bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Rainfall Trends in the Jinghe River Basin During 1959-2014
Authors: Weng Xuerou , Long Xunjian , Ye Yan , Ye Yong
Published: January 2022

Trend analysis is widely applied in hydrometeorological research. Considering that Innovative Trend Analysis (ITA) and Innovative Polygonal Trend Analysis (IPTA) can detect small variations on annual and smaller scale, rainfall trends at 14 hydrometeorological stations in the Jinghe River Basin were analyzed by ITA, IPTA and Mann Kendall test (MK). The results showed that the rainfall trends are subsistent from 1959 to 2014. Comparing the results of ITA and MK on annual level, it was determined that trends are consistent, but only two stations passed the 90% significance test through MK, while all stations passed the significance test through ITA. Accordingly, the ITA method proved to be better than MK in detecting small changes in time series. Changes in high and low values, obtained by the ITA method, reflected flood and drought trends in the basin. In addition, IPTA is an improved ITA method that is suitable for a relatively short time span. Through the IPTA method for analyzing the monthly precipitation trends, the results showed that rainfall at 14 stations increased in January, February, March, June and December, and decreased significantly in September. Therefore, the methodology applied in this study can provide detailed recommendations for hydrometeorological research.
A Novel Inflammation-Related Prognostic Biomarker for Predicting The Disease-free Survival of Patients With Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Cai Xiao ling , Chen Fa , Liang Li sheng , Jiang Wei , Liu Xing , Wang Dong , Wu Yun li , Chen Jin , Guan Guo xian , Peng Xian e
Published: January 2022

Background: To develop and evaluate the prognostic value of a comprehensive inflammatory biomarker for postoperative colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.Methods: A total of 646 CRC patients were recruited between August 2017 and December 2019 from Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, with follow-up data up to 2021. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method (LASSO) was used to select inflammation indicators in order to construct a comprehensive biomarker (named NSAP). The Cox regression model was utilized to analyze the association between the NSAP and the disease-free survival (DFS) of CRC. Predictive performance and clinical utility of prognostic models were evaluated by area under the curve (AUC) and decision curve analyses (DCAs).Results: During a median follow-up of 23 months, 95 clinical outcomes were observed, with a one-year survival rate is 89.47%. A comprehensive inflammatory biomarker (NSAP) was established based on four blood indicators (including Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Neutrophil×Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (SIRI), Albumin-to-Globulin Ratio (AGR) and Platelet-to-Lymphocytes Ratio (PLR)). Patients with a lower NSAP had significantly associated with better DFS of CRC (HR=0.53, 95%CI: 0.32-0.89). Moreover, compared to a previously established model, the traditional TNM staging system or/and tumor markers, the nomogram based on NSAP displayed more excellent predictive ability (0.752 vs 0.597, 0.711 and 0.735, P < 0.05). DCAs also demonstrated that the established nomogram had better utility for decision making.Conclusions: Our study suggests that NSAP may be a useful comprehensive prognostic biomarker for predicting the DFS of CRC patients. The nomogram based on NSAP can be considered a valuable tool to estimate the prognosis of patients with CRC.
Claudin17 deficient mice display leaky vasculature and organ injury accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammation
Authors: Adil Mir , Parvathagiri Varun , Verma Arti , Liu Fang , Rudraraju Madhuri , Narayanan S P , Somanath Payaningal R
Published: January 2022

The Multi-gene claudin (CLDN) family of tight junction proteins have isoform-specific roles in blood-tissue barrier regulation. Although CLDN17, a putative anion pore-forming CLDN, is assumed to regulate anion balance across the blood-tissue barriers, our knowledge about CLDN17 is limited. The current study investigated how Cldn17 deficiency in mice affects blood-tissue barrier integrity and vascular permeability. Cldn17−/− mice revealed no breeding abnormalities, but the newborn pups exhibited delayed growth until they turned 8-weeks. Adult Cldn17−/− mice displayed electrolyte imbalance, oxidative stress, increased vascular leakage, increased bone density, and organ injury. In addition, these mice demonstrated increased leukocytosis. A xenograft model to study pathological neovascularization showed higher vascular density in tumors developed in Cldn17−/− mice compared to wild-type controls. RNA-sequencing revealed hyperactivation of signaling pathways associated with inflammation and reactive oxygen species generation, demonstrating the importance of Cldn17 in blood-tissue barrier maintenance.
Multi-Expert Multi-criteria Decision-making Model to Support the Conservation of Paramount Elements in Industrial Facilities
Authors: Jato-Espino Daniel , Martín-Rodríguez Ángel , Martínez-Corral Aurora , Sañudo-Fontaneda Luis A.
Published: January 2022

