bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical substantiation of the layout decisions of station complexes of the underground of medium depth (up to 40 m) in the engineering and geological conditions of Saint Petersburg
Authors: Ledyaev Alexander , Boytsov Dmitry , Ledyaeva Natalia
Published: April 2020

The development of a modern city and the increase in the occupied territory also involves the improvement of its transport infrastructure. In accordance with the sectoral scheme of development of the subway of St. Petersburg and the current backlog of its implementation requires a new approach to the implementation of the plan for the construction of the subway network. This article proposes the concept of space-planning, structural and construction solutions for metro stations of the ring line, as well as for the peripheral areas of the city.

Over the past 10 years, there has been a rapid increase in population and active high-rise development of all areas of the city, increasing congestion of both urban and suburban roads, which leads to inefficiency of public and individual transport. For a long time there has been a problem of unloading the existing subway lines and exceeding the uncovered areas by available types of urban passenger transport, the main of which is the subway. To meet the needs of the population in comfortable transportation with minimal time required a large-scale approach to the implementation of the long-term plan for the development of the subway.

Engineering-geological conditions of St. Petersburg are characterized by great complexity in the design and construction of underground structures. Water-saturated unstable sandy-clay soils, often of a belt structure, serve as the host medium for the objects of the underground of small and medium depth. The thickness of Quaternary deposits within the city has a large difference of absolute marks and is characterized by great heterogeneity. Relatively favorable conditions for the construction of underground structures are the layers of Cambrian clays, the full capacity of which varies from 12–20 m to 95–126 m relative to the earth’s surface. The root soils are characterized by sufficient density and uniformity with low water flows and moisture, which led to the deep laying of the vast number of station complexes and distillation tunnels of the St. Petersburg metro.
Justification of the calculated values of strength and deformation characteristics of clay soils for pavement design in economically promising areas of Western Siberia
Authors: Sukhorukov Alexey
Published: April 2020

In the first quarter of the 21st century, Russia will face the need to develop the southern latitudinal belt and form a new northern latitudinal belt of Russia’s economic development in Siberia. At the same time, specialists from the Institute of Economics and Industrial Engineering of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences predict the possibility of strengthening the single economic space of the state, relying not only on raw materials, but also on the transport and logistics opportunities that open up when servicing transport corridors. The development of the road network of the northern latitudinal belt of economic development requires taking into account the features of the geocomplex elements when designing roads in the territory of the second climatic zone of Western Siberia.

The article presents the structure of research aimed at studying the relations and patterns that determine the systemic relationship between the components of the «highway – environment» system in economically promising areas of Western Siberia. The research structure is based on the systems approach and includes two main blocks – theoretical and experimental ones, as well as their elements and internal and external relations.

The study gives the detailed examination of such issues as organization and performance of experimental part of research on studying composition and properties of clay soils.

The main outcomes of field and laboratory studies are shown. The dependences of variations of elastic modulus, angle of internal friction, and specific adhesion of clay soils on their relative humidity are established. Deviations are determined between the values of soil characteristics calculated from these dependences and the values presented in Industry Road Code 218.046-01 (preliminary national standard PNST 265-2018).

The article is prepared on the basis of the author’s PhD dissertation research on the topic of «Justification of regional calculated values of clay soil characteristics for the road pavement design in Western Siberia» (STU, Novosibirsk, 2017).
Оperational state of Myanmar cable-stayed bridge structures
Authors: Valiev Sherali , Maung Vin Aung Maung , Ovchinnikov Ilya
Published: April 2020

The features of the Myanmar road network are briefly reviewed, the country’s bridge park, which includes about 500 bridges, is analyzed in more detail, examples of various types of bridge structures used in Myanmar (arched, hanging, frame, truss, adjustable, cable-stayed) are given. Particular attention is paid to cable-stayed bridges, data on their condition according to the results of surveys conducted jointly with Japanese specialists is given, characteristic defects and damage to the bridges are given, and the reasons for their appearance are indicated. It is noted that the average durability of Myanmar bridges is 30–35 years. In conclusion, the history of the construction of cable-stayed bridges in the USSR and Russia is briefly reviewed, the most famous cable-stayed bridges of Russia of various years of construction and their parameters are listed/ The disadvantages of cable-stayed bridges from the point of view of their resistance to wind loads are analyzed and it is shown that cable-stayed bridges with large spans have insufficient bearing capacity. The reasons for local and global cable-stayed bridge failures (physical, design, technological) are considered. It is concluded that in the case of large spans, suspension bridges have significant advantages over cable-stayed.
Methods for «finding forms» of self-stressed structures
Authors: Bureev Artem , Ovchinnikov Igor
Published: April 2020

