bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE IMPACT OF SAFEGUARD MEАSURES IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE POOREST COUNTRIES
Authors: Zaytsev Y. K.
Published: May 2021

The article discusses the role of international trade in promoting economic growth and socio-economic development of the poorest countries. The analysis of foreign trade statistics shows that the modality of the relationship between trade and economic development has changed, depending on a large number of factors, including tariff and non-tariff such measures. In the first part of the article the author examines the theoretical concepts that describe the impact of international trade on the socio-economic development of the poorest countries. Having analyzed a wide range of literature, the author identifies two approaches to the understanding the issue, "old" one establishing a direct link between trade, economic growth and long-term development, and the "new" one problematizing this link. The second part of the paper examines the place of protective measures for trade in developing countries. It shows that the removal of the protective measures as a result of trade liberalization does not always go for the benefit of developing countries. The last part of the article evaluates the impact of protective measures on trade and economic development in the poorest countries on the basis of total trade restrictions index. The author comes to the conclusion that international trade and the strengthening of export potential should be a tool, but not the key objective of national economic policy of the poorest countries.
DIVERSIFICATION OF OIL AND GAS COMPANIES’ ACTIVITIES IN THE CONDITION OF OIL PRICES REDUCTION AND ECONOMIC SANCTIONS
Authors: Sheveleva A. V. , Akieva L. B.
Published: May 2021

This article analyzes the influence of the economic sanctions imposed from the USA and the EU and oil prices reduction on the oil and gas companies and the directions of diversification of their activity as a method of management of price risks are considered. In the modern dynamic and quickly developing world, in the conditions of globalization and market economy, the oil and gas companies are affected by various risks which can exert negative impact on production and financial results. Risks can arise in absolutely various spheres, beginning from natural and technological hazards, and finishing with price risks. Sharp reduction of oil prices and decrease in demand for energy resources in the world markets, first of all in the European countries, input of financial or technological sanctions from the USA and Europe against Russia in 2014 has caused necessity of search a new more effective methods of price risks management of the oil and gas company. The methods of price risk management include the creation of commodity reserves, the establishment of a reserve fund, long-term contracts, subsidies from the state and the diversification of activities. The most effective it is possible to offer diversification of oil and gas companies' activity. It is expedient to carry out diversification of oil and gas companies' activity in such directions as geographical diversification of the oil, oil products and gas realization directions, geographical diversification of oil and gas companies' purchasing activity, diversification of oil, oil products and gas transportation ways, diversification of oil and gas companies' business. This approach allows to expand the activities of the oil and gas companies and create additional ways to generate revenue and enhance efficiency of oil and gas companies.
Bridging Systems, Building a Coalition, and Centering Students: A Collaborative Multi-Campus Approach to Orientation in the Time of COVID-19
Authors: Motycki Katie , Murphy Daniel
Published: May 2021

This manuscript tells the story of how a multi-campus, public, Research I institution in the Mid-Atlantic pivoted from in-person orientation to a Virtual Orientation in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. We share how our university came together to offer a Virtual Orientation for twenty undergraduate campuses and 17,000 students in less than 100 days, review lessons learned, and offer insight into how planning for future orientation programs will be influenced because of this unusual year.
Realizing the Full Potential of Orientation as a Process
Authors: Prior Vincent , Hankins Drake , Gillilan Miranda
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic forced our institution to question how we deliver information to new students.  Prior to the pandemic, our students attended an in-person, day-and-a-half orientation program in the summer before their first semester. With the transition to a virtual program format, our institution identified the most critical information delivered in our single-event model and converted that one event to a more purposeful process, complete with pre-orientation modules, a live virtual event, and post-orientation modules. This article shares specific details about the steps taken in the transition to a three-phased orientation experience, outlines the final product of each phase, and discusses future implications for our practice. Specific emphasis is placed on individualized program elements for students, new family and guest programming, and the work of student leaders in a virtual format. Finally, we share advice for professionals and lessons learned that will impact how we approach orientation in the future as we establish a philosophy of orientation as a process, not a program.
Reimagining OTR during COVID-19 through Transformative Practices
Authors: Ratcliff Joseph , Galloway Laura
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 was a catalyst that provided orientation professionals the opportunity to reimagine their programs and challenge the status quo. AUTHOR INSTITUTION utilized Mezirow’s (1991) transformative learning framework and concepts from Davies’s (2017) work on transitional justice in education to make impactful programmatic changes. Through the process of truth telling, critical reflection, and addressing failures, this article provides an example of applying scholarly frameworks to in-person and virtual orientation programs over the course of three orientation cycles to ensure each program is more equitable and student centered than the past.
Third Solitudes Without Separation, Oneness Torn from the Other: On Tearing Through the Shroud of the Solitude of Montreal Jewish Mystics
Authors: Glazer Aubrey
Published: May 2021

