bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological tourism public marketing: responses to grand challenges
Authors: Uhodnikova Olena , Bogdan Nataliia , Pokolodna Mariia , Radionova Olhа , Viatkin Kostiantyn
Published: December 2020

The paper is dedicated to some aspects of ecological tourism development. Under the conditions of revenue and tourist flow decrease because of the global quarantine restrictions, border closure and global downturn, as well as reduction in personal income, searching new ways of loss minimization is essential to the further development of travel industry. For this purpose, it is proposed to consider new travel offers, which can be on-trend under the conditions of a pandemic. Ecotourism can become such kind of tourism because of a wish of tourists to visit precisely natural objects under the conditions of restricted access to nature and environment in case of a lockdown. Moreover, an urgent issue of global development is ecology and environment protection. Combining socio-economic and ecologic priorities of public development, we have analysed the prospects for further development of ecological tourism as a trend of domestic tourism at the national level. Special losses due to the containment measures are suffered by the countries which had the highest fraction of income from tourism in the structure of the national GDP. Thus, the potential of these countries in terms of prospects for ecotourism development was determined. The geographical location of ecotourism destination was analysed. The analyse shows that these countries can develop and propose attractive for tourists offers of ecotourism in the domestic tourism market. To ensure their promotion, the elements have been identified and an algorithm for the public marketing of domestic ecological tourism offers has been developed.
Cognitive analysis of eco-economic processes
Authors: Rozin Mikhail , Svechkarev Valery , Novoseltseva Lidiya , Ivanov Anton , Tumakova Zhanna
Published: December 2020

It has been noted that the 21st century saw significant changes in public views on the economy-ecology relationship. Growing number of applied studies of eco-economic issues as well as the need to comprehend achieved results brought the use of cognitive analytics to the fore. Cognitive model provides a holistic view on the existing eco-economic process through its graphic representation reflecting nature and dynamics of causal relationships. Cognitive analysis of the conventional models of eco-economic process revealed that they mainly focus on economic procedures while environmental issues being shifted towards the periphery. Likewise, the traditional model essentially limits production development by ecological requirements while environmental condition is inherently impaired and requires further restoration or, at the very least, decontamination. The new models of manufacturing organization must aim to improve human environment as a whole and base on a zero-waste production principle where underused resources and raw materials are considered as waste. This article presents a cognitive model of green manufacturing in the shape of a multi-circuit system with all the circuits involved in the zero-waste production cycle. Considering that all circuits employ positive feedback, they initiate growth and mutually support consistent operation of an enterprise. A zero-waste enterprise can and should develop in cooperation with other enterprises that consciously or implicitly (formally) implement sustainable manufacturing plans.
Logistics as a factor of increasing competitiveness of a company
Authors: Baginova Vera , Fedorov Lev
Published: December 2020

The role of cost theory in the formation of logistics systems is considered. The stages of the formation of the concept of logistics, the principles of cost analysis, and methodological approaches to minimize the costs of the process of product distribution are identified. The main reasons restraining the development of logistics in Russia are revealed. Much attention is paid to methods of calculating logistics costs. The influence of logistics on the ratio of profit and invested capital is shown.
Current trends in Russia’s cooperation in the global organic market (legal aspects)
Authors: Grigorieva Olga
Published: December 2020

The article analyzes trends in the development of Russian legislation aimed at ensuring Russia’s competitiveness in the world market of organic producers. Questions of compliance of Russian legislation on organic matter with international standards of FAO UN are studied. Analysis of statistical data from the Russian Ministry of agriculture and the National organic Union showed a sharp decline in exports of agro- industrial complex products in 2020 compared to 2017-2019. This is happening against the background of rapid development of the global organic market. Modern trends of state regulation to overcome the decline in exports and their impact on Russia’s place in the world organic market are studied.
Assessment of the differentiation of social and economic development of the municipal districts in the Voronezh region
Authors: Yakovenko Nataliya , Ten Roman , Komov Igor , Didenko Olga
Published: December 2020

One of the problems that have arisen in the past and have an inertial impact on the development of the Russian Federation is the problem of heterogeneity of the country’s socio-economic space. The large scale of the space of Russia predetermines the predominantly macroscopic nature of the regulatory impact, the object of which is large territorial formations: economic districts, federal districts, regions of the Russian Federation. Each separate region, each municipality is a complex system with a set of unique factors: geographic location, climatic conditions, resource potential, population, etc. The article presents the author’s methodology for assessing the differentiation of social and economic development of municipalities in the Voronezh region. In modern conditions, the formation of convenient and effective methods and tools for measuring sustainable social and economic development, which make it possible to give an unambiguous interpretation of the results, is of high value both from a research and management point of view. On the basis of the author’s methodology, an assessment of the differentiation of the social and economic development of municipalities in the Voronezh region has been carried out. The proposed method, having individual characteristics in limiting the number of basic indicators along with the existing approaches, contributes to obtaining more objective results and allows it to be used in the development of a regional social and economic Strategy. These indicators are among the most important areas of the region’s social and economic system.
Efficiency of ensuring the survivability of logistics information and control systems
Authors: Anisimov Vladimir , Anisimov Evgeniy , Saurenko Tatyana
Published: December 2020

