bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field evaluation of Hevea brasiliensis clones for the incidence of white root disease in Nigeria
Authors: Akpaja Emmanuel O. , Ogbebor Nicholas O.
Published: May 2021

Incidence and severity of white root disease affecting rubber trees were determined in ûve rubber clones of 10 and 35 years old. The percentage of infection, aggregate failure, level of infectivity and gross economic loss were evaluated. There were variations in resistance to white root disease among rubber clones studied. However, no rubber clone was free from this disease even though there were signiûcant (P>0.05) differences in the ability of the pathogen to attack different clones. Results of disease index in the multiclonal plot were compared with those from plots of specific clones of rubber. Percentage infection in 35-year-old rubber plots was signiûcantly (P>0.05) higher than 10-year-old rubber trees. The level of infectivity of white root disease pathogen was generally high with the lowest value for missing stands of 3.33 ± 1.67 (representing 41.63 per cent of expected neighbouring stands) and as many as 6.00 ± 0.56 (representing 75 per cent of expected neighbouring stands) in 10 and 35-year-old rubber plots, respectively. The estimated gross economic losses (N 113,652.30 to 274,734.30) per year recorded in the study were high. This study indicates the need for regular monitoring of white root disease in rubber plantations so that the disease can be managed and controlled at an early stage of the disease occurrence.
Standardisation of RTS beverage from reconstituted cashew apple-based blended juice powder along with Sugandi
Authors: Rao K. Umamaheswara , Kumar B. Prasanna , Swami D.V. , Sunnetha B. Salomi , Krishna K. Uma , Smith D.D.
Published: May 2021

Cashew has commercial value for its nut and peduncle (false fruit), known as cashew apple. Requirements of consumers considering convenience, food safety, health benefits and sensory quality have increased demand for fruit juices, but most consumers don’t get time for the ready to use products. Instant juice powders can meet consumer requirements being cheap to transport and with prolonged shelf life. Then the blended juice was mixed with maltodextrin @15 per cent, i.e., 15 g for 100 mL of blended juice by proper homogenisation. The roots of the sugandi (Swallow root - Decalepsis hamiltonii) were collected, cleaned thoroughly and discarded the central white portion of the roots. Among the blended juice treatment combinations, the highest pH of 3.45 was recorded in B3 (75% cashew apple juice + 25% pineapple juice powder at 150°C inlet temperature with a flow rate of 10 mL min-1). The ready-to-serve (RTS) beverage, along with sugandi stored under refrigerated condition, were free from microbial proliferation till the end of the storage period (60th day of storage), indicating its fitness for consumption with maximum flavour, taste and overall acceptability.
Damage control in penetrating duodenal trauma: less is better
Authors: Ordoñez Carlos Alberto , Parra Michael , Millan Mauricio , Caicedo Yaset , Padilla Natalia , Garcia Alberto , Franco Maria Josefa , Aristizabal Gonzalo , Toro Luis Eduardo , Pino Luis Fernando , Gonzalez-Hadad Adolfo , Herrera Mario Alain , Serna Jose Julian , Rodriguez Fernando , Salcedo Alexander , Orlas Claudia Patricia , Guzman Monica , Hernandez Fabian , Ferrada Ricardo , Ivatury Rao
Published: May 2021

The overall incidence of duodenal injuries in severely injured trauma patients is between 0.2 to 0.6% and the overall prevalence in those suffering from abdominal trauma is 3 to 5%. Approximately 80% of these cases are secondary to penetrating trauma which are commonly associated with vascular and adjacent organ injuries. Therefore, defining the best surgical treatment algorithm remains controversial. Mild to moderate duodenal trauma is currently managed via primary repair and simple surgical techniques. However, severe injuries have required complex surgical techniques without significant favorable outcomes and consequential increase in the rates of mortality. The aim of this article is to delineate the experience in the surgical management of penetrating duodenal injuries via the creation of a practical and effective algorithm that includes basic principles of damage control surgery which sticks to the philosophy of “Less is Better”. Surgical management of all penetrating duodenal trauma should always default when possible to primary repair. When confronted with a complex duodenal injury, hemodynamic instability and/or significant associated injuries then the default should be damage control surgery. Definitive reconstructive surgery should be postponed until the patient has been adequately resuscitated and the diamond of death has been corrected.
Reply to a letter from Robert Colebunders entitled COVID-19: The African Enigma
Authors: Guerrero Rodrigo , Bravo Luis Eduardo , Muñoz Edgar , Grillo Ardila Elvia Karina , Guerrero Esteban
Published: May 2021

