bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome Editing or Genome Cutting? Communicating CRISPR in the British and German Press
Authors: Lee Yoo Yung
Published: November 2020

In this paper, I analyze the role of metaphors in public science communication. Specifically, it is a case study of the metaphors for CRISPR/Cas9, a controversial biotechnology that enables scientists to alter the DNA of any organism with unprecedented ease and has raised a number of societal, ethical and legal questions concerning its applications – most notably, on its usage on the human germline. Using a corpus of 600 newspaper articles from the British and German press, I show that there are striking differences in how these two European countries construe CRISPR in public discourse: the British press promotes the image of CRISPR as a word processor that allows scientists to edit the DNA, replacing spelling mistakes with healthy genes, whereas the German press depicts CRISPR as genetic scissors and thereby underlines the risk of mutations after cutting the DNA. I suggest that this contrast reflects differences in the legal frameworks of the respective countries and may influence the attitudes towards emerging biotechnologies among the British and German public.
Increase of mass transfer rates during osmotic dehydration of apples by application of moderate electric field
Authors: Fronza Aline , Ferreira Marczak Ligia Damasceno , Mercali Giovana Domeneghini
Published: November 2020

Osmotic dehydration (OD) is a drying process that consists in placing the food in contact with concentrated solutions of soluble solids to reduce its water activity. The use of moderate electric field (MEF) may promote increase of the mass transfer rates due to the non-thermal effects of electroporation and permeabilization of the cells. In this context, the objective of this study was to investigate the mass transfer process kinetics during apples OD assisted by MEF, evaluating the non-thermal effects of this emerging technology. The experiments were conducted with sucrose solutions (40, 50 and 60%, m/m) at 40 °C. Samples were submitted to electrical field strength (0, 5.5 and 11.0 Vcm−1), according to an experimental design. Results indicated that the application of MEF favoured water loss and solid gain. The effective mass diffusivities of water and solids increased as voltage applied increases. Moreover, MEF negatively influenced color and reducing capacity of the samples.
Ethnolinguistic diversity in New Zealand: A socioeconomic analysis
Authors: Buckingham Louisa
Published: November 2020

Changes in New Zealand’s immigration policy from the 1980s onwards contributed to growing diversity in the source country of migrants, and has transformed the ethnolinguistic composition of the country’s population in recent decades. The number of people who speak non-official languages is increasing, while the proportion of the English-speaking monolingual population is gradually decreasing. Many immigrants have been unable to integrate into the local labour market at levels commensurate with their qualifications and prior experience, however, and previous studies have noted the institutional and attitudinal hurdles to their integration. This study employs data from five censuses between 1996 and 2018 to explore the socio-economic characteristics of individuals who speak non-official languages (grouped according to the extent of their reported multilingualism), compared with monolingual English speakers and the total population. Competence in non-official languages is increasingly becoming an Asian-related phenomenon in terms of birthplace and ethnic and religious affiliations. The more multilingual cohorts displayed substantially higher levels of educational qualifications than other groups, and a strong increase in the proportion employed over this timespan. Modest income levels nevertheless indicate enduring underemployment. Indicators from the last two census years suggest improved workplace integration of ethnolinguistically diverse individuals.
Evaluation of heart rate variability, blood pressure and lipid profile alterations from dual transceiver mobile phone radiation exposure
Authors: Dauda Usman Jamil , Umar Isyaku Mikail , Fasanmade Adesoji Adedipe
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Electromagnetic fields have been reported to alter electrical activities in the brain and heart. However, there is paucity of information on the potential functional alterations that magnetic fields from mobile phone could cause to the heart. This study investigated heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure (BP) and lipid profile in Wistar rats exposed to electromagnetic field radiation from a dual transceiver mobile phone (DTrMP).

Methods

Twenty-one male albino Wistar rats (140–180 g) were randomly assigned to two major groups positioned 5 m apart as follows: control: no phone (n=7) and treatment group (n=14) continuously exposed to electromagnetic field from Tecno T312 DTrMP 900/1800 MHz set in silence mode. Experimental treatment consisted in 10 min calls/day, directed to this device for a period of six weeks. Seven animals from the treatment group were allowed to recover for a period of two weeks after exposure. HRV, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial BP were noninvasively investigated, while serum lipid profile and heart tissue nitric oxide (NO) activities were determined using standard procedures.

Results

There was significant (p<0.05) increase in systolic, diastolic, mean arterial BP and a decrease in HRV. Serum high density lipoproteins decreased, while total cholesterol, atherogenic indices, and heart NO levels increased significantly in the radiation exposed animals. The alterations observed in exposed animals remained unchanged even after the recovery period.