Modern industrial electricity production is embedded in a global paradigm shift associated with the end of fossil fuels due to climate change, which has led to increased interest in leaving testament of power plants. Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) can help analyse complex interactions between industrial elements, society, culture and nature, providing key benefits when approaching heritage investigations. In this context, this research concerned the design of a Multi-Expert (ME) MCDA methodology to support the selection of paramount heritage elements in power plants based on the collection, processing and harmonisation of the views of a group of international experts in the field. This approach was tested using a case study in the As Pontes power plant (NW Spain), which will be dismantled in a near future. The results achieved pointed out to cooling towers, boilers, chimney and turbine hall as the fundamental elements to preserve due to their relevance across a set of technical, historical and sociocultural criteria. These outcomes proved the usefulness of the proposed approach in favouring the valorisation of industrial facilities as heritage areas protecting the social and cultural history of a territory.
Occupational Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids Among Nurses in Public Hospitals of the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Adal Ousman , Abebe Asmamaw
Published: January 2022

Background: Exposure to blood and body fluids causes major health hazards and serious concerns among health care professionals in their work settings. The prevalence of exposure to blood and body fluids is increasing, particularly for nurses who work in the emergency unit. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of occupational exposure to blood and body fluids, and its associated factors among nurses in public hospitals in the emergency department and intensive care unit, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 18, 2021, to April 20, 2021. Simple random sampling was used to select the studies in public hospitals. Semi-structured self-administer questioners were used to collect the data and analysis using SPSS version 25. Logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with exposure to blood and body fluids.Results: About 198 (0.76 with 95% CI: 0.71, 0.81) had been exposed to blood and body fluids in their professional lifetime, and 167 (0.64 with 95% CI: 0.58, 0.70) were exposed to blood and body fluids in the last 12 months. Being male (AOR = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.35, 6.12), a lack of access to handwashing facilities (AOR = 5.02, 95% CI: 3.73, 14.51), not wearing a face shield and apron (AOR = 6.21, 95% CI: 2.39, 9.55), and a lack of personal protective equipment (AOR = 5.53, 95% CI: 1.87, 10.38) were all found to be significantly associated with exposure to blood and body fluids.Conclusion: As a result of the lack of personal protective equipment, the majority of nurses did not consistently wear an apron and face shield while providing patient care, putting them at a higher risk of acquiring blood-borne pathogens.
Application of Estrogen for the Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence in Mice
Authors: Li Lu , Hong Shasha , Li Yang , Li Xiang , Yang Lian , Liu Jianfeng , Hong Li
Published: January 2022

Background The etiology of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is complex and diverse among women, with past studies having demonstrated that estrogen deficiency is an important cause of pelvic floor muscle atrophy and urethral degeneration. We comprehensively investigated the effects of estrogen in the treatment of SUI in female mice at cellular and animal levels.Methods L929 cell mechanical injury model was established by four point bending device, and SUI mouse model was established by vaginal dilation method commonly used to simulate labor injury. After treatment, the expressions of collagen I, collagen III, elastin, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9 were detected, the leak point pressure (LPP) and abdominal leak point pressure (ALPP) of mice in each group were detected, and the effect of estrogen on extracellular matrix remodeling of mouse urethra and anterior vaginal wall was observed from the histological level.Results These results revealed that an appropriate amount of estrogen can promote the expression of collagen I, collagen III, elastin, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2, decrease the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9, and maintain the dynamic balance of MMPs/TIMPs at both cellular and animal levels. Meanwhile, we determined that estrogen can increase the LPP and ALPP values of SUI mice. The collagen fibers’ content in the mice treated with estrogen was significantly greater than in the control group mice. Conclusions The estrogen may alleviate the symptoms of SUI by reconstituting ECM, toward laying a solid foundation for the further exploration of estrogen therapy.
Effect of conducting polymer incorporated heterostructure morphology of MgCo2O4@PPy nanosheets: A promising cathode material for asymmetric supercapacitor applications
Authors: Sathishkumar S , Karthik M. , Boopathiraja R. , Parthibavarman M. , Nirmaladevi S. , Sathishkumar S.
Published: January 2022

In this work, MgCo2O4@PPy composite material was synthesized by using hydrothermal and chemical polymerization methods. In 2 M KOH electrolyte solution, the pure and composite electrodes deliver specific capacitance of 632 Fg-1 and 988 Fg-1 at a low current density of 1 Ag-1. The MgCo2O4@PPy composite electrode demonstrates high specific capacitance, long-cyclic ability, high capacitive retention, and a large energy density when utilised as an asymmetric device (ASC). A good combination of conducting polymers, which significantly improves the electrochemically active site of the electrolyte electrode interface, is credited with the MgCo2O4@PPy composite electrode material's good electrochemical behaviour. At the same time, the heterostructure shape (Nanosheet@nanospherical) influences electrolyte solution penetration and electron/ion transport. These materials have a promising future in the realm of electrochemical energy storage.
Expression of Long Noncoding RNAs in the Ovarian Granulosa Cells of Women with Diminished Ovarian Reserve Using High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Dong Li , Xin Xin , Chang Hsun-Ming , Leung Peter C.K. , Yu Chen , Wu Haicui , Lian Fang
Published: January 2022