The paper considers methods for searching for the formation of self-stressed structures that can be used as a structural basis for industrial and transport structures, including bridge structures. In view of the special interest in self-stressed structures as promising variations of cable-stayed structures, the methods of preliminary design of the initial forms of future self-stressed structures are considered and analyzed, namely, the forms of searching for the initial forms of geometric configurations are studied by the example of several well-known methods. Examples of practical application of self-stressed systems in several structures are also demonstrated. Possible variations in the use of self-stressed structures in the work of building structures, including bridge structures, are noted. Methods for searching for self-stressed structures are given, taking into account certain input and desired parameters of the structure, namely static and kinematic methods. The features of searching for an equilibrium tensegrity structure based on these methods, as well as their joint application, are considered. There are also some advantages and disadvantages from certain points of view of finding the most correct tensegrity structure. Examples of joint application of some calculation methods in practice and their influence on each other in the calculation process are considered. Some basic examples of creating individual elements of self-stressed structures using schemes and formulas based on geometric and physical-mathematical parameters are given. The considered methods are also briefly analyzed from the point of view of their usefulness.
Sulfuric acid corrosion of geopolymer concrete with mineral additives from wastes
Authors: Eroshkina Nadezhda , Chamurliev Mikhail , Korovkin Mark
Published: April 2020

The effect of mineral additives such as crushed ash and individual building demolition waste on the corrosion resistance of geopolymer concrete based on screening the crushed granite and blast furnace slag in an environment of sulfuric acid solutions was studied. The corrosion resistance of concrete was evaluated by the kinetics of reducing the mass and strength of samples in sulfuric acid solutions with a concentration of 2,5 and 5 % for 10 days. It was shown that replacing 50 % of granite powder with ground crushed bricks or ash significantly increases the corrosion resistance of geopolymer materials. It was established that due to the formation of poorly soluble products of the interaction of sulfuric acid and concrete in the pores of a geopolymer stone, an interface is formed between the undestructed material and the zone subjected to destructive processes, which impedes the penetration of the corrosive medium into the material. The study also conducted comparative studies of the corrosion resistance of Portland cement concrete with various water-cement ratios. The research results showed that under the influence of sulfuric acid in Portland cement concrete this border does not form and a rapid loss of mass and strength occurs in the samples. The established feature of the process of destruction of geopolymer concrete in a solution of sulfuric acid is the reason for its higher resistance in comparison with cement concrete.
Reconstruction of the bridge using heavy lifting technique
Authors: Peshkov Ilya , Ovchinnikov Igor
Published: April 2020

In work the problem of use of Heavy Lifting technology («Rise of heavy constructions») for dismantling of the flying structure of the bridge at its reconstruction is considered.

The questions of development and application vertically of drawbridges are raised. Contribution of foreign designers to development of adjustable flights. Experience of modern construction of bridges, using a method, for mounting of metal constructions of bridges is considered. The importance of short-term repair and reconstruction of bridge constructions as most important components of a transport network of the country is noted. Reconstruction of the bridge through the Tobol River on federal highway R-404 in the Tyumen region is briefly considered.

Works of authors, about technology of safe use of lifting frames for rise and lowering of segments of steel concrete bridges and beams for a sliding of flying buildings from previously strained concrete. Foreign and domestic experience of use of Heavy Lifting technology for mounting and dismantling of bridge constructions is considered.

On the example of works on dismantling of the flying building at reconstruction of the bridge through the Yuganskaya River of a channel on km 740,863 highways R-404 Tyumen-Tobolsk-Khanty-Mansiysk are shown to feature of works on this technology, the arising problems and ways of their solution. It is noted that use of Heavy Lifting technology allows carrying out reconstruction to the shortest possible time, having saved considerable resources.
Die Status en Beskerming van Meerderjariges met Beperkte Handelingsbevoegdheid / The Status and Protection of Majors with Impaired Capacity to Act
Authors: Robinson Robbie
Published: April 2020

In this contribution the focus falls on the capacity to act of majors who, due to mental or physical disabilities lack the ability to make sound decisions in respect of their estate, conclude juristic acts that lead to undue harsh consequences for themselves. The question that arises is how to apply the boni mores as the concept has been developed constitutionally to protect such persons. In this respect it is shown that Dutch law may fruitfully be consulted to comply with courts' discretion to consult foreign law. Mentorskap and the beschermingsbewind qua measures that are aimed specifically at the protection of the non-patrimonial interests of (typically) patients and the patrimonial interests of such people are of specific relevance.
IMPLEMENTASI INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTING STANDARD 41 DI BERBAGAI NEGARA SERTA FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI KEPATUHAN PENERAPAN IAS 41
Authors: Puspasari Puspasari , Nurramadhini Annisa , Sari Lydia , Djajadikarta Insan Kamil
Published: April 2020

