bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the degradation of the modified polyolefins in different environments
Authors: Studenikina L. N. , Kudina T. E. , Iushin V. O. , Melnikov A. A.
Published: November 2020

Hybrid composites based on synthetic thermoplastics (STP) are a prospect for replacing traditional plastics in various sectors of the national economy: crop production (composite hydroponic substrates, containers, etc.), water treatment (composite biofilter loads), packaging industry, etc. The purpose of the work is to assess the destruction of composites based on STP, modified with prooxidants (PR) and polysaccharides (PS), in various external conditions that mimic environmental factors (thermal, photochemical (UV radiation), chemical, biochemical effects). As objects of research, we used prototypes based on a copolymer of ethylene with vinyl acetate and high-pressure polyethylene, modified with microcellulose and cobalt stearate. The time of exposure to external factors is 3 months. The work also assessed the degree of influence of the compounding technology (one-stage, two-stage) of the three-component system "STP: PR: PS" on the degree of destruction of the composite. It has been established that effective destruction of polyolefins modified by prooxidants is observed only under conditions of thermal and ultraviolet exposure. When the content of polysaccharides in the polyolefin matrix is 40 vol.% Or less, the composites are not significantly affected by chemical and biological environmental factors. Simultaneous modification of polyolefins with a prooxidant and a polysaccharide does not lead to a synergistic effect of destruction during the studied period of exposure. Under conditions of heat exposure and UV irradiation, the behavior of the three-component composite is similar to the behavior of the PO modified with the prooxidant, but with a less pronounced aging effect, and in aqueous media such materials behave as the PO polysaccharides modified, but also with less pronounced destruction. One-stage compounding of the three-component system "STP: PR: PS" significantly reduces the efficiency of composite destruction
Prospects for the use of liquid waste from the production of sodium carbonate as a coolant based on the ternary system CaCl2-K2Cr2O7-H2O
Authors: Plotnikova S. E. , Peregudov Y. S. , Gorbunova E. M. , Niftaliev S. I.
Published: November 2020

Currently, the urgent problem is the secondary use of distillation liquid - a waste product from the production of sodium carbonate, which is an aqueous solution containing about 10 % calcium chloride and a small amount of other salts. It is proposed to use a solution based on a distiller liquid as a coolant in a heat exchange system in the production of soda. The introduction of potassium dichromate into the system creates an inhibitory effect and prevents pipe corrosion. To study phase equilibria in the CaCl2 - K2Cr2O7 - H2O system, state diagrams were constructed at temperatures of 20, 3, and -7°C. With decreasing temperature, the homogeneous region noticeably decreases and shifts to the CaCl2 - H2O axis. The eutectic point is limited to a very narrow area in which the weight fraction of potassium dichromate does not exceed 3%.Using the Skrynemakers method, it was found that in a region with a calcium chloride content of less than 40 %, potassium dichromate crystallizes. For the region adjacent to the apex of calcium chloride, it is impossible to establish the composition of the solid phase and the boundaries of its crystallization using the Skrynemakers method. This is due to the fact that the binary system CaCl2 - K2Cr2O7 is a ternary reciprocal system K +, Ca2 + Cl-, Cr2O72- . In this area, the formation of solid solutions or compounds based on the binary system K2Cr2O7 - CaCr2O7 is supposed. For the temperature range from -7 ?С to 50 ?С, the refrigerant composition was proposed: 3 % K2Cr2O7 - 10.2 % CaCl2 - 86.8 % H2O. In the temperature range from 20 ?С to 60 ?С, the composition of the solution is: 6 % K2Cr2O7 – 10 % CaCl2 – 84 % H2O.
Method of forming strategic alternatives for the development of subsidiaries and choosing the optimal strategy for each of them
Authors: Lutchenko V. G. , Khorev A. I. , Khorev I. A. , Grigorieva V. V. , Lutchenko T. V.
Published: November 2020

The article examines the methodology for the formation of strategic alternatives to the activities of a subsidiary and the choice of a strategy for its development, operating in a narrow market segment and included in an integrated structure. The proposed methodology should differ from the methodology for developing an autonomous operating enterprise, since the main task of a subsidiary is to obtain additional competitive advantages to the existing ones mainly by entering an integrated structure, which can be provided by a competitive strategy focused on costs or differentiation. The possibility of implementing a benchmark strategy of concentrated and diversified growth is considered. An expanded scheme for the formation of alternative development strategies for subsidiaries in the form of a combination of growth strategies and competitive strategies in their classical definition is presented. After the formation of alternative strategies of the subsidiary, the main task is to select the optimal development strategy for the enterprise from among the alternative, which will allow, by establishing relationships between the enterprises, to obtain the maximum possible competitive advantages. The authors have worked out the technique of choosing the optimal strategy for the development of a subsidiary from among alternative strategies to maximize competitive advantages
Study of the forms of moisture bond in coriander seeds based on analysis of drying kinetics
Authors: Antipov S. T. , Kazartsev D. A. , Davydov A. M. , Emelyanov A. B.
Published: November 2020

