bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constructing an AI Intelligent Strategy Algorithm for the Identification of Talented Rowers
Authors: Liu Jing-Wei , CHEN SHENG-HSIANG , Chen Che-Hsiu , Huang Tsung-Han
Published: April 2021

Taiwan’s rowing has achieved well performance in the Asian Games, but it has not in the Olympics. To get good results, in addition to the hard work and solid and effective training on weekdays, the qualification of the players is one of the key factors. Therefore, this research attempts to construct an artificial intelligence (AI) evaluation algorithm for rowing athletes to obtain advantages in the sports field, and can start from the athletes. The AI algorithm involves the hierarchical analysis method (AHP) is adopted to invite experts and scholars in the rowing field to answer the expert questionnaire. The TOPSIS (technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution) method is then applied to calculate the ranking of material selection indicators, aiming to construct an evaluation model for rowers. The main research result shows that physicality is considered as the highest priority among the four main criteria of talent identification, following in a descending order by specialism, reaction and psychological elements. The propose model established by the most beneficial decision model for identification of talented rowers in the future.
Optical Properties of Composite Structure Based on ZnO Microneedles and Alq3 Thin Film
Authors: Karbovnyk Ivan , Sadoviy B. , Turko B. , Kostruba A. M. , Luchechko A. , Vasil’yev V.S. , Serkiz R. , Kulyk Y. , Klym H. , Khanna P.K. , Kukhta A. V.
Published: April 2021

The composite material based on ZnO microneedles and Alq3 thin film has been obtained. The photoluminescence study shows a tenfold enhancement in the band-edge UV emission (390 nm) of ZnO microneedles and 2x enhancement in visible emission of the hybrid composite, when excited by 266 nm laser beam. This enhancement can be explained by the interaction between ZnO and Alq3 molecules and the energy transfer from ZnO to Alq3 molecule.
Three-dimensional Non-destructive Visualization of Teeth Enamel Microcracks Using X-ray Micro-computed Tomography
Authors: Dumbryte Irma , Vailionis Arturas , Skliutas Edvinas , Juodkazis Saulius , Malinauskas Mangirdas
Published: April 2021

Although the topic of tooth fractures has been extensively analyzed in the dental literature, there is still insufficient information on the potential effect of enamel microcracks (EMCs) to the underlying tooth structures. For precise examination of tooth structure damage in the area of EMCs (i.e. whether it crosses the dentin-enamel junction (DEJ) and reaches dentin or pulp), volumetric (three-dimensional (3D)) evaluation of EMCs is necessary. The aim of this study was to present an X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT) as a technique suitable for 3D non-destructive visualization and qualitative analysis of different severity teeth EMCs. Extracted human maxillary premolars were examined using a μCT instrument ZEISS Xradia 520 Versa. In order to separate (segment) cracks from the rest of the tooth a Deep Learning Tool was utilized within the ORS Dragonfly software. The scanning technique used allowed for the recognition and detection of EMCs that are not only visible on the outer surface but also those that are deeply buried inside the tooth. The 3D visualization combined with Deep Learning segmentation enabled evaluation of EMC dynamics as it extends from the cervical to the occlusal part of the tooth, and precise examination of EMC position with respect to the DEJ.
Greater Morphological and Primary Metabolic Adaptations in Roots Contribute to Phosphate-Deficiency Tolerance in the Bread Wheat Cultivar Kenong199
Authors: Zheng Lu , Karim Mohammad Rezaul , Hu Yin-Gang , Shen Renfang , Lan Ping
Published: April 2021

Background
Phosphate (Pi) deficiency severely affects crop growth and productivity, including wheat, therefore it is necessary to develop cultivars with enhanced Pi-deficiency tolerance. However, the underlying mechanism of Pi-deficiency tolerance in wheat is still elusive. Two contrasting wheat cultivars, low-Pi tolerant Kenong199 (KN199) and low-Pi sensitive Chinese Spring (CS) were used to reveal adaptations in response to Pi deficiency at the morphological, physiological, metabolic, and molecular levels.
Results
KN199 was more tolerant to Pi deficiency than CS with significantly increased root biomass and R/S ratio. Root traits, the total root length, total surface area, and total volume, were remarkably enhanced by Pi deficiency in KN199. The shoot soluble Pi and total P concentrations of KN199 were all significantly higher than these of CS, but not in roots. In KN199, high Pi level in shoots is a higher priority than that in roots under Pi deficiency. It was probably due to differentially regulation in the miR399-mediated signaling network between the shoots of the two cultivars. The Pi deficiency-induced root architecture adaptation in KN199 was attributed to the regulation of the hormone-mediated signaling (ethylene, gibberellin, and jasmonates). The expression of genes associated with root development and Pi uptake was enhanced in KN199. Some primary metabolites (amino acids and organic acids) were significantly accumulated in roots of KN199 under Pi deficiency.
Conclusions
The low-Pi tolerant wheat cultivar KN199 possessed greater morphological and primary metabolic adaptations in roots than CS under Pi deficiency. The adaption and the underlying molecular mechanism in wheat provide a better understanding of the Pi-deficiency tolerance and the strategies for improving Pi efficiency in wheat.
Estimation of Pore Volume Compressibility in Carbonate Reservoir Rocks based on a Classification
Authors: Moosavi Seyed Amin , Bakhtiari Hesam Aloki , Honarmand Javad
Published: April 2021