This study aims to describe the implementation of International Accounting Standard 41 conducted by organizations that have biological assets in various countries and identify variables that affect organizational compliance in implementing IAS 41. The research method uses the literature review method. The results of the study showed that the application of IAS 41 encountered obstacles in MSME organizations and traditional farmers. This is due to their lack of ability to implement IAS 41. The results show that the variables that influence organizational compliance in implementing IAS 41 are company intensity and size, ownership concentration, have a significant positive impact and the type of auditor and international stakeholders is positively related but not significant.Keywords. Biological Asset; Fair value; IAS 41.AbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk menggambarkan implementasi International Accounting Standard  41 yang dilakukan oleh organisasi yang memiliki aset biologis di berbagai negara serta mengidentifikasi variabel yang mempengaruhi kepatuhan organisasi dalam menerapkan IAS 41. Metode penelitian ini menggunakan metode literature review. Hasil studi menunjukan bahwa penerapan IAS 41 menemui kendala di organisasi UMKM dan petani tradisional. Hal ini dikarenakan kurangnya kemampuan mereka dalam menerapkan IAS 41.  Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa variabel yang mempengaruhi kepatuhan organisasi dalam mengimpelemtasikan IAS 41 adalah intensitas dan ukuran perusahaan, konsentrasi kepemilikan, memiliki dampak positif yang signifikan dan tipe auditor dan pemangku kepentingan internasional berhubungan positif namun tidak signifikan.Kata kunci.  Aset Biologis, Nilai Wajar; IAS 41.
Remembering Contradiction Information in the Light of the Hypothesis of an Unconscious Search for a Resolution of Contradictions
Authors: Starodubcev A.S. , Allakhverdov V.M.
Published: April 2020

Contradictory information is changed in the subject’s mind: sometimes contradictions are not noticed, smoothed out, superseded, but sometimes they attract attention, become more contradictory and are well remembered. It can be a result of two different mechanisms: the contradiction avoidance mechanism and contradiction resolution mechanism. The avoidance mechanism starts working before the contradictions are conscious (and it makes them worse for remembering), and the solution mechanism starts working after the contradictions are conscious (and it makes them better for remembering). In our experiments, we have shown that contradictory information is better reproduced with a clue and it is better identified as compared to non-contradictory information, if the contradiction resolution mechanism works for a longer time. In experiments 2 and 3 this was done by creating a readiness of subjects to recognize information as contradictory by presenting block of contradictory sentences; in experiment 4 the time interval between presenting information and reproduction was increased. In the light of our hypothesis, the results of other studies on the processing of conscious and unconscious contradictions considered.
The diffusion model of reaction time for recent negative probes
Authors: Velichkovsky B.B. , Sultanova F.R. , Tatarinov D.V. , Kachina A.A.
Published: April 2020

The study investigates the problem of information displacement from short-term memory. In two experiments, reaction times for recent negative probes were analyzed in the Sternberg’s memory scanning task. The diffusion model of reaction times was used with parameters estimated with the fast-dm software. It was found (experiment 1) that recent negative probes are characterized by a reduction in the speed of information accumulation (drift rate). This suggests residual activation of irrelevant cognitive representation in memory after they have been displaced from short-term memory. It was also found (experiment 2) that negative probes semantically related to items in a preceding target set (semantic recent negative probes) are characterized by a similar decrease in the drift rate. This suggests activation spreading from irrelevant cognitive representations displaced from short-term memory along semantic connections and identifies activated long-term memory as the target of information displacement from short-term memory. Additional mechanisms of short-term memory scanning (negative priming and dynamic decision thresholds) are discussed.
A Modified Pontic Appliance for Missing Maxillary Incisors
Authors: Harrison S D , Park J H
Published: April 2020

A modified pontic technique is presented that simplifies the management of patients with missing anterior teeth during the course of comprehensive orthodontic care. This technique demonstrates a lingual arch attached to lingual sheaths with the pontic placed on the lingual arch. Information presented includes appliance design, improved bond strength of the bracket on the pontic tooth, preparing the appliance for use as anchorage, and the incorporation of an anterior biteplate in the appliance. A modified pontic appliance improves esthetics and function when treating patients with missing maxillary anterior teeth.
Silver Diamine Fluoride and Fluoride Varnish May Halt Interproximal Caries Progression in the Primary Dentition
Authors: Hammersmith KJ , DePalo JR , Casamassimo PS , MacLean JK , Peng J
Published: April 2020

Objective: The study described the incidence of interproximal caries arrest following SDF and fluoride varnish application in the primary dentition. Study design: A retrospective analysis of dental records including radiographs was conducted for interproximal dental caries in pediatric patients treated with SDF applied with woven floss. Bitewing radiographs and ICCMS™ radiographic scoring criteria were used to assess caries depth in primary teeth at baseline and then at 12-month follow-up examination. Results: This study included 185 interproximal carious lesions in 131 patients treated with SDF. Mean baseline ICCMS™ score for all lesions was 1.50, with an average dmft of 2.9. The majority of carious lesions (n=155, 84.0%) showed radiographic evidence of non-progression at 12-month follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference in caries arrest among primary canines, primary first molars, and primary second molars (P=0.61). Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference in caries arrest in patients with commercial insurance, Medicaid, or no insurance (P=0.27). Conclusions: SDF application with woven floss was associated with interproximal caries arrest in the primary dentition at 12-month follow-up in this sample of low caries risk children. Tooth type and insurance type were not associated with caries arrest.
Interdisciplinary Approach to Treat Unusual Development of Dens Evaginatus: A Case Report
Authors: Nam Ok Hyung , Kang Ho Yeon , Lee Hyeonjong , Choi Sung Chul , Shin Seung-Il , Lim Hyun-Chang
Published: April 2020

