bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carrier Fibers for the Safe Dosage of Nanoparticles in Nanocomposites: Nanomechanical and Thermomechanical Study on Polycarbonate/Boehmite Electrospun Fibers Embedded in Epoxy Resin
Authors: Cano Murillo Natalia , Ghasem Zadeh Khorasani Media , Silbernagl Dorothee , Emamverdi Farnaz , Cacua Karen , Hodoroaba Vasile-Dan , Sturm Heinz
Published: May 2021

The reinforcing effect of boehmite nanoparticles (BNP) in epoxy resins for fiber composite lightweight construction is related to the formation of a soft but bound interphase between filler and polymer. The interphase is able to dissipate crack propagation energy and consequently increases the fracture toughness of the epoxy resin. Usually, the nanoparticles are dispersed in the resin and then mixed with the hardener to form an applicable mixture to impregnate the fibers. If one wishes to locally increase the fracture toughness at particularly stressed positions of the fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPC), this could be done by spraying nanoparticles from a suspension. However, this would entail high costs for removing the nanoparticles from the ambient air. We propose that a fiber fleece containing bound nanoparticles be inserted at exposed locations. For the present proof-of-concept study, an electrospun polycarbonate nonwoven and taurine modified BNP are proposed. After fabrication of suitable PC/EP/BNP composites, the thermomechanical properties were tested by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMTA). Comparatively, the local nano-mechanical properties such as stiffness and elastic modulus were determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). An additional investigation of the distribution of the nanoparticles in the epoxy matrix, which is a prerequisite for an effective nanocomposite, is carried out by scanning electron microscopy in transmission mode (TSEM). From the results it can be concluded that the concept of carrier fibers for nanoparticles is viable.
Interaction of Poliovirus Capsid Proteins with the Cellular Autophagy Pathway
Authors: Zimina Anna , Viktorova Ekaterina G. , Moghimi Seyedemahsa , Nchoutmboube Jules , Belov George A.
Published: May 2021

The capsid precursor P1 constitutes the N-terminal part of the enterovirus poly-protein. It is processed into VP0, VP3, and VP1 by the viral proteases, and VP0 is cleaved autocatalytically into VP4 and VP2. We observed that poliovirus VP0 is recognized by an antibody against a cellular autophagy protein LC3A. The LC3A-like epitope overlapped the VP4/VP2 cleavage site. Individually expressed VP0-EGFP and P1 strongly colocalized with a marker of selective autophagy p62/SQSTM1. To assess the role of capsid proteins in autophagy development we infected different cells with poliovirus or encapsidated polio replicon coding for only the replication proteins. We analyzed the processing of LC3B and p62/SQSTM1, markers of the initiation and completion of the autophagy pathway, and systematically investigated the association of the viral antigens with these au-tophagy proteins in infected cells. We observed cell-type specific development of autophagy upon infection and found that only the virion signal strongly co-localized with p62/SQSTM1 early in infection. Collectively, our data suggest that activation of autophagy is an antiviral response, and that capsid proteins con-tain determinants targeting them to p62/SQSTM1-dependent sequestration. Such a strategy may control the level of capsid proteins so that viral RNAs are not re-moved from the replication/translation pool prematurely.
Comparative analysis of nutrient media for determination of the biochemical properties of Enterobacteria
Authors:   State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology of Rospotrebnadzor, Obolensk, Moscow Region, Russian Federation, Polosenko O.V. , Shepelin A.P. ,   State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology of Rospotrebnadzor, Obolensk, Moscow Region, Russian Federation
Published: May 2021

The stage of identification of microorganisms is one of the most important and time-consuming stages of conducting bacteriological studies. On nutrient media with primary isolation by a combination of biochemical characteristics, several genera of enterobacteria can be detected simultaneously. Therefore, an important condition for the effectiveness of bacteriological studies to isolate representatives of the Enterobacteriaceae family is an adequate selection and quality of culture media. This allows you to determine the phenotypic properties of the grown cultures of microorganisms and correctly identify them. A comparative assessment of the biological properties of a number of modern nutrient media was carried out to determine the cultural-morphological and biochemical properties of enterobacteria. Key words: nutrient media, enterobacteria, phenotypic features, biochemical properties, differentiating properties, selectivity
The strategy of editing and modification of the genomes of bacterial viruses
Authors:   Moscow State Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Schurova A.S. , Bannov V.A. ,   State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology of Rospotrebnadzor, Obolensk, Moscow Region, Russian Federation, Popova A.V. ,   Moscow State Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), Moscow, Russian Federation,   State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology of Rospotrebnadzor, Obolensk, Moscow Region, Russian Federation
Published: May 2021