Taking a vast range of carbonate reservoir rock from Asmari and Bangestan formations in southern Iran basins, this study examined the petrographically classification, petrological and petrophysical characteristics, and their implications on the estimation of pore volume compressibility of the carbonate reservoirs. In the current study, a method is developed to classify the carbonate reservoir rocks based on the dominant factors which is involving in elastic property of pore volumes. In order to classifying, a number of 3702 thin sections were studied. Then, the pore volume compressibility of 200 core plugs corresponding to the range of classification parameters were obtained and quantified by a pre-proven equation. The results clearly show an acceptable narrow bandwidth between the upper and lower bound of estimations based on the studied classification. Furthermore, the estimation of pore compressibility-stress relationship was in a good agreement with the experimental observations. Also, the study shows that integrating the routine petrophysical properties are useful for estimation of stress related properties of pore volumes into carbonate reservoir rocks.
M2 Macrophage-Conditioned Medium Inhibits Intervertebral Disc Degeneration in a Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-rich Environment
Authors: Li Xiao-Chuan , Luo Shao-Jian , Fan Wu , Zhou Tian-Li , Huang Chun-Ming , Wang Maosheng
Published: April 2021

BackgroundInflammation is the primary pathological phenomenon associated with disc degeneration; accordingly, the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) plays a crucial role in disc degeneration. M1 macrophages produce proinflammatory cytokines that facilitate the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD).However, the anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects of M2 macrophages on nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) in IDD progression remain unknown. Here, we aimed to determine the role of M2 macrophages in IDD progression. MethodsM2 conditioned medium (M2CM) was harvested and purified from THP-1 cells; it was then used for culturing human NPCs and a mouse intervertebral disc (IVD) organ culture model. NPCs and IVD organ models were divided into the following three groups: group 1 was treated with 10% fetal bovine serum to actas the control, group 2 was treated with 10 ng/ml TNF-α, and group 3 was treated with 10 ng/ml TNF-α and M2CMto act as the co-culture group. After 3 to 14 days, cell proliferation (CCK-8 assay and western blotting for proliferation markers), extracellular matrix synthesis (quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescence), apoptosis (TUNEL staining and western blotting), and NPC senescence (senescence-associated beta-galactosidase staining and western blotting) were assessed.ResultsCD206 and interleukin (IL)-10 levels were increased after 48 h of induction for M2 macrophages (both p<0.01). Cell proliferation was decreased in TNF-α-treated NPCs and was inhibited by M2CM co-culture. Moreover, TNF-α treatment enhanced the apoptosis, senescence, and expression of inflammatory factor-related genes, including IL-6, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4, and ADAMTS-5, whereas M2CM co-culture significantly reversed these effects. M2CM promoted aggrecan and collagen II synthesis but reduced collagen Iα1 levels in TNF-α treatment groups. Using our established three-dimensional murine IVD organ culture model, M2CM suppressed the inhibitory effect of TNF-α of the TNF-α-rich environment. Conclusions﻿Collectively, these results indicate that M2CM promotes cell proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis and inhibits inflammation, apoptosis, and NPC senescence. This study therefore highlights the therapeutic potential of M2CM for IDD.
Strategic Nutrient Enhancement of Mustard Oil Seed Cake by Briquetting and Koji Fermentation for Ruminants Feed
Authors: Chakraborty Debosmita , Sarkar Nayanika , Agrahari Parul , Dutta Rishita , Singh Apurva Anand , JACOB SAMUEL
Published: April 2021

PurposeEdible oil industries are shifting to the increased production of cold pressed oils in order to preserve some of the vital nutrients the oil. Consequently, the seed cake residue would lack significant nutrients that are otherwise retained in the oils, thus making the quality of residue inferior when applying as cattle feed. MethodsIn this study, mustard oil seed cake (MOSC) was employed as the substrate and the nutritive and feed quality were enhanced using Koji strains viz., Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus niger, separately and suitable process parameters such as Solid: Liquid, pH, incubation time and inoculum quantity were optimized for the maximum nutritive enhancement of cold pressed MOSC. Changes in physico-chemical properties were analyzed by SEM, EDS, FTIR along with feed functional properties to analyze the quality. Briquetting of MOSC was employed for enhanced microbial encroachment.ResultFree amino acid (FAA) and reducing sugar (RS) were chosen as critical indicators of enrichment. A. oryzae resulted in 20.74 fold and 19.07 fold increase in FAA and RS respectively, whereas, A. niger resulted 13.24 fold and 3.04 fold increase. Critical parameters such as solid:liquid, pH, time and inoculum volume were selected. Briquetting resulted in efficient mycelia coverage as evident from SEM images and EDS analysis indicated enhancement in essential elements in the MOSC. Functional properties after fermentation indicated an effective transformation of MOSC. ConclusionUtilizing these seed cakes as cattle feed not only provide the required nutrition, but also helps in the efficient utilization of the residual waste oilseed cakes.
GIS-based Spatio-Temporal and Geostatistical Analysis of Groundwater Parameters of Lahore Region Pakistan and their Source Characterization
Authors: Ismail Sadia , Ahmed M Farooq
Published: April 2021

