bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Behavior and Electrodeposition of Sn Coating from Choline Chloride–Urea Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Cao Xiaozhou , Xu Lulu , Wang Chao , Li Siyi , Wu Dong , Shi Yuanyuan , Liu Fengguo , Xue Xiangxin
Published: November 2020

The electrochemical behavior and electrodeposition of Sn were investigated in choline chloride (ChCl)–urea deep eutectic solvents (DESs) containing SnCl2 by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry techniques. The electrodeposition of Sn(II) was a quasi-reversible, single-step two-electron-transfer process. The average transfer coefficient and diffusion coefficient of 0.2 M Sn(II) in ChCl–urea at 323 K were 0.29 and 1.35 × 10−9 cm2∙s−1. The nucleation overpotential decreased with the increase in temperature and SnCl2 concentration. The results of the chronoamperometry indicated that the Sn deposition on tungsten electrode occurred by three-dimensional instantaneous nucleation and diffusion controlled growth using the Scharifker–Hills model. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the morphology of the deposits is uniform, as a dense and compact film prepared by potentiostatic electrolysis on Cu substrate. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the deposits were pure metallic Sn.
Macromolecular Serial Crystallography
Authors: Martin-Garcia Jose M. , Basu Shibom
Published: November 2020

Within the structural biology field, X-ray crystallography prevails as the dominant technique to determine the structures of macromolecules, producing, as of November 2020, more than 150,000 structures since its inception (https://www [...]
Identification of a De Novo Xq26.2 Microduplication Encompassing FIRRE Gene in a Child with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Miolo Gianmaria , Bernardini Laura , Capalbo Anna , Favia Anna , Goldoni Marina , Pivetta Barbara , Tessitori Giovanni , Corona Giuseppe
Published: November 2020

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), defined as transcripts of ≥200 nucleotides not translated into protein, have been involved in a wide range of regulatory functions. Their dysregulations have been associated with diverse pathological conditions such as cancer, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s diseases and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We report on the case of a five-year-old child with global developmental delay carrying a de novo microduplication on chromosome Xq26.2 region characterized by a DNA copy-number gain spanning about 147 Kb (chrX:130,813,232-130,960,617; GRCh37/hg19). This small microduplication encompassed the exons 2-12 of the functional intergenic repeating RNA element (FIRRE) gene (chrX:130,836,678-130,964,671; GRCh37/hg19) that encodes for a lncRNA involved in the maintenance of chromatin repression. The association of such a genetic alteration with a severe neurodevelopmental delay without clear dysmorphic features and congenital abnormalities indicative of syndromic condition further suggests that small Xq26.2 chromosomal region microduplications containing the FIRRE gene may be responsible for clinical phenotypes mainly characterized by structural or functioning neurological impairment.
Teaching Approaches and Educational Technologies in Teaching Mathematics in Higher Education
Authors: Nantschev Renate , Feuerstein Eva , González Rodrigo Trujillo , Alonso Israel Garcia , Hackl Werner O. , Petridis Konstantinos , Triantafyllou Evangelia , Ammenwerth Elske
Published: November 2020

The growing use of technology for mathematics in higher education opens new pedagogical and technological challenges for teachers. The objective of this study was to analyze the teaching approaches and technology-related pedagogical competencies of 29 mathematics teachers (15 females and 14 males) from nine European countries. After conducting semi-structured interviews, the Approaches to Teaching Inventory (ATI-16) and the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework survey were applied. The results show large individual variations in teaching approaches, technological competencies, and institutional support. One-third of teachers apply a more student-centered approach, one-third a more teacher-centered approach, and one-third a mixed approach. Educating and supporting teachers in embracing educational technologies thus needs to be tailored strongly to individual needs and the available institutional support resources and infrastructure.
A 24-GHz RF Transmitter in 65-nm CMOS for In-Cabin Radar Applications
Authors: Lee Suyeon , Jeon Yangji , Park Geonwoo , Myung Jinman , Lee Seungjik , Lee Ockgoo , Moon Hyunwon , Nam Ilku
Published: November 2020

A 24-GHz direct-conversion transmitter is proposed for in-cabin radar applications. The proposed RF transmitter consists of an I/Q up-conversion mixer, an I/Q local (LO) oscillator generator, and a power amplifier. To improve the linearity of the I/Q up-conversion mixer, an inverter transconductor with third-order intermodulation (IM3) distortion cancellation is proposed. To improve the I/Q balancing performance of the I/Q LO generator, a poly-phase filter, including parasitic line inductance, is proposed. By employing a highly linear I/Q up-conversion mixer and a balanced I/Q LO generator, the 24-GHz direct-conversion transmitter achieves high linearity and I/Q balancing characteristics. It is fabricated in a 65-nm CMOS process and consumes 150 mW. It shows an OP1dB of 8.6 dBm, an LO leakage of −48 dBc, and an image rejection ratio of −49 dBc for the entire operating band from 24 GHz to 24.5 GHz.
The Influence of Scots Pine Log Type (Pinus sylvestris L.) on the Mechanical Properties of Lumber
Authors: Krzosek Sławomir , Burawska-Kupniewska Izabela , Mańkowski Piotr
Published: November 2020