The present case report describes a rare case of dens evaginatus on the labial surface of mandibular incisor and interdisciplinary management including endodontic and periodontal treatment. A 10-year-old girl presented unusual whitish tubercle-like structure penetrated through the buccal gingiva of mandibular later incisor. In cone-beam computed tomographic view, pulpal tissue was extended from the principal root to the tubercle. Following full thickness flap reflection, the tubercle was carefully removed, resulting in dentin and pin-point pulp exposure. In order to prevent pulp necrosis and facilitate periodontal attachment to this area, Biodentine and enamel matrix derivative were applied. Gingival defect was compensated using a collagen matrix. Up to 2 years, harmonious gingiva state and no loss of tooth vitality were observed. In summary, dens evaginatus on mandibular later incisor could be successfully treated by means of interdisciplinary approach.
World’s Largest Eye Bank has Served a Nation for Three Decades
Authors: Farazdaghi Mahmood
Published: April 2020

This is an Editorial and does not have an abstract.
Screening for Novel LOX and SOD1 Variants in Keratoconus Patients from Brazil
Authors: Nery Benevides Gadelha Diego , Felipe Barbosa Feitosa Alex , Gomes da Silva Rafaela , Talita Antunes Luana , Cavalcanti Muniz Matheus , Alencar de Oliveira Matheus , De Oliveira Andrade Dáfine , Mayanna da Paz Silva Nathalia , Cronemberger Sebastião , Luiz Fonseca Schamber-Reis Bruno
Published: April 2020

Purpose: To investigate the presence of the variants of lysyl oxygenase (LOX) and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) genes in Brazilian patients with advanced keratoconus.
Methods: Donor genomic DNA extracted from blood samples was screened for 5’UTR, exonic LOX, and SOD1 variants in a subset of 26 patients presenting with advanced keratoconus (KISA > 1000% and I–S > 2.0) by Sanger sequencing. The impact of non-synonymous amino acid changes was evaluated by SIFT, PMUT, and PolyPhen algorithms. The Mutation Taster tool was used to evaluate the potential impact of formation of new donor and acceptor splice sites in the promoter region of affected volunteers carrying sequence variants. A 7-base SOD1 deletion (IVS2 + 50del7bp) previously associated with keratoconus was screened in 140 patients presenting classical keratoconus by gel fragment analysis, and positive samples were sequenced for confirmation.
Results: We found an unreported missense variant in LOX exon 6 in one heterozygous patient, leading to substitution of proline with threonine at residue 392 (p. Thr392Pro) of LOX protein sequence. This mutation was predicted to be potentially damaging to LOX protein. Another LOX variant, Arg158Gln, was also detected in another patient but predicted to be non-pathogenic. Two additional new polymorphisms in LOX 5’UTR region (–116C > T and –58C > T) were found in two patients presenting with advanced keratoconus and were predicted to modulate or create donor/acceptor splice sites in LOX transcripts. Additionally, SOD1 deletion was detected in one patient presenting with severe keratoconus, not in control samples.
Conclusion: We described three novel LOX polymorphisms identified for the first time in Brazilian patients with advanced keratoconus, as well as a previously described SOD1 deletion strongly associated with keratoconus. A possible role of these variants in modulating transcript levels in the cornea of affected individual requires further investigation.
Myopia and Regional Variations in Retinal Thickness in Healthy Eyes
Authors: M. Zereid Feryal , L. Osuagwu Uchechukwu
Published: April 2020

Purpose: To investigate the effects of refraction on retinal thickness measurements at different locations and layers in healthy eyes of Saudi participants.
Methods: Thirty-six randomly selected adults aged 27.0 ± 5.7 years who attended a Riyadh hospital from 2016 to 2017 were categorized into three groups: non-myopic (spherical equivalent refraction [SER], +1.00 to –0.50 diopters [D]), low myopic (SER, – 0.75 to –3.00D), and moderate to high myopic (SER ≤ –3.25D). Full, inner, and outer retinal thicknesses were measured at nine locations by spectral-domain stratus optical coherence tomography (Optovue Inc., Fremont, CA, USA) and were compared according to refractive group and sex.
Results: The mean SERs for the non-myopia, low myopia, and moderate to high myopia groups were 0.2 ± 0.6, –1.5 ± 0.5, and –7.5 ± 1.9 D, respectively. Refractive error, but not sex, had significant effects on the retinal layer thickness measurements at different locations (P < 0.05). The parafoveal and outer retinal layers were significantly thicker than the perifoveal and inner retina layers in all groups (P < 0.05). The full foveal thickness was higher and the full parafoveal and perifoveal regions were thinner in moderate to high myopic eyes than in the non-myopic eyes (P < 0.05), but were similar to those in the low myopic eyes (P > 0.05). The foveal thicknesses measured in the inner and outer layers of the retina were higher but the thicknesses measured at the inner and outer layers of the parafoveal and perifoveal regions were lower in moderate to high myopic eyes.
Conclusion: There were regional differences in the retinal layer thicknesses of healthy Saudi eyes, which was dependent on the central refractions. This is important when interpreting retinal nerve fiber layer thicknesses in myopia and disease management in Saudi participants.
Orthokeratology in Moderate Myopia: A Study of Predictability and Safety
Authors: Singh Kirti , Bhattacharyya Mainak , Goel Abhishek , Arora Ritu , Gotmare Nikhil , Aggarwal Himshikha
Published: April 2020