The article deals with the issues related to the study of the forms of connection of moisture removed during the drying of coriander seeds. A study was carried out to determine the quantitative moisture content of various forms of communication by two methods and a comparative analysis was carried out. It is shown that the existing methods for studying the forms of moisture-material bond have significant drawbacks and generally give a qualitative assessment of the state of moisture in the material or are very laborious and require lengthy laboratory research. An approach is proposed to determine the forms of moisture bond in coriander seeds based on graph-analytical analysis of the drying kinetics, which makes it possible to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the state of moisture in the seeds. With the help of a graphical editor, the curves of the kinetics of drying of coriander seeds were processed and the dependences of the value characterizing the rate of change in the rate of drying of coriander seeds on the moisture content of the product were obtained, and the introduction of a new concept into the theory of drying of this value as "acceleration of drying" was proposed. The analysis of the obtained curves is carried out, indicating the presence of extrema and points of inflection to the corresponding critical moisture content, as well as the presence of areas with a slowdown or acceleration of the drying rate change, which make it possible to establish the intervals of moisture removal with different binding energies. The approach considered in the article to determine the forms of moisture bond in coriander seeds will allow not only to give a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the state of moisture in products, but also to reduce the time spent on analysis and increase the accuracy of the results.
Trade-an infrastructure element for delivering fish to consumers in Russia
Authors: Ryzhkova S. M. , Kruchinina V. M.
Published: November 2020

In Russia, for the successful development of fishing and fish farming, there is a natural base: access to the seas and oceans, a significant area of internal reservoirs: rivers and lakes. However, the distribution of fish resources is very uneven: in some areas, resources far exceed the needs of the local population, while others may not have direct access to fish stocks. Therefore, trade plays an important role in achieving a more even distribution of fish throughout the country and is an important element of the market economy, market exchange, and one of the indicators of the well-being of the economy at the micro, macro, and meso levels. The purpose of the study is to study trade as an important infrastructure element for the delivery of fish and seafood to the final consumer. Was a valued commodity structure of sales and inventory of wholesale and retail trade, purchasing power per capita monetary income of the population, the role and potential of consumer cooperatives Centrosoyuz in the marketing chain for the delivery of fish and seafood to the final consumer. Methods: comparison and scientific analysis, inductive and deductive, monographic helped to outline the problems and ways of trade development. To promote the sale of fish and its processed products, it is necessary to develop all types of trade, including wholesale and retail, as well as create exchanges, electronic platforms and use any other modern marketing channels. A multi-disciplinary system of commodity movement is needed for the redistribution of inter-regional cargo flows "East-West" and "North-South" and the development of the main transport directions: latitudinal, meridianal and diagonal, for the delivery of fish and seafood from the catch regions to the place of consumption.
Innovative approaches to personnel development in Russian organizations
Authors: Dashkova E. S. , Dorokhova N. S. , Zenkova O. A. , Isaenko M. I.
Published: November 2020

The article reveals innovative approaches to professional training, retraining and advanced training of employees, building their business careers for domestic organizations. The increase in the importance of human resources in modern conditions of hyperdeterminacy of the external environment of the organization is justified. The key barriers that prevent the implementation of the concept of self-learning organizations in domestic practice are identified: lack of competent specialists who have experience in implementing this concept in practice; lack of financial resources; lack of understanding and unwillingness on the part of management to implement this concept. Innovative methods of personnel training are described: case method, "Secondment" training, distance learning, training, coaching, "budding" training, virtual training, gamification (gamification), Lego serious play method. The article reveals innovative approaches to building a business career, implemented in conditions of increasing staff mobility through the use of the "secondment" method and horizontal promotion, which can contribute to the formation of multicompetence and increase the employee's competitiveness. The economic and social efficiency of investment in the development of human resources of the organization is justified. Economic efficiency is reduced to improving the quality of labor resources, generating additional profit, optimizing the workflow, and increasing competitiveness in the market. Social effectiveness is expressed in increasing employee satisfaction with the process of training and professional growth, their motivation to work and increasing loyalty to their organization. It is concluded that the use of innovative approaches to personnel development for Russian organizations will increase the expected economic and social effects even in conditions of instability of the financial situation of organizations and the economic crisis.
Strategies for Developing Universal Skills for the VUCA World
Authors: Meshcheryakova M. A. , Shalnev O. G. , Filatova M. V.
Published: November 2020

