bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybridization of Tumor Homing and Mitochondria-Targeting Peptide Domains to Design Novel Dual-Imaging Self-Assembled Peptide Nanoparticles for Theranostic Applications
Authors: Rizvi Syed Faheem Askari , Ali Azam , Ahmad Munir , Mu Shuai , Zhang Haixia
Published: August 2021

A unique dual-targeting dual-imaging peptide-based nanoprobe was successfully designed by investigating the cyclic heptapeptide having Arg-Gly-Asp-Lys-Leu-Ala-Lys sequence composed of RGD homing motif and KALK mitochondria targeting motif linked via amide bond. The designed peptide was further modified through covalent linkage, characterized and self-assembled to form spherical nanoparticles. The novel Cy5.5-SAPD-99mTc nanoparticles were tested in vitro for cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, biocompatibility and apoptosis inducing functionalities. The cellular internalization, enhanced cytotoxicity and selective receptor binding capabilities against U87MG cells, excellent dual-imaging potential, improved apoptosis inducing feature by damaging mitochondria and in vivo preclinical investigations suggested that our newly designed novel dual-targeting dual-imaging nanoparticles may serve as an admirable theranostic probe to treat brain tumor glioblastoma multiforme.
Time Course of Changes in Vision-Related Quality of Life following Intravitreal Ranibizumab Treatment for Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Morikawa Shohei , Okamoto Fumiki , Murakami Tomoya , Sugiura Yoshimi , Hiraoka Takahiro , Okamoto Yoshifumi , Oshika Tetsuro
Published: August 2021

Purpose: To assess the vision-related quality of life (VR-QOL) following intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) for branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and to evaluate subscale items of the VR-QOL.Methods: In this prospective observational multicenter study, 38 patients who underwent IVR treatment for unilateral BRVO and 28 age-matched healthy subjects were chosen. The 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were examined before and at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment.Results: The VFQ-25 composite score and BCVA significantly improved from 3 to 12 months after IVR treatment (P < 0.05), such that there was no significant difference between the BRVO and control groups at 12 months. All subscales of the VFQ-25, except “general health,” significantly improved after treatment, while “near vision” and “mental health” were worse than those in healthy subjects (P < 0.05). Patients with superior BRVO had a lower “near vision” score than healthy subjects after treatment (P < 0.05). BCVA in the treated eye and fellow eye had no significant relationship with the VFQ-25 composite score before and after treatment.Conclusions: The VR-QOL of patients with BRVO improved with IVR treatment and was comparable to that of healthy subjects after 12 months. Superior BRVO particularly affected near vision for a low level.
Combined Therapy for Paclitaxel and Curcumin by Nonionic Surfactant Vesicles Leading to Enhanced Efficacy of Chemotherapy in Ovarian Cancer Cells Through Inhibiting the Serine/threonine Kinase Akt and Nuclear Factor Kappab Activity
Authors: alemi ashraf , Karamallah Mojtaba Haghi , Hosseini Seyed Ahmad , Tahery Noorollah , Radmanesh Esmat , Malihi Reza , Farrokhifar Majid , Farokhifar Saeed , Karamallah Somayeh Haghi , Zare-Zardini Hadi , Farokhifar Mohammad
Published: August 2021

The combination therapy of cytotoxic drugs and chemosensitizing agents encapsulated in nanoparticles has been highlighted as an effective treatment for various cancers. Combination therapy is promising to produce synergistic anticancer effects, to magnify the treatment effect and overcome multidrug resistance. In this investigation, we have studied augmentation of therapeutic efﬁcacy upon c combinational treatment of paclitaxel (PCL) and curcumin (Cur), an inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), in OVCAR-3 cell. PCL and Cur were encapsulated in nanoniosome formulations. Then, the effects of nanoniosome formulations on cytotoxicity, expression profile of AKT-1 gene and NF-κB activity were evaluated. The findings showed that nanoniosomes were highly efﬁcient in delivering the PCL and Cur drugs to OVCAR-3 cell. A 3-fold and 3.6-fold reduction in Cur and PCL concentration were measured, respectively, when the Cur and PCL were administered in nanoniosomes compared to free Cur and free PCL solutions in OVCAR-3 cell. Moreover, curcumin could signiﬁcantly increase cell growth inhibition of paclitaxel so that, in presence of NioCur, the IC50 of NioPCL was diminished to ∼2.4 –fold. AKT-1 gene expression studies showed that co-administration of curcumin/paclitaxel nanoniosome formulations caused 91.2% reduction in AKT-1 gene expression compared to control group. On the other hand, this co-administration caused 79.42% reduction in the amount of NF-κB activity and a 4-fold reduction in the activity of the MDR protein pumps in cancer cells compared to the control group. Our findings demonstrate that the combination therapy of PCL with Cur using the nanoniosomes delivery is a promising strategy for breast cancer more effective therapy
Digital Light Processing 3D Printing of Surface-oxidized Si3N4 Coated by Silane Coupling Agent
Authors: Yang Ping , Sun Zhenfei , Huang Shengwu , Ou Jun , Wu Shanghua
Published: August 2021

