bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Burning for Treatment: Impact of Staff Education on Asymptomatic Bacteriuria Management in the Elderly
Authors: Hong Casara , Egan Gregory , Sherk Byron
Published: November 2020

Background

Studies indicate that elderly patients are often inappropriately treated with antimicrobials for asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB). Interprofessional education may help improve the assessment and management of ASB.

Methods

Retrospective chart audits were conducted on two cohorts of positive urine cultures (n = 201) obtained from a geriatric acute care unit to determine the incidence of treated ASB. The first cohort (n = 101) was analyzed from January to July 2017. Education was provided to unit staff (e.g., nurses, physicians, pharmacists) in Fall 2017. The second cohort (n = 100) was analyzed from January to July 2018. Descrip­tive statistics were used to summarize and compare the results from the cohorts.

Results

152 patients (n = 201 positive urine cultures) were reviewed: 74% (159) of positive urine cultures were ASB and 21% (42) were urinary tract infections. The incidence of treated ASB was 15% (30) and untreated ASB was 65% (129). The incidence of UTI, treated ASB, and untreated ASB were not significantly different between the two cohorts examined.

Conclusion

The implementation of education did not result in lasting changes in ASB management. Our study suggests that future systemic solutions are necessary to reduce the incidence of treated ASB in the geriatric population.
A Debatable Top Ten Papers in Geriatric Medicine List
Authors: Hogan David B.
Published: November 2020

A personal top ten list of literature about aging and the prac­tice of geriatrics is offered. This is primarily directed at those completing their training in the care of older patients. While acknowledging the limitations of any such exercise, it is hoped that it will engender interest in prior work by and about older persons and their care. Those at the start of their careers in geriatrics are encouraged to read these and other primary contributions, make their own list of essential literature, and incorporate the lessons learned and the examples of prior practitioners into their professional practice.
The Impact of Cyberloafing on Employees’ Job Performance: A Review of Literature
Authors: Syed Sumera , Singh Harcharanjit , Thangaraju Savithry K. , Bakri Noor Eazreen , Hwa Koh Yok , Kusalavan Prabakaran a/l
Published: November 2020

Objectives: A controversy exists since long, among the researchers about the impact of cyberloafing on employees’ job performance. Some researchers study that cyberloafing distracts employees from their job descriptions; while others argue that cyberloafing is quite helpful in different ways to add quality to employees’ work. The aim of this paper is to review the past literature in order to understand the impact of cyberloafing in shaping up or destructing employees’ job performance. Moreover, the paper highlights the methodological analysis based on literature review. Future recommendations for the use of the internet by employees on office computers as well as other social media devices to enhance employees’ job performance are given.
Design: An organized review of the literature (1996- 2020) from information technology, business, management, and organizational behavior studies was performed. The topics studied were about internet, World Wide Web, cyberloafing, social media, employees’ job performance, employees’ engagement, employees’ productivity, and workplace environment.
Data Sources: Different research platforms such as ‘Research gate’, ‘Emerald’, ‘Jstor’, ‘Google Scholar’, ‘SCOPUS’, ‘ELSEVIER’, ‘SCIENCE DATA’, ‘Core’, ‘ScienceOpen’, ‘ERIC’, ‘Paperity’ and internet were used to read up literature.
Review Methods: Different articles written in English, related to employees’ behavior and performance as well as cyberloafing and social media, were studied.
Results: The review of literature showed that cyberloafing and social media significantly impact employees’ job performance. However, the findings were not consistent, and both the positive and negative impacts of cyberloafing and social media on employees’ performance were found.
Conclusion: The mixed findings indicate that cyberloafing can have both the positive and negative impact on employees’ job performance. In other words, a little bit cyberloafing is important for healthy communication, innovation and productivity; while the excessive unethical use of internet was found to have adverse effects on job performance. Therefore, it is recommended not to totally suppress cyberloafing but to devise cyberloafing control strategies which are equally acceptable to both the employees and employers. Hence, by the implementation of right cyberloafing control policies, positive outcomes of cyberloafing could be achieved.
QUASIBINAR SECTION OF AgGaS2-AgSbS2
Authors: Ismailova Rana A. , Aliyev Soltan G. , Abdullaeva Gulnara N. , Gurbanova Almaz G. , Sadigova Mehpara Yu. , Mammadov Sharafat H.
Published: November 2020