Over the past ten years, there has been a lot of talk about the importance of digital skills in the world of the future, about the ability to learn throughout life as the main quality of an employee, about how employers are increasingly beginning to appreciate the “soft” skills of employees. But few could have imagined that the future would literally come right now. Due to the introduction of quarantine in many countries around the world and the economic crisis, organizations are forced to transform in the shortest possible time, including reorganizing to remote work and mastering new digital tools for this. Even the usually conservative spheres of healthcare and education are urgently adopting telemedicine and distance learning. The success of the ongoing transformations is only partially dependent on technical readiness and digital skills. It is much more related to the extent to which managers and employees are ready to develop and make non-standard decisions, maintain communication, adapt work processes, and set priorities. The main idea is that the breakthrough development of digital technologies will not lead to digitalization of the entire economy. On the contrary, special human qualities will acquire additional value, since they cannot be automated. Another premise in favor of the gradual increase in the importance of a certain spectrum of human skills is the special conditions of the modern economy. It is very demanding on both business and society and an individual, even if we exclude the factors of crisis or force majeure. High expectations of individual performance and company results have become the new norm, and the rapid pace of change makes it impossible to predict what knowledge, skills and tools will be useful even in the foreseeable future.
Comparative analysis of the food and feed value of rapeseed dried by convective method and using microwave power supply in a swirling coolant flow
Authors: Bunin E. S. , Kalashnikov G. V. , Makeev S. V.
Published: November 2020

When choosing a method for drying rapeseed seeds, along with the productivity and energy costs of the process, it is necessary to take into account the quality of the resulting product. It is determined by the appearance of seeds, the balance of protein, vitamin and amino acid composition, as well as the quality of the oil contained in the seeds. Therefore, it is necessary that during the drying process, these indicators should be preserved and, if possible, improved.The aim of this work is to compare the quality indicators of rapeseed seeds dried in a microwave device with a swirling flow of heat carrier and the traditional method of convective heat transfer.The qualitative indicators of rapeseed and canola oil during convective and microwave drying were studied. The influence of microwave energy on the drying process and the quality of rapeseed in a microwave device with a swirling coolant flow was studied. Organoleptic and physico-chemical indicators of the quality of rapeseed dried by convective method and using a combined microwave power supply were determined. The study of the composition of proteins, the content of amino acids and vitamins of group E, as the most important quality indicators in the production of food products and feed additives using rapeseed. A comparative analysis of changes in the quality indicators of rapeseed seeds is performed, which allows identifying structural changes occurring during the drying process and assessing the quality of the resulting product during convective drying and using a combined microwave power supply. In the experimental studies found that the use of microwave energy in the drying process leads not only to increasing productivity, reducing energy costs, but also helps to preserve nutritional value, complete protein, amino acids and vitamin E dried product.
Development of a functional product for the prevention of iodine deficiency
Authors: Antipova L. V. , Daryin A. O.
Published: November 2020

Iodine belongs to the most important elements that are responsible for the full working condition of the body. Iodine deficiency is a very acute problem, its elimination is an important task of the world communities, reflected in the Doctrine of Food security of the Russian Federation, regional target programs of Russia. In the modern world, the proposed measure for the prevention of iodine deficiency is the consumption of iodized salt and some foods containing an inorganic form of iodine, or the use of a variety of biologically active additives. However, according to the observed statistics of diseases that are associated with a lack of iodine, the presented measures are not very effective. The article presents studies of the process of bioconversion of inorganic iodine into organic – bioavailable, capable of reaching the target organ, for example, during the germination of lentil grains in the appropriate nutrient medium. The possibility of obtaining an organic form of iodine from sprouted lentils in an iodized medium with subsequent production of food products, such as vegetable milk, is proved. The organoleptic, physico-chemical parameters of the milk obtained, as well as vitamin and amino acid compositions that increase the nutritional and biological value of the product were studied, the safety indicators were analyzed and meet the requirements for use in food systems. In the course of the work carried out, we obtained a product with a balanced composition of nutrients for the human body. These developments open up prospects for the creation of functional products for functional purposes with a bioavailable form of iodine.
Application of complex radiation and refrigeration technology for antiseptic treatment and preservation of the quality of mushrooms
Authors: Shishkina N. S. , Karastoyanova O. V. , Fedyanina N. I. , Korovkina N. V.
Published: November 2020

The use of effective physical processing methods to preserve food and agricultural products is gaining more and more popularity every year. This article presents a complex technology, including processing by accelerated electrons with doses of 1–3 kGy at a beam energy of 5 MeV. The efficiency of application of processing with accelerated electrons and modification of the composition of the gaseous medium for optimization of the technology of refrigerated storage of champignon mushrooms has been investigated. The technology parameters have been established to ensure microbiological safety and preservation of the consumer qualities of mushrooms under production conditions. The treatment with accelerated electrons at doses of 1–3 kGy in combination with cooling and modification of the composition of the gaseous medium delayed the postharvest maturation processes and led to an increase in the storage time of mushrooms up to 20 days (control 10–14 days). The modification of the composition of the gaseous medium was ensured by the selective gas permeability of the used packaging material (polypropylene, polyethylene, biaxially oriented polypropylene) and the respiration of the raw material. Depending on the intended purpose of the product - fresh sale or further processing (drying, freezing, etc.), the technology under consideration, due to the differentiated choice of technological parameters of storage and processing, allows to control changes in organoleptic, physicochemical and microbiological indicators of the quality of mushrooms in a targeted manner. Packaging made of biaxially oriented polypropylene and polypropylene should be used for mushrooms for processing, due to the best preservation of the structure of plant tissue, as a result of slowing down the ripening processes and delaying aging and spoilage, for the sale of fresh mushrooms, it is most effective to use polyethylene packaging.
Analysis of the chemical composition and properties of the main and side products during the implementation of new technologies for producing ethanol
Authors: Zueva N. V. , Agafonov G. V. , Lukinova I. Y. , Dolgov A. N.
Published: November 2020

