination (R2), mean square error (MSE), fractional error, and fractional bias). Overall, the approaches used in this study can estimate MACBC appropriately, but the prediction performance varies across approaches and atmospheric environments. Based on an uncertainty evaluation of our models and the empirical and theoretical approaches to predict MACBC, we preliminarily put forth support vector machine (SVM) as a recommended data analytical technique for use. We provide an operational tool built with the approaches presented in this paper to facilitate this procedure for future users.
Machine Learning’s Application in Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease: A Review
Authors: Watts Jeremy , Khojandi Anahita , Shylo Oleg , Ramdhani Ritesh A.
Published: November 2020

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment for advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) that has undergone technological evolution that parallels an expansion in clinical phenotyping, neurophysiology, and neuroimaging of the disease state. Machine learning (ML) has been successfully used in a wide range of healthcare problems, including DBS. As computational power increases and more data become available, the application of ML in DBS is expected to grow. We review the literature of ML in DBS and discuss future opportunities for such applications. Specifically, we perform a comprehensive review of the literature from PubMed, the Institute for Scientific Information’s Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ (IEEE) Xplore Digital Library for ML applications in DBS. These studies are broadly placed in the following categories: (1) DBS candidate selection; (2) programming optimization; (3) surgical targeting; and (4) insights into DBS mechanisms. For each category, we provide and contextualize the current body of research and discuss potential future directions for the application of ML in DBS.
Advances and Therapeutic Perspectives in Extended-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Pierret Thomas , Toffart Anne-Claire , Giaj Levra Matteo , Moro-Sibilot Denis , Gobbini Elisa
Published: November 2020

Extended small cell lung cancer (ED-SCLC) is a very aggressive disease, characterized by rapid growth and an early tendency to relapse. In contrast to non-small cell lung cancer, no therapeutic innovation has improved survival in patients with ED-SCLC over the past 20 years. Recently, immunotherapy has shown an important role in the management of these patients, emerging as the treatment of first choice in combination with chemotherapy and completely changing the therapeutic paradigm. However, patients’ selection for this strategy is still challenging due to a lack of reliable predictive biomarkers. Conversely, the immunotherapy efficacy beyond the first line is pretty disappointing and innovative chemotherapies or target agents seem to be more promising in this setting. Some of them are also under evaluation as an upfront strategy and they will probably change the treatment algorithm in the next future. This proposal provides a comprehensive overview of available treatment strategies for ED-SCLC patients, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
Toll-Like Receptor 3 in Solid Cancer and Therapy Resistance
Authors: Muresan Ximena Maria , Bouchal Jan , Culig Zoran , Souček Karel
Published: November 2020

Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) is a member of the TLR family, which has been extensively studied for its antiviral function. It is highly expressed in the endosomes of antigen-presenting immune cells and epithelial cells. TLR3 binds specifically double-strand RNAs (dsRNAs), leading to the activation of mainly two downstream pathways: the phosphorylation of IRF3, with subsequent production of type I interferon, and the activation of NF-κB, which drives the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Several studies have demonstrated TLR3 expression in multiple neoplasia types including breast, prostate, and lung cancer. Most studies were focused on the beneficial role of TLR3 activation in tumor cells, which leads to the production of cytotoxic cytokines and interferons and promotes caspase-dependent apoptosis. Indeed, ligands of this receptor were proposed for the treatment of cancer, also in combination with conventional chemotherapy. In contrast to these findings, recent evidence showed a link between TLR3 and tumor progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge of the mechanisms through which TLR3 can either lead to tumor regression or promote carcinogenesis as well as the potential of TLR-based therapies in resistant cancer.
Immune Profiling of Gliomas Reveals a Connection with IDH1/2 Mutations, Tau Function and the Vascular Phenotype
Authors: Cejalvo Teresa , Gargini Ricardo , Segura-Collar Berta , Mata-Martínez Pablo , Herranz Beatriz , Cantero Diana , Ruano Yolanda , García-Pérez Daniel , Pérez-Núñez Ángel , Ramos Ana , Hernández-Laín Aurelio , Martín-Soberón María Cruz , Sánchez-Gómez Pilar , Sepúlveda-Sánchez Juan M.
Published: November 2020