Conclusions

These results suggest that exposure to electromagnetic radiation from dual transceiver mobile phones could be a risk factor to increase in blood pressure.
Influence of Kerr nonlinearity on group delay and modal dispersion parameters of single-mode graded index fibers: evaluation by a simple but accurate method
Authors: Mukherjee Tilak , Majumdar Angshuman , Gangopadhyay Sankar
Published: November 2020

This paper reports simple but accurate analytical expressions of group delay and modal dispersion parameters for single-mode graded index fibers over a wide range of V numbers. The formulation employs power series expression for the fundamental modal field of graded index fiber derived by Chebyshev formalism. Choosing some typical step, parabolic and triangular index fibers as examples in our present study, we use the prescribed formulations to estimate group delay and modal dispersion parameters of those fibers both in presence and absence of Kerr nonlinearity. Iterative technique is applied for prediction of concerned propagation parameters in presence of Kerr nonlinearity. Our results show excellent agreement with the numerical exact ones both in absence and presence of Kerr nonlinearity. The exact results in case of Kerr nonlinearity are obtained using cumbersome finite element method. The execution of our accurate formalism involves little computation and is thus user friendly for technologists and researchers working in the field of nonlinear optical engineering.
Starting a regional collaborative research group for COVID-19 in pregnancy: the Southern Michigan experience
Authors: Bahado-Singh Ray , Hassan Sonia S. , Szymanska Marta , Sokol Robert J.
Published: November 2020

The outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 elicited a surge in publications. Obstetric reports were with few exceptions characterized by small sample sizes with potentially limited generalizability. In this review, evidence suggests increased susceptibility to COVID-19 in pregnancy; common pregnancy comorbidities may help explain worse outcomes. While the risk of death is low, pregnancy may be associated with increased need for ventilation. Prematurity rates seem to be increased but may be accounted for in part by higher cesarean rates, to a large degree accounted for by elective decision to shorten the course of the labor. Though fetal/neonatal complication rates may be higher in the presence of COVID-19 infection, survival rates seem unaffected and vertical transmission is rare. As the outbreak continues in the USA with resurgence in many other western countries that achieved initial success in suppressing the virus, much remains to be learned. For example, the question related to the degree to pregnancy modifying symptomatology remains open. Currently, routine polymerase chain reaction testing remains limited by supply shortages possibly delaying diagnosis until later in the course of the disorder and thus altering the symptom complex at presentation. To add to the knowledge base, we initiated a regional COVID-19 in pregnancy collaborative observational study with a coordinating center, standardized data collection and a shared database. This was facilitated by a longstanding tradition of collaboration among regional obstetric services. Over an anticipated two-year study duration, we expect to study 400 documented and suspected COVID-19 pregnancies with time and site of services controls for cohort effect and high power to detect several adverse maternal/infant outcomes. We include a complete listing of variables in our database, which, along with our experience in setting up our regional collaborative, we hope and believe will be of use in other settings.
What Practitioners can Teach Academics about Tort Litigation: Auto Accidents from the Plaintiff’s Counsel
Authors: Cooper Scott B.
Published: November 2020

When first hearing about a car accident and injuries many people, including academics, do not realize all of the issues that need to be considered when evaluating and reviewing whether a tort case can be filed. The various areas of investigation are discussed as well as other subtle areas, including the client background, that need to be considered before pursuing the case. In addition, alternative ways to resolve a car accident case are discussed.
Prolegomena zu einer digitalen althistorischen Gewaltforschung: Gewaltmuster bei Solon, Alkibiades und Arat im Vergleich
Authors: Riess Werner
Published: November 2020

Die Gewaltforschung nimmt seit ca. 20 Jahren auch in der Alten Geschichte einen ihr gebührenden Platz ein. Dabei kann mittlerweile mit digitalen Methoden auf die ‚big data‘ der antiken Quellen (Literatur, Inschriften, Münzen, Papyri) zugegriffen werden. An der Universität Hamburg entsteht derzeit das Informationssystem ERIS: Hamburg Information System on the Representation of Greek and Roman Violence, das alle Erwähnungen bzw. Beschreibungen von Gewalt in der antiken Historiographie und Biographie mit soziologischen Parametern annotiert und somit ein großes Quellencorpus auf elektronischem Wege thematisch suchbar macht. Die folgende Machbarkeitsstudie, auch Methodensicherungsinstrument genannt (‚proof of concept/principle‘), wird anhand des Vergleichs dreier Plutarch-Viten die Leistungsfähigkeit des Systems erweisen: Die Bestätigung bekannter Sachverhalte mit einer neuen Methode lässt hoffen, dass das System auch bei der Suche in größeren Datenbeständen, die nicht mehr durch die Leseleistung eines Individuums erschlossen werden können, zu sinnhaften und validen Ergebnissen führt. Im Folgenden wird dargelegt, wie ERIS Fragestellungen der Gewaltsoziologie sowie der Alten Geschichte aufgreift und mit den Potentialen der Digital Humanities verknüpft und weiterführt.
Radiation-modified wool for adsorption of redox metals and potentially for nanoparticles
Authors: Porubská Mária , Jomová Klaudia , Lapčík Ľubomír , Braniša Jana
Published: November 2020

Electron beam irradiated sheep wool with absorbed radiation doses ranging from 0 to 165 kGy showed good adsorption properties toward copper cations. The Cu(ii) being Lewis acid generated several types of complex salts based on carboxylates or cysteinates with ligands available in keratin. Under these conditions, cross-links were formed between the keratin chains. Experimental data obtained from Cu(ii) adsorption using the concentration of 800–5,000 mg/L were tested for fitting to 10 isotherm models. Various compositions and architectures of the Cu(ii)-complexes were specified to be responsible for different isotherm model fittings. The copper cation showed adherence to Langmuir, Flory–Huggins, and partially Redlich–Peterson models. The latter clearly distinguished the native wool from the modified ones. Another aim is to investigate the conditions for the adsorption of anti-microbial nanoparticles in addition to the redox-active metals on radiation-modified wool taking into account that the diffusion of nanoparticles into the modified wool is governed by electrostatic interactions.
Hydration activity, crystal structural, and electronic properties studies of Ba-doped dicalcium silicate
Authors: Chi Lin , Zhang Ailian , Qiu Zedong , Zhang Linchun , Wang Zheng , Lu Shuang , Zhao Dezhi
Published: November 2020