The article studied yeast composition isolated from the separation of the mash, bran separated in the grinding step, as well as a protein supplement obtained by mixing these two products. Crude fat content ranges from 4,7 to 6,2%, crude protein content is 38%, which is 20% lower than in the fodder yeast, but 14% higher than that of the bran. It is also found that the resulting protein product enriched in micro- and macro-elements, as well as readily hydrolyzable and water soluble carbohydrates. crude fiber content is 5,5%, which is almost 2,5 times lower than in the bran. The composition of the feed protein supplement obtained with the introduction at the stage of aqueous suspension of wheat powdery cellulolytic enzyme preparation Viskolaza 150 L and without it. The enzyme preparation was added in the step of preparing aqueous suspensions and wheat powdery dosage of 0,01% by weight of the feedstock. protein feed additives obtained with and without addition of cellulolytic enzyme preparation of high quality crude protein content and protein. Thus, the content of crude protein in the protein with the introduction of an additive in an aqueous suspension of powdery Viskolazy 150 L was 37% whereas 34% without the enzyme preparation. The amount of soluble polysaccharides and the mass fraction of ash were practically at the same level of from 2,4 to 5% and from 5,5 to 7,0%, respectively. fiber content of the protein supplement using Viskolazy 150 L was 4,2-6,1%, which is 2,5 times lower than in the protein supplement obtained without enzyme preparation.
The study of the main impurities mature mash depending on the duration of fermentation, yeast alcohol race and used enzyme preparations
Authors: Zueva N. V. , Agafonov G. V. , Novokshenova E. A. , Dolgov A. N. , Chusova A. E.
Published: November 2020

The paper studied the process of intensification of concentrated fermentation mash with account of the complex amylolytic enzymes, hemicellulase and proteolytic activities. We determined the dependence of ethanol yield, the content of volatile impurities, the content of reducing substances, depending on the different strains of yeast at a seed rate 15 million cells per 1 cm3 wort. To identify the parameters of the fermentation process the wort with an increased solids content, investigated the dynamics of accumulation of volatile impurities by varying the rate and duration of seeding yeast fermentation using 987-O5 race yeast. It revealed that the qualitative composition of impurities in the mash, the resulting wort of high-concentration depends both on the duration of fermentation, and from normal seeding yeast. Thus, depending on the duration of the fermentation process, the acetaldehyde content increases (from 613,17 mg/dm? to 54 h to 1724,6 mg/dm? to 72 hours), the amount of ethyl acetate is reduced (from 409,2 mg/dm? to 54 hours prior to 207 mg/dm? to 72 hours), the methanol content to 54 h at a rate of 15 million yeast seeding cells per 1 cm? of the wort amounted to 0,0043 mg/cm?, whereas by 72 h of fermentation at the same seed rate yeast – 0,0070 mg/dm?, the amount of 1-propanol and 1-butanol was reduced from 903,14 mg/cm? and 6,38 mg/cm? -54 h to 880 mg/cm? and 5,57 mg/cm? - to 72 hours, respectively. The minimum content of isobutanol independent of the duration of fermentation was 900-1100 mg/cm? at a seed rate 15 million yeast cells per 1 cm? wort izoamilola number increases from 1219,08 mg/dm? (54 hr) to 2673,84 mg/dm? (72 h). It revealed that the smallest total amount of impurities obtained by seed rate yeast 15 million cells per 1 cm? wort at the duration of fermentation 54 hours was found that maximum ethanol content in the mash with minimal accumulation therein volatiles corresponds embodiment:. Duration of fermentation - 54 hours at normally the problem of yeast cells – 15,0 million / cm? wort.
Use of whey protein ingredients to produce milk fat simulants
Authors: Melnikova E. I. , Stanislavskaia E. B. , Baranova K. Y.
Published: November 2020

The article deals with the problem of thermomechanical processing conditions influence on the properties of dry whey protein ingredient solutions: whey protein concentrates and isolates. The initial stage of obtaining fat property mimics is heat treatment of protein solutions to the temperature exceeding the denaturation threshold (65-75 °C). The next mechanical impact on the aggregates obtained leads to the formation of the particles similar to the fat globules. Protein mass fraction has a significant influence on the denaturation process. When its value becomes larger, the number of collisions between primary aggregates increases as well as the coagulation probability. In isolate solutions the denaturation rate was high, and it was observed intensive, irreversible coagulation at all protein concentrations. Aggregates were characterized as porous, branched, and polydisperse. Shear rate increase under mechanical impact resulted in even greater aggregates growth. Samples obtained at high shear rates were characterized by apparent physical instability. Large size of the protein aggregates was confirmed by a high degree of sedimentation. Suspensions were characterized as granular. The denaturation rate and coagulation intensity were lower in concentrate solutions. Presence of lactose helped to protect proteins from rapid loss of solubility by stabilizing their structure against thermal unfolding. The aggregates were characterized by a round compact shape, and the particle size didn’t differ a lot. Protein mass fraction change of the concentrate suspension samples did not have significant influence on the aggregates size and shape. Rotor rotation speed increase contributed to the particle size decrease. The solutions were characterized by the sedimentation stability and they had a uniform thick consistency imitating properties of the fat-containing products.
Gaming practices and technologies in education: their educational potential, limitations and problems in the world-of-work and world-of-play context
Authors: Gilyazova Olga
Published: November 2020