The paper presents an analysis of the influence of geographical origin and Scots pine log type on the mechanical properties of the timber sawn from them. The tested timber was sawn from logs obtained from three different forestry regions in Poland, located in the western part of the country. A batch of 150 timber pieces was obtained from each region. The cross-section had the dimensions of 40 mm × 138 mm. The timber was sawn from logs of three different types: butt, middle and top, from a fresh, mixed forest around 120 years old. The timber was dried in industrial conditions and planed four times. The values determined for the timber under research were the static modulus of elasticity in bending (MOE), and the bending strength (MOR). Moreover, timber density (DEN) was determined with the stereometric method. For all three sites, the highest average values of the tested timber properties were obtained for timber made of butt logs, and the lowest for timber made of top logs. It was concluded that the tested Scots pine properties depended on the type of log, and to limited extent, on its geographic origin. The statistical analysis revealed that the geographic origin of the logs that the tested timber was made of had a statistically significant impact on the variance of all the tested timber properties. The type of log also had a statistically significant influence on the variance of all the tested properties.
Energy and CO2 Fluxes over Native Fields of Southern Brazil through Multi-Objective Calibration of INLAND Model
Authors: Goergen Guilherme , Valdés Roilan Hernández , Degrazia Gervásio Annes , Gotuzzo Ricardo Acosta , Herdies Dirceu Luis , de Gonçalves Luis Gustavo Gonçalves , Roberti Débora Regina
Published: November 2020

Land surface/ecosystem models (LSEMs) play a key role in understanding the Earth’s climate. They represent ecosystem dynamics by simulating fluxes occurring between the biosphere and atmosphere. However, for a correct flux simulation, it is critical to calibrate the model using robust and state-of-the-art calibration techniques. In this work, we optimize parameters of the Integrated Model of Land Surface Processes (INLAND) using the hierarchical multi-objective calibration method (AMALGAM) to improve the representation of surface processes in a natural ecosystem over the Pampa biome in South America. The calibration was performed using experimental data of energy and CO2 flux collected in a native field located in southern Brazil. We compared simulations using the default and calibrated parameter set. The results show that the calibration of the model significantly improved all fluxes analyzed. The mean errors and bias values were significantly reduced, and the seasonality of fluxes was better represented. This work is one of the first to apply a multi-objective calibration in an LSEM to represent surface fluxes in the Pampa biome, presenting a consistent set of parameters for future applications used in studies of biome land use and land cover.
Spatial Pattern of Construction Land Distribution in Bays along the Coast of Vietnam
Authors: Zhang Junjue , Su Fenzhen
Published: November 2020

Current studies of urban spatial morphology have rarely focused on the particularity of coastal cities, such as sea–land gradient features and bay types. In this paper, we provide a method to analyze the spatial and vertical distribution of construction land in the bay area and discuss the influence of bay type on the distribution characteristics. Landscape indexes and a clustering algorithm were used to identify the spatial pattern of construction land distribution. Strip division was used to analyze the landscape features of construction land in the sea–land direction. We established eight large bays in Vietnam as the study area. According to the formation and geomorphology of the bay, the eight bays were divided into five types: delta bay, lagoon bay, structural bay, bedrock erosion-stacking bay and estuary bay. The construction land data were generated from Landsat images captured in 1988 and 2015 or so. The study effectively identified five spatial patterns of construction land distribution in bays without prior knowledge. Danang Bay (a bedrock erosion-stacking bay) had a typical high intensity-high concentration pattern, and Hai Loc Bay (a delta bay) had a typical high intensity-low concentration pattern. In the sea–land gradient, the proportions of construction land in the 0–2 km zone were greatest. In Danang Bay, the proportion generally decreased in the sea–land direction; while in Hai Loc Bay, the proportion increased.
Case Study on Privacy-Aware Social Media Data Processing in Disaster Management
Authors: Löchner Marc , Fathi Ramian , Schmid David ‘-1’ , Dunkel Alexander , Burghardt Dirk , Fiedrich Frank , Koch Steffen
Published: November 2020

Social media data is heavily used to analyze and evaluate situations in times of disasters, and derive decisions for action from it. In these critical situations, it is not surprising that privacy is often considered a secondary problem. In order to prevent subsequent abuse, theft or public exposure of collected datasets, however, protecting the privacy of social media users is crucial. Avoiding unnecessary data retention is an important question that is currently largely unsolved. There are a number of technical approaches available, but their deployment in disaster management is either impractical or requires special adaption, limiting its utility. In this case study, we explore the deployment of a cardinality estimation algorithm called HyperLogLog into disaster management processes. It is particularly suited for this field, because it allows to stream data in a format that cannot be used for purposes other than the originally intended. We develop and conduct a focus group discussion with teams of social media analysts. We identify challenges and opportunities of working with such a privacy-enhanced social media data format and compare the process with conventional techniques. Our findings show that, with the exception of training scenarios, deploying HyperLogLog in the data acquisition process will not distract the data analysis process. Instead, several benefits, such as improved working with huge datasets, may contribute to a more widespread use and adoption of the presented technique, which provides a basis for a better integration of privacy considerations in disaster management.
Molecular Genetic Architecture of Monogenic Pediatric IBD Differs from Complex Pediatric and Adult IBD
Authors: Jezernik Gregor , Mičetić-Turk Dušanka , Potočnik Uroš
Published: November 2020

