bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FEATURES OF THE INSTITUTE OF ALIMENTARY OBLIGATIONS FOR A CHILD IN ITALY
Authors:   Law Institute of the Peoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, Russian Federation, ARTEMIEVA YULIYA
Published: February 2022

The author analyzes the institution of child support in Italy in the article. The issues of establishing the amount of alimony in court and by concluding an alimony agreement are considered: factors affecting the amount of alimony, grounds for revising this amount and the consequences of non-fulfillment of obligations. The obligation to support children in terms of the payment of alimony is considered both in relation to minor children and in relation to children who have reached the age of majority. The features of the institution of alimony obligations for a child in Italy are considered by the author not only on the basis of regulatory legal acts, but also on the basis of the established law enforcement practice, which makes it possible to eliminate many legal gaps.
CURRENT TRENDS IN THE STUDY, DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF ETHNIC CONFLICTS
Authors:   Institute of Sociology of the Federal Center of Theoretical and Applied Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation, KURIUKIN ANDREY
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this article is to try to identify and analyze problematic issues of the methodology and methodology for studying ethno-national conflict, to characterize political and legal novelties in the field of regulation of ethno-national conflict in Russia and to outline the boundaries and formulate the characteristic features and signs of a “new normality” in the course of the ongoing development of the coronavirus pandemic, will in the long term be a determining factor for the further evolution of ethno-national conflicts, their study and management. For this, a special methodology was formulated, which includes the principles of systemic, theoretical-cognitive, institutional, instrumental and interdisciplinary approaches, mediated by the accepted in social science ideas about the relationship and interaction of subjective and objective factors in social processes with the relative independence of the subject. She allowed to achieve the following results: With regard to the methodological problems of theoretical and applied study of the ethno-national, a complex paradigm for the study of ethno-national conflicts was formed and it was established that in the modern English-language discourse there is a transition from the study of conflicts as phenomena in the system of ethno-national relations to their qualification as inter-religious; political novelties in the system of national relations of the modern Russian state are analyzed and characteristics of the current law enforcement in the system of ethno-national relations in Russia are given; the characteristic of the “new normalcy”, which is forming today in the course of the development of the COVID-19 pandemic, is given, conclusions are drawn regarding the crisis and post-crisis transformation of ethno-national conflicts and approaches to their resolution in the post-pandemic era. The conclusions of the work are as follows: ethno-national conflicts are an objectively cognizable phenomenon; their scientific understanding and analysis require the formation of an integrated (polyparadigmatic) approach. Political novelties in the system of interethnic relations in modern Russia (National Security Strategy) indicate that the country's leadership pays great attention to these issues. At the same time, the law enforcement practice, being, on the one hand, established in the criminal and administrative spheres in the civil law sphere, shows us the ill-considered actions of some subjects. With regard to ethno-national conflicts in the course of a pandemic and post-pandemic new normalcy, it should be stated that they will not disappear anywhere and, on the contrary, may acquire new forms, which will have to be promptly and adequately responded to.
STATE REGULATION OF ECONOMIC CONFLICTS IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITALIZATION OF SOCIETY
Authors:   Institute of Social and Philosophical Sciences and Mass Communications of the Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation, TERESHINA ELENA
Published: February 2022

The article is devoted to the state regulation of the economy and economic conflicts in the context of digitalization. Against the background of the digital transformation of society, economic conflicts are actively developing. New information technologies open up opportunities for the state’s functioning and change the structure and dynamics of conflicts, as well as mechanisms for conflict settlement and resolution. The author notes that government regulation presupposes a relatively “soft” impact on economic conflicts and is aimed at obtaining socially useful and significant results. When studying the specifics of conflict relations in the sphere of economic relations, the author used systemic and institutional approaches. The purpose of the study is to determine the place and role of the state in the system of regulating economic conflicts, as well as to assess the degree of its interference in the process of regulating economic conflicts in a digital society. The article notes that the management activities of the state are carried out through various methods of influencing the economic environment and conflicts (legal regulation, digital technologies). The role of the state in the system of regulation of economic conflicts is ambiguous. The state can have a positive and negative influence on the dynamics of a conflict. As the author emphasizes, the degree of state intervention is determined by its status. Conventionally, the state in the process of developing an economic conflict can act as a subject of the conflict, as a party to support one of the subjects of the conflict, and as an entity interested in its own benefit. The status of an active participant allows the state to control the regulation of economic conflicts. The state needs to selectively approach each conflict in the economic sphere. The author sees a solution to the problem of state regulation of economic conflicts in attracting a regulatory mechanism and digital technologies. Digital technologies can be used by the subjects of conflicts as tools for their settlement within the framework of the current legislation. At the same time, the choice in favor of a specific digital technology for resolving conflicts should be made by the state together with representatives of the business community and citizens.
RESEARCH ON THE BALANCE OF REGIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION ECOSYSTEM IN CHINA
Authors:   Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, Shanghai, China, SHUFANG LIAN
Published: February 2022

