bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE ROLE OF SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE MARKETING IN THE ENTERPRISE
Authors: Remez Ulia
Published: June 2021

The article discusses such concepts as socially responsible marketing, marketing concepts, tools of marketing concepts, social and ethical marketing. The modern tools of realization of social and ethical marketing at the enterprise are analyzed. The main tools of the concept of social-ethical and socially-responsible marketing at the modern enterprise are investigated. The directions on improvement of its activity are offered. The activity of the enterprise is considered, methods on increase of efficiency from realization of the concept of socially responsible marketing are developed. Measures and methods for improving the application of the tools of the concept of socially responsible marketing at the enterprise operating in the domestic market of goods and services are proposed. The methods and ways to increase the effectiveness of the proposed measures on the concept and tools of socially responsible marketing are studied. The analyzed areas of activity of the enterprise provide grounds to say that for modern consumers the issue of social responsibility in general is very important. In the market of modern goods and services where consumers are quite demanding, there are grounds to argue on the relevance of this issue and further active study. On the basis of the analyzed theoretical and practical material on issues of ethics and responsibility, and at the same time the issue of providing reliable information about the production of goods of the enterprise is the main component of effective business. Modern, demanding consumers need an individual approach, starting with the development of idea on the release of goods to the very process of selling goods on the market. That is why this issue is quite relevant and not fully explored. Modern operating conditions dictate more and more requirements for Ukrainian enterprises. That is why every leader is faced with the decision to implement the concept of social responsibility in the development strategy of his enterprise, because, in terms of integration into the world community, social responsibility of doing business is a necessary part and core of enterprise competitiveness. Based on the evolution of marketing concepts, the concept of socially responsible marketing deserves special attention, because it directs its efforts to combine cooperation between consumers, producers and the environment, and therefore society as a whole.
THE IMPACT OF INFORMAL EMPLOYMENT ON THE FORMATION OF STATE BUDGET REVENUES IN UKRAINE
Authors: Rysin Vitalii , Antoshchuk Illia
Published: June 2021

The annual execution of the Consolidated Budget of Ukraine with a deficit determines the need for borrowing and increases the country's public debt. Failure to receive a significant amount of funds in the budgets of different levels is provoked primarily by tax evasion by a significant part of potential taxpayers. This applies in particular to the personal income tax, the bulk of which comes from the collection of salaries of individuals. The purpose of the article is to identify the impact of informal employment and non-payment of taxes on the budget's shortfall of a significant amount of tax revenues, to determine the possible consequences of this phenomenon and ways to minimize it. 2020 increased Ukraine's Consolidated Budget deficit almost threefold compared to 2019. This increase in the budget deficit was due not only to the emergence of unplanned costs associated with the negative consequences of the pandemic, but also to a reduction in tax revenues due to the quarantine restrictions imposed by the authorities. The excess of government spending over revenue has once again exacerbated the question of whether the state uses all its resources efficiently to fill the budget. Of course, it is difficult to fully assess how much the Consolidated Budget loses revenue each year due to corruption, money laundering, the shadow economy and a number of other factors. However, in the article, based on open data on the number of informally employed, we tried to estimate the budget losses from personal income tax from wages, based on the number of informally employed during 2014-2020, and compare the results with the size of the Consolidated Budget deficit of Ukraine similar period. This allowed us to assess the possibility of overcoming the budget deficit by removing a large number of informally employed workers from the shadow of income. It is determined that shadow employment is only one of the many factors of budget revenue shortfalls, but overcoming it can significantly reduce the budget deficit. However, overcoming informal employment and the shadow economy in general requires not only increased control over business activities and the payment of taxes, but also a set of measures to stimulate indirect impact, which in the medium term may lead to economic entities out of the shadows and legalize their income.
INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AS A STRATEGIC DIRECTION OF ENSURING THE INVESTMENT ATTRACTIVENESS OF RURAL AREAS
Authors: Zoria Оleksii , Bardina Tetiana , Radionova Yana
Published: June 2021

The article provides a scientific and theoretical justification of strategic directions to ensure the investment attractiveness of rural areas on the basis of innovative development of agricultural production. It is determined that the specifics of innovation processes that take place in the agricultural sector, indicates the diversity of regional, sectoral, functional, technological and organizational features of rural development. It is noted that the elimination of factors that negatively affect the innovation process would ensure the accelerated development of innovation infrastructure and intensify innovation to invest in socio-economic, organizational, managerial and technical-technological re-equipment of production in rural areas. To understand the essence of innovation processes in agricultural production and to reveal some of their features, a scheme is proposed that reflects the stages, content and subjects of the innovation process in the agricultural sector. It is established that the innovative development of agricultural production and the mechanism of its management should consist in working out possibilities of stimulation of introduction of innovations for the purpose of radical transformation of rural territories for their orientation on innovative type of development. To do this, it is necessary to ensure financial investment in the development and implementation of innovations in agricultural production, both by the state and by private investors and large enterprises using the tools of public-private partnership. Develop a stable regulatory framework that allows you to clearly regulate the implementation of innovations and successfully address legal issues related to this activity. Provide training for highly qualified personnel capable of creating and implementing innovations, as well as effectively managing the innovative development of rural areas. Provide businesses with information support to better understand the latest developments in the agricultural sector, as well as to respond more quickly to changes and improve the efficiency of the management decision-making process.
CROSS-CULTURAL ASPECTS OF BEHAVIOR IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
Authors: Bokovets Viktoriia , Korzh Nataliia , Davidyuk Lyudmila
Published: June 2021