Due to high light absorption and high refractive index of silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramic, it is difficult to prepare Si3N4 slurry with favourable curing ability, high solid loading and low viscosity at the same time, and thus the high quality Si3N4 parts are hard to fabricate via Digital Light Processing (DLP). In this paper, oxidation process was used to enhance the curing behavior of Si3N4 slurry, and then silane coupling agent (KH560) was used to improve the rheological properties of the oxidized Si3N4 slurry. The effect of Si3N4 slurry with oxidation and modification on its rheological behavior, light absorption, curing ability and stability have been systematically investigated. A Si3N4 slurry with abundant photocuring ability, high solid loading, low viscosity and reliable stability was fabricated by the oxidized (1h) and KH560 (1wt.%) modified Si3N4 powders, and the dense Si3N4 ceramic parts were produced by this slurry via DLP 3D printing. Subsequently, the influence of oxidation and modification on microstructure, mechanical properties and thermal conductivity have been investigated. Finally, the performances of the DLP 3D printed samples are close to the isostatic cool pressing (ICP) fabricated samples. Consequently, DLP has well potential to fabricate high-performance Si3N4 ceramics.
Hepatic Small Extracellular Vesicles Promote Microvascular Endothelial Hyperpermeability During NAFLD via novel-miRNA-7
Authors: Zuo Rui , Ye Li-feng , Huang Yi , Song Zi-qing , Wang Lei , Zhi Hui , Zhang Min-yi , Li Jie-yi , Zhu Li , Xiao Wen-jing , Shang Hong-cai , Zhang Yang , He Rong-rong , Chen Yang
Published: August 2021

BackgroundA recent study has reported that patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are more susceptible to coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), which may predict major adverse cardiac events. However, little is known regarding the causes of CMD during NAFLD. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of hepatic small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) in regulating the endothelial dysfunction of coronary microvessels during NAFLD.ResultsWe established two murine NAFLD models by feeding mice a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet for 4 weeks or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. We found that the NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-dependent endothelial hyperpermeability occurred in coronary microvessels during both MCD diet and HFD-induced NAFLD. The in vivo and in vitro experiments proved that novel-miR-7-abundant hepatic sEVs were responsible for NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent endothelial barrier dysfunction. Mechanistically, novel-miR-7 directly targeted lysosomal associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1) and promotes lysosomal membrane permeability (LMP), which in turn induced Cathepsin B-dependent NLRP3 inflammasome activation and microvascular endothelial hyperpermeability. Conversely, a specific novel-miR-7 inhibitor markedly improved endothelial barrier integrity. Finally, we proved that steatotic hepatocyte was a main resource of novel-miR-7-contained hepatic sEVs, and steatotic hepatocyte-derived sEVs were able to promote NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent microvascular endothelial hyperpermeability through novel-miR-7.ConclusionsHepatic sEVs contribute to endothelial hyperpermeability in coronary microvessels by delivering novel-miR-7 and targeting the LAMP1/Cathepsin B/NLRP3 inflammasome axis during NAFLD. Our study brings new insights into the liver-to-microvessel cross-talk and may provide a new diagnostic biomarker and treatment target for microvascular complications of NAFLD.
Mapping the Minds of Spectators During Extreme Ritual: A Psychological Network Perspective
Authors: Fischer Ronald , Sinwongsuwat Kemtong , Tepsing Punya , Karl Johannes Alfons
Published: August 2021

Reactions of spectators during extreme rituals raise questions about evolutionary functions of ritual. We computed psychological network models during a large naturally occurring extreme ritual. Our aim is to identify the network structure of psychological reactions to extreme rituals in situ. Participants who observed high ordeal activities (N =1,041 Taoist-Buddhists) completed measures of social, affective, behavioral and uncertainty cognitions. Applying undirected psychometric network models, we found that 1) ritualist cognitions showed a smallworld network structure with highly interconnected nodes, 2) five robust clusters of cognitions that 3) can be organized along two major dimensions (positive vs negative valence, uncertainty beliefs vs uncertainty management) and 4) associations between clusters through linking nodes allow integration of previous theories of ritual and help to identify core cognition during ritual. Our study points towards new avenues for evolutionary theory by mapping the interdependence of experienced psychological reactions in situ.
Barriers to the Donation of Living Kidneys for Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Min Kyungok , Koo Tai Yeon , Hwang Young Hui , Yang Jaeseok
Published: August 2021