The article proposes a methodological approach to assessing the effectiveness of measures to ensure the survivability of management systems for logistics business processes. The effectiveness of these measures is determined as the degree of preservation of the capabilities of control systems to perform their functions under the conditions of destructive influences. It is proposed to use a function as an indicator of effectiveness, the argument of which is the change in the duration of the control cycle associated with the need to restore the operability of the control system after destructive influences. The proposed approach forms the basis for constructing mathematical models of decision support for the choice of means and methods of ensuring survivability for a wide class of management systems for logistic business processes.
Assessment of sufficiency of financial resources according to plan of investment project of cooperation
Authors: Sinenko Sergey , Savin Ivan
Published: December 2020

The choice of an investment project is based on all the information collected and obtained at all the previous stages of the formulation of the project, the choice of the most effective for the implementation of the investment project from the whole set of alternative ones is made. The main task to be solved in determining the financial viability of a project is to assess its ability at all stages of development to timely and fully respond to the existing financial obligations, that is, to assess the solvency and liquidity of the project. Financing of entrepreneurial firms is a set of forms and methods, principles and conditions of financial support for simple and extended reproduction. When calculating economic efficiency, the discounting method is used, for the need to compare the values of cash receipts and payments, spaced over time. In the economic assessment of efficiency in this work, a dynamic method based on discounting was used.
Functional behavior of workers and employees in the industrial disaster prevention system
Authors: Bashkireva Tatiana , Bashkireva Anastasia , Morozov Alexander , Baykova Larisa , Ermakova Natalya
Published: December 2020

The study of the functional behaviour of workers and employees in the industrial disaster prevention system is a relevant research topic. Situations related to the human factor require the development of psychodiagnostic techniques that are sensitive to the state of the body and ensure the safety of the production process. Our research results show that men aimed at solving production problems solve them faster, more efficiently than they solve women faster, and more efficiently than women do. Men focused on emotions, experience significantly more emotional burnout in professional activities. Most men and women working in the workplace have an average level of coping with stress. In male workers, in fulfilling professional tasks, stable adaptation arises. They often find themselves in various extreme conditions/situations than male employees and contributes to the resistance of workers to a complex of stress factors of various nature.
Threat level in the workplace
Authors: Sharmanov V , Narezhnaya Tamara , Davydov Artem
Published: December 2020

The paper discusses the calculation of the indicator presented in the form of the treat level, which makes it possible to predict and characterize the emerging risk situations in the workplace. The calculation of the threat level is intended for use in assessing the organization of safe working conditions in the workplace, taking into account the labor process. The presented calculation of the threat level is universal, regardless of the type of work, the number of workers and the duration of work. The use of this indicator at enterprises will improve organizational measures to ensure safe working conditions, which will contribute to improving the quality of decisions made and prompt response to ongoing processes.
Recurrent method for constructing fuzzy cognitive maps for food security assessment
Authors: Rogachev Aleksey , Melikhova Elena
Published: December 2020

The advantages and limitations of algorithms and tools for supporting the procedure for assessing the level of regional food security based on a cognitive approach based on the construction of fuzzy cognitive maps (FCM) are considered. The results of the analysis of basic problems that are effectively solved using the mathematical apparatus of FCM research and problems that arise in this case are presented. The functional capabilities of tools that support the procedure for assessing the level of food security are analyzed. The article presents a method for recurrent construction of NC by consistently adding new concepts and re-evaluating the value of their mutual influence by experts. Recommendations on the choice of tools for solving the problem of assessing the level of regional food security, taking into account a number of economic and organizational groups of factors, are presented.
Results of research on the intensification of the process of cleaning potato tubers by ultrasonic action and their subsequent storage
Authors: Dorokhov A. , Aksenov A. , Manokhina A. , Mosyakov M.
Published: December 2020

The data on the gross harvest of tubers in the Russian Federation are given: approximately 71% of potatoes are produced by the population, 17.4% by agricultural enterprises and 11.5% by farms. It is noted that in the industrial production of potatoes, negative impacts on the soil are associated with crushing and removal of the fertile soil layer, which arise in the process of extracting root crops by the digging and separating working bodies of the harvesting machines. It is proposed to use ultrasonic action on root crops for cleaning them from soil impurities. It was determined that in order to intensify the process of cleaning tubers by ultrasonic action during harvesting, it is necessary to provide operating and technological parameters (frequency of ultrasound oscillations f1 = 48 kHz, vibration intensity S = 42 W/cm², exposure time t = 90 s) of ultrasonic equipment, which will ensure the completeness purification is not less than 84.7%.The results of comparative studies on the intensification of the cleaning of potato tubers allow us to conclude that, regardless of the mass and type of pollution, the greatest positive effect of ultrasonic exposure is observed when processing tubers, the completeness of cleaning of which is on average 13-20% higher.
Environmental risks of using antibiotics in the Baikal region of Russia
Authors: Timofeeva S , Panasenkova Е , Badienkova G , Shupletsova I
Published: December 2020