High belite cement has a wide application potential due to its low energy consumption, low CO2 emission, and excellent durability performance. Due to the low hydration rate and strength development at an early age, the activation of beta-dicalcium silicate (β-C2S) crystallographic structure is essential to improve the early strength of high belite cement. In this study, the β-C2S phase is activated by dissolving Ba2+ ions into the crystal lattice to improve the hydration rate. Unlike the traditional analysis methods of thermodynamics and dynamics theory, the first principle and density functional theory were applied to study the effect of Ba2+ ions on the activation of β-C2S, especially on the crystallographic structure, lattice parameters, and electronic structure change. The crystallographic structure of β-C2S can be activated by doping Ba atom and the crystal formation energy increases and the bandgap between VBM and CBM become narrow in the activated β-C2S crystallographic structure. Comparing the Ca2+ substitution in [CaO6] or [CaO8], the lattice deformation and hydraulic reactivity is more significant in Ba2-C2S and Ba22-C2S. The first principle and density functional theory explains the change of the electronic structure of the activated crystallographic structure and provides a theoretical basis for the purposeful design of material structures.
Evaluation of U(VI) adsorption from Ca2+ coexisted bicarbonate solution by synthetic inorganic and mineral materials
Authors: Liu Jun , Shi Shilong , Yin XiaoYu , Jin Yong , Lu Chunhai , Zhang Qingxian , Yang Jijun , Liao Jiali , Yang Yuanyou , Liu Chunhai , Liu Ning
Published: November 2020

Part weakly alkaline natural uranium-containing water contains abundant Ca2+ and (bi)carbonate. Herein, two kinds of materials, namely mesoporous hydrous manganese dioxide (MHMO) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/dolomite composites were synthesized and characterized to evaluate their adsorption behaviors of U(VI) from Ca2+ coexisted bicarbonate solution. Characterization results showed that both samples exhibited good structural stability after U(VI) load. MHMO could coordinate U(VI) through the surface –OH sites, whereas an unfavorable U(VI) adsorption onto mineral composites was deduced. Adsorption tests indicated that increasing Ca2+ and (bi)carbonate amounts suppress U(VI) adsorption process, and ∼19.0 mg/g U adsorbed by MHMO could be obtained in solutions with 1 mmol/L [Ca2+], 5 mmol/L [CO3]T, 50 mg/L [U(VI)]initial at pH 8.0. Moreover, a heterogeneous surface chemical adsorption was verified through kinetics and isotherms study. Results from our study should be useful in exploring the adsorption behaviors and mechanisms of U(VI) on selected inorganic and mineral materials from natural uranium-containing water.
Leveraging Flexible Smart Manufacturing to Accelerate Industrial Supply Chain Recovery
Authors: Terry Shane , Nagapurkar Prashant , Das Sujit
Published: November 2020

Any major crisis such as the latest coronavirus disease pandemic will have a monumental effect on the worldwide economy and on the international supply chain. Much of the global supply chain relies on China, Germany, and the United States for manufacturing and distribution; this fragile system is subject to failure. Climactic changes in demand and rapid shortages in necessities are the results of the pandemic’s disruption. The recovery forecast for the ongoing pandemic is uncertain and, therefore, any recovery effort will need to be adaptable to build the supply chain resiliency. A wide adoption of flexible smart automated technologies in the manufacturing sector are helping to build robust supply chains and assisting in recovery. In this work, a brief discussion of these smart manufacturing technologies is presented, along with a list of potential supply chain issues and corresponding solutions. Such smart manufacturing technologies possess the potential to empower and revolutionize the traditional manufacturing environment by enhancing its resiliency and flexibility. These smart technologies will play a crucial role in accelerating the worldwide supply chain recovery in and after a pandemic.
Hippocampal Theta Oscillations Support Successful Associative Memory Formation
Authors: Kota Srinivas , Rugg Michael D. , Lega Bradley C.
Published: November 2020