How does the Third Solitude of Montreal Mystics engender a tearing of self, at once, away from the other and inscribing within the Canadian landscape? The motif of tearing is used as a comparative lens for investigating the shroud of Third Solitude of two Montreal Jewish Mystics: Leonard Cohen (1934–2016) and the current Tosher rebbe, Rabbi Elimelech Halevi Segal-Loewy, as well as his late father, Rabbi Meshulam Feish Segal-Loewy (1924–2015). This essay analyzes the process of Leonard Cohen tearing away from cultural boundaries of a Westmount cosmopolitan Jewish upbringing, blossoming into a bohemian bard-kohen who returns as a contemplative mystical Jew from Mount Baldy to Israel via Tel Aviv and back to Montreal. By contrast the Tosher rebbe’s tearing away that began in Nyirtass, Hungary is then transplanted in post-Shoah context into the accommodement raisonable of the Plateau Mont-Royal in Montreal eventually exiling to Kiryas Tosh in Boisbriand. The essay explores how the Tosher rebbe radicalizes Third Solitude without separation by tearing away from surrounding Quebecois culture through ascetic strategies, while Cohen tears away from rampant assimilation and spiritual apathy of his Montreal Jewish upbringing. Both mystics wander through the archetypal Northern landscape of Montreal that has become mythologized in these unique moments of tearing through the metaphysical shroud of Third Solitude.Comment la troisième solitude des mystiques montréalais engendre-t-elle un déchirement de soi, à la fois loin de l’autre et s’inscrivant dans le paysage canadien ? Le motif de la déchirure est utilisé comme une lentille comparative pour enquêter sur le principe de la troisième solitude chez deux mystiques juifs de Montréal : Leonard Cohen (1934-2016) et l’actuel rebbe Tosher, le rabbin Elimelech Halevi Segal-Loewy, ainsi que son défunt père, Rabbi Meshulam Feish Segal-Loewy (1924-2015). Cet article analyse d’abord le cheminement de Leonard Cohen, arraché aux frontières culturelles d’une éducation juive dans un Westmount cosmopolite, fleurissant en un barde-kohen bohémien qui revient à Montréal en tant que mystique juif contemplatif, après avoir transité par le Mont Baldy et Tel Aviv en Israel. L’arrachement du rebbe Tosher, pour sa part, a commencé à Nyirtass, en Hongrie, puis s’est transplanté après la Shoah dans le contexte entourant « l’accommodement raisonnable » du Plateau Mont-Royal à Montréal avant de s’exiler à Kiryas Tosh à Boisbriand. L’essai explore comment le rebbe Tosher radicalise la troisième solitude sans séparation en se détachant de la culture québécoise environnante par des stratégies ascétiques, tandis que Cohen s’arrache à l’assimilation effrénée et à l’apathie spirituelle de son éducation juive à Montréal. Les deux mystiques errent dans l’archétype du paysage nordique de Montréal qui est devenu mythologique dans ces moments uniques de déchirure à travers le linceul métaphysique de la troisième solitude.
Implementation of Ultrasonic Sensor as a Radar for Obstacle Detection
Authors: Suaif Ahmad , Qauzar Gani Ferizandi
Published: May 2021

The Arduino UNO, ultrasonic sensor, servo motor, and Processing as visual software was used to create a low cost ultrasonic radar system that can detect and determine the location of an object, such as obstacles, in a short distance. Objects can be sensed up to 40 cm away from the ultrasonic sensor and the ultrasonic radar's angular rotation can detect objects from 15o to 165o and counterclockwise. The obstacle objects will be displayed in the computer panel by running the visual software. A comparative analysis of the distance error between the radar and the obstacles is used to assess the feasibility of the proposed system. The findings obtained from measurements of the obstacles are tabled to show that the planned design achieved a relatively small error, with 90% as the lowest accuracy.
Protective Effects of Natural Products and Their Derivatives on Genetic Material: A Critical Review
Authors: Islam Muhammad Torequl , Quispe Cristina , Mubarak Mohammad S. , Salehi Bahare , Reiner Željko , Martorell Miquel , Sharifi-rad Javad , Setzer William N.
Published: May 2021

Although treatment with natural products and the substances derived from them has gained much attention, it is important to know the genomic safety of these substances prior to their use in humans. The present review aims to present the current knowledge on the genoprotective effects and possible mechanism of actions of natural compounds. Therefore, an up-to-date search was conducted using known databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Clinicaltrials.gov. For the investigation of genotoxic/genoprotective activity of these substances, comet or micronucleus assay were frequently used models applied through eukaryotic test systems, bacterial strains, cultured animal cells or tissues (e.g., mice, rats) but also human by using oxidizing or carcinogenic agent-induced DNA damage capacity. Findings suggest that several extracts, including those from medicinal plants, marine algae or their preparations, antioxidants such as quercetin, retinoids, resveratrol, hyaluronic acid, carnosol, rosmarinic acid, and naringin have shown genoprotective effects in various test systems. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, mitogenic, reduction of DNA strand breaks and DNA lesions, formation of micronucleus, and chromosomal aberrations were the observed mechanisms of action of genoprotective substances. In conclusion, this review highlights the importance of natural products, especially dietary antioxidants, which can be safely used for the treatment of various diseases.
Study of Anacyclus pyrethrum Lag. Root Extract against Aedes aegypti Linn. Larvae: Potential Vector Control for Dengue Viral Fever
Authors: Wahab Atia Tul , Shaikh Muniza , Naqeeb Uzma , Ahmed Shakil , Choudhary M. Iqbal , Rahman Atta-ur
Published: May 2021