Assessment of groundwater quality is critical, especially in the areas where it is continuously deteriorating due to unplanned industrial growth. This study utilizes GIS-based spatio-temporal and geostatistics tools to characterize the groundwater quality parameters of Lahore region. For this purpose, a large data set of the groundwater quality parameters (for a period of 2005–2016) was obtained from the deep unconfined aquifers. GIS-based water quality index (WQI) and entropy water quality index (EWQI) models were prepared using 15 water quality parameters pH (power of hydrogen), TDS (Total dissolve solids), EC (Electrical conductivity), TH (Total hardness), Ca2+ (Calcium), Mg2+ (Magnesium), Na+ (Sodium), K+ (Potassium), Cl− (Chloride), As (Arsenic), F (Fluoride), Fe (Iron), HCO3− (Bicarbonate), NO3− (Nitrate), and SO42− (Sulfate). The data analysis exhibits that 12% of the groundwater samples fell within the category of poor quality that helped to identify the permanent epicenters of deteriorating water quality index in the study area. As per the entropy theory, Fe, NO3−, K, F, SO42− and As, are the major physicochemical parameters those influence groundwater quality. The spatio-temporal analysis of the large data set revealed an extreme behavior in pH values along the Hudiara drain, and overall high arsenic concentration levels in most of the study area. The geochemical analysis shows that the groundwater chemistry is strongly influence by subsurface soil water interaction. The research highlights the significance of using GIS-based spatio-temporal and geostatistical tools to analyze the large data sets of physicochemical parameters at regional level for the detailed source characterization studies.
Aqueous Cytokine Levels are Associated with Progression of Peripheral Anterior Synechiae after Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Kusano Yuki , Yamaguchi Takefumi , Nishisako Sota , Matsumura Takehiro , Fukui Masaki , Higa Kazunari , Inoue Toshihiro , Shimazaki Jun
Published: April 2021

Glaucoma is a serious complication after corneal transplantation that can lead to permanent loss of vision. Peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) leads to severe glaucoma, which is refractory to medications, however, the exact mechanism of PAS development after corneal transplantation is still elusive. Recent studies revealed significant alterations in cytokine levels in aqueous humor (AqH) in glaucoma. Hence, we quantified PAS area using three dimensional OCT and evaluated the association between cytokine levels in AqH and PAS area after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). We first found that the total protein level in AqH was significantly higher in eyes with PAS progression than those without, and was positively correlated with the progression of PAS area after DSAEK. Furthermore, the postoperative PAS area was significantly correlated with the AqH levels of interleukin-8, interferon-γ, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1. Multivariate analyses showed that the total protein levels in AqH and presence of preoperative PAS were significant risk factors for increased PAS area after DSAEK. The PAS development was associated with intraocular pressure increase after DSAEK. In conclusion, these findings suggest that pathological alterations in the AqH can cause PAS progression and glaucoma after DSAEK.
Autonomic conditioning therapy reduces fatigue and improves global impression of change in individuals with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome
Authors: Putrino David , Tabacof Laura , Tosto-Mancuso Jenna , Wood Jamie , Cortes Mar , Kontorovich Amy , McCarthy Dayna , Breyman Erica , Nasr Leila , Neglia Adena , Duntz Josh , Bunt Alex , Herrera Joseph , Kellner Christopher
Published: April 2021

Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) is a collection of persistent and debilitating symptoms lasting weeks to months after acute COVID-19 infection, with fatigue most commonly reported. There is controversy surrounding the role of exercise programs for this condition, due to concerns over the potential to worsen fatigue. We developed a novel physical therapy program known as Autonomic Conditioning Therapy (ACT) for PACS, and report on the preliminary patient-reported outcome (PRO) data from individuals who completed ACT for PACS, compared with those who did not. Seventy-eight (55 [71%] female, median [range] age 43 [12 to 78]) met the inclusion criteria and consented to have their data included in the analyses. A total of 31 (40%) individuals completed ACT for PACS. There was within-group improvement in fatigue in individuals who completed ACT for PACS (mean difference [95% CI] -14 [-27 to -1], p = 0.03), as well as greater between-group impression of change measured on the Patient Global Impression of Change scale (ACT for PACS median [range] 5 [1 to 7], no ACT for PACS 4 [1 to 7], p < 0.01). ACT for PACS is a novel physical therapy program that can reduce fatigue in individuals with PACS.
Strain Effect On Microstructural Properties Of SUS 304L Joint By PAW+GTAW
Authors: Wang Juan , Li Yajiang , Wang Qi , Liu Kun , Li Hang
Published: April 2021