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) manifests as a complex disease resulting from gene–environment interactions or as a monogenic disease resulting from deleterious mutations. While monogenic IBD is predominantly pediatric, only one-quarter of complex IBD is pediatric. In this study, we were the first to systematically compare genetic architecture between monogenic and complex pediatric and adult IBD on genetic and molecular pathway levels. Genes reported as causal for monogenic pediatric IBD and related syndromes and as risk factors for pediatric and adult complex IBD were analyzed using CytoScape and ClueGO software tools to elucidate significantly enriched Gene Ontology (GO) terms. Despite the small overlap (seven genes) between monogenic IBD genes (85) and complex IBD loci (240), GO analysis revealed several enriched GO terms shared between subgroups (13.9%). Terms Th17 cell differentiation and Jak/STAT signaling were enriched in both monogenic and complex IBD subgroups. However, primary immunodeficiency and B-cell receptor signaling pathway were specifically enriched only for pediatric subgroups, confirming existing clinical observations and experimental evidence of primary immunodeficiency in pediatric IBD patients. In addition, comparative analysis identified patients below 6 years of age to significantly differ from complex pediatric and adult IBD and could be considered a separate entity.
Integrin-Linked Kinase Is a Novel Therapeutic Target in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Ulm Michael A. , Redfern Tiffany M. , Wilson Ben R. , Ponnusamy Suriyan , Asemota Sarah , Blackburn Patrick W. , Wang Yinan , ElNaggar Adam C. , Narayanan Ramesh
Published: November 2020

Objective: The objective of this study is to identify and validate novel therapeutic target(s) in ovarian cancer. Background: Development of targeted therapeutics in ovarian cancer has been limited by molecular heterogeneity. Although gene expression datasets are available, most of them lack appropriate pair-matched controls to define the alterations that result in the transformation of normal ovarian cells to cancerous cells. Methods: We used microarray to compare the gene expression of treatment-naïve ovarian cancer tissue samples to pair-matched normal adjacent ovarian tissue from 24 patients. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was used to identify target pathways for further analysis. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) expression in SKOV3 and OV90 cells was determined using Western blot. ILK was knocked down using CRISPR/Cas9 constructs. Subcutaneous xenograft study to determine the effect of ILK knockdown on tumor growth was performed in NOD SCID gamma mice. Results: Significant upregulation of the ILK pathway was identified in 22 of the 24 cancer specimens, identifying it as a potential player that could contribute to the transformation of normal ovarian cells to cancerous cells. Knockdown of ILK in SKOV3 cells resulted in decreased cell proliferation and tumor growth, and inhibition of downstream kinase, AKT (protein kinase B). These results were further validated using an ILK-1 chemical inhibitor, compound 22. Conclusion: Our initial findings validate ILK as a potential therapeutic target for molecular inhibition in ovarian cancer, which warrants further investigation.
What Can Machine Learning Approaches in Genomics Tell Us about the Molecular Basis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?
Authors: Vasilopoulou Christina , Morris Andrew P. , Giannakopoulos George , Duguez Stephanie , Duddy William
Published: November 2020

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is the most common late-onset motor neuron disorder, but our current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms and pathways underlying this disease remain elusive. This review (1) systematically identifies machine learning studies aimed at the understanding of the genetic architecture of ALS, (2) outlines the main challenges faced and compares the different approaches that have been used to confront them, and (3) compares the experimental designs and results produced by those approaches and describes their reproducibility in terms of biological results and the performances of the machine learning models. The majority of the collected studies incorporated prior knowledge of ALS into their feature selection approaches, and trained their machine learning models using genomic data combined with other types of mined knowledge including functional associations, protein-protein interactions, disease/tissue-specific information, epigenetic data, and known ALS phenotype-genotype associations. The importance of incorporating gene-gene interactions and cis-regulatory elements into the experimental design of future ALS machine learning studies is highlighted. Lastly, it is suggested that future advances in the genomic and machine learning fields will bring about a better understanding of ALS genetic architecture, and enable improved personalized approaches to this and other devastating and complex diseases.
Clinical Outcomes Based on Measurable Residual Disease Status in Patients with Core-Binding Factor Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rotchanapanya Wannaphorn , Hokland Peter , Tunsing Pattaraporn , Owattanapanich Weerapat
Published: November 2020