It is noted that knowledge of all cross-cultural aspects of behavior in international business, namely understanding the national characteristics of people's behavior in different countries, value systems, negotiation patterns, traditions and customs, increase business efficiency and enable mutual understanding during business negotiations and meetings.The article considers the approaches to determining the role of the cultural factor, the importance of national culture in planning international activities and conducting international business. It is considered that religion seriously affects the nature of business relations, moral attitudes of employees, appearance, consumer behavior and work schedules. The parameters that allow to identify cultural differences between countries are considered and a number of universal elements of behavior in international business, knowledge of which is important for effective cooperation and communication. The significant influence of cross-cultural aspects of behavior on activities in international business is determined. The necessity of research of such parameters of national culture as religion, language, attitude to formalities and importance of personal space in business relations is substantiated. It is also noted that an important parameter in doing business is language. Knowledge of the language of foreign partners increases the efficiency of communication, promotes better communication.It is indicated that an important parameter is the understanding of social and personal space. After all, in different countries there is a certain business distance between the partners, which must be observed in order not to create certain inconveniences. The importance of international business etiquette and its main categories is revealed, as well as the code of business communication, ie a number of rules that must be followed to establish strong relationships between foreign partners. Knowing all the cultural features of the partner country will allow you to establish a strong business relationship. Having studied the parameters that determine the cultural features of the country, a number of universal elements that need to be known to establish cooperation at the international level are presented.
OPTIMIZATION OF THE ROLE STRUCTURE OF THE MANAGEMENT TEAM AS A PREREQUISITE FOR ENSURING ITS EFFECTIVENESS
Authors: Korolov Denis
Published: June 2021

The article substantiates that the dependence of the effectiveness of management team on the diversity and level of development of managers’ competencies necessitates the study of the management team in terms of competency approach. It is proved that the team role should be assigned to a team member taking into account socio-psychological abilities, personal intellectual and psychophysiological capabilities and professional characteristics. It is shown that the result of the rational distribution of team roles is the formation of an effective role structure of the management team, which is determined by the subjective components of the competencies of its members. Systematized team roles in accordance with the necessary personal qualities of managers and the contribution of team members to the overall result. It is proved that when determining the distribution of team roles it is necessary to take into account their priority depending on the stage of development at which the management team is. The algorithm of team development is considered as a sequence of stages, which include the stages of formation, intensive formation, normalization, implementation, dissolution. The standard list of stages of development of a management team at the expense of addition of a stage of an estimation of results of its functioning is specified. Priority team roles have been identified and substantiated in accordance with the stages of management team development. It is proved that a necessary condition for ensuring the effective functioning of the management team at each stage of its development is the implementation of a complete list of them. It is substantiated that the construction of the optimal role structure is a source of high efficiency of the management team and ensuring the effect of competence synergy due to the subjective competencies of managers. The conditions for ensuring the effect of competence synergy from the optimization of the role structure of the management team are systematized, which are to determine the full list of team roles in accordance with the subjective competencies of managers and take into account the priority of specific roles depending on the stage of development.
The Analysis and Evaluation of Profitability in Accepted Companies in Tehran Stock Exchange with ROA and ROE Approaches in Industrial Companies
Authors: Taleghani Mohammad , Taleghani Ataollah
Published: June 2021

Return on Equity (ROE) is one of the most important factors influencing the investor’s decisions. By analysing the financial statements, the financial analysers are always trying to evaluate or identify the future profitability changes of the companies. In this study, the relation between ROE of industries entered into Tehran Stock Exchange was investigated. Herein the significant role of industry is expressed through operating and financial drives. The study data is taken from a sample consisting of 4 industries including 70 companies entered into Tehran stock Exchange during a 7- year time duration (from March 21st, 2012 to March 20th, 2019). Results indicate that there is a significant relation between ROE and its elements as per the industry and future profitability.
El Modelo DuPont y la rentabilidad sobre activos (ROA)
Authors: Gaytán Cortés Juan
Published: June 2021

En este documento se presenta el modelo DuPont como indicador a largo plazo para medir el desempeño financiero, el modelo es utilizado para definir estrategias para las compañías que buscan incrementar la rentabilidad.
The risk of endometrial (pre)malignancy in women having postmenopausal uterine bleeding at Tu Du Hospital
Authors: Nguyen Hoa Hong , Ha Loan , Tran Nguyen Ngoc , Trinh Thien Minh
Published: June 2021

Endometrial cancer and endometrial atypical hyperplasia, futher referred to as endometrial (pre)malignancy in approximately 8.3-17.6% of cases depending on different studies. The incidence of abnormal endometrium increases during the postmenopausal period, especially endometrial (pre)malignancy. There are limited data regarding endometrial (pre)malignant disorders in patients with postmenopausal uterine bleeding.

The aim of this study is to investigate the risk of endometrial cancer and atypical hyperplasia in the women who had postmenopausal uterine bleeding (PUB) and assess the risk factors associated with such cases.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 164 women with PUB used vacuum aspirator with Karman canula to evaluate endometrial pathology, underwent treatment at deparment of Gynaegology, Tu Du hospital through a set of questionaires and case file reports completed from February to June of 2020.