The aim of this work is to study phase equilibrium and build a state diagram of the AgGaS2-AgSbS2 system. For research, the initial sulfides (AgGaS2 and AgSbS2) were synthesized from elements of high purity in quartz ampoules evacuated to 0.133 Pa. Quaternary alloys of the AgGaS2 – AgSbS2 systems were synthesized from ligatures at a temperature of 800–1300 K, depending on the composition. To homogenize the alloys, annealing was performed at 50–60 K below solidus for 300 h. Using complex methods of physicochemical analysis (differential thermal, X-ray phase, microstructural, microhardness measurement and density determination), phase equilibria in the AgGaS2-AgSbS2 system were studied. It was established that the AgGaS2-AgSbS2 system is a quasibinary section of the eutectic type and its state diagram is constructed. The coordinates of the eutectic correspond to 65 mol. % AgSbS2 and a temperature of 750 K. Based on the starting components in the section, the regions of solid solutions were determined. At room temperature, the regions of solid solutions based on AgGaS2 (8 mol. % AgSbS2) and based on AgSbS2 (14 mol. % AgGaS2) were revealed. At a eutectic temperature, solubility reaches 20 and 25 mol. %, respectively. According to the XRD data, α-solid solutions belong to monoclinic syngony, and with an increase in the concentration of AgGaS2, the lattice parameter increases (a = 12.861-12.972; b = 4.409-4.474; c = 13.282-13.324Å). AgSbS2 triple sulfide solid solutions crystallize in monoclinic syngony. These solid solutions are of the type of substitution. For structural and optical measurements, technological conditions for the growth of crystals of solid solutions were developed and their single crystals were grown. Single crystals of (AgSbS2)1-x(AgGaS2)x solid solutions were obtained by the Bridgman-Stockbarger method.
EXTRACTION OF ANIONIC CADMIUM COMPLEXES WITH ORGANIC SOLUTIONS OF QUATERNARY AMMONIUM SALTS
Authors: Matyushkina Yulia I. , Shabarin Alexandr A.
Published: November 2020

The anion-exchange extraction of thiocyanate, chloride and iodide cadmium complexes by solutions of quaternary ammonium salts chlorides in organic solvents (toluene, carbon tetrachloride, ethyl acetate, isobutyl alcohol, nitrobenzene) was studied. Extraction involves solutions of alkyl dimethylbenzylammonium chlorides (R-N+(CH3)2-CH2C6H5-Cl-) and alkyl dimethylethyl-benzylammonium (R-N+(CH3)2-CH2-CH2C6H5-Cl-), where R is a straight alkyl chain, mainly C12 - C14. The composition of the cadmium anionic complexes was established by the analysis of the calibration curves E = f (pCCd (II)) constructed from cadmium sulfate solutions against the background of various contents of thiocyanate, chloride and iodide ions (ndicator electrode - ion-selective electrode with a membrane, which based on a nitrobenzene solution of tetradecylammonium bromide). The extraction process is estimated quantitatively using a distribution coefficient (D). The value of D is calculated taking into account the cadmium concentration in the aqueous phase before and after extraction. The dependence of the distribution coefficient on the organic solvent dielectric constant, the concentration and stability of the anionic complexes of cadmium is shown. So, for the indicated cadmium acidocomplexes, the minimum D values were obtained using low-polar toluene and carbon tetrachloride, and the maximum values were obtained using highly polar isobutyl alcohol and nitrobenzene. If the concentration of cadmium (II) is reduced by a factor of 100 for the cadmium rhodanide and iodide complexes, the value of D decreases by 1.6-1.9 times, for the chloride complex, by 1.2 times in the case of polar isobutyl alcohol and nitrobenzene, and 2.9-3.5 times in the case of low-polar solvents. It was experimentally established that in the series [Cd(SCN)4]2- - [CdI4]2-- [CdCl4]2- the value of D decreases for all the studied systems. The observed regularity is related both to the stability of the corresponding cadmium (II) complexes in aqueous solutions and to their hydrophobicity.
FEATURES OF SYNTHESIS OF INORGANIC LUMINESCENT MATERIAL FROM PHOSPHOGYPSUM
Authors: Shabelskaya Nina P. , Vasilieva Elena V. , Yakovenko Elena A. , Podkovyrina Yulia S. , Skorynina Alina A.
Published: November 2020

The paper discusses technological methods for obtaining a luminescent material from phosphogypsum. The obtained materials were characterized using X-ray phase analysis, X-ray fluorescence analysis, and electron microscopy. The elemental composition of the samples was determined using a laboratory micro-fluorimeter. In the course of the study, the technological conditions for converting the main part of phosphogypsum into a luminescent material based on calcium sulfide were established. It is shown that the process of obtaining luminescent CaS consists of dehydration stages: the initial stage, carried out at a temperature of 373 K to remove physically bound water, and the final stage, at a temperature of 1073 K – to remove crystallization water, as well as the stage of phosphogypsum reduced at a temperature of 1173 K for 0.5 h. An environmentally friendly material-sucrose-is considered as a reducing agent. It is shown that in the case of changing the technological modes of reduction the luminescent material cannot be obtained. Conducting the reduction process at a temperature of 773 K is accompanied by obtaining a sample contaminated with products of incomplete decomposition of the organic component of the charge. In this case, the sample does not contain calcium sulfide. Under prolonged isothermal exposure at a temperature of 1173 K, repeated oxidation of samples with loss of luminescence ability was observed. Optimal technological modes for obtaining materials with phosphor properties are formulated. According to the results of X-ray phase analysis, samples that do not show luminescence capacity contain calcium sulfate as the main phase. Samples-phosphors consist of a mixture of calcium sulfate and sulfide. Results obtained open up wide opportunities for involving in the re-processing of production waste to obtain cheap products in demand.
THERMODYNAMICS OF QUERCETIN SOLVATION IN WATER-DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE SOLVENT
Authors: Kuranova Natalia N. , Kabirov Dzhovidon N. , Kashina Olga V. , Usacheva Tatyana R.
Published: November 2020