In recent decades, a major problem for health systems around the world is the wide spread of bacterial pathogens that are resistant to various antimicrobial agents. A possible approach to solving this problem is the use of bacteriophages, viruses that specifically infect bacterial cells, as well as enzymes and proteins encoded in their genomes. The development of genomic editing technologies, including those based on CRISPR-Cas editing, makes it possible to create genetically engineered or recombinant phage particles with desired properties that are important for further practical application. In this review, we consider issues related to the characterization of bacteriophages as biological objects and as promising candidates for controlling the spread of antibioticresistant bacterial strains. We discuss modern approaches and strategies for modifying the phage genomes using various methods of genetic engineering and molecular biology to solve a variety of practical and research problems. Keywords: bacteriophages, phage genome editing, CRISPR-Cas system
PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF GROWTH DIFFERENTIATION FACTOR 15(GDF-15) IN MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
Authors:   Kazan State Medical University, SABIRZYANOVA ALEXANDRA A. , GALYVICH ALBERT S. ,   Kazan State Medical University
Published: May 2021

Determining the prognosis of a disease and risk stratification are significant issues in practical medicine. Aim.The aim of the study was to estimate the prognostic value of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) in myocardial infarction according to the literature.
New trends in the development of the world economy in view of the effects of the emerged crisis
Authors:   Southwest State University, Nosachevskaya Ekaterina , Afanasyeva Lyubov ,   Southwest State University
Published: May 2021

The paper deals with measures taken in different countries in order to mitigate the consequences of the economic recession. The authors of the paper have characterized their impact on the transformation of the paradigm of the development of both the world and national economies, taking into account the trends relating to the technology shift. Attention is drawn to the possibility of ensuring a fundamentally new quality of economic growth of the world economy based on digitalization, technological breakthroughs and a system approach to ensuring a balanced spatial development of territories. The authors have substantiated national priorities in the development of socio-economic measures aimed not only at the recovery of the world and national economies from the crisis, but also at ensuring further growth. A set of recommendations aimed at enhanced development of economic processes has been determined; these recommendations are based on international experience in overcoming crises, including those caused by sharp changes in the pace of scientific and technological development as well as the results of the implementation of government measures taken to support enterprises in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
Development of robotic circular reproduction in ensuring sustainable economic growth
Authors:   Southwest State University, Kolmykova Tatyana , Merzlyakova Ekaterina ,   Southwest State University, Kilimova Lyudmila ,   Southwest State University
Published: May 2021

To confront global challenges in the field of environmental security, humanity needs reproduction chains of a new type that correspond to the models of the green economy and the principles of sustainable development. The most relevant concept that meets these conditions is a circular economy. A new round of industrial development provides additional opportunities to introduce principles of circular reproduction. The proliferation of robots and the introduction of artificial intelligence systems will facilitate the implementation of circular innovations. The purpose of the paper is a study of current trends in the transformation of global value chains based on the symbiosis of virtual and physical production systems which form new operating models and contribute to sustainable economic growth. The research methodology includes general scientific methods of cognition, systemic and situational approaches, methods of structural and functional analysis, empirical generalization and comparison, as well as tabular and graphical methods of visualization of statistical and calculated data. The main results of the study are to gain new knowledge about the role of interaction between digital and physical spaces in ensuring the achievement of goals of sustainable development and the implementation of principles of circular reproduction. Studying robotic circular reproduction will increase the relevance of the concepts of a green economy and circular reproduction, which will promote effective implementation of the above concepts in the Russian Federation.
Female investors in the stock market: a look from Russia
Authors:   Southwest State University, Podgorny Boris
Published: May 2021

With the growing impact of the Russian stock market on economic processes in the country, there arises a need for detailed and systematic information on various social aspects, including the existing and projected number of investors, their gender ratio, social characteristics and investment behaviour. The article presents data on the gender ratio of private investors, as well as detailed characteristics of Russian females investors and their investment strategies. It is shown that the Russian stock market is moving towards gender balance. The largest number of females investors belongs to the age of 25-34. Most of them live in cities and work as employees of private companies. One half of female investors have an average monthly income per family member of less than USD 350. Nowadays, 25 years after the Russian privatization, about one third of all females investors have a negative opinion about this process and its results. Russian females investors have gone through the following investment strategies: about 40% have stopped operations, becoming formal investors; about one third have opened individual investment accounts; the others are divided into the following categories: investors, inactive traders, intraday traders and scalper traders. There exist at least two problems, the solution of which will contribute to the development of the market and increase the number of private investors. They include a limited number of issuers whose shares are available on the organized Russian stock market and the lack of offers to invest in real projects.
Digitalization as a tool for innovative economic development
Authors:   Southwest State University, Bessonova Elena , Battalov Rustam ,   Sterlitamak Branch of Bashkir State University
Published: May 2021

