bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation of long-term foreign portfolio investments in the Republic of Poland: lessons for Ukraine
Authors:   SESE “The Academy of Financial Management”, PETRUSEVYCH Gennadii
Published: September 2023

The article describes the process of creation of the European international capital market, new financial instruments and formation of an investment portfolio from them in order to achieve the main goal of the investor – diversification, caused by investor’s desire not to participate in the operational management of the enterprise, however reducing the risk and maximizing the return on investment of his capital. The article then reviews the recent CEE Capital Markets conference, which was held in Poland, and concludes that by many criteria the Polish capital market is the largest in the region. In addition, the article emphasizes that foreign investment inflows to Poland reached a record level in 2021-2022. Therefore, based on all this data, the article analyses in detail the attraction of foreign investment into the economy of the Republic of Poland, taking into account three main prerequisites, namely: the establishment of uniform and unchanging rules of the game by creating an institutional framework for investment and ensuring the development of capital market infrastructure; ensuring the management of the Polish capital market with the help of two main players (the Central Securities Depository of Poland and Polish Financial Supervision Authority), shaping the professional activities of market participants and providing the supervision. The subsequent analysis of the state of Poland investment activity, presented in the National Banks Report “Poland International Investment Position for 2021”, showed that all this has played a significant role in attracting long-term portfolio investments, the biggest share of which is treasury debt, to the neighbouring countrys economy in recent years. Drawing a parallel with the current situation on the Ukrainian securities market, the article goes on to note that its regulatory framework generally meets the contemporary requirements. The other two prerequisites for creating acceptable conditions for a foreign portfolio investor are only under establishment. Right now, there is an urgent need to start building the infrastructure of Ukrainian securities market with the help of a neighbouring country.
TOURIST BUYING INTENTIONS TOWARDS LOCAL FOOD: ANALYSING THE MODERATING IMPACT OF FOOD NEOPHOBIA
Authors: Chamoli Abhay , Rana Vinay , Chopra Gaurav
Published: September 2023

Local food buying is an important phenomenon in tourist activity. This paper aims to analyse tourists' intentions to buy local food by investigating the moderating effect of food neophobia (FN) on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). A survey of 266 tourists was used to collect data. The findings reveal that subjective norm (SN), attitude (ATT), and perceived behaviour control (PBC) have a positive and significant influence on tourists' buying intention for local food, where both subjective norm and attitude are moderated by food neophobia on their relationship with buying intentions. The current research is not only the first attempt to comprehensively analyse tourist buying behaviour towards local food in Uttarakhand, India. But also provides valuable information for the food industry, which would enable entrepreneurs or decision-makers to accurately analyse the buying intent (BI) for locally produced food.
The Cognitive-affective Distinction in Achievement Goal: The Development and Validation of the Achievement Questionnaire for Biology Learning
Authors:   Department of Mathematics and Science Education, Graduate School of Educational Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey, Elmas Cennet , Altunoglu Bahattin Deniz ,   Department of Primary Education, Faculty of Education, Kastamonu University, Kastamonu, Turkey
Published: September 2023

K-8 science teacher candidates often struggle with the difficult learning tasks in multiple science courses in their teacher-training program. One of the major parts of these science courses is biology. Student learning in biology depends on their motivational and affective variables as much as their cognitive abilities. As one of the theories of motivation, the achievement goal theory seeks how individuals pursue academic study by focusing on mastery or performance goals. In addition to goal settings, achievement emotions also influence learners’ academic performance. The authors suggested a theoretical model integrating achievement emotions into the construct of achievement goal theory. The present study has potential provide more insight into individual differences in goal preferences. This model was examined with K-8 science teacher candidates (n = 581). To test the theoretical model, the “Achievement Goal Questionnaire for Biology Learning” (AGQ-BL) was devised. According to the theoretical model, the AGQ-BL consisted of six subscales which are Mastery Goals-(affective-cognitive), Performance Goals-Approach (Affective-Cognitive), and Performance Goals Avoidance-(affective-cognitive). The explanatory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were utilized to verify the construct validity of the AGQ-BL. The results of EFA showed and CFA confirmed that the AGQ-BL was composed of six factors, as proposed by the theoretical framework. Internal consistency of the subscales of the AGQ-BL computed by Cronbach’s alpha revealed high reliability for each. This study empirically demonstrated the integration of cognitive and emotional goals in achievement settings regarding biology learning. Thus, it can be asserted achievement goals’ structure could have more predictive potential on affective and cognitive variables in biology education.
HEAR4Health: a blueprint for making computer audition a staple of modern healthcare
Authors: Triantafyllopoulos Andreas , Kathan Alexander , Baird Alice , Christ Lukas , Gebhard Alexander , Gerczuk Maurice , Karas Vincent , Hübner Tobias , Jing Xin , Liu Shuo , Mallol-Ragolta Adria , Milling Manuel , Ottl Sandra , Semertzidou Anastasia , Rajamani Srividya Tirunellai , Yan Tianhao , Yang Zijiang , Dineley Judith , Amiriparian Shahin , Bartl-Pokorny Katrin D. , Batliner Anton , Pokorny Florian B. , Schuller Björn W.
Published: September 2023