304L stainless steel was joined by a combination welding process of plasma arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding (PAW + GTAW). Then pre-strain treatment on 304L welded joint by 9% was carried out using uniaxial static tensile at room temperature. Effect of strain on microstructure evolution in joint was analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and on mechanical properties was also studied. The results indicated that the strain rate of 304L joint showed inhomogeneity including 3% in the weld metal and 13% in the heat affected zone (HAZ), which induced martensitic transformation occurring in HAZ. Tensile strength of the joint increased from 700MPa as welded to 804MPa after strain at room temperature and it reached 1700MPa from 1480MPa at low temperature of -196℃. Impact toughness in HAZ was the least among the whole joint, but it was still 94J at -196℃after strain. The fracture surface showed large numbered of cleavage steps with elongated parabolic dimples.
Detection of Lymph Node Metastases in Patients With Prostate Cancer: Comparing Conventional and Digital [18F]-Fluorocholine PET-CT Using Extended Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection as Reference
Authors: Bjoersdorff Mimmi , Puterman Christopher , Oddstig Jenny , Amidi Jennifer , Zackrisson Sophia , Kjölhede Henrik , Bjartell Anders , Wollmer Per , Trägårdh Elin
Published: April 2021

Background: Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) can be used to detect and stage metastatic lymph nodes in intermediate to high-risk prostate cancer. Improvements to hardware, such as digital technology, and to software, such as reconstruction algorithms, have recently been made. We compared the capability of detecting regional lymph node metastases using conventional and digital silicon photomultiplier (SiPM)-based PET-CT technology for [18F]-fluorocholine (FCH). Extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) histopathology was used as the reference method.Methods: Retrospectively, a consecutive series of patients with prostate cancer who had undergone staging with FCH PET-CT before ePLND were included. Images were obtained with either a conventional or a SiPM-based PET-CT and compared. FCH uptake in pelvic lymph nodes beyond the uptake in the mediastinal blood pool was considered to be abnormal.Results: One hundred eighty patients with intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer were examined using a conventional Philips Gemini PET-CT (n = 93) between 2015 and 2017 or a digital GE Discovery MI PET-CT (n = 87) from 2017 to 2018. Images that were obtained using the Philips Gemini PET-CT system showed 19 patients (20%) with suspected lymph node metastases compared with 40 patients (46%) using the GE Discovery MI PET-CT. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV) were 0.30, 0.84, 0.47, and 0.72, respectively, for the Philips Gemini and 0.60, 0.58, 0.30, and 0.83, respectively for GE Discovery MI. Area under the curve (AUC) in a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was similar between the two PET-CT systems (0.58 and 0.58, P = 0.8).Conclusions: A marked difference in sensitivity and specificity was found for the different PET-CT systems. Independent of the PET-CT system, the overall diagnostic performance was poor (but similar), and FCH PET-CT should not be used for initial staging of patients with prostate cancer.
Analysis Combustion Efficiency in a Fluidized-Bed Combustor With a Modified Perforated Plate for Air Distribution
Authors: Erdiwansyah Erdiwansyah , Mahidin Mahidin , Husin Husni , Nasaruddin Nasaruddin , Muhtadin Muhtadin , Faisal M. , Gani Asri , Usman Usman , Mamat Rizalman
Published: April 2021

Combustion efficiency is one of the most important parameters, especially in the FBC combustion chamber. Investigations into the efficiency of combustion in FBC fuels using solid biomass waste fuels in recent years are increasingly in demand by researchers around the world. Specifically, this study aims to calculate the combustion efficiency in the FBC combustion chamber. Combustion efficiency is calculated based on combustion results from modification of hollow plates in the FBC combustion chamber. The modified hollow plate aims to control combustion so that the fuel incorporated can burn out and not saturate. The combustion experiments were tested using palm oil biomass solid waste fuels such as PKS, OPM, and EFB. The results of the measurements showed that the maximum combustion temperature for MCC fuel reached 863oC for M1 and 887oC on M2. The maximum combustion temperature measurements for M1 and M2 from OPM fuel testing reached 898oC and 858oC, respectively, while the maximum combustion temperature for EFB fuel was 667oC andM2 847oC, respectively. The rate of combustion efficiency with the modification of the hole plate in the FBC combustion chamber reached 96.2%. Thermal efficiency in FBC combustion chamber for OPM 72.62%, MCC 70.03%, and EFB 52.43%. The highest heat transfer rates for OPM fuel reached 7792.36 w/m, MCC 7167.38 w/m, and EFB 5127.83 w/m. Thus, modification of the holed plate in the FBC chamber showed better performance of the plate without modification.
Physical properties as antigenic determinant: the example of antiphospholipid antibodies
Authors: Mach François , Brandt Karim J.
Published: April 2021