Under modern economic conditions, digitalization of the economy is a strategic development priority in many countries. The introduction of technologies that promote digitalization of the economy allows the state, businesses and society to interact effectively in order to increasingly large-scale and dynamic process. Digital economy is becoming a critical driver of innovation, economic growth and competitiveness. Introduction of digital technologies opens up new opportunities for cooperation at all stages of the innovation process. The constant exchange of ideas and data sharing accelerate the innovation process fast and make it sustainable. A model of innovative development based on digitalization tools has been proposed. The authors have identified opportunities, detected threats in view of the pandemics events of 2020, revealed constraints of economic activity under lockdown, developed support measures by taking into account the specifics of digital transformation, summarized the results and focused on improving the ICT infrastructure and integrating digital technologies into the real sector of the economy. The conclusions and generalizations made in the course of the research, aswell as the model of innovative development and recommendations for increasing the efficiency of the implementation of measures to support innovation in the context of digital transformation can be used to develop plans and programs for the development of territories.
Transformation of business partnerships in modern conditions based on franchising tools
Authors:   Southwest State University, Androsova Irina , Sogacheva Olga ,   Southwest State University
Published: May 2021

Currently, there is a trend in the world community to form partnerships focused on cooperation between various business structures which are aimed at achieving a synergistic effect in the fulfillment of common economic interests. Modern business partnerships can be implemented in a variety of forms by using specific methods and approaches. At the same time, it has been noted that business partnerships are subject to transformation under the influence of the emergence of new technologies, methods and tools, one of which is the franchising system of relations. Taking into account the existing international experience of using franchising as an effective tool for building partnerships, further research is needed to more accurately define, systematize and quantify the strategic advantages that participants receive when forming business partnerships in modern conditions. The purpose of the paper is to identify and summarize the strategic advantages received by participants in the formation of business partnerships based on the franchising system of relations. Historical and bibliographic methods have been used to substantiate the theoretical provisions of the article. The applied part of the article is implemented with the use of modern electronic services that allow assessing the effectiveness of using the franchise system. This article examines possible forms of business partnerships, indicating specific examples of companies from Russian and foreign practice (IKEA, Tesla Motors, ACI Plastics, Sibur, Arya Home, METRO and others); a comparative analysis of the application of franchising in Russia and a number of leading foreign countries (the USA, the UK, France, Germany, Japan, etc.) has been carried out. The article presents the calculated characteristics of the project efficiency of a business partnership on the example of the Russian franchise «PIONER AUTO». The results presented in the paper show that the purchase of the abovementioned franchise will pay off in 1.5 years with further profit. The authors highlight the current trends in the development of global franchising in the context of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and highlight the main trends in 2021. According to the conducted research, the authors propose a model of franchising business partnership, systematize possible benefits of participants in a franchise business partnership on the basis of an earlier assessment of the possible effect.
Archival Heritage of Russian Post-October Abroad Philosophers in Modern Domestic and Foreign Studies
Authors:   Southern Federal University, Serdyukova Elena V.
Published: May 2021

Researching the archives of Russian post-October abroad thinkers is one of the main tasks of modern Russian philosophy. The return of the spiritual wealth of Russian intellectual culture that has begun in the late 1980s with the publication of hard access and works of bibliographic rarity of N.O. Lossky, N.A. Berdyaev, S.L. Frank, S.N. Bulgakov and others, is continuing today. However, at the be­ginning of the XXI century the trajectory of this return changes slightly. The pub­lished works of Russian abroad thinkers require a holistic reading, rethinking and actualization. These problems cannot be effectively solved without plunging into the existential and intellectual history of Russian philosophy in the first half of the twentieth century. That is why modern historians of philosophy turn to the archive, and not so much as an empirical object, collection and repository of documents, but as a cultural, historical, humanitarian phenomenon, thanks to which, through the collective efforts of philosophers and scientists, a holistic portrait of Russian philosophy in its personal dimension is brought together. We can consider the archive of any Russian philosopher of the first half of the twentieth century as an “archive of the era” (T.G. Shchedrina), as a “sphere of conversation” in which the meeting of thinkers of the early twentieth century and modern philosophers is possible. Such a methodological turn affects the content of historical and philosophical research and changes our ideas about the Russian abroad philosophy, about the era as a whole, and also allows us to reconstruct the heritage of Russian philosophers and consistently collect the value-semantic unity of Russian intellectual culture while preserving its “diversity and unity” (M.A. Maslin).
Andrzej Walicki and Fr. George Florovsky (Meetings). A. Valitsky’s Letters to Fr. G. Florovsky
Authors:   The Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow, Obolevitch Teresa ,   National Research University Higher School of Economics
Published: May 2021