In Bayesian inference, the risk of endometrial (pre)malignancy was 17.5%, CI (credible interval) 95% of 14.1 to 21.1%. There was a significant association between the risk and the duration of bleeding (OR = 1.02, CI 95% 1.01 to 1.03, LR+ 1.96, LR-0.37), number of live births (OR = 0.79, CI 95% 0.66 to 0.95, LR+ 2.41, LR- 0.76), endometrial thickness (OR = 1.08, CI 95% 1.01 to 1.16, LR+ 1.16, LR- 0.77) and the presence of abnormal intracavitary mass in transvaginal ultrasound (OR = 9.12, CI 95% 4.09 to 20.33, LR+ 3.65, LR- 0.4).

Using manual vacuum aspirator with Karman canula showed the risk of (pre)malignancy in women having PUB and this risk depends on the presence of the risk factors.
Les shrapnels du mensonge. La Suisse face à la propagande allemande de la Grande Guerre
Authors: Elsig Alexandre
Published: June 2021

Tous les vecteurs culturels sont mobilisés par les sociétés belligérantes durant la Grande Guerre pour convaincre de la légitimité de leur combat. L’opinion publique helvétique s’engage elle aussi dans cette lutte symbolique. Utilisant l’action allemande comme pivot, cet ouvrage cherche à déterminer les mécanismes d’acceptation et de refus que les élites helvétiques ont progressivement actionnés face aux assauts des propagandes, ces “shrapnels du mensonges”.
水利工程混凝土浇筑质量缺陷的修复与过程管理
Authors: 王 亮
Published: June 2021

近年来，在多方面利好因素的影响下，我国综合国力得到了显著的提升，从而为各个领域的发展壮大都带来了良好的机遇，有效的推动了水利工程行业的稳步发展。在水利工程施工建造过程中往往需要运用到大量的混凝土材料，所以为了从根本上保证水利工程的施工质量，那么就需要对混凝土浇筑施工质量加以严格的把控。在实施混凝土浇筑施工工作的过程中，极易遭到外界多方面因素的影响，所以会出现严重的混凝土裂缝的情况，最终会对整个水利工程施工质量造成一定的损害，甚至会引发严重的人员伤亡的情况。鉴于此，这篇文章主要围绕水利工程混凝土建筑质量缺陷以及修复工作展开全面深入的分析研究，希望能够对我国水利工程行业的未来稳步发展有所帮助。
水利工程建设中水文水资源管理工作研究
Authors: 张 少华
Published: June 2021

在社会快速发展的过程中，大量的能源资源被开发利用，从而导致水资源匮乏的问题越发的凸现出来。尽管我国国土面积辽阔，拥有较多的水资源，但是大部分水资源都集中在我国东南地区，再加上我国人口数量众多，所以造成了人均水资源稀少的问题。为了保证整个社会的和谐稳定发展，我们应当全面的落实水资源管理工作，这样就对水利工程项目提出了更高的要求。在实施水利工程建设工作的时候，应当对水文水资源管理工作加以重点关注，从而保证能够为水利工程的稳定运行提供需要的信息数据。在组织实施水文水资源管理工作的时候，还需要对水库设计、防洪标准加以侧重关注，从而不断的增强水利工程项目的综合性能。
我国水利工程管理现状及发展趋势
Authors: 张 玉亭
Published: June 2021

水利工程呈现出明显的系统性，在施工的过程中需要对多种要素予以关注。从社会发展的角度来说，水资源是不可缺少的，为了使得水资源能够高效利用，必须要加强水利工程建设力度，尤其要针对工程项目展开行之有效的管理。将水利工程在的作用充分发挥出来，可以使得水资源调控更加的科学，利用率有大幅提高，同时可以对洪涝灾害起到防范、治理作用，如此就可保证社会发展更为和谐。文中即对水利工程管理的现状展开全面分析，并对其发展趋势进行阐述。
农田水利灌溉管理存在的问题以及对策
Authors: 徐 一宁
Published: June 2021

灌溉是我国农业生产和农业管理的过程中，最为基础和核心管理项目。所以说必须要建立一套符合实际情况的、高质量的灌溉管理体系，这样对农业经济社会的整体发展和农业生产的提高至关重要。同时，也可以进一步的促进了水资源的高效率、合理化的配置。所以，在水利灌溉工程项目的实际发展过程中，必须把项目管理工作放在第一位，坚决避免管理工作不到位甚至是缺位的现象。农工干部和水利部门的有关人员需要对此予以高度的重视。
Outcome of One and Two Visit Root Canal Treatment of Irreversible Pulpitis
Authors: Rahim Md Abdur , Amin Md Nurul , Mahmood Khurshid , Osmani Sibbir Ahmed , Md Faruq Abul Kalam
Published: June 2021

Objective: The present prospective comparative clinical trial was undertaken to compare the outcomes of single and two-visit root canal treatment of irreversible pulpitis.