The distribution coefficients of quercetin (QCT) in water-dimethylsulfoxide solvents with a content of dimethylsulfoxide from 0.0 to 0.5 mol. fr. were determined by the method of interfacial distribution of the substance between two immiscible phases: aqueous or water-dimethylsulfoxide solution and n-hexane at 298.2 K. The distribution coefficients are less than one, which indicates a better solvation of quercetin in water and a water-dimethylsulfoxide solvent than in hexane. Changes in the distribution coefficients of quercetin are not correlated with a gradual increase in the content of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) in the solvent. Using the obtained values of the distribution coefficients, we calculated the changes in the Gibbs energy of re-solvation of quercetin in water-dimethylsulfoxide solvents. The dependence of the Gibbs energy of QCT re-solvation on the solvent composition has an extreme form with a minimum in the range of DMSO concentrations corresponding to 0.3 mol. fr. A comparative analysis of the effect of a water-dimethylsulfoxide solvent on the change in Gibbs energy of re-solvation of quercetin, nicotinamide and nicotinic acid was carried out. In the case of both nicotinamide and nicotinic acid, an extreme change is observed in the Gibbs energy of re-solvation of particles with a maximum in the region with a low content of non-aqueous component XDMSO ≈ 0.1 mol. fr. The main contribution to the weakening of the solvation of nicotinamide and nicotinic acid is due to the enthalpy component, and with increasing concentration of dimethylsulfoxide there is an increase in the contribution of entropy to the change in the Gibbs energy transfer. An extreme change in the Gibbs energy transfer of quercetin suggests that the minimum on the dependence ∆trGº(QCT) = F(χDMSO) is also a consequence of a change in the prevailing thermodynamic factor in the solvate state of quercetin.
INFLUENCE OF LEAD IONS ON PHOTOLUMINESCENT PROPERTIES OF POLYMETHYL METACRYLATE /(Zn,Pb)S/CdS/(Zn,Pb)S COMPOSITIONS
Authors: Isaeva Anastasya A. , Smagin Vladimir P.
Published: November 2020

The paper presents the results of a study of the effect of lead ions on the photoluminescent properties of core / shell / shell nanostructures based on zinc and cadmium sulfides synthesized in situ during the formation of polyacrylate composition. ZnS/CdS/ZnS and (Zn,Pb)S/CdS/(Zn,Pb)S nanoparticles were obtained by colloidal synthesis in a medium of (poly) methyl methacrylate. Colloidal solutions are solidified to a glassy state by radical thermal polymerization of methyl methacrylate in a block. To initiate the polymerization, benzoyl peroxide was introduced into the solutions in an amount of 0.1% by weight of methyl methacrylate. The conclusion on the formation of nanosized particles of complex composition in the polymer matrix is made by comparing the luminescence and luminescence spectra of the compositions containing ZnS and CdS particles and their structure. In the photoluminescence spectra of the (poly) methyl methacrylate/(ZnS/CdS/ZnS) composition, two complex bands associated with crystal lattice defects of ZnS particles (380 - 530 nm) and CdS (530 - 840 nm) were detected. The excitation of photoluminescence occurs as a result of interband transitions of electrons in each of the semiconductor layers, as well as during transitions of electrons from the conduction band to defect levels located in the forbidden band of the semiconductor structure. In the luminescence excitation spectrum, they correspond to bands of various intensities in the range of 300–420 nm and 300–480 nm. From the overlap of the ZnS luminescence bands and the excitation of CdS luminescence, it was concluded that the radiation of the core is absorbed by the CdS coating layer and that energy is transferred from the levels of structural defects of ZnS to the levels of structural defects of CdS at the layer boundary. Doping of zinc sulfide layers with lead ions leads to a change in the luminescence spectrum in the region of 380 - 530 nm and the disappearance of the CdS luminescence band in the range of 530 - 840 nm. The observed changes are associated with defects that create Pb2+ ions in the crystal lattice of the ZnS outer shell and the screening of the (Zn,Pb)S shell of the inner layers from the penetration of exciting radiation.
ELECTRON WORK FUNCTION OF LANTHANIDE TRIIODIDES
Authors: Dunaev Anatoliy M. , Motalov Vladimir B. , Kudin Lev S.
Published: November 2020