The article examines the personal and scholarly relationship between two promi­nent twentieth-century thinkers: Russian theologian and the founder of Neopa­tristic synthesis, George Florovsky and Polish scholar Andrzej Walicki. On the basis of Walicki’s memoirs and the epistolary heritage of both philosophers, it has been established that they first met in 1960 at Harvard. Florovsky had a sig­nificant influence on the young Polish scholar’s interpretation of Slavophilism. At the same time, Walicki interpreted Russian philosophy as a part of European philosophy, while Fr. George, although criticized Western influences in Russian thought, sought to indicate its originality appealing to the Fathers of the Church and the development of a Neopatristic synthesis. Other aspects of both thinkers are noted in the article: their studies in historiosophy and their emphasis on inde­terminism in history, and the fact that both Florovsky and Walicki were apolo­gists for Russian culture in the Western academic world. This article is an intro­duction to the publication of two letters from Walicki to Florovsky stored at the archives of Princeton University: they were sent in 1965 and deal with the exchange of ideas and books between the two scholars.
Metaphysics of Space As an Epistemological Foundationof Isaac Newton’s Heterodox Theology and Historiography
Authors:   N.K. Koltsov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Sharov Konstantin S.
Published: May 2021

The article deals with the Newtonian concept of space, which became not only the basis of classical mechanics, but also the central component of Newton’s Christian theology and his non-canonical preaching. The author of the paper analyses the ontological dualism of the thinker. Newton distinguished absolute and relative space, defending the principles of ontological dualism. It is revealed that Newton’s ontological dualism is directly caused by his theological conclu­sions about the presence of God in the Universe. It was characteristic for Newton to combine the ideas in physics and theological metaphysics into one indivisible unity. It is found out that the English scientist regarded the absolute space as in­herent to God, and relative spaces as characteristic of the Universe in which we exist and which we can explore. Newton formulated the basic principles of his “scientific” Christian homiletics, non-canonical and often heterodox from the view of the Anglican religion. It is revealed that Newton’s Christian sermon was intended for an extremely narrow circle of people, mainly his followers Newtonians and the members of the Royal Society. An attempt is made to ana­lyse the effectiveness of Newtonian “scientific” homiletics in the context of the social life of England in the late 17th – early 18th centuries.
Computer Turn in the Philosophy of the XXI Century (Reflection on the Book “Calculated Surprises.A Philosophy of Computer Simulation” by Johannes Lenhard)
Authors:   National Research University Higher School of Economics, Khamdamov Timur V.
Published: May 2021

In 2019, a new book by Lenhard was published. Lenhard attempts to separate computer simulations from classical mathematical modeling. Structuring in three parts the accumulated over the years research material, Lenhard correctly, with­out undertaking the construction of revolutionary metaphysical concepts, ac­quaints the reader with the new world of the philosophy of computer simula­tions. In the first part, the author reveals the thesis that computer simulations are a completely new, previously unknown, type of mathematical modeling. The second part focuses on the conceptual epistemic transformations of mathe­matical modeling from the perspective of the phenomenon of computer simula­tions. This part also deals with the verification methods that are used in scientific experiments: verification and validation. In the third part, Lenhard, questioning the purely scientific rational way of knowing, tries to grope for the contours of new methods, the specificity of which is due to the use of computer simulations in scientific research practice. In this review, I will analyze the main problems that Lenhard identifies in his book as the most important for understanding the philosophical essence of computer simulations.
What Do Negative Existential Claims Tell?
Authors:   Russian Peoples’ Friendship University, Chernyak Alexei Z.
Published: May 2021

How to read negative existential claims? This question has been intensively dis­cussed in philosophy. The problem of these propositions is that under standard reading they say something contradictory, i.e. that something that somehow ex­ists does not exist. If so, then all such propositions must be false or having no truth value. But intuitively many of them are true. In this article different so­lutions to the problem of negative existential propositions are critically observed: for instance, the solution consisting in the acceptance of double existence, exis­tence of abstract entities along with material objects, events, states etc., or the so­lution of W.V.O. Quine who treats names as predicates. The author aligns with situationism, the position based on the idea of relativity of existence. From this point of view any existence is an existence in some situation – spacio-temporal section of some world. Situationism presupposes that entities denoted by names like “Pegasus” belong to reality (or the world in question) like normal objects with spatio-temporal features.
Serum Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A1 Ratio In Relation To Intervertebral Disc Herniation: A Cross-Sectional Frequency-Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Chen Fei , Wu Tongde , Bai Chong , Guo Song , Huang Junwen , Pan Yaqin , Zhang Huiying , Wu Desheng , Fu Qiang , Chen Qi , Li Xinhua , Li Lijun
Published: May 2021