Methodology: This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics of Dhaka Dental College on patients who presented with pain due to irreversible pulpitis. Patients with single-rooted teeth with uncomplicated canal and full-formed apex having irreversible pulpitis were included. However, pregnant women or patients under treatment of antibiotics, cortiosteiods or suffering from any systemic diseases or immuno-compromised patients or patients having teeth with calcified canal or periodontal disease were excluded. A total of 80 patients who met the eligibility criteria were consecutively included and were randomly assigned to either one-visit (n = 40) or two-visit (n = 40) treatment groups. Data were kept on pulp vitality status, the presence or absence of pre-operative pain and degree of post obturation pain at 6, 12, 24, 48 hours and 1 week postoperatively. The outcome variable was intensity of pain which was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) as 0 = no pain, 1 = slight pain or discomfort, 2 = moderate pain relieved by analgesic, 3 = moderate to severe pain not completely relieved by analgesics and 4 = severe pain or swelling not relieved by analgesics and required unscheduled visit.

Result: Forty percent of the patients in the two-visit group did not have any pain (measured in terms of visual analogue scale) at 12 hours compared to 25% in the single visit group, although the difference did not turn significant (p = 0.580). Likewise the proportion of patients without pain in the two-visit group was considerably higher (52.5%) at 24 hours than that in the single-visit group (45%) (p = 0.852). Improvement in pain sensation was reported to be significantly higher in the two-visit group (as 95% of the patients did not complain any pain) at 48 hours than that in the single-visit group (80% of the patients did not complain any pain) (p = 0.015). None of the patients of either group complained of pain one week postoperatively.

Conclusion: Compared to single-visit, two-visit root canal treatment showed better results in terms of intensity of post-obturation pain at 12, 24 and 48 hours after root canal treatment for irreversible pulpitis.

Ibrahim Card Med J 2015; 5 (1&2): 45-48
Overview on chromatographic and potentiometric based approaches for pKa determination of sparingly soluble substances
Authors: Nakov Natalija , Acevska Jelena , Brezovska Katerina , Dimitrovska Aneta
Published: June 2021

The dissociation constant (pKa) is one of the most important physicochemical property of the compounds and it is of great importance for the pharmaceutical industry. Many of the active pharmaceutical ingredients are sparingly soluble in water or have no chromophore, thus the conventional UV/Vis spectrometry and potentiometry methods are not applicable. This article presents an overview of several approaches based on RP-HPLC and cosolvent/surfactant potentiometry that have been recently published for the pKa determination of sparingly soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients. Additionally, different calculation methods that have been used for the estimation of the aqueous dissociation constant are summarized.

Keywords: dissociation constant, pKa, sparingly soluble substances, determination, reverse-phase liquid chromatography, potentiometry, surfactants
Inhibition of seed germination, toxicity on Artemia salina and phytochemical prospecting with from Cuban plants as indicator of antitumo activity
Authors: Sánchez Perera Luz María , Mancebo Dorvigny Betty , Regalado Veloz Ada Ivis
Published: June 2021

Cuba has a high biodiversity and many plants are widely known and used in folk medicine and for commercial manufacturing of phytomedicines. However, many plants have not been studied for their pharmacological properties, particularly endemic plants. Two simple, inexpensive and rapid biological assays, inhibition of germination of tomato and lettuce seeds and toxicity on the brine shrimp A. salina, have been evaluated as prescreens for possible antitumor activity. Extracts of six plant species collected in Havana, Cuba were subjected to the brine shrimp lethality test and inhibition of seed germination in order to detect potential sources of novel cytotoxic and cytostatic antitumor compounds, respectively. The larvicidal activity, based on the percentage of larval mortality, was evaluated after 24 h exposure to the treatments. In the case of inhibition of seed germination the readings were made 48 h after exposure. Semi-quantitative phytochemical prospecting was done by color and precipitation reactions for chemical functional groups. All species tested showed some cytotoxic and cytostatic effects. Two extracts showed high cytotoxicity in the Artemia salina test, the methanol extract from flowers of Tithonia diversifolia (TD) with IC50 (Inhibitory concentration 50) or LD50 (Lethal doses 50) of 1.14 µg/mL and methanol extract of stems from Castela lucida (CL) with LD50 of 0.052 µg/mL. However, the more promising species was the Tabebuia hypoleuca (TH) with cytostatic effect superior of 65% and good cytotoxic effect with the leaf extract, with the prominent compound classes’ triterpenes, tannins, phenols, and alkaloids.

Keywords: Cuban plants; cytotoxic; Artemia salina; cytostatic; seed germination; chemical compounds
Development and optimization of a generic HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of common ingredients in multi component cough and cold oral drug products using chemometrics
Authors: Zafirova Marija , Acevska Jelena , Ugrinova Liljana , Petrovska-Dimitrievska Gabriela , Karchev Vasil , Nakov Natalija , Brezovska Katerina , Dimitrovska Aneta , Petkovska Rumenka , Anastasova Liljana , Tonic-Ribarska Jasmina , Poceva Panovska Ana , Kavrakovski Zoran , Trajkovic-Jolevska Suzana
Published: June 2021