Background: Infertility is a global reproductive-health problem, and diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is one of the common causes of female infertility. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial regulators of numerous physiological and pathological processes in humans. However, whether lncRNAs are involved in the development of DOR remains to be elucidated. Methods: Ovarian granulosa cells (OGCs) extracted from infertile women with DOR and from women with normal ovarian reserve (NOR) were subjected to high-throughput sequencing. Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis was conducted to identify the differential expression of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and lncRNAs. Sequencing results were validated by the selection of random lncRNAs using real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results: Compared with the NOR group, a total of 244 lncRNAs were upregulated (53 known and 191 novel), and 222 lncRNAs were downregulated (36 known and 186 novel) in the DOR group. Similarly, 457 mRNAs had differential expression between the two groups. Of these, 169 were upregulated and 288 were downregulated. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes of mRNA and lncRNAs were considerably enriched in “cell adhesion and apoptosis”, “steroid biosynthesis”, and “immune system”. A co-expression network comprising lncRNAs and their predicted target genes revealed the possible involvement of the “thyroid hormone signaling pathway” and “protein binding, digestion and absorption” in DOR pathogenesis. The expression of SLC16A10 was positively regulated by multiple lncRNAs. Seven differentially expressed lncRNAs (NEAT1, RAB5A, MEG3, GNG12, MST1L, GCN1, and ZEB2-AS1) were identified, among which the expression of NEAT1, GNG12 and ZEB2-AS1 was in accordance with RNA-sequencing. Conclusions: We presented the first data showing that the expression profiles of lncRNA and mRNA in OGCs between NOR and DOR patients using RNA sequencing. The lncRNAs that we identified may serve as novel diagnostic biomarkers or drug targets for patients with DOR.
Stellar Initial Mass Function Varies with Metallicities and Time
Authors: Liu Chao , Li Jiadong , Zhang Zhi-yu , Tian Hao , Fu Xiaoting , Li Jiao
Published: January 2022

Most structural and evolutionary properties of our Milky Way and external galaxies strongly rely on the stellar initial mass functon(IMF), namely the distribution of the initial stellar mass formed in one episode of stellar population. Both constant and variable IMFs across different environments have been claimed in our Galaxy and in external galaxies, despite a large number of theoretical and observational efforts. However, most of these studies either depend on indirect models or are biased to relatively small sample sizes, leading to high uncertainties and inconclusive results. Here we report a large-sample star-counting statistical result based on ~93,000 M-dwarf stars in the 100–300 parsec Solar neighbourhood selected from the LAMOST9 and Gaia surveys, and find unambiguous evidence of a variable IMF distribution that depends on metallicity and stellar age. Specifically, the stellar population formed at the early time contains fewer low-mass stars compared to the canonical IMF, independent of stellar metallicities. In present days, on the other hand, the proportion of low-mass stars increases with stellar metallicity. Such non-universality of the IMF, especially for star-forming systems at low-metallicity environments, implies that the history of the Milky Way and bulk evolution of the Universe have to be reconsidered.
The multifactorial aquaculture-related COVID-19 shock in Benin, West Africa: A socio-economic perspective of mitigating the disruptive impacts on the small-scale and subsistence producers
Authors: Amoussou Toundji Olivier , Dessouassi Comlan Eugène , Yong Dorothé Ngondjeb , Fagnon Siméon Mahougnon , Houngbe Luc , Millogo Vinsoun , Toko Ibrahim Imorou , Frimpong Emmanuel A.
Published: January 2022

Aquaculture development in Benin depends heavily on small-scale and subsistence aquaculture producers (SSAPs), who are disseminating and sustaining production activities. The aquaculture sector is vulnerable to market shocks, because of its dependence on inputs and facilities, which are mainly imported from overseas. The recent outbreaks of global aquaculture diseases have also proven the sensitivity of the sector. The vulnerability of SSAPs is expected to increase as a subsequent result of the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In addition, the gender-based vulnerability is very little documented and deserves to be evaluated in the country’s aquaculture sector. We conducted an on-line survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 and the resulting restrictive measures on the functioning of SSAPs farms. The data were collected from 98 SSAPs informants spread over the country's high aquaculture production zone. The rate of increase in input prices, linear discriminant and factorial correspondence analyses projected severe constraints in almost all the value chain. The rates of increase in the unit price of inputs increased from 14–188%, thus weakening aqua-farmers’ purchasing capacity. COVID-19 has led to a drop in the sales turnover of aqua-farms, resulting in staff reductions and unemployment. Difficulties in accessing quality inputs have led to the disruption of fish growth and thus the production cycle. The sale of aquaculture products saw a 20–30% drop in turnover in many farms. The challenges mentioned by women are mainly the high cost of fish feed, the rising input and transport costs, and the lack of financial resources. Therefore, short, medium and long-term mitigation measures are suggested and could help to alleviate these difficulties, while sustaining the blue revolution already under way. This community should adopt and strengthen their use of existing endogenous technologies as well as digital modern options for remote aquaculture sales, in order to cope with future disruptions. The scientific community should help to propose incentive-based alternative options (e.g., affordable production systems, and efficient micro-credit model) that can motivate fishers to move towards aquaculture, as a guarantee of the sustainability of their livelihoods and the environmental sustainability of the resource.
Firing Mechanism Based on Single Memristive Neuron and Double Memristive Coupled Neurons
Authors: Yu Fei , Shen Hui , Wang Chunhua , Sun Jingru , Cai Shuo
Published: January 2022