The balance of higher education ecosystem plays an important role in the sustainable development of regional higher education. Therefore, from the perspective of ecology of education, this paper intends to discuss the balance of regional higher education ecosystem in China and how to construct effective cooperation between universities and other subjects in the region. In order to solve the above problem, this research adopts literature study method and historical method, combed the domestic and foreign about higher education in education ecology and ecosystem research, summarized the development trend of China’s higher education and the development mode, and based on the symbiosis theory analyzed how universities and other main body to construct the effective cooperation. Through the above research, the following findings are obtained: 1) China’s higher education has moved from the elite stage and the popular stage to the universal stage; 2) Under the strong leadership of the government, China’s higher education has changed from extensional to connotative development mode; 3) The value orientation of cooperation between universities and government, enterprises, communities, other universities or research institutions is high-quality integration; 4) The cooperation path based on the symbiosis theory of regional higher education can provide a strong guarantee for the construction of a balanced higher education ecosystem.
“IDEOLOGICAL AND POLITICAL TEACHING”: A NEW DIRECTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN CHINA
Authors:   Shanghai University of Politics and Law, Shanghai, China, AZHEN MU
Published: February 2022

“Ideological and political teaching” is a new concept and an innovative initiative for the reform of higher education in China. It requires that all courses in colleges and universities play the role of ideological and political education in order to achieve the educational goal of “preparing socialist builders and successors” for China. This article analyzes the background of this concept, its difference and connection with ideological and political theoretical courses, as well as the way of its implementation.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHINA-RUSSIA-MONGOLIA CORRIDOR: CROSS-BORDER DIMENSION
Authors:   Peter the Great Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, JUNTAO WAN , VOVENDA ALEKSEI , LUYBINA DARIA , MUSHENKO EKATERINA
Published: February 2022

Purpose. The article deals with the development of China-Russia-Mongolia economic corridor in the context of “One Belt, One Road” initiative, namely the projects of Silk Road economic belt and Steppe Route projects. The purpose of the research is to specify the peculiarities of cross-border cooperation between China, namely Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Russia and Mongolia. The China-Russia-Mongolia economic corridor is one of the six main economic corridors of “One Belt, One Road” initiative. The initiative is aimed at both effective economic cooperation of the three countries and the regional development in general. Results. The improvement of the mechanisms of cross-border cooperation is considered one of the key issues. Thus, the development of the transportation infrastructure facility, in particular, land transport ports, alignment of customs procedures, increasing the effectiveness of cooperation between urban agglomerations and between cross-border regions will allow comprehensive development of China-Russia-Mongolia economic corridor as well as the other projects of “One Belt, One Road” Initiative.
JUDICIAL PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS AS A LEGAL INSTITUTION: CURRENT STATE AND PROSPECTS OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors:   Center of Justice Research in the Russian State University of Justice (RSUJ), Moscow, Russian Federation, UMNOVA-KONYUKHOVA IRINA , KOSTYLEVA ELENA
Published: February 2022

Purpose. To analyze the legal institution of judicial protection of human rights and freedoms, its current state and prospects for development in the RF. Objectives. To consider the complex right to judicial protection as the main element of a legal institution. To reveal the content of the elements of the institute for the protection of human rights. Formulate a definition of the concept of judicial protection. Conclusions. Among the many systems of ensuring human rights and freedoms, judicial protection is the most important element of state protection in the Russian Federation. When identifying the protection of human rights as a system, it is more appropriate to use a broader theoretical structure, namely, to adhere to the concept of “institution for the protection of human rights”, the deemed pat of which impulse the introduction is certain mechanisms, include means and procedures is protection. In the domestic legal literature, the concreting of a mechanism for the protection of human rights has been introduced to reveal the dynamic characteristics of the human rights function of the state. From the poet of view role is individual haunches and bodies of power in the protection of rights and freedoms, it is advisable to distinguish the following composite types of human rights protection: law-making (legislative) protection; administrative (executive and administrative) protection; judicial protection. The right to judicial protection is a complex constitutional right of an integrated type. Judicial protection of rights and freedoms is a multidimensional legal concept that can at least be considered, firstly, as a type of state-legal protection of rights and freedoms; secondly, as a public-legal, interpectoral institution within which the public and private interests of legal subjects are protected through the judiciary; thirdly, as a function of the roles is law that guaranteeing the realization is rights through access to justice and fair trial, fourth, as a key element of the mechanism for the realization of rights and freedoms; fifth, as the most universal and authoritative means of legal protection, applied in combination with other procedures used at the initial stage of dispute resolution or legal conflict (pre-trial settlement of a dispute within the framework of administrative procedures, mediation and reconciliation of the parties).
P.A. KROPOTKIN’S VIEWS ON STATE POWER AND ITS FATE (SOCIO-PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS)
Authors:   Military University of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, KSENOFONTOV VLADIMIR
Published: February 2022