The aim of this work was to develop a single, generally applicable high performance liquid chromatography/diode array detector (HPLC/DAD) method for simultaneous determination of the most frequently used cough and cold active substances and their impurities that would be applicable for a number of possible formulation compositions of cough and cold medicines. The compounds that are separated by the method include eleven active substances: paracetamol, phenylephrine HCl, caffeine, ibuprofen, ascorbic acid, propiphenazone, pheniramine maleate, chlorphenamine maleate, pseudoephedrine HCl, dextromethorphan HBr and cetylpyridinium Cl; five of their impurities: 4-aminophenol, 4-nitrophenol, 4`-chloroacetanilide, chlorphenamine impurity C and ephedrine HCl; and two preservatives: sodium benzoate and propyl parahydroxybenzoate. All 18 compounds were successfully separated on a reversed phase (RP)-HPLC column with superficially porous particles using gradient elution with a very simple mobile phase in 14 minutes with excellent sensitivity and resolution. Method optimization was performed by the design of experiments approach. The proposed method has been validated according to ICH guidelines and proved to be suitable for the simultaneous qualitative and quantitative determination of the selected compounds in different cough and cold dosage forms. Keywords: cough and cold active substances and impurities, HPLC/DAD, superficially porous particles, core-shell particles, chemometrics, design of experiments
The appearance of the “Baby bottle caries”
Authors: Kokoceva-Ivanovska Olga
Published: June 2021

Baby bottle caries occurs in the earliest age of the children (1-1.5 year), immediately after the eruption of the deciduous teeth. The latest scientific literature uses the term Early Childhood Caries (Tooth decay in early childhood).
The aim of this study was to determine the level of the glucose values in the saliva samples taken in different time intervals: 5, 15, 30 and 60 minutes after consuming two types of liquid food (sweetened milk and fruit juice).
The study included test-group of 40 children, age 3-3.5 years, with Baby Bottle Caries that were still using baby bottles for feeding, and the control group of 40 children the same age, but without caries. The glucose concentrations of the saliva samples were determined with enzyme method GOD/PAP (Berhan and Trinder, 1972) at the Institute of Biochemistry at the Faculty of Medicine, University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius” in Skopje, Republic of Macedonia.
The analysis of the results showed statistically significant differences in determined values in saliva samples of the test-group and the control group (p<0.01). These differences were more expressed after consuming the fruit juices, and lead us to a conclusion that fruit juice is stronger caries causing liquid than milk (p<0.001).

Keywords: baby bottle caries, saliva, glucose, sweetened milk, fruit juice
Behavioural reactions of harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena to startle-eliciting stimuli: movement responses and practical applications
Authors: Hiley HM , Janik VM , Götz T
Published: June 2021

Acoustic deterrent devices are frequently used as a mitigation method to exclude harbour porpoisesPhocoena phocoenafrom areas of potential harm, such as wind farm construction sites. However, there is increasing evidence that the devices themselves have the capacity to cause hearing damage. Here, we investigated the response of harbour porpoises to a 15 min sequence of 200 ms sound (peak frequency 10.5 kHz, range 5.5-20.5 kHz, 27 sounds total), which elicits the acoustic startle reflex. We used a duty cycle (0.6%) and sound exposure level that were significantly lower than in conventional acoustic deterrent devices. Harbour porpoises were exposed to startle sounds from a small vessel, and groups were visually tracked during 13 sound exposure sequences and 11 no-sound control trials. Porpoises showed a significant avoidance reaction during exposure, travelling a mean distance of 1.78 km (max. 3.21 km). In all cases, they left the area within 1 km of the sound source in the first 15 min after the start of the startle sequence. No avoidance was exhibited during control trials. Results are consistent with the startle reflex mediating this behaviour at low response thresholds. Our method can be used for mitigating collision risk and the risk of hearing damage from renewable energy installations, their construction and the deterrence device itself.
Beyond genetic differences: epigenetic variation in common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus from contrasting marine ecosystems
Authors: Tatsch ACC , Proietti MC , Zanini R , Fruet PF , Secchi ER
Published: June 2021

Recent genetic and morphological studies have indicated an incipient ecological divergence between 2 ecotypes of common bottlenose dolphinTursiops truncatusin the Southwestern Atlantic. However, genetic variation is not the only molecular mechanism that alters the phenotype of these animals: epigenetics can also influence phenotypic plasticity, as well as the ecological adaptation and divergence of natural populations. Nevertheless, very little is known about the role that epigenetics plays in the population ecology of marine mammals. In this work, we tested whether there are differences in DNA methylation patterns between a coastal and an offshore ecotype of common bottlenose dolphin. Methylation patterns were analyzed using the methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism technique on biopsy samples collected from animals of both ecotypes. We found consistent differences in DNA methylation patterns between coastal and offshore individuals. We also confirmed the genetic differences described in previous studies, indicating that the divergence between ecotypes has both genetic and epigenetic components. Our data show that it is possible to differentiate animals from the coastal and offshore ecotypes using DNA methylation markers, supporting the hypothesis that contrasting environments—which are decisive for the ecological divergence of these populations—lead to epigenetic modifications in common bottlenose dolphins.
Atmospheric Late Romanticism: Babbage, Marx, Ruskin
Authors: Ford Thomas H.
Published: June 2021