Anacyclus pyrethrum Lag. is a medicinal plant. In this study we evaluated the susceptibility of larvae of Aedes aegypti Linn. against potential larvicidal effects of root extract of A. pyrethrum. Bioassays were performed using World Health Organization methodologies. GC-MS analysis was employed to determine the contents of the extract. The underlying mechanisms of larvicidal activity were analyzed by using morphological, histological, and Reactive Oxygen species (ROS) studies. The GC-MS of A. pyrethrum root extract showed nine compounds. During initial screening, the root extract killed 90% of 3rd instar larvae of A. aegypti at 0.2 mg/mL concentration as compared to standard permethrin. Different larval stages exhibited 100% larvicidal activity, especially more naive 1st and 2nd instar larvae. The dose dependent larvicidal activity against 3rd instar larvae, showed reduced effect with decreased concentration. Disruption in gut line of 3rd instar larvae is proposed to be mediated from the ROS production, evident in fluorescent oxidant sensitive assay. The extract exhibited non-cytotoxic profile in brine shrimp lethality assay with IC50 of 126.93 ± 0.3 µg/mL as compared to standard etoposide i.e., IC50 = 7.46 ± 0.05 μg/mL. The study inferred that the root extract of A. pyrethrum can serve as promising biopesticide for the control of A. aegypti, which is a vector of many viral diseases.
The Affect of Behavioral Risk Factors on Healthcare System Performance
Authors: KURT Mehmet Emin , ÇAKMAK Cuma , KONCA Murat , BİÇER İsmail
Published: May 2021

Behavioural risk factors are known to have an impact on countries' health system performance. Behavioral risk factors include habits such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and patterns of food consumption which might lead to different types of obesity among different age groups in every community. In the context of OECD countries, this study aims at investigating whether behavioral risk factors have an impact on healthcare system performance or not. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and then Ordinary Least Squares Regression (OLS) was utilized to bring into the open the factors that affect health performance scores of OECD countries. In OLS, the obtained health performance score was utilized as a dependent variable and alcohol and tobacco consumption and obesity rate were utilized as independent variables. According to the OLS results, The only variable that has a statistically significant effect on the health performance scores of OECD countries is the alcohol consumption rate. To reduce health expenditures and improve health system performance, OECD countries need to develop more effective, macro and micro, level policies to eliminate the negative effects of behavioral risk factors. Such policies might include health awareness campaigns and more strict taxing policies upon the risk factor products, in addition to increasing community-based healthcare services.
Marulda Yapraktan Gübrelemede Farklı Yayıcı-Yapıştırıcı Kullanımının Etkisi Üzerine Bir Araştırma
Authors: KAPTAN Mustafa Ali
Published: May 2021

Dünyada entansif tarımın yapıldığı bölgelerde yapraktan gübreleme uygulamaları sıklıkla yapılmaktadır. Uygulanan gübrenin etkinliğinin arttırılması, yapraklarda tutunması, bitki türlerine bağlı olarak yaprak içine kolaylıkla girişinin sağlanması ve daha birçok sebeple yayıcı-yapıştırıcı özellikteki kimyasallar kullanılmaktadır. Bu çalışmada piyasada aktif olarak kullanılan bazı yayıcı-yapıştırıcıların marul bitkisinde bazı mikro besin elementleri (Fe, Mn, Zn ve Cu) konsantrasyonları üzerine etkisini belirlemek amaçlanmıştır. Toplamda 10 uygulama; kontrol, altı farklı yayıcı-yapıştırıcı ile çeşme suyu (standart), pH: 6.0 ayarlı saf su ve şekerli su (çeşme suyuna şeker ilavesi) ile % 0.5 oranında yaprak gübresi (%5 Fe, %6 Zn, %4 Mn ve %0.5 Cu) kullanılmıştır. Çalışma kontrollü şartlarda tesadüf parselleri deneme deseninde 3 tekerrürlü olarak yürütülmüştür. Yapraktan gübreleme işlemi bitki vejetasyon döneminin ortasındayken tek seferde yapılmıştır. Bulgular incelendiğinde, kontrole göre tüm uygulamalar bitki besin elementi konsantrasyonlarını arttırmıştır. Çeşme suyu (pH: 7.67; EC: 0.65 ds m-1) ile yapılan uygulama ile diğer konular kıyaslandığında en yüksek artış %100 Organik silikonlu “Leon” ticari isimli katyonik yayıcı-yapıştırıcı kullanımı ile bitki Fe (%57.4) içeriğinde gözlenmiştir. “Miller Spray” ticari isimli %70 Akril polioksietilen glikol fosfat içeren nonanyonik yayıcı-yapıştırıcının ise ikinci en iyi ürün olduğu belirlenmiştir. Öte yandan şekerli su uygulamasından elde edilen bitki Zn, Cu ve Fe içerikleri standart uygulamaya göre daha düşük miktarda bulunmuştur. Sonuçta, yapraktan gübrelemede değişik kimyasal strüktürlere sahip olan yayıcı-yapıştırıcıların farklı etkinliklere sahip olduğu görülmüştür. Organik silikonlu yayıcı-yapıştırıcıların marul yetiştiriciliğinde daha başarılı olacağı düşünülmektedir.
Synthesis and photoswitching properties of bioinspired dissymmetric gamma-pyrone, analogue of cyclocurcumin
Authors: Pecourneau Jeremy , Losantos Raul , Monari Antonio , Parant Stephane , Pasc Andreea , Mourer Maxime
Published: May 2021