Desorption enthalpies of LnI4– and Ln2I7– associative ions (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Lu) and the enthalpy of sublimation of LnI3 molecules were determined by Knudsen effusion mass spectrometric technique. These data were used to calculate the effective values of electron work function φe of polycrystalline samples of lanthanide triiodides LnI3 for the first time. The calculation methodology is based on the study of thermochemical cycles, which include atoms, molecules, ions, and electrons being in thermodynamic equilibrium with the LnI3 crystal inside the effusion cell. The values obtained for different lanthanides turned out to be close. They lie in the range of about 2.4 – 4.4 eV with an average value in the series: φe = 3.2 ± 0.3 eV. The latter value is close to those for previously studied lanthanide tribromides. No secondary periodicity of φe was found within the calculated errors along the lanthanide series. The results obtained are in quantitative agreement with the theoretical calculation of the values of the band gap of lanthanide triiodides. Comparison of φe with other classes of lanthanide compounds such as oxides, hexaborides, and lanthanide metals shows relatively high electron emission ability yielding only to alkali and alkali-earth metals.
SYNTHESIS AND INVESTIGATION OF COPOLYMERS OF GLYCIDYLMETHACRYLATE AND COPPER COMPLEX METHYL PHEOPHORBIDE “A” IN SOLUTION
Authors: Nikolaeva Olga I. , Kandagalova Elvira R. , Ageeva Tatiana A.
Published: November 2020

The actual direction in the field of creating new functional materials is a complex study of the influence of tetrapyrrole macroheterocyclic compounds on the processes of radical (co)polymerization with widely used monomers, as well as the development of a general approach to the synthesis and study of the properties of such polymer materials. Promising macroheterocyclic compounds are chlorophyll derivatives of various structures. For this purpose, by the method of solution radical copolymerization in toluene and tetrahydrofuran the copolymers of glycidylmethacrylate and copper complex of methylpheophorbide “a” of various compositions were obtained. Identification of the obtained copolymers and investigation of their structure and properties were performed using data from IR, NMR spectroscopy of compounds, elemental and chemical analysis methods. The synthesized copolymers are characterized by molecular-weight characteristics which were determined by gel-permeation chromatography. It was found that the introduction of a copper complex of methylpheophorbide “a” into the copolymer leads to a decrease in the copolymerization rate, the values of the molecular masses of copolymers and an increase in their polydispersity. The effect of solvents on the time of the copolymerization process and the molecular weight characteristics of copolymers is shown. The composition of the obtained copolymers was determined spectrophotometrically by the optical density of their solutions at the maximum of the first absorption band of the copper complex of methylfeoforbide “a”. Comparison of the intensity of bands in the IR spectra of copolymers of different compositions showed that the content of methylpheophorbid links in the polymer chain increases with the increase in the content of porphyrin in the polymerized mixture. The study of the influence of the nature of the solvent and its structural features on chemical reactions involving porphyrin derivatives allowed us to establish that from a thermodynamic point of view, the best solvent for porphyrinpolymers is toluene.
Application of selection indices in the context of the winter wheat breeding program
Authors: Batashova M. Ye. , Tyshchenko V. M. , Dubenets M. V. , Shapochka O. M.
Published: November 2020

Aim. The aim of this study is to analyze breeding progress using indices as ratios of quantitative traits, based on long-term data analysis of plant quantitative parameters that directly or indirectly affect the productivity of varieties and breeding lines. Methods. Long-term data of structural analysis of plants of wheat varieties and lines of winter Poltava breeding for 2000-2018 for a number of quantitative traits, harvest index and attraction index were taken as material for the study. Statistica 7 was used for statistical data processing. Results. A significant increase of the harvest index under the pressure of selection for the period 2000-2018 is shown. In the early breeding stages during the selection by attraction index, it is necessary to adhere to the limits of oscillation of this index, set by the breeder in accordance with their model of variety, eliminating genotypes with sharp fluctuations in the value of this index. Conclusions. In breeding programs, in order to improve the productivity of winter wheat, it is recommended to select by attraction index in early stages of breeding, to form groups of lines with attraction index of greater than one, to search for lines with the maximum value of the harvest index, to select breeding nurseries for high seed productivity, paying particular attention to the strength of the stem.

Keywords: winter wheat, selection indices, harvest index, attraction index, traits.
PCR-identification of bacteria belonging to the genus Pectobacterium – agents of cucumber soft rot and wilting in Ukraine
Authors: Dankevych L. A.
Published: November 2020

Aim. Correct species identification of isolated Pectobacterium sp., collection «E. toxica» strains and typical representatives of some species of the genus Pectobacterium and Dickeya via PCR for individual species-specific regions of their genome. Methods. Microbiological and molecular genetic (PCR) methods Results. A specific PCR product of size 434 bp was amplified in the genome of isolated Pectobacterium sp., collection «E. toxica» and typical P. carotovorum susp. carotovorum UKM B1075T and P. atrosepticum UKM B-1084T strains. The 690 bp DNA fragment was detected solely in the genome of the typical P. atrosepticum UKM B-1084T strain and absent in strains which are agents of cucumber soft rot and wilting and a typical P. carotovorum susp. carotovorum UKM B1075T strain. Conclusions. PCR detection of specific DNA fragments allowed us to finally clarify the species status of the causative agent of cucumber soft rot and wilting and attribute it to P. carotovorum.