Study Design:A cross-sectional frequency-matched case-control studyObjective: In recent decades, the serum lipid profile of apolipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) level and apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 ratio (Apo B/ApoA1) ratio were found more representative for serum lipid level and were recognized as the independent risk factors for various diseases. Although the serum lipid levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were found associated with symptomatic intervertebral disc herniation (IDH), no studies have been conducted to date for the evaluation of the association of Apo AI, Apo B, Lp(a) and Apo B/Apo AI levels with symptomatic IDH.Method: A total of 1,839 Chinese patients were recruited in the present study. 918 patients were diagnosed as IDH cases and were enrolled in the experimental group. A control group of 921 patients underwent a physical examination during the same period. The serum lipid levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, Lp(a), Apo B and Apo B/Apo AI were examined and analyzed. The patients in the control group were collected randomly from patients who were matched with the baseline levels of the aforementioned lipid molecular.Results: The patients with IDH exhibited significantly higher TC, TG, LDL, Apo B and Lp(a) levels compared with the control subjects. The percentage of high-TC, high-TG, high-LDL, high-Apo B and high-Lp(a) were significantly higher in the IDH group. However, hyperlipidaemia was not associated with the degenerated segment of the IDH (P=0.201). The odds ratios (OR) for the incidence of IDH with an elevated LDL-C, TC, TG, Lp(a), Apo B and Apo B/Apo AI were 1.583, 1.74, 1.62, 1.58, 1.49 and 1.39, respectively. The correlation analysis revealed the correlation between elevated LDL-C, TC, TG, Apo B, Lp(a) and incidence of IDH was significant (R2LDL=0.017; R2TC=0.004; R2TG=0.015; R2Apo B=0.004; R2LP(a)=0.021) (P<0.05).Conclusion:The present study suggests that elevated levels of serum TC, TG, LDL, Apo B, Lp(a) and Apo B/Apo AI are associated with a higher risk for IDH.
Vacuum Phenomenon As A Predictor of Kyphosis After Implant Removal Following Posterior Pedicle Screw Fixation Without Fusion For Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Hirahata Masahiro , Kitagawa Tomoaki , Yasui Youichi , Oka Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Iwao , Yamada Kazuaki , Fujita Muneyoshi , Kawano Hirotaka , Ishii Keisuke
Published: May 2021

Background: Posterior pedicle screw fixation without fusion has been commonly applied for thoracolumbar burst fracture. Implant removal is performed secondarily after bone union. However, the occurrence of secondary kyphosis has recently attracted attention. Secondary kyphosis results in poor clinical outcomes. The purpose of this was to determine predictors of kyphosis after implant removal following posterior pedicle screw fixation without fusion for thoracolumbar burst fracture.Methods: This retrospective study reviewed 60 consecutive patients with thoracolumbar burst fracture who underwent implant removal following posterior pedicle screw fixation without fusion. Inclusion criteria were non-osteoporotic fracture and T11-L4 burst fracture. Old age, sex, initial severe wedge deformity, initial severe kyphosis, and vacuum phenomenon were examined as factors potentially associated with final kyphotic deformity (defined as kyphotic angle greater than 25°) or loss of correction. Logistic regression analysis was performed using propensity score matching.Results: Among the 31 female and 29 male patients (mean age 39 years), final kyphotic deformity was found in 17 cases (28%). Multivariate analysis showed a significant association with the vacuum phenomenon. Loss of correction was found in 35 cases (58%) and showed a significant association with the vacuum phenomenon. There were no significant associations with other factors.Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that the vacuum phenomenon before implant removal may be a predictor of secondary kyphosis of greater than 25° after implant removal following posterior pedicle screw fixation without fusion for thoracolumbar burst fracture, but that old age, sex, initial severe kyphosis, and initial severe wedge deformity may not be predictors.
A Solution-processed Inorganic Emitter with High Spectral Effectiveness for Efficient Daytime Radiative Cooling in Hot Humid Climates
Authors: Lin Chongjia , Li Yang , Chi Cheng , Kwon Ye Seul , Tso Chi Yan , Chao Christopher , Huang Baoling
Published: May 2021

Daytime radiative cooling provides an eco-friendly solution to space cooling with zero energy consumption. Despite significant advances, most state-of-the-art radiative coolers show broadband infrared emission with low spectral effectiveness, which limits their cooling temperatures and climate applicabilities, especially in hot humid regions. Here we report an all-inorganic narrowband cooler comprising a solution-derived SiOxNy layer sandwiched between a reflective substrate and a self-assembly monolayer of SiO2 microspheres. It shows a high and diffusive solar reflectance (96%) and strong infrared-selective emittance (94.6%) with superior spectral effectiveness (1.44). Remarkable subambient cooling of up to 5°C was achieved under high humidity without any solar shading or convection cover at noontime in a subtropical coastal city, Hong Kong. Owing to the all-inorganic hydrophobic structure, the emitter showed outstanding resistance to ultraviolet and water in the long-term durability tests. The scalable solution-based fabrication renders this stable high-performance emitter promising for large-scale deployment in various climates.
Impact of the Residential Landscape on Residents’ QOL: A Study from the Perspective of Sustainable Development
Authors: Ho-Mo Hung
Published: May 2021