One way of describing late Romanticism involves looking at how Romanticism ended. Here, I examine a cluster of epistemological breaks that occurred at the end of the 1830s, and which concerned computers, communism and climate change. As three things that have happened to us but not to the Romantics, these can be recognised as determinate indications of our defining post-Romanticism. I show how ideas, tropes and figures of atmospheric Romanticism were repurposed and transformed in each of these three cases to inspire radically different currents of thought. With Charles Babbage, atmosphere became a computational platform for moral theology; with Karl Marx, it became an epistemological material of social revolution; and with John Ruskin, it became a global infrastructure of scientific self-knowledge. In each case, the break paradoxically involved a formalisation of a Romantic principle: that a description of an atmosphere is also a self-description.
Amelia Opie's Lemaistre Sequence and the Romantic Occasional Poem
Authors: Stokes Christopher
Published: June 2021

The occasional poem was one of the most commonly and diversely used Romantic genres, especially in informal and sociable modalities, yet is almost entirely marginalised in scholarship. This essay uses the reflexivity of Amelia Opie's sequence of birthday poems to Elizabeth Lemaistre (1815–44) to examine the dynamics of occasionality. Precisely because Opie must repeat the occasion across the sequence, the poetics of occasionality are clarified: each poem exists as a single dated action but also part of an ongoing work. This reflexive tension between the poem's character as act and text is explored through the nature of content in occasional verse; dating and temporality; and the phenomenon of the gift poem. An analysis of the Lemaistre sequence not only helps us to understand Opie's specific uses of the occasional to articulate friendship across networks of sociable affect, but also to determine more widely relevant traits of genre – not least, occasionality as a social practice and not just a literary classification.
Fostering curiosity in science classrooms: Inquiring into practice using cogenerative dialoguing
Authors:   Victoria University of Wellington, Higgins Joanna , Moeed Azra ,   Victoria University of Wellington
Published: June 2021

Developing students' scientific literacy requires teachers to use a variety of pedagogical approaches including using video as a form of instruction. Using video is a way of engaging students in science ideas not otherwise accessible to them. This study investigated the use of video clips representing scientific ideas in a secondary science classroom as one component of a science program. Drawing an interpretive approach framed as authentic participant-centered inquiry the analysis used cogenerative dialoguing to generate collective perspectives on the affordances and constraints of learning from video. We found that the structure of a video in terms of density of the content delivery and its length shaped students' viewing experiences and access to science ideas. We argue that structures of the learning context afford and constrain students' opportunities to learn science from video.
Acquisition of Innovative and Entrepreneurial Skills in Basic Science Education for Job Creation in Nigeria
Authors:   Federal Ministry of Education Abuja, Nigeria, Mbanefo Maryrose Chinwe , Ebokab Obiajulu C. ,   National Open University of Nigeria, Asaba Delta State, Nigeria
Published: June 2021

Innovative and Entrepreneurial skill acquisition in Nigeria entails focusing on what should be done to bridge the gap between the school and labour market, where the learner will work after graduation, so as to be self-reliant in the society. Specifically, the study determined: the innovative and entrepreneurial skills needed in Basic Science Education for job creation; and, the teaching strategies required. The study was carried out in Nigeria and was guided by three research questions. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population of the study was made up of 441 principals and 4340 Basic Science teachers. The instrument used for data collection was a 22-item questionnaire. Mean and standard deviation statistics were used to address the three research questions. The findings revealed that a lot of skills were needed in science education for job creation, the teachers were required to use practically oriented methods in teaching the students and a lot of factors posed challenges to the acquisition of entrepreneurial skills in Basic Science Education. Consequently, the study made recommendations.
Novel Long Non-coding RNA Expression Profile of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Reveals Potential Biomarkers and Regulatory Mechanisms in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Cheng Qi , Chen Mo , Chen Xin , Chen Xiaochan , Jiang Huawei , Wu Huaxiang , Du Yan
Published: June 2021

Objective

The multisystem involvement and high heterogeneity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) lead to great challenges in its diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this study was to find new lncRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of SLE patients by transcriptome sequencing and explore their potential as biomarkers and their correlation with clinical features.

Materials and Methods

Transcriptome sequencing was used to screen differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) and mRNAs (DEMs). The expression of these selected lncRNAs and mRNAs in SLE patients and healthy controls was verified by qPCR. DAVID and WebGestalt were used to perform enrichment analysis. Cytoscape was used to construct a protein–protein network, a coexpression network, and a competitive endogenous RNA network to reveal the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs at the transcriptome level.

Results

A total of 1737 DELs and 4078 DEMs were identified between SLE patients and healthy controls. Ten lncRNAs and eight genes were verified by qPCR in a larger sample set. The lncRNA NONHSAT101022.2 was significantly downregulated in SLE patients and was also significantly related to the activity and severity of disease. The upregulated genes were enriched in defense and the immune response, while the downregulated genes were mainly enriched in SLE-related pathways. Topology network analysis revealed that the lncRNAs were involved in regulation at the transcriptome level, including acting directly on mRNA or indirectly affecting gene expression by acting on miRNA.

Conclusion

In this work, we identified many mRNAs and novel lncRNAs by transcriptome sequencing. The functions and regulatory mechanisms of these lncRNAs were analyzed by bioinformatic methods. The novel lncRNA NONHSAT101022.2 is significantly downregulated in SLE patients and is significantly related to the activity and severity of disease. Additionally, we propose that NONHSAT101022.2 may enhance the signal transduction of β2-AR by cis regulating LMBRD2, inducing NK cells to produce high levels of IFN-γ and thereby exacerbating SLE.
TBX20 Contributes to Balancing the Differentiation of Perivascular Adipose-Derived Stem Cells to Vascular Lineages and Neointimal Hyperplasia
Authors: Ji Yongli , Ma Yuankun , Shen Jian , Ni Hui , Lu Yunrui , Zhang Yuhao , Ma Hong , Liu Chang , Zhao Yiming , Ding Siyin , Xiang Meixiang , Xie Yao
Published: June 2021

Background

Perivascular adipose-derived stem cells (PVASCs) can contribute to vascular remodeling, which are also capable of differentiating into multiple cell lineages. The present study aims to investigate the mechanism of PVASC differentiation toward smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) as well as its function in neointimal hyperplasia.

