bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of the use of computer vision through the introduction of neural networks with clustering
Authors: Avetisyan K , Zhigalov K , Gavrilova Zh L , Salgiriev A , Gaziev V
Published: July 2020

The article touches upon the issues of the application of clustering technique and computer vision in order to identify additional parameters in image analysis. In addition to simple recognition of objects, it is possible to determine the specific components of the object of observation, for example, in humans it is: arms, hands and feet. Image clustering gives room for creating algorithms for the recognition of the actions of people. For example, if there is a fight between two people on the street, then using the obtained images from a video camera, it will be possible to inform the police that a fight is at a particular address or to identify potentially dangerous actions as well as an aggressor in an automated mode.
Use of information and analytical apparatus in organization of the main business processes of an enterprise
Authors: Boyko A A , Fedorova N V , Lobkov K Yu , Tynchenko S V , Eremeev D V , Kukartsev A V
Published: July 2020

The article is devoted to assessing the effectiveness of marketing research as part of the management process that affects management decision-making. The basic concepts of the information system of the enterprise, as the basis of the information-analytical apparatus in the organization of the enterprise, are revealed. The advantages and disadvantages of primary marketing information and secondary marketing information, as well as their main sources are considered. The main functions of marketing information systems are also presented. The features of the organization of information support are presented. The factors affecting the indicator of the effectiveness of marketing activities of the enterprise, their interdependence, the nature of their influence on the indicator of efficiency are revealed. The concepts and examples of expert systems are also considered. The fundamental differences between knowledge as a form of information and information are presented.
Automated procedure for self-assessment and forecast of organizational maturity of university division
Authors: Akramova D I , Gritsenko E M , Dorrer M G , Nafikov V V
Published: July 2020

The main goal of the article is to support the process of ensuring the effectiveness of organization management. For this, the task of self-assessment according to organizational maturity levels is being solved. The methodological basis of the study is the ISO 9004-2010 standard, the technical implementation of the processes of self-assessment of organizational maturity is performed using the ELMA business process management system. The directorate of the Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications (IITC), Reshetnev Siberian State University of Science and Technology served as an object of study. The process of self-assessment of the organization according to maturity level was implemented. It is shown that the maturity of the organization is on average at level 2 (“Managed”) and is characterized by integrity, without failures for individual components. The developed approach in accordance with the purpose of the standard ISO 9004-2010 can be used both in higher education institutions and for the management of a machine-building enterprise. In addition, the article solves the problem of predicting indicators of organizational maturity of an enterprise as a linear dynamic control system in discrete time. It is shown that such a model adequately reproduces the behavior of the system of an educational institution business processes’ maturity indicators.
Modeling the behavior of an industrial enterprise as a factor of sustainable development
Authors: Fedorova N V , Lobkov K Yu , Tynchenko S V , Eremeev D V , Stupina A A , Boyko A A
Published: July 2020

This article reveals the main factors affecting sustainability of organization’s development, considers the basic concepts of the subject’s behavior model in modern conditions of production organization, shows the basic components of modeling the enterprise’s behavior in the enterprise system. The theoretical features of the enterprise’s activity in modern conditions are considered, elements of the enterprise’s development plan are listed and their brief description is given, conclusions are drawn. Also considered is the “4P” complex, which includes the “four policies”: commodity, pricing, marketing and communication. Particular attention is paid to aspects of the practical application of this complex, which are manifested in the services sector, and the main means of influencing customers are considered. The main tasks and principles of the industrial enterprise. The concept of “8P” is also presented for consideration, its industrial orientation is justified. The use of this concept creates conditions for quick adaptation of production, assortment and quality of products, the entire system of managing the production and marketing activities of enterprises, determining the structure and dynamics of demand needs, performing individual tasks, which in turn ensure the achievement of the goal.
Investigation of the influence of the set-making strategies on the indicators of the two-parameter selective assembly of two elements
Authors: Filipovich O V
Published: July 2020

The technological process of two-parameter selective assembly of two elements is considered. Two various strategies for selective set-making of two multi-parameter elements are given. The first one is simultaneous set-making, when using it, the elements are simultaneously sorted into multidimensional groups according to all parameters, and then they are set-made and assembled. The second strategy consists in the selection of elements sequentially for each of the parameters. The main indicators of the assembly process are determined. The models of the assembly of elements are made allowing for the selected strategy to determine the total probability of obtaining suitable assembled sets, the probability of incomplete elements, forming work in progress and preliminary scrappage. The investigation of the influence of the different set-making strategies on the indicators of the assembly process is made. An example is given that clearly shows the results of determining key indicators of the process using various procedures. Advantages and disadvantages of each strategy are identified.
Testing a nano-barcodes marking technology for identification and protection of the mechanical products
Authors: Ganzulenko O Y , Petkova A P
Published: July 2020