Recent years have seen a rapid increase in digital medicine research in an attempt to transform traditional healthcare systems to their modern, intelligent, and versatile equivalents that are adequately equipped to tackle contemporary challenges. This has led to a wave of applications that utilise AI technologies; first and foremost in the fields of medical imaging, but also in the use of wearables and other intelligent sensors. In comparison, computer audition can be seen to be lagging behind, at least in terms of commercial interest. Yet, audition has long been a staple assistant for medical practitioners, with the stethoscope being the quintessential sign of doctors around the world. Transforming this traditional technology with the use of AI entails a set of unique challenges. We categorise the advances needed in four key pillars: Hear, corresponding to the cornerstone technologies needed to analyse auditory signals in real-life conditions; Earlier, for the advances needed in computational and data efficiency; Attentively, for accounting to individual differences and handling the longitudinal nature of medical data; and, finally, Responsibly, for ensuring compliance to the ethical standards accorded to the field of medicine. Thus, we provide an overview and perspective of HEAR4Health: the sketch of a modern, ubiquitous sensing system that can bring computer audition on par with other AI technologies in the strive for improved healthcare systems.
Detection and evolution of disaster sources in high slopes of open-pit mines based on time-lapse high-density electricity method
Authors: Sen Kang , Zihao Zhao
Published: September 2023

High and steep slopes in open pit mines used for ore production require careful monitoring to ensure stability and safeguard lives, property, and social welfare. Understanding the evolutionary characteristics of hazard sources within these slopes is crucial for effective slope management. This article presents a novel approach to identify the evolution of hazard sources within slopes by utilizing the derivative of normalized inversion data versus time as a characteristic feature. To analyze the evolution of hazard sources, raw apparent resistivity data collected at different times are processed using smoothing and wavelet denoising algorithms to reduce noise. Geological constraints are then applied to the collected data through the parametric region method. The least squares method is employed for independent inversion, and the inversion results are standardized. Subsequently, the standardized inversion results are used to derive the derivative of resistivity versus time equation, which reveals the evolution of hazard sources within the slope. A case study is conducted on a large open pit rocky slope to analyze the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The results demonstrate the successful reduction of noise through the smoothing and wavelet threshold denoising algorithms, effectively suppressing interference caused by acquisition equipment and environmental electromagnetic noise. The application of the parametric region method with geological constraints highlights the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of hazard sources within the slope. The findings indicate varying degrees of evolution of hazard sources within the slope, with significant changes observed mainly in the shallow part influenced by water erosion and blasting vibration. Areas with lithological stability show minimal changes, while original hazard source areas have evolved to different extents, distinguishable based on the size and sparsity of contour values. By combining inversion data analysis, noise reduction techniques, and geological constraints, the proposed approach provides valuable insights into the evolution of hazard sources within slopes. This information can aid in the development of effective slope management strategies in open pit mines, contributing to enhanced safety and protection of valuable assets.
COVID-19 outcomes in patients with a history of immune-mediated glomerular diseases
Authors: Gauckler Philipp , Kesenheimer Jana S. , Geetha Duvuru , Odler Balazs , Eller Kathrin , Laboux Timothee , Alberici Federico , Zappa Mattia , Chebotareva Natasha , Moiseev Sergey , Bonilla Marco , Jhaveri Kenar D. , Oniszczuk Julie , Audard Vincent , Costa Denise , Mastroianni-Kirsztajn Gianna , Bruchfeld Annette , Muto Masahiro , Windpessl Martin , Mayer Gert , Kronbichler Andreas
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Patients with immune-mediated glomerular diseases are considered at high risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes. However, conclusive evidence for this patient population is scarce.

Methods

We created a global registry and retrospectively collected clinical data of patients with COVID-19 and a previously diagnosed immune-mediated glomerular disease to characterize specific risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes.

Results

Fifty-nine patients with a history of immune-mediated glomerular diseases were diagnosed with COVID-19 between 01.03.2020 and 31.08.2021. Over a mean follow-up period of 24.79 ± 18.89 days, ten patients (16.9%) developed acute kidney injury. Overall, 44.1% of patients were managed in an outpatient setting and therefore considered as having “non-severe” COVID-19, while 55.9% of patients had severe COVID-19 requiring hospitalization including worse outcomes. Comparing both groups, patients with severe COVID-19 were significantly older (53.55 ± 17.91 versus 39.77 ± 14.95 years, p = .003), had lower serum albumin levels at presentation (3.00 ± 0.80 g/dL versus 3.99 ± 0.68 g/dL, p = .016) and had a higher risk of developing acute kidney injury (27% versus 4%, p = .018). Male sex (p <.001) and ongoing intake of corticosteroids at presentation (p = .047) were also significantly associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes, while the overall use of ongoing immunosuppressive agents and glomerular disease remission status showed no significant association with the severity of COVID-19 (p = .430 and p = .326, respectively).