Cyclocurcumin, a turmeric curcuminoid with potential therapeutic properties, is also a natural photoswitch that may undergo E/Z photoisomerization under UV light. In order to be further exploited in relevant biological applications, photoactivation under near infrared (NIR) irradiation is required. Such requirement can be met through opportune chemical modifications,and most notably by favoring two-photon absorption (TPA) probability. Herein, a general and efficient synthesis of a biomimetic 2,6-g-pyrone analogue of cyclocurcumin is described, motivated by the fact that molecular modeling previews an order of magnitude increase of the NIR TPA cross-section for the latter compared to the natural counterpart. Three retrosynthetic pathways have been identified (i) via an aryl-oxazole intermediate or via an aryl-diynone through (ii) a bottom-up or (iii) a top-down approach. While avoiding the passage through unstable synthons or low yield intermediate reactions, only the latest approach could conveniently afford the 2,6-g-pyrone analogue of cyclocurcumin, in ten steps and with an overall yield of 18%. The photophysical properties of our biomimetic analogue have also been characterized showing an improved photo-isomerization yield over the parent natural compound. The potentially improved non-linear optical properties, as well an enhanced stability, may be correlated to the enforcement of the planarity of the pyrone moiety leading to a quadrupolar D-p-A-p-D system.
Evaluating the Anharmonicity Contributions to the Molecular Excited State Internal Conversion Rates with Finite Temperature TD-DMRG
Authors: Wang Yuanheng , Ren Jiajun , Shuai Zhigang
Published: May 2021

In this work, we propose a new method to calculate the molecular nonradiative electronic relaxation rates based on the numerically exact time-dependent density matrix renormalization group theory (TD-DMRG). This method could go beyond the existing frameworks under the harmonic approximation (HA) of the potential energy surface (PES) so that the anharmonic effect could be considered, which is of vital importance when the electronic energy gap is much larger than the vibrational frequency. We calculate the internal conversion (IC) rates in a two-mode model with Morse potential to investigate the validity of HA. We find that HA is unsatisfactory unless only the lowest several vibrational states of the lower electronic state are involved in the transition process when the adiabatic excitation energy is relatively low. As the excitation energy increases, HA first underestimates and then overestimates the IC rates when the excited state PES shifts towards the dissociative side of the ground state PES. On the contrary, HA slightly overestimates the IC rates when the excited state PES shifts towards the repulsive side. In both cases, higher temperature enlarges the error of HA. As a real example to demonstrate the effectiveness and scalability of the method, we calculate the IC rates of azulene from $S_1$ to $S_0$ on the ab initio anharmonic PES approximated by 1-mode representation. The calculated IC rates of azulene under HA are consistent with the analytically exact results. The rates on anharmonic PES are 30%-40% higher than the rates under HA.
Design, Synthesis, and Implementation of Sodium Silylsilanolates as Silyl Transfer Reagent
Authors: Yamagishi Hiroki , Saito Hayate , Shimokawa Jun , Yorimitsu Hideki
Published: May 2021

There is an increasing demand for facile delivery of silyl groups onto organic bioactive molecules. One of the common methods of silylation via a transition metal-catalyzed coupling reaction employs hydrosilane, disilane, and silylborane as major silicon sources. However, labile nature of the reagents or harsh reaction conditions sometimes renders them inadequate for the purpose. Thus, a more versatile alternative source of silyl groups has been desired. We hereby report a design, synthesis, and implementation of new storable sodium silylsilanolates that can be used for the silylation of aryl halides and pseudohalides in the presence of a palladium catalyst. The new method allows a late-stage functionalization of polyfunctionalized compounds with a variety of silyl groups. Mechanistic studies indicate that 1) a nucleophilic silanolate attacks a palladium center to afford a silylsilanolate-coordinated arylpalladium intermediate and 2) a polymeric cluster of silanolate species assists in the intramolecular migration of silyl groups, which would pro-mote an efficient transmetalation.
C-5 Aryl Substituted Azaspirooxindolinones Derivatives: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation as Potential Inhibitors of Tec Family Kinases
Authors: Mudasani Gopal , Paidikondala Kalyani , Gurská Soňa , Maddirala Shambabu Joseph , Džubák Petr , Das Viswanath , Gundla Rambabu
Published: May 2021

The interleukin-2-inducible kinase (ITK) and Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) are two crucial Tec family kinase members with important roles in the development of hematopoietic malignancies, autoimmune disorders and other diseases in human. Thus, ITK and BTK are key targets for drug development. Spirooxindoles are important scaffolds for the synthesis of small molecules with broad and potent biological activities. In this study, we performed a structure-activity relationship study of a new series of 5'-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)spiro[piperidine-4,3'-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin]-2'(1'H)-one linked with N-acyl and C-5 aryl-substituted scaffolds in a panel of ITK and BTK cancer cell lines. Four compounds 11, 12, 14 and 15 showed high antiproliferative activity against ITK and BTK cell lines. Compounds 11 and 12 with a C-5 benzodioxole group and gem-dialkyl group attached to carbonyl on piperidine were highly effective in ITK-high Jurkat and CEM cell lines, and compound 14, a biotin analogue, was identified as a good inhibitor of BTK-high RAMOS cells. Compound 15 with cyclopropyl group attached to carbonyl on piperidine also showed good activity in ITK and BTK cell lines.
Sulfonium Ion-Promoted Traceless Schmidt Reaction of Alkyl Azides
Authors: Ardiansah Bayu , Tanimoto Hiroki , Tomohiro Takenori , Morimoto Tsumoru , Kakiuchi Kiyomi
Published: May 2021

