bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural Policy at the City Level in the Context of the Formation of National Identity (on the Example of Nur-Sultan)
Authors: Kok Sevgi
Published: July 2022

The article focuses on the close relationship of the socio-cultural environment of the city, which combines historical memory and modernity, with national identity.

Aim. The purpose of this study is to identify the impact of urban cultural policy on the formation of Kazakhstani national identity on the example of the city of Nur-Sultan, which became the capital after Kazakhstan gained independence.

Tasks. The objectives of the study include determining the significance of the locality in the formation of national identity, the characterization of urban policy in the field of culture and its relationship with civic nationalism, the nation s tate and identity in the institutional and symbolic aspect.

Methods. Within the framework of this work, the historical method, institutional and political-cultural approach is focused on the analysis of existing political institutions from the standpoint of potential opportunities that have not been realized in the past, and the development and implementation of methods for solving emerging problems in the process of forming state cultural policy at the stage of formation and development of the city Nur-Sultan.

Results. This study is the statement that the cultural policy of Nur-Sultan is a new imaginative design based on the synthesis of modern technological solutions and various historical aspects of cultural heritage, which allows us to see the significant features of the idea of national identity. The novelty of the research lies in the attempt to comprehensively analyze the formation of the Kazakhstani national identity with an emphasis on the cultural policy of the city of Nur-Sultan.

Conclusion. The main conclusion is that various ethnic groups with their inclusive characteristics are included in the common cultural space formed in the historical context of the titular nation with modern innovative projects, creating a synthesis of cultures that affects the formation of national identity.
State Environmental Policy of Russia and China in the Arctic: General and Special
Authors: Veselova D. N.
Published: July 2022

The article examines and compares the Arctic policy of Russia and China in the field of environmental protection and analyzes specific environmental activities carried out by them in the Arctic.

Aim. The purpose is to review the environmental policy of Russia and China implemented in the Arctic. Tasks. Identify existing problems and offer recommendations for their solution.

Methods. A systematic approach, generalization, synthesis, comparative analysis, and document analysis were used.

Results. Four main directions of implementation of Russia’s environmental policy in the Arctic have been identified. The main provisions of the White Paper “China’s Arctic Policy”, which regulates the directions of China’s Arctic policy implemented by the Administration for Arctic and Antarctic Affairs, are considered. Three main lines in Beijing’s environmental strategy in the Arctic region are highlighted. A comparative analysis of the environmental policies of the two countries in the Arctic is carried out.

Conclusions. The national interests of both countries in the Arctic are connected with economics and geopolitics, but veiled under the interests of solving environmental problems. The current issues in the Arctic are environmental protection, the fight against climate change and the development of international cooperation. The declarative, programmatic nature of the main documents on environmental protection in the region, as well as the absence of a joint competent authority carrying out joint activities of the states under consideration in the Arctic, remain unresolved problems of both China and Russia in the implementation of Arctic environmental policy.
On Some Historical Aspects of Money Laundering in Russia and China
Authors: Poliychuk A. S.
Published: July 2022

Aim. In this article, the author seeks to analyze some of the characteristic features of various forms of money laundering in Russia and China, with reference to the chronicles of past centuries, starting from the moment this phenomenon arose, which later became widespread in both countries.

Tasks. To realize the main aim, the author gradually solves logically interconnected tasks: firstly, to identify the oldest forms of legalization of illegal income in Russia and China; second, to trace the logic of evolutionary changes in money laundering in the historical practices of both countries; thirdly, compare the Russian and Chinese experience in the studied system of economic structural and functional ties.

Methods. When writing the material, methods of chronological reconstruction, historical analogy, analysis and synthesis, comparative studies were used.

Results. The author established that for the first time corruption mechanisms for the legalization of illegal income arose in China in the 4th century BC, while in Russia this practice is clearly traced only from the 15th century. The article shows that in China during the Tang Dynasty (VII–X century AD), money laundering methods demonstrated active development, and then reached a level critical for maintaining statehood in the era of the Opium Wars (XIX century), although they were subsequently partially leveled during the socialist period of Chinese statehood in the twentieth century. By analogy, the author considers the historical background of the evolution of money laundering mechanisms in our country in the era of feudal fragmentation, as well as tsarist and Soviet power. The article attempts to compare two historical paintings — Russia and China.

Conclusion. The author concludes that the processes of legalizing illegal funds in Russia and China have similar features and are intensified in connection with the most important historical events, therefore, modern models of money laundering and countering this illegal activity have characteristic features formed by cultural experience in a particular country.
Problems of supporting victims of digital sex crimes and ways to improve them
Authors:   Wonkwang University Legal Research Institute has, Oh Jung Yong , Park Hye Hyeon