Keywords: identification, causative agent of cucumber soft rot and wilting.
Selection-genetic features of spring barley varieties in a system of diallel crosses
Authors: Kozachenko M. R. , Zuieva K. V. , Vasko N. I. , Solonechny P. M. , Sviatchenko S. I.
Published: November 2020

Aim. Establishment of breeding-genetic features of spring barley varieties, their parentals components and hybrids generated via diallel crossing scheme and the efficiency of creating new source material for the crop breeding on their basis. Methods. Breeding and genetic. Statistical (variance, variational, correlation). Responsive. Path analysis. Genetic analyses. Results. Establishing the features of morphological and biological indicators, the level of adaptability, variability, correlation, path analysis, inheritance, combining ability on the basis of varieties and their parent components of spring barley. As a result of the research, the breeding value of varieties as sources of valuable traits was determined and a new source material and a variety of spring barley were created. Conclusions. Selection-genetic features of quantitative traits of spring barley varieties and their parental components have been established. Varieties as sources of valuable traits have been identified. Valuable lines have been created as source material for breeding, as well as barley variety.

Keywords: barley, morpho-biological and genetic features of characters, breeding value, line, variety.
Use of chinese hazel (Corylus chinese French.) in hazelnut breeding (Corylus domestica Kos. st Opal.)
Authors: Kosenko I. S. , Opalko A. I. , Balabak O. A. , Opalko O. A.
Published: November 2020

Aim. The need to improve the domestic assortment of hazelnuts and encouraging results obtained due to the involvement of Chinese hazel Corylus chinensis Franch. in hybridization with the best of its cultivars, prompted the research. Methods. The hybridization program included the most adapted to the conditions of Ukraine domestic and foreign cultivars of hazelnuts, as well as pollinators from natural populations of Corylus avellana L. and Corylus chinensis. Isolation of maternal and collection of pollen from paternal components of crossing was made using standard methods. Pollination was made by blowing pollen into bags with a medical insufflator MO-03 with a special needle (without removing the bag) and after 2–3 days, the pollination was repeated. Hybrid nuts were sown in autumn with wrappers without stratification. Other operations for growing seedlings and further maintenance were performed according to the standard methods. Results. Sufficiently high levels of fruit binding in variants with C. avellana pollen confirm the genetic proximity of the studied cultivars to this species, and the indicators from pollination by C. chinensis were 3–5 times lower. They confirm the remoteness of Chinese hazel from the modern cultivar assortment, but they make it possible to use this species in the hazelnut breeding. Thanks to this, a valuable material was created from which a new cultivar Sofiyvsky 15 was selected. It entered fruiting in the third year after crossing and combines high potential productivity with adaptability, a spherical shape of the fruit and a high content of raw protein and oil in them. Conclusions. The ‘Sofiyivsky 15’ has significantly exceeded the ‘Halle’ and the conditional standard due to its adaptability, quickness, processability and quality of nuts. It can be recommended for wide introduction in farms of all agro-climatic zones of Ukraine.

Keywords: Corylus chinensis Franch., Corylus spp., cultivar Sofiyivsky 15, hazelnut hybrids, hybrid orchard, interspecific crossing.
The influence of foliar nutrition with urea in different phases of wheat development on grain protein content
Authors: Sheheda I. M. , Sandetska N. V.
Published: November 2020

Aim. The effect of foliar urea nutrition on grain yield, protein, total protein harvest, and nitrogen content in the grain per spike in winter wheat plants of different varieties was studied. Methods. In the field experiment plants of six different bread winter wheat varieties were fertilized with urea in different ways: 1) control; 2) foliar nutrition with urea at the end of anthesis with a dose of 7 kg N / ha; 3) foliar nutrition with urea in the phase of late milk development. Results. It was found that after nutrition in the first period the yield increased by 7-11%, while after nutrition in the second period it remained practically unchanged in comparison with the control. The applied dose of nitrogen did not have a significant effect on the protein content. Grain productivity increased without reducing protein content in this case, and there was no negative correlation between these indicators. As a result, grain protein content was significantly increased in all varieties. Natalka had the highest indicator, due to the best combination of protein content and yield. The calculations of the increase in nitrogen content in the grain per spike at the end of anthesis showed that it was significantly higher than the out-of-root dose. Conclusions. Thus, it has been shown that foliar nutrition of wheat with urea at the end of anthesis is advisable for increase of protein harvest with the crop. This measure stimulates the functional activity of plants, promotes efficiency of nitrogen utilization.

Keywords: nitrogen, grain protein, yield, winter wheat, foliar nutrition.
Genetic aspects of lactase persistence in different ethnic groups
Authors: Borozenets V. V. , Babalian V. O. , Fedota O. M.
Published: November 2020