Although the specificity of an antibody grows through process requiring somatic mutation, the Ag-binding polyspecificity of an antibody enlarges the Ag detection of the immune system. While the polyspecificity of antibody is its ability to bind at least two different Ags, apparent polyspecificity could also depends of characteristics of Ag considered. Whichever the type of epitopes, conformational or linear, they are commonly determined by the surface of the involved epitope residues. We demonstrate that the apparent polyspecificity of antiphospholipid antibody responsible for the antiphospholipid syndrome is due to an epitope characterized by the physical properties of amino acids whose polarity, hydropathy and steric volume but not by the sequence of residues. The physicals properties are, per se, the epitope for certain antibody. Although this novel concept provides insights on how the polyspecificity of an antibody can be linked up under the lead of a common motif of physical properties.
Filtration Mapping as Complete Bell State Analyzer for Bosonic Particles
Authors: Kozubov A. V. , Gaidash A. A. , Kiselev A. D. , Miroshnichenko G. P.
Published: April 2021

In this paper we present the approach to complete Bell state analysis based on filtering mapping. The key distinctive feature of this appoach is that it avoids complications related to using either hyperentanglement or representation of the Bell states as concatenated Greenber–Horne–Zeilinger (C-GHZ) state to perform discrimination procedure. We describe two techniques developed within the suggested approach and based on two-step algorithms with two different types of filtration mapping which can be called the non-demolition and semi-demolition filtrations. In the method involving non-demolition filtration measurement the filtration process employs cross-Kerr nonlinearity and the probe mode to distinguish between the two pairs of the Bell states. In the case of semi-demolition measurement, the two states are unambiguously discriminated and hence destroyed, whereas filtraton keeps the other two states intact. We show that the measurement that destroys the single photon subspace in every mode and preserves the superposition of zero and two photons can be realized with discrete photodetection based on microresonator with atoms.
Functional Analysis of Multiple nifB Genes of Paenibacillus Strains in Synthesis of Mo-, Fe- and V-Nitrogenase
Authors: Li Qin , Zhang Haowei , Zhang Liqun , Chen San-Feng
Published: April 2021

Background: Biological nitrogen fixation is catalyzed by Mo-, V- and Fe-nitrogenases that are encoded by nif, vnf and anf genes, respectively. NifB is the key protein in synthesis of the cofactors of all nitrogenases. Most diazotrophic Paenibacillus strains have only one nifB gene located in a compact nif gene cluster (nifBHDKENX(orf1)hesAnifV). But some Paenibacillus strains have multiple nifB genes and their functions are not known.Results: We have analyzed the genomes of the 116 diazotrophic Paenibacillus strains and found that some Paenibacillus strains have 2-4 nifB genes. Phylogeny analysis shows that all nifB genes in Paenibacillus fall into 4 subclasses: the nifB1 being the first gene within the compact nif gene cluster, the nifB2 being adjacent to anf or vnf genes, the other nifB3 and nifB4 being scattered on genomes. Transcriptional results demonstrate that nifB1 exhibits the greatest increase in expression under Mo-dependent conditions and nifB2 is even more induced under alternative fixation conditions. Functional analyses by complementation of the ∆nifB and ∆nifBHDK mutant of P. polymyxa WLY78 which has only one nifB gene and only Mo-nitrogenase showed that both nifB1 and nifB2 are active in synthesis of Mo-, Fe and V-nitrogenase. The nifB3 and nifB4 genes were not significantly expressed under N2-fixing conditions and could not restore the nitrogenase activity of P. polymyxa ∆nifB mutant, suggesting that nifB3 and nifB4 genes were not involved in nitrogen fixation. In addition, reconstruction of anf system comprising 8 genes (nifBanfHDGK and nifXhesAnifV) and vnf system comprising 10 genes (nifBvnfHDGKEN and nifXhesAnifV) supported synthesis of Fe-nitrogenase and V-nitrogenase in P. polymyxa, respectively. Conclusions: Our data and analysis reveal the contents and distribution of nifB genes in Paenibacillus. We demonstrated that the transcriptions of nifB being adjacent to nif or anf or vnf genes significantly expressed under N2-fixation conditions and are active in synthesis of Mo-, Fe and V-nitrogenase. Our study also provides guidance for engineering nitrogen fixation genes into heterologous hosts for nitrogen fixation.
Corrosion Inhibition Property of Amoxicillin Drug for Al-2014 Alloy in 1M HCl Solution
Authors: G Nataraja , M Praveen B , V Santhosh Kumar M , D Pruthviraj R
Published: April 2021

We focus on the corrosion behavior of Al-2014 alloy in the 1M HCl acidic medium. Also, the inhibition property of Amoxicillin on Al-2014 alloy was studied with different concentrations at different temperatures. The micrographs with and without inhibitor are examined with FE-SEM. It reveals that the Amoxicillin-treated surface has prevented corrosion compared to the untreated Al-2014 alloy. The potentiodynamic measurements reveal that Al-2014 alloy with 150ppm of inhibitor solution has the highest tendency to prevent corrosion in 1M HCl solution in all the samples at different temperatures. It is also verified from the adsorption isotherm, the high inhibition rate is due to the value of ′𝐾𝑎𝑑𝑠′ (6592.3kJ/mol.(25°C), 4524.09kJ/mol.(35°C)) and ΔG0(25°𝐶, 35°𝐶) ≈ −33.8, −33.9𝑘𝐽/𝑚𝑜𝑙.. From the EIS studies, the inhibition samples show a higher ‘Rct’ value implies good corrosion resistance. It is also confirmed from the equivalent circuit by Nyquist plots.
Spread-F characteristics at the southern anomaly crest in South America during the descending phase of solar cycle 24
Authors: González Gilda de Lourdes
Published: April 2021