Measurable residual disease (MRD) response during acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment is a gold standard for determining treatment strategy, especially in core-binding factor (CBL) AML. The aim of this study was to critically review the literature on MRD status in the CBF-AML to determine the overall impact of MRD status on clinical outcomes. Published studies in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from their inception up to 1 June 2019 were searched. The primary end-point was either overall survival (OS) or recurrence-free survival (RFS) between MRD negative and MRD positive CBF-AML patients. The secondary variable was cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) between groups. Of the 736 articles, 13 relevant studies were included in this meta-analysis. The MRD negative group displayed more favorable recurrence-free survival (RFS) than those with MRD positivity, with a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 4.5. Moreover, OS was also superior in the MRD negative group, with a pooled OR of 7.88. Corroborating this, the CIR was statistically significantly lower in the MRD negative group, with a pooled OR of 0.06. The most common cutoff MRD level was 1 × 10−3. These results suggest that MRD assessment should be a routine investigation in clinical practice in this AML subset.
Coronavirus and the Curtailment of Religious Liberty
Authors: Hill QC Mark
Published: November 2020

Even public health emergencies must be handled within the framework of the rule of law. The alternative is social chaos. Every nation on earth has been touched by the impact of COVID-19, a deadly pandemic that has changed—perhaps permanently—the manner in which we are governed and live our daily lives. This paper addresses the effect of the State’s response to the threat of Coronavirus upon the enjoyment of religious liberty, both directly and indirectly.
Transport of N-CD and Pre-Sorbed Pb in Saturated Porous Media
Authors: Kamrani Salahaddin , Amiri Vahab , Kamrani Mosleh , Baalousha Mohammed
Published: November 2020

Carbon dots (CDs) are a new type of nanomaterials of the carbon family with unique characteristics, such as their small size (e.g., <10 nm), high water solubility, low toxicity, and high metal affinity. Modification of CDs by Nitrogen functional groups (N-CDs) enhances their metal adsorption capacity. This study investigated the influences of pH (4, 6, and 9), ionic strength (1, 50, and 100 mM), and cation valency (Na+ and Ca2+) on the competitive adsorption of Pb to quartz and N-CD surfaces, the transport and retention of N-CDs in saturated porous media, and the capacity of N-CDs to mobilize pre-adsorbed Pb in quartz columns. Pb adsorption was higher on N-CDs than on quartz surfaces and decreased with increases in ionic strength (IS) and divalent cations (Ca2+) concentration. N-CD mobility in quartz columns was highest at pH of 9- and 1-mM monovalent cations (Na+) and decreased with decreases in pH and increases in ionic strength and ion valency. N-CDs mobilized pre-adsorbed Pb from quartz due to the higher adsorption affinity of Pb to N-CD than to quartz surfaces. These findings provide valuable insights into the transport, retention, and risk assessment of lead in the presence of carbon-based engineered nanoparticles.
Multifunctional Opioid-Derived Hybrids in Neuropathic Pain: Preclinical Evidence, Ideas and Challenges
Authors: Starnowska-Sokół Joanna , Przewłocka Barbara
Published: November 2020

When the first- and second-line therapeutics used to treat neuropathic pain (NP) fail to induce efficient analgesia—which is estimated to relate to more than half of the patients—opioid drugs are prescribed. Still, the pathological changes following the nerve tissue injury, i.a. pronociceptive neuropeptide systems activation, oppose the analgesic effects of opiates, enforcing the use of relatively high therapeutic doses in order to obtain satisfying pain relief. In parallel, the repeated use of opioid agonists is associated with burdensome adverse effects due to compensatory mechanisms that arise thereafter. Rational design of hybrid drugs, in which opioid ligands are combined with other pharmacophores that block the antiopioid action of pronociceptive systems, delivers the opportunity to ameliorate the NP-oriented opioid treatment via addressing neuropathological mechanisms shared both by NP and repeated exposition to opioids. Therewith, the new dually acting drugs, tailored for the specificity of NP, can gain in efficacy under nerve injury conditions and have an improved safety profile as compared to selective opioid agonists. The current review presents the latest ideas on opioid-comprising hybrid drugs designed to treat painful neuropathy, with focus on their biological action, as well as limitations and challenges related to this therapeutic approach.
Effects of Different Drying Methods on the Retention of Bioactive Compounds, On-Line Antioxidant Capacity and Color of the Novel Snack from Red-Fleshed Apples
Authors: Wojdyło Aneta , Lech Krzysztof , Nowicka Paulina
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different drying methods: convective (at 50, 60, 70 °C), vacuum-microwave (at 120, 240, 360, 480 W and 360 W with reduction to 120 W) and hybrid (convective pre-drying at 50, 60, 70 °C followed by vacuum-microwave drying at 120 W) on the quality parameters of novel red-fleshed apple fruit snacks (RFAs), such as phenolics, on-line antioxidant capacity, water activity and color. Drying kinetics, including a temperature profile of dried material, and modified Page model were determined. Freeze-drying was used as a control method. The highest content of bioactive compounds in the samples was retained following freeze-drying, then hybrid, vacuum-microwave and finally convection drying. The antioxidant capacity measured by on-line 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), identified anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols and phenolic acid as the main compounds responsible for this activity. Unfavorable changes in color, formation of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and degradation of polyphenolics were noted along with increasing drying temperature and magnetron power. The red-fleshed apple snacks are a promising high-quality dehydrated food product belonging to functional foods category.
Palladium-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Gem-Bromofluoroalkenes with Alkylboronic Acids for the Synthesis of Alkylated Monofluoroalkenes
Authors: Chausset-Boissarie Laëtitia , Cheval Nicolas , Rolando Christian
Published: November 2020