Conclusion

Older age, male sex, ongoing intake of corticosteroids and lower serum albumin levels at presentation were identified as risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes in patients with a history of various immune-mediated glomerular diseases.
Seed correlation analysis based on brain region activation for ADHD diagnosis in a large-scale resting state data set
Authors: Hsieh Tsung-Hao , Shaw Fu-Zen , Kung Chun-Chia , Liang Sheng-Fu
Published: September 2023

Background

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder of multifactorial pathogenesis, which is often accompanied by dysfunction in several brain functional connectivity. Resting-state functional MRI have been used in ADHD, and they have been proposed as a possible biomarker of diagnosis information. This study’s primary aim was to offer an effective seed-correlation analysis procedure to investigate the possible biomarker within resting state brain networks as diagnosis information.

Method

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data of 149 childhood ADHD were analyzed. In this study, we proposed a two-step hierarchical analysis method to extract functional connectivity features and evaluation by linear classifiers and random sampling validation.

Result

The data-driven method–ReHo provides four brain regions (mPFC, temporal pole, motor area, and putamen) with regional homogeneity differences as second-level seeds for analyzing functional connectivity differences between distant brain regions. The procedure reduces the difficulty of seed selection (location, shape, and size) in estimations of brain interconnections, improving the search for an effective seed; The features proposed in our study achieved a success rate of 83.24% in identifying ADHD patients through random sampling (saving 25% as the test set, while the remaining data was the training set) validation (using a simple linear classifier), surpassing the use of traditional seeds.

Conclusion

This preliminary study examines the feasibility of diagnosing ADHD by analyzing the resting-state fMRI data from the ADHD-200 NYU dataset. The data-driven model provides a precise way to find reliable seeds. Data-driven models offer precise methods for finding reliable seeds and are feasible across different datasets. Moreover, this phenomenon may reveal that using a data-driven approach to build a model specific to a single data set may be better than combining several data and creating a general model.
GABAA receptor availability relates to emotion-induced BOLD responses in the medial prefrontal cortex: simultaneous fMRI/PET with [11C]flumazenil
Authors: Heinzel Alexander , Mauler Jörg , Herzog Hans , Boers Frank , Mottaghy Felix M. , Langen Karl-Josef , Scheins Jürgen , Lerche Christoph , Neumaier Bernd , Northoff Georg , Shah N. Jon
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The fMRI BOLD response to emotional stimuli highlighting the role of the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) has been thoroughly investigated. Recently, the relationship between emotion processing and GABA levels has been studied using MPFC proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). However, the role of GABAA receptors in the MPFC during emotion processing remains unexplored.

Methods

Using [11C]flumazenil PET, we investigated the relationship between the binding potential of GABAA receptors and emotion processing as measured using simultaneous fMRI BOLD. We hypothesized a correlation between the percent signal change in the BOLD signal and the binding potential of GABAA receptors in the MPFC. In a combined simultaneous fMRI and [11C]flumazenil-PET study, we analyzed the data from 15 healthy subjects using visual emotional stimuli. Our task comprised two types of emotional processing: passive viewing and appraisal. Following the administration of a bolus plus infusion protocol, PET and fMRI data were simultaneously acquired in a hybrid 3 T MR-BrainPET.

Results

We found a differential correlation of BOLD percent signal change with [11C]flumazenil binding potential in the MPFC. Specifically, [11C]flumazenil binding potential in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC) correlated with passive viewing of emotionally valenced pictures. In contrast, the [11C]flumazenil binding potential and the BOLD signal induced by picture appraisal did show a correlation in the paracingulate gyrus.

Conclusion

Our data deliver first evidence for a relationship between MPFC GABAA receptors and emotion processing in the same region. Moreover, we observed that GABAA receptors appear to play different roles in emotion processing in the vMPFC (passive viewing) and paracingulate gyrus (appraisal).
Nrf2-mediated therapeutic effects of dietary flavones in different diseases
Authors: Huang Wenkai , Zhong Yuan , Gao Botao , Zheng Bowen , Liu Yi
Published: September 2023

Oxidative stress (OS) is a pathological status that occurs when the body’s balance between oxidants and antioxidant defense systems is broken, which can promote the development of many diseases. Nrf2, a redox-sensitive transcription encoded by NFE2L2, is the master regulator of phase II antioxidant enzymes and cytoprotective genes. In this context, Nrf2/ARE signaling can be a compelling target against OS-induced diseases. Recently, natural Nrf2/ARE regulators like dietary flavones have shown therapeutic potential in various acute and chronic diseases such as diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and cancer. In this review, we aim to summarize nrf2-mediated protective effects of flavones in different conditions. Firstly, we retrospected the mechanisms of how flavones regulate the Nrf2/ARE pathway and introduced the mediator role Nrf2 plays in inflammation and apoptosis. Then we review the evidence that flavones modulated Nrf2/ARE pathway to prevent diseases in experimental models. Based on these literature, we found that flavones could regulate Nrf2 expression by mechanisms below: 1) dissociating the binding between Nrf2 and Keap1 via PKC-mediated Nrf2 phosphorylation and P62-mediated Keap1 autophagic degradation; 2) regulating Nrf2 nuclear translocation by various kinases like AMPK, MAPKs, Fyn; 3) decreasing Nrf2 ubiquitination and degradation via activating sirt1 and PI3K/AKT-mediated GSK3 inhibition; and 4) epigenetic alternation of Nrf2 such as demethylation at the promoter region and histone acetylation. In conclusion, flavones targeting Nrf2 can be promising therapeutic agents for various OS-related disorders. However, there is a lack of investigations on human subjects, and new drug delivery systems to improve flavones’ treatment efficiency still need to be developed.
Increased dietary 5-hydroxytryptophan reduces fearfulness in red junglefowl hens (Gallus gallus)
Authors: Lundgren Kristoffer Anton , Løvlie Hanne
Published: September 2023