Schmidt reaction by sulfonium ions is described. General primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl azides were converted to the corresponding carbonyl or imine compounds without any trace of the activators. This bond scission reaction showcased ring-opening, -expansion, and one-pot further conversion of the substrates as well as the application with C-H azidation.
Optimizing Fractional Compositions To Achieve Extraordinary Properties
Authors: Falkowski Andrew , Kauwe Steven , Sparks Taylor
Published: May 2021

Traditional, data-driven materials discovery involves screening chemical systems with machine learning algorithms and selecting candidates that excel in a target property. The number of screening candidates grows infinitely large as the fractional resolution of compositions the number of included elements increases. The computational infeasibility and probability of overlooking a successful candidate grow likewise. Our approach shifts the optimization focus from model parameters to the fractions of each element in a composition. Using a pretrained network, CrabNet, and writing a custom loss function to govern a vector of element fractions, compositions can be optimized such that a predicted property is maximized or minimized. Single and multi-property optimization examples are presented that highlight the capabilities and robustness of this approach to inverse design.
Transition Metal Free Sandmeyer-Type Reductive Disulfuration of Anilines
Authors: Chen Shiqi , Cao Si , Liu Chaoyang , Wang Baoxu , Ren Xiaorui , Huang Hang , Wang Xi
Published: May 2021

A transition metal/ligand free disulfuration of anilines with disulfur transfer reagents (dithiosulfonate or tetrasulfide) is reported herein. The reaction, which can be considered as a reductive disulfuration variation of the classic Sandmeyer reaction, is performed under mild conditions and exhibits broad scope across aniline substrate and disulfur transfer reagent classes. The gram-scale synthesis of disulfides is successfully achieved through this method, rendering the approach highly valuable.
Efficient Interfacial Upconversion Enabling Bright Emission with Extremely Low Driving Voltage in Organic Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Izawa Seiichiro , Morimoto Masahiro , Naka Shigeki , Hiramoto Masahiro
Published: May 2021

Reducing operating voltage is the remaining frontier for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) because their quantum efficiency (QE) of electroluminescence has been already maximized. Herein, we report an efficient OLED in which a blight emission equivalent to a luminance of a display is achieved by only a 1.5 V battery. The OLED is based on upconversion (UC) emission utilizing triplet-triplet annihilation occurring near donor/acceptor (D/A) interface. We found that a character of a charge transfer state that is key intermediate for the UC emission could be controlled by D/A interfacial interaction. As a result, parasitic loss processes for UC were greatly suppressed from over 90% to about 10%, and two order of magnitude higher QE than the previous UC-OLED was achieved. Our result demonstrated that the efficient UC could be realized by the management of the energy transfer steps at the D/A interface and utilizing UC emission can be one of the possible candidate for efficient OLED with extremely low driving voltage.
Characterisation of the Boson Peak from the Glass into the Liquid
Authors: Farrell Andrew , Jiménez Mario González , Tukachev Nikita , Turton David A. , Russell Ben A. , Guinane Sarah , Senn Hans Martin , Wynne Klaas
Published: May 2021

Phenomena ranging from vitrification to crystal nucleation are governed by locally ordered structures, in otherwise disordered phases, that can either inhibit or favour the growth of macroscopic order. However, such structures are ephemeral, do not typically have distinct spectral features, and are therefore critically important but largely unobservable by current methods. Illuminating these structures therefore presents the single greatest challenge in physical chemistry. The boson peak is characteristic of glasses and represents the locally ordered structures inhibiting crystallisation but is typically obscured by other spectral contributions. Here we show that depolarised Raman scattering—obtained using femtosecond optical Kerr-effect spectroscopy—in liquids consisting of highly symmetric molecules can be used to isolate the boson peak thereby allowing detailed characterisation of the intermolecular potential-energy landscape for the first time.
Reaction Pathway for Coke-Free Methane Steam Reforming on a Ni/CeO2 Catalyst: Active Sites and Role of Metal-Support Interactions
Authors: Salcedo Agustin , Lustemberg Pablo , Rui Ning , Palomino Robert M. , Liu Zongyuan , Nemsak Slavomir , Senanayake Sanjaya D. , Rodriguez José A. , Ganduglia-Pirovano M. V. , Irigoyen Beatriz
Published: May 2021

Methane steam reforming (MSR) plays a key role in the production of syngas and hydrogen from natural gas. The increasing interest in the use of hydrogen for fuel cell applications demands the development of catalysts with high activity at reduced operating temperatures. Ni-based catalysts are promising systems because of their high activity and low cost, but coke formation generally poses a severe problem. Studies of ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS) indicate that CH4/H2O gas mixtures react with Ni/CeO2(111) surfaces to form OH, CHx and CHxO at 300 K. All these species are easy to form and desorb at temperatures below 700 K when the rate of the MSR process accelerates. Density functional theory (DFT) modeling of the reaction over ceria-supported small Ni nanoparticles predicts relatively low activation barriers between 0.3–0.7 eV for the complete dehydrogenation of methane to carbon and the barrierless activation of water at interfacial Ni sites. Hydroxyls resulting from water activation allow CO formation via a COH intermediate with a barrier of about 0.9 eV, which is much lower than that through a pathway involving lattice oxygen from ceria. Neither methane nor water activation are rate-determining steps, and the OH-assisted CO formation through the COH intermediate constitutes a low-barrier pathway that prevents carbon accumulation. The interaction between Ni and the ceria support and the low metal loading are crucial for the reaction to proceed in a coke-free and efficient way. These results could pave the way for further advances in the design of stable and highly active Ni-based catalysts for hydrogen production.
Using a Coarse-Grained Modeling Framework to Identify Oligomeric Motifs with Tunable Secondary Structure
Authors: Walker Christopher , Meek Garrett , Fobe Theodore , Shirts Michael R.
Published: May 2021