Background: Gliomas remain refractory to all attempted treatments, including those using immune checkpoint inhibitors. The characterization of the tumor (immune) microenvironment has been recognized as an important challenge to explain this lack of response and to improve the therapy of glial tumors. Methods: We designed a prospective analysis of the immune cells of gliomas by flow cytometry. Tumors with or without isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2 (IDH1/2) mutations were included in the study. The genetic profile and the presence of different molecular and cellular features of the gliomas were analyzed in parallel. The findings were validated in syngeneic mouse models. Results: We observed that few immune cells infiltrate mutant IDH1/2 gliomas whereas the immune content of IDH1/2 wild-type tumors was more heterogeneous. Some of them contained an important immune infiltrate, particularly enriched in myeloid cells with immunosuppressive features, but others were more similar to mutant IDH1/2 gliomas, with few immune cells and a less immunosuppressive profile. Notably, we observed a direct correlation between the percentage of leukocytes and the presence of vascular alterations, which were associated with a reduced expression of Tau, a microtubule-binding protein that controls the formation of tumor vessels in gliomas. Furthermore, overexpression of Tau was able to reduce the immune content in orthotopic allografts of GL261 cells, delaying tumor growth. Conclusions: We have confirmed the reduced infiltration of immune cells in IDH1/2 mutant gliomas. By contrast, in IDH1/2 wild-type gliomas, we have found a direct correlation between the presence of vascular alterations and the entrance of leukocytes into the tumors. Interestingly, high levels of Tau inversely correlated with the vascular and the immune content of gliomas. Altogether, our results could be exploited for the design of more successful clinical trials with immunomodulatory molecules.
The Metastatic Bone Marrow Niche in Neuroblastoma: Altered Phenotype and Function of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Hochheuser Caroline , van Zogchel Lieke M. J. , Kleijer Marion , Kuijk Carlijn , Tol Simon , van der Schoot C. Ellen , Voermans Carlijn , Tytgat Godelieve A. M. , Timmerman Ilse
Published: November 2020

Background: The bone marrow (BM) is the main site of metastases and relapse in patients with neuroblastoma (NB). BM-residing mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) were shown to promote tumor cell survival and chemoresistance. Here we characterize the MSC compartment of the metastatic NB BM niche. Methods: Fresh BM of 62 NB patients (all stages), and control fetal and adult BM were studied by flow cytometry using well-established MSC-markers (CD34−, CD45−, CD90+, CD105+), and CD146 and CD271 subtype-markers. FACS-sorted BM MSCs and tumor cells were validated by qPCR. Moreover, isolated MSCs were tested for multilineage differentiation and Colony-forming-unit-fibroblasts (CFU-Fs) capacity. Results: Metastatic BM contains a higher number of MSCs (p < 0.05) with increased differentiation capacity towards the osteoblast lineage. Diagnostic BM contains a MSC-subtype (CD146+CD271−), only detected in BM of patients with metastatic-NB, determined by flow cytometry. FACS-sorting clearly discriminated MSC(-subtypes) and NB fractions, validated by mRNA and DNA qPCR. Overall, the CD146+CD271− subtype decreased during therapy and was detected again in the majority of patients at relapse. Conclusions: We demonstrate that the neuroblastoma BM-MSC compartment is different in quantity and functionality and contains a metastatic-niche-specific MSC-subtype. Ultimately, the MSCs contribution to tumor progression could provide targets with potential for eradicating resistant metastatic disease.
Dopamine D1 Receptor in Cancer
Authors: Sobczuk Paweł , Łomiak Michał , Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska Agnieszka
Published: November 2020