Our production animals typically suffer poor welfare, which can be revealed by measuring the affective state these animals are in. Negative affective state is linked to poorer welfare, and can be measured as fearfulness. While continuing to research how to improve animal welfare, a compliment to reduce negative affective state could therefore be to reduce individuals’ fearfulness, similar to how negative affective states are medicated in humans. A proposed mechanism for this is via the monoaminergic systems. This is based on previous studies across species that have linked the serotonergic system and fear-related behaviour. We here aimed to experimentally manipulate the serotonergic system in red junglefowl hens (Gallus gallus), the main ancestor of all domesticated chickens. We measured fearfulness as latency remaining immobile in a tonic immobility test, and did so both before and after our experimental manipulation. We set out to experimentally manipulate the serotonergic system via sub-chronic dietary treatment of 5-hydroxytryptophan (the precursor to serotonin). Our dietary manipulation of 5-hydroxytryptophan significantly reduced measured fearfulness in the manipulated hens, while latency in tonic immobility did not significantly change in our unmanipulated, control hens. This finding is promising since it indicates that increased tryptophan levels can be used to reduce fearfulness. Additionally, our result suggests that this can be done non-invasively via food (instead of injections), thus presenting a potentially feasible manipulation also for larger settings. Nevertheless, the serotonergic system is complex and its role in modulating behaviour in the fowl should be explored further to evaluate our findings, and more directly explored also in a production setting.
The economic burden of individuals living with generalized myasthenia gravis and facing social determinants of health challenges
Authors: Hughes Tom , Howard James F. , Silvestri Nicholas J. , Anderson Ashley E. L. , Sato Mai , Suchotliff Sharon , Guptill Jeffrey T. , Phillips Glenn
Published: September 2023

Objective

Better understanding the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) barriers from the patient perspective is crucial to improve holistic patient support in generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG), a rare autoimmune disorder with high disease and treatment burden. The objective of this study was to identify economic challenges experienced by individuals living with gMG and SDOH barriers to better address current unmet needs.

Methods

Adults (18–75 years) living with gMG and experiencing SDOH barriers in the United States were recruited to a mixed-methods study including qualitative interviews and a web-based quantitative survey. Quotas were implemented to include a balanced spread of baseline demographic categories including insurance type, living environment, and employment status among the study sample. Direct and indirect economic challenges were identified by degree of concern.

Results

The survey was completed by 38 individuals living with gMG, the majority of whom were enrolled in public insurance and not employed. The most commonly reported major economic concerns were managing funds for emergency care (66%), loss of income (61%), and non-medical expenses (58%), highlighting the diversity of economic challenges. Individuals who were using public insurance plans, living in non-urban environments, and unemployed experienced pronounced challenges around managing non-medical costs and accessing government assistance.

Conclusion

Both direct and indirect costs were emphasized as major concerns among individuals living with gMG and SDOH barriers. Increasing access to relevant, personalized, and holistic resources, including care management, should be prioritized to improve disease management and outcomes for individuals living with gMG.
Una estrategia metodológica basada en el clima escolar dirigida al mejoramiento del rendimiento académico en la modalidad de educación virtual
Authors: Chisag-Guaman Edwin Danilo , Pérez-Caguana Jenny Marisol , Toalombo-Rojas Tannia del Rocío
Published: September 2023