We describe a process to build and simulate coarse-grained oligomers using temperature replica exchange molecular dynamics and analyze them for thermodynamic and structural characteristics of cooperative folding transitions. We also introduce a Python package (cg_openmm) to carry out these simulations and analyses. We demonstrate the capabilities of cg_openmm on a simple helix-forming homo-oligomer, systematically varying sets of force field parameters and studying the effects on folding cooperativity and helix stability. We find that small changes to force field parameters in the homo-oligomer model can dramatically affect cooperativity, stability, and even lead to helix-to-helix transitions. This software package enables large-scale screening of potential foldamer molecules and will be highly useful in the broader effort of understanding secondary structure formation in terms of non-chemically specific features of molecular models.
Atomic Force Microscopy Characterization of Biomaterials Modified with Poly(styrene Sulfonate)
Authors: Nguyen Tuan , Humblot Vincent , Migonney Veronique , Levy Raphael
Published: May 2021

Polycaprolactone and polyethylene terephthalate are widely used to elaborate biomaterials and medical devices in particular for long-term implant applications but tuning their surface properties remains challenging. We investigate surface functionalization by grafting poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) with the aim of enhancing protein adhesion and cellular activity. Elucidating the topography and molecular level organization of the modified surfaces is important for understanding and predicting biological activity. In this work, we explore several grafting methods including thermal grafting, thermal grafting in the presence of Mohr's salt, and UV activation. We characterize the different surfaces obtained using atomic force microscopy, contact angle and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results reveal striking differences in the properties of the modified surfaces. This work demonstrates tuning of biomaterials surface by functionalization and the capability of atomic force microscopy to provide insights into the conformation and mechanical properties of the grafted polymers.
Phytochemical compounds and pharmacological activities of lemon (Citrus limon L.) – Update Review
Authors: Hartati R  , Insanu M  , Mudrika S. N.  , Fidrianny I
Published: May 2021

The lemon plant (Citrus limon L.) is a species from the Rutaceae family that spread from Southeast Asia and spread to all countries in the world. Lemon has been used traditionally since ancient times to treat various diseases and has been tested for various pharmacological activities. The literature review was carried out to study the phytochemical compounds and pharmacological activities of lemon plants. The literature compiled by a minimum of 50 scientific articles using search engines such as Science Direct, Pubmed, and Google Scholar, published for a maximum of the last 10 years, includes a minimum of 20 articles in the last 2 years, has a DOI, and the quality of the journal index is reviewed using Scimago. Lemon is very rich in phytochemical compounds, including flavanones such as hesperidin, eriocytrin, naringin, narirutin, didymin; flavones such as apigenin, luteolin, and diosmin; flavonols such as routine, quercetin, mirisetin, isositrol, limositrol, and limositrin; terpenoids such as limonene, limonoids, and carotenoids. Various kinds of in vivo and in vitro studies provide results of various pharmacological activities such as antioxidants, anticancer, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, antiurolithiasis, and antiplasmodial. It is necessary to develop further research on the pharmacological activity of lemon plants in the future.
WHAT CAN EARTH HISTORY AND EVOLUTION TELL ABOUT THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE?
Authors: MAY Andreas
Published: May 2021

Conclusions about the Creator of the universe are drawn from the evolution and diversity of living beings. Furthermore, four events of the Earth's history are addressed. From them, it can be concluded that the Creator actively intervened in the history of the Earth to promote the development of intelligent life. Following characteristics of the Creator are observed: He is patient, creates an exuberant fullness, and gives freedom to his creation. He uses causal links and seemingly random events to steer the course of his creation. The Creator is in constant dialogue with his creation to lead it into ever greater abundance and freedom. He uses evolutionary processes, which are not goal-oriented, to achieve his goals. The observed characteristics of the Creator fit very well with the Judeo-Christian God. The question is raised whether the Creator is timeless or not.
Cáceres, José Antonio. (2020). Figura. Edición, estudio y notas de Emilia Oliva. Texto de Fernando Millán. Reproducción facsimilar. Cáceres, España: Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Extremadura (UEx). 209 páginas. ISBN: 978-84-9127-060-7.
Authors: Pavo Cuadrado David
Published: May 2021

Figura es la primera obra de poesía experimental que José Antonio Cáceres concibe como libro. Su elaboración, entre 1966 y 1973, es paralela a la evolución del artista, desde el concretismo al letrismo –en la antesala de la poesía cinética–, lo que condiciona la heterogeneidad de posibilidades expresivas que recogen los poemas visuales que lo configuran. Esta primera edición publicada por la Universidad de Extremadura (UEx), está realizada por Emilia Oliva y reproduce facsimilarmente los originales inéditos que durante casi medio siglo ha conservado Fernando Millán. Su publicación posibilita el acceso a este libro que supone, en la trayectoria experimental de José Antonio Cáceres, un antecedente fundamental.
La imagen barroca como estrategia de sujeción del indígena al poder civil y eclesiástico en Quito de la segunda mitad del siglo XVII. El caso de la obra Curación de una india endemoniada
Authors: Enríquez Capa Oscar
Published: May 2021