This article highlights and discusses potential opportunities, limitations and problems related to using games and game technologies (such as gamification) in education. For the purpose of the study, games are seen ontologically as conditional realities. The world-of-work and world-of-play concept, which stems from the ideas of social phenomenology about lifeworld and multiple realities, forms a methodological basis for the analysis and differentiation between game and non-game activities, thus underlying the scientific novelty of our study. The following conclusions were inferred: By turning learning into a game we may prompt students to perceive the world-of-work (duties, responsibilities) as the world-of-play (desires, freedom); then, either the school will lose its socializing role in preparing students for life, which is a world of work and commitments rather than a world of game, or students will become bored with the game that will lose its appeal (or suggest manipulations). Thus, despite all its advantages, game-based and gamified education should not be seen as a panacea.
Pengaruh perbedaan rasio menir kedelai proteksi dan tanpa proteksi terhadap konsumsi, kecernaan dan nilai nutrien pakan Domba Ekor Gemuk
Authors: Riyanto Joko , Widyawati Susi Dwi , Sudibya Sudibya
Published: December 2020

Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pakan penggemukan Domba Ekor Gemuk (DEG) ditinjau dari aspek konsumsi, kecernaan dan efisiensi penggunaan nutrien.

Metode: Pakan penelitian menggunakan konsentrat mengandung menir kedelai tanpa proteksi dan terproteksi menggunakan formaldehid kadar 37%. Domba penelitian sebanyak 15 ekor dibagi dalam tiga macam perlakuan masing-masing perlakuan diulang satu kali menggunakan satu ekor DEG setiap ulangan. Perlakuan terdiri dari P1 = 30% rumput gajah (RG) + 55% konsentrat basal (KB) + 10% menir kedelai tanpa terproteksi (MKTP) + 5% menir kedelai proteksi (MKP), P2 = 30% rumput gajah (RG) + 55% konsentrat basal (KB) + 7.5% menir kedelai tanpa terproteksi (MKTP) + 7.5% menir kedelai proteksi (MKP), dan P3 = 30% rumput gajah (KB) + 55% konsentrat basal (KB) + 5% menir kedelai tanpa terproteksi (MKTP) + 10% menir kedelai proteksi (MKP). Parameter meliputi konsumsi, kecernaan dan efisiensi penggunaan nutrien bahan kering, bahan organik dan protein kasar.

Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa perbedaan perlakuan berpengaruh nyata terhadap konsumi, kecernaan dan protein kasar dapat dicerna (P>0,05) dan tidak berpengaruh terhadap konsumsi dan kecernaan bahan kering dan bahan organik serta bahan kering dan bahan organik tercerna (P<0,05). Kecernaan protein kasar P1, P2 dan P3 berturut-turut 72,33%, 75,17%, dan 77,13%.
Kesimpulan: Pakan P3 untuk penggemukan DEG dihasilkan konsumsi dan kecernaan protein kasar yang lebih tinggi dan efisien dari pada P1.
Influence of Vitamin D3 Deficiency on the Development of Malocclusions
Authors: Leszczyszyn Anna , Dominiak Marzena , Hnitecka Sylwia
Published: December 2020

Background: Insufficient or excessive growth of the craniofacial bone leads to skeletal and dental defects, which in turn result in the presence of malocclusions. To date, all causes of malocclusion have not been fully explained. In the development of skeletal abnormalities, attention is often paid to general deficiencies - including vitamin D3 deficiency, which causes rickets in growing people. It is suspected that its chronic deficiency may also affect the development of skeletal malocclusion. The aim of the study was to prospectively assess the impact of vitamin D deficiency on the development of malocclusions.Methods: The examination consisted of three parts - (1) medical interview, (2) orthodontic examination along with an alginate impression and radiological imaging, (3) taking a venous blood sample for vitamin D3 level testing.Results: In about 42,1% patients the presence of a skeletal defect was found. In 46,5% of patients presence of dentoalveolar malocclusion occurred. The most common skeletal defect was jaw narrowing in turn, among malocclusions most often retrogenia was diagnosed.Conclusions: A relatively small number of patients in the study group was diagnosed with skeletal malocclusion. Due to effects of vitamin D on the development and metabolism of bones, including jawbones, and the relationship with, for example, rickets, we believe that it would be worthwhile to conduct a study fully focused on the group of patients with skeletal defects.
Mobility-Aware Personalized Service Recommendation in Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Zhang Hongxia , Dong Yanhui , Yang Yongjin
Published: December 2020