Methods

Single-cell sequencing and bulk mRNA sequencing were applied for searching key genes in PVASC regarding its role in vascular remodeling. PVASCs were induced to differentiate toward SMCs and ECs in vitro, which was quantitatively evaluated using immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR), and Western blot. Lentivirus transfections were performed in PVASCs to knock down or overexpress TBX20. In vivo, PVASCs transfected with lentivirus were transplanted around the guidewire injured femoral artery. Hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining was performed to examine their effects on neointimal hyperplasia.

Results

Bulk mRNA sequencing and single-cell sequencing revealed a unique expression of TBX20 in PVASCs. TBX20 expression markedly decreased during smooth muscle differentiation while it increased during endothelial differentiation of PVASCs. TBX20 knockdown resulted in the upregulation of SMC-specific marker expression and activated Smad2/3 signaling, while inhibiting endothelial differentiation. In contrast, TBX20 overexpression repressed the differentiation of PVASCs toward smooth muscle cells but promoted endothelial differentiation in vitro. Transplantation of PVASCs transfected with TBX20 overexpression lentivirus inhibited neointimal hyperplasia in a murine femoral artery guidewire injury model. On the contrary, neointimal hyperplasia significantly increased in the TBX20 knockdown group.

Conclusion

A subpopulation of PVASCs uniquely expressed TBX20. TBX20 could regulate SMC and EC differentiation of PVASCs in vitro. Transplantation of PVASCs after vascular injury suggested that PVASCs participated in neointimal hyperplasia via TBX20.
Integrating High-Throughput Approaches and in vitro Human Trophoblast Models to Decipher Mechanisms Underlying Early Human Placenta Development
Authors: Lee Bum-Kyu , Kim Jonghwan
Published: June 2021

The placenta is a temporary but pivotal organ for human pregnancy. It consists of multiple specialized trophoblast cell types originating from the trophectoderm of the blastocyst stage of the embryo. While impaired trophoblast differentiation results in pregnancy disorders affecting both mother and fetus, the molecular mechanisms underlying early human placenta development have been poorly understood, partially due to the limited access to developing human placentas and the lack of suitable human in vitro trophoblast models. Recent success in establishing human trophoblast stem cells and other human in vitro trophoblast models with their differentiation protocols into more specialized cell types, such as syncytiotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast, has provided a tremendous opportunity to understand early human placenta development. Unfortunately, while high-throughput research methods and omics tools have addressed numerous molecular-level questions in various research fields, these tools have not been widely applied to the above-mentioned human trophoblast models. This review aims to provide an overview of various omics approaches that can be utilized in the study of human in vitro placenta models by exemplifying some important lessons obtained from omics studies of mouse model systems and introducing recently available human in vitro trophoblast model systems. We also highlight some key unknown questions that might be addressed by such techniques. Integrating high-throughput omics approaches and human in vitro model systems will facilitate our understanding of molecular-level regulatory mechanisms underlying early human placenta development as well as placenta-associated complications.
Highly Diastereoselective Construction of Carbon– Heteroatom Quaternary Stereogenic Centers in the Synthesis of Analogs of Bioactive Compounds: From Monofluorinated Epoxyalkylphosphonates to α-Fluoro-, β-, or γ-Amino Alcohol Derivatives of Alkylphosphonates
Authors: Rapp Magdalena , Margas-Musielak Klaudia , Kaczmarek Patrycja , Witkowska Agnieszka , Cytlak Tomasz , Siodła Tomasz , Koroniak Henryk
Published: June 2021

The synthesis of the stable surrogates of an important amino acid (R)-4-amino-3-hydroxybutyric acid (GABOB) such as substituted hydroxy aminophosphonic acids bearing a quaternary stereogenic center is presented. Highly diastereoselective formations of fluorinated spiroepoxy alkylphosphonate or related tertiary carbon-containing oxiranes from β-keto phosphonates possessing methyl, phenyl, or cyclohexenyl substituents, are reported. Stereoselective acid-promoted epoxide opening by bromide or azide followed by reduction/protection afforded tertiary bromides or N-Boc derivatives of β-amino-γ-hydroxy alkylphosphonates in most cases, while the reactions of oxiranes with different amines yielded their β-hydroxy-γ-amino regioisomers. Surprisingly, during the synthesis of amino phosphonic acids, we observe that the acid-induced rearrangement proceeded in a high diastereospecific manner, leading finally to substituted β-hydroxy-γ-aminoalkylphosphonic acids.
Biosensor Technologies for Early Detection and Quantification of Plant Pathogens
Authors: Dyussembayev Kazbek , Sambasivam Prabhakaran , Bar Ido , Brownlie Jeremy C. , Shiddiky Muhammad J. A. , Ford Rebecca
Published: June 2021