En este artículo se estudia la pintura titulada Curación de una india endemoniada... (1697-1706) de Miguel de Santiago en el contexto de la evangelización indígena en la segunda mitad del siglo XVII. Esta imagen, ubicada en la iglesia de Guápulo como parte de la serie “milagros de la virgen” ofrece la posibilidad de exponer dos sentidos que anidan en su propósito devocional. Por un lado, el cuadro condensa el imaginario sobre la extirpación de la idolatría indígena en los Andes al formar parte de un conjunto de recursos destinados para su adoctrinamiento, y, por otro, la forma en que las elites imaginaban la estructura socio política en Quito que se concretaría mediante la implantación de un gobierno civil y moral. A partir de esta doble entrada se propone observar que esta representación, aunque surgió del amplio proyecto contrarreformista en América, respondía a la expresión local de una sociedad que intenta constituir su propia forma de poder. Para ello, se contextualiza la obra, luego se analiza su lenguaje pictórico y finalmente, se extrae algunas inferencias sobre la función de la imagen en el espacio litúrgico.
Collaborative Governance in Poverty Reduction in Bandung City
Authors: Permani Riana
Published: May 2021

The main strategy of poverty alleviation in Bandung is directed to reduce the poverty rate. But the countermeasures that have been done by the relevant parties have not reached the target set. BPS data in 2019 showed the number of poor people reached 84,670 or 3.38% of the total population. In the last five years, the poverty rate has never reached 1% in accordance with the RPJMD target. On the other hand, all parties agree on the importance of building a system of partnership, coordination, and collaboration between local governments, communities, and non-governmental organizations in collaborative governance. The establishment of the Coordination Team for The Acceleration of Poverty Alleviation (TKPK) Kota Bandung became an important forum in achieving the target of reducing poverty rates. This research aims to find out how the implementation of collaborative governance principles at TKPK Kota Bandung. This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive analysis method to find out the existing condition of ongoing collaboration. The data source is obtained from in-depth interviews, field observations as well as secondary data. The results showed that the principles of collaborative governance by TKPK Kota Bandung have not been optimal. The existence of a special meeting forum is more often very important to build a common understanding of the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder. Optimization of facilitative leadership and institutional design is also indispensable to provide encouragement to the collaboration process that tends to be slow to show temporary results.
El cultivo tradicional del almendro en el Mediterráneo: Baleares en el contexto español (ca. 1770-2017)
Authors: Morey Antònia , Fornés Jaume
Published: May 2021

The process of arboreal diversification that was initiated in Spain in the final stage of the Old Regime propitiated the emergence of new areas of production and crops. Some Mediterranean regions, and in particular the Balearic Islands, stood out for the early dry farming cultivation of almond trees. Its development has been related above all to the evolution of the commercial value of almonds, often ignoring other uses of the tree: fertilizer, fodder for livestock, firewood, etc. But in traditional agrarian systems, as with other crops, their multifunctionality was extremely important for the reinitiation of productive cycles on many farms; especially for peasant units. In the Balearic Islands, the moderate yields of almond plantations and the competition exercised by other national and international areas of production, in particular from the second half of the 20th century on, did not discourage cultivation of them. As in other regions, development was favoured by successive improvement plans financed from the 1960s on by different government institutions: first by the government of Spain, and more recently by the European Community. However, over recent years, a highly destructive bacteria (Xylella fastidiosa) has not only discouraged cultivation, but threatens the survival of one of the most characteristic trees of the agricultural landscape of the islands.
Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection and hospitalisation, Navarre, Spain, January to April 2021
Authors: Martínez-Baz Iván , Miqueleiz Ana , Casado Itziar , Navascués Ana , Trobajo-Sanmartín Camino , Burgui Cristina , Guevara Marcela , Ezpeleta Carmen , Castilla Jesús ,   Working Group for the Study of COVID-19 in Navarra
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness was evaluated in close contacts of cases diagnosed during January–April 2021. Among 20,961 contacts, 7,240 SARS-CoV-2 infections were confirmed, with 5,467 being symptomatic and 559 leading to hospitalisations. Non-brand-specific one and two dose vaccine effectiveness were respectively, 35% (95% confidence interval (CI): 25 to 44) and 66% (95% CI: 57 to 74) against infections, 42% (95% CI: 31 to 52) and 82% (95% CI: 74 to 88) against symptomatic infection, and 72% (95% CI: 47 to 85) and 95% (95% CI: 62 to 99) against COVID-19 hospitalisation. The second dose significantly increased effectiveness. Findings support continuing complete vaccination.
Assessment of seismic vulnerability index of RAJUK area in Bangladesh using microtremor observations
Authors: Helaly Abdul L. , Ansary Mehedi A.
Published: May 2021

Microtremor Horizontal to Vertical spectral ratio technique, also known as the Nakamura’s method is growing in status for site response analysis. 500 locations in RAJUK area (1530 km2) have been selected for microtremor observations. Microtremor data have been compiled and studied to estimate the predominant resonance frequency and H/V peak amplitude following the SESAME (2004) guideline. Finally, seismic vulnerability index of site soil using Nakamura’s technique has been determined from predominant resonance frequency and H/V peak amplitude parameter. The calculated seismic vulnerability index for the studied 500 locations varies between 0.16 and 7.28. The low seismic vulnerability index (Kg) value means that the areas are relatively stiff and underlain by substantial deposit of sediments. The relatively higher Kg values are spread in the soft alluvial deposit areas. The areas with high Kg values are considered as fragile zones that may initiate significant damage to infrastructure situated in those areas during an earthquake.
Osteonecrosis of The Jaw; Medication- Related Osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ)
Authors: Bulan Susanti
Published: May 2021