Since the waiting time for deceased donor kidney transplantation continues to increase, living donor kidney transplantation is an important treatment for end stage kidney disease patients. Barriers to living kidney donation have been rarely investigated despite a growing interest in the utilization of living donor transplantation and the satisfaction of donor safety. Here, we retrospectively analyzed 1,658 potential donors and 1,273 potential recipients who visited the Seoul National University Hospital for living kidney transplantation between 2010 and 2017 to study the causes of donation failure. Among 1,658 potential donors, 902 (54.4%) failed to donate kidneys. The average number of potential donors that received work-up was 1.30 ± 0.66 per recipient. Among living donor kidney transplant patients, 75.1% received kidneys after work-up of the first donor and 24.9% needed work-up of two or more donors. Donor-related factors (49.2%) were the most common causes of donation failure, followed by immunologic or size mismatches between donors and recipients (25.4%) and recipient-related factors (16.2%). Interestingly, withdrawal of donation will along with refusal by recipients or family were the commonest causes, suggesting the importance of non-biomedical aspects. The elucidation of the barriers to living kidney donation could ensure more efficient and safer living kidney donation.
Projections of North American Snow from NA-CORDEX and their Uncertainties, with a Focus on Model Resolution
Authors: McCrary Rachel , Mearns Linda , Hughes Mimi , Biner Sébastien , Bukovsky Melissa
Published: August 2021

Snow is important for many physical, social, and economic sectors in North America. In a warming climate, the characteristics of snow will likely change in fundamental ways, therefore compelling societal need for future projections of snow. However many stakeholders require climate change information at finer resolutions that global climate models (GCMs) can provide. The North American Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (NA-CORDEX) provides an ensemble of regional climate model (RCMs) simulations at two resolutions (~0.5º and ~0.25º) designed to help serve the climate impacts and adaptation communities. This is the first study to examine the differences in end-of-21st-century projections of snow from the NA-CORDEX RCMs and their driving GCMs.
We find the broad patterns of change are similar across RCMs and GCMs: snow cover retreats, snow mass decreases everywhere except at high latitudes, and the duration of the snow covered season decreases. Regionally, the spatial details, magnitude, percent, and uncertainty of future changes varies between the GCM and RCM ensemble, but are similar between the two resolutions of the RCM ensembles. Increases in winter snow amounts at high latitudes is a robust response across all ensembles. Percent snow losses are found to be more substantial in the GCMs than the RCMs over most of North America, especially in regions with high-elevation topography. Specifically, percent snow losses decrease with increasing elevation as the model resolution becomes finer.
Optimal Release Timing of Temporary Drain Clamping to Reduce Postoperative Bleeding After Total Knee Arthroplasty With an Intraarticular Injection of Tranexamic Acid
Authors: Kim Myung Ku , Ko Sang Hyun , Nam Yoon Cheol , Jeon Yoon Sang , Kwon Won Hwan , Ryu Dong Jin
Published: August 2021

Background: Intraarticular injection of tranexamic acid (IA-TXA) plus drain-clamping is a preferred method of reducing bleeding after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, no consensus had been reached regarding the timing of clamping. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimum duration of drain-clamping after TKA with IA-TXA.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 151 patients that underwent unilateral TKA with IA-TXA plus drain-clamping for 30 minutes (Group A, 60 patients), 2 hours (Group B, 42 patients), or 3 hours (Group C, 49 patients). Total drained volumes, hematocrit (Hct) reductions, estimated blood losses (EBLs), transfusion rates, and wound complications were reviewed.Results: Mean total drained volume, Hct reduction, EBL, and transfusion rate were significantly less in group C than in groups A or B (p < 0.01). No significant intergroup difference was found for wound-related complications. No surgical site infection or deep vein thrombosis was observed.Conclusion: IA-TXA plus drain-clamping for 3 hours is optimal for reducing blood loss with minimal complications after TKA.
Universality of ultrasonic attenuation coefficient of amorphous systems at low temperatures
Authors: Shukla Pragya
Published: August 2021

The competition between unretarded dispersion interactions between molecules prevailing at medium range order length scales and their phonon induced coupling at larger scales leads to appearance of nano-scale sub structures in amorphous systems. The complexity of intermolecular interactions gives rise to randomization of their operators. Based on a random matrix modelling of the Hamiltonian and its linear response to an external strain field, we show that the ultrasonic attenuation coefficient can be expressed as a ratio of two crucial length-scales related to molecular dynamics. A nearly constant value of the ratio for a wide range of materials then provides a theoretical explanation of the experimentally observed qualitative universality of the ultrasonic attenuation coefficient at low temperatures.
Gel Permeation Chromatography Process For Highly Oriented Cs3Cu2I5 Nanocrystal Film
Authors: Cheng Yu-Hong , Suzuki Rikuo , Shinotsuka Narumi , Ebe Hinako , Oshita Naoaki , Yamakado Ryohei , Chiba Takayuki , Masuhara Akito , Kido Junji
Published: August 2021