The article presents a technology for application and identification of nano-barcodes on the surface of industrial products. The essence of this process is to modify the surface of metallic materials by exposure to pulsed laser radiation. As a result of such exposure, the modified surface contains small labels, allowing storing encoded information directly on the machine part, bypassing intermediate carriers. The laser-applied labels are formed using software and encode informative data. The encoding of the input information ensures the uniqueness of the applied nano-barcodes. The proposed technology allows us to apply such unique labels on the materials surface for accounting and identification of industrial products. The proposed marking technology allows us to place a significant amount of information in a small area. Special software has been developed for decoding the information from the applied nano-barcode developed. Studies have been performed that have been conducted to determine the thickness of the marked symbols formed on the materials surfaces and the reliability of the applied symbols. There are also recommendations on the usage of the technology given for direct labeling of materials with the application of information with high recording density for various industries.
Experimental use of CIS model
Authors: Ivanov A , Nadrshin V V , Daudov I M
Published: July 2020

The development of CIS model is significant both for the development of CIS from scratch and for the introduction of new functionality. It is also useful to have such a model for projects that replace one CIS with another. The lack of a correct CIS model can lead to an incorrect functional model of integrated solution, incorrect data model and the choice of incorrect integration method. It results in unsuccessful project.
Socio cyber-physical system with piezoactuator
Authors: Boikov V , Bystrov S , Denisov A , Karev P , Antipov O , Gafurov N
Published: July 2020

The article describes a cyber-physical system, on ACV Educational Kit with the APA-60SM piezo actuator and STM32F4Discovery module from STMicroelectronics from the physical world to the cybernetic world using the MATLAB program and works in a social environment via the Internet. The questions of prototyping digital control systems for piezo-actuator systems using MATLAB Simulink are considered. It is experimentally shown that system allows automating the control object dynamic characteristics research and developing control algorithms for piezo actuators in real time on field samples. At the current stage, remote addition of applications by users and the ability to process applications by the system administrator are implemented.
The software application for cargo transportation routes optimization
Authors: Kukartsev V V , Tynchenko V S , Mikhalev A S , Nozdrenko E A , Sokolovskiy N V , Rukosueva A A
Published: July 2020

This article discusses the possibility of reducing logistics costs for transportation using the genetic algorithm for solving the Traveling Salesman problem. As a solution, it is proposed to develop an algorithm of actions for optimizing cargo transportation routes and to work out some points of the algorithm that will bring the result to the desired form. Based on this, the steps that are included in this algorithm, which was developed using an application using the Electron framework (JavaScript programming language), are analyzed. Based on the proposed algorithm, a practical situation is resolved and an optimal route is drawn up for orders of the courier organization. Such an application will improve the technical and operational performance of the enterprise, strengthen coordination of work and shippers, reduce transportation costs, use road transport more efficiently.
Evaluation of the stressed-deformed state of the apparatus taking into account the influence of adjacent equipment and its geometric deviations
Authors: Rubtsov A V , Kulakov P A , Mukhametzyanov Z R , Afanasenko V G , Farshatov A R , Filippov V N
Published: July 2020

For timely field monitoring of equipment, the widest arsenal of non-destructive testing methods is used, which with a sufficient degree of reliability allows determining the degree and admissibility of defects in accordance with established standards. The required list of works and the established values are established by regulatory documents on industrial safety and technical diagnostics. As a rule, each device is subjected to a technical inspection individually with an individual set of tools to predict the residual life of a safe service. Existing methods do not take into account the possible impact on the surveyed apparatus of the loads and effects exerted by operational environment devices of the tested device. In addition, the current regulatory and technical documentation does not take into account the mutual influence of the quality of installation or repair of interconnected equipment. Various geometric deviations appearing during installation, repair, or operation, such as, for example, deviations from verticality, can serve to redistribute the stress-strain state and lead to premature failures and decommissioning. In this paper, we study the relationship between the impact of equipment in a technological connection on the operational parameters, as well as that of the geometric deviations of adjacent equipment on the stress-strain state of the apparatus.
Coriolis flowmeter for commercial accounting of crude oil
Authors: Prakhova M Yu , Krasnov A N
Published: July 2020

Commercial accounting of oil and petroleum products is carried out using the so-called CQCSs or crude quality control systems. The main measurement tool in the CQCS is a flowmeter: volumetric one for the indirect dynamic method and mass flowmeter for the direct dynamic method. The operation of any oil flowmeter varies depending on conditions of its verification in flow labs and depends on a large number of mutually affecting external factors. The total additional error from their action can significantly exceed the error declared in the measuring instrument type description. Therefore, studies of the influence of both experimental factors and through mathematical models are relevant. The article simulates a change in the operation of a sensitive element of a Coriolis flowmeter - a flow tube - due to the deposition of paraffin on its inner surface, which is released under certain conditions from crude oil. The calculations performed on the model in the Aspen HYSYS software environment showed that deposits having accumulated within one year cause an error comparable with the requirements of regulatory documents for the accuracy of commercial accounting. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out additional monitoring of metrological characteristics in the verification interval in case of accounting of highly paraffinic oils.
Reliability indicators analysis of industrial enterprises products by using neural networks
Authors: Shamlitskiy Ya I , Mironenko S N , Devyatkov A V , Bezrukova N V
Published: July 2020