Ionospheric F-region irregularities can acutely affect navigation and communication systems. To develop predictive capabilities on their occurrence, it is key to understand their variabilities in a wide range of time scales. Previous studies at low latitudes in South America have been performed mostly for the eastern sector, and fewer efforts have been done in the Argentinian region. This work presents the analysis of the spread-F (range spread-F, frequency spread-F and strong spread-F) and plasma bubble occurrence characteristics near the southern crest of the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (Tucumán, 26.8°S, 65.2°W; magnetic latitude 15.5°S). We used ionosonde and Global Positioning System (GPS) data from November 2014 to December 2019 for different solar and geomagnetic conditions. The data shows that spread-F and plasma bubble occurrence rates peak in summer and are minimum in equinox and winter, respectively. There is, usually, a negative correlation between each type of spread-F and solar activity, whereas the opposite happens for plasma bubbles. Geomagnetic activity suppresses the generation of spread-F in equinox and summer and enhances it in winter. Plasma bubble occurrence is higher during disturbed days than during quiet days, but under medium solar activity, summer months register more plasma bubbles in quiet conditions. Range spread-F observed in winter under low solar activity is not associated with plasma bubbles originated at the magnetic equator. These results contribute to the knowledge necessary to improve the prediction of the spatial and temporal distribution of the night-time ionospheric irregularities.
Popularity Dynamics of Social and Affordable Housing: Ethics vs Business
Authors: Ianchuk Svitlana
Published: April 2021

This paper summarizes the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on the issue of social housing, existing ethical dilemmas, and business development. The main purpose of the research is to investigate the interest level and popularity dynamics of social and affordable housing in the world in general and in OECD countries. The systematization of literary sources and approaches for solving the problem of ethical and economical aspects of social and affordable housing indicates that there is no single point of view on this issue among scientists. That is why the essence of the concepts of social, affordable, and public housing needs to be clarified considering existing differences. Besides it, comparative analysis of the results of analytical analysis of the interest level and popularity dynamics of social and affordable housing based on Google Trends tools and the results of statistical analysis in this context has not been conducted yet. Investigation of the topic about popularity dynamics of social and affordable housing emphasizing ethical needs and expected business benefits in the paper is carried out in the following logical sequence: systematization and clarification theoretical approaches to determine the essence and the difference between social, public and affordable housing; description of dominant types of funding social and affordable housing; analytical analysis of popularity dynamics of social and affordable housing with the determination of key value picks; statistical analysis of certain social housing indicators; comparing the results and making conclusions. Methodological tools of the research methods were logical generalization and scientific abstraction, statistical and structural analysis, comparative, and graphical analysis using the Excel software. Analytical analysis was realized based on Google Trends tools. The objects of research were the search requests about social, public, and affordable housing in the world in 2004-2021, and the indicators of social housing from the sample of OECD countries and other EU countries (limit in 2018 due to the availability of information on open information portals of The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development). The paper presents the results of analytical, statistical, and comparative analysis of the level of interest (popularity) and development of social and affordable housing. The recommendations according to the coexistence of ethical and entrepreneurial principles can be useful for public and private investors in social and affordable housing.
Importance of Internet of Things (IoT) in Marketing Research and Its Ethical and Data Privacy Challenges
Authors: Moradi Masoud
Published: April 2021

This paper focuses on examining IoT applications in marketing research and provides information on how organizations utilize IoT devices and other new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and social media to promote various products and services. Moreover, this study specifies how the consistent use of IoT technologies results in substantial organizational competitiveness. The paper also explains how IoT can be referred to as a new component of business analytics and digital marketing and discusses the challenges related to introducing IoT solutions. The most pressing issues that need to be addressed in the IoT context are described as ethical and data privacy issues. It can be explained by the fact that a substantial amount of data is generated during the development of IoT solutions, which raises the question of whether the respective information could be properly managed. It necessitates implementing a transparent, ethical framework, which should be supported by an adequately regulatory process. The extensive exploration of IoT solutions allows academics and marketing practitioners to generate a wide range of data that can be used to improve products and services provided to diverse consumer groups. Therefore, this paper offers a framework for the collaboration process between academics and practitioners. This collaboration in developing IoT tools is marked by adopting a holistic approach to facilitating the progress of such innovation. Academic researchers’ expertise can be utilized to generate creative and innovative ideas on the IoT sector. The combination of important theoretical assumptions and practical experience is vital to achieving the strategic goals of the collaboration between academics and practitioners.
Leadership Hiring: Does the Promotional Practice and Selection in Public Service Result in Placing Highly Skilled Experts in Our Communities?
Authors: Brown Damon
Published: April 2021