We thank Dr. Colebunders for his comments regarding our manuscript. Our study was an ecological study prompted by the low frequency of cases and deaths from the SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 virus in some African countries. We agree with Dr. Colebunders that other factors could explain the observed association between APOC countries and COVID-19 mortality. However, these unmeasured confounders would have to be strongly associated with Covid-19 mortality to explain the observed 28% reduction. In updated information, as of 12-17-20, APOC countries had a 42% lower risk of death than the non-APOC countries, adjusted for confounders. (Not published)
Hellwig et al., in addition to reporting similar findings to ours for African and Asian countries, surmised that they may be connected to ivermectin’s ability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication suggesting other pathways must exist to explain the persistence of such an inhibitory effect after serum levels of ivermectin have declined. As mentioned by Mbow et al. “, it is increasingly recognized that the immune system is shaped not only by genetics but also by environmental factors, such as exposure to microorganisms and parasites. This educates the immune system to protect against invading pathogens not only specifically but also nonspecifically through, for example, “trained immunity,” which involves the reprogramming of innate cells that, on secondary encounter with a pathogen, can show a stronger response.” Those infections, such as onchocerciasis, may downregulate immune responses and potentially inactivate the inflammatory signalling pathways that may induce acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), one of the causes of death in COVID-19 infected persons, seems very attractive explanation.
Assessing the Role of the Green Finance Index in Environmental Pollution Reduction
Authors: Iqbal Sajid , Taghizadeh-Hesary Farhad , Mohsin Muhammad , Iqbal Wasim
Published: May 2021

A substantial amount of green finance is required for the transition to green energy, in order to control global warming. We used a common weight DEA composite indicator to develop a green finance index to measure the combined effects of energy, environment, and financial variables. The resulting green finance index values range from 0.98 to 0.71. According to results, Iceland and Nepal both have a score of 1.00, while Australia is third with 0.98 and Malta the lowest value of 0.71. The UK has a score of 0.23 and India has a score of 0.15.  The findings of this study offer an understanding of the role of green finance in environmental pollution reduction. We suggest several policy implications or solutions for governments, institutions, industries and the public to work towards environmental pollution reduction.A substantial amount of green finance is required for the transition to green energy, in order to control global warming. We used a common weight DEA composite indicator to develop a green finance index to measure the combined effects of energy, environment, and financial variables. The resulting green finance index values range from 0.98 to 0.71. According to results, Iceland and Nepal both have a score of 1.00, while Australia is third with 0.98 and Malta the lowest value of 0.71. The UK has a score of 0.23 and India has a score of 0.15.  The findings of this study offer an understanding of the role of green finance in environmental pollution reduction. We suggest several policy implications or solutions for governments, institutions, industries and the public to work towards environmental pollution reduction.
Incidencia del Brexit en la Representación Bancaria Española en el Reino Unido
Authors: Vela Cantalapiedra Isabel
Published: May 2021

La banca española desembarcó en Londres en el siglo XX y básicamente lo hizo con oficinas de representación con la finalidad de poder acompañar a sus clientes españoles en este territorio.Actualmente Reino Unido cuenta con representación de cinco bancos españoles, Banco Santander, BBVA, Sabadell, CaixaBank, y Allfunds, casi todos ellos operando como una sucursal de la entidad española en este país y, sólo Banco Santander y TSB Bank, filial de Banco Sabadell, funcionan como entidades propias en UK con una amplia red comercial de oficinas.Reino Unido llevaba varios años intentando dejar de ser miembro de la Unión Europea lo que se ha hecho efectivo a partir del 1 de enero de 2021 lo que plantea no poca incertidumbre sobre cuál será la repercusión que puede llegar a tener en determinados sectores, como por ejemplo el financiero, tanto para el propio país, así como para la UE.La situación actual en la que se encuentra Reino Unido es única, repleta de interrogantes en todos los ámbitos en este periodo de incertidumbre política y económica lo que se ve acrecentado, más si cabe, por la situación extraordinaria de la pandemia de COVID-19 en la que, de manera lamentable, está inmerso el mundo entero.Finalmente, es muy probable que la representación española actual siga operando bien como unas sucursales de las entidades españolas poniendo mayor foco en el mundo de las Corporates o bien como oficinas de representación para dar servicio a sus clientes españoles en Reino Unido. Probablemente, en un plazo no muy dilatado, sólo quedarán el Santander como entidad bancaria propiamente dicha y el Sabadell con su filial TSB ambos atendiendo desde su red de oficinas a sus clientes Retail y Corporates.Por lo que, salvo Santander o TSB, las entidades españolas tendrán tendencia principalmente a colaborar en el desarrollo y expansión de las Corporates españolas e intentarán hacerse un hueco en el mundo de este tipo de clientes en Reino Unido, tarea que no será fácil dada la competencia existente de las grandes entidades en la City como HSBC, Barclays, Citi Bank, NatWest, LLoyds, JP Morgan, Mizuho, Nomura y Santander entre otros.
The concept of labor in socio-philosophical discourse of the XIX – XX centuries
Authors: Przhilenskaia Iuliia
Published: May 2021