Good residential quality is not only conducive to living comfort but also adds value to the residence. Therefore, whether it is for self-occupation purposes or investment purposes, individuals will inevitably consider the quality of a residence when deciding on ownership. In addition, most residents also expect to improve their residential environment through beautiful landscapes and green spaces because it affects their quality of life (QOL). This study examined the impact of the residential landscape on the quality of residential environment and on residents’ QOL in Taipei City. A structured questionnaire was developed to analyze participants’ perceptions and attitudes regarding these associations. The results revealed that most residents had expectations and demands concerning the residential landscape and they perceived that the benefits of the residential landscape influenced their QOL and whether they purchased the residence. Residents valued the residential environment, including green spaces and gardens. The residential landscape has an important impact on the selection of a residential location, and it plays a key role in enhancing residents’ QOL.
WITHDRAWN: An Efficient Non-Iterative Method for Computing the Centroid of an Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Set
Authors: Zirkohi Majid Moradi
Published: May 2021

In many applications, interval type-2 fuzzy logic systems (IT2FLSs) are better at dealing with uncertainties. Iterative Karnik-Mendel (KM) algorithms in type reduction (TR) have a high computational cost. This is one of the major drawbacks of IT2FLSs. From the practical point of view, this prevent using IT2FLS in real-world applications. To address this issue, a novel non-iterative method called Moradi-Zirkohi (MZ) TR method is proposed for computing the centroid of an IT2FLS. This makes the practical implementation of the IT2FLSs simpler. Comparative simulation results verify that the proposed method outperforms the KM TR method in terms of computational burden. Besides, closer results, in terms of accuracy, to the KM TR method among the existing non-iterative TR methods are also achieved by the proposed TR method.
ERRα Expression in Ovarian Cancer and Promotes Ovarian Cancer Cells Migration in Vitro
Authors: Huang Weiyi , Chen Lili , Sun Pengming
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Ovarian cancer is one of the common gynecological malignancies, which is prone to metastasize and thus causes a high fatality rate. Estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα) is highly expressed in various malignant tumors. Our objective was to explore the impact of ERRα expression on the progression of ovarian cancer. Methods: The correlation between ERRα expression level and clinical pathological parameters in ovarian cancer tissues were analysed via cancer public database CPTAC. The expression level of ERRα in ovarian cancer cells were confirmed by RT-qPCR and Western Blot methods. The cellular ERRα expression was up-regulated via lentivirus transfection and down-regulated via specific antagonist. The invasion and metastasis capabilities of ovarian cancer cells were observed by wound healing assay and trans-well chamber assay. Results: The CPTAC database showed that the ERRα expression levels were higher in the late-stage and high-grade ovarian cancer tissues compared with those in early-stage and low-grade tissues. Ovarian cancer cells with higher expression level of ERRα had stronger invasion and metastasis capabilities in vitro. After up-regulating the ERRα expression level, the invasion and metastasis capabilities of ovarian cancer cells were enhanced, while down-regulation weakened. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between the percentages of wound closure and cellular ERRα mRNA expression level (r=0.921, P<0.01), and the cell invasiveness was also positively correlated with the cellular ERRα mRNA expression level (r=0.926, P<0.01). Conclusions: Our results suggest that ERRα may play a positive role in the progression of ovarian cancer, and may serve as a promising predictive biomarker.
Uterine Smooth Muscle Tumors of Uncertain Malignant Potential (STUMP): A Retrospective Study in A Single Center
Authors: Zhang Chen , Gao Juan , Lu Shanshan , Zhang Yinli , Zhu Honglan
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Uterine smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) is a heterogeneous group of tumors with histological and biological diversity that cannot be defined as a benign leiomyoma or malignant leiomyosarcoma. The study aims to investigate the diagnostic methods, treatment management and prognosis of STUMP patients in a 13-year period. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathologic information of 31 STUMP patients in Peking University People’s Hospital. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare the difference of clinical characteristics between the women in myomectomy group and those in hysterectomy group. Results: The most common clinical presentation was menstrual disorder. The tumors were mainly manifested as hypoechoic, non-cystic nodules with low blood flow signal by pelvic doppler ultrasonography. Most tumors carried Ki-67 index ranging from 10% to 30%. Immunohistochemical markers such as ER, PR, p16 and Desmin was positively expressed in tumors. At the first operation, 21 cases underwent myomectomy and 10 cases underwent hysterectomy. The patients in myomectomy group were younger than those in hysterectomy group. In the follow-up period, two cases experienced a relapse in the form of STUMP within 36 months. One case died of cardiovascular accident while the other cases were alive. Six of 21 women in myomectomy group desired pregnancy and two healthy live births were recorded.Conclusion: The diagnosis of STUMP primarily depends on histopathologic features. Fertility-sparing surgery may be a treatment selection for patients with fertility desire. Patients with STUMP, especially in the case of myomectomy, should be informed of recurrence risk and monitored closely.
The Effect of Epididymal Sperm Cryopreservation on Neonatal Birthweight Following PESA-ICSI
Authors: Cai Jiali , Liu Lanlan , Chen Jinghua , Liu Zhenfang , Wang Wenjie , Jiang Xiaoming , Chen Haixiao , Ren Jianzhi
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To compare the neonatal birthweight of singletons derived from ICSI cycles with fresh or frozen-thawed epididymal sperm in patients with obstructive azoospermiaMethods: A total of 436 singletons derived from ICSI cycles with fresh (n=220) or frozen-thawed (n=216) epididymal sperm in obstructive azoospermia evaluated from 2012 to 2018 in the retrospective study. Multivariate generalized linear model was used to analyze the association between epididymal sperm cryopreservation and neonatal birthweight.Result(s): The crude birthweight and z-score in neonates derived from frozen-thawed epididymal sperm were significantly lower than those from fresh epididymal sperm (3186.57g vs 3303.61g and -0.18 vs 0.08, respectively), with a mean difference of 117.04 (95%CI: 32.36 to 201.72) g and 0.25 (95%CI: 0.06 to 0.45). Adjusted for confounders including parental age and BMI, maternal ovarian reserve, paternal FSH and T levels, peak E2 during OPU cycles, frozen-thawed embryo transfer, embryo development stage, gestational age, maternal parity and child gender, the multivariate model suggested that singletons conceived from ICSI with fresh epididymal sperm was on average 91.21 g heavier than those conceived from ICSI with frozen-thawed epdidiymal sperm (95%CI:12.72 to 166.7, P=0.016).Conclusion(s): Cryopreservation of epididymal sperm may negatively affect birthweight
Investigation of common risk factors between polycystic ovary syndrome and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Sarahian Nahid , Sarvazad Hosna , Sajadi Elham , Rahnejat Nasrin , Eskandari-Roozbahani Narges
Published: May 2021