With the proliferation of smartphones and an increasing number of services provisioned by clouds, mobile edge computing (MEC) is emerging as a complementary technology of cloud computing. It could provide cloud resources and services by local mobile edge servers, which are normally nearby users. However, a significant challenge is aroused in MEC because of the mobility of users. User trajectory prediction technologies could be used to cope with this issue, which has already played important roles in service recommendation systems with MEC. Unfortunately, little attention and work have been given in service recommendation systems considering users\' mobility. Thus, in this paper, we propose a mobility-aware personalized service recommendation approach based on user trajectory and QoS predictions. In the proposed method, users' trajectory is firstly discovered by hybrid long-short memory networks. Then, given users\' trajectories, service QoSs are predicted, considering the similarity of different users and different edge servers. Finally, services are recommended by a center trajectory strategy based on the aforementioned information. Experimental results based on the real base station dataset show that our proposed approach can outperform the traditional recommendation approaches in terms of the accuracy in mobile edge computing.
Meta-analysis of the impact of plant invasions on soil microorganism communities
Authors: Torres Nardi , Herrera Ileana , Fajardo Laurie , Bustamante Ramiro
Published: December 2020

One of the ecological impacts generated by invasive plants is the alteration of the microbial community in the soil, which leads to changes in the availability of nutrients and in the assembly of native plant communities. In order to identify which attributes of the soil microbial community was affected by plant invasions, we performed a meta-analysis based on 48 scientific articles that compare these attributes in invaded and non-invaded areas. We analyzed for bacteria, and fungi biomass, richness and diversity; but in some cases lack of studies prevented us for conducting some of the analyses. We use a random effects model to determine the increase or decrease in the values of the response variables, in the presence of invasive plants. The results indicated that the variable responses that change with the invasion of plants is the diversity of bacteria. On the other hand, the diversity of bacteria in the soil increases with the presence of invasive plants, specifically, herbs producing allelopathic substances growing in forest ecosystems of temperate zones. Changes in this variable have consequences on the nutrient cycle, enzymatic activity, mineralization rates and the carbon and nitrogen content of the soil.
Plasma radio–metabolite analysis of PET tracers for dynamic PET imaging: TLC and autoradiography
Authors: Li Fiona , Hicks Justin W , Yu Lihai , Desjardin Lise , Morrison Laura , Hadway Jennifer , Lee Ting-Yim
Published: November 2020

Background In molecular imaging with dynamic PET, the binding and dissociation of a targeted tracer is characterized by kinetics modeling which requires the arterial concentration of the tracer to be measured accurately. Once in the body the radiolabeled parent tracer may be subjected to hydrolysis, demethylation/dealkylation and other biochemical processes, resulting in the production and accumulation of different metabolites in blood which can be labeled with the same PET radionuclide as the parent. Since these radio-metabolites cannot be distinguished by PET scanning from the parent tracer, their contribution to the arterial concentration curve has to be removed for the accurate estimation of kinetic parameters from kinetic analysis of dynamic PET. High performance liquid chromatography has been used to separate and measure radio-metabolites in blood plasma, however, the method is labor intensive and remains a challenge to implement for each individual patient. The purpose of this study is to develop an alternate technique based on thin layer chromatography (TLC) and a sensitive commercial autoradiography system (Beaver, Ai4R, Nantes, France) to measure radio-metabolites in blood plasma of two targeted tracers - [18F]FAZA and [18F]FEPPA , for imaging hypoxia and inflammation respectively. Results Radioactivity as low as 17Bq in 2µL of pig’s plasma can be detected on the TLC plate using autoradiography. Peaks corresponding to the parent tracer and radio-metabolites could be distinguished in the line profile through each sample (n=8) in the autoradiographic image. Significant inter-subject and intra-subject variability in radio-metabolites production could be observed with both tracers. For [18F]FEPPA, 50% of plasma activity was from radio-metabolites as early as 5 min post injection while for [18F]FAZA, significant metabolites did not appear until 50 min post. Simulation study investigating the effect of radio-metabolite in the estimation of kinetic parameters indicated that 32-400% parameter error can result without radio-metabolites correction.Conclusion TLC coupled with autoradiography is a good alternative to high performance liquid chromatography for radio-metabolite correction. The advantages of requiring only small blood samples (~ 100 mL) and of analyzing multiple samples simultaneously, make the method suitable for individual dynamic PET studies.
Self-poisoning with pesticides in Jiangsu Province, China: a cross-sectional study on 24,602 subjects
Authors: Wang Boshen , Han Lei , Wen Jinbo , Zhang Juan , Zhu Baoli
Published: November 2020