This article discusses the organizational principles of industrial products quality control, a review of data on the purpose of artificial neural networks, as well as the possibility of their application to solving the task of reliability indicators analysis. In the study, the reliability indicators of refrigeration equipment were analyzed and an algorithm of their analysis is given. The proposed algorithm can be useful for output goods quality control monitoring, as correction of defects in production requires considerable material costs. The algorithm will allow taking timely actions in case of deviation of the specified parameters and as a result reducing the costs of the enterprise. This algorithm is not tied to refrigeration equipment manufacturing and can easily be scaled to other manufacturing. In the future, it is possible to expand this direction in the form of software development for quality control of the output goods.
Soft magnetic FeCo films produced by green chemistry technique
Authors: Denisova E A , Chekanova L A , Nemtsev I V , Komogortsev S V , Shepeta N A
Published: July 2020

The saturation magnetizations, local magnetic anisotropy field and coercivity values of FeCo film plated under various processing conditions have been investigated to optimize soft magnetic properties. Herein, we introduce a very promising processing technique based on the electrodeless deposition of FeCo film with carbohydrates as reducing agents. The produced FeCo film demonstrated significantly better saturation magnetization values and less contaminations, compared to those for the sample preparing with conventional reducing agent (sodium hypophosphite). The surface morphology and coercivities of FeCo films are dependent on the iron content and type of reducing agent. The coercive force values range from 12 up to 30 Oe and the saturation magnetization from 150 to 240 emu/g depending on the bath composition and deposition parameters. Maximum of saturation magnetization magnitude is reached for FeCo film with 30% cobalt. The local anisotropy field value of FeCo alloys increases with a decrease in Fe content for all reducing agent types.
Features of the use of non-destructive testing to combat siltation of the Krasnodar reservoir
Authors: Vanzha V V , Bandurin M A , Shishkin A S , Litovko F S , Sidakov A A
Published: July 2020

The article discusses ways to use non-destructive testing to combat siltation of the Krasnodar reservoir. This article presents the results of solving the problem of silting of the Krasnodar reservoir for the rational use of water resources of floodplain territories. The forecast of changes in sediment for the future is determined considering the increase in overgrowth of the reservoir, further processing of the coastline, as well as a decrease in afforestation and an increase in cultivated areas in the Kuban river basin. The main measures to improve the transport of sediment into the dead volume bowl are considered, and ways to solve the siltation problem through clearing the flooded riverbeds are proposed to be carried out by the method of stirring, since this method is used in reservoirs with flow, because its essence lies in the fact that silt sediments are agitated with the help of a floating dredger with water jets and the pulp is not sucked into the dredger, and suspended sediments are transported by the flow of water into the bowl of the “dead” volume of the reservoir. It should be noted that during georadar studies on soils such as clays and loams, the boundaries are distinguished mainly by the degree of moisture. In our case, water is highly mineralized, and filtration significantly reduced the electrical resistance of soils, therefore, the separation of the lithological composition is possible only on the main lithological differences. With soil moisture more than 20-30% and high mineralization of soils with a relatively low resistance, the depth of the study was no more than 2-3 m.
Approval of the method of modeling of regenerating systems by the example of modeling the process of functioning of the information system taking into account service of various types of applications
Authors: Zamoryonov M V , Kopp V Y , Zamoryonova D V
Published: July 2020

The article verifies the method of modeling regenerative systems with a common phase state space using the example of phase enlargement of the model of the information system functioning process taking into account the servicing of various types of applications. The distribution functions of random variables obtained using the method proposed in this work, based on the theorem on the distribution functions of the residence time in a subset of continuous states, and obtained using the classical phase enlargement algorithm, are compared, and the transition probabilities of the enlarged system and the stationary distribution of the embedded circuit are determined and compared Markov. It shows the coincidence of the results of phase enlargement carried out by the method proposed in the work and the classical algorithm of phase enlargement. This work clearly demonstrates the simplicity and convenience of the proposed method of phase enlargement due to the fact that there is no need to determine the stationary distribution of the embedded Markov chain for systems with a common phase state space, which is a rather complicated task that requires solving systems of integral equations containing sums and differences of variables. Currently, a general solution to this problem is unknown, although there are solutions for individual cases.
Choice of materials and justification of the parameters for the over-bit hammer
Authors: Iungemeister D A , Korolev R I , Yacheikin A I , Isaev A I
Published: July 2020