The most common endocrine disorder among women is Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), characterized by hyperandrogenism, chronic ovulation, and/or ultrasound evidence of small ovarian cysts. Obesity and insulin resistance are also the main factors influencing the clinical manifestations of this syndrome. High intakes of fat have been linked to more significant cognitive decline in old age, and due to the growing elderly population, maintaining long-term optimal cognitive function is very important. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most typical progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the brain, and recent studies suggest a relationship between endocrinal dysregulation and neuronal loss during AD pathology. In this narrative review, the international databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases, were searched for retrieving the relevant studies. According to the factors involved in Alzheimer's and PCOS, it seems that both disorders may share some common risk factors. In this study, the relevant studies' summaries were categorized to discuss the possible pathways that may explain the association between Alzheimer's and PCOS signs/symptoms and complications. Future preclinical studies are needed to investigate the exact underlining mechanisms related to PCOS and Alzheimer's association.
The Challenges Inherent With Anchor-Based Approaches To The Interpretation of Important Change In Clinical Outcome Assessments
Authors: Wyrwich Kathleen W. , Norman Geoffrey R.
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Anchor-based methods have been used to derive clinical outcome assessment (COA) interpretation thresholds of meaningful change over time for understanding individual (within-patient) as well as within-group change and between-group differences. The methods explore the associations between the targeted concept of the COA measure and the concept measured by the external anchor(s), typically a global rating, chosen as easier to interpret than the COA measure. While they are valued for providing plausible interpretation thresholds, anchor-based methods pose a number of inherent theoretical and methodological conundrums. Methods: This investigation provides a critical appraisal of anchor-based methods for COA interpretation thresholds and details a key bias in anchor-based methods that directly influences the magnitude of the interpretation threshold. Results: Five important concerns for the use of anchor-based methods have emerged from the literature: 1) global estimates of change are consistently biased toward the present state; 2) the use of static current state global measures, while not subject to artifacts of recall, may exacerbate the problem of estimating clinically meaningful change; 3) the anchor assessment response(s) that indicates meaningful change usually involves an arbitrary judgment; 4) the calculated interpretation thresholds are sensitive to the proportion of patients who have improved; and 5) examination of anchor-based regression methods reveals that the correlation between the COA change scores and the anchor has a direct linear relationship to the magnitude of the interpretation threshold derived using an anchor-based approach. Stronger correlations yielding larger interpretation thresholds. Conclusions: While anchor-based methods are recognized for their utility in deriving interpretation thresholds for COAs, the biases associated with estimation of the threshold using these methods may impede progress in the development of standard-setting methodologies for COAs.
Livelihood Impact and Risk Management of Drought: The Experiences of Farming Households in the Free State Province, South Africa
Authors: Danso-Abbeam Gideon , Ogundeji Abiodun O , Ojo Temitpoe O , Okolie Collins C.
Published: May 2021