El presente estudio se efectuó frente a las posibles desventajas de la educación virtual. El objetivo fue desarrollar una estrategia metodológica direccionada a la mejora del rendimiento académico basada en el clima escolar virtual. Se trata de un estudio prospectivo longitudinal, cuasiexperimental, con enfoque cuantitativo. Su diseño metodológico se fundamentó en el constructivismo por ser un paradigma que concibe a los aprendices como constructores del conocimiento. La población estuvo conformada por los estudiantes del sexto año de Educación General Básica de una unidad educativa de la ciudad de Guaranda. La muestra la constituyeron 49 niños, 24 del paralelo A y 25 del B, misma que, se obtuvo por muestreo no probabilístico intencional por conveniencia, dividiéndola en dos grupos, experimental y control. Durante un mes se realizó una intervención educativa con herramientas tecnológicas y actividades en línea con el grupo experimental. La intervención con el grupo control fue desarrollada mediante una metodología tradicionalista. Posterior a ella, se midió el rendimiento académico de los dos grupos en las asignaturas impartidas. Finalmente, se valoró la satisfacción del grupo experimental con el clima escolar aplicando una encuesta. La estrategia metodológica implantada desarrolló ciertas destrezas en el grupo trabajado, pues, hubo una mejora significativa en su rendimiento en todas las asignaturas (Matemática: p-valor = 1.15x10-5, Lengua y Literatura: p-valor =6.08x10-5, Ciencias Naturales: p-valor =0.0029, Estudios Sociales: p-valor =0.00008). Existe relación entre el clima escolar y el rendimiento académico, ya que los niños investigados mostraron mayor agrado con la subescala mi escuela/satisfacción general, que con otras subescalas.
Data-Driven Learning in an EFL class: a study of Ecuadorian learners’ perceptions
Authors: Conza-Armijos Hover Ismael , Celi-Celi Liliana Fernanda
Published: September 2023

Previous research has reported an increased interest in the application of Data-Driven Learning (DDL), which was derived from corpus linguistics, to aid English as a foreign or second language learning. DDL emerged as a learner-centered approach that emphasizes the discovery of linguistic patterns by analyzing natural occurrences of language. Many studies have investigated the effect of DDL on several linguistic components and have reported positive outcomes. Consequently, its application has germane importance in an Ecuadorian context as it has not been widely explored. This study seeks to document the experience of 14 EFL students from an Ecuadorian public university and examine their perceptions towards the implementation of DDL activities. The intervention included two stages: assisted guidance for students to retrieve information on their own and corpus-based materials developed by the teacher. Students' perceptions were gathered via a questionnaire, a reflection, and a follow-up interview. The findings indicate that students perceived DDL as a practical and innovative approach to support grammar discovery in an EFL class. Nevertheless, students encountered some challenges associated with the use of DDL, for example, the limited number of searches, an issue that can be resolved by a complete registration in the COCA web. This article concludes with pedagogical implications and recommendations for future DDL applications and research in Ecuadorian EFL classes.
Improvement of Environmental Uniformity in a Seedling Plant Factory with Porous Panels Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Lee Seong-Won , Seo Il-Hwan , An Se-Woong , Na Hae-Young
Published: September 2023

A seedling plant factory requires precise environmental control to ensure uniform growth within a limited cultivation period. A porous panel exhaust system was installed to maintain a stable and uniform internal environment. To provide optimal temperature, humidity, and airflow, it is necessary to interpret the internal aerodynamics. However, field monitoring has limitations in analyzing the invisible flow patterns. To overcome this limitation, CFD simulations can be utilized to understand internal environmental conditions and uniformity. The objective of this paper is to develop and validate a CFD model of a seedling plant factory with a porous panel for improving the uniformity of the internal environment. Multiple data loggers were evenly installed at various locations inside the seedling plant factory, and 24 h field monitoring was conducted. The average temperature and humidity during the 16 h light period and 8 h dark period were maintained within 1% of the set values, while the regional temperature deviation had an average of 1.65 °C and a maximum of 2.63 °C. The regional humidity deviation had an average of 14.1% and a maximum of 23.8%. The CFD model was designed to analyze the internal environmental uniformity after validation by comparing it with the field monitoring data. The Realizable k-ε turbulence model, which exhibited an error of 4.0% in comparison with the field data, was selected through a validation test among four different turbulence models with the same configuration of the seedling plant factory. The CFD simulation results were interpreted quantitatively and qualitatively, focusing on the airflow, temperature, and humidity distributions caused by the air conditioner and humidifier. Variations in the average temperature of up to 0.5 degrees and velocity differences of 0.28 m/s were observed depending on the location of the cultivation shelves. The locations and causes of stagnant regions resulting from the airflow patterns were identified through the simulations.
Lessons Learned from the Construction and Initial Performance of a Double Chip Seal over a Paving Mat Pilot Project
Authors: Cheng DingXin , Lane Lerose
Published: September 2023

Single chip seals are used by many agencies to maintain or preserve their roadways. While the construction and performance of single chip seals can be easily found from literature, the construction of double chip seals with and without paving fabric or paving mats is still not common. This paper investigates four double chip seal strategies used in a pilot project constructed on US 395 in Inyo County, California, by Caltrans. Within the double chip seal project limits, eight Performance Evaluation Sections (PESs) using four treatment strategies were established for detailed performance monitoring and evaluation: 1—a 3/8-inch asphalt rubber chip seal followed by a 1/4-inch PME chip seal without pavement-reinforcing fabric (PRF) or a paving mat as a control section; 2—a 3/8-inch PME chip seal over PRF, followed by a 1/4-inch PME chip seal; 3—a 3/8-inch PME chip seal over a paving mat, followed by a 1/4-inch PME chip seal; and 4—an asphalt rubber 3/8-inch chip seal over a paving mat, followed by a 1/4-inch PME chip seal. This pilot project was monitored during construction and evaluated 1 year later to help identify any construction issues and was used to improve the specifications and performance of Caltrans’ chip seals. This paper presents the initial findings following construction, and the one-year performance of the pilot project and lessons learned. The findings presented were accomplished by using these four treatment strategies on a highway with a very adverse high desert climate type and high traffic volumes. Project reviews are also planned for up to seven years to determine the long-term project performance.
Colorectal Cancer: From Risk Factors to Oncogenesis
Authors: Ionescu Vlad Alexandru , Gheorghe Gina , Bacalbasa Nicolae , Chiotoroiu Alexandru Laurentiu , Diaconu Camelia
Published: September 2023