Currently, there is a lack of efficiency of intensification of the rotational drilling process. Therefore, it is proposed to amplify it with shock loads by installing a downhole hammer (DH) into the rig’s drilling assembly, for instance, SBSh-250. In addition, the PPU changes the impact system by placing between the piston-striker and the drilling tool, an intermediate element of smaller mass and size – the striker made of a special Al-Ti alloy. At the same time, it is assumed that the drilling tool will be reinforced with tungsten carbide WC and other high-strength materials. Besides the SBSh-250 machines, shock loads can be applied to disk cones used in tunneling complexes. In this case, the oscillation generator should be placed together with the disk roller cutter into the body of the rotary actuator. The article also discusses the issue related to the choice of bearing material operating under high shock loads. The proposed constructions of rock-cutting tools are calculated in the process of experimental studies in a manner that the increased impact energy does not influence the durability of the working tool and the elements of the DH impact system (selection of high-strength material for making the striker). Having selected the necessary parameters using a test stand, the improved drilling system will allow one to increase the drilling speed (productivity) by 20–30 %, to increase the speed of tunneling with the installed vibroactive disk rolling-cutter by 25 %, and also to extend the operational life of the working tool.
Flood susceptibility mapping in densely populated urban areas using MCDM and fuzzy techniques
Authors: Nourani Vahid , Andaryani Soghra
Published: July 2020

Flood, as the most destructive natural phenomenon in Iran, causes a multitude of deaths and financial losses every year in different parts of the country. This study sought to determine flood-prone areas in one of the Ajay River sub-basins (Lighvan River basin), Iran using Analysis Hierarchy Procedure (AHP) for ranking, fuzzy logic (FZ) for integrating with AHP in order to rank and Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) for the combination of maps. For this purpose, the geomorphologic and hydrologic factors affecting the occurrence of floods such as slope, distance from the river, Hydrological Soil Group (HSG), Curve Number (CN), runoff, lithology, land use, drainage density, Gravilius coefficient in each of the 23 sub-basins were considered based on the literature. The desired criteria and sub-criteria were weighted by the AHP and FZ, respectively. Then, WLC aggregation method was applied to generate the flood susceptibility map in five classes. The results earned by the combination of Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (AHP and WLC)-FZ (MCDM-FZ) show that 28% of the area is in high and very high hazard classes that these areas are located almost at the entrance of Tabriz city, which is a densely populated urban area. Basic measured need to be taken in the upstream of the basin especially in areas with the high flood zone.
Application of organic fertilizer on swamps pond for catfish (Pangasius sp.) culture
Authors: Jubaedah D , Sasanti A D , Marsi  , Mukhlas M A
Published: July 2020

Swamp fish pond has a problems related to submerged flat soil and water pH value and result in low productivity of ponds. Fertilization increase productivity of pond water by providing nutrients for fish food organisms, The objective of this research was to determine the best dosage of organic fertilizer to improve water quality and pond productivity and it’s effect to survival and absolute growth of catfish Pangasius sp. The research was conducted with using completely randomized design with four treatments and three replications. All of ponds unit were limed using dolomite of 10 ton/ha, incubated for 13 days, then gave four difference dosage of organic fertilizer, that were without fertilizer (P0), with fertilizer of 100 g/m2 (P1), 170 g/m2 (P2), and 240 g/m2 (P3). Pangasius sp. fish (average body length of 5±0.5 cm) was stocked with the density of 15 fish/m2 and cultured for 30 days. The parameters observed were soil (pH, N, P2O5, Ca, and C-organic) and water quality (pH, alkalinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, total Phosphate, Ca, and TOC), pond productivity, density of phytoplankton, survival, absolute growth, feed efficiency, and production of fish. The data were statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA, Least Significant Difference test, and regression models analysis. The results showed that P1 (100 g/m2 of fertilizer) was the best dosage indicated by pH 7.60, nitrogen 0.13%, P2O5 0.16%, Ca 2.59%, C-organic 1.49% of pond soil; pH 7.42, temperature 27.3-32.4°C, dissolved oxygen 4.94-5.09 mgL−1, alkalinity 51.33 mgL−1, Ca 55 mgL−1,TOC 12.3 mgL−1, ammonia 0.24 mgL−1, Total Nitrogen (TN) 3.78 mgL−1, Total Phosphate (TP) 0.109 mgL−1 of pond water. Based on TN:TP (10.09) of water showed nutrient was balanced. Productivity of ponds was on eutrophic state based on both TN and TP. Survival rate of catfish was 100%, absolute gain of weight 8.46 g and lenght 3.99 cm, Feed efficiency of fish was 101.55% and the density of phytoplankton was 217 cell/mL.
Salt farmer’s adaptation strategy facing climate change (case study in Pati Regency)
Authors: Kurniawan T , Zulham A
Published: July 2020