Monofluoroalkenes are versatile fluorinated synthons in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry and materials science. In light of the importance of alkyl-substituted monofluoroalkenes efficient synthesis of these moieties still represents a synthetic challenge. Herein, we described a mild and efficient methodology to obtain monofluoroalkenes through a stereospecific palladium-catalyzed alkylation of gem-bromofluoroalkenes with primary and strained secondary alkylboronic acids under mild conditions. This novel strategy gives access to a wide range of functionalized tri- and tetrasubstituted monofluoroalkenes in high yield, with good functional group tolerance, independently from the gem-bromofluoroalkenes geometry.
Self-Assembled Nano-Fe3C Embedded in Reduced Graphene Oxide Aerogel with Efficient Fenton-Like Catalysis
Authors: Wang Liping , Zhang Mingyu , Xie Jiawei
Published: November 2020

Aiming at the removal of refractory organic pollutants in aqueous solution, self-assembled nano-Fe3C embedded in reduced graphene oxide (nano-Fe3C@RGO) aerogel was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and high temperature treatment, and characterized by SEM, HRTEM, pore size distribution, XRD, XPS and FTIR. The results showed that the aerogel was porous, and most of the Fe3C particles were less than 100 nm in size. They were evenly dispersed and embedded in the RGO aerogel. Furthermore, the mapping images confirmed that the elements of carbon, nitrogen and iron were homogeneously distributed. Moreover, the specific surface area of the aerogel was up to 324.770 m2/g and most of the pore sizes were between 5 and 10 nm. The formation of nano-Fe3C was identified by XRD pattern and HRTEM. Analysis of an XPS spectrum indicates that the nano-Fe3C was embedded in the graphene layer. The aerogel contained a large number of functional groups, including –NH2, –NH and –C=O, etc., which greatly strengthened the adsorption of organics. Finally, the Fenton-like catalytic degradation properties of the self-assembled nano-Fe3C@RGO aerogel were investigated by testing the removal of methyl orange from the aqueous solution. The results showed that the value of Ct/C0 decreased to 0.050 after 240 min, suggesting a high degradation rate was obtained. Meanwhile, the chemical reaction was verified in accordance with the first-order kinetic model, and the higher temperature was beneficial to the catalytic degradation. At the same time, methyl orange was degraded into small molecules by the hydroxyl and superoxide radicals generated during the reactions. Therefore, the self-assembled nano-Fe3C@RGO aerogel, as a novel Fenton-like catalyst, introduces a new approach in the field of treatment of refractory organic wastewater.
Comparing and Contrasting MERS, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2: Prevention, Transmission, Management, and Vaccine Development
Authors: Oves Mohammad , Ravindran Mithunan , Rauf Mohd Ahmar , Omaish Ansari Mohammad , Zahin Maryam , Iyer Arun K. , Ismail Iqbal M. I. , Khan Meraj A. , Palaniyar Nades
Published: November 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is responsible for an unprecedented disruption to the healthcare systems and economies of countries around the world. Developing novel therapeutics and a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 requires an understanding of the similarities and differences between the various human coronaviruses with regards to their phylogenic relationships, transmission, and management. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that humans were first infected with SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019 and the virus rapidly spread from the outbreak epicenter in Wuhan, China to various parts of the world. Multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 have now been identified in particular regions. It is apparent that MERS, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 present with several common symptoms including fever, cough, and dyspnea in mild cases, but can also progress to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Understanding the molecular steps leading to SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells and the viral replication cycle can illuminate crucial targets for testing several potential therapeutics. Genomic and structural details of SARS-CoV-2 and previous attempts to generate vaccines against SARS-CoV and MERS have provided vaccine targets to manage future outbreaks more effectively. The coordinated global response against this emerging infectious disease is unique and has helped address the need for urgent therapeutics and vaccines in a remarkably short time.
Hydrodynamics of Underwater «Physical Explosion»
Authors: Ivanovich Gulenko Vladimir , Ivanovna Zakharchenko Evgenia
Published: November 2020

The modern scientific and technological revolution has led to profound changes in the technique and technology of marine seismic research, ensuring an increase in labor productivity, a significant increase in the volume of work, as well as an increase in their efficiency. At the same time, along with the use of floating piezoelectric seismograph, digital recording equipment, modern electronic computing equipment and more accurate satellite navigation systems, one of the important factors that contributed to improving the efficiency of seismic exploration was the introduction of a new generation of seismic signal excitation devices – non-explosive sources – into the practice of marine seismic research. Of these, the most widely used in seismic exploration in water areas around the world are pneumatic sources, in which elastic waves are excited by underwater exhaust of compressed air.
Еlectronic fire safety systems efficiency in the combustion zone of cars for underground parkings of residential buildings
Authors: Khoroshko V. V. , Hlinisty R. V. , Hlinisty R. R. , Shneiderov E. N. , Korolev A. G. , Korol O. M.
Published: November 2020