In the article, based on the principle of unity of historical and logical, the socio-philosophical views of P.A. Kropotkin on the essence and evolution of state power are considered. Its provisions on the specifics of the functioning of the legislative, judicial and executive branches of government in a capitalist state are disclosed. The content of his idea that the system of power of the capitalist state does not meet the needs of workers is characterized. The views of the scientist are analyzed, claiming that the state is being destroyed by revolution and the society of the future based on mutual assistance and equality of people is being realized. The purpose of the study is to reveal P.A. Kropotkin’s socio-philosophical views on the state as an instrument of violence against workers and the need to eliminate it in the name of building a humane and just society of the future. Conclusions. The article proves: 1) the views of P.A. Kropotkin reveal the need for the destruction of state power under capitalism, which meets the interests of only the ruling class; 2) through the social revolution, relying on the ideas of anarchist communism, workers will achieve a free and just society.
ROMANIAN STUDENTS IN THE SOVIET UNION (1948-1964)
Authors:   East China Normal University, Shanghai, China, BAJORA ANATOLIE
Published: February 2022

Student exchanges have a long history since the Middle Ages. After the Second World War, they became even more popular, aiming to increase education, tolerance of different cultures, improve language skills and broaden social horizons. Like other socialist countries, Romania intensified student exchanges with the USSR because the country needed specialists and staff for the national economy and the new communist government. At that time, Russian became the first foreign language taught in Romanian schools. The quality of studies in the USSR was good, and later, many graduate students became significant political leaders and held important positions in the state. Starting with the 1960s, Romania gradually began to distance itself from the USSR, eventually leading to a significant reduction in student exchanges. Currently, the international student exchanges between Romania and the Russian Federation are pretty low, and it would be a pity not to continue the established tradition.
THE SOVIETIZATION OF THE ROMANIAN ARMY (1945-1950)
Authors:   East China Normal University, Shanghai, China, BAJORA ANATOLIE
Published: February 2022

Traditionally, the Romanian Army had a French military model, and with the beginning of the Second World War, the German, the allied country. Traditionally, the Romanian army used the French and, with the outbreak of World War II, the German allied country as a military model. However, things would change significantly after the defeats on the eastern front and the country’s entry under Soviet influence. The nucleus of the future Romanian Army will be created in the USSR from the Romanian prisoners of war, who enlisted as volunteers in the “Tudor Vladimirescu” and later “the Horea, Cloșca, and Crișan” divisions. After establishing the communist regime in Romania, in the beginning, with the help and under the supervision of the Soviet military, advisers will begin the formation of a new army, strongly politically affiliated but better equipped technically and materially.
THE CORRELATION BETWEEN NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEGISLATION ON FREEDOM OF RELIGION: INTERACTION ISSUES
Authors:   Humanitarian and Technical Academy, Kokshetau, Republic of Kazakhstan, SOKOLOVSKIY KONSTANTIN
Published: February 2022

Relevance. Issues of discussion of international and national law have acquired particular relevance in the light of constitutional changes, occurred in 2020 in the Russian Federation. The primacy of national law, enshrined at the level of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, has significantly changed the interaction between the national and international legal order. At the same time, the sphere of freedom of conscience (religion) is one of the most important areas of legal regulation, which has both national and international legal aspects, which determines the relevance of the chosen research goal. The Purpose of the study is to analyze international legal and domestic regulation in the sphere of ensuring the right to freedom of conscience (religion), as well as to identify and resolve urgent problems of interaction of systemic law in the context of the right to freedom of conscience. The research objectives are: 1) determination of the place of the right to freedom of conscience (religion) in the system of international and national legal regulation, in particular, analysis of the concepts of “absolute law”, “jus cogens”, “general international law”; 2) consideration of the issue of the boundaries of freedom of religion in the understanding of the national law of the Russian Federation and international law. As a result of the accomplishment of the task, it is proposed to identify the main differences in this issue between the domestic and international legal order, as well as to put forward proposals to eliminate this discrepancy. Methodology. The key tool was the method of comparative analysis, as well as system analysis. In the course of the study, the main acts of the current legislation of the Russian Federation in the field, the most important international legal acts, the works of prominent specialists in international and constitutional rights were analyzed, a study of law enforcement acts (the practice of the courts of the Russian Federation, the European Court of Human Rights) was carried out. Conclusions. As a result, original conclusions were obtained regarding the need for the doctrinal inclusion of norms on freedom of conscience (religion) in the system of international common law. The conclusion is made about the need for a more complete consideration of the position of international judicial bodies in the legislative movement of the boundaries of the right to freedom of conscience (religion).
The Subjective Side of the Offence of Causing Harm to Health by Artificial Intelligence
Authors:   National Research Mordovia State University named after N.P. Ogarev , Saransk, Russian Federation, Petrikova Svetlana , LAVRUSHKINA ALINA
Published: February 2022