Climates change impact on salt productions in Pati Regency. The salt farmer usually only shifts to aquaculture in the rainy season. Thus, while the climate becomes unpredictable, they adapted to extreme weather conditions. However, changes in weather such as dryer summers, rain in summer, more extended summer season, longer rainy season, and high tides. It made the salt production decrease. Salt farmer have their adaptation strategies during climate change. This research aims to analyze reasons for adaptation strategies regarding climate change. The research conducted in Pati Regency from 2011 to 2016. Pati Regency is the 3rd most significant salt production area in Indonesia. We interviewed the respondents, as well as confirmed the data to other farmers, extension officers, and agency officers in the district. The data used in this paper are the salt farmer perception is regarding climate change and their adaptation strategies. We also used content analysis to strengthen our data based on literature and other founding. We found that Salt farmers use their strategy to fasten production, such as using canvas, black stone, LDPE (Low-Density Poly Ethylene), and HDPE (High-Density Poly Ethylene). LDPE and HDPE were introduced by Ministry Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) in 2013 and turned out to be very helpful for the farmers. The technology introduced by MMAF increased production by 14% and price by 144% than before while working loads become lighter, especially in the harvesting process. Several adaptation strategies have implemented in other Regencies, such as MMAF technology. However, it still needs continuous persuasion because not all farmers wanted to apply it.
Increasing productivity of snakehead fish (Channa striata) juvenile in ponds with different bottom substrates
Authors: Widyastuti Y R , Prihadi T H , Taufik I , Pamungkas B A , Das S K
Published: July 2020

Low production of striped snakehead juvenile in ponds is due to the difference between pond and their natural habitat. Bottom substrate might probably a factor influencing the growth performance of striped snakehead juvenile. The purpose of this research was to determine the best bottom substrate to increase growth performance of striped snakehead juvenile reared in ponds. A randomized design consisted of three treatments of bottom substrates, sand, mud, no substrate as control, with three replications were used in the present study. Striped snakehead juvenile sized 6.1±0.05 cm and 2.11±0.07 g were in a 3 × 2 × 1 m plastic line pond, with 30 cm depth water. The density of fish were 20 fish per m3 and juveniles reared for 60 days. The result showed that juvenile reared with sand substrate had better survival rate and blood glucose (P<0.05) than other treatments. The substrate treatments, sand and mud, were also better in absolute length, absolute weight, specific growth rate, than no substrate one (control). In contrast, control was better than substrates treatments (sand and mud) in feed efficiency. Overall data indicated that sand substrate is a supporting environment for growing out juvenile of snakehead fish.
A case study on mortality of neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) associated with the seasonal climate transitions in West Java – Indonesia
Authors: Sugiani D , Purwaningsih U , Gardenia L , Mufidah T , Nafiqoh N , Aryati Y , Sumiati T , Andriyanto S , Taukhid  , Lusiastuti A M , Caruso D
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to identify pathological agent and determine the impact of water quality during climate transitions on mass mortalities of neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) in the West Java region of Indonesia. Ten thousand fishes reported died each day during the seasonal. Samples of 10 fish/tank were taken and tested for parasites, fungal, and bacteria. The investigations tests showed that the primary disease was caused by parasite from protozoa Pleistophora spp. (Microsporidia). It was confirmed by taxonomic descriptions and histopathological diagnosis. This parasite causes histozoic infection. Fungus was not detected, and bacteria were identified as Aeromonas sp. and Pseudomonas sp.. The water temperature fluctuation was recorded higher than 7°C between daylight and night. Mortality was recorded in every size of fish. The clinical signs of fish on the outbreak were pale body, discoloration of the lateral line, the appearance of white patches under the skin, lethargy, swimming disorder, and losing weight. The recommendations due to the outbreaks were total eradication for infected fish populations, separating newly arrived fish (quarantine) at least 2 weeks, maintaining water quality in the optimal range, and proper cleaning (sanitizing) must be performed.
Controlling gonad maturation on snakehead (Channa striata, Bloch 1793) for eliminating impact of climate change
Authors: Gustiano R , Ath-thar M H F , Kristanto A H , Prakoso V A , Kusmini I I , Saputra A
Published: July 2020