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Numerous pathophysiological mechanisms, such as abnormal cell proliferation, cell differentiation, resistance to apoptosis, invasion of structures adjacent to colorectal tumor cells, and distant metastasis, are involved in colorectal carcinogenesis. These processes are initiated by the complex interaction of a number of genetic and environmental factors, including sedentary lifestyle, obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking, or gut microbiota. Despite the significant progress achieved in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of patients with colorectal cancer, there has been recently a noteworthy increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer in individuals below the age of 50 years. Early-onset colorectal cancer has a different frequency of oncogenic mutations, a higher prevalence of mucinous histology, a distinct deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation profile, a more distal location, and lower survival rates. A significant improvement in the prognosis of these patients can be achieved through the detection and removal of modifiable risk factors, along with the implementation of personalized screening strategies for individuals at high risk for this malignancy. Furthermore, gaining comprehension of the pathophysiological mechanisms by which these risk factors contribute to the process of oncogenesis may facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic targets.
Using Wearable Accelerometers to Develop a Vertical Ground Reaction Force Prediction Model during Running: A Sensitivity Study
Authors: Provot Thomas , Choupani Samaneh , Bourgain Maxime , Valdes-Tamayo Laura , Chadefaux Delphine
Published: September 2023

The estimation of vertical ground reaction forces (VGRFs) during running is necessary to understand running mechanisms. For this purpose, the use of force platforms is fundamental. However, to extend the study of VGRFs to real conditions, wearable accelerometers are a promising alternative to force platforms, whose use is often limited to the laboratory environment. The objective of this study was to develop a VGRF model using wearable accelerometers and a stepwise regression algorithm. Several models were developed and validated using the VGRFs and acceleration signals collected during 100 stances performed by one participant. The validated models were tested on eight participants. In a sensitivity study, the strongest correlations were observed at cut-off frequencies of ≤25 Hz and in models developed with 30 to 90 stances. After the validation phase, the 10 best models had, on average, low relative differences (≤10%) in the estimation of discrete VGRF parameters, i.e., the passive peak (εpp=6.26%), active peak (εap=2.22%), and loading rate (εlr=2.17%). The results indicate that the development of personalized models is more suitable for achieving the best estimates. The proposed methodology opens many perspectives for monitoring VGRFs under real conditions using a limited number of wearable sensors.
Adaptation of hotel activities to environmental trends
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Russian University of Economics G. V. Plekhanov, Moscow, Steinke A. Yu.
Published: September 2023

Caring for the environment is an important global trend, and it is important for Russian hotels to comply with it. In the modern world, a hotel needs to take care not only of the comfort and safety of its guests, but also of protecting the environment. The article describes the recommendations that can be implemented in any hotel business so that it complies with the modern ideology of the green economy.
Risk of reclassification of GPC into a fixed-term employment contract
Authors:   GARANT Legal Consulting Services, Zolotykh M.
Published: September 2023

What conditions in the GPC contract entail the risk of reclassification into a fixed-term employment contract? Is it possible to conclude a GPC agreement with a loader if this position is present in the state of the institution? How to prove that the GPC contract is not labor?
Modern features of the educational level and employment of the population of the Volgograd region
Authors:   Department of ", Lobanova N.A. ,   Geography, Geoecology and Methods of Teaching Geography",   Volgograd State Socio-Pedagogical University, Baranova A.F. ,   Department of "Legal and Organizational Support of Business Procedures", Vladimir State University named after Alexander Grigoryevich and Nikolai Grigoryevich Stoletov, Law Institute, Vladimir
Published: September 2023

Modern trends in the development of the higher vocational education system of the Volgograd region are being considered. Patterns of its development are revealed, expressed in a change in the number of educational institutions and the number of students studying in them. The composition of the population in terms of education is described and its impact on the level of employment in the region is considered.
Analysis of existing methods for improving the quality of surface layers
Authors:   Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow, Yakovleva A. P.
Published: September 2023

The article analyzes and classifies the main methods of improving the surface quality of friction pairs. The reliability of the machines is directly related to the quality of the surface layer, which is characterized by geometric and physico-mechanical parameters. The performance properties depend on the quality of the surface layer — wear resistance, corrosion resistance, contact fatigue resistance, etc. The paper presents a comparative analysis of the main methods of increasing the hardness of the surface.
Spintronics Phenomena of Two-Dimensional Electron Gas at Oxide Interfaces
Authors: Chen Shiwei , Ren Chuantong , Liang Shiheng
Published: September 2023