Objective of the research. The article is devoted to research of problems of establishment of subjective aspect of corpus delicti of a crime in case of causing harm to health by the artificial intelligence. Relevance of the theme is due to the lack of regulatory framework on the possibility of bringing the artificial intelligence to justice, including criminal, in connection with the increasingly frequent cases of causing harm to health, property by artificial intelligence, namely, systems that use artificial intelligence. The relevance of the research determined its objective, which is to determine the potential possibility of recognition of artificial intelligence as a subject of criminal legal relations in the current criminal law. In the process of research the authors provide a reasoned justification of the lack of signs of the subjective side in case of causing harm to health by artificial intelligence as a result of its ability to self-learning. The paper also presents the authors’ substantiation of the ways of compensation for the health damage caused by the artificial intelligence. Conclusions. According to the results of the study, the authors have concluded that under the current criminal law to prosecute the artificial intelligence is impossible due to the lack of subjective features of a crime. As a part of the solution of the artificial intelligence responsibility for the crime the authors conclude on the need to develop special legislation that will define the status of the artificial intelligence in civil, criminal and other spheres, the order of damages and possible consequences for the artificial intelligence.
LEGAL TEACHINGS OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SOCIOLOGICAL SCHOOL OF JURISPRUDENCE AND MODERNITY (WITHIN THE BRANCH OF FINANCIAL LAW)
Authors:   IGSiU Presidential Academy Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Moscow, Russian Federation, TORIYA RITA , KONOVALOVA ZINAIDA
Published: February 2022

The article deals with the main ideas of representatives of the sociology of law and the application of their ideas in the modern world, their relevance and relevance, in particular for research in the framework of financial law. A comparative analysis of E. Ehrlich’s “living law” with modernity is carried out. The article provides examples from modern reality and indicates that modern Russian legislation does not always keep up with reality. The ways of solving some legal problems are also proposed.
INVESTMENTS IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION: ISSUES OF LEGAL REGULATION
Authors:   Institute of State and Law of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation, SHPINEV YURY
Published: February 2022

In this article, the author analyzes the strategic role of agriculture to ensure the security of any state, the difficulties faced by industry enterprises, and also makes suggestions for solving some of the problems associated with investments in agriculture during the period of digitalization. Based on domestic scientific publications and regulations, a conclusion is made about the special role of agriculture in the security of the country. On the other hand, agriculture has significant investment risks, which is primarily due to the dependence of its economic indicators on various natural and other phenomena, which can not always be influenced by the producer. The strategic role in ensuring state security on the one hand, and the presence of investment and other risks on the other create a situation in which the state is forced to actively participate in the development of agriculture. Based on the analysis of foreign experience of state investment policy, it is concluded that approaches to this issue differ in different countries, however, one of the general trends can be called the direction of investment policy of the most developed state countries to obtain new scientific knowledge and implement it in practice. Taking into account the current state of domestic agriculture, it is concluded that it is impossible to move to a developed digital agriculture without significant state participation. In order to ensure a competent expenditure of budget funds, it is necessary to establish the criteria according to which investors will have the right to count on state support measures when investing in the development of the digital economy by the latter. One of the ways to solve this problem is the development and regulatory consolidation of technical regulations containing innovative solutions, the presence of which will give the right to receive certain state assistance.
VISUAL SOURCES IN THE STUDY OF POLITICAL AND LEGAL DOCTRINES
Authors:   Ural Institute of Management - branch of the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation, KOROVIN KIRILL
Published: February 2022

Visual research has been gaining popularity in various social sciences in recent decades. Moreover, developments in sociology, political science and law related to the study of cultural aspects of society are interdisciplinary in nature. Jurisprudence is a fairly conservative scientific field in Russia, and the theories of the Soviet period continue to occupy dominant positions in legal science. Nevertheless, there are quite interesting approaches borrowed from other sciences of the socio-humanitarian profile. In this regard, the study of visual sources in jurisprudence seems to the author to be a promising direction, since, one way or another, legal concepts are represented in the visual. It is worth remembering any works of fine art (propaganda posters) or cinema (cinema), where you can see the reflection of certain political and legal ideas. The purpose of the article is to show the role and importance of visual sources of information in general, as well as in relation to the history of political and steam exercises. Because the standard format of considering political and legal ideas only within the framework of written sources does not allow for a comprehensive study of the influence of doctrines on legal consciousness. Visual as well as auditory sources significantly expand the picture of the legal world. Also, the author for the first time gave a classification of visual and legal sources, which, in turn, are divided into static and dynamic. The work clearly shows that law can also be studied in a visual context, which is to some extent an anthropological reading of the legal matter.
The Challenges and Advantages for Seasoned Professionals Applying to and Navigating Doctoral Programs
Authors: Jordan Marty P. , Rosebrook Erika , Schiff Eleanor
Published: February 2022