In this paper we presents the results of tests of automatic fire alarm systems in terms of reducing the temperature effect on building structures (floors), air ducts of the exhaust smoke ventilation system. Tests were carried out to determine the efficiency of the antismoke ventilation system for the removal of combustion products through steel air ducts with a metal thickness of 1 mm, as well as analysis of the temperature regime on building structures, the air duct of the exhaust smoke ventilation system under fire exposure. For the warning system (SO) of the second type, CO-2 we used on the basis of ISO “Bolid” devices. The launch of a fire warning system is provided for: automatically from an automatic fire extinguishing system; remotely from manual fire detectors installed at emergency exits from the vehicle storage room. Two full-scale firing tests were carried out for passenger cars. During the tests, the vehicles were ignited from inside the passenger compartment. In the course of the fire tests proved that the antismoke control ventilation ducts retained their integrity and tightness, which was confirmed by the positive protocols of aerodynamic tests of the smoke control ventilation system. The air ducts of the exhaust smoke ventilation system retained their integrity, the flange connections of the air ducts retained their strength and tightness, the fastenings of the air ducts were not damaged and retained their functions. The tests established the following: limitation of the fire center in the horizontal projection of the vehicle (the perimeter of the vehicle); filling the volume of the storage room for vehicles with a smoke-steam-air mixture occurs in an avalanche manner over the entire height of the room; as a result of the avalanche-like filling of the room, the absence of a neutral zone (security zone) was determined. Based on the results of the tests, it is possible to make changes to the existing technical normative legal acts.
Assessing the Quality of Management of Transformation Processes in Economic Systems
Authors: Malyshkina M. V. , Miroslavskaya M. V.
Published: November 2020

Aim. The presented study aims to develop the methodology for assessing the quality of management of organizational transformation processes. Tasks. To achieve the set aim, the authors solve the following problems: determine the essence and content of socio-economic transformation, formulate quality assurance principles for the management of transformation processes, draw attention to the problem of selecting a unified quality criterion for the management of organizational transformation processes. Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition, including analysis and synthesis. It also applies a systems approach to identify the major problems of assessing the quality of management of transformation processes, including the problem of selecting a unified quality criterion for the management of transformation processes and formulating the principles of ensuring the quality of management of transformation processes. Results. The global problem of managing transformation processes in the economic system consists in the complexity of the managed processes, which increases due to the multidimensionality, mutual influence, and the resulting uncertainty of interactions between the elements of the system. It is concluded that the methodology for assessing the quality of management of transformation processes is based on the principle of integrating separate measures to improve the quality of management of system elements into a single system of management actions and the principle of ensuring that management actions are primarily aimed at preventing possible negative consequences of the transformation of economic systems, i.e. reducing the potential impact of unfavorable events and their consequences. To assess the effectiveness of targeted management actions and productive actions aimed at organizing, controlling, and guiding the transformation process, the authors actualize the problem of selecting an adequate quality criterion for the management of transformation processes in economic systems and put forward a hypothesis about a possible unified criterion of management quality. Conclusions. The principle of integrating separate measures to improve the quality of management of system elements and the principle of ensuring that management actions are aimed at preventing possible negative consequences lie at the core of the methodology for assessing the quality of management of transformation processes in economic systems. The quality assessment methodology should be developed in the direction of finding a unified quality criterion for managing transformation processes in economic systems.
On the Impact of the Digital Economy on the Competitiveness of Industrial Enterprises
Authors: Sintsova E. A. , Voskresenskaya O. V.
Published: November 2020

The development and improvement of the digital economy has laid the groundwork for the transformation of competitiveness management in industrial enterprises. These processes need to be studied in depth.Aim.The presented study aims to assess the importance of the digital economy for maintaining and improving the competitiveness of industrial enterprises.Tasks.The authors examine general trends, Russian and foreign experience of ensuring the competitiveness of industrial enterprises in the digital economy and develop a strategy for enhancing competitiveness under the influence of digitalization.Methods.This study uses general scientific methods of cognition such as comparison, deduction and induction, analysis, observation, generalization, and systematization.Results.An upward trend in global digitalization is determined, which increases the importance and relevance of studying its impact on the competitiveness of industrial enterprises. The countries of the Asia-Pacific region are the trailblazers in using innovations. Positive foreign experience of implementing digitalization tools serves as an example for Russian industrial enterprises. Russian enterprises are willing, but not always able, to use digital technologies. Industrial enterprises can choose certain strategies for implementing innovations in competition.Conclusions.The competitiveness of industrial enterprises under modern conditions can only be ensured by implementing the tools and technologies offered by the digital economy through the formation of a solid base of stability and security in competition.
PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF MADHUCA LONGIFOLIA FLOWER
Authors: Mansuri Tabassum H. , Yadav S. S.
Published: November 2020