The article addressed the problem of environmental risks for the population of the Baikal region. The authors analyzed the sources of antibiotic release into the environment of the Baikal region and made a predictive assessment of the risks to public health due to the consumption of meat and dairy products.
Genotypic differences in reaction of barley root system on Mn and Fe toxicity
Authors: Simonova O.A. , Lisitsyn E.M. , Tovstik E.V. , Simonov M.V.
Published: December 2020

The study was performed to determine genotypic differences in spring barley cultivars on resistance to 1.1 mM manganese and 1.2 mM iron at early stage of growth. Resistance level was estimated by morphologic (root length) and physiological (level of antioxidant activity, accumulation coefficient) parameters. Morphologic trait was less sensitive for cultivar differentiation in compare with physiological one. Based on relative root length index all cultivars were classified as resistant having resistance index about 80-94% for Mn and 67-76% for Fe. Reaction to Mn by change in antioxidant activity was uniform: it was increased from 4% in cv. Bionic up to 28% in cv. Farmer. According to reactions to Fe, studied cultivars were divided into three groups: high resistant (cv. Belgorodsky 100 and Farmer; increase in antioxidant activity 2 and 18% accordingly), weak resistant (cv. Forward, Bionic, and 29-11; changes were insignificant) and sensitive one (cv. 346-09; 8%-decrease in activity). For manganese accumulation coefficient is higher than for iron. The maximum accumulation coefficient for manganese was characteristic of cv. 29-11 (190), for iron - cv. Bionic (120). The genotypic specificity for root antioxidant activity can be used as a rapid test of resistance to manganese or iron in initial breeding material.
Regulation of pesticide and fertilizer rates with applied by unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Marchenko Leonid , Smirnov Igor’ , Spiridonov Artem
Published: December 2020

The technology of application of pesticides, fertilizers and other agrochemicals by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the precision farming system provides for differentiated treatment of agricultural fields with variable standards of pesticides and differentiated application of fertilizers. Existing UAVs do not provide differentiated fertilization of plants with fertilizers and differentiated treatment of plants with pesticides due to imperfect flow control systems and working fluid application rates. Substantiation of methods for regulating the flow rate and norms of working fluids of pesticides and fertilizers is based on the flow continuity equations, Bernoulli and the equation that determines the rate and dose of pesticides and fertilizers depending on the operational and technological parameters of the UAV. The paper shows that to differentiate the norms for applying the working fluid of pesticides and fertilizers, it is advisable to use methods for regulating the norms by changing the area of the outlet openings of sprayers and the step of their placement, while differentiating the norms can be carried out both by a combination of these methods and by including one or several standard sizes in the work of sprayers simultaneously.
Neural network models in reducing the risks of irrigated agriculture
Authors: Kamyshova Galina
Published: December 2020

The article presents the results of studies on the construction of neural network models that will help reduce risks and increase the efficiency of irrigated agriculture. The projected increase in food production on irrigated land is subject to significant risks of climatic and infrastructural nature. Irrigated agriculture, in the global understanding of interrelationships, is a complex dynamic system with nonlinear dependencies. Therefore, traditional approaches based only on physical modeling of environmental and technical processes and relationships often complicate the search for effective solutions. Technological advances that stimulate unprecedented data growth, the rapid extraction of meaningful information from the modern data flow can increase the efficiency of decisions and minimize risks. An approach based on the implementation of neural network models for predicting agro-climatic parameters and intelligent control of irrigation equipment using neurocontrollers is proposed. The models are implemented in the Matlab. The use of these models can significantly reduce risks and increase the efficiency of irrigated agriculture.
Microprocessor control system for a robotic platform for automated care for agricultural crops
Authors: Dyshekov Artur , Mirzaev Maxim , Shereuzhev Madin , Peshnin Artem
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the use of electronic components for automating the care of agricultural crops is studied. A microprocessor control system has been developed, components of a robotic platform have been selected to ensure stable operation of the complex in the field. This platform combines ease of use and high performance. At the moment, there are few analogous foreign complexes with similar characteristics, therefore, the considered robotic platform is a promising development.
Reforestation in the Kirov region as an indicator of regional environmental risks
Authors: Kataeva Natalia , Sysolyatin Alexey , Starkova Darya , Mokhov Andrey
Published: December 2020