Memristive neurons and memristive neural networks constructed based on memristors have important research significance for revealing the mystery of the brain. This paper proposes a compound hyperbolic tangent cubic nonlinear memristor, which has nonvolatile memory characteristics and local activity characteristics. In particular, the memristor also has three stable pinched hysteresis loops under different initial values. The memristor is applied to Fitzhugh-Nagumo neuron and Hindmarsh-Rose neuron to establish five different memristive neural models, and a series of firing dynamics analysis are carried out on them. At the same time, we not only discuss multiple firing patterns on a single memristive neuron and double memristive coupled neurons, but also compare which neuron and which coupled neural network the proposed memristor is more suitable for, which is a lack of comprehensive investigation in the published research. Furthermore, digital circuit experiment is performed on the FPGA development board to verify the firing mechanism of these memristive neural models, which has potential application value for some practical projects.
Fake News Classification and Disaster in case of Pandemic: COVID-19
Authors: Qazi Tooba , Shams Rauf Ahmed
Published: January 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Customs Valuation Assessment Using Cluster-based Approach
Authors: Siyam Nur , Alqaryouti Omar , Shaalan Khaled
Published: January 2022

Customs duty obligations are primary revenue sources for nations. Any under or over value can result in economic instability. The role of customs is safeguarding society and local businesses from criminally guided value manipulations. In this paper, a cluster-based approach to detect the customs commodity value manipulation is proposed. This approach represents the shipment related information into 3-dimensional space to determine any wrongdoing through two stages comprising distance- and density-based techniques. This representation simplifies the process by identifying relationships among the various shipment features. These two stages work together in order to analyse the shipments information and determine any abnormal behaviour for these shipments. The results of the proposed approach achieved an accuracy of 86%. This technique will provide much needed capabilities to protect the revenue and securing the trade supply chain from illegitimate activities.
Point and pixel inclusive machine learning models for exploring gully erosion susceptibility
Authors: Pal Swades , Debanshi Sandipta , Paul Satyajit
Published: January 2022

Sample point based spatial model derived from Machine Learning (ML) algorithms often generalizes the spatial pattern of event. The present study has tried to highlight how far it is acceptable and can it replace pixel based modelling? The present study has presented a comparative view of pixel and sample point based modelling of gully erosion susceptibility of the upper Mayurakshi basin to assess the predictabilities. Random forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and (ADB) were applied for developing pixel and point based models in WEKA and Python software environments respectively. From the models, it is found that 14-25% area located mainly in the upper parts of the study unit is very highly susceptible to gully erosion. Based on the accuracy and performance level using Area under curve (AUC) of Receiver operating curve, sensitivity, precision, F1 score, MCC pixel based ensemble models are superior to point based modelling. Often, the point based models have a very poor agreement with training and testing data. So, pixel based models could not be replaced with point based models. RF is found as the best representative model. The study, therefore, recommends using pixel based modelling for this or a similar purpose. Since the models have figured out the gully erosion susceptible areas, it would be a useful tool for related planning processes.
A first greenhouse application of bacteria-expressed and nanocarrier-delivered RNA pesticide for Myzus persicae control
Authors: Ma Zhongzheng , Zhang Yunhui , Li Mingshan , Chao Zijiao , Du Xiangge , Yan Shuo , Shen Jie
Published: January 2022

There are two main limitations for sprayable RNA pesticide development: delivery efficiency and synthetic cost of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). We previously constructed a nanocarrier-based transdermal dsRNA delivery system and a novel bacteria-based hairpin RNA (hpRNA) expression system to solve these challenges. Herein, as a subsequent exploration of RNA pesticide (sprayable ds/hpRNA for pest control), we performed a greenhouse application of bacteria-expressed and nanocarrier-delivered RNA pesticide on green peach aphid. The nanoparticle SPc could combine and deliver dsRNA across the aphid cuticle, and V-type proton ATPase subunits d (ATP-d) and G (ATP-G) were selected as the potential RNA interference (RNAi) targets. Our plasmid- Escherichia coli system simultaneously expressing ATP-d and ATP-G hairpin RNAs (hpRNAs) was constructed for mass production of hpRNA. The expressed hpRNA was mixed with SPc and detergent to form RNA formulation, which showed a certain insecticidal activity through the spray application in the greenhouse. Total control efficacy of our RNA pesticide could reach 61% on 3 d, and maintained at 50% until the sixth day. To our knowledge, our study is the first attempt to apply the bacteria-expressed and nanocarrier-delivered RNA pesticides for pest control in the greenhouse trial, which is beneficial for promoting the development of RNA pesticides.
Microbial And Molecular Differences According To The Location of Head And Neck Cancers
Authors: Kim Yun Kyeong , Kwon Eun Jung , Yu Yeuni , Kim Jayoung , Woo Soo-Yeon , Choi Hee-Sun , Kwon Munju , Jung Keehoon , Kim Hyung-Sik , Park Hae Ryoun , Lee Dongjun , Kim Yun Hak
Published: January 2022