Primarily, this technical article intends to address the hiring practices of executive police leadership. The article questions police executives’ capability based upon a significant number of police chiefs exiting their position for several reasons related to the summer of 2020, whereas several societal crises ensued. The article demonstrates how police executives are not hired based on their ability to be capable leaders or, highly skilled experts but are repeatedly hired based upon tenure, deemed as qualified. Subjective measures exclude specific demographics, human and conceptional skills, and the lack of community input from the societies they are appointed to serve are continually used to hire police leaders. Additionally, the subsequent promotional exams allowing aspiring police leaders are subjective, demonstrated by the multiple suits filed from across the country, as is the proper selection or lack of essential training such as entry to the FBI academy law enforcement training. A specific model, the Three Skill Approach, outlines the various skills for selection criteria. The article asserts that other models can be employed, emphasizing that multiple skills within potential leaders are critical. Also strongly suggested in the report is that the community in which police serve must be aware of how police executives are selected and included in that process, allowing for a partnership between the police leadership and the community. Often, unknown to the community is the right to articulate and establish how they are policed, which can only be realized by a leader who has the multiple skills and has developed a genuine relationship with the community, eventually seen as part of the community.
Innovative Strategies For Social-Economic Development Financial Strategies In The Development Country
Authors: Ogochukwu Chukwu Anthony , Kasztelnik Karina
Published: April 2021

This research paper summarizes the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on the Small and medium scale enterprises constitute the backbone of any nations economic development and had remained a major contributor in poverty alleviation, employment generation, and industrialization. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of small and medium scale enterprise owners in the development country, regarding the raising of finances from lending institutions to ensure their business growth and sustenance. A phenomenological qualitative approach for this study as it empowers the researcher to investigate the lived experiences of participants to gain a deep understanding of the small number of participants who had raised funding from financing institutions and how to improve their experiences thereby reducing the challenges while seeking for financing. The relevance of this scientific problem discussion from the organizational life cycle theory and working capital management theory to emphasize the concept of study environment, financing institutions, knowledge, and experience of small business owners. Key findings emerged that within the business environment, there are lack of government policies to support small businesses, and financing institutions are not favorably disposed to support small and medium scale business. The wide-ranging factors discussed in this article also brought to fore additional financing strategies adopted by small businesses as alternatives to banks funding, the effect adequate funding will have their operations and the improvement required by government, financing institutions and owners of small businesses to support the growth and development of small businesses. The results of the research study may contribute to positive social change by creating awareness amongst small and medium scale business owners on the best financial strategies to fund their operations to remain profitable and sustained. The research study highlighted the need for both the government and financing institutions to support small businesses to function effectively to remain relevant, continue to generate more employment, improve the living standard of the owners of small business, and ultimately impact development country at large. Finally, this study added to the existing literature on small and medium scale enterprises financing strategies, their challenges, and their means to ameliorate the difficulties experienced by their owners when seeking for funding from lending institutions.
The Role of SMEs in Strengthening the UK-USA Partnership
Authors: Davies Raymond , Gopalakrishnan Badri Narayanan , Balasubramanian Adhithya
Published: April 2021

UK-U.S. Partnership has a historical legacy in the political, cultural, and economic matters concerning both countries mutually. Trade has played a significant role in boosting economic relationships between both countries. This study aims to study SMEs’ role (Small and Medium Enterprises) in the post-COVID trade policy with an emphasis on technological transformation and economic recovery. Data shows that SMEs have risen to prominence in the last decade in both countries; SMEs consists of more than 95% of businesses and are employing close to 50% or more in both countries. SME traders from the U.K. mutually identify the U.S. as a significant destination for imports and exports in the next three years. COVID-19 has disrupted businesses worldwide, forcing businesses to rethink their business strategies, especially the SMEs. We aim to look at how global pandemic, trade, business policy blend together under the context of changing technology and supply chains around the world. We suggest the need for rigorous and integrated approach to trade policy going forward which will play a major role in the business ecosystems for the two countries. This study points to the research noting the importance of SME entrepreneurial employers’ presence in the last economic recovery. The key is to achieve a cluster of SME supply chains collaborating and inter-linked with inherent entrepreneurial leadership and innovation within specific markets. In the present scenario, it is not the size but the quality of business relationships that can accelerate core competencies and tie companies to each other across the supply chain. SMEs’ flexibility is a vital tool to gain efficiencies, and bilateral free trade agreements can prove to be a useful tool to gain greater flexibility due to better trust and trade connectedness, as observed in the literature.
Management of tangible assets using a modified market value price formation model
Authors: Pozdnyakov Yuri , Chukhray Nataliya , Hryniv Nataliya , Nakonechna Taisia
Published: April 2021