Aim. The aim of this study was evaluation of the genetic aspects of lactase persistence (LP) in persons from different ethnic groups. Methods. Genealogical and medical information was collected about Ukrainian, Indian, Nigerian, Israel, Egypt, Palestine, Turkey, Jordan students (n=361) and their first degree relatives (n=413). Statistical analysis was carried out by Shapiro-Wilk test, χ2, Spearman correlation. Results. The phenotype of LP was found in 69.9 % of Ukrainians, lactose intolerance - in 7.2 %. The highest LP is observed in 95.2 % of Nigerians, the lowest - Palestinians, 51.9 %. Analysis in all ethnic groups showed that the number of LP people is less among parents than among students (r = - 0.529, p <0.05). The LP score is 72.7 - 95.2 % among Nigerian, Israeli, Egyptian, Turkish, Indian students, and 60 - 76.5 % among their parents. The LP phenotype is 50 – 68.8 % and 53.9 – 70.9 % among Ukrainian, Palestinian Jordanian students and their parents. It is likely that adult-type hypolactasia may appear after 20 years and older, indicating a high degree of heterozygosity. The highest number of persons with first exogamy degree is 82.6-85.5 % among Turks, Palestinians, Egyptians and the lowest value of LP phenotype is observed in these groups - 51.9 - 72.3 %, (r = – 0.786, p<0.05). A positive correlation is determined between the traits of hypolactasia and first degree of parents exogamy (r = 0.905, p<0.05). The changes in metabolic status with age could be a predictor for multifactorial pathology. Conclusions. Adult hypolactasia is an age-dependent trait. Relations between the parameters of LP and the origin were established.

Keywords: lactase persistence, lactose intolerance, exogamy, genotypes.
Screening cultivars of soybean, contrasting for rapidity maturity, of the degree for heat- and drought resistance, in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Avksentieva O. O.
Published: November 2020

Aim. Screening for complex heat and drought resistance in varieties of soybeans that differ for maturity in growing experiences and in vitro culture. Methods. To create the conditions of "artificial drought" experimental seedlings and calluses with the addition of 10% mannitol solution were cultured, heat resistance analysis out under the influence of temperature shock (60 ° C) of different duration (10-30 minutes) was carried. Drought and heat resistance by rapid analysis of seed germination and growth inhibition were determined, and in vitro by growth index (RI) and protein coagulation temperature (PCT). Results. During drought and hyperthermia tested varieties with different ripening differ in the degree of resistance to these stressors. Increased drought and heat resistance in conditions, both in vivo and in vitro middle-matured Yatran and middle-early Ustya, lowered – ultra-ripe Anushka were showed. The ripening Hajibey variety the lowest level of complex drought and heat resistance was characterized. Conclusions. It is assumed that the level of drought and heat resistance is determined by the genotypic characteristics of the varieties and may be related to the sign of the duration of the growing season – rapidity of maturity.

Keywords: Glycine max (L.) Merr., duration of growing season, drought resistance, heat resistance, callus culture.
Canopy assimilation surface and yield of winter wheat varieties under atypical weather conditions
Authors: Morgun V. V. , Pryadkina G. O. , Stasik O. O. , Zborivska O. V.
Published: November 2020

Aim. Comparative analysis of the traits of the assimilation surface of winter wheat varieties under unfavorable environmental conditions to evaluate its adaptive capacity. Methods. Morphometric, spectrophotometric, statistical. Results. In the field experiments under natural conditions (close to optimal in spring, arid - during the grain filling period and prolonged rainfall during a harvest), the variability of leaves chlorophyll content, the green leaves fresh matter per 1 m2 of ground and chlorophyll index in 10 modern middle-early varieties at anthesis and milky-wax ripeness were studied. Under such conditions, the difference in grain productivity between the highest and the lowest yielding varieties was about 1.6 t/ha. Positive correlation of grain productivity of winter wheat varieties with chlorophyll area index of leaves at milky-wax ripeness (r = 0.61) was established. Conclusions. It was found that the varieties with better adaptation to drought conditions during the period of grain filling had a higher area of assimilation surface at anthesis and milky-wax ripeness. Therefore, their higher yield was related to the higher photosynthetic capacity and the ability to storage and remobilization of carbohydrates deposited in the stem as well as to the efficiency of converting total biomass into grain yield (HI).

Keywords: Triticum aestivum L., grain productivity, chlorophyll area index of leaves.
Prospects for the creation of the original material for the selection of yellow seed varieties oil crops of the Brassicaceae family
Authors: Hablak S. G. , Abdullaeva Y. A. , Ryabovol L. O. , Ryabovol Y. S.
Published: November 2020

Aim. Study of the genetic resources of Arabidopsis for the purpose of detecting mutations with selection-valuable alleles of interest for transgenesis in cultivated oil plants of the genus. Brassicaceae by genetic engineering and biotechnology. Methods. Empirical research (observation, comparison), theoretical research (abstraction, analysis and synthesis). Results. A study of genetic collections of Arabidopsis resources (NASC and ABRC) showed that there are mutations in international collection centers (tt1-1; tt2-1; tt3-1; tt4-1; tt5-1; tt8-1 and ttg-1) with breeding-valuable alleles suitable for transgenesis of alleles in cultivated oilseeds of the genus. Brassicaceae in order to create a source material with a yellow seed color. Conclusions. The study of the potential of the largest international Arabidopsis collection centers of NASC, ABRC and SASSC on basic biological and breeding grounds allows us to identify economically valuable alleles for the implementation of breeding programs in different directions.

Keywords: Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh., Brassicaceae, seeds, yellow color.
Evolution from dip-pen nanolithography to mechanochemical printing
Authors: Yu Yi-Fei , Cao Yi ,   National Laboratory of Solid Structure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 201193, China
Published: November 2020

As a unique nanomanipulation and nanofabrication tool, dip-pen nanolithography (DPN) has enjoyed great success in the past two decades. The DPN can be used to create molecular patterns with nanoscale precision on a variety of substrates with different chemistry properties. Since its advent, the DPN has been steadily improved in the sense of applicable inks, fabrication throughput, and new printing chemistry. Among these developments, mechanical force induced mechanochemistry is of special interest.