Drought is one of the main causes of food insecurity, malnutrition and poverty. It is therefore important to understand the perception of farmers on socioeconomic and environmental impacts of drought and the strategies employed to manage it. Using data collected from 301 smallholder households in Thaba Nchu, Free State Province, the study contributes to three perspectives: analysing the perceived socio-economic and environmental impact of drought, examining the determinants of the perceived impact, and identifying factors affecting the intensity of drought-risk management practices used by smallholder farming households. Using 11 indicators as a measure of perceived impact, the findings from the principal component analysis (PCA) revealed three main dimensions of perceived drought impact: economic, environmental and social impacts. Different socio-economic and institutional factors have a different influence on the three dimensions. In addition, factors such as age, household size, non-farm work and extension services are significant in determining the intensity of drought-risk management strategies implemented by farmers in the study area. The study therefore recommends that climate risk management be integrated into the provision of extension services, particularly in drought-prone areas such as the Free State Province. Encouraging farmers to engage in non-agricultural economic activities is also crucial, as this can serve as insurance against events such as drought.
The Impact of Income Inequality on Carbon Emissions in Asian Countries: Non-Parametric Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Ghazouani Tarek , Beldi Lamia
Published: May 2021

Widening income inequality and environmental degradation are two of the most important problems that threat the sustainable development. For that, this study aims to examine the effect of income distribution on CO2 emissions in seven Asian countries over the period 1971–2014 using a non-parametric panel estimation method and time-varying coefficients. Specifically, we apply the local linear dummy variable estimator (LLDVE) approach that allows evaluating the coefficients which vary over time for the panel data models. The results reveal that there is a strong non-linear correlation between income inequality and per capita CO2 emissions. The non parametric model suggest that there is a negative relationship between income inequality and environment degradation over the whole study period expect for the period 1988–1997 which was positive. Our findings broadly support the existence of the "equity-pollution dilemma", whereby income redistribution induces environmental pollution. This dilemma has potential implications for policies designed to promote redistribution in the selected Asian countries.
Learning Needs Assessment for Multi-stakeholder Implementation Science Training in LMIC Settings: Findings and Recommendations
Authors: Turner Mallory Wolfe , Bogdewic Stephanie , Agha Erum , Blanchard Carrie , Sturke Rachel , Pettifor Audrey , Salisbury Kathryn , Marques Andrea Horvath , Excellent Marie Lina , Rajagopal Nitya , Ramaswamy Rohit
Published: May 2021

Background: Despite significant progress in the field of implementation science (IS), current training programs are inadequate to meet the global need, especially in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Even when training opportunities exist, there is a “knowledge-practice gap,” where implementation research findings are not useful to practitioners in a field designed to bridge that gap. This is a critical challenge in LMICs where complex public health issues must be addressed. This paper describes results from a formal assessment of learning needs, priority topics, and delivery methods for LMIC stakeholders.Methods: We first reviewed a sample of articles published recently in Implementation Science to identify IS stakeholders and assigned labels and definitions for groups with similar roles. We then employed a multi-step sampling approach and a random sampling strategy to recruit participants (n=39) for a semi-structured interview that lasted 30-60 minutes. Stakeholders with inputs critical to developing training curricula were prioritized and selected for interviews. We created memos from audio recorded interviews and used a deductively created codebook to conduct thematic analysis. We calculated kappa coefficients for each memo and used validation techniques to establish rigor including incorporating feedback from reviewers and member checking.Results: Participants included program managers, researchers, and physicians working in over 20 countries, primarily LMICs. The majority had over ten years of implementation experience but fewer than five years of IS experience. Three main themes emerged from the data, pertaining to past experience with IS, future IS training needs, and contextual issues. Most respondents (even with formal training) described their IS knowledge as basic or minimal. Preferences for future training were heterogeneous, but findings suggest that curricula must encompass a broader set of competencies than just IS, include mentorship/apprenticeship, and center the LMIC context.Conclusion: This work is the first to explicitly explore and highlight the need for fundamental, widespread, and context specific training in IS and capacity building in basic operational research for key stakeholders in LMICs. Therefore, we propose the novel approach of intelligent swarming as a solution to help build IS capacity in LMICs through the lens of sustainability and equity.
Environmental Regulations, Competition and Divestment of Foreign Direct Investment: Evidence from China
Authors: Tai Lufeng , Yan Linnan
Published: May 2021

This paper is concerned with whether the Chinese increasingly stringent environmental regulations (ER) lead to the divestment of foreign direct investment (FDI). Based on industrial firm-level panel data from 2003 to 2010, our results show that the stricter ER do not induce the divestment of FDI but rather reduce the probability of foreign firms’ withdrawal from China. Moreover, in cities with a higher degree of marketization, the ER have greatly reduced the exit probability of foreign firms. The mechanism analysis shows that due to the scale and technological advantages of foreign companies, the ER have stimulated innovation, increased the market share and profits of foreign companies. However, the ER have a greater negative impact on domestic firms’ performance. This research has theoretical and empirical significance for the economic development and environmental protection of developing countries.