Graduate students in political science who have spent significant time in the workforce before doctoral studies encounter different challenges than students who matriculate immediately or soon after undergraduate study. In deciding to pursue a Ph.D., seasoned professionals may face significant financial opportunity costs, cultural re-entry issues, familial responsibilities, or geographical constraints. Additionally, the academic culture at R1 universities can sometimes undervalue how prior professional experience helps inform a rich research agenda. Yet, the maturity and professionalism older graduate students bring to the classroom and in shouldering additional departmental responsibilities benefit doctoral programs. This chapter offers some suggestions for seasoned professionals thinking about pursuing a Ph.D. at the application stage, navigating graduate studies, and contributing to their academic departments. This manuscript is part of Strategies for Navigating Graduate School and Beyond, a forthcoming volume for those interested in pursuing graduate education in political science (Fall 2022 publication).
ANALISIS FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI) INDONESIA DI NIGERIA PERIODE 2014—2017: STUDI KASUS PT. INDOFOOD SUKSES MAKMUR
Authors: Chairunisa Fitri
Published: February 2022

Liberalism in international trading opens the opportunity for any country to sell their products to the whole world. One of the activities that cannot be separated from international trading is Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Nigeria is one of many countries which really welcome the concept of FDI. There are Indonesian corporations that have been investing in Nigeria, one of them is PT. Indofood Sukses Makmur. With the Toleram Group from Singapore, the company has built a new corporation together, called De United Foods Industries Ltd (DUFIL). FDI concept and Product Life Cycle (PLC) theory are used in this research, along with the qualitative method and descriptive technique of data analysis. The result shows that PT. Indofood Sukses Makmur (De United Foods Industries Ltd) is a company with horizontal FDI model. The company classified in greenfield FDI category, which developed with merger. According to PLC theory, instant noodle from PT. Indofood Sukses Makmur which has been produced by De United Foods Industries Ltd in Nigeria is currently in the mature step.
Enzymatic Preparation of Low-Molecular-Weight Laminaria japonica Polysaccharides and Evaluation of Its Effect on Modulating Intestinal Microbiota in High-Fat-Diet-Fed Mice
Authors: Fu Xiaodan , Zhan Yuming , Li Nannan , Yu Dongxing , Gao Wei , Gu Ziqiang , Zhu Lin , Li Rong , Zhu Changliang
Published: February 2022

Recent studies have shown that seaweed polysaccharides can ameliorate high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced metabolic syndromes associated with the regulatory function of gut microbiota. However, kelp, a natural source of seaweed polysaccharides, is highly viscous, making it difficult to prepare dietary fiber by simple degradation. Therefore, we developed a novel method of preparing low-molecular-weight polysaccharides from Laminaria japonica by combining high-pressure pretreatment and composite enzymatic degradation and evaluated the obesity prevention activity of these polysaccharides. Seaweed L. japonica polysaccharides (SJP) were rapidly utilized by the human fecal microbiota in vitro, resulting in the generation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), specifically acetate and propionate. The in vivo effects of SJP on the intestinal microbiota were also investigated using HFD-fed C57BL/6J mice. SJP reduced weight gain and fat deposition in HFD-fed mice and increased the concentration of total SCFAs, including acetate, propionate, and butyrate in the feces. SJP ameliorated HFD-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, resulting in increased abundance of Faecalibaculum, Romboutsia, and Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and decreased abundance of Blautia and Lactobacillus. Further, SJP enhanced the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila in mice provided with HFD and normal chow. Single-strain culture experiments also revealed that SJP promoted the growth of A. muciniphila. This study highlights the potential use of SJP, prepared using composite enzymatic degradation (cellulase and recombinant alginate lyase), in preventing obesity and restoring intestinal homeostasis in obese individuals.
Review on Multicomponent Hydrogel Bioinks Based on Natural Biomaterials for Bioprinting 3D Liver Tissues
Authors: Kim Daekeun , Kim Minseok , Lee Jongwan , Jang Jinah
Published: February 2022