Models of memory formation posit that episodic memory formation depends critically on the hippocampus, which binds features of an event to its context. For this reason, the contrast between study items that are later recollected with their associative pair versus those for which no association is made should reveal electrophysiological patterns in the hippocampus selectively involved in associative memory encoding. Extensive data from studies in rodents support a model in which theta oscillations fulfill this role, but results in humans have not been as clear. Here, we used an associative recognition memory procedure to identify hippocampal correlates of successful associative memory encoding and retrieval in patients (10 females and 9 males) undergoing intracranial EEG monitoring. We identified a dissociation between 2–5 Hz and 5–9 Hz theta oscillations, by which power increases in 2–5 Hz oscillations were uniquely linked with successful associative memory in both the anterior and posterior hippocampus. These oscillations exhibited a significant phase reset that also predicted successful associative encoding and distinguished recollected from nonrecollected items at retrieval, as well as contributing to relatively greater reinstatement of encoding-related patterns for recollected versus nonrecollected items. Our results provide direct electrophysiological evidence that 2–5 Hz hippocampal theta oscillations preferentially support the formation of associative memories, although we also observed memory-related effects in the 5–9 Hz frequency range using measures such as phase reset and reinstatement of oscillatory activity.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTModels of episodic memory encoding predict that theta oscillations support the formation of interitem associations. We used an associative recognition task designed to elicit strong hippocampal activation to test this prediction in human neurosurgical patients implanted with intracranial electrodes. The findings suggest that 2–5 Hz theta oscillatory power and phase reset in the hippocampus are selectively associated with associative memory judgments. Furthermore, reinstatement of oscillatory patterns in the hippocampus was stronger for successful recollection. Collectively, the findings support a role for hippocampal theta oscillations in human associative memory.
CaMKIIα-Positive Interneurons Identified via a microRNA-Based Viral Gene Targeting Strategy
Authors: Keaveney Marianna K. , Rahsepar Bahar , Tseng Hua-an , Fernandez Fernando R. , Mount Rebecca A. , Ta Tina , White John A. , Berg Jim , Han Xue
Published: November 2020

Single-cell analysis is revealing increasing diversity in gene expression profiles among brain cells. Traditional promotor-based viral gene expression techniques, however, cannot capture the growing variety among single cells. We demonstrate a novel viral gene expression strategy to target cells with specific miRNA expression using miRNA-guided neuron tags (mAGNET). We designed mAGNET viral vectors containing a CaMKIIα promoter and microRNA-128 (miR-128) binding sites, and labeled CaMKIIα+cells with naturally low expression of miR-128 (Lm128C cells) in male and female mice. Although CaMKIIα has traditionally been considered as an excitatory neuron marker, our single-cell sequencing results reveal that Lm128C cells are CaMKIIα+inhibitory neurons of parvalbumin or somatostatin subtypes. Further evaluation of the physiological properties of Lm128C cell in brain slices showed that Lm128C cells exhibit elevated membrane excitability, with biophysical properties closely resembling those of fast-spiking interneurons, consistent with previous transcriptomic findings of miR-128 in regulating gene networks that govern membrane excitability. To further demonstrate the utility of this new viral expression strategy, we expressed GCaMP6f in Lm128C cells in the superficial layers of the motor cortex and performedin vivocalcium imaging in mice during locomotion. We found that Lm128C cells exhibit elevated calcium event rates and greater intrapopulation correlation than the overall CaMKIIα+cells during movement. In summary, the miRNA-based viral gene targeting strategy described here allows us to label a sparse population of CaMKIIα+interneurons for functional studies, providing new capabilities to investigate the relationship between gene expression and physiological properties in the brain.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe report the discovery of a class of CaMKIIα+cortical interneurons, labeled via a novel miRNA-based viral gene targeting strategy, combinatorial to traditional promoter-based strategies. The fact that we found a small, yet distinct, population of cortical inhibitory neurons that express CaMKIIα demonstrates that CaMKIIα is not as specific for excitatory neurons as commonly believed. As single-cell sequencing tools are providing increasing insights into the gene expression diversity of neurons, including miRNA profile data, we expect that the miRNA-based gene targeting strategy presented here can help delineate many neuron populations whose physiological properties can be readily related to the miRNA gene regulatory networks.
Loss of sdhb in zebrafish larvae recapitulates human paraganglioma characteristics
Authors: Dona Margo , Waaijers Selma , Richter Susan , Eisenhofer Graeme , Korving Jeroen , Kamel Sarah M , Bakkers Jeroen , Rapizzi Elena , Rodenburg Richard J , Zethof Jan , Gorissen Marnix , Flik Gert , Deen Peter M T , Timmers Henri J L M
Published: November 2020

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) caused by mutations in the B-subunit of the succinate dehydrogenase (SDHB) have the highest metastatic rate among PPGLs, and effective systemic therapy is lacking. To unravel underlying pathogenic mechanisms, and to evaluate therapeutic strategies, suitable in vivo models are needed. The available systemic Sdhb knock-out mice cannot model the human PPGL phenotype: heterozygous Sdhb mice lack a disease phenotype, and homozygous Sdhb mice are embryonically lethal. Using CRISPR/cas9 technology, we introduced a protein-truncating germline lesion into the zebrafish sdhb gene. Heterozygous sdhb mutants were viable and displayed no obvious morphological or developmental defects. Homozygous sdhb larvae were viable, but exhibited a decreased lifespan. Morphological analysis revealed incompletely or non-inflated swim bladders in homozygous sdhb mutants at day 6. Although no differences in number and ultrastructure of the mitochondria were observed. Clear defects in energy metabolism and swimming behavior were observed in homozygous sdhb mutant larvae. Functional and metabolomic analyses revealed decreased mitochondrial complex 2 activity and significant succinate accumulation in the homozygous sdhb mutant larvae, mimicking the metabolic effects observed in SDHB-associated PPGLs. This is the first study to present a vertebrate animal model that mimics metabolic effects of SDHB-associated PPGLs. This model will be useful in unraveling pathomechanisms behind SDHB-associated PPGLs. We can now study the metabolic effects of sdhb disruption during different developmental stages and develop screening assays to identify novel therapeutic targets in vivo. Besides oncological syndromes, our model might also be useful for pediatric mitochondrial disease caused by loss of the SDHB gene.
Using Drosophila melanogaster To Discover Human Disease Genes: An Educational Primer for Use with “Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Modifiers in Drosophila Reveal the Phospholipase D Pathway as a Potential Therapeutic Target”
Authors: Banerjee Surya , Benji Shimshon , Liberow Sarah , Steinhauer Josefa
Published: November 2020