Plant pathogens are a major reason of reduced crop productivity and may lead to a shortage of food for both human and animal consumption. Although chemical control remains the main method to reduce foliar fungal disease incidence, frequent use can lead to loss of susceptibility in the fungal population. Furthermore, over-spraying can cause environmental contamination and poses a heavy financial burden on growers. To prevent or control disease epidemics, it is important for growers to be able to detect causal pathogen accurately, sensitively, and rapidly, so that the best practice disease management strategies can be chosen and enacted. To reach this goal, many culture-dependent, biochemical, and molecular methods have been developed for plant pathogen detection. However, these methods lack accuracy, specificity, reliability, and rapidity, and they are generally not suitable for in-situ analysis. Accordingly, there is strong interest in developing biosensing systems for early and accurate pathogen detection. There is also great scope to translate innovative nanoparticle-based biosensor approaches developed initially for human disease diagnostics for early detection of plant disease-causing pathogens. In this review, we compare conventional methods used in plant disease diagnostics with new sensing technologies in particular with deeper focus on electrochemical and optical biosensors that may be applied for plant pathogen detection and management. In addition, we discuss challenges facing biosensors and new capability the technology provides to informing disease management strategies.
An Outbreak of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in an Intensive Care Unit of a Major Teaching Hospital in Chongqing, China
Authors: Zeng Lingyi , Yang Chengru , Zhang Jisheng , Hu Kewang , Zou Jingbo , Li Jie , Wang Jianmin , Huang Wan , Yin Lining , Zhang Xiaoli
Published: June 2021

Background

Due to the critical condition and poor immunity of patients, the intensive care unit (ICU) has always been the main hospital source of multidrug-resistant bacteria. In recent years, with the large-scale use of antibiotics, the detection rate and mortality of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) have gradually increased. This study explores the molecular characteristics and prevalence of CRKP isolated from the ICU ward of a tertiary hospital in China.

Methods

A total of 51 non-duplicated CRKP samples isolated from the ICU were collected from July 2018–July 2020. The enzyme production of the strains was preliminarily screened by carbapenemase phenotypic test, and drug-resistant and virulence genes were detected by PCR. The transferability of plasmid was verified by conjugation test. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by microbroth dilution method and genetic diversity was detected by multilocus sequence typing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.

Results

blaKPC-2 was the only carbapenemase detected. The major virulence genes were uge (100%), mrkD (94.1%), kpn (94.1%), and fim-H (72.5%), while wcag, ironB, alls and magA genes were not detected. One sequence type ST1373 strain, hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKP), was detected. CRKP strains were highly resistant to quinolones, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, and polymyxin, but susceptive to tigecycline and ceftazidime–avibactam. The success rate of conjugation was 12.2%, indicating the horizontal transfer of blaKPC-2. Homology analysis showed that there was a clonal transmission of ST11 CRKP in the ICU of our hospital.

Conclusion

The present study showed the outbreak and dissemination in ICU were caused by ST11 CRKP, which were KPC-2 producers, and simultaneously, also carried some virulence genes. ST11 CRKP persisted in the ward for a long time and spread among different areas. Due to the widespread dispersal of the transferable blaKPC-2 plasmid, the hospital should promptly adopt effective surveillance and strict infection control strategies to prevent the further spread of CRKP. Ceftazidime–avibactam showed high effectiveness against CRKP and could be used for the treatment of ICU infections.
Recurrence of Fault Valve Behavior in a Continental Collision Area: Evidence From Tilt/Strain Measurements in Northern Adria
Authors: Rossi Giuliana , Pastorutti Alberto , Nagy Ildiko , Braitenberg Carla , Parolai Stefano
Published: June 2021

We analyzed the data recorded by the NE-Italy subsurface tilt and strainmeter network evidencing a coherent transient signal in the recordings of four tiltmeter sites in the 1984–1990 period that produced a tilt along the main fractures. Borrowing from classical seismology techniques, we used the uprise times to locate the transient signal source. The propagation velocity is compatible with a fluid diffusion process that starts from a source located close to the hypocenter of the February 10, 1983 Uccea earthquake, MD= 4.2 at the Italy-Slovenia border, at an estimated depth of 10.8 km. Our results add to the previous interpretation of a transient signal recorded by several global navigation satellite system (GNSS) stations in the 2006–2009 period in terms of fluid diffusion below the Bovec basin (Slovenia). That source was located upon continuation to the northwest of the Ravne fault, few kilometers to the northeast from the present one, and about 6 km from the July 12, 2004 Bovec–Krn earthquake, Mw= 5.1, depth ~6.1 km. These observations suggest that the area is subject to fault valve behavior episodes that released fluids trapped at depth to the surrounding region as pore-pressure bulges. The convergence between Alpine and External Dinarides structures in this area puts highly permeable dolomitic limestones in contact with low-permeable fine-grained limestones and flysch formations. Therefore, the conditions for overpressure generation can be created, whereas fault movements, from time to time, in close relation with seismic events, can enable fluid diffusion in the surroundings. We also estimated the possible fluid influx needed to maintain overpressure and possible discharge across both the faults. The study provides insights on pore–fluid pressure variations related to slow slip events from a context different from subduction or transform margins, i.e., in a continental collision area.