Background : Microbiome has been shown to substantially contribute to some cancers. However, the diagnostic implications of microbiome in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain unknown.Methods : we report for the first time, the molecular difference in the microbiome of oral and non-oral HNSCC. Primary data was downloaded from the Kraken-TCGA dataset. The molecular differences in the microbiome of oral and non-oral HNSCC were identified using the linear discriminant analysis effect size method. Results : In the study, the common microbiomes in oral and non-oral cancers were Fusobacterium, Treponema, and Selenomonas and Clostridium and Massilia, respectively. We found unique microbial signatures that positively and negatively correlated with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways in oral cancer and negatively correlated KEGG pathways in non-oral cancer. In oral cancer, positively correlated genes were mostly found in bacterial infection pathways, while negative correlated genes were involved in HTLV-I infection, signal transduction, cell adhesion, and cancer-associated pathway. In non-oral cancer, positively correlated genes did not show any significant results, and negatively correlated genes showed results from focal adhesion pathway and regulation of actin cytoskeleton pathway.Conclusions : These results could help in understanding the underlying biological mechanisms of the microbiome of oral and non-oral HNSCC. Microbiome-based oncology diagnostic tool warrants further exploration.
Thermal-induced dielectric response in mechanically durable polyvinylidene fluoride/kapok encapsulated polyethylene glycol composite films
Authors: Gong Yutie , Li Zhenzhen , Li Hairong , Wu Wenqi , Pei Xianglin , Tu Junyang , Zhou Weijie , Jiang Ming , Gong Wei
Published: January 2022

Dielectric materials with thermally responsive property are being pursued in fields such as next-generation sensors, smart switches, and novel actuators. These applications require that the dielectric materials have mechanical durability and stable serviceability besides thermally responsive dielectric behavior. Herein, we report a novel thermally responsive, mechanically durable, and low-cost dielectric composite simply fabricated by vacuum impregnating polyethylene glycol (PEG) into Kapok fiber (KF) and compounding them with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). A remarkable dielectric susceptibility, controlled dielectric transition temperature and obvious thermal hysteresis of the composite films induced by the solid-liquid phase transition of PEG are demonstrated. The effect of molecular weights of PEG on the dielectric response behaviors is evaluated. Such thermally responsive dielectric materials with satisfactory mechanical durability will offer a chance toward constructing thermally responsive systems for safe and stable operation.
Quantum Chirikov criterion: Two particles in a box as a toy model for a quantum gas
Authors: Yampolsky Dmitry , Harshman Nathan , Dunjko Vanja , Hwang Zaijong , Olshanii Maxim
Published: January 2022

We consider a toy model for emergence of chaos in a quantum many-body short-range-interacting system: two one-dimensional hard-core particles in a box, with a small mass
defect as a perturbation
over an integrable system, the latter represented by two equal mass particles.
To that system, we apply a quantum generalization of Chirikov's criterion for the onset of chaos, i.e. the criterion
of overlapping resonances.
There, classical nonlinear resonances translate almost automatically to the quantum language. Quantum
mechanics intervenes at a later stage: the resonances occupying less than one Hamiltonian eigenstate are excluded from the chaos criterion.
Resonances appear as contiguous patches of low purity unperturbed eigenstates, separated by the groups of undestroyed states-the quantum analogues
of the classical KAM tori.
THE EFFECTS OF INTEREST RATE ON REAL EFFECTIVE EXCHANGE RATE VOLATILITY SPILLOVER IN MALAYSIA AND THAILAND: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE
Authors: Abu Bakar Mohd Jaffri , Loganathan Nanthakumar , Golam Hassan Asan Ali , Nugraha Mursitama Tirta
Published: January 2022

The research examined this asymmetric effect between the interrelationship of the interbank rate on the external competitiveness purchasing power represented by the real effective exchange rate for Malaysia and Thailand using monthly data covering the period of 1994 until 2020. The empirical findings confirms an asymmetric effect between interbank rate and real effective exchange rate based on the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag estimates. The research also finds a unidirectional asymmetric causal relationship running from real effective exchange rate on interbank rate Thailand, which indicate the monetary policy has a direct relationship on interbank rate volatility. While in Malaysia, there is no causality running between both variables since the country has proposed several soft monetary policies and more concentrating on the short-term borrowing by improving the tight money supply circulation based on the domestic inflation, global economic, and financial market volatility. Therefore, the research recommends a specific need of monetary stabilizer policy to stabilize both countries’ currencies and put more effort to liberalize the foreign exchange rate system in a globalized economy.
On the Mechanism of Legal Regulation of Civil Circulation
Authors:   Baikal State University, Vinichenko Yu.V.
Published: January 2022