Three-dimensional (3D)-printed in vitro tissue models have been used in various biomedical fields owing to numerous advantages such as enhancements in cell response and functionality. In liver tissue engineering, several studies have been reported using 3D-printed liver tissue models with improved cellular responses and functions in drug screening, liver disease, and liver regenerative medicine. However, the application of conventional single-component bioinks for the printing of 3D in vitro liver constructs remains problematic because of the complex structural and physiological characteristics of the liver. The use of multicomponent bioinks has become an attractive strategy for bioprinting 3D functional in vitro liver tissue models because of the various advantages of multicomponent bioinks, such as improved mechanical properties of the printed tissue construct and cell functionality. Therefore, it is essential to review various 3D bioprinting techniques and multicomponent hydrogel bioinks proposed for liver tissue engineering to suggest future directions for liver tissue engineering. Accordingly, we herein review multicomponent bioinks for 3D-bioprinted liver tissues. We first describe the fabrication methods capable of printing multicomponent bioinks and introduce considerations for bioprinting. We subsequently categorize and evaluate the materials typically utilized for multicomponent bioinks based on their characteristics. In addition, we also review recent studies for the application of multicomponent bioinks to fabricate in vitro liver tissue models. Finally, we discuss the limitations of current studies and emphasize aspects that must be resolved to enhance the future applicability of such bioinks.
Electronic Bone Growth Stimulators for Augmentation of Osteogenesis in In Vitro and In Vivo Models: A Narrative Review of Electrical Stimulation Mechanisms and Device Specifications
Authors: Nicksic Peter J. , Donnelly D’Andrea T. , Hesse Madison , Bedi Simran , Verma Nishant , Seitz Allison J. , Shoffstall Andrew J. , Ludwig Kip A. , Dingle Aaron M. , Poore Samuel O.
Published: February 2022

Since the piezoelectric quality of bone was discovered in 1957, scientists have applied exogenous electrical stimulation for the purpose of healing. Despite the efforts made over the past 60 years, electronic bone growth stimulators are not in common clinical use. Reasons for this include high cost and lack of faith in the efficacy of bone growth stimulators on behalf of clinicians. The purpose of this narrative review is to examine the preclinical body of literature supporting electrical stimulation and its effect on bone properties and elucidate gaps in clinical translation with an emphasis on device specifications and mechanisms of action. When examining these studies, trends become apparent. In vitro and small animal studies are successful in inducing osteogenesis with all electrical stimulation modalities: direct current, pulsed electromagnetic field, and capacitive coupling. However, large animal studies are largely unsuccessful with the non-invasive modalities. This may be due to issues of scale and thickness of tissue planes with varying levels of resistivity, not present in small animal models. Additionally, it is difficult to draw conclusions from studies due to the varying units of stimulation strength and stimulation protocols and incomplete device specification reporting. To better understand the disconnect between the large and small animal model, the authors recommend increasing scientific rigor for these studies and reporting a novel minimum set of parameters depending on the stimulation modality.
Traffic Flow Prediction Model Based on the Combination of Improved Gated Recurrent Unit and Graph Convolutional Network
Authors: Zhao Yun , Han Xue , Xu Xing
Published: February 2022

With the rapid economic growth and the continuous increase in population, cars have become a necessity for most people to travel. The increase in the number of cars is accompanied by serious traffic congestion. In order to alleviate traffic congestion, many places have introduced policies such as vehicle restriction, and intelligent transportation systems have gradually been put into use. Due to the chaotic complexity of the traffic road network and the short-term mobility of the population, traffic flow prediction is affected by many complex factors, and an effective traffic flow forecasting system is very challenging. This paper proposes a model to predict the traffic flow of Wenyi Road in Hangzhou. Wenyi Road consists of four crossroads. The four intersections have the same changing trend in traffic flow at the same time, which indicates that the roads influence each other spatially, and the traffic flow has spatial and temporal correlation. Based on this feature of traffic flow, we propose the IMgru model to better extract the traffic flow temporal characteristics. In addition, the IMgruGcn model is proposed, which combines the graph convolutional network (GCN) module and the IMgru module, to extract the spatiotemporal features of traffic flow simultaneously. Finally, according to the morning and evening peak characteristics of Hangzhou, the Wenyi Road dataset is divided into peak period and off-peak period for prediction. Comparing the IMgruGcn model with five baseline models and a state-of-the-art method, the IMgruGcn model achieves better results. Best results were also achieved on a public dataset, demonstrating the generalization ability of the IMgruGcn model.
Data Augmentation and Transfer Learning for Data Quality Assessment in Respiratory Monitoring
Authors: Rozo Andrea , Moeyersons Jonathan , Morales John , Garcia van der Westen Roberto , Lijnen Lien , Smeets Christophe , Jantzen Sjors , Monpellier Valerie , Ruttens David , Van Hoof Chris , Van Huffel Sabine , Groenendaal Willemijn , Varon Carolina
Published: February 2022