In this review, we introduce the physical principles behind the DPN technique. We highlight the development of DPN for writing with various types of “inks”, including small molecules, viscous polymer solutions, lipids, and biomolecules, especially, the development of thermal-DPN allowing printing with inks that are usually in solid phase at room temperature. Next, we introduce the parallel-DPN and polymer pen nanolithography. These techniques greatly speed up the fabrication speed without sacrificing the precision. We also summarize the advances in chemical reaction based DPN technologies, including electrochemical DPN, metal tip-induced catalytical DPN, and mechanochemical DPN (or mechanochemical printing). To further elaborate the mechanism behind the mechanochemical printing, we briefly review the development of mechanochemistry, including the reaction mechanism, various experimental approaches to realizing mechanochemistry, and recent development in this field. We highlight the advantages of using atomic force microscopy to study mechanochemistry at a single molecule level and indicate the potential of combining this technique with DPN to realize mechanochemical printing. We envision that with the further discovery of novel mechanophores that are suitable for mechanochemical printing, this technique can be broadly applied to nanotechnology and atomic fabrication.
Publications and Evaluations: Conducting a Baseline Assessment of Open Access Adoption and Support at an R2 University
Authors: Vandagriff Susan
Published: November 2020

INTRODUCTION This study reflects a mid-size university library’s first attempt to assess faculty research output to shape future scholarly communications efforts. METHODOLOGY The assessment combined a qualitative analysis of the university’s reappointment, promotion, and tenure (RPT) documents with a quantitative analysis of faculty publications recorded in Digital Measures from 2015-2019. The RPT documents were coded to determine which indicators of scholarly value were emphasized, then compared with data on where and how faculty were publishing. RESULTS Within RPT documents, peer review was frequently emphasized, but open access and predatory publishing were not mentioned. The majority of publications occurred in hybrid journals, and publishing was concentrated among only a handful of publishers, with 11 publishers responsible for 62% of faculty’s research output. OA journal publications have risen slightly in recent years but still accounted for only 20.7% of UCCS publications. However, predatory publishing was very low, accounting for less than 5% of UCCS publications. DISCUSSION More education is needed on the importance of open access and how to assess the quality of a journal. RPT criteria consistently mentioned certain indicators of scholarly quality, but these indicators were often vague and preferential to traditional publishing models. Both open access and predatory publishing remain low, and additional education may help faculty feel more confident in exploring alternative publishing models. CONCLUSION Assessing the research output of faculty and how scholarship is being evaluated within each college can help libraries to tailor their efforts to promote open access publishing. However, the lack of OA support in the RPT criteria suggests a larger cultural shift is needed to make faculty not only aware of OA, but also encouraged and supported in publishing OA.
MutRank: an R shiny web-application for exploratory targeted mutual rank-based coexpression analyses integrated with user-provided supporting information
Authors: Poretsky Elly , Huffaker Alisa
Published: November 2020

The rapid assignment of genotypes to phenotypes has been a historically challenging process. The discovery of genes encoding biosynthetic pathway enzymes for defined plant specialized metabolites has been informed and accelerated by the detection of gene clusters. Unfortunately, biosynthetic pathway genes are commonly dispersed across chromosomes or reside in genes clusters that provide little predictive value. More reliably, transcript abundance of genes underlying biochemical pathways for plant specialized metabolites display significant coregulation. By rapidly identifying highly coexpressed transcripts, it is possible to efficiently narrow candidate genes encoding pathway enzymes and more easily predict both functions and functional associations. Mutual Rank (MR)-based coexpression analyses in plants accurately demonstrate functional associations for many specialized metabolic pathways; however, despite the clear predictive value of MR analyses, the application is uncommonly used to drive new pathway discoveries. Moreover, many coexpression databases aid in the prediction of both functional associations and gene functions, but lack customizability for refined hypothesis testing. To facilitate and speed flexible MR-based hypothesis testing, we developed MutRank, an R Shiny web-application for coexpression analyses. MutRank provides an intuitive graphical user interface with multiple customizable features that integrates user-provided data and supporting information suitable for personal computers. Tabular and graphical outputs facilitate the rapid analyses of both unbiased and user-defined coexpression results that accelerate gene function predictions. We highlight the recent utility of MR analyses for functional predictions and discoveries in defining two maize terpenoid antibiotic pathways. Beyond applications in biosynthetic pathway discovery, MutRank provides a simple, customizable and user-friendly interface to enable coexpression analyses relating to a breadth of plant biology inquiries. Data and code are available at GitHub: https://github.com/eporetsky/MutRank.
Foraging efficiency, social status and body condition in group-living horses and ponies
Authors: Giles Sarah L. , Harris Pat , Rands Sean A. , Nicol Christine J.
Published: November 2020