This article is a development of the author's concept of civil circulation, according to which the latter should be perceived not as a legal form of economic circulation (as it is established in the Russian civilistic doctrine), but as a systematically organized sphere of actual (real) relations of subjects, representing an economic subsystem of society, which should be subject to legal regulation due to its social importance. Choosing the mechanism of legal regulation of civil circulation as the subject of this study, the author highlights approaches to the understanding of the mechanism of legal regulation (available in the general theory of law) and to the issue of its elements, the types of legal regulation allocated in science. On this basis, the author formulates a general definition of the mechanism of civil circulation legal regulation, and gives characteristics of legal regulation means and types of this social sphere. The mechanism of civil circulation legal regulation is defined as a system of legal means, by which legal regulation (ordering) of social connections (relations) that form civil circulation as a sphere of society is carried out. It is noted that the elements of the mechanism of civil circulation legal regulation are such legal means as: 1) norms of positive law; 2) (specific) legal relations of subjects of civil circulation; 3) acts of implementation of legal opportunities and obligations by participants in civil circulation; 4) (optionally) acts of law application. It is summarized that the peculiarity of these means of the civil circulation legal regulation mechanism is the presence of «intersectoral component», caused by the specificity of civil circulation as an object of legal regulation. The author pays attention to the necessity of developing a general (intersectoral) doctrine of the civil circulation legal regulation mechanism. It is argued that the legal regulation of civil circulation is carried out not through a combination of two types of legal regulation – public law and private law types, but through the only one – general permissive type.
Inaction in Civil Law: The Definition of the Concept.
Authors:   Russian State University of Justice, Kharitonova A.A.
Published: January 2022

The article is devoted to the identification of signs of such form of civil law behavior as inaction. Based on these signs the author formulates the definition of inaction in civil law. The need for a definition of this concept is due to the absence of the study of this civil law behavior form, as well as its generally accepted interpretation, in the civil doctrine. The author studies general signs of behavior, allocated in the sciences that study human behavior, the study of signs of legal behavior, allocated in the legal science, attempts to interpret these signs in relation to the concept of inaction in civil law, as well as identifies the specifics of such inaction. It is proved that the opinion generally accepted in the legal doctrine, that inaction is a manifestation of passivity, is not confirmed by psychological characteristics of human behavior, and the absence of observable acts of behavior does not indicate the lack of such behavior activity. The stage character of choosing the form of external manifestation of behavioral model is considered and the stages of the process of formation of inaction mechanism in civil law are determined. Following the results of the study the definition of inaction in civil law has been given.
Comparative Legal Analysis of the Bankruptcy Institution Destigmatization as a Mechanism of Anti-crisis Regulation.
Authors:   Vyatka State University, Tatarinova E.P. , Minnullina K.A. ,   Vyatka State University
Published: January 2022

Considering the importance of the bankruptcy institution in the system of anti-crisis regulation state measures, its adaptation to the new challenges caused by the negative economic consequences of the pandemic is one of the key challenges faced by all legal systems without exception. The study analyzes the measures taken by states at the national level in order to consider the main trends and patterns of its development, as well as to identify the most effective strategies for reform. The comparative analysis of reforms in the sphere of insolvency demonstrates the positive effect of crisis phenomena on the legal regulation of the bankruptcy institute. In the conditions of the crisis, the questions about the expediency of strict regime of managers' responsibility, about the necessity to provide accessibility and flexibility of rehabilitation mechanisms, about the preferential regime for separate categories of creditors became especially urgent. The authors formulate the main development trends, present the conclusion about the benefits of reducing the social stigma of the institute of insolvency, which is based on its recognition as an integral part of the business system and a tool for overcoming financial problems, and not only as a liquidation mechanism.
Corporate Contract Legal Regulation in the Context of the Joint-stock Company Corporate Culture.
Authors:   All-Russian State University of Justice, Bandurina N.V.
Published: January 2022

The relevance of this article is due to the need to study legal nature of the corporate contract in the field of corporate culture and the system of corporate governance in modern conditions. The subject of the study is regulatory legal acts governing corporate contracts conclusions, as well as doctrinal sources and interpretations. The purpose of the work is to conduct a study of the corporate contract institution and to identify its legal nature and significance for corporate governance. The author shows various points of view on the nature and content of the corporate contract, examines the positions of legal scholars on its binding or dual nature, including applying this design in corporate legal relations. The article also considers certain issues of corporate governance, effective tools in the management system and analyzes the possibility of applying a corporate contract in the framework of governance in corporate legal entities. One of the main points is the justification of the corporate contract essential role in regulating the business companies` corporate governance system, since it can determine the structure of corporate bodies, their competence, which are reflected both in the charter of a corporate legal entity and directly in the corporate contract itself. The author concludes that there is a need to further improving this contractual design in order to increase its enforceability and attractiveness in various economic societies.
Participation of a Member of the Board of Directors in a Quasi-corporate Agreement: Legal Basis and Problematic Aspects
Authors:   Kutafin Moscow State Law University, Medyankin P.Yu.
Published: January 2022