Background: With an estimated >800,000 suicide-related deaths and potentially several attempts for each death in the world. The purpose of this study was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of self-poisoning with pesticides within the Jiangsu province in China. Methods: Suicide rate was calculated the Routine Surveillance System by Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, stratified by gender, age and region, combined with socioeconomic and agriculture-related factors to investigate trends in suicide over the study period. A logistic regression model was used to investigate the associations between pesticide types and pesticide-related deaths.Results: In recent years, Jiangsu Province has witnessed a decrease in pesticide self-poisoning cases and consequent deaths. Among all suicides by deliberate ingestion of pesticides, the proportion of cases were mainly in the age 40, accounting for 3.43% of all cases with pesticide suicide. The proportion of suicide due to pesticide poisoning in females was markedly higher than that in males (p<0.001). Suicide using organophosphate and carbamate insecticides was most common, with 10,303 reported cases accounting for 42.02% of all suicides. Conclusions: For national responses to be effective, the characteristics of pesticide suicides should be comprehensively investigated for the formulation of corresponding prevention strategies. At present, more pesticide suicide prevention policies for the elderly people and women should be implemented, and stronger pesticide management policies should be implemented for rural areas.
Association of serum Cyr61 levels with peripheral arterial disease in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Bin Feng , Xu Guidong , Sun Kangyun , Zhang Nannan , Shi Bimin
Published: November 2020

Background: The prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is obviously increased in diabetic patients. Existing evidences show that cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (Cyr61), a 40 kD secreted protein, plays important roles in regulating cellular physiological processes. Recent studies have demonstrated a significant correlation between serum Cyr61 levels and atherosclerosis. However, the relationship between Cyr61 levels and PAD in type 2 diabetic patients remains obscure.Methods:. A total of 306 subjects with type 2 diabetes were recruited. The extent of PAD was determined by using the Fontaine classification, which defines four stages. We analyzed Cyr61 serum levels by ELISA in patients with and without PAD at Fontaine’s stage II, III, or IV. Logistic regression models were used to examine the independent association of Cyr61 with PAD.Results: Out of the 306 patients enrolled in this study, 150 patients were free from PAD, while 156 had clinically significant PAD. In PAD patients, the prevalences of Fontaine classification stage II, III and IV were 48.7%, 32.1%, and 19.2%, respectively. Patients with more advanced PAD had significantly higher Cyr61 (P for trend <0.001). The prevalence of PAD on the basis of severity increased with ascending Cyr61 quartiles (all P for trend <0.001), and the severity of PAD was positively correlated with Cyr61 quartiles (r=0.227, P=0.006). The association of Cyr61 levels with PAD remained after adjusting for major risk factors in a logistic regression analysis.Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that Cyr61 was significantly increased in type 2 diabetic patients with PAD and that Cyr61 levels were positively associated with disease severity. It could be a promising biomarker and further studies are needed to assess its clinical utility.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Hospitalized Surgical Patients: a Silently Emerging Public Health Concern in Benin.
Authors: YEHOUENOU Carine Laurence , KPANGON Arsène A. , AFFOLABI Dissou , RODRIGUEZ-VILLALOBOS Hector , Bambeke Françoise Van , DALLEUR Olivia , SIMON Anne
Published: November 2020

Background: Surgical site infections are related to high morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. As the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens in hospitals is becoming a worldwide challenge for surgeons who treat healthcare-associated infections, we wished to identify the causative agents involved in surgical site infections and their susceptibility pattern in six public hospitals in Benin. Methods: Using standard microbiological procedures, we processed pus specimens collected from obstetrics and gastrointestinal surgery wards. Mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) was used for confirmation. The antibiotic susceptibility test firstly used the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The secondary test by microdilution used the Beckton Dickinson Phoenix automated system (Becton Dickinson Diagnostic, USA). Results: We included 304 patients (mean age 32 ± 11 years), whose median length of stay was 9 days. A total of 259 wound swabs (85.2%) had positive aerobic bacterial growth. In obstetrics S. aureus (28.5%, n=42) was the most common isolate. In contrast, Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) were predominant in gastrointestinal surgery. The most dominant being E.coli (38.4%, n=31). Overall, 90.8% (n=208) of aerobic bacteria were multidrug resistant. Two-third of S. aureus (65.3%, n= 32) were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), three of which carried both MRSA and induced clindamycin resistance (ICR). GNB showed high resistance to ceftazidime, ceftriaxone and cefepime. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases were presented by 69.4% of E.coli (n=43/62) and 83.3% of K. pneumoniae (n=25/30). Overall, twelve Gram negative bacteria (5.24%) isolates showed resistance to at least one carbapenem. No isolates showed a wild-type susceptible phenotype.Conclusion: This study shows the alarming prevalence of multidrug resistant organisms from surgical site infections in Benin hospitals. To reduce the spread of these multidrug-resistant bacteria, periodic surveillance of surgical site infections and strict adherence to good hand-hygiene practice are essential.
ANN Modeling and experimental study of the effect of various factors on solar desalination
Authors: Bagheri Ali , Esfandiari Nadia , Honarvar Bizhan , Azdarpour Amin
Published: November 2020