The emergence of green materials has attracted considerable attention in the field of optoelectronics. Copper-based lead-free halide perovskite (with a near-unity quantum yield) obtained from Cs3Cu2I5 nanocrystals (NCs) can exhibit blue emission with a wavelength of 440 nm and provide outstanding stability for various applications. However, in practical applications, colloidal dispersion purity and film quality are inadequate toward a high-performance device. In this study, antisolvent-free gel permeation chromatography is used to purify Cs3Cu2I5 NCs. The purified Cs3Cu2I5 NCs exhibit a high photoluminescent quantum yield and provide a highly oriented single-crystal film. Density functional theory calculation results indicate that the iodide-rich phase in the NCs makes them highly stable. In addition, it has been demonstrated for the first time that the mixture of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and Cs3Cu2I5 NCs has waterproofing capabilities. The composite film consisting of Cs3Cu2I5 NCs and PMMA can survive in water for several days. This result opens up more possibilities for the application of these green material.
Early colorectal cancer from “de novo” carcinogenesis with submucosal invasion: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: jiang hua , he chiyi
Published: August 2021

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) mostly develops through the traditional “adenoma-carcinoma sequence”, however there is a rare “de novo” carcinogenic pathway in which cancer originates from normal mucosa. Here, we report a case of early CRC caused by “de novo” carcinogenesis with submucosal invasion and conduct a literature review of this special type of CRC.Case presentation: A 66-year-old man underwent a screening colonoscopy that revealed a polyp-like lesion (type 0-IIa+IIc in the Paris classification) approximately 0.5 cm in diameter in the descending colon. The patient underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD); postoperatively, he was pathologically diagnosed with moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma without an adenomatous component from the “de novo” carcinogenic pathway, accompanied by submucosal invasion to a depth of 600 μm. There was no venous or lymphatic permeation, and the margins were negative. A year later, follow-up examinations did not reveal tumour recurrence.Conclusions: Early “de novo” cancer has a low incidence and a low discovery rate through endoscopy. In this case report, we provide informative details about the presentation of such cancers under endoscopy and further support for the aggressive malignant potential of early “de novo” cancer. The development of advanced CRC can be effectively prevented, and the prognosis of these patients can be improved with active early treatment.
Exploring Consumers’ Preferred Purchase Location for Fresh Fruits
Authors: Ramalho Marques Juliano Martins , Torres Ariana P. , Behe Bridget K. , Langenhoven Petrus , de Barros Vilas Boas Luiz Henrique
Published: August 2021

Before consumers choose what and how much fruit to buy, they first decide where to buy it. To address the choices of stores for fresh fruits, this study investigated the influence of market attributes and customers’ attitudes toward their purchasing decisions. Data from a web-based survey of 1658 U.S. consumers were used to conduct multinomial logit regression to investigate the factors guiding their choices regarding four types of stores: chain, independent, club/warehouse, and direct-to-consumer. We found attitudinal scales and market attributes have different effects on the choice of marketplace for fresh fruits. Driven by price and convenience, most consumers prefer chain stores when buying fresh fruits, whereas those same factors deter them from choosing independent and ethnic stores for fresh fruits. The supply of local fruits, friendly atmosphere, and access to desirable fresh fruits positively influenced consumers to purchase fruits at local markets. Our findings can provide insight regarding food retailers and farmers targeting fresh fruit consumers. For example, our findings highlight the importance of providing a friendly atmosphere and outstanding customer service to positively influence purchasing behavior.
Use of a sorption-probiotic feed additive in the diet of cows
Authors: ARISTOV ALEKSANDR , SEMYONOV SERGEY , FALKOV MAXIM
Published: August 2021

Sorption and probiotic feed additive composition was formulated following international experience and trends in organic livestock breeding, and its efficiency under conditions of organic milk production was evaluated. This research focused on the dynamics of organic milk quality and safety parameters in the context of a sorption and probiotic feed additive created by the authors. The study focused on sorption and the probiotic feed additive, as well as the milk of the cows participating in the experiment. During the study period, the mass fraction of fat in the milk of experimental animals increased by 0.1 abs.%, the mass fraction of protein by 0.21 abs.%, and the mass fraction of lactose also by 0.1 abs.% compared to the control values. The mean fat globule size in the experimental group was 3.5% higher, and their number was 7.8% higher than the control counts. In the experimental group, the proportion of casein increased by 10.5%. The rennet casein class increased to 1.7 ± 0.02 and heat resistance to 1.5 ± 0.02. Milk density was 1027.6 ± 0.30 kg/m3 and acidity was 16.9 ± 0.23 °Т.
Limited usefulness of the observation of eye bulb rotation and neuro-ophthalmic responses for assessing the depth of equine anesthesia: an observational study comparing three protocols
Authors: DREWNOWSKA OLGA , TUREK BERNARD , LISOWSKA BARBARA , SHORT CHARLES E. , BIELECKI MAKSYMILIAN
Published: August 2021