The subject of the study is the provisions of corporate legislation on the corporate agreement in terms of analysis of non-standard for corporate relations legal construction of the contract between creditors of the company and other third parties with participants of the economic society – the so-called «quasi-corporate agreement». Despite the annually increasing popularity of this legal construction, legislation in this area contains many legal gaps, which have not yet been filled by law enforcement practice. The positions of leading domestic legal scholars also remain ambiguous. Using members of the joint stock company board of directors as an example, the author raises questions concerning the subject composition of quasi-corporate agreements. Can a member of the joint stock company board of directors, who is not a shareholder of the company, conclude a quasi-corporate agreement with creditors of the company and other third parties? The author concludes that the narrowing of the circle of third parties in the quasi-corporate agreement is inexpedient. Moreover, members of a company`s board of directors are competent to act as a party of such an agreement. Restricting exclusively by participants of a business company the list of persons who may act both on the side of a business company and on the side of third parties in quasi-corporate contracts concluded in the order of clause 9 article 67.2 of the Civil Code, does not meet the original (legislatively enshrined) purpose of such agreements.
On Freedom of Housing Legal Contracts: Raising the Issue
Authors:   Irkutsk Institute (Branch), All-Russian State University of Justice, Lazarev I.A.
Published: January 2022

The article analyzes the place of housing legal contracts in the system of contracts in Russian law. The author offers his own point of view with respect to the range of housing contracts, designates the criteria of such allocation. It is proposed to consider true that by virtue of a number of features (among which the subject of such contractual structures occupies the leading place) housing law contracts significantly differ from civil law contracts. The author pays special attention to the definite characteristics of housing law contracts, laid down at the level of principles, in particular – the principle of freedom of a contract. The article emphasizes the absence of this principle legal fixing in the housing legislation, notes its ignoring by the scientists and the cautious approach of the courts to its application, analyzes the scope of each element of the principle of contracts freedom in the contractual constructions under the housing law. The author substantiates that manifestation of the principle of contracts freedom in housing law significantly differs from that in civil law, and restrictions of contractual freedom are more likely to be regarded as a rule rather than an exception. The conclusion of the need for further studying the problems outlined in the article is substantiated.
Enhanced removal of arsenic from aqueous solution by novel red mud porous beads: batch and column experiments
Authors: Xu Yuxing , Yin Yue , Guo Mengyan , Xu Gaoyang , Li Linlin , Liu Changqing
Published: January 2022

Arsenic contamination in groundwater and rivers has become a major problem around the world, and may cause severe environment pollution and human health problems. In this study, cost-efficient adsorbent red mud porous beads (RPB), using red mud – a kind of alumina industry by-product, was synthesized for adsorptive removal of arsenic(V) from aqueous solution. Kinetic studies showed that chemisorption mainly governed the adsorption process. The experimental data were fitted well using the Langmuir isotherm, and the equilibrium adsorption capacity for arsenic of 11.758 mg/g at pH = 7 conditions. The effect of pH showed that the pHpzc of RPB was 6.0 and at pH = 6 the removal rate reached nearly 100%. The removal rate decreased from 91.3% to 79.0% with increase in the initial concentration of arsenic from 2.5 to 20 mg/L. The adsorption performance from column studies illustrated that the velocity of flow and the initial concentration influenced the breakthrough time of the column. This study would facilitate the use of red mud, which can be fabricated into RPB, acting as a valuable adsorbent for removing arsenic in aqueous solutions.
Distribution characteristics of antibiotic resistance bacteria and related genes in urban recreational lakes replenished by different supplementary water source
Authors: Li Yongqiang , Zhang Chongmiao , Mou Xiao , Zhang Peipei , Liang Jie , Wang Zhen
Published: January 2022

The distribution characteristics of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in urban recreational water from different water-supply sources might be different. In this study, water samples were collected to detect the antibiotic resistance of heterotrophic bacteria to five antibiotics, and the content, phenotype, gene type and species distribution of resistant bacteria were analyzed. The results showed that the changes of bacteria resistance rate in two lakes to five kinds of antibiotics were synchronous with time, and it would reach its maximum in autumn. The detection of ARGs and int I in 80 resistance strains showed that the detection rate of tetG, tetA and int I was high. Here, 51.25% of the bacteria were doubly resistant to AMP-CTX. The 80 isolate strains were of nine genera and 19 species, among which Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Aeromonas veronii, Aeromonas caviae and Raoultella ornithinolytica were the common ARB species in two lakes. Correlation analysis showed that the water temperature was significantly correlated with the content of ARB in sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) and cefotaxime (CTX) (p < 0.05), and the total phosphorus (TP) in FQ lake was significantly correlated with the content of AMP-resistant bacteria (p < 0.05), while there were no other correlations between the changes of other water quality indexes and the content of ARB (p > 0.05).
Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and Colorectal Carcinoma: Emerging Non-invasive diagnostic Biomarkers with Potential
Therapeutic Target Based Clinical Implications
Authors: Ray Suman Kumar , Mukherjee Sukhes
Published: January 2022