In addition to magnetism, superconductivity, quantum transport, and ferroelectricity, the tunable Rashba spin–orbit coupling from spatial inversion symmetry broken of 2-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at oxide interfaces has been exploited to induce rich spin-dependent physical effects and has recently become the focus of intense interest. Here, we review the recent advances in this field, including spin–charge interconversion, spin–magnetization interaction, and spin texture. These properties are intriguing due to their potential to advance spintronics devices. All these intriguing properties not only hold great promise for 2DEG at oxide interfaces in spintronic devices but also further deepen our understanding of this frontier field.
Efectividad de un modelo de tratamiento integral de la osteoartrosis
Authors: Fernández Zamora Omar , Hernández Cuellar Isabel María , Friol González Jesús Enrique , Rojas González Gabriela , Rodríguez Boza Edith Magaly
Published: September 2023

Introduction. Osteoarthrosis (OA) is the most frequent degenerative joint disease causing a significant social burden and being a frequent cause of disability. It also affects the mental health of patients and increases health care costs, including costs of hospitalization or admission to emergency services. The most deteriorated joints are the knees, hands, hips, and spine; above all among female patients. Obesity is the main risk factor. Despite the international recommendations, comprehensive patient management is rare and most therapeutic interventions are isolated and focused on the administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), viscosupplementation, or intra-articular administration of corticosteroids. Objective. The objective of this non-comparative retrospective study was to test the effectiveness of a comprehensive medical treatment (CMT) model for OA that has been implenting in Mexico since 2006. Material and Methods. To determine the OA improvement in the patient receiving a CMT scheme that includes phytopharmaceuticals, rehabilitation, nutritional intervention, patient education, and a telephone attention program, the consumption of traditional medicines (NSAID) was compared before and after the intervention and clinimetrically measuring the visual analog evaluation, number of painful joints, number of swollen joints, evaluation global assessment of the disease by the patient, global assessment of the disease by the treating physician, muscle strength, Health Assessment Questionnaire, and adherence to treatment. Results. Approximately 18% (17.92%) of the patients in the sample were taking two or more medications at the beginning of the study; at the end, only 2.79% took them. The proportion of patients with no drug, monotherapy and combination of drugs and/or supplements is significant between the initial visit and the final visit. In the clinimetric domain, a statistically significant decrease (p> 0.01) was found between the value of the initial visit and the final visit. The number of painful joints and swollen joints from the initial visit to the final visit decreased statistically significantly. The global assessment of the disease by the patient from the initial visit to the final visit decreased statistically significantly. Discussion. CMT with periodic monitoring, phytopharmaceutical patient education, nutritional intervention, rehabilitation, and a telephone service program is effective for the control of osteoarthritis.
Oncoguía del manejo del dolor en cáncer 2020
Authors: Plancarte Sánchez Ricardo , Guillén Núñez María del Rocío , Hernández Porras Berenice Carolina , Juárez Lemus Ángel Manuel , Sámano García Marcela , González  Cázares Ale Ismael
Published: September 2023

In Oncoguía del manejo del dolor en cáncer 2020 we present the epidemiology and the pathology scope caused by cancer pain, the World Health Organization’s analgesic ladder —and its subsequent adaptations—, the evaluation of the cancer-origin pain (that may be the result of the disease or be associated with the oncology treatment and that should include the complete clinical record and physical examination), and the use of the extension studies. Likewise, we addressed the pharmacological management based on the detailed multidimensional assessment of the pain severity, which starts at the appropriate level of the ladder for the pain degree and corresponds to the pharmacokinetics of the chosen drug. The use of opioids, coadjuvants, serotonin and noradrenaline uptake inhibitors, anticonvulsants, and N-Methyl D-Aspartate antagonists are also included. In the same way, we present the general guidelines and objectives for acute pain management and the medicare phases, as well as the primary interventionists management.
A New Soluble Copper Phthalocyanine Derivative as a Smart Material
Authors: ERDEN Fuat , YABAŞ Ebru
Published: September 2023

Copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) and its derivatives are considered as candidate materials in many applications. Particularly, easy and sensitive film-forming ability, commercial availability, chemical stability, and ease in tailoring its molecular structure make CuPc a versatile material. On the other hand, main challenge that Pcs often exhibit is their poor solubility in organic solvents. In this sense, this work involves designing of new CuPc derivatives by introducing suitable substitutions to improve the solubility in organic solvents. Specifically, [2,9,16,23-tetra{(4,5-Diphenyl-1H-imidazole)-2-yl-thio}phthalocyaninato-copper(II)] (1) and [2,9,16,23-tetra{(4,5-Diphenyl-1-methyl-1H-imidazole)-2-yl-thio}phthalocyaninato-copper(II)] (2) were prepared. The results show that compound 1 is soluble in tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethylformamide (DMF), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and compound 2 is soluble in chloroform, acetone, methanol, THF, DMF, and DMSO. Optical and spectroscopic properties of the synthesized compounds were also investigated, and it was determined that the energy bang gaps of compounds 1 and 2 are 1.70 eV and 1.56 eV, respectively. Strikingly, we demonstrate that compound 1 is exhibiting a rapid and reversible color change behavior upon altering pH in the entire pH spectrum. As it is known, materials that respond reversibly to chemical and/or physical stimuli in a controllable fashion are regarded as smart materials. Hence, we report that compound 1 is actually a smart material that can be used as a simple yet efficient pH sensor.
Long chain fatty acid (LCFA) occurrence in primary and secondary sewage sludge fractions
Authors: Erdirençelebi Dilek
Published: September 2023