The observation of the neuro-ophthalmic responses is an established basic tool for monitoring the depth of anesthesia in horses. However, their usefulness during balanced anesthesia in the clinic is questionable. The aim of this study was to compare the usefulness of neuro-ophthalmic responses during 3 commonly used anesthetic protocols. An observational study was performed on 22 horses, 5 maintained only with isoflurane (ISO group), 12 maintained with isoflurane and a constant rate infusion of ketamine (ISO+KET group), and 5 maintained with isoflurane and a constant rate infusion of detomidine (ISO+DET group). The occurrence of all five responses was noted: spontaneous palpebral and provoked palpebral response, corneal response, nystagmus and eye bulb rotation. The most consistent with the literature and most useful for anesthetic depth assessment was the observation of spontaneous palpebral reflex in all of the groups (p = 0.788) and the most significant differences were visible for the observation of the provoked palpebral reflex (p = 0.015) for all groups. The reflexes in the group ISO+DET were less consistent with the literature than in other groups, making them least useful. The group ISO seemed to have the reflexes’ observations most consistent with the literature expectations. The corneal reflex was always present and nystagmus always absent which confirmed the observations from literature. The above results suggest that neuro-ophthalmic responses, especially eye bulb rotation and provoked palpebral reflexes, should not be the only indicators in assessing the depth of anesthesia during maintenance with ketamine or detomidine with concurrent isoflurane.
Uncertain causation: two hunters dilemma
Authors: Богдан Петрович Карнаух
Published: August 2021

According to the general principles of tort law, in order to succeed a plaintiff must prove causal nexus between the damage he or she sustained and the actions of a particular defendant. However, in some factual situations this task appears to be impossible, and the question arises whether the plaintiff should be left uncompensated or rather the general rule on proof of causation has to be relaxed. In a groundbreaking case Summers v. Tice (the facts of which are also known as ‘two hunters dilemma’), the Supreme Court of California favored the latter option. The Court shifted the burden of proof and decided that under these exceptional circumstances it is for each of the defendants to absolve himself from liability by providing evidence that he could not had caused the damage. The conclusion of the Court does not cause any doubts. However scholars dispute over the exact explanation of that conclusion, because it is the explanation that is crucial for future similar cases.The circumstances of the Summers case are thoroughly analyzed by many writers. Some suggest that even the number of defendants matters (supposing thus, that if there were three of them the court would not have reached the same conclusion). On the other hand, the character of their activity is underlined. The proponents of this point of view focus on the fact that the members of hunting party can coordinate their actions and it is this opportunity of coordination that justifies the burden shifting. The common denominator for numerous authors is spotlighting the fact that both hunters are at fault for causing the uncertainty, even though one of them might not be at fault for causing damage. However, in some other situation the uncertainty could have been caused without their fault. The author doubts if in the latter case the defendants should escape liability.The author offers the following explanation of the two hunters dilemma. Whenever it has been proven that defendants acted negligently subjecting the plaintiff to a certain type of risk and it has been proven that one of them did actually caused plaintiff’s damage, neither of the defendants can absolve himself from liability merely relying on the fact that the damage may have been caused by the other defendant. Otherwise the vicious circle will arise.
Legal aspects of counteracting phishing: the European Union experience
Authors: Іван Васильович Яковюк  , Артем Павлович Волошин  , Антон Олексійович Шовкун
Published: August 2021

Cybersecurity is increasingly seen as a fundamental problem of the state, which comprehensively affects its security and defense, economy, certain spheres of public life, in particular energy, health care and others. Reliable operation of data networks, computer systems and mobile devices is a prerequisite for the effective state and society functioning, an individual’s life. The reliability of key public information systems depends on many factors: cyberattacks, hardware and software failures, and all kinds of errors. The significant increase in the number of incidents in cyberspace necessitates a systematic analysis of sources of threats, the first place among which is phishing. The introduction of criminal responsibility for phishing is complicated by the fact that "phishing" is an "umbrella" concept that covers a number of launched or committed crimes. From criminal law point of view, phishing attacks can correspond to different categories of crimes (extortion, fraud, blackmail, offenses related to the processing of personal data, etc.). The attempt by some states to impose criminal penalties for phishing at the national level does not solve the problem, since it is not difficult for phishers who work worldwide to cross national barriers. That is still the reason why counteracting cybercrime requires significant efforts not only by individual states but also by international organizations, in particular by the European Union.
Legal challenges of the state agricultural policy of Ukraine in the conditions of European integration
Authors: Інна Миколаївна Кульчій
Published: August 2021

It is revealed that there is no definition of a state agricultural policy that reflects its European integration orientation. It is proved that since the signing of the Association Agreement, the process of European integration for Ukraine has become a priority. It was stated that the state agricultural policy should be based on the introduction of a set of legal, organizational and economic measures aimed at the implementation of the Association Agreement in the field of agriculture and rural development. A detailed analysis of the legislation defining the state agrarian policy in the context of European integration has been carried out. The conclusions were drawn about: a large number of legal acts, which are exclusively declarative, since there are no mechanisms for their implementation; lack of a single legal act that would determine the strategic goals of the state agricultural policy, both in the field of agricultural production and social development of the village; lack of a systematic approach, and the adoption of regulations is aimed solely at solving current problems.It is stated that the main priority of the state agricultural policy should be the concept of sustainable rural development, which envisages integrated development of economic, social and environmental spheres of the village, which must be in interaction and interconnection in order for the use of natural resources of rural territories to meet the needs of the present generation. and was done without sacrificing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is proposed to develop the Fundamentals of The State Agrarian Policy in the form of a Law that would provide a set of legal, organizational and economic measures aimed at implementing the Association Agreement in the field of agriculture and rural development. It is pointed out that the structure of this normative act should reflect the strategic priorities of the state, among which the priority should be: measures aimed at ensuring food security; development of value-added agri-food chains and sustainable rural development in the context of European integration.
Economic impact of organised crime to state security
Authors: Pūraitė Aurelija
Published: August 2021