Changes in respiratory rate have been found to be one of the early signs of health deterioration in patients. In remote environments where diagnostic tools and medical attention are scarce, such as deep space exploration, the monitoring of the respiratory signal becomes crucial to timely detect life-threatening conditions. Nowadays, this signal can be measured using wearable technology; however, the use of such technology is often hampered by the low quality of the recordings, which leads more often to wrong diagnosis and conclusions. Therefore, to apply these data in diagnosis analysis, it is important to determine which parts of the signal are of sufficient quality. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the performance of a signal quality assessment framework, where two machine learning algorithms (support vector machine–SVM, and convolutional neural network–CNN) were used. The models were pre-trained using data of patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The generalization capability of the models was evaluated by testing them on data from a different patient population, presenting normal and pathological breathing. The new patients underwent bariatric surgery and performed a controlled breathing protocol, displaying six different breathing patterns. Data augmentation (DA) and transfer learning (TL) were used to increase the size of the training set and to optimize the models for the new dataset. The effect of the different breathing patterns on the performance of the classifiers was also studied. The SVM did not improve when using DA, however, when using TL, the performance improved significantly (p< 0.05) compared to DA. The opposite effect was observed for CNN, where the biggest improvement was obtained using DA, while TL did not show a significant change. The models presented a low performance for shallow, slow and fast breathing patterns. These results suggest that it is possible to classify respiratory signals obtained with wearable technologies using pre-trained machine learning models. This will allow focusing on the relevant data and avoid misleading conclusions because of the noise, when designing bio-monitoring systems.
Enhancing DNT Detection by a Bacterial Bioreporter: Directed Evolution of the Transcriptional Activator YhaJ
Authors: Elad Tal , Shemer Benjamin , Simanowitz Shilat , Kabessa Yossef , Mizrachi Yosef , Gold Azriel , Shpigel Etai , Agranat Aharon J. , Belkin Shimshon
Published: February 2022

Detection of buried landmines is a dangerous and complicated task that consumes large financial resources and poses significant risks to the personnel involved. A potential alternative to conventional detection methodologies is the use of microbial bioreporters, capable of emitting an optical signal upon exposure to explosives, thus revealing to a remote detector the location of buried explosive devices. We have previously reported the design, construction, and optimization of an Escherichia coli-based bioreporter for the detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and its accompanying impurity 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT). Here we describe the further enhancement of this bioreporter by the directed evolution of YhaJ, the transcriptional activator of the yqjF gene promoter, the sensing element of the bioreporter’s molecular circuit. This process resulted in a 37-fold reduction of the detection threshold, as well as significant enhancements to signal intensity and response time, rendering this sensor strain more suitable for detecting the minute concentrations of DNT in the soil above buried landmines. The capability of this enhanced bioreporter to detect DNT buried in sand is demonstrated.
Antifungal Activity and Biocompatibility of α-AgVO3, α-Ag2WO4, and β-Ag2MoO4 Using a Three-Dimensional Coculture Model of the Oral Mucosa
Authors: Pimentel Bruna Natália Alves da Silva , Marin-Dett Freddy Humberto , Assis Marcelo , Barbugli Paula Aboud , Longo Elson , Vergani Carlos Eduardo
Published: February 2022

Fungal infections have become a major concern in the medical community, especially those caused by Candida spp. Within this species, Candida albicans stands out for being an opportunistic commensal fungus that can cause superficial and invasive infections. Current antifungal therapy involves the local and/or systemic use of drugs such as azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins. These antifungals are based on highly specific target sites, and the development of resistance may occur with changes in the enzymatic pathways that serve as the drug targets. Thus, the development of new antifungal drugs is highly recommended to prevent drug resistance. The present investigation evaluated the antifungal activity of silver-containing microcrystals such as silver vanadate (α-AgVO3), silver tungstate (α-Ag2WO4), and silver molybdate (β-Ag2MoO4). In addition to having antimicrobial activity, such compounds should not cause damage to underlying tissues. Thus, to better assess the biocompatibility of new compounds, a new three-dimensional (3D) coculture model involving three cell lines was developed. The validation of the model was based on fluorescent markers and confocal laser microscopy. The biocompatibility of silver-containing microcrystals was evaluated by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. 3D coculture was infected with C. albicans biofilm and challenged with α-AgVO3, α-Ag2WO4, and β-Ag2MoO4. The action of microcrystals on C. albicans biofilm was evaluated by colony-forming units (CFU/ml) and LIVE/DEAD staining. In addition, production of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) was measured by cytometric bead array kit using flow cytometry. The 3D coculture model described here proved to be adequate to assess both the biocompatibility of the new materials and the infectious processes. Regarding the biocompatibility of the microcrystals, only α-AgVO3 (15.62 µg/ml) showed a decrease in cell viability. The antibiofilm activity of α-Ag2WO4 was similar to that of the standard drug (fluconazole). Although α-Ag2WO4 was able to induce the production of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β, no differences in cytokine production were observed between noninfected and infected models treated with this microcrystal. β-Ag2MoO4 inhibits the production of TNF-α in the infected model; however, it showed no antibiofilm activity. Based on the biocompatibility and antifungal findings, α-Ag2WO4 is a promising material for treating C. albicans infection.
Nivolumab-DTPA-Based PD-1 Imaging Reveals Structural and Pathological Changes in Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Li Danni , Li Xiao , Yang Jian , Shi Zhang , Zhang Lu , Li Rou , Peng Ye , Liu Jiajun , Zuo Changjing
Published: February 2022

Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) expression is considered a prognostic marker of tumor response to the immuno-blocking therapy. In this study, nivolumab was conjugated with diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) via condensation reaction between amidogen and p-SCN-Bn-DTPA, which provided labeling sites for 99mTc4+ or Gd3+ ions. SPECT and magnetic resonance T1 weighted imaging (T1WI) analyses were performed on mouse models of colorectal carcinoma expressing humanized PD-1 antigen. Furthermore, PD-1 expression in intestinal tracks was assessed by immunohistochemistry, and then compared with the imageological findings. Nivolumab-DTPA was synthesized with varying molar ratios and was labeled with Gd or 99mTc with a chemical purity of 96.28 ± 1.16% and good stability. In SPECT images, lesions with high 99mTc-DTPA-nivolumab uptake and relatively clear background were shown at 6 h. Thereafter, the suspected intestinal thickening in Gd-free T1WI was observed at 2 h after the addition of Gd-DTPA-nivolumab. Notably, the results of both SPECT and T1WI analyses were consistent with the postmortem examination and immunohistochemistry results (for linear correlation with target to non-target ratios, R2 = 0.8038, p < 0.05). In conclusion, nivolumab-DTPA could act as a probe precursor for identifying PD-1-positive lesions, not only through integrating the advantages of immunohistochemistry and molecular imaging but also by providing a noninvasive method for monitoring systemic changes.
Integrated Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals the Effect of Maternal Gestational Diabetes on Fetal Mouse Hippocampi
Authors: Luo Si-si , Zou Ke-xin , Zhu Hong , Cheng Yi , Yan Yi-shang , Sheng Jian-zhong , Huang He-feng , Ding Guo-lian
Published: February 2022

Growing evidence suggests that adverse intrauterine environments could affect the long-term health of offspring. Recent evidence indicates that gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with neurocognitive changes in offspring. However, the mechanism remains unclear. Using a GDM mouse model, we collected hippocampi, the structure critical to cognitive processes, for electron microscopy, methylome and transcriptome analyses. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) and RNA-seq in the GDM fetal hippocampi showed altered methylated modification and differentially expressed genes enriched in common pathways involved in neural synapse organization and signal transmission. We further collected fetal mice brains for metabolome analysis and found that in GDM fetal brains, the metabolites displayed significant changes, in addition to directly inducing cognitive dysfunction, some of which are important to methylation status such as betaine, fumaric acid, L-methionine, succinic acid, 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid, and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). These results suggest that GDM affects metabolites in fetal mice brains and further affects hippocampal DNA methylation and gene regulation involved in cognition, which is a potential mechanism for the adverse neurocognitive effects of GDM in offspring.
Selective Autophagy Receptor p62/SQSTM1, a Pivotal Player in Stress and Aging
Authors: Kumar Anita V. , Mills Joslyn , Lapierre Louis R.
Published: February 2022

Efficient proteostasis is crucial for somatic maintenance, and its decline during aging leads to cellular dysfunction and disease. Selective autophagy is a form of autophagy mediated by receptors that target specific cargoes for degradation and is an essential process to maintain proteostasis. The protein Sequestosome 1 (p62/SQSTM1) is a classical selective autophagy receptor, but it also has roles in the ubiquitin-proteasome system, cellular metabolism, signaling, and apoptosis. p62 is best known for its role in clearing protein aggregates via aggrephagy, but it has recently emerged as a receptor for other forms of selective autophagy such as mitophagy and lipophagy. Notably, p62 has context-dependent impacts on organismal aging and turnover of p62 usually reflects active proteostasis. In this review, we highlight recent advances in understanding the role of p62 in coordinating the ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy. We also discuss positive and negative effects of p62 on proteostatic status and their implications on aging and neurodegeneration. Finally, we relate the link between defective p62 and diseases of aging and examine the utility of targeting this multifaceted protein to achieve proteostatic benefits.