The paper deals with the economic measurements of the market value of enterprise assets, which are of great importance for their effective management. The use of more accurate economic measurements is an integral part of an optimal strategy to manage business assets. Therefore, reduction of evaluation results uncertainty is a necessary condition for effective management. To achieve mentioned goals, the paper aims to determine the mathematical base for the assets valuation methodology of value/depreciation that change over time, which can be applied to its dynamic objective quantitative analysis. The basic hypothesis suggests that all tangible assets, characterized by removable depreciation, are inclined to a negative periodic depreciation during short inter-service periods when remedial repair works are carried out to eliminate depreciation. The methodical approaches concerning a mathematical description of assets value/depreciation dynamics are considered. It is shown that both traditional, progressive and regressive value/depreciation dynamics models change over time. They do not correspond to the actual state since they do not take into account increased objects value and negative periodic depreciation. To evaluate value/depreciation change over time more precisely, a new kind of mathematical model is proposed, which equations take into account the opposite signs of periodic depreciation during operational service periods and non-operational inter-service periods. It is proved that the actual indicators of fair market value and periodic depreciation of enterprise assets can be determined with higher reliability based on a new mathematical model.
AcknowledgmentsComments from the editor and anonymous referees have been gratefully acknowledged. The authors are grateful to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine for financial support, which made it possible to carry out this study within the state budget topic “Value estimation and assessing technology readiness for transfer from universities to the business environment” (2019–2021).
Современные аспекты эпидемиологии и профилактики нозокомиального сальмонеллеза
Authors: Акимкин В. Г.
Published: April 2021

Внутрибольничные инфекции являются острой проблемой современного здравоохранения в связи с высоким уровнем заболеваемости и летальности, а также значительным социально-экономическим ущербом, причиняемым ими. Среди многообразия их нозоформ значимая роль принадлежит сальмонеллезной инфекции [1–3, 5, 9–12].
Опыт внедрения концепции «изолированный пациент» в отделении реанимации и интенсивной терапии
Authors: Кулабухов В. В. , Чижов А. Г. , Кудрявцев А. Н. , Клеузович А. А. , Чаус Н. И.
Published: April 2021

Любое клинически значимое инфекционное заболевание, развившееся у человека в результате его пребывания в условиях лечебного учреждения независимо от степени оказанной ему медицинской помощи, принято называть инфекциями, связанными с оказанием медицинской помощи (ИСМП). В настоящее время данной патологии принадлежит одно из ведущих мест в структуре смертности в стационаре, она определяет значительное увеличение сроков пребывания пациента в лечебном учреждении и повышает стоимость его лечения. Возникшая в результате ИСМП потеря трудоспособности человека наносит весомый экономический ущерб государству, больному и его семье [1].
Ингибитор фосфодиэстеразы-5 в лечении легочной артериальной гипертензии
Authors: Царева Н. А. , Авдеев С. Н.
Published: April 2021

Легочная артериальная гипертензия — редкое и тяжелое заболевание, характеризующееся прогрессирующим повышением легочного сосудистого сопротивления, что приводит к развитию фатальной правожелудочковой недостаточности и смерти пациентов [16, 17, 31]. Легочная гипертензия может возникнуть как изолированно (идиопатическая легочная артериальная гипертензия), так и в качестве осложнения какого-либо системного процесса (например, системного склероза или склеродермии) [18]. Основным критерием легочной гипертензии является повышение среднего давления в легочной артерии (Ppa) выше 25 мм рт. ст. в покое [4, 5].
Таксаны как первая и вторая линии химиотерапии метастатического рака предстательной железы
Authors: Мишугин С. В. , Скворцова Т. Н. , Русаков И. Г.
Published: April 2021

Рак предстательной железы (РПЖ) является одним из наиболее распространенных онкологических заболеваний у мужчин. Ежегодно в мире регистрируют более 600 тыс. новых случаев, а в ряде стран, где его встречаемость наиболее высока (США, Канада, Северная Европа), он вышел на первое место в структуре онкологической заболеваемости мужского населения [1, 2].
New transboundary water resources cooperation for Greater Mekong Subregion: the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation
Authors: Junlin Ren , Ziqian Peng , Xue Pan
Published: April 2021

The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) is a new type of regional cooperation mechanism in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). It was officially co-founded by six Lancang-Mekong countries in 2016. Water resources cooperation is the flagship field of the LMC. The goal of this article is to introduce comprehensively the LMC and to illustrate why it can be regarded as a new choice for regional water resources cooperation in the GMS. This paper first reviews the background to LMC's foundation, and then introduces the structural framework, operating mechanism and recent advances of the LMC. It will then analyze the deficiencies of the present water resources cooperation mechanisms in the GMS and the comparative advantages of water resources cooperation under LMC. Finally, some suggestions were given to improve and reinforce water resources cooperation under the LMC. This research concludes that the LMC is more suitable for the actual needs and objective reality of Lancang-Mekong countries owing to its high-level and all-round regional cooperation mechanism. It was established jointly by all riparian states, with a shared vision to enhance the well-being of six countries' people, and works to narrow the development gap among regional countries.