Since the dawn of the 20th century, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has been used as a model organism to understand the nature of genes and how they control development, behavior, and physiology. One of the most powerful experimental approaches employed in Drosophila is the forward genetic screen. In the 21st century, genome-wide screens have become popular tools for identifying evolutionarily conserved genes involved in complex human diseases. In the accompanying article “Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Modifiers in Drosophila Reveal the  Phospholipase D   Pathway as a Potential Therapeutic Target,” Kankel and colleagues describe a forward genetic modifier screen to discover factors that contribute to the severe neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This primer briefly traces the history of genetic screens in Drosophila and introduces students to ALS. We then provide a set of guided reading questions to help students work through the data presented in the research article. Finally, several ideas for literature-based research projects are offered as opportunities for students to expand their appreciation of the potential scope of genetic screens. The primer is intended to help students and instructors thoroughly examine a current study that uses forward genetics in Drosophila to identify human disease genes.
Uranium-thorium mineralization process of the Ukrainian shield suture zones and evolution of the composition of depth fluids in Precambrian
Authors:   S.I. Subbotin Institute of Geophysics of the NAS of the Ukraine, Kyiv, Usenko O.V.
Published: November 2020

Тhe geochemical properties of uranium and thorium and the geological structure of the ore oc currences of the Golovanevskaya and Ingulo-Inguletskaya suture zones are correlated with changes in the composition of mantle melts and fluids in the Archean-Paleoproterozoic. It is shown that the formation of uranium and thorium deposits on the Ukrainian shield became possible in the Proterozoic, when oxidized and acidic melts prevailing in the Archean mantle were replaced by neutral and alkaline water-chloride-potassium. This led to the accumulation of tho rium (to a greater extent) and uranium (to a less extent) in granite magmas of the layer of partial melting of the crust, where they entered as chloride complexes. The ore occurrences of monazite in microcline granites and pegmatites of the Berdichev and Kirovograd complexes formed in the period 2.1-1.9 billion years ago are associated with these processes. The enrichment of crustal centers of melting with uranium occurred most intensively after 2.0 billion years ago (a maximum of 1.8-1.65 billion years ago), when uranyl-carbonate ions entered the crust as a part of mantle carbonate-fluoride-sodium fluids, they were mixed with melts of existing melting centers. A change in the pH of the medium led to the decomposition of complex compounds and the release of the uranyl group, reduction of uranium to U4+ in the presence of graphite and magnetite, and at geochemical barriers with an acid reaction, and the activity of hydroxyl ions ensured the creation of a brannerite structure.
КОНЦЕПЦІЯ ТОЙОТИЗМУ: АКТУАЛЬНІСТЬ ТА ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ОРГАНІЗАЦІЇ ВИРОБНИЧОГО ПРОЦЕСУ
Authors: ЛИПЧУК Василь , ВОЙНИЧА Лілія
Published: November 2020

Проведено дослідження еволюції розвитку організації виробництва як нау-ки, починаючи з механізованого і завершуючи ощадливим виробництвом – від фордизму до тойотизму. Метою дослідження є ознайомлення з основними принципами організації виробництва, згідно з концепцією тойотизму, та на-дання рекомендацій, що можуть слугувати базою для формування сучасних виробничих систем в Україні.Доведено, що прагнення України інтегруватися в європейські та світові економічні структури вимагає опанування нових принципів організації вироб-ництва та ведення бізнесу. З огляду на це, запропоновано дослідження концеп-ції філософії бізнесу компанії «Тойота», відомої у світі як «тойотизм». На нашу думку, на особливу увагу заслуговують інструменти і методи підвищення яко-сті виробництва, такі як системи «Just in time» (забезпечення мінімізації запа-сів), «Kaizen» (підвищення ефективності використання творчого потенціалу), «Jidoka» (виключення дефекту виробів), «Heijunka» (синхронізація виробницт-ва і управління). Важливою складовою концепції є виявлення та недопущення основних типів втрат (надвиробництва, очікування (втрати часу), зайвого транспортування та нереалізованого творчого потенціалу працівників). У цьо-му контексті інтерес становить досвід використання програми 5S, яка включає ряд заходів (кроків) щодо усунення втрат.Проаналізовано принципи компанії «Тойота», які покладено в основу фор-мування Toyota Production System (TPS) – так званого «дому Тойота». Реаліза-ція основних цілей TPS, зокрема високий моральних дух працівників і безпека праці, відмінна якість продукції за низьких витрат, гранично короткий строк виконання замовлень, є особливо актуальною для вітчизняних підприємств.Показано, що впровадження японської системи управління не гарантує до-сягнення бажаних цілей, хоча японські концепції та методи менеджменту ви-користовуються у цілому світі. Вагомою перешкодою цьому може стати куль-турна відмінність, тому на перспективу доцільним є вивчення діяльності ком-паній, які впровадили японську систему управління і займають сильніші пози-ції на глобальних ринках.
ТЕОРЕТИЧНІ АСПЕКТИ ЕКОЛОГІЧНОЇ МОДЕРНІЗАЦІЇ ЕКОНОМІЧНОГО РОЗВИТКУ
Authors: СТЕПАНЕНКО Анатолій , ОМЕЛЬЧЕНКО Алла
Published: November 2020