This article reviews labor as the socio-philosophical category. Despite certain episodes in history of the antique and medieval philosophical thought, the socio-philosophical understanding of labor as a special phenomenon that characterizes personal and collective life begins in the second half of the XVIII century and gains relevance by the XIX and XX centuries. From this stage up to the present day can be outlined the two main themes of social philosophy directly associated with the concept of labor: the theme of freedom and the theme of justice. Methodologically, both of them are cross-disciplinary from the perspective of editorial classification and categorization of philosophical knowledge: the topic of freedom is developed within the subject-conceptual framework of philosophical anthropology, while the topic of justice also belongs to the sphere of ethical thought. The scientific novelty consists in the analysis of labor through the prism of a philosophical reference to the concepts of freedom and justice. In the context of humanistic discourse, these categories are reflected in the philosophy of culture, political philosophy, philosophy of economics, and philosophy of law, which allows viewing the phenomenon of labor not only in social, but also in anthropological, political, legal, cultural and other contexts. Having examined the ontological questions of labor, the author concludes that the philosophy of labor aims to resolve such key questions as the concept of labor, its purpose for the individual and the society, cultural and ethical principles of labor, and correlation between the concepts labor and freedom.
The phenomenon of social networks as an instrument for the dialogue between the authorities and society (on the example of Severodvinsk)
Authors: Nikitinskaya Anastasiya Avenirovna
Published: May 2021

This article explores the communication process between the authorities and society via social networks on the example of the municipality of Severodvinsk. Online platforms have become the main source of communication between the government authorities and citizens since 2017. The recently appointed head of the city selected an effective strategy for establishing dialogue with the population; he chose a popular communication channel, published comprehensible texts, and demonstrated quick response to the citizens’ requests. However, having made wrong decisions, from the perspective of the city residents, the administration and the mayor faced a lot of negativity and limited communication in the social networks. The goal of this research is to determine conditions for using social networks as the main communication channel in building dialogue between the government and society on the example of the municipality of Severodvinsk due to the fact that in the course of implementing information policy, it demonstrated two different models of using social networks. The object of this article is the profile page of the administration of Severodvinsk in the social network “Vkontakte”. The subject is the communication process of the municipal authorities in social networks. The conclusion is made that the administration should take into account the specificity of social networks, such as openness in expressing emotions by the citizens; it is necessary to learn working with online platforms, separate work criticism from personal criticism, and establish the dialogue based on the rule of two-way communication, which implies not only sharing information, but also perceiving the feedback.
Gestação ectópica gemelar com embriões vivos: um relato de caso
Authors: Neto Lázaro Luiz de Paula , Ferreira André Luiz Meles , Netto João Prette , Biagi Fernanda Pedezzi
Published: May 2021

Objetivo: Discutir a abordagem adotada pela equipe médica em um caso de gravidez gemelar ectópica com embriões vivos, sendo este um relato raro, com pouca literatura publicada, além de discorrer sobre as características de gestações ectópicas e gemelares, e quais as condutas disponíveis para o seguinte caso. Detalhamento do caso: Relatar o caso de uma tercigesta, sem fatores de risco, com gestação ectópica tubária gemelar a esquerda com presença de atividade cardíaca detectável em ambos os embriões. O diagnóstico foi concluído por meio de ultrassonografia transvaginal e realizado laparotomia com salpingectomia como medida terapêutica. Considerações finais: A gravidez ectópica (GE) é uma intercorrência obstétrica cada vez mais frequente, em virtude da maior prevalência de seus fatores de risco, tornando-se, assim, um problema de saúde pública. A GE gemelar unilateral com embriões vivos, é um evento raro, com uma incidência de 1:250.000. A publicação de novos casos possibilita a evolução no entendimento da patologia, sua investigação e terapêuticas.
Frontal fibrosing alopecia: An overview
Authors: Backar Shaheela
Published: May 2021

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a primary progressive cicatricial alopecia of the frontal, temporal, or frontotemporal scalp. In FFA, hairline recession, scalp pruritus, perifollicular erythema, and eyebrow loss are common at presentation. At present, there are no evidence-based treatment guidelines for FFA; hence, adopted modalities of treatment vary among clinicians. This review is an overview of the disease characteristics and the available therapeutic options in FFA.
The Role of School Principals in Implementing the Goals of Learning Disabilities Programs from the Point of View of the Teachers of Learning Disabilities In Riyadh City
Authors: Abrar Abdullah Al- Salman   ,  Maha Hamad Al- Shiha
Published: May 2021