Organised crime is changing and becoming increasingly diverse in its methods, group structures and impact on society. This article aims to research, on the one hand, the impact of organized crime on state’s economy, on the other hand – to analyse the possible legal and economic measures tackling and preventing organized crime activities. The article contains results of the analysis of international, regional and national legal acts and the secondary analysis of statistical data of European Union agencies and international organizations. The author used a variety of methods: from selection and analysis of primary and secondary sources to descriptive, comparative and synthesis methods. Such analysis required multitudinous, broad and diverse base of empirical data, which were collected from the international, regional, national organizations and agencies, as well as scientific, operational and theoretical reports related to the issue of organised crime and impact of this phenomenon to the state and the society.
Online courts and Online Dispute Resolution in terms of the international standard of access to justice: international experience
Authors: Тетяна Андріївна Цувіна
Published: August 2021

The article is devoted to the analysis of the problem issues of the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) through the prism of international standard of access to justice in civil matters. The first part of the article refers to terminological inconsistency, which is connected with using of three synonyms refering to IT-technologies in the area of civil justice, in particular cyberjustice, digital justice and e-justice. The author proposes to use term “e-justice”, which involves e-filing, electronic systems of assignment of cases, e-case-management, eDiscovery, ODR, electronic systems of court practice, using of Artificial Intelligence in civil proceedings. In the second part of the article the narrow and wide approach to the ODR are described. According to narrow approach ODR is described as online ADR. Wide approach to ODR includes online ADR as well as online courts. Today wide approach is more valid taking into account recent developments in the field of online courts in foreign countries. The third part of the article describes different types of online courts, in particular, online Civil Resolution Tribunal (British Columbia, Canada), Online Solutions Court (Great Britain) etc. The author analyzes current innovations in the structure of online courts, connected with integration of information systems and online ADR into the online courts platforms. Special attention is paid to the use of Artificial Legal Intelligence in courts with references to advantages and challenges of such innovations.
Parliamentary responsibility of the government in the european countries
Authors: Алла Анатоліївна Гринчак
Published: August 2021

The article reveals the features of parliamentary responsibility of the governments of Western Europe. When the government or some of its members is to be failing to carry out their duties, parliament can initiate procedures which  have  the  potential  to  replace  all  or  part  of  the  government.  There are two different types of procedure. One is the withdrawal of confidence in the government or in individual ministers. The requirement for a certain minimum number of votes to be obtained before such motions can be initiated or passed highlights the relative strengths of the different political groups within parliament. Where the government has a parliamentary majority, it can usually count on that majority to block the motions. The majority of the parliaments in Europe allow votes of no confidence in the government.  Where the legitimacy of the government rests on parliamentary confidence, the withdrawal or denial of confidence by parliament can force the government out of power. For a vote of no confidence to be passed an absolute majority of all members of the chamber (or chambers, if votes are taken in joint session) is required. Where the collective responsibility of  the Cabinet  is  stressed, a votum of no confidence againstindividual members is prohibited. Several parliaments admit both collective and individual responsibility and allow both types of no confidence motions. The difference between votum of no confidence in the government as a whole and votum against individual ministers were researched.It is concluded that institute of government’ parliamentary responsibility of is the an integral feature of a democratic state with parliamentarianism, ensuring the optimal functioning of the highest bodies of state legislative and executive power.
Legal regulation of Hungarian activities regarding its kin-minority in Zakarpattia
Authors: Віта Антонівна Чепек
Published: August 2021

The article analyzes the role and competences of a kin-state in the protection of its national minority living abroad. The issue had been analyzed with the example of Hungarian unilateral legal acts, which present legal consequences and the legitimacy of the actions of a kin-state. The article focuses on the basic international legal mechanisms for the protection of the rights of national minorities and the recommendations given by international advisory bodies in this area. According to international law, the state, in which the minority lives, has the primary duty to protect minority rights. Only few types of actions can be taken by a kin-state in favour of its kin-minority: actions in the context of international bodies and mechanisms, actions in co-operation with the home state and domestic legislation concerning relations with its kin minority. The last one is not regulated by international law and is broadly discussed in its doctrine. The article analyzes Hungarian domestic legislation providing a wide range of preferential treatment to the members of the kin minorities in Zakarpattia, namely Act LXII OF 2001 on Hungarians Living in Neighbouring Countries and Аmendmentof Act LV of 1993 on Hungarian citizenship. Soft law instruments confirm that this kind of legislation of kin-states has to be assessed in accordance with relevant principles of the international law, such as territorial sovereignty of the state, pactasunt servanda, friendly relations among state and the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular the prohibition of discrimination.
Scientific concepts and legal terminology and their role in criminal law
Authors: Микола Іванович Панов
Published: August 2021