The consequences of climate change, in general, are changes in temperature and extreme season. Related to the fish gonad maturation, the effect of temperature can be distinguished by its effect on fish depending on the pattern of the reproduction and spawning season. In fish that spawn seasonally, rising temperatures in the tropical area signal the fish to ripen the gonads and migrate to the spawning area for ovulation in the early spawning season. Therefore, changing in the beginning and its duration of the season related to climate change will affect the maturity of fish gonads. In this paper communication, controlling gonad maturation on snakehead for eliminating impact of climate change is discussed. Observation of the gonad development on thirty mature snakehead stocks in Bogor, West Java, was conducted every month during a year. The obtained data were then compared to a similar previous study in the same area to have better insight on the impact of climate change on gonad development. To eliminate natural signal influence on the snakehead spawning, the study of gonad maturation in spawning (August to January) and out spawning season (February to July) using combination hormone of Pregnant Mare Serum Gonad (PMSG) and Anti Dopamine (AD) was done. The study used three breeders for each season, the dosage hormone of 2 mL/kg body weight was injected every month when the eggs were starting to develop, from September to November for spawning season and from May to July for out spawning season. The observed parameters were eggs diameter, fecundity, estradiol concentration, and gonadosomatic index. The results showed that reproductive performance tends to decline and fluctuate compared to the previous study done two years earlier. The highest eggs diameter, fecundity, and gonadosomatic index were in November. Hormone treatments in spawning and out spawning season were not significantly different (P>0.05) in the eggs diameter. The concentration of estradiol in the spawning season were higher than out spawning season, but they were not significantly different (P>0.05). Thus, hormone induction out the spawning season enabled to enhance breeder maturation as in the spawning season. Based on the result, hormone treatment could be used as an alternative to control maturation on the snakehead breeders from the impact of climate change.
Evolution of structural and magnetic properties in iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Azadirachta indica leaf extract
Authors: Kanase R S , Karade V C , Kollu P , Sahoo Subasa C , Patil P S , Kang S H , Kim J H , Nimbalkar M S , Patil P B
Published: July 2020

The novel superparamagnetic nature of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) has received significant attention in the wide variety of fields. However, the prerequisites to use these MNPs, particularly in biomedical applications are biocompatibility and high saturation magnetization (Ms). Thus, the development of a sustainable approach for the synthesis of biocompatible MNPs, which utilizes the redox properties of natural compounds from plant extracts, is highly desired. Herein, we have examined the growth of phase selective MNPs synthesized using Azadirachta indica (Neem) extract as a reducing and capping agent. The physical and biological properties of MNPs synthesized with the modified green hydrothermal method at different reaction times and temperatures were investigated. It was observed that the reaction time and temperature strongly modulated the magnetic and structural characteristics of MNPs. At lower reaction time and temperature of 200 °C for 2 h, primarily iron oxalate hydrate (Fe(C2O4).2(H2O)) was formed. Further, with increasing reaction temperature, the phase transformation from iron oxalate hydrate to pure magnetite (Fe3O4) phase was observed. The MNPs prepared with optimum conditions of 220 °C for 4 h show superparamagnetic nature with improved Ms value of 58 emu g−1. The antibacterial study of MNPs against gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus showed that the MNPs inhibits the growth of bacteria with the least inhibitory MNPs concentration of 6 μl. Thus, the MNPs obtained by this modified biogenic approach will widen the scope and their applicability in future biomedical applications.
An information-theoretic approach for measuring the distance of organ tissue samples using their transcriptomic signatures
Authors: Manatakis Dimitris V , VanDevender Aaron , Manolakos Elias S
Published: July 2020

Motivation

Recapitulating aspects of human organ functions using in vitro (e.g. plates, transwells, etc.), in vivo (e.g. mouse, rat, etc.), or ex vivo (e.g. organ chips, 3D systems, etc.) organ models is of paramount importance for drug discovery and precision medicine. It will allow us to identify potential side effects and test the effectiveness of new therapeutic approaches early in their design phase, and will inform the development of better disease models. Developing mathematical methods to reliably compare the ‘distance/similarity’ of organ models from/to the real human organ they represent is an understudied problem with important applications in biomedicine and tissue engineering.

Results

We introduce the Transcriptomic Signature Distance (TSD), an information-theoretic distance for assessing the transcriptomic similarity of two tissue samples, or two groups of tissue samples. In developing TSD, we are leveraging next-generation sequencing data as well as information retrieved from well-curated databases providing signature gene sets characteristic for human organs. We present the justification and mathematical development of the new distance and demonstrate its effectiveness and advantages in different scenarios of practical importance using several publicly available RNA-seq datasets.

Availability and Implementation

The computation of both TSD versions (simple and weighted) has been implemented in R and can be downloaded from https://github.com/Cod3B3nd3R/Transcriptomic-Signature-Distance.