This article analyzes approaches to the selection of indicators of regional environmental risks, as well as the impact of risks on reforestation in a particular region. Indicators that characterize the main trends in the forestry industry in Russia were analyzed using monographic, economic, mathematical, and statistical methods. Factors that promote and hinder effective reforestation in the whole country and in the Kirov region are identified. The authors draw a conclusion about the degree of influence of various factors on reforestation in the region. The consolidated environmental rating of the region was determined based on the calculation of the nature protection, socio-ecological and industrial-ecological indices. A comparative analysis of official statistics and satellite monitoring results revealed significant differences in the results of estimating the area of lost forests. Promising areas for reforestation specified, using methods of Abstract-logical assertions and expert assessments, as well as indicators of the regional project “Conservation of forests of the Kirov region»: provision of state institutions with specialized forestry machinery and equipment, training, increasing the area of artificial reforestation, formation of a reserve of forest seeds, attraction of investments, development of the foundation of logging roads. The implementation of the planned measures will make it possible to use the existing forest resources of the region more effectively, preserving and multiplying this invaluable resource.
Environmental safety in the field of construction and operation of hydraulic structures
Authors: Shkrebtii Trofim , Cherkasov Andrei , Nebozh Tamara , Muraviev Alexandr , Taroev Ruslan
Published: December 2020

The article deals with the environmental safety of construction production, as well as the process of operation using examples of hydraulic structures. The purpose of the article is to show the growing importance of taking into account environmental decisions and measures in the design of the construction project and operation manual. The objectives are to identify and systematize implemented examples of environmental solutions. The objects of the study are hydraulic structures: mooring, river and shelf. The tasks are solved by methods of searching for information on the issues under consideration as part of the analytical review, with further discussions and conclusions. It was revealed that in recent years, environmental expertise has become more stringent in assessing and allowing hydraulic facilities to begin construction and installation work and commissioning, due to the accumulated negative experience of accidents, flooding and other harmful environmental influences. As a result of the analytical review, we obtain generalized conclusions on modern trends in orienting new construction in the primary interests of environmental protection.
Human right to a favorable environment
Authors: Miroshnik Svetlana , Vlasova Tatyana , Zgorgelskaya Svetlana
Published: December 2020

The relevance of the research topic is caused by the fact that human intervention in nature has reached its peak. Meanwhile, without a clean environment, there can be no man, no society, no state. The purpose of the research is to prove that the human right to a favorable environment is a natural human right, requiring immediate recognition at the international level. In conducting the study, formal legal, logical, systemic methods, as well as methods of interpreting law were used. Empirical material is presented by decisions of international courts. It is concluded that the human right to a favorable environment is the legal basis for the development and implementation by each state of an environmental policy that includes the legal, informational, educational, financial, international aspects. The right to a favorable environment is a natural human right with a complex structure. It naturally follows from the original natural human right - the right to life. The case-law of international courts laid the foundation for the recognition of this human right. It is necessary at the international level to recognize the right to a favorable environment as a natural human right.
Impact of environmental problems on human health and economy in the Russian Federation
Authors: Kobzev Kirill , Kobzeva Nataliya , Chegge Valeriia , Balinskaya Maria , Bozhenko Ekaterina , Saakian Sirun , Sarkisian Dzhuletta
Published: December 2020

The transition to sustainable development of the Russian Federa- tion as a whole is possible only if sustainable development of all its regions is ensured. This presupposes the formation of an effective spatial structure of the country’s economy while maintaining a balance of interests of all constituent entities of the Russian Federation, which predetermines the need to develop and implement programs for the transition to sustainable development for each region, as well as to further integrate these programs in the development of state policy in the field of sustainable development. Problems solved in each region should largely correspond to federal tasks, but at the same time, local specifics must be taken into account.
Features of logistics formation in the Yenisei province
Authors: Lukinykh Yuliya , Kuskashev Dmitry
Published: December 2020

The article deals with the features of logistics formation in the Yenisei province in the late XIX – early XX century. The measures aimed at ensuring food supply and basic necessities to the population, restraining the growth of prices, through the implementation of a mechanism for their regulation are considered. The article analyzes transport logistics as a link in the economic system of the Yenisei province, namely: the transport problems of the period under review are listed, the importance of the construction of the Trans-Siberian railway and the development of navigation are emphasized. The conclusion is made about the prerequisites for the economic development of the Yenisei province in the XXth century.
Environmental management and the organization of labor rationing in industrialized countries at the corporate level
Authors: Omelchenko Irina , Dozortzev Oleg , Danilina Marina , Vas’kov Alexander , Safonova Ekaterina , Safonov Alexander
Published: December 2020

Approaches to solving environmental problems should be developed taking into account the concept of the “triangle of sustainable development”. The sides of this triangle are not only “ecology” and “economics” and their interactions, but also “social factors”, taking into account direct and reverse relationships. The implementation of active environmental management by companies and an integrated approach to environmental protection require the involvement of personnel at all levels of work to address these issues, motivation of personnel, and the creation of conditions for advanced training in a new area. Under these conditions, the issue of labor rationing is also of particular relevance. Based on content analysis, the authors investigate various systems of developed countries.
Entscheidung und Kommunikation im Heilberuf
Authors: Spremann Klaus , Adler Georg , Treib Johannes
Published: December 2020