Madhuca longifolia commonly known as Mahua, is a tropical tree, belongs to family Sapotaceae. It is fast growing economical tree that grows to approximately 20 meters in height. It is cultivated in warm and humid regions for its seeds, flower and wood. Mahua has significant place in local culture. It is highly nutritious tree and can also use as an herbal medicine for treatment of various diseases. The main product of tree is its flower. The major components of flower are Sugars and additionally it contains proteins, vitamins, organic acid and essential oils. Present paper reinvestigate the earlier work performed on Mahua flower and highlight the use of mahua flower in value addition
CONSCIOUS SEDATION FOR MIDDLE EAR SURGERIES: COMPARISON BETWEEN PROPOFOLAND MIDAZOLAM WITH RESPECT TO HEMODYNAMIC EFFECTS
Authors: Girkar Firdos , Jagavkar Priyanka
Published: November 2020

Background and aims: Middle ear surgeries can be done under local anesthetic infiltration and titrated dose of sedation. Use of supplemental intravenous sedative hypnotic drugs for these surgeries under local anesthesia can enhance patient comfort and increase acceptance of this technique. Our study was aimed to compare Propofol and Midazolam in equipotent doses for conscious sedation in middle ear surgeries
Methods and material: After approval from the Institutional Ethics committee, 60 patients from ASA grade 1 and 2 scheduled for middle ear surgery (Tympanoplasty, mastoidectomy) under local anesthesia were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either Propofol (Group I) or Midazolam (Group II) for conscious sedation. Both the groups received premedication and sedation with 1.5 mcg /kg Fentanyl, Group 1 received Inj. Propofol bolus dose of 0.5-1 mg/Kg I.V, followed by infusion at the rate of 1.5-4.5 mg/kg/hour, to attain a sedation score of 3 and additional bolus doses were given as and when required to maintain a sedation score of 3.
Group 2 received Inj. Midazolam bolus dose 0.03 to 0.05 mg/kg I.V followed by infusion at the rate of 0.03 to 0.06 mg/kg/hour to attain a sedation score of 3 and additional bolus doses as and when required to maintain a sedation score of 3. All the patients in both the groups received oxygen by nasal prongs at the flow rate of 4L/min from the start of sedation. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation was noted at basal level and at an interval of 2 minutes and later every 5 mins for 30 mins then every 15 mins till end of surgery. Result: The results were analyzed using student’s 't’ test and chi square test wherever appropriate.

Results: Pulse rate at 30th minute of sedation was not significantly different from the basal value among both the groups. Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) in Propofol group was 121.33mmHg and 117.27mmHg among Midazolam group at basal which was comparable and the difference was not significant. Mean diastolic blood pressure was 78.47mmHg in Propofol group and 78.07mmHg among Midazolam group at basal which was comparable and the difference was not significant. Mean respiratory rate (breaths/min) among Propofol and Midazolam group were 16.83 and 16.70 respectively at basal which was comparable and the difference was not significant. Mean arterial oxygen saturation (%) among Propofol and Midazolam group were and 98.0 and 98.07 respectively at basal which was comparable and the difference was not significant.

Conclusions: After the start of sedation mean diastolic blood pressure did not show any significant change in both the groups throughout the procedure. After the start of sedation mean respiratory rate and arterial oxygen saturation did not show any significant change in both the groups. Both Propofol and Midazolam are equally safe with respect to hemodynamic effects when used in titrated doses.
A presença dos dias / La presenza dei giorni
Authors: Alves Adalberto , Chiarini Elena
Published: November 2020

La presenza dei giorni is the Italian translation of the equivalent Portuguese colletion of aphorisms A presença dos dias of Adalberto Alves. The literary work has been translated for the first time in Italian language by Elena Chiarini in this volume.
Note alla traduzione
Authors: Chiarini Elena
Published: November 2020

The Italian translation of the literary work of Adalberto Alves A presença dos dias / La presenza dei giorni is accompained by some usuful translation notes edited by Elena Chiarini in this volume.
Public and Social Interest in Journalistic Activity
Authors: Ossowska-Salamonowicz Dobrochna
Published: November 2020

Freedom of the press is one of the best ways of reflecting and shaping public opinion about the ideas and attitudes of political leaders, public figures or those entrusted with public functions. Freedom of the press is also an opportunity to depict reprehensible phenomena such as corruption, fraud, crime or nepotism. The press may be faced with types of subjects that may cause dilemmas for the journalist. Whose interest should above all be represented: the interest of the society or the state? What is more important: the right to privacy or the right of access to information?
EFECTO DE UN LIXIVIADO DE VERMICOMPOST SOBRE EL CRECIMIENTO Y PRODUCCIÓN DEL ALGODÓN
Authors: Wilver Chinga  , Antonio Torres García  , Dorys T. Chirinos  , Luis E. Marmol
Published: November 2020