The article is devoted to the analysis of scientific concepts and legal terminology of criminal legislation, the identification of their relationship and role in lawmaking in the development and adoption of quality in form and perfect in content laws on criminal liability. The logical structure of criminal law concepts (content and volume) and their industry types are considered: specific, generic, evaluative concepts and categories as fundamental concepts of law; developed the basic rules for their determination and consolidation in the text of the law. The basic requirements (quality parameters) that are presented to legal terms are identified, with the help of which the law on criminal liability defines legal concepts that comprise the content of legal norms, legal structures and other legal formations that are components of this law. The proposals aimed at improving the form and content of criminal law are formulated.The problems of scientific concepts and legal terminology considered in the article, their analysis and formulated proposals are aimed, as a whole, at improving legislative activity on the development and adoption of high-quality criminal-form laws in form and perfect in content. Legal concepts and legal terminology - organically interconnected phenomena of criminal law - are specifically logical and linguistic means of displaying and consolidating verbally in criminal liability laws (in their norms, legal structures, other regulatory legal conditions) subject to legal regulation formations) of phenomena (objects) of reality that are subject to criminal law regulation. The deeper the legal concepts are developed, the more perfect the legal terminology used in the text of the law, the better the positive law, which should be objectively capable of optimally regulating public relations in the field of criminal law.
Traffic sign recognition based on HOG feature extraction
Authors: Yucong Song , Shuqing Guo
Published: August 2021

The substantial increase in the number of motor vehicles in recent years has caused many traffic safety problems and has aroused widespread concern. As the basis of intelligent vehicle environment perception and a necessary condition for realizing the functions of assisted driving system, traffic sign recognition is of great significance for realizing automatic driving of vehicles, improving intelligent transportation systems, and promoting the development of smart cities.This paper mainly identifies traffic signs, using histogram of gradient feature extraction method. The image is collected and preprocessed by a vision sensor. The color threshold segmentation method and morphological processing are used to reduce the interference of the background area and enhance the contour of the sign area. Finally, HOG method is used to collect the gradient of each pixel point in the cell unit or the direction histogram of the edge to identify traffic signs. Through MATALB simulation, it is obtained that the HOG image feature extraction method has high accuracy, small error and short recognition time, which shows the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Flutter performance optimization of a long-span truss girder bridge in mountainous canyon
Authors: Yousaf Muhammad Roshan , Lei Yongfu , Li Mingshui
Published: August 2021

Steel truss stiffening girders are widely used when designing long-span bridges in mountainous areas owing to their distinct characteristics compared to the streamlined box girder. However, natural wind in mountainous areas is very complex with high turbulence and large attack angles which adversely affect the flutter performance of long-span bridges with truss girders. Aerodynamic countermeasures are widely adopted to improve flutter performance. This paper studies the flutter performance and the effects of various aerodynamic countermeasures on the flutter improvement of a 1060 m truss-stiffened girder suspension bridge spanning mountainous canyon by wind tunnel tests of the sectional model and full-bridge model. First, sectional model tests with the original girder section were carried out under various wind attack angles. Subsequently, to improve the flutter stability of the bridge under the most unfavorable wind attack angle, several aerodynamic countermeasures including central upper stabilizer, horizontal stabilizer, combined central upper and horizontal stabilizers, and sealed central traffic barrier were proposed and sectional model tests with optimized girders were conducted. The results show that the aerodynamic mitigation effect of the central upper stabilizer, horizontal stabilizer, as well as combined measure, is closely related to the geometric dimension of the stabilizing plate. It is found that large geometric dimensions effectively increase the flutter critical wind speed of the truss girder. Considering sealed central traffic barrier measure, the smaller ventilation rates result in larger flutter critical wind speed of the girder. The sealed central traffic barrier measure with a 50 % ventilation rate is deemed as the most optimal aerodynamic countermeasure in consideration of aesthetics, economy, and safety. Finally, the effectiveness of optimal countermeasure is validated through an aeroelastic full-bridge model test. The research is conducted to provide references on flutter performance optimization of similar bridges in the future.
Analyzing the compacting energy and force distribution during the tamper-asphalt mixture interaction
Authors: Jiao Renqiang , Nguyen Vanliem , Zhang Jianrun
Published: August 2021

To enhance the compacting performance and the asphalt density during the tamper-asphalt mixture interaction (TAMI), a dynamics model of the TAMI is established to analyze the compacting energy of TAMI under the different excitation frequencies of the compacting mechanism. The MATLAB/Simulink software is then applied to solve the vibration equations of TAMI based on the lumped parameters of the compacting mechanism and hot mix asphalt. The experimental research is also performed to verify simulation results and force distribution characteristics of the compacting mechanism on the asphalt pavement. The research results indicate that the vibration excitation of the compacting mechanism should be used in a range from 18 to 22 Hz and the number of vibrations of the compacting mechanism at the same position should be used by N= 4 or 5 to improve the compacting performance and the asphalt density. Additionally, the experimental results also show that the compacting force distribution of compacting mechanisms is asymmetric, thus, the design parameters of the vibration screed system should be optimized to enhance the compacting performance of the asphalt paver.
Financial and operational sustainability of a gravity-fed rural piped water supply system in Malawi
Authors: Mwagomba Patrick , Tilley Elizabeth
Published: August 2021