The study aims to identify the role of school leaders in applying the objectives of learning disabilities programs from the perspective of the learning disabilities teachers, and followed the descriptive approach using questionnaire as a tool for collecting information. The sample of the study (127) teachers of learning disabilities. The results of the study showed that there is a moderate agreement between the teachers of learning disabilities in the elementary schools on the role of school leaders in applying the objectives of the learning disabilities programs, where the role of the school leader in providing educational services is ranked first, followed by the role of school leaders in activating the work team learning disabilities programs. The third agreement among the sample teachers is the role of school leaders in the discovery of students with learning disabilities. The final agreement is the role of school leaders in awareness of learning disabilities programs as the least role played by the school leader to implement the objectives of learning disabilities programs. The study also showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the average responses of the study members on the total score of the role of the school leaders in applying the objectives of the learning disabilities programs and its subdivisions according to the education office and the number of years of experience. Also, there were statistically significant differences on the overall result of the role of school leaders in the implementation of the objectives of the programs of learning difficulties and its subdivisions according to the variant of the scientific qualification, in favor of the members of the study who have a diploma qualification.
The Impact of the Implementation Total Quality Management on the Performance of Construction Projects A case Study on the Association of Investors in the Housing Sector in Jordan: أثر تطبيق إدارة الجودة الشاملة على أداء المشاريع الإنشائية دراسة حالة على جمعية مستثمري قطاع الإسكان في الأردن
Authors: Feras Ali Khalefh Alzu'bi , Mohammed Ismail Al-Jaghbeer
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to test the impact of application of TQM on performance of construction projects carried out by the Association of Investors in Housing Sector in Jordan where the descriptive analytical approach and questionnaire methodology were used to gather information. The sample of this study was composed of (3600) investors in housing sector. The random sample method was used to determine sample size which was (346). Questionnaire was distributed and retrieved from investors , the valid ones for analysis was (297) which represent 88% of sample size, which were analyzed by using a set of statistical methods such as linear and multiple regression, and other methods contained in the Social Science Statistical Package. The study showed positive effect of the independent variable (total quality management) on the dependent variable (performance of the construction projects) dimensions represented by (cost, quality, and time) and this effect could be ranked in descending order as follows: time, cost, quality. The study showed also that the dimensions of the independent variable (TQM) in its positive effect on the dependent variable (performance of construction projects) could be ranked in descending order as follows: staff empowerment, continuous improvement, customer focus, leadership, operations management and supplier management. The study recommended the Association of investors in the housing sector in Jordan to clear the positive effect of TQM on project efficiency by indicating its positive impact on time, cost and quality of projects and to urge them to improve level of application of TQM in their projects.It recommended also conducting similar studies on other sectors, such as industrial and services sectors, to show their effects on them and compare results between different sectors to reach common points between them.
The effects of the interaction between the type of Visual Cue and its display style via digital mobile content on the development of immediate and delayed cognitive achievement among middle school students in the English language curriculum: أثر التفاعل بين نمط التلميح البصري وأسلوب عرضه عبر المحتوى الرقمي النقال في تنمية التحصيل المعرفي الفوري والمؤجل لدى طلاب المرحلة المتوسطة بمنهج اللغة الإنجليزية
Authors: Taher Ali Awwaf, Ashraf Ahmed Zaidan
Published: May 2021

This study investigated the effect of the interaction between the type of visual cue (Color vs. Bordering cue) and its display style (Fixed vs. Flexible display) via digital mobile content on the development of immediate and delayed cognitive achievement among middle school students in the English Language curriculum, The study tool used achievement test and the sample consisted of 60 first intermediate school students in Jazan, divided into four experimental treatments according to the experimental design of the research. After designing an appropriate digital mobile content program; Immediate and delayed achievement test was applied. Two-Way ANOVA are used. The results indicated as follows; • There were no statistically significant differences between experimental groups exposed to the type of visual cue (Color vs. Bordering) on the immediate and delayed cognitive achievement regardless of the visual cues' display style used. • There were statistically significant differences in related to the effect of visual cues' display style (Fixed vs. Flexible) in favor of the experimental groups, which was exposed to a flexible display style on the immediate and delayed cognitive achievement regardless of the type of visual cue used. • The results also indicated no significant impact of the interaction between to the type of visual cue and its display style on the immediate and delayed cognitive achievement.
The degree of practicing ethical leadership by private secondary school Principals and it relation to the Organizational Commitment of teachers' from their point of view: درجة ممارسة القيادة الأخلاقية لدى مديري المدارس الثانوية الخاصة في محافظة العاصمة عمان وعلاقتها بالالتزام التنظيمي للمعلمين من وجهة نظرهم (الأردن)
Authors: Amjd daradkeh, Yasmeen Al-dajani, Hanaa Dauad
Published: May 2021