Purpose: Literature is relatively silent on safety profile and predictability of orthokeratology lenses in terms of myopia correction and prevention of further progression, especially in semi-tropical countries; this study was designed to fill this gap.
Methods: This prospective, intervention case series enrolled 30 eyes of 30 patients with myopia up to –5.5 diopters (D). Patients were randomized into two groups of 15 each; the study group was prescribed overnight orthokeratology (OK) lenses, while the control group used daily wear conventional soft contact lenses. Follow-up examinations were performed after 1 h and 6 h, and then at 1, 7, 15, 30 days, and 4 months post lens wear. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), contrast sensitivity, keratometry, central corneal thickness (CCT), and tear film break up time (TBUT) were evaluated at each follow-up examination.
Results: All patients attained a visual acuity of 0.00 Logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution (logMAR) after one week of lens use, which was maintained throughout the study period. While patients allotted to the study group had a gain of 8.1 Snellen lines (UCVA), those in the control group gained 8.9 lines (BCVA) at the end of follow-up period. In the OK group, cornea showed a flattening of 0.8 D (mean keratometry) after single overnight usage of OK lens and overall flattening of 1.2 D compared to baseline, at the end of four months. The change in contrast sensitivity, corneal endothelial specular count, axial length and tear film status was not significant in either group.
Conclusion: Orthokeratology is an effective and safe modality to correct moderate myopia in motivated young adults. No side effects were encountered after a short-term follow-up in participants who resided in semi-tropical environments.
Eukaryote microbes potential for bioflocs in the swamp aquaculture
Authors: Marini Wijayanti  , Tanbiyaskur  , Jubaedah Dade , Saputra Ade Bayu , Genti Karta Sari , Agustina  , Nabila Saraswati  , Siti Yuliani  , Hary Widjajanti
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT
 
Eucaryote microbes have an important role in forming bioflocs in the brackishwater aquaculture ponds.  Bioflocs become potential live feed for milkfish or crustacea. This study aimed to identify the potential of eukaryotic microbes in the brackishwater aquaculture as the biofloc candidates potential development. This study was done through the water quality assessment and potential indigenous microbes isolation approach. Sampling was retrieved from the water subcomposite and sediment on each intertidal inlet and outlet. The water quality of brackishwater pond and intertidal swamp tended to lack of nutrient as containing inoptimal dissolved oxygen, salinity, pH, and ammonia content for the milkfish culture. Therefore, liming and fertilizing should be done to enrich the indigenous microbes. Eucaryote microbe isolated from the enrichment media was the aquatic fungi (multicellular and unicellular fungi) and microalgae (bacillariophyta, chlorophyta, and cyanophyta). Fungi and yeast formed a floculation with microalgae. This form will become a biofloc candidate as a live feed and water quality controller for the development of brackishwater aquaculture in the swamp area.
 
Keywords:  eucaryote microbes, biofloc, aquaculture, pond, brackish water swamp
 
ABSTRAK
 
Mikrob eukariot berperan penting dalam pembentukan bioflok di tambak budidaya pada lahan rawa payau.  Bioflok menjadi pakan alami untuk budidaya ikan bandeng atau udang. Tujuan riset ini adalah mengidentifikasi mikrob eukariot rawa payau potensial untuk pengembangan kandidat bioflok di akuakultur rawa payau.  Riset ini dilakukan dengan pendekatan kualitas air serta isolasi mikrob indigenous tambak dan rawa pasang surut untuk mendapatkan isolat mikrob potensial sebagai kandidat pembentuk bioflok. Sampling dilakukan secara subkomposit pada air dan sedimen di setiap inlet dan outlet pasang surut. Kualitas air tambak dan rawa pasang surut menunjukkan kondisi oksigen terlarut, salinitas, pH, dan amonia berada di luar batas optimum budidaya ikan bandeng, sehingga perlu dilakukan pengapuran dan pemupukan untuk memperbanyak mikrob indigenous-nya. Isolasi mikrob eukariot dari media pengayaan diperoleh jenis fungi akuatik yang multiseluler dan uniseluler, sedangkan mikroalga yang diperoleh yaitu dari golongan Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, dan Cyanophyta. Fungi yang dapat membentuk hifa dapat merangkai mikroalga dan khamir untuk membentuk flok. Susunan ini diharapkan dapat menjadi bahan bioflok yang berguna sebagai pengendali kualitas air sekaligus pakan alami bagi pengembangan budidaya di lahan rawa payau.
 