Наведено визначення екологічної модернізації та проведено аналіз існуючих її дефініцій. Окреслено завдання екомодернізації, які передбачають трансформацію суспільства, суперіндустріалізацію, переорієнтацію технологій на відновлення екологічної рівноваги, реструктуризацію економіки, формування технологічного суспільства. Виокремлено ключові елементи екологічної модернізації та її екологічні імперативи. Показано, що в теоретичних розробках моделей екологічної модернізації простежуються переважно антропоцентричні підходи та незмінність пріоритету економічних інтересів. Висвітлено, що для запобігання подальшій деградації екосистеми необхідними є новий екоцентричний світогляд і високий рівень екологічної свідомості. Визначено, що до основних форм екологічної модернізації, які спрямовано на розв’язання сучасних екологічних проблем в умовах обмеженості та виснаження природних ресурсів, відносять: екологічно орієнтований розвиток промисловості; технологічні платформи екологічного розвитку; екологізацію економічного розвитку; впровадження та розвиток чистого виробництва та екологічних технологій. Розкрито, що в Україні впродовж останніх років рівень екологічної модернізації економіки підвищився, про що свідчить частка капітальних інвестицій в інтегровані технології від обсягу капітальних інвестицій на охорону та раціональне використання природних ресурсів, освоєння виробництва інноваційних видів продукції, у тому числі на нові види машин, устаткування, приладів, апаратів. Переважна більшість заходів щодо інтегрованих технологій не відповідає V і VI технологічним укладам, не кажучи вже про VII, який розпочався у високорозвинутих країнах. Обгрунтовано, що нова модель модернізації суспільного розвитку повинна передбачати не лише зміну та впровадження нових технологій, але й глибокі інституціональні, соціальні та культурні трансформації. Визначено, що крім трьох перспектив розвитку екологічної модернізації – екологічно ощадливих бізнесу і споживання, ефективної охорони природного середовища, екологізації суспільства – можливою є й четверта – емансипація природи, тобто соціалізація та персоналізація природи. Запропоновано стратегічні напрями екологічної модернізації соціально-економічного розвитку України і визначено її ключові завдання щодо формування модернізаційного типу екологічно орієнтованої діяльності суспільства.
ЕКОСИСТЕМНИЙ ПІДХІД ДО ВАРТІСНОЇ ОЦІНКИ ЗБИТКІВ ВІД ЗАБРУДНЕННЯ НАВКОЛИШНЬОГО ПРИРОДНОГО СЕРЕДОВИЩА
Authors: СУХІНА Олена
Published: November 2020

У зв’язку з підготовкою України до вступу до ЄС до законодавчих актів включають положення про запровадження екосистемного підходу в управлін-ську діяльність. Тому важливо розробити методологічні підходи до вартісної оцінки збитків від забруднення навколишнього природного середовища на за-садах використання екосистемного підходу. Розроблено інноваційну методологію екосистемної оцінки таких збитків; відповідну авторську модель оцінки; класифікацію цих збитків; методи диференціації розмірів їх відшкодування залежно від виду екосистеми, що є новизною дослідження.Подано основні напрями розвитку теорії збитків від залпових та інших аварійних забруднень з урахуванням екосистемних засад (у тому числі з урахуванням фактора часу). Встановлено, що – на відміну від традиційних – найдійовішим у зарубіжній практиці новітнім методом оцінки економічних збитків від забруднення навколишнього природного середовища є їх оцінка на основі вартості відновних робіт, оскільки при цьому враховується ринкова вартість ресурсів і послуг, задіяних у роботах з відновлення, тобто реабілітації деградованих екосистем до стану, що передував завданій шкоді. За сучасного розвитку технологій в основі такої оцінки може бути умовне прирівнювання вартості “роботи” асиміляційного потенціалу екосистеми до вартості роботи штучної установки з утилізації відходів.Наведено приклад визначення вартості “роботи” асиміляційного потенціа-лу грунтової екосистеми й використання екосистемного підходу до оцінки збитків від забруднення грунту, які базуються на визначенні вартості ремедіації та біоремедіації грунтів.На основі авторського методологічного підходу визначено розмір кореля-ційних коефіцієнтів урахування асиміляційних властивостей екосистем для диференціації розміру відшкодування економічних збитків від залпових та ін-ших аварійних забруднень (як складової авторської економізованої класифіка-ції асиміляційних послуг екосистем України).
Development of value chains to increase the sustainability of Ukrainian industry in the conditions of post-COVID
Authors:   SO “Institute for Economics and Forecasting of NAS of Ukraine” 26, Panasa Myrnoho Str., Kyiv, 01011, Ukraine, Gakhovych N. H. , Kushnirenko O. M. ,   SO “Institute for Economics and Forecasting of NAS of Ukraine” 26, Panasa Myrnoho Str., Kyiv, 01011, Ukraine
Published: November 2020