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) constitute new small non-coding RNA
molecules of around 24-31 nucleotides in length, mostly performing regulatory roles for
the piwi protein family members. In recent times, developing evidence proposes that
piRNAs are expressed in a tissue-specific way in various human tissues and act as
moderate vital signalling pathways at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level in
addition to mammalian germline. Recent findings, however, show that the unusual
expression of piRNAs is an exclusive and discrete feature in several diseases, including
many human cancers. Recently, considerable evidence indicates that piRNAs could be
dysregulated thus playing critical roles in tumorigenesis. The function and underlying
mechanisms of piRNAs in cancer, particularly in colorectal carcinoma, are not fully
understood to date. Abnormal expression of piRNAs is emerging as a critical player in
cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration in vitro and in vivo.
Functionally, piRNAs preserve genomic integrity and regulate the expression of
downstream target genes through transcriptional or post-transcriptional mechanisms by
repressing transposable elements' mobilization. However, little research has been done
to check Piwi and piRNAs' potential role in cancer and preserve genome integrity by
epigenetically silencing transposons via DNA methylation, especially in germline cancer
stem cells. This review reveals emerging insights into piRNA functions in colorectal
carcinoma, revealing novel findings behind various piRNA-mediated gene regulation
mechanisms, biogenetic piRNA processes, and possible applications of piRNAs and piwi
proteins in cancer diagnosis and their potential clinical significance in the treatment of
colorectal carcinoma patients.
Rationale for the Concept of Impending Hypertension-Mediated Organ
Damage
Authors: Koracevic Goran , Stojanovic Milovan , Lovic Dragan , Radovanovic Radmila Velickovic , Koracevic Maja
Published: January 2022

Background:

The number of patients with hypertension urgencies (HTN-Us) and emergencies
(HTN-Es) in the emergency department is relatively constant despite improved detection, awareness
and control of arterial hypertension.

Objective:

This study analyses the precision of the often-used definition of HTN-E, particularly the
phrase ‘with the evidence of impending or progressive hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD)’.
We then provide a rationale for the concept of impending HMOD.

MethodS:

The databases PubMed, Science Direct, Springer, Oxford Press, Wiley, SAGE and Google
Scholar were searched and the relevant definition has been analyzed.

Results:

The definition of HTN-E is suboptimal and requires a consensus on whether to include the
phrase ‘impending hypertensive HMOD’ in the definition.

Conclusion:

A consensus on the principles of treating the ‘impending hypertensive HMOD’ does not
exist, making its use inconsistent in emergency departments worldwide. In this paper, we present a rationale
for the concept of ‘impending HMOD’.
Synthesis of Quinine-Triazole Derivatives (QNTDs) with Antifungal Potency
Authors: Sahu Adarsh , Agrawal Ramkishore
Published: January 2022

Background:

Reduced efficacy of the available antifungal drugs is the major public health concern of the population all over the world. Despite significant advances in the treatment of these life-threatening infections, severe toxicity and increasing median effective dose have lim-ited the efficacy of frontline therapy applicable against them.

Objective:

The quintessential occurrence of systemic toxicity handicaps the clinical utility of cur-rently available antifungal drugs. 1,2,3-Triazoles in the same context are relatively less toxic. Con-sequently, conjugation of quinine with the triazole moiety for enhanced efficacy and reduced tox-icity have been excessively envisaged and reported in the context of a range of activities ranging from inflammation to cancer, however lack of toxicity profile sabotages the translation of the la-boratory prototype into successful clinical practice.

Method:

We herein report the synthesis and characterization of a series of quinine triazole hybrids via o-mesylation followed by azide displacement, then reacting it with aliphatic and aromatic al-kynes in water: t-butanol mixture. The reaction was carried in the presence of copper sulphate and sodium ascorbate. Product 6a-s was screened for in-vitro antifungal activity. The in-vitro antifungal potential of synthesized compounds was estimated against prominent fungal strains (Candida albi-cans, Aspergillus niger and, Aspergillus clavatus).

Results:

The results showed that some of the synthesized compounds exhibited marked activity. Compounds 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6g, and 6q showed significant antifungal activity at micromolar con-centration. The studies revealed that some of the compounds exhibited activities more than that of reference drugs. The compound containing thiazole ring 6c is the most potent compound of the series.

Conclusion:

Compound 6c was found to be the most vigorous against C. albicans, A. niger, A. clavatus with MIC values of 119.4, 112.7, and 121.3 μM/mL, respectively. Our SAR study re-vealed that the introduction of the 1,2,3-triazole ring in the structure of quinine modulated its po-tency for treating fungal infection.