Contact

dimitris.manatakis@emulatebio.com

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Long-term impact of the burden of new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients with acute myocardial infarction: results from the NOAFCAMI-SH registry
Authors: Luo Jiachen , Xu Siling , Li Hongqiang , Gong Mengmeng , Li Zhiqiang , Liu Baoxin , Qin Xiaoming , Shi Beibei , Wei Yidong
Published: July 2020

Aims 

We aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of the burden of new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) on long-term cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods and results 

This retrospective analysis consecutively included patients without a documented atrial fibrillation (AF) history who admitted for AMI at Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital between February 2014 and March 2018. Atrial fibrillation burden was measured as the percentage of time spent in AF, and its optimal cut-off value of 10.87% was identified by X-tile software. Of 2399 patients (mean age: 65.8 years, 76.6% of men), 278 (11.6%) developed NOAF during hospitalization. During a median follow-up of 2.7 years, the incidence of all-cause death was 3.19, 9.00, and 17.41 per 100 person-years in the sinus rhythm (SR), low-burden (AF burden ≤ 10.87%), and high-burden (AF burden > 10.87%) groups, respectively. After adjustment for confounders, it was the high-burden NOAF [hazard ratio (HR): 1.94, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28–2.95] rather than the low-burden one (HR: 1.47, 95% CI: 0.97–2.21) that was significantly associated with increased mortality compared with SR. Concordant results were obtained in our propensity score-matched analyses [2.55 (1.57–4.16) and 1.32 (0.85–2.05) for high- and low-burden NOAF, respectively). In addition, post-myocardial infarction NOAF was associated with an increased risk of heart failure irrespective of its burden. Only those high-burden individuals were at heightened risk of ischaemic stroke. The restricted cubic spline curves illustrated a dose-response relationship of NOAF burden with outcomes.

Conclusion

In patients with NOAF complicating AMI, high AF burden was strongly associated with long-term outcomes.
A Practical Approach to Civil Procedure
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: July 2020

A Practical Approach to Civil Procedure guides the reader through the procedural requirements employed in the civil courts. The volume provides an overview of the key statutory provisions, rules, practice directions, and case law which govern the various stages of a civil litigation claim. Providing practical guidance, the text charts the progress of a typical civil litigation claim, from funding litigation and issuing and serving proceedings, through to trial, enforcement, and appeal. Full coverage of alternative dispute resolution is also included. Relevant sample documentation is featured throughout and introduces the forms and documents which will be encountered in practice, while key points summaries featured at the end of chapters highlight the essential points covered. This edition has been revised to incorporate rule changes up to the Civil Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2020 and the 117th Update. Changes incorporated into the new edition include changes to civil procedure brought about by Brexit, a fuller treatment of the Hague Convention 2005, and a new chapter on remote hearings. Case law developments include the Supreme Court decision on the court's inherent jurisdiction in Dring v Cape Intermediate Holdings Ltd, Lomax v Lomax on compulsory reference to early neutral evaluation, and various cases on quia timet injunctions and qualified one-way costs shifting.
2. Funding Litigation
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: July 2020

This chapter discusses the issue of funding litigation. Solicitors have a professional duty to advise clients on litigation funding options. The advice and agreed funding method should be confirmed in writing in a ‘client care letter’. Most commercial clients pay their lawyers under the traditional retainer, normally with an agreed hourly rate. Conditional free agreements (CFAs) or ‘no win, no fee’ agreements allow a lawyer to agree not to charge the client if the proceedings are unsuccessful, but to charge an uplift or ‘success fee’ of up to 100 per cent over the solicitor’s usual costs if the proceedings are successful. Damages-based agreements (DBAs) are a form of contingency fee agreement under which the lawyer is paid out of the sums recovered in the proceedings. Public funding through legal aid is restricted to individuals with modest income and capital, and there are wide exclusions from the scheme.
4. Overriding Objective and Human Rights
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: July 2020

This chapter discusses the sources of procedural law, the general principles relevant to civil procedure established by the overriding objective, the European Convention on Human Rights, and some rules on how the courts approach construing the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 (CPR). The CPR and practice directions (PDs) are the procedural rules governing civil proceedings. The most important rule is the ‘overriding objective’ of dealing with claims justly and at proportionate cost. The most important Convention rights in civil litigation are the right to a fair trial, the right to respect for private and family life, and the right to freedom of expression.
5. Pre-Action Protocols
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: July 2020

This chapter discusses the pre-action protocols, which provide guidance on the exchange of information and evidence before proceedings are commenced. It covers the 14 pre-action protocols established by the Ministry of Justice; cases not covered by pre-action protocols; professional negligence pre-action protocol; personal injury protocol; different approaches to the appointment of experts; sanctions for non-compliance with protocols; the Road Traffic Act 1988; agreements with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau; and pre-action Part 36 offers.
9. Personal Injury Claims under £25,000
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: July 2020