Dopamine is a biologically active compound belonging to catecholamines. It plays its roles in the human body, acting both as a circulating hormone and neurotransmitter. It acts through G-protein-coupled receptors divided into two subgroups: D1-like receptors (D1R and D5R) and D2-like receptors (D2R, D3R, D4R). Physiologically, dopamine receptors are involved in central nervous system functions: motivation or cognition, and peripheral actions such as blood pressure and immune response modulation. Increasing evidence indicates that the dopamine D1 receptor may play a significant role in developing different human neoplasms. This receptor’s value was presented in the context of regulating various signaling pathways important in tumor development, including neoplastic cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, migration, invasiveness, or the enrichment of cancer stem cells population. Recent studies proved that its activation by selective or non-selective agonists is associated with significant tumor growth suppression, metastases prevention, and tumor microvasculature maturation. It may also exert a synergistic anti-cancer effect when combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitors or temozolomide. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the heterogeneity of dopamine D1 receptor molecular roles and signaling pathways in human neoplasm development and discusses possible perspectives of its therapeutic targeting as an adjunct anti-cancer strategy of treatment. We highlight the priorities for further directions in this research area.
GRKs as Key Modulators of Opioid Receptor Function
Authors: Lemel Laura , Lane J Robert , Canals Meritxell
Published: November 2020

Understanding the link between agonist-induced phosphorylation of the mu-opioid receptor (MOR) and the associated physiological effects is critical for the development of novel analgesic drugs and is particularly important for understanding the mechanisms responsible for opioid-induced tolerance and addiction. The family of G protein receptor kinases (GRKs) play a pivotal role in such processes, mediating phosphorylation of residues at the C-tail of opioid receptors. Numerous strategies, such as phosphosite specific antibodies and mass spectrometry have allowed the detection of phosphorylated residues and the use of mutant knock-in mice have shed light on the role of GRK regulation in opioid receptor physiology. Here we review our current understanding on the role of GRKs in the actions of opioid receptors, with a particular focus on the MOR, the target of most commonly used opioid analgesics such as morphine or fentanyl.
Synthesis and Visualization of a Novel Fluorescent-Tagged Polymeric Antiscalant during Gypsum Crystallization in Combination with Bisphosphonate Fluorophore
Authors: Oshchepkov Maxim , Golovesov Vladimir , Ryabova Anastasia , Frolova Svetlana , Tkachenko Sergey , Kamagurov Semen , Rudakova Galina , Popov Konstantin
Published: November 2020

An attempt to reveal the mechanisms of scale inhibition with the use of two different fluorescent-tagged antiscalants at once is undertaken. To reach the goal, a novel 1,8-naphthalimide-tagged polyacrylate (PAA-F2) is synthesized and tested separately and jointly with 1,8-naphthalimide-tagged bisphosphonate (HEDP-F) as a gypsum scale inhibitor within the frames of NACE Standard TM0374-2007. Here, it is found that at a dosage of 10 mg·dm−3 it provides a much higher inhibition efficiency (96%) than HEDP-F (32%). A PAA-F2 and HEDP-F blend (1:1 mass) has an intermediate efficacy (66%) and exhibits no synergism relative to its individual components. The visualization of PAA-F2 revealed a paradoxical effect: an antiscalant causes modification of the CaSO4·2H2O crystals habit, but does not interact with them, forming particles of its own solid complex [Ca-PAA-F2]. This paradox is interpreted in terms of the “nano/microdust” concept, prioritizing the bulk heterogeneous nucleation step, while an ability of the scale inhibitor to block the nucleus growth at the next steps is proven to be of secondary importance. At the same time, HEDP-F does not change the gypsum crystals morphology, although this antiscalant is completely located on the surface of the scale phase. The PAA-F2 and HEDP-F blend revealed an accumulation of both antiscalants in their own [Ca-PAA-F2/Ca-HEDP-F] phase with some traces of HEDP-F and PAA-F2 on the CaSO4·2H2O crystals surface. Thus, the visualization of two different antiscalants separately and jointly applied to gypsum deposition demonstrates differences in phosphonic and polymeric inhibitors location, and a lack of causal relationship between antiscalant efficiency and scale particle habit modification. Finally, it is shown that the confocal microscopy of several fluorescent antiscalant blends is capable of providing unique information on their interrelationships during scale deposition.