In 2014, a gravity-fed rural piped water supply system (GFRPWSS) was constructed in the northern part of Malawi at a cost of $6.8 million (MK5 billion). The system was designed to serve 35,007 people by 2020 but at the time of the study, the ability of water users association (WUA) to operate and maintain the system as well as the financial sustainability (i.e. if the scheme could run without external support) were unclear. Financial records showed that the WUA collected only 26% of their expected payments in 2018. Over 94% of the WUA members lacked the necessary capacity to manage contracts and human resources and only 16% of the Community Water Point Committees were trained in relevant areas of management. Several key positions had been unfilled and the parts necessary for repairs were unavailable. This is one of the few ex-post evaluations of a GFRPWSS and highlights several key issues for those wishing to implement similar schemes. Findings showed that the water system only partially met the water requirements of the customers, that the WUA struggled technically and operationally to maintain the system and that at the time of the study, the system was financially unsustainable. Improved record-keeping and payment collection, especially if and when quantities are increased, would likely improve all dimensions of sustainability.
Submerged microfiltration membrane and activated carbon processes for recalcitrant compounds removal in oil refinery effluent as electrodialysis pre-treatment
Authors: Piombini Carolinne Ragazzi , Silva Larissa Loureiro Salgueiro , da Fonseca Fabiana Valéria , Campos Juacyara Carbonelli
Published: August 2021

The combination of suspended activated carbon (AC) and submerged microfiltration (SMF) processes was applied to polish a biotreated effluent generated in a refinery industry. Preliminary results indicated that Norit 1240 W AC was more suitable than Carbomafra AC brand for total organic carbon (TOC) removal due to the highest Freundlich adsorption constant value (1.97 ± 0.42 and 0.96 ± 0.23 (mg/g)(L/mg)1/n, respectively), thus the first one was used in the combined system. Among all particle sizes of AC tested (0.041–1.01 mm), AC/SMF system was better performed, according to permeation flux, when applying granular AC instead of the powder one. On the other hand, the best response regarding TOC removal and absorbance at 254 nm (ABS254 nm) reduction were observed when applying powder AC (89% and 97%, respectively). Statistical analysis with two-sample T-test (p-value <0.05) endorsed the need of both air purge (20 L/h) and backwash strategies (8 min of permeation and 10 seconds of backwash) to diminish fouling occurrence in the SMF system. Finally, it was found that 2 g/L of Norit 1240 W PAC (0.041 mm particle size) condition fitted the effluent to further electrodialysis reversal (EDR) process (3.4 mg/L TOC) with consistent normalized permeate flux after 5 h of permeation (0.76 ± 0.1 J/J0).
A AVALIAÇÃO DE POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS COMO PESQUISA SOCIAL
Authors: Castro Márcia
Published: August 2021

A resenha se trata de uma apreciação sobre o livro:  "Aspectos teóricos da avaliação de políticas públicas", de autoria de Lincoln Moraes de Souza, publicado em 2019. O objetivo da obra era "rastrear as teorias de avaliação, procurando seus fundamentos e transformações" até o início dos anos 2000. Nessa perspectiva, nosso intuito foi evidenciar a revisão bibliográfica realizada na obra, através de uma rigorosa pesquisa bibliográfica e como forma de divulgar no meio acadêmico e fazer dos escritos, uma fonte de pesquisa para futuros estudos na área da avaliação de políticas públicas.
PLANEJAMENTO GOVERNAMENTAL PARTICIPATIVO
Authors: De Souza Bento Almeida Lindijane , Maria da Costa Silveira Raquel , Costa do Nascimento Silva Brunno , Kevinlyn Martins Marinho Larissa
Published: August 2021

A presente pesquisa tem como objetivo estudar o processo de elaboração dos Planos Plurianuais (PPAs) do estado do Rio Grande do Norte para os períodos de 2016-2019 e 2020-2023, compreendendo avanços e desafios postos ao gestor público para o planejamento participativo, bem como observando se novas práticas foram instituídas a partir das experiências de planejamento. Ainda, investigou-se se, na visão dos gestores, o processo de planejamento participativo possibilitou a aproximação entre o gestor estadual e o cidadão potiguar. Foi realizada pesquisa documental a partir da leitura e análise dos PPAs publicados, além de entrevistas semiestruturadas com gestores estaduais e observação direta. Os resultados indicaram como desafios a ausência de conhecimento prévio dos servidores em relação a conceitos e elementos relacionados ao planejamento; a falta de credibilidade em processos participativos e em relação ao próprio PPA; dificuldades no monitoramento das ações, além da tímida participação social.