Individual animals experience different costs and benefits associated with group living, which may impact on their foraging efficiency in ways not yet well specified. This study investigated associations between social dominance, body condition and interruptions to foraging behaviour in a cross-sectional study of 116 domestic horses and ponies, kept in 20 discrete herds. Social dominance was measured for each individual alongside observations of winter foraging behaviour. During bouts of foraging, the duration, frequency and category (vigilance, movement, social displacements given and received, scratching and startle responses) of interruptions were recorded, with total interruption time taken as a proxy measure of foraging efficiency. Total foraging time was not influenced by body condition or social dominance. Body condition was associated with social dominance, but more strongly associated with foraging efficiency. Specifically, lower body condition was associated with greater vigilance. This demonstrates that factors other than social dominance can result in stable differences in winter body condition.
Zywie: A Mobile Application on Personal Health and Lifestyle Improvement
Authors:   Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines, Ceniza Angie M. , Pepito Glenn , Caballes Jennifer Addriane , Tan Cris Carlo , Yap Kyle Aljun
Published: November 2020

In the Philippines, Filipinos have showed an alarming result on the number of undernourished and obese individuals due to their lack of time, lack of motivation, crisis on financial budget and lack of information. To put a bridge between the information and the people, this study has been formulated to focus on developing an Android-based mobile application that aims to provide a personal health and lifestyle improvement service. The unique features associated includes, the provision of the different dietary information to achieve a normal body mass index (BMI) health status and a recommendation feature wherein it suggests healthy meal recipes based on the provided food choices. The nutritional information and meal recipes that are present in the application, were carefully scrapped from the online resources such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Composition Databases, two from the top most popular recipe websites and one from the pinoy recipe website. The application has undergone testing and were assessed carefully through a set of predefined test cases. As a result, it has rendered 99.73% acceptance rating from the functionality test, and a 99% success rating from user’s acceptance rating. These results signify that the application has been accepted by the majority and has fulfilled its objectives. Moreover, it has shown that by using the application the users were able to effectively keep track of their progress with respect to the different body measurements such as the weight, height and BMI. Likewise, the users had gained a better outlook on what were the different dietary requirements and meals that are considered beneficial to their own lifestyle.
Design of Ethernet-VLC Data Conversion System Based on FPGA
Authors:   e College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China, Sun Guiling , Zhao Weijian , Wang Ruobin , Li Xuanjie
Published: November 2020

Visible light communication (VLC) has attracted people's attention due to its wide range of spectrum resources and good privacy in recent year. But research on visible light communication is mostly focused on LED materials, transfer protocol, transmission rates, etc. Lack of research that connect the visible light communications with existing communications methods. In this paper, we propose an Ethernet-visible data conversion system based on FPGA, including Ethernet interface logic, bit-width conversion logic, data buffer logic, and visible light communication transceiver logic. The proposed system achieves Ethernet and visible light access, and realizes 1000Mbps Ethernet data and 625Mbps visible light data conversion. Through buffer control, Ethernet data can be completely and reliably transmitted from high speed to low speed. By defining the structure of visible light communication frame and adding data self-recovery mechanism, data transmission has higher stability on the path of visible light. The feasibility of the system is proved by actual measurements.
Information Sources Utilized and Their Degree of Credibility as Perceived by the Fish Farmers in Manipur
Authors: Sajina . , Singh Y. J. , Maurya P. K.
Published: November 2020

The study was undertaken to analyze the information sources utilized and their degree of credibility as perceived by the fish farmers in three districts of Manipur viz., Imphal East, Imphal West and Thoubal. These districts were purposively selected following an ex-post-facto research based on the prevalence of fish farmers. A sample of 60 fish farmers were selected randomly from the districts; twenty (20) from each district. A structured interview schedule was used to collect the information through personal interview. Information sources were categorized broadly into three scores: 3-Regularly’, ‘2-Occasionally’, ‘1-Rarely’ and their credibility as 3-Highly Credible; 2-Moderately Credible; 1-Least Credible. The study revealed that among all the personal contact methods, majority of the respondents sought information from friends and neighbours, followed by contact with progressive fish farmers & opinion leaders, and contact with line departments with mean scores of 2.46, 2.32 and 1.67 respectively. Among the group contact methods, group discussion & meeting was the most frequently used information source by the fish farmers with mean score 2.74 followed by discussion with fish farmers and training programmes with mean scores of 2.54 and 1.77 respectively. Among the mass contact methods, radio was the most frequently used source of information with 2.88 mean score followed by newspaper and television with mean scores of 2.21 and 1.97 respectively. Friends and neighbours, contact with progressive fish farmers & opinion leaders and personal contact with faculty/ scientist were perceived as the most credible sources of information among all the personal contact methods with 2.98, 2.38 and 2.34 mean scores respectively. Among the group contact methods, group discussion & meeting was perceived as the most credible information source by the fish farmers with 2.76 mean score. Discussion with fish farmers served as the second most frequently used source with 2.53 mean score followed by training programmes with mean score 1.77. Among the mass contact methods, radio was the most frequently used with 2.84 mean score followed by television and internet with mean scores of 2.39 and 2.19 respectively.