Kata kunci:  mikrob eukariot, bioflok, budidaya, tambak, rawa payau
Valuation effects of cultural disparity on cross border mergers: The evidence from India
Authors: Tewari Manish , Banerjee Pradip , De Soumen
Published: April 2020

The object of this study is to explore the effect of cultural distance on both the long run and short run performance of cross border mergers and acquisitions undertaken by Indian acquiring firms. We utilize buy and hold returns (BHAR), cumulative abnormal returns (CAR) and cross-sectional regression analysis in our study. Adopting the traditional Hofstede measure of cultural distance and other pertinent variables, commonly used to measure cultural differences, we document a negative and statistically significant influence of cultural distance on Indian cross-border M&As and corroborate some of other findings reported in prior research. Also, we find that the BHAR is nevertheless higher when the acquisitions are friendly, paid for 100% cash, and the acquiring firm is large, older and belongs to a business group. The inclusion of the variable ‘business group’ along with industry relatedness and acquirer size provides valuable insights into the Indian cross border acquisition landscape, wherein business groups dominate to a great extent.
Market analyses of marketing strategies of industrial producers and processors in Kosovo
Authors: Fejza Ejup , Bajrami Halil
Published: April 2020

Marketing can be considered as the connection between consumers and the management in attempt to create profit for the company. The main purpose of the research is to analyze the marketing strategies of industrial producers and processors in Kosovo and to find out which are the best marketing strategies that will lead these companies toward the growth of their market share and profit. During the research the paper finds that most of the producers we have analyzed have of proper marketing strategies used toward the company growth, including entering new markets and/or developing new products. Companies, part of this research, think more about productivity than sales and marketing and they still didn’t make the distinction between marketing and sales. We find that the behavior of most companies is geared towards productivity and not so much towards marketing and marketing strategies. Of course productivity is important, but marketing strategies can help in increasing the market share and growth, which could directly result to additional productivity needs. We also find out that there seems to be little courage in entering and exploring new markets; investing in offering new products to the market; or improving the design and quality of the products; and/or adding value to the existing products. Their growth strategies in terms of the above are still undeveloped. Therefore, there should be continuous insistence of manufacturing companies to advance marketing department, creating a special unit of market research that will help them to develop new markets and new products and make their company profitable by taking a larger market share and benefiting from diversification and proliferation. The data for research was collected through a questionnaire in 30 food producer and processor companies in Kosovo. Firstly, data has been gathered and processed through Microsoft Excel and the same data then were processed through SPSS 2.0 cross tabulation with the aim of comparing company strategies used and for testing of hypothesis.
Virtual Screening of Potential Inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease
Authors: Alméciga-Díaz Carlos Javier , Pimentel-Vera Luisa N. , Caro Angela , Mosquera Angela , Castellanos Moreno Camilo Andrés , Manosalva Rojas Juan Pablo , Díaz-Tribaldos Diana Carolina
Published: April 2020

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) was first described in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China; and produced by a novel coronavirus designed as the acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Covid-19 has become a pandemic reaching over 1.3 million confirmed cases and 73,000 deaths. Several efforts have been done to identify pharmacological agents that can be used to treat patients and protect healthcare professionals. The sequencing of the virus genome not only has offered the possibility to develop a vaccine, but also to identified and characterize the virus proteins. Among these proteins, main protease (Mpro) has been identified as a potential therapeutic target, since it is essential for the processing other viral proteins. Crystal structures of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and inhibitors has been described during the last months. To describe additional compounds that can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, in this study we performed a molecular docking-based virtual screening against a library of experimental and approved drugs. Top 10 hits included Pictilisib, Nimorazole, Ergoloid mesylates, Lumacaftor, Cefuroxime, Cepharanhine, and Nilotinib. These compounds were predicted to have higher binding affinity for SARS-CoV-2 Mpro than previously reported inhibitors for this protein, suggesting a higher potential to inhibit virus replication. Since the identified drugs have both pre-clinical and clinical information, we consider that these results may contribute to the identification of treatment alternative for Covid-19. Nevertheless, in vitro and in vivo confirmation should be performed before these compounds could be translated to the clinic.
An Oral Live Attenuated Vaccine Strategy against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (2019-nCoV)
Authors: Sanal Madhusudana Girija , Dubey Ravi Chandra
Published: April 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2/2019-nCoV) infection is an emerging pandemic. The virus binds to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and TMPRSS2 which are abundantly expressed on various human cells including lung epithelial cells and intestinal cells and the virus can infect these cells. Currently no specific treatments or vaccines are available for this disease. A per oral live attenuated vaccine can be beneficial in SARS-Cov-2 infection because the attenuated virus initially infects the gut, stimulates the mucosa associated immune system sparing the respiratory system during the initial immune response. The live virus can also spread in the community boosting herd immunity.
Brief: Touch the World Through Internet
Authors: Woolley Thomas C.
Published: April 2020

Internet is the world's largest computer network. Access to Internet allows users to communicate with colleagues around the world, to access vast software archives, to visit university and public libraries, to search on-line databases, to participate in lively discussions on thousands of topics, to receive electronic journals, and much more. This paper describes Internet and discusses its current and future uses, ways to obtain access, and some of the resources available.