The current study aims to identify the degree of practicing ethical leadership by the principals of private secondary schools in the capital, Amman and its relationship to the organizational commitment of the teachers from their point of view. In order to achieve the goals of this study the descriptive associative approach has been applied on a sample which consists of (370) teachers who work in private high schools. The results of the study showed the following: The degree of practicing ethical leadership obtained a total average of (3.24 out of 5), while the practice of organizational commitment obtained a total average of (3.27 out of 5) where both came with an average score, at the level of fields, attributes, personal moral qualities got the highest average of (3.40), then in the area of human relations with an average of (3.25) and thirdly came the field of ethical administrative relations with an average of (3.10) and all of them with rated average as for the areas of the commitment axis, the field of responsibility towards the school got the highest average of (3.46 ), followed by the directional commitment with an average of (3.29 ), and finally the continuity commitment with an average of (3.10), all of them with an average estimate. The study used two surveys: the first survey of the ethical leadership consists of (36) items divided on (personal ethical and moral characteristics, ethical- administrative characteristics, human relationships). The second survey of the organizational commitment consists of (23) items divided on (directional commitment, continuing commitment, responsibility towards the school). The validity and reliability of the two studies has been verified, furthermore, they indicated that the degrees of practicing ethical leadership and organizational commitment was moderate, and there is a positive relationship statistically significant at the significance level (α<_0.05)between the ethical leadership and organizational commitment due to the variable “experience” in favor of 10 years and above degree, but no significant statistical differences were shown due to variable “sex” or variable “educational qualification
Using lean manufacturing tools to reduce waste and loss in the production process - A case study on a production plant for bottling water -: استخدام أدوات التصنيع الرشيق لتقليل الهدر والضياع في العملية الإنتاجية – دراسة حالة في معمل إنتاجي لتعبئة المياه –
Authors: Hanan Saleh Jabr
Published: May 2021

The research aims to identify the problems that hinder the production process and the most important of these problems is the waste and waste of the available resources, whether in the raw materials used in production or the waste of the time it takes to complete the production process. And the obstacles and benefits achieved from them, using the descriptive analytical method to study the basic hypothesis that says that the use of lean manufacturing tools leads to reducing waste and loss in the production process. The research has concluded that the application of the lean system leads to reducing waste and loss in the production process and thus create value for the customer The use of lean manufacturing tools creates products that meet market needs and according to the level of demand. Among the most important recommendations is the necessity for productive institutions to take into account product quality and not focus on reducing costs in order to meet the customer's desire.
Lithium-Conducting Self-Assembled Organic Nanotubes
Authors: Strauss Michael , Hwang Insu , Evans Austin , Natraj Anusree , Aguilar-Enriquez Xavier , Castano Ioannina , Roesner Emily , Choi Jang Wook , Dichtel William
Published: May 2021

Supramolecular polymers are compelling platforms for the design of stimuli-responsive materials with emergent functions. Here, we report the assembly of an amphiphilic nanotube for Li-ion conduction that exhibits high ionic conductivity, mechanical integrity, electrochemical stability, and solution processability. Imine condensation of a pyridine-containing diamine with a triethylene glycol functionalized isophthalaldehyde yields pore-functionalized macrocycles. Atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and in solvo X-ray diffraction reveal that macrocycle protonation under their mild synthetic conditions drives assembly into high-aspect ratio (>103) nanotubes with three interior triethylene glycol groups. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy demonstrates that lithiated nanotubes are efficient Li+ conductors, with an activation energy of 0.42 eV and a peak room temperature conductivity of 3.91 × 10-5 S cm-1. 7Li NMR and Raman spectroscopy demonstrate that lithiation occurs exclusively within the nanotube interior and implicates the glycol groups in facilitating efficient Li+ transduction. Linear sweep voltammetry and galvanostatic lithium plating-stripping tests reveal that this nanotube-based electrolyte is stable over a wide potential range and supports long-term cyclability. These findings demonstrate how coupling synthetic design and supramolecular structural control can yield high-performance ionic transporters that are amenable to device relevant fabrication. More broadly, these results demonstrate the technological potential of chemically designed self-assembled nanotubes.
Theoretical Assessment of Dinitrogen Fixation on Carbon Atom
Authors: Song Hayoung , Lee Eunsung
Published: May 2021

Dinitrogen activation in non-metallic systems has received considerable attention in recent years. Herein, we report the theoretical feasibility of N2 fixation using aminocarbenes (L) or their anionic derivatives. The molecular descriptors of L and anionic L‾, which affect the interaction of L and anionic L‾ with N2, were identified through multiple linear regression analysis. Additionally, the electron flow during C‒N bond formation was confirmed by performing intrinsic reaction coordination calculations with intrinsic bond orbital analysis for the reaction of anionic L‾ with N2.
Determination of Kinetic Properties in Unimolecular Dissociation of Complex Systems from Graph-Theory Based Analysis of an Ensemble of Reactive Trajectories.
Authors: Perez-Mellor Ariel F. , Spezia Riccardo
Published: May 2021

We describe and apply a general approach based on graph-theory to obtain kinetic and structural properties from direct dynamics simulations. In particular, we focus on the unimolecular fragmentation of complex systems in which, prior to dissociation, different events can take place, and notably isomerizations and formation of ion-molecule complex.3-state and 4-state kinetic models are thus obtained and rate constants for global or specific pathways are obtained from direct counting and flux calculation, both being in agreement.