Out of the estimated 950,000 personal injuries claims each year in the UK, about 750,000 cases arise from road traffic accidents (RTAs), 90,000 are employers’ liability cases (EL), and 100,000 are public liability cases (PL). About 90% of these are cases where the damages are estimated at between £1,000 and £25,000. This chapter discusses cases covered by the RTA and EL/PL protocols; the provisions of the RTA protocol; the process under the RTA protocol: claim notification, medical evidence and negotiation, and Part 8 claim to determine quantum; child settlement applications; fixed costs under the RTA and EL/PL protocols; and cases where parties can stop following the RTA or EL/PL protocols.
12. Responding to a Claim
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: July 2020

This chapter discusses the procedure for defendants responding to the claim. A defendant who intends to contest proceedings must respond to the claim by filing an acknowledgment of service and/or by filing a defence. Defended claims become subject to the court’s case management system, with the court making provisional track allocation decisions, followed by the parties filing directions questionnaires. If a defendant fails to make any response to a claim a default judgment is usually entered within a relatively short period after service.
14. Statements of Case
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: July 2020

Statements of case are formal documents used in litigation to define what each party says about the case. This chapter discusses forms of statements of case; particulars of claim defence; counterclaims and set-offs; reply and defence to counterclaim; subsequent statements of case; dispensing with statements of case; Scott schedules; interrelation with case management; and use of statements of case at trial.
26. Security for Costs
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: July 2020

The question of who pays for the costs of a claim is generally not determined until the claim is finally disposed of, whether by consent, interim process, or trial. However, an order for security for costs can be made against a party in the position of a claimant. Once security is given it may be retained, subject to the court’s discretion, pending an appeal. An order for security for costs usually requires the claimant to pay money into court as security for the payment of any costs order that may eventually be made in favour of the defendant, and staying the claim until the security is provided. On the application three issues arise: (a) whether one of the conditions for ordering security for costs is satisfied; (b) if so, whether, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, it would be just to exercise the court’s discretion in favour of making the order; and (c) if so, how much security should be provided. This chapter considers each of these three issues. It begins by looking at the procedure for making the application and the capacity of the respondent to the application.
37. Sanctions
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: July 2020

A court can impose sanctions to ensure that its case management directions and orders are complied with, and to retain control over the conduct of litigation. These range from adverse interim costs orders through to striking out the whole or part of the defaulting party’s statement of case. This chapter discusses sanctions for non-compliance with pre-action protocols, with the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 (CPR), and with directions; application for sanctions; non-compliance with an unless order; striking out; less serious immediate sanctions; extending time and correcting errors; and relief from sanctions and setting aside.
4. Partnership disputes
Authors: Slorach J. Scott , Ellis Jason
Published: July 2020

A decision of the majority of the partners on an ‘ordinary matter’ is binding on the minority. The wishes of the majority prevail over those of the minority who object. However, partnership law provides some machinery for protecting the partner who is aggrieved by what the other partners have done. This chapter considers the remedies available to a partner. These include dissolution of the partnership, appointment of a receiver, arbitration, and expulsion of the partner.
5. Termination of and retirement from a partnership
Authors: Slorach J. Scott , Ellis Jason
Published: July 2020

An individual may cease to be a partner on the happening of one of the following events: the dissolution of the partnership; his retirement; or his expulsion from the partnership. If the partnership is dissolved, the partnership will come to an end and its assets and business will be dealt with accordingly. The situation is different on the retirement or expulsion of a partner. Here, the former partners can carry on the business, albeit through the medium of a newly constituted partnership. This chapter considers the legal consequences of the occurrence of these events.
7. Limited companies—an introduction
Authors: Slorach J. Scott , Ellis Jason
Published: July 2020

This chapter considers the legal position of limited companies. Many businesses are run by limited companies. These range from international conglomerates to companies owned by one person running a small business. The discussions cover the concept of the company; sources of company law; registration; types of registered company; the company as a separate legal personality; and lifting the veil of incorporation.
11. Company finance
Authors: Slorach J. Scott , Ellis Jason
Published: July 2020

This chapter considers how companies raise money through a combination of equity and debt finance. It discusses the issuance of shares; share capital; financial assistance by a company for purchase of shares; classes of shares; finance through borrowing; secured loans; registration of charges; priority of charges; remedies of debenture-holders; receivers; position of lenders and debenture-holders; and steps to be taken by a lender to a company.
23. Value Added Tax
Authors: Slorach J. Scott , Ellis Jason
Published: July 2020

This chapter discusses value added tax (VAT) in the UK. VAT is charged on supplies of goods and services made in the UK. Where a person makes taxable supplies in excess of a set limit in any one-year period, he must register with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). He must then account to HMRC for VAT on all taxable supplies made. The total amount payable may be reduced by the amount of VAT paid on certain taxable supplies made to him. The liability to pay VAT to HMRC rests on suppliers of goods and services. However, the cost of the tax is actually borne by suppliers’ customers who are charged VAT on the goods and services they purchase. VAT is charged in the UK under the Value Added Tax Act (VATA) 1994.