What Is Internet?

Initial network activities began as a U.S. Dept. of Defense research project in the early 1970's. The ARPAnet project linked major defense installations with a computer network that was redundant enough to withstand missile attack. In the late 1980's, the U.S. National Science Foundation built a network, NFSNET; that was based on the original ARPAnet and that contained five regional supercomputing centers linked by high-speed communications. Through NFSNET, universities across the U.S. used these supercomputer centers to conduct research (mostly military). NFSNET did not preclude nonmilitary use of the network, which opened the resource to many individuals and institutions.

By 1987, the volume of information traveling on the network overloaded the system. The network bandwidth was upgraded in 1987. During the late 1980's, hundreds of private and commercial networks worldwide were linked to the network, primarily for communication in the research arena. This network of networks became known as Internet.

Because of the ease of access to and value of the resources available on the network, more and more individuals began using Internet. As interest increased, more resources were added, which, in turn, fueled further interest. This domino effect led to the explosive growth of lnternet today. Internet is the foundation of the "information superhighway" that has become the focus of media and U.S. government attention over the past few years.
Brief: Information Technology Outsourcing - One Company's Experience
Authors: Klochko John W. , Bester L. Wayne
Published: April 2020

To address the pressures of the 1990's business climate, Amoco Canada Petroleum Co. Ltd. went through an aggressive evaluation and restructuring of its business operations. This precipitated a critical review of its information technology (IT) strategy with a goal of maintaining effectiveness while reducing overall costs. To meet the challenge of substantially reducing expenses while continuing to maintain effective service levels, the company entered a 5-year agreement to outsource its data center and network operations. This paper discusses the business forces that brought Amoco Canada to consider outsourcing, the processes surrounding the outsourcing decision, and the results to date. We demonstrate that by understanding the role of IT in its business plans, the company successfully met its outsourcing objectives.

Introduction

Outsourcing IT services is a growing trend as organizations look for ways to solve the problem of maintaining services while reducing costs. A study1 done several years ago by an IT consulting firm predicted that every Fortune 500 company would consider outsourcing information systems and 20% would outsource at least some portion of their IT functions by 1994. More recent studies confirm that this is happening.

The nature of outsourcing is changing. Companies are not approaching outsourcing only as a means of reducing costs, as has been the case in the past, but as a strategic tool in IT management. The data center is now just one of many functions being outsourced. More companies are including management of local area networks, desk top computer systems, applications development, and midrange computer systems in their outsourcing.

Another recent development in outsourcing is "transitional outsourcing." Under this arrangement, the data center and network operations are outsourced so that resources can be directed to the development of client/server applications. This is the nature of Amoco Canada's outsourcing agreement. Fig. l shows the company's rationale for outsourcing these functions and what it hoped to gain. This brief addresses these areas and also examines the company's experience since outsourcing began in Oct. 1992. Were expectations and objectives met, and how has the relationship with the outsourcing vender evolved? What are the expectations for the remaining years of the agreement? Why was the company successful with its outsourcing? We also show why the contract is the most critical element in the outsourcing relationship.
Weathering Downturns - Survival Strategies for Tough Markets
Authors: Duroc-Danner Bernard J.
Published: April 2020

Published in Oil & Gas Executive Report, Volume 2, Number 2, 1999, pages 26-27.

Few industries have experienced the profound economic swings that have saddled the world petroleum industry since the mid-1980's. In fact, few other commodities have experienced the unusual roller-coaster ride of crude oil.

As the 1980's opened, economists were predicting that crude oil prices would surge to U.S. $30/bbl and higher over the rest of the century. Instead, the opposite happened. Today, when inflation is taken into account, crude oil is priced below 1956 levels. The phenomenon of oil prices staying well below overall inflation levels began in January 1986. Even in nominal terms, or without the effects of inflation, today's yearly average price of a barrel of the benchmark West Texas intermediate crude is lower than at any time since 1978.