Finally, we show how a theoretical mass spectrum can also be obtained automatically.
Air Inequality: Global Divergence in Urban Fine Particulate Matter Trends
Authors: Apte Joshua , Seraj Sarah , Chambliss Sarah , Hammer Melanie , Southerland Veronica , Anenberg Susan , van Donkelaar Aaron , Brauer Michael , Martin Randall
Published: May 2021

Fine particle air pollution (PM2.5) is the largest global environmental risk factor for ill-health and is implicated in >7% of all human deaths. Improved air quality is a key policy goal for cities, yet in-situ PM2.5 measurements are missing for >50% of the world’s urban population. Here, we apply satellite remote sensing to develop a 21-year time series of ground-level PM2.5 concentrations for the 4231 urban areas with populations >100,000 (2.9 billion people) from 1998 -2018. Globally, we find the most polluted cities are generally small (<1 million population) and lack PM2.5 monitors. Since 1998, we observe a growing divide in urban air quality between cities in lower and higher-income regions, with the PM2.5 disparity increasing by >50% (from 25 to 39 µg m-3) between the highest- and lowest income quartiles of world cities. Within Asia, a sharp divergence is underway, with sustained PM2.5 increases in South Asian cities (+48%) contrasted against dramatic improvements in Chinese cities (-40% since 2011). While 85% of the world’s urban population experiences PM2.5 higher than World Health Organization guidelines, urban PM2.5 concentrations are tightly linked to regional conditions, suggesting that city-level efforts alone may be insufficient to address this major health threat.
Catalytic Benzolactamization Through Isonitrile Insertion Enabled 1,4-Palladium Shift
Authors: Zhang Fulin , Zhao Ruihua , Zhu Lei , Yu Yinghua , Liao Saihu , Wang Zhi-Xiang , Huang Xueliang
Published: May 2021

Isoindolinone is a class of versatile N-heterocycles embedded in many bioactive molecules and natural products. The invention of new methods to synthesize these heterocyclic compounds with easily accessible chemicals is always attractive. Herein, a conceptually novel approach to access this bicyclic system via isonitrile insertion enabled 1,4-pallaidum shift is described. Compared with conventional isonitrile participated C-H bond activation, both carbon and nitrogen atoms in isonitrile moiety are engaged in new bond formation. Notably, two different isoindolinones can be obtained selectively by switching the bases employed. Mechanistic studies including DFT calculations have shed lights on the reaction mechanism and explained the selectivity led to different products. Moreover, the power of current benzolactamization is further demonstrated by providing concise routes to key intermediates of indoprofen, indobufen, aristolactams, lennoxamine and falipamil.
Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study on Photoionization Cross Sections of Benzonitrile and o/m/p-Cyanotoluene
Authors: Huang Jiabin , Huang Can , Wu Xiaoqing , Hou Qifeng , Tian Guangjun , Yang Jiuzhong , Zhang Feng
Published: May 2021

Toluene is one of the most abundant aromatic compounds in the atmosphere of Titan, and CN group has been regarded as an indicator for observing aromatic compounds in interstellar medium due to the large dipole moments resulted from the CN substituents. In the present work, the photoionization cross-sections (PICS) of benzonitrile and o/m/p-cyanotoluene, which are the products of CN + toluene were obtained at the photon energy ranging from ionization threshold to 14 eV combining experimental and theoretical methods. The synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet photoionization mass spectrometry (SVUV-PIMS) was employed, and theoretical calculations based on the frozen-core Hartree-Fock approximation and Franck-Condon simulations were carried out to cross-verify the measurements. In addition, the generalized charge decomposition analysis was used to investigate the characteristics of ionized molecular orbitals. Our results are valuable for quantifying these key species (especially by the SVUV-PIMS technique) and estimating related parameters such as dissociation rates in interstellar space.
Origins of the Instability of Non-precious HER Catalysts at Open Circuit Potential
Authors: Wang Zhenbin , Zheng Ya-Rong , Montoya Joseph H. , Hochfilzer Degenhart , Cao Ang , Kibsgaard Jakob , Chorkendorff Ib , Nørskov Jens Kehlet
Published: May 2021

Non-precious hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts commonly suffer from severe dissolution under open circuit potential (OCP). In this work, using calculated Pourbaix diagrams, we quantitatively analyze the stability of a set of well-known active HER catalysts (MoS2, MoP, CoP, Pt in acid, and Ni3Mo in base) under working conditions. We determine that the large thermodynamic driving force towards decomposition created by the electrode/electrolyte interface potential is responsible for the substantial dissolution of non-precious HER catalysts at OCP. Our analysis further shows the stability of HER catalysts in acidic solution is ordered as Pt ∼ MoS2 > MoP > CoP, which is confirmed by the measured dissolution rates using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Based on gained insights, we suggest strategies to circumvent the catalyst dissolution in aqueous solution.
The necessity and timing of smoking cessation before scheduled cardiovascular interventions – doctors' survey
Authors: Bazdyrev Evgeny D. , Galimova Natalia A. , Barbarash Olga L.
Published: May 2021