The paper considers the conceptual grounds of the possibility of integration of the Ukrainian industry into circular value chains. The authors have identified the global challenges threatening the industry development of Ukraine caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as border closings, the increased requirements of security due to isolation, the blockage of labour migration flows, the disruption of intermediate goods supply chains, the decline in production operations, a considerable shortage of capital, declining returns, undermining the financial stability and liquidity; increasing the probability of failure. Implementation of Ukrainian industry on the circular value chains contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the prospects for the restoration of Ukraine’s industrial capacity in the harsh conditions of the coronavirus pandemic. Due to assessment of the losses caused by COVID-19 authors have shown that supply disruptions had effect on reducing the length of value chains, particularly in the machinery, metallurgy and textile sectors. The authors have determined that circular value chains maximize value-added throughout the product life cycle to increase the recycling of materials. The prospects for the integration of Ukrainian industry into circular value chains were justified, in particular, production of paper, paperboard, PET and glass; recycling of building debris, used clothing, tyres and organic waste; repair and rehabilitation of household appliances. An important role can be played by Ukrainian industry, which, although under challenging conditions, has sufficient potential in circular value chains. With this purpose, the following government incentives were developed: improvement of legislation, implementation of the principles of balanced Ukrainian development, financial support for projects aimed at developing a circular economy, as well as development of regional waste management plans with special focus on the European Green Deal.
Change of legal status of sex work in Ukraine: public opinion, opinion of sex workers (sociological perspective)
Authors:   City Development Research Institute of Socio-Economic City Development 37-A, Heroiv Sevastopolia Str., Kyiv, 03061, Ukraine, Pyvovarova N. P. , Artiukh O. R. ,   State Institute of Family and Youth Policy 14, Desiatynna Str., Kyiv, 01025, Ukraine
Published: November 2020

The concepts of “decriminalization” and “legalization” of sex work are defined. Based on a sociological study, the attitudes of the Ukrainian public and sex workers to the potential change in the legal status of sex services in Ukraine is characterized. Authors analyse the public attitude toward the concepts and phenomena of “sex work” and “sex workers”, level of awareness of the population and sex workers about the current legislation in the scope of sex work regulation in Ukraine and the attitude to it, opinions on potential conditions of decriminalization and expected changes as a result of changes in the sex work legal status, level of interest of sex workers in the fact of decriminalization and legalization and their readiness for possible changes. These studies show an utterly predictable contrast between the attitudes, desires and expectations regarding potential changes in the legal status of sex work in Ukraine of the average Ukrainian and a sex worker – from disinclination and rejection of such changes by the first to the unreadiness and possible radiant hopes of the latter. Thus, 51% of Ukrainians oppose the revocation of penalty for the voluntary provision of paid sex services, while 93% of sex workers are interested in the revocation of such penalty. Modelling the situation where the penalty for sex work is revoked, the potential improvements suggested by sex workers are the following: safer working conditions and reduced risks of violence – 74%; the possibility of legal protection from the police – 67%, in court and prosecutor’s office – 64%; reduction of stigma at the level of society – 58%, at the level of self-esteem – 53%; expected reduction in health risks, including HIV/STIs – 49%. The appropriateness to form a public attitude to sex work as a type of entrepreneurial activity, which should be regulated by labour, civil, economic, financial and other branches of law, and to sex workers as those who are entitled to refuse (a client, employer, profession in general), appropriate working conditions and trade union or judicial protection, anonymity, social guarantees and pensions, self-organization, etc. are proved.
Socio-economic attitudes of the Ukrainian population: June – September 2020
Authors:   SO ", Balakireva O. M. ,   Institute for Economics and Forecasting, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine",   26, Panasa Myrnoho Str., Kyiv, 01011, Ukraine, Dmytruk D. A. ,   SO "Institute for Economics and Forecasting, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine" 26, Panasa Myrnoho Str., Kyiv, 01011, Ukraine
Published: November 2020

According to the national survey, the paper reveals self-assessment of the financial situation, shadow income, indices of socio-economic assessments and expectations of the Ukrainian population, the level of trust in all branches of government, and the overall assessment of the political situation in Ukraine.
The Effectiveness of Working Memory Training for Children With Low Working Memory
Authors: Spencer-Smith Megan , Quach Jon , Mensah Fiona , Roberts Gehan , Gathercole Susan , Wake Melissa , Anderson Peter J.
Published: November 2020

OBJECTIVES:

Subgroups of children may benefit more from working memory training than others. In this study, we aimed to examine whether response to the Cogmed Working Memory Training program differed for children with low IQ and elevated attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, emotional and behavioral symptoms, special health care needs, or by sex.

METHODS:

We used data from the Memory Maestros trial, a population-based randomized controlled trial of the Cogmed program delivered at school (n = 226) compared to usual teaching (n = 226) in grade 1 children (mean age 6.9 years; SD 0.4) with low working memory. Cogmed comprises 20 to 25 sessions of 45-minute duration over 5 to 7 weeks. Children completed subtests from the Automated Working Memory Assessment to measure change in working memory from baseline to 6 months postrandomization.