Bust/Boom/Bust Cycles

In 1986, the industry began one of its most severe and extended downturns ever as world crude oil prices plummeted overnight into the single digits and decreased year to year more than 40% (in nominal, or noninflation-adjusted, terms). Except for a brief hiatus during the 1990 Persian Gulf war, prices were on a downtrend for the better part of 10 years. Then followed 3 good years, 1994 to 1997, when per-barrel prices seemed to steady in the high teens to the low twenties. The industry was beginning to enjoy a rebound. A combination of technological advances and more tight-fisted management helped companies profit at oil prices of U.S. $15/bbl and higher. Most companies enjoyed rising profitability.

Last year, just as the industry was feeling cautiously optimistic about stronger prices and healthy drilling, prices dropped again, falling more than30% - by far, the largest year-to-year decline since 1986. The crash turned out to be real and lasting. Nearly 1 year later, the industry is battening down anew to weather another extended economic storm.

It's a story nobody in this industry wanted to hear again, but here we are. What happens now? What did we learn, collectively, from previous downturns? There is a silver lining in the proverbial dark cloud. But before discussing this, let's survey the damage to date in the current downturn.
Effects of Physical Activity and Counselling Interventions on Health Outcomes among Working Women in Shanghai: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Hongying , Xiao Yi , Ren Xiaoling , Zhang Pei , Lu MiaoMiao , Zhang Tao
Published: April 2020

Background：Working women in Shanghai are a special group with a high risk of suffering work stress and burnout. They were disturbed by the work-family conflicts, which resulted in lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL), higher job stress and burnout. This study evaluated the potential physical activity and counselling intervention effects on health outcomes of working women in Shanghai participating in a group- or an individual-based physical activity and counselling intervention compared to a control group.Methods：Participants were randomly recruited from eight communities of Shanghai using the stratified cluster sampling method. A sample of 121 female workers was used in this study. They were randomly divided into three groups: a control group and two intervention groups (individual-based and group-based intervention). The two intervention groups accepted 12-week moderate physical activity and counselling intervention. Subjective perceptions of work stress, burnout, and HRQoL were measured before and after the intervention. Results：In the control group, no significant difference was found between participants for stress (p = 0.752) and burnout (p = 0.622) before and after the experiment. However, the HRQoL value decreased after the experiment, with the mean value falling from 91.59 to 87.10. After the experiment, the values of stress and burnout decreased, and the value of HRQoL increased in the two intervention groups. At the intervention’s completion, there were significant differences compared the two intervention groups to the control group separately regarding changes in burnout and HRQoL (all p < 0.01). For stress, the group-based intervention group exhibited a significant difference compared to the control group (p < 0.01), while the individual-based intervention group did not exhibit a significant difference compared to the control group (p = 0.128).Conclusion: Physical activity and counselling intervention delivered either in a group or individual format could reduce burnout and improve HRQoL of working women in Shanghai, and the group interventions were more effective than those targeted at individuals.
Low serum albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, and body mass are risk factors for frailty in elderly people with diabetes – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yanase Toshihiko , Yanagita Ikumi , Fujihara Yuya , Iwaya Chikayo , Kitajima Yuichi , Tajima Misuzu , Honda Masanao , Teruya Yuji , Asakawa Hideko , Ito Tomoko , Eda Terumi , Yamaguchi Noriko , Kayashima Yumi , Yoshimoto Mihoko , Harada Mayumi , Yoshimoto Shoji , Aida Eiji , Nawata Hajime , Muta Kazuo
Published: April 2020

Background: Relatively low dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and high cortisol/DHEA ratio have been suggested to be associated with frailty as evaluated using a physical scale. However, the significance of these two hormones for frailty in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not been assessed using a wider range of measures of frailty, including physical, mental, and social indices.Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study to investigate the significance of these two hormones for frailty in elderly T2DM patients (n=148; ≥65 years), using a broad assessment, the clinical frailty scale, and to reevaluate the risk factors for frailty in elderly T2DM patients. We compared parameters between the non-frail and frail groups using the unpaired t and Mann-Whitney U tests. The Jonckheere-Therpstra test was used to identify relationships with the severity of frailty and risk factors were identified using binary regression analysis.Results: Simple regression analysis identified a number of significant risk factors for frailty, including DHEAS <70 µg/dL and cortisol/DHEA-S ratio ≥0.2. Multiple regression analysis showed that low albumin (<4.0 g/dl) (odds ratio [OR]=5.79, p<0.001), low aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity (<25 IU/L) (OR=4.34, p=0.009), and low body mass (BM) (<53 kg) (OR=3.85, p=0.012) were independent risk factors for frailty. A significant decrease in DHEA-S and a significant increase in the cortisol/DHEA-S ratio occurred alongside increases in the severity of frailty. DHEA-S concentration positively correlated with both serum albumin and BM.Conclusions: Hypoalbuminemia, low AST, and low BM are independent risk factors for frailty in elderly T2DM patients, strongly implying relative malnutrition in these frail patients. DHEA-S may be important for the maintenance of liver function and BM. A decrease in DHEA-S and an increase in the cortisol/DHEAS ratio may be involved in the mechanism of the effect of malnutrition in elderly T2DM patients. trial registration number: UMIN (number 000031357)