El algodón (Gossypium hirsutum L.) es importante por la producción de fibra para la industria textil, y por obtención de semilla para la alimentación animal. Se cultiva con altas cantidades de fertilizantes lo que conlleva efectos sobre el ambiente. Durante el período mayo – septiembre 2019, se evaluó el efecto de la aplicación de tratamientos con un lixiviado de vermicompost de estiércol de bovino (LVC-EB). Se realizó un ensayo en un lote de 1200 m2 diseñado en bloques completos al azar con cuatro repeticiones y seis tratamientos. Los tratamientos fueron: T1. Fertilizante químico fórmula 15-15-15 (N-P-K). T2. LVC-EB diluido a 1:20 v/v. T3. LVC-EB diluido a 1:30 v/v l. T4. LVC-EB 1:20 v/v + químico, T5. LVC-EB 1:30 v/v + químico, T6. Suelo no tratado. Las variables evaluadas fueron: altura de plantas, diámetro del tallo, número de hojas, índice de clorofila, peso y número de bellotas, rendimiento por parcela y estimado.ha-1. La altura de plantas fue superior en un tratamiento que combinó lixiviado con el fertilizante (T4) y el diámetro del tallo en las dos diluciones aplicadas con el fertilizante. El índice de clorofila y el número de hojas fueron superiores en las diluciones de lixiviados, el fertilizante y los tratamientos que combinaron ambas fuentes. Aunque el peso de las bellotas no difirió, su número y el rendimiento fueron incrementados por el fertilizante y las diluciones de lixiviados solas o combinadas con el mismo. Se muestra el efecto positivo de al menos un tratamiento con lixiviados sobre las variables evaluadas.
Performance Evaluation and Viability of a Pedestrian-type Low Land Cabbage Transplanter
Authors: Mail Mohd Fazly
Published: November 2020

This article reports on the performance and costs of owning and operating a pedestrian-type low land cabbage transplanting machine. The tests were carried out on tin-tailing soil at MARDI Kundang Research Station. They were undertaken in view of the need to mechanize low land cabbage transplanting operation due to shortage of agricultural labor. The machine performed satisfactorily when operated on planting bed with or without the existence of the plastic mulch. Cabbage seedlings required bigger holes on the planting bed which is layered with plastic mulch in order to avoid mortality of seedlings due to the heat absorbed by the plastic. Based on the performances test, the results showed that the field efficiency were 91.36% and 92.21% for with and without plastic mulch respectively on the planting bed. On average, 407s were recorded for the machine to transplant the seedlings along 100m planting bed. Compared with the traditional method, the transplanter could give 82-85% saving in labor required to plant the seedlings. The calculated break-even annual use for the implement was 33 ha/year. The implement was projected to be viable to use for 1600 h/year.Keywords: low land cabbage; transplanter; machine performance; work rate, viability
Gestión del Agua con Enfoque Participativo en Guatemala Frente al Cambio Climático
Authors: Ochoa Orozco Wener Armando
Published: November 2020

Guatemala es un paí­s con una ubicación geo estratégica, ya que está en la zona de convergencia inter tropical, el cual es un factor que contribuye a la diversidad biológica y a la significativa riqueza hí­drica con la que cuenta. Asimismo, cuenta con una riqueza cultural extraordinaria. A pesar de ello el 45% de la población del paí­s carece de agua y saneamiento, sumado a ello, está ubicado en el séptimo lugar a nivel mundial en materia de riesgo de desastres, con altos niveles de deforestación y afectada seriamente por fenómenos hidrometeorológicos asociados al cambio climático como inundaciones, sequí­as, huracanes, tormentas, depresiones tropicales, así­ como incremento poblacional, polí­ticas públicas poco eficientes de gestión, corrupción, falta de financiamiento y de tecnologí­a moderna, etc. Ante esta problemática la gestión del agua con enfoque participativo se convierte en una alternativa urgente y de sostenibilidad para reducir los conflictos ya existentes a causa de este vital liquido y evitar futuras tensiones. El presente articulo describe, analiza y explica los riesgos de la falta de agua para el paí­s, para luego plantear lineamientos orientadores para la gestión del agua con enfoque participativo y género para adaptarnos al cambio climático.
ANALISIS TINGKAT PELAYANAN DERMAGA PELABUHAN TANJUNG WANGI KABUPATEN BANYUWANGI
Authors: Amaliyah Rizka Septy , Hasanuddin Akhmad , Kriswardhana Willy
Published: November 2020

Peningkatan jumlah kunjungan kapal di setiap tahunnya harus diimbangi dengan kinerja pelayanan yang baik. Kinerja pelayanan dari suatu pelabuhan dapat diukur dari sedikitnya waiting time, cepatnya waktu pelayanan  pemanduan dan seefektif kapal berada pada dermaga. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengkaji mengenai kinerja pelayanan Pelabuhan Tanjung Wangi berdasarkan indikator waiting time, approach time, effectife time berbanding berth time yang dibandingkan dengan standar kinerja operasional pelabuhan dan untuk mencegah peningkatan jumlah kunjungan kapal pada tahun yang akan datang perlu dilakukan proyeksi nilai Berth Occupancy Ratio (BOR) jangka panjang menggunakan regresi linier dan memproyeksikan panjang dermaga rencana. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, pelabuhan tanjung wangi memiliki kinerja yang masih memenuhi nilai standar operasional pelabuhan yaitu (effektif time : berth time) sebesar 60,39% dan nilai maksimum BOR pada tahun 2030 ialah 87,31% dengan panjang dermaga rencana pada tahun 2030 sepanjang 380 meter.