RESULTS:

After training, improved working memory standard scores (>1 SD) from baseline to 6 months were observed for approximately one-third of the children, with more than half maintaining stable scores (within 1 SD). However, similar outcomes were observed for children receiving usual teaching. Differential effect of Cogmed versus usual teaching was evident for children with elevated hyperactivity and/or inattention, who were less likely to show improved visuospatial working memory, but not for other subgroups studied.

CONCLUSIONS:

Children with elevated hyperactivity and/or inattention were less likely to show clinically meaningful improvement after Cogmed; however, differential effects were not evident for children with low IQ and elevated emotional and behavioral symptoms, special health care needs, or by sex. More research is needed to determine if training can improve working memory and, if so, for whom.
ESTIMATION OF THE SECTORS OF THE INVESTMENTS MADE ON VENTURE CAPITAL COMPANIES WITH ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS AND MULTIPLE LOGISTIC REGRESSION ANALYSIS
Authors: ERİSLİK Kubilay , DENİZ BAŞAR Özlem
Published: November 2020

Venture capital companies undergo three different phases as core, growth and maturity phases as of their establishment. There are different stages in these phases in terms of providing the finance. The stage of providing finance for the first introduction of the product to the market in the core phase is called Serial A, the stage of providing the increasing finance need during the continuation of the growth is called Serial B and the stage of providing the finance needed in the growth and maturity phases is called Serial C and it continues as Serial D. In this study, it has been aimed to estimate the sectors of the venture capital companies by benefiting from the phases and amounts of the investments made by the investors to the venture capital companies. In the study, 5 sectors with the highest investment from investors have been selected and the investment data of 709 venture capital companies taking place in this sector have been benefited. Artificial Neural Networks and Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis have been used in the estimation of the sectors covering the companies with the data attained from the investment series. When the attained results have been examined, it has been determined that the results attained with Artificial Neural Networks are more successful than the results attained with Multiple Logistic Regression analysis.
Jel Codes: C38, C39, C45, G24, L26
Digital inclusion and Internet use among older adults in Brazil: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Diniz Jamylle Lucas , Moreira Andréa Carvalho Araújo , Teixeira Iane Ximenes , Azevedo Samir Gabriel Vasconcelos , Freitas Cibelly Aliny Siqueira Lima , Maranguape Iasmin Cunha
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT Objectives: To describe the profile of Brazilian older adults who use the Internet, the means of Internet access and the purpose of Internet use and to verify the existence of association between socio-demographic variables and variables related to Internet use. Method: Cross-sectional study with Brazilian older adults who used the social networks Facebook and WhatsApp. Descriptive, univariate, and bivariate analysis were conducted. Results: 384 older adults participated in the study, mostly women (52.08%), with a mean age of 64.6 years old and who used the Internet to address health concerns (65.36%). The main activities on the internet were reading, listening to music, playing games, watching videos and photos (37.30%). The main benefits pointed out were interaction (74.5%), learning (19.2%) and entertainment (19.25%). There were statistically significant differences between time spent online and the variables gender, age, and civil status. Conclusion: This study showed characteristics of older adults who use the Internet and revealed the possibility of using digital technologies to optimize health care for this population.
Description of a minimally invasive technique with a modified instrument for the osteosynthesis of proximal femoral fractures using the standard DHS and case series
Authors: IRIGOYEN RICARDO RAMON CAMACHO , DE-LUCENA RAFAEL DE LUCA , MACHADO JEAN KLAY SANTOS , DA-SILVA GABRIEL SEVERO , SCHWARTSMANN CARLOS ROBERTO , BELANGERO WILLIAM DIAS , SPINELLI LEANDRO DE FREITAS
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT Introduction: the number of hip fractures is estimated to increase from 1.66 million in 1990 to 6.26 million by 2050. Internal fixation is the most common surgical treatment for intertrochanteric fractures. Objectives: the objective of the present research is to describe a minimally invasive technique with a modified instrument for the treatment of stable proximal femoral trochanteric fractures using the standard DHS, classified as Tronzo types 1 and 2 (AO 31A1.2), and presenting a case series. Methods: a case was selected to present the technique. Patients operated by this technique undergo a clinical evaluation and preoperative preparation as routine. The criteria for inclusion in the study were the presence of stable fracture of the proximal femur verified by two hip specialist orthopedists, and operated by the minimally invasive technique with a modified instrument using a standard DHS. Exclusion criteria were cases of patients operated for unstable fractures, and the use of other surgical techniques. A case series of 98 patients was performed and discussed. Results: minimally invasive technique with a modified instrument using the standard DHS device can reduce bleeding, it decreases soft tissue injuries, surgical time, and hospital stay, as any other MIPO procedures. Ninety-eight patients underwent the operation (Tronzo types I and II), 59 female and 39 male, ages from 50 to 85 years old. Immediate post-operative complications were shortening of the lower limb, loss of fracture reduction, and death by clinical complications. Conclusion: the present study describes a minimally invasive surgical technique using a modified instrument to perform proximal femoral osteosynthesis for stable trochanteric fractures, using the standard DHS.