Sewage sludge produced in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is stabilized to produce methane/energy and a final stabilized biosolid suitable for land use using anaerobic digestion (AD) process. Fat, oil, and grease (FOG) matter present in the sewage sludge and their products, long chain fatty acids (LCFA), are not monitored qualitatively and quantitatively for their contribution or inhibition to methane production during the process. AD is designed and operated based on average volatile solid (VS) removal criteria. LCFA can be both present in the sewage sludge and produced as intermediate products during the hydrolysis of FOG. A 1.5-year monitoring of the primary sludge (PS) and secondary sludge (SS) fractions was conducted and evaluated in a timely base in a municipal WWTP. According to the results, the most common and highest presence belonged to palmitate (C16:0) and total LCFA occurred up to 11963 and 927 mg/L in PS and SS, respectively. Detected LCFA species were mostly saturated as laurate, myristate, palmitate, stearate, oleate and elaidate. The level in the mixed sludge feed complied with the inhibitory threshold values neglecting the accumulation in the anaerobic digesters.
Dynamics of concentration of C-reactive protein after hernioplasty and simultaneous interventions
Authors: Parkhomenko K.Yu.
Published: September 2023

Were analyzed 127 case histories of patients aged (54.3±13.6) years; 44 women (34.6%) who underwent hernia plastic surgery of different localization: 26 (20.5 %) umbilical and paraumbilical; 25 (19.7%) - incisional, 68 (53.6%)-inguinal and 8 (6.3%)-hiatalhernia. 64 (50.4%) patients underwent simultaneous operations: for multiple hernias - 35 (27.6%), cholecystolithiasis I, chronic cholecystitis - 14 (11.0%), gynecological pathology - 6 (4.7%), chronic appendicitis - 3 (1.4%), or abdominoplasty due to fatty deformity of the anterior abdomen walls (fat «apron») - 6 (4.7%). The initial condition of the patient features of surgery and the dynamics of the concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), which was determined before surgery, in the first, third and fifth days after. It was found that the initial concentration of CRP is increased in some cases in patients with overweight and obesity, as well as in the presence of chronic cholecystitis or chronic appendicitis. In the postoperative period, regardless of the location of the hernia and the method of surgery, there is an increase in the concentration of CRP, which is most pronounced in the first day after surgery and indicates the activation of systemic inflammatory responses. The increase in CRP concentration on the first day was greatest after hiatal hernia repair and after simultaneous operations, especially after abdominoplasty. In overweight and obese patients, an increase in CRP is observed up to the fifth day after surgery, indicating a prolonged activation of the inflammatory response. The concentration of CRP on the first and third days after isolated operations did not depend on the method of operation («open» alloplastic, open autoplastic or laproscopic hemioplasty), but was the lowest on the fifth day after laparoscopic hemioplasty.

Keywords: hemioplasty, simultaneous operations, C-reactive protein, dynamics.
On the effectiveness of nonspecific prevention of infections transmitted by hard ticks on the territory of the city of Tomsk
Authors:   Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Tomsk region, Adaev Evgeny Aleksandrovich , Pankina Tatiana Mikhailovna ,   Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Tomsk region, Poltoratskaya Tatiana Nikolaevna ,   Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Tomsk region, Shikhin Alexander Vasilevich ,   Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Tomsk region, Poltoratskaya Natalia Viktorovna ,   Tomsk State University
Published: September 2023

Epidemiological assessment studied of the value of acaricidal treatments in the prevention of TBI in Tomsk during 2018–2022 and the data of federal statistical observation forms No. 2, and No. 27 were analyzed. Quantitative assessment of the effectiveness of nonspecific prevention was performed using the Spearman correlation coefficient. Evaluation of the effectiveness of nonspecific prophylactic measures aimed at preventing TBI infestation showed that with the existing volumes of acaricidal treatments (up to 800.0 ha), there is no significant reduction in the number of ixodid ticks (correlation coefficient 0.32, p?<?0.05) and the incidence of TBI (correlation coefficient 0.40, p?<?0.05). A reliable relationship between the number of victims of tick bites on the territory of Tomsk and the number of morbidity of TBI (correlation coefficient 0.55, p?<?0.05) was revealed, where the increase in the frequency of contacts of the population with ixodid ticks leads to an increase in the morbidity of TBI diseases. Keywords: tick-borne encephalitis, ixodid tick borrelioses, anti-tick treatments, hard ticks.