This study investigated a novel method for increasing desalinated water mass in solar desalination plants. For this purpose, solar panels and a cylindrical parabolic collector (CPC) were used to raise basin water temperature. The effect of different components of basin solar still on freshwater mass was also investigated. The aluminum basin has been associated with maximum water desalination among the different materials constituting a basin. The effects of different colors (e.g. black, brown, and red) on the basin, as well as different water depths (5, 10, and 15 mm), were also explored. The highest amount of freshwater in the black aluminum basin at a 5-mm water depth was 2.97 kg/day. ANN modeling was employed to validate the experimental data, indicating good compliance of experimental data with ANN prediction. According to the results of the simulation with varying numbers of neurons (n = 2–25), the highest and lowest agreement between experimental data and ANN prediction data were related to 24 and 10 neurons, respectively. Under optimum conditions, R2 and %AAD error were 0.993 and 2.654, respectively.
The effect of different drinking water in culture medium on feces microbiota diversity
Authors: Zhou Kun , Liu Weili , Chen Zhaoli , Yang Dong , Qiu Zhigang , Feng Hua , Li Chao , Jin Min , Li Junwen , Xu Qunying , Shen Zhiqiang
Published: November 2020

The human gut harbors trillions of microbes, which are extremely important to the health of the host. However, the effect of drinking water on gut microbiota has been poorly understood. In this study, we explored the response of BALB/c mice gut bacterial community (feces) to the different types of drinking water, including commercial bottled mineral water (MW), natural water (NW), purified water (PW) and tap water (TW). Feces were cultured with brain heart infusion broth dissolved in four types of drinking water. 16S rRNA gene analysis was performed. Our results reveal that the microbiota composition is different among culturing with four types of drinking water. As the culture time increases, the number of OTUs significantly decreased, except under the aerobic condition of MW. Under aerobic conditions on the 5th day, the considerable differences of alpha diversity index are found between MW and three others, and these are the most unique taxa in the MW group. Importantly, the LEfSe analysis discovers that the Bacteroidetes taxa dominate the differences between MW and the other water types. Our findings demonstrate that the mineral water as a culture medium may lead to a progressive increase of the gut microbiota diversity by providing the growth convenience to Bacteroidetes.
Three-dimensional numerical simulation of stepped dropshaft with different step shapes
Authors: Sun Jingkang , Qian Shangtuo , Xu Hui , Wang Xiaosheng , Feng Jiangang
Published: November 2020

The deep tunnel system is increasingly used worldwide for stormwater conveyance and storage, providing a robust and effective means of preventing urban waterlogging. In the system, the dropshaft, with the function of conveying stormwater to the deep tunnels underground, often runs under conditions of high falling head and large discharge. Based on the standard stepped dropshaft, a blade-shaped stepped dropshaft was proposed in order to control the potential standing wave and improve discharge capacity. Its hydraulic characteristics in respect of flow pattern, flow rate distribution, time-averaged pressure and energy dissipation were investigated by numerical simulation. Compared with the standard stepped dropshaft, the blade-shaped stepped dropshaft generated a more uniform flow rate distribution in the radial direction, therefore effectively decreasing the height of the standing wave near the external wall. The negative pressure areas that easily existed on the vertical wall of steps were well controlled. The energy dissipation of the blade-shaped stepped dropshaft was as high as that of the standard stepped dropshaft. Therefore, the blade-shaped stepped dropshaft could be a preferable design for the deep tunnel system.
Block ramps for stream power attenuation in gravel-bed streams: a review
Authors: Chaudhary Rakesh Kumar , Sharma Nayan , Ahmad Zulfequar
Published: November 2020

Application of the block ramp technique in steep gradient streams for energy dissipation as well as to maintain river stability finds increasing favor amongst researchers and practitioners in river engineering. This paper dwells on a comprehensive state-of-the-art review of flow resistance, energy dissipation, flow characteristics, stability, and drag force on block ramps by various investigators in the past. The forms and equations for each type are thoroughly discussed with the objective of finding the grey areas and gaps. More research is warranted further to improve the equations, which are essential for design analysis. Block ramps can be a promising simple technique to achieve reasonable attenuation of devastating fluvial forces unleashed in gravel-bed streams during cloud bursts.
Pressure oscillation of an air pocket beneath a water column in a vertical riser
Authors: Qian Yu , Zhu David Z.
Published: November 2020

Storm geysers have received significant attention lately due to its more frequent occurrences and the induced severe local flooding and infrastructure damages. Previous studies suggested that the air pocket pressure oscillated during geyser events especially in rapid filling process, but only the peak values were studied and the oscillation period was not discussed in detail. In this paper, a theoretical model was developed focusing on the period of the pressure oscillation induced by the expansion/compression of the air pocket below a water column in a vertical riser with film flow. It was found that the oscillation period was a function of the initial air pocket volume, initial air pocket pressure head, the riser diameter, and the initial water column length. The oscillation period increased with the air pocket pressure head and the air pocket volume, but decreased with the riser diameter and the polytropic coefficient. The oscillation period increased then decreased with an increasing water column length. Further, when considering the film flow along the riser, the oscillation period decreased slightly from the analytical solution. It was also found that the inflow rate change did not significantly influence the oscillation period.