Sejak tahun 2004, dilaporkan terjadinya osteonecrosis of the jaw pada pasien osteoporosis yang mengkonsumsi bifosfonat, walaupun hal tersebut lebih sedikir dibandingkan kejadian osteonecrosis of the jaw pada penderita kanker yang mendapat terapi bifosfonat secara intravena. American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMSs) pada tahun 2014 menyatakan perubahan nomenklatur bisphosphonate- related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) menjadi MRONJ (Osteonecrosis of the jaw atau Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the jaw) yaitu destruksi tulang progresif di daerah maksilofasial pasien yang disebabkan oleh terapi antiresportif dan antiangiogenik lain. AAOMS melaporkan peningkatan risiko 0.5% perkembangan MRONJ setelah prosedur ekstraksi gigi pada penderita yang menkonsumsi BP secara oral, dan peningkatan risiko 1.6-14.8% pada penderita dalam terapi BP secara intra vena. Risiko perkembangan MRONJ terjadi setelah prosedur perawatan gigi seperti ekstraksi gigi, implant gigi, perawatan endodontik, dan perawatan periodontik. Patofisiologi MRONJ tidak sepenuhnya dapat dijelaskan yaitu yang berkaitan dengan peradangan atau infeksi, mikrotrauma, perubahan remodeling tulang atau penekanan berlebihan pada resorpsi tulang, penghambatan angiogenesis, toksisitas BP jaringan lunak, biofilm khas rongga mulut, vaskularisasi mandibula, penekanan imunitas, atau defisiensi vitamin D. Pilihan antara perawatan konservatif dan pembedahan tidaklah mudah dan harus disesuaikan dengan kasus. Tujuan utama perawatan MRONJ praktisi dokter gigi dan spesialis bedah mulut dan maksilofasial adalah pengendalian infeksi, perkembangan nekrosis tulang, dan nyeri. Tujuan dari studi pustaka ini adalah untuk menggambarkan pengetahuan terkini tentang MRONJ, pencegahan dan strategi manajemennya.
A hypoechoic, tumor-like lesion in the pancreatic head and neck on endoscopic ultrasonography may be due to a high-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia/carcinoma in situ
Authors:   1Department of Gastroenterology, Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital, Tokyo, Japan,   2Department of Gastroenterology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center, Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan,   3Department of Surgery, Institutive of Gastroenterology, Tokyo Woman’s Medical University, Tokyo, Japan,   4Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center, Komagome Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
Published: May 2021

High-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HG PanIN)/carcinoma in situ (CIS) in the pancreatic body and tail can induce parenchymal atrophy through chronic inflammatory changes presenting as a Hypoechoic area on EUS (Hypocho) or focal pancreatic parenchymal atrophy (FPPA) on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We herein discussed two patients with a hypoechoic area in the pancreatic head and neck on EUS resembling pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The lesions consisted of dense fibrosis and fat infiltration with pancreatic parenchymal atrophy around the HG PanIN/CIS in the main pancreatic duct (MPD), which penetrated the lesion and showed mild stenosis and upstream dilation. CT and MRI were unable to visualize the lesions. A specimen was obtained from one lesion by fine-needle aspiration under EUS (EUS-FNA) guidance for histopathological and cytological analysis, but the tests returned negative for adenocarcinoma. However, serial pancreatic-juice aspiration cytologic examination (SPACE) revealed adenocarcinoma in both lesions, prompting surgical resection. Histopathological examination revealed non-invasive HG PanIN/CIS in the MPD surrounded by dense fibrosis and fat deposition in the area of parenchymal atrophy. The CIS was restricted to the area of parenchymal atrophy.These two cases are noteworthy in illustrating a hypoechoic area appearing on EUS as a tumor-like lesion resembling PDAC. EUS-FNA has recently been used histopathologically to diagnose a pancreatic lesion. However, in the present and similar cases, EUS-FNA can only reveal secondary changes due to CIS unless the pancreatic duct covered by the CIS is accidentally punctured. We should bear in mind that CIS can appear as a hypoechoic area resembling PDAC on EUS, and that SPACE is the best method for diagnosing CIS in such cases.
ON THE ISSUE OF THE “DUMMY OBJECT” IN VERB-OBJECT SEPARABLE WORDS LIHECI IN MODERN CHINESE
Authors:   Saint Petersburg State University, Kisel Polina O.
Published: May 2021

The article presents the results of the analysis of the combinatorial properties of verb-object separable compounds (liheci) in modern Chinese. A hypothesis about different levels of formal and semantic unity of the compounds was tested and the compounds were classified according to their semantics. Further, the combinatorial properties of verb-object separable compounds with “dummy object” are discussed taking into account the formal criterion of insertion of different elements before the nominal component of liheci. Two types of “dummy object” and, consequently, two subtypes of liheci with “dummy objects” are distinguished. The first subtype includes liheci in which the nominal component semantically duplicates the meaning of the verbal component. The second subtype is represented by liheci in which the nominal component is a generic object.