Background. No specific time frames are specified in the guidelines for smoking cessation for patients preparing for cardiovascular intervention. Current smoking is an adverse prognostic factor according to the Russian and foreign legal documents, but the recommendations do not specify the timing of smoking cessation, even though it could help minimize postoperative complications and improve the prognosis.
Aim. To analyze doctors' opinions on the necessity and timing of smoking cessation for patients before scheduled cardiovascular surgery.
Material and methods. 320 specialists 250 (78.1%) general practitioners and 70 (21.9%) surgeons, were surveyed, each participant had at least 10 years of experience performing preoperative program before coronary artery bypass graft surgeries or other interventions and providing postoperative rehabilitation. The questionnaire included seven questions reflecting the doctors' opinion on the feasibility, timing and limiting factors of smoking cessation in patients referred for planned coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
Results. Most of the respondents 218 (68.1%) people would recommend patients to stop smoking during preoperative period; fewer specialists 102 (31.9%), would advise them to quit smoking after surgery. The majority of respondents, 166 (76.2%) doctors, believe that patients should quit smoking 2 months before the operation. A third of respondents said it would be appropriate to stop smoking after surgical treatment: 31 (30.4%) specialists recommended it immediately after the operation; 43 (42.1%) within the first month. The majority of respondents noted an increased risk of patients health deterioration, such as: increased cough according to 200 (62.5%) specialists; sputum secretion 85 (26.6%); shortness of breath 25 (7.8%); and 10 (3.1%) doctors mentioned the risk of developing withdrawal syndrome and anxiety. All of those are the reasons why experts consider not recommending patient to stop smoking during preoperative period.
Conclusion. Doctors, involved in the caring for and management of cardiac surgery patients, do not have unanimous opinion on the time frames of smoking cessation.
Association of ADRB2 gene polymorphism with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Nikulina Svetlana Y. , Kuznetsova Оksana O. , Chernova Anna A. , Matyushin Gennadiy V. , Gurazheva Anna A. , Maksimov Vladimir N.
Published: May 2021

Aim. To study the association of the rs1042713 polymorphism of the ADRB2 gene with cardiomyopathies of various origins.
Material and methods. The study included patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) and myocardial dilatation of ischemic genesis (DM IG).The total number of people surveyed is 221. The average age of the subjects was 55.309.69 years. Patients were divided into 2 groups: one of them patients with a diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy idiopathic (predictors of expansion of the heart cavities are excluded) and the other-patients with dilated myocardium of ischemic origin (a history of IHD). The number of patients in the first group was 111, including 99 (89.2%) men and 12 (10.8%) women. The average age of patients in this group is 51.739.74 years. The second group included patients with myocardial dilatation of ischemic origin. Their number is 110 people, including 100 (91.5%) men and 10 (8.5%) women. The average age of the respondents is 58.688.38 years. The control group consists of individuals who did not have any manifestations of cardiovascular diseases. Their number is 221 people (average age 53.64.8 years). Laboratory and instrumental studies, coronary angiography, and molecular genetic studies of the rs1042713 polymorphism of the ADRB2 gene were performed for all participants in the study. Those patients who were excluded predictors of the occurrence of dilation of the heart cavities were assigned to the first group. The second group included patients with a history of CHD.
Results. In the group with DCMP, 10.8% of patients were carriers of the common homozygous AA genotype, the heterozygous AG genotype 48.6%, and the rare homozygous GG genotype 40.5%. In the group of patients with DM IG, 16.4% of patients were carriers of the common homozygous AA genotype, the heterozygous AG genotype 51.8%, and the rare homozygous GG genotype 31.8%. In the control group, 11.8% of patients were identified as carriers of the homozygous genotype for the common allele, 47.5% carriers of the heterozygous genotype, and 40.7% carriers of the homozygous genotype for the rare allele. No statistically significant results were obtained in the group of patients with DCMP and DM IG compared to the control group of the rs1042713 polymorphism of the ADRB2 gene.
Conclusion. No association of ADRB2 gene rs1042713 polymorphism with DCMI and DM IG was revealed.
A real options model to determine the optimal contractual penalty for a BOT project
Authors: Ribeiro João A. , Pereira Paulo J. , Brandão Elísio M.
Published: May 2021