Der Arzt muss seine medizinische Kompetenz und Leistungen so weit sehen, dass sie diversen kommunikativen Anforderungen genügt. Voran stehen die Aufklärung des Patienten und die Prüfung der Einwilligungsfähigkeit. Verweigert ein (einwilligungsfähiger) Patient die Zustimmung (Non-Konkordanz), geht er von offenbar anderen Einschätzungen aus, die sich meist als nicht korrekte Eigenbeurteilung, Betonung eigener Vorstellungen oder Selbstüberschätzung herausstellen. Dann zeigt der Dunning-Kruger-Effekt einen Weg zur Überwindung: Der Arzt muss Reflexion einfordern und dazu das Patientengespräch in Komplexität und Tiefe ausweiten. Schließlich können sich Mängel in der Therapietreue zeigen. Je nach Ursache der Non-Adhärenz muss der Arzt im nicht direktiven Gespräch versuchen, die Einzelschritte an Patientengewohnheiten zu knüpfen oder im direktiven Gespräch Bedenken ausräumen und an das Therapieziel erinnern.
Schlaganfall als periprozedurale Komplikation kardialer Interventionen
Authors: Häusler Karl Georg
Published: December 2020

Der periprozedurale Schlaganfall gehört zu den relevantesten Komplikationen kardialer Interventionen und beeinflusst die Prognose der Betroffenen. Interventions-spezifische Faktoren, Patienten-spezifische Faktoren als auch die Erfahrung des Interventionalisten bzw. des intervenierenden Zentrums bestimmen das periprozedurale Schlaganfallrisiko. Anhand einer intensiven Auseinandersetzung mit möglichen Risikofaktoren für einen Schlaganfall, dem verstärkten Einsatz bildgebender Verfahren und technischer Weiterentwicklungen konnte in den letzten Jahren eine Senkung des periprozeduralen Schlaganfallrisikos erreicht werden, das nach kardialer Operation etwa 1 %, nach katheterbasiertem Verfahren zwischen 0,1–3 % und nach Kardioversion etwa 0,1 % beträgt.

Relevant für die Therapie des periprozeduralen Schlaganfalls erscheint neben einer diesbezüglichen interdisziplinären Awareness die Vorhaltung von Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), die neben präventiven Maßnahmen, das Blutdruckmanagement, die post-interventionelle Gerinnungshemmung als auch deren Antagonisierung im Falle einer (intrakraniellen) Blutung adressieren. Nach akuter zerebraler Ischämie mit behinderndem neurologischem Defizit kann im interdisziplinären Dialog auf der Basis einer Einzelfallentscheidung nach bestimmten kardialen Prozeduren eine systemische Thrombolyse und/oder eine mechanische Rekanalisation erwogen werden, auch wenn keine spezifischen Studien zur Effizienz und Sicherheit dieser Therapieverfahren für prozedurassoziierte Schlaganfälle vorliegen.
Die Stimulation des Nervus hypoglossus in der Behandlung der obstruktiven Schlafapnoe – Aktualisiertes Positionspapier der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Schlafmedizin der DGHNO-KHC
Authors: Steffen Armin , Heiser Clemens , Galetke Wolfgang , Herkenrath Simon-Dominik , Maurer Joachim T. , Eck Günther , Woehrle Holger , Löhler Jan , Randerath Winfried
Published: December 2020

Die Stimulation des Nervus hypoglossus (HNS) zur Behandlung der obstruktiven Schlafapnoe (OSA) hat seit der ersten Stellungnahme der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Schlafmedizin der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Hals-Chirurgie (DGHNO) einen festen Stellenwert erhalten. Die vorhandenen 3 Systeme unterscheiden sich in der technischen Ausgestaltung des ähnlichen Grundprinzips. Für die unilaterale atmungsgesteuerte HNS existieren hier mehrere Vergleichsstudien, Registeranalysen mit 4-stelligen Patientenzahlen und mehrjährigen Nachsorgeergebnissen. Die kontinuierliche HNS verzichtet auf die Atmungserkennung, und im Gegensatz zum atmungsgesteuerten HNS ist eine Schlafendoskopie zur Indikationsstellung nicht notwendig. Die bilaterale kontinuierliche HNS ist als einziges Verfahren teilimplantierbar; hierzu liegen erste Machbarkeitsstudien vor. Wesentlich für die Indikation ist die mit schlafmedizinischer Expertise beurteilte Non-Adhärenz der Überdrucktherapie bei einer mindestens mittelgradigen OSA in individueller Abwägung von weiteren Therapieoptionen. Die implantierende Klinik steht im Mittelpunkt der interdisziplinären Therapieverantwortung und ist bei Therapieproblemen Hauptansprechpartner. Dies erklärt die strukturellen Anforderungen zur Sicherung der Ergebnisqualität und Minimierung von Komplikationen. Die Nachsorge der HNS-versorgten Patienten kann sehr gut sektoren- und fachdisziplinübergreifend erfolgen, wobei Mindestangaben zur Behandlungswirkung und Nutzung dokumentiert werden sollten.
Evaluation of Salivary Lactate Dehydrogenase as a Prognostic Biomarker in Tobacco Users with and without Potentially Malignant Disorders of the Oral Cavity
Authors: Javaraiah Rashmi Kademadkal , David Chaya Manoranjini , Namitha J. , Tiwari Ritu , Benakanal Prabhavati
Published: December 2020

Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a deadly disease that develops in a multistage process and is often preceded by oral potentially malignant disorders (PMDs), of which many are caused by tobacco usage. It is associated with a shift from an aerobic to anaerobic glycolytic pathway, and hence an increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels is seen. The objective of this study was to estimate and correlate the level of salivary LDH in healthy individuals with tobacco users (with or without PMDs).

Methods A total of 78 patients were selected from the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Dayananda Sagar College of Dental Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, and were divided into three groups of 26 patients each, namely controls, tobacco users without PMD, and tobacco users with PMD. A total of 1 mL of unstimulated saliva was collected from each patient using the spit method. Sample was subjected to centrifugation at 2,500 rpm, and salivary LDH was quantified by a standard kit (LDH-P kit, DIALAB, Neudorf, Austria) using an autoanalyzer.

Results There was a statistically significant (p < 0.001) gradual increase in the level of LDH in controls (267 ± 27.64 U/L), tobacco users without PMD (391 ± 80.53 U/L), and tobacco users with PMD (706.1 ± 199 U/L). Increase in the LDH level was also noted with increased duration and frequency of the habit.

Conclusion LDH can potentially be used as a promising biomarker in the very early stages of progression toward oral cancer caused by tobacco use.
Bacteriological Profile and Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern of Clinical Isolates in a Tertiary Cancer Care Center in the Northeast India
Authors: Talukdar Abhijit , Barman Rashmisnata , Sarma Anupam , Sharma Jagannath Dev , Krishnatreya Manigreeva , Hazarika Munlima , Kataki Amal Chandra
Published: December 2020

Background This study was performed to determine the bacteriological profile and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of culture samples of patients with cancer at our institute. The study was undertaken to formulate an antibiotic policy for the treatment of infection in these patients.

Materials and Methods The study was performed in the Department of Microbiology of a regional cancer center during the period from January 2017 to December 2017. Samples were collected under all aseptic precaution, and they were processed as per the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute Guideline 2017.

Results A total of 464 clinical samples (urine, blood, sputum, pus, etc.) were collected and processed for culture, of which 198 (42.67%) samples showed culture positive that were identified as per standard recommended procedures and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on isolates as per the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute guidelines 2017. Escherichia coli (48), Staphylococcus aureus, (45) Klebsiella pneumoniae (52), Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (17), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15) were most commonly encountered. Of the 132 Gram-negative isolates, 101 (76.5%) were extended-spectrum β-lactamase producers. Among the 45 staphylococcal isolates, 18 (40%) were methicillin-resistant S. aureus.

Conclusion The present study reveals microbiological profile in patients attending our cancer institute.
Importance of Ki-67 Labeling in Oral Leukoplakia with Features of Dysplasia and Carcinomatous Transformation: An Observational Study over 4 Years
Authors: Mondal Krishnendu , Mandal Rupali , Sarkar Badal Chandra
Published: December 2020

Background Early detection of dysplastic changes within oral potentially malignant disorders is the mainstay to prevent oral cancer. Ki-67 is one of the most useful antigens in this purpose.

Aims The study aims were to recognize and mutually compare the proliferative status of idiopathic oral leukoplakia (OL) patches, which presented through different forms of dysplasia and carcinoma.

Settings and Design In 4 years of observation, cumulatively 140 OL lesions were included for examination. The wholesome Ki-67 labeling scores in each of the subgroups were calculated.

Subjects and Methods The World Health Organization recommended histopathological classification was used to categorize the dysplastic and malignant lesions. Paraffin-embedded tissue sections were processed for Ki-67 immunostaining. The labeling indices (LIs) were quantified semiquantitatively at the site of maximal reactive cells on tissue sections.

Statistical Analysis The statistical comparison was performed by means of the SPSS software (Version 16.0 SPSS Inc.). A p-value < 0.05 was considered as the benchmark for statistical significance.

Results A steady and significant increment in Ki-67 expression was discovered from dysplastic to malignant OL patches compared with normal mucosa. The labeling differences were significant between normal mucosa and mild dysplasia, as well as between mild, moderate, and severe dysplasia. However, the expression did not differ significantly with the severity of oral cancers.

Conclusions Ki-67 is a useful molecular marker of carcinogenesis in OL. It also serves worthwhile in separating marginally dysplastic lesions, such as mild dysplasia or verrucous carcinoma from their benign epigones.
Pathological Complete Response in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Survival Outcome and Its Relevance as a Surrogate End Point
Authors: Agarwal Reshu , Unnikrishnan U. G. , Keechilat Pavithran , Rajanbabu Anupama , Jose Wesley , Vijaykumar D. K.
Published: December 2020

Background Pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy has emerged as a reliable surrogate marker for improved survival in breast cancer (BC), but its role as a surrogate end point is still controversial.

Aims and Objectives The aim of the study is to investigate the clinical course of BC patients with pCR and to evaluate the relevance of pCR as a surrogate end point for survival.

Materials and Methods This was a single-institution retrospective analysis done at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences. Records of BC patients from 2004 to 2014 were analyzed. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared using the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test, respectively. pCR and survival association were evaluated using regression analysis (R
2).

Results Of 224 patients included in the study pCR rate was 15.2%. The median duration of follow-up was 61 months (range: 3–151 months). DFS (73.4 vs. 46.1%, p = 0.032) and OS (82.5 vs. 56.4%, p = 0.022) of pCR cohort was significantly higher than non-pCR cohort. Recurrence rate was significantly lower in the pCR cohort at: All distant sites (p = 0.01 3), visceral sites (p = 0.007), both bone and visceral sites (p = 0.007), and nodal sites (p = 0.007). There was no difference in the bone-only recurrence (p = 0.3 15). Death rate was significantly lower in pCR cohort (p = 0.007). The R2 value for pCR as a surrogate for DFS and OS was 0.006 and 0.004, respectively.

Conclusion pCR is a favorable prognostic factor associated with improved survival. However, there is no association between pCR and survival.
Passivated emitter and rear cell—Devices, technology, and modeling
Authors: Preu Ralf , Lohmüller Elmar , Lohmüller Sabrina , Saint-Cast Pierre , Greulich Johannes M.
Published: December 2020

Current studies reveal the expectation that photovoltaic (PV) energy conversion will become the front-runner technology to stem against the extent of global warming by the middle of this century. In 2019, the passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) design has taken over the majority of global photovoltaic solar cell production. The objective of this paper is to review the fundamental physics of the underlying cell architecture, its development over the past few decades to an industry main stream product, as well as an in-depth characterization of current cells and the future potential of the device structure. The early development of PERCs was set by an intriguing series of improvements starting in 1989 and resulting in a long-standing energy conversion efficiency record of 25.0% set up in 1999. It took a decade of intense technological development to implement this structure as an upgrade to existing production lines and another decade to increase the efficiency of industrially manufactured cells to over 22%. Our analysis of state-of-the-art large-area screen-printed PERCs is based on the pilot-line technology in the Photovoltaic Technology Evaluation Center at the Fraunhofer ISE, which is assumed to be representative of current state-of-the art cell processing. The main recent cell efficiency improvements have been achieved thanks to fine line metallization taking advantage of the high quality emitter formation and passivation and to improvements in material quality. In order to enhance the energy yield of the PV modules, innovations in interconnection technology like multibusbar and shingling technology as well as bifaciality are supported by PERC developments. Over the years, ongoing improvements have been made in the understanding of PERCs by analytical and numerical modeling of these devices. We show a study based on 3D numerical modeling and an extrapolation of the PERC device structure and technology to achieve an efficiency of 26%. This result surpasses earlier investigations due to the combination of technology components, as further improved front contact and emitter design as well as rear passivation and mirrors. We expect that PERCs can also play a strong role at the bottom of multijunction solar cells and will defend a strong position in global PV production beyond the end of the now starting decade.
Plasmon-enhanced S2 electroluminescence from the high-lying excited state of a single porphyrin molecule
Authors: Tian Xiao-Jun , Kong Fan-Fang , Yu Yun-Jie , Jing Shi-Hao , Zhang Xian-Biao , Liao Yuan , Zhang Yao , Zhang Yang , Dong Zhen-Chao
Published: December 2020

We demonstrate the B-band electroluminescence from the high-lying S2 excited state of a single zinc porphyrin molecule with the scanning tunneling microscope-induced luminescence technique by using an aluminum tip. The nanocavity plasmon mode is found to be critical for the occurrence of S2 electroluminescence. When using a silver tip to excite the molecule electronically decoupled from the Ag(100) substrate by an ultrathin sodium chloride spacer, we only observe the Q-band electroluminescence originating from the radiative decay of the S1 first excited state, without any B-band emission due to the lack of effective plasmonic enhancement for the B-band. However, when the nanocavity plasmon resonance is tuned to a bluer range by using an aluminum tip, the S2 electroluminescence from a single zinc porphyrin shows up because the nanocavity plasmon mode can now spectrally overlap with the B-band emission to generate efficient plasmonic enhancement for the radiative decay directly from the S2 state. Interestingly, the excitation mechanisms for these two types of emission are found to be different. While the Q-band emission is attributed mainly to a carrier-injection mechanism, the B-band electroluminescence is found to be excited via an inelastic electron scattering process. Our results open a route to investigate the photophysical property and dynamic behavior of isolated molecules in their excited states.
Spontaneous emulsification induced by nanoparticle surfactants
Authors: Hasnain J. , Jiang Y. , Hou H. , Yan J. , Athanasopoulou L. , Forth J. , Ashby P. D. , Helms B. A. , Russell T. P. , Geissler P. L.
Published: December 2020

Microemulsions, mixtures of oil, water, and surfactant, are thermodynamically stable. Unlike conventional emulsions, microemulsions form spontaneously, have a monodisperse droplet size that can be controlled by adjusting the surfactant concentration, and do not degrade with time. To make microemulsions, a judicious choice of surfactant molecules must be made, which significantly limits their potential use. Nanoparticle surfactants, on the other hand, are a promising alternative because the surface chemistry needed to make them bind to a liquid–liquid interface is both well flexible and understood. Here, we derive a thermodynamic model predicting the conditions in which nanoparticle surfactants drive spontaneous emulsification that agrees quantitatively with experiments using Noria nanoparticles. This new class of microemulsions inherits the mechanical, chemical, and optical properties of the nanoparticles used to form them, leading to novel applications.
Epitaxial growth and strain relaxation of corundum-phase (Al,Ga)2O3 thin films from pulsed laser deposition at 1000 °C on r-plane Al2O3
Authors: Grundmann M. , Stralka T. , Lorenz M.
Published: December 2020

We investigate the epitaxial growth of (Al,Ga)2O3 alloy thin films in the corundum phase on r-plane (01.2) Al2O3 substrates. We compare films grown by pulsed laser deposition at substrate temperatures of 750 °C and 1000 °C. The initial strongly anisotropic plastic strain relaxation through the a-plane prismatic glide system is directly evidenced by imaging the associated slip lines. We find enhanced plastic relaxation at the higher substrate temperature. Details of the stoichiometry transfer from the target to the film are discussed.
Universal proximity effects in hybrid superconductor–linker molecule–nanoparticle systems: The effect of molecular chirality
Authors: Periyasamy Manimuthu , Bradshaw Harry , Sukenik Nir , Alpern Hen , Yochelis Shira , Robinson Jason W. A. , Millo Oded , Paltiel Yossi
Published: December 2020

The superconductor proximity effect in systems comprising metallic nanoparticles (NPs) and molecules (NP/molecule/superconductor heterostructure) is an intriguing phenomenon that gives rise to important questions, from both fundamental and applicative perspectives, about the nature of Andreev reflections in nanoscale NPs and molecules and the interplay between the different energy scales, which remain hotly debated. In recent studies of such systems, a unique proximity effect was observed, manifested by an enhancement, rather than reduction, of the superconductor critical temperature, TC, which can be related to higher order Andreev reflections of Cooper pairs that couple through the organic molecule linkers. In the present study, we investigate the proximity effect in such hybrid systems, using two types of superconducting films (Nb0.17Re0.83 and Nb), coupled Au or Ag NPs, via chiral or non-chiral molecule linkers. Non-chiral linkers lead to an enhancement of TC after NP attachment, in agreement with previous results, while chiral linkers cause a decrease in TC following NP adsorption. The results with chiral linkers can be explained by the following possible factors: the magnetic-like behavior that chiral molecules exhibit owing to their spin-filtering properties, which should enhance pair breaking, and strong spin–orbit coupling at the linker/NP interface that affects Andreev reflections between the superconductor and the NP and acts to reduce TC within a two-band model we discuss. The insight gained from this work into the interaction between chiral molecules and superconductors is of importance for applications in chiral-based superconducting spintronics.
The role of high-order electron correlation effects in a model system for non-valence correlation-bound anions
Authors: Upadhyay Shiv , Dumi Amanda , Shee James , Jordan Kenneth D.
Published: December 2020

The diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC), auxiliary field quantum Monte Carlo (AFQMC), and equation-of-motion coupled cluster (EOM-CC) methods are used to calculate the electron binding energy (EBE) of the non-valence anion state of a model (H2O)4 cluster. Two geometries are considered, one at which the anion is unbound and the other at which it is bound in the Hartree–Fock (HF) approximation. It is demonstrated that DMC calculations can recover from the use of a HF trial wave function that has collapsed onto a discretized continuum solution, although larger EBEs are obtained when using a trial wave function for the anion that provides a more realistic description of the charge distribution and, hence, of the nodal surface. For the geometry at which the cluster has a non-valence correlation-bound anion, both the inclusion of triples in the EOM-CC method and the inclusion of supplemental diffuse d functions in the basis set are important. DMC calculations with suitable trial wave functions give EBE values in good agreement with our best estimate EOM-CC result. AFQMC using a trial wave function for the anion with a realistic electron density gives a value of the EBE nearly identical to the EOM-CC result when using the same basis set. For the geometry at which the anion is bound in the HF approximation, the inclusion of triple excitations in the EOM-CC calculations is much less important. The best estimate EOM-CC EBE value is in good agreement with the results of DMC calculations with appropriate trial wave functions.