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) became one of the most common types of public procurement arrangements and Build-Own-Transfer (BOT) projects, awarded through adequate bidding competitions, have been increasingly promoted by governments. The theoretical model herein proposed is based on a contractual framework where the government grants leeway to the private entity regarding the timing for project implementation. However, the government is aware that delaying the beginning of operations will lead to the emergence of social costs, i.e., the costs that result from the corresponding loss of social welfare. This fact should motivate the government to include a contractual penalty in case the private firm does not implement the project immediately. The government also recognizes that the private entity is more efficient in constructing the project facility and also in running the subsequent operations. The model’s outcome is the optimal value for the legal penalty the government should include in the contract form. Sensitivity analysis reveals that there is a level for each of the comparative efficiency factors above which there is no need to impose a contractual penalty, for a given level of social costs. Finally, the effects of including a non-optimal penalty value in the contract form, which derives from overestimating or underestimating the selected bidder’s real comparative efficiency are examined, using a numerical example. Results demonstrate that overestimating (underestimating) the selected bidder’s real comparative efficiency leads to the inclusion of a below-optimal (above-optimal) value for the legal penalty in the contract and produces effects the government should prevent by estimating the comparative efficiency factors with full accurac.
Economic and statistical analyses of labor productivity growth at russian industrial enterprises: Key factors
Authors: Mikhnenko P. A.
Published: May 2021

Increasing labor productivity (LP) is an actual task of the Russian economy and management of enterprises. Today, the country has a growing productivity gap between the most efﬁcient and lagging companies. The aim of the study is to identify the key factors which determine the magnitude and growth rate of this indicator in the interests of revealing promising areas and ways of managing its growth. The paper describes the analysis of ﬁnancial and economic indicators that are factors of sustainable growth in LP at domestic industrial enterprises, leading in this indicator in the period 2017–2019. The methodological basis has been the provisions of the production factors and productivity theories. The research method is based on the theorem of statistical hypotheses. The object of this research has been 94 Russian leading companies in terms of LP growth under reviewing period. An economic and statistical model of LP growth factors has been developed and the conditional probabilities of hypotheses have been calculated that characterize the ranges of growth of this indicator upon the occurrence of events corresponding to an increase in the values of ﬁnancial and economic indicators. The key factors and the ranges of their change are highlighted for four ranges of the productivity rate: small, moderate, high and record. It is shown that the determining factors of a low rate are a revenue growth in the range from –23 to 57%, a decrease in the duration of an operating cycle to –7% and a growth in asset turnover up to 37%. The factors of the record rate of LP growth are revenue gain in the range 97–297%; operating cycle reduction in the range from –42 to –88% and the turnover of assets gain in the range 114–342%. The capital-labor ratio gain is considered with low probability as a factor of the moderate or high LP gain in combination with an increase in revenue and asset turnover. High correlation of the operating cycle reduction and increase the asset turnover can serve as an indicator of LP increase programs success. The proposed approach allowed to identify signiﬁcant factors of LP growth at leading companies that had not been obvious during applying a regression analysis.
Risk management for telecommuting in the pandemic
Authors: Voblaya I. N. , Grigoryan L. K.
Published: May 2021

The paper discusses the essence and features of telecommuting, communication costs and the problems of implementing compliance procedures to reduce the costs and risks. The paper’s aim is to analyze the risks with the introduction of telecommuting procedures in Russian and foreign companies in the period of lockdown caused by the new coronavirus infection COVID-19. Today, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a negative impact and create a critical situation in all spheres and industries, which causing destabilization of the economy and the labor market. One of the main recommendations of the World Health Organization is a physical distancing, limits of movements freedom, closure of some companies that are not vital, etc. Judging the above, the employer has to learn not only to carry out his activities, but also to survive in these conditions. This is the reason that many companies have to switch into the remote work process fully or partially as a temporary or alternative way of organizing work. The paper focuses on the directions and complexity of the tools choice for building connections between a workforce and management. Also, it analyzes the use of compliance to regulate communication relations, control communications and manage risks that arise from violations of the legislation, the regulations of regulators, the rules of self-regulatory organizations and internal documents. The authors compare a conception of compliance control, goals, processes, stages and effects of the use of the regulatory mechanism in the pandemic. Also, the authors give the respondents’ answers regarding the importance of compliance control, digital competencies for the high-quality performance of functions and communication at telecommuting. The results led to the conclusion that freelancing is not only a powerful incentive for changing employee’s behavior in conditions of uncertainty but also it brings an additional risk for all companies. Various digital monitoring tools aim to reﬂect the balance between security and personal freedom in the society infrastructure.
Debora Vogel w galicyjskim jidyszlandzie. Czasopismo „Cusztajer”
Authors: Stepnowski Adam
Published: May 2021

The paper sums up the history and analysis of Tsushteyer [Contribution] literary journal, published between 1929 and 1931 in Lviv. The goal of the group under the same name (comprising such writers as Debora Vogel, Rachela Auerbach, Ber Shnaper, Melekh Ravitsh and Mendl Neugröschl) was to create a strong Yiddish-speaking cultural centre in Galicia. One of their projects was establishing and publishing a literary journal. Three issues of Tsushteyer contained prose, poetry, essays and art reproductions. The paper describes the characteristics of the contents, emphasises the role of Debora Vogel in the editorial office and outlines the unique features of Tsushteyer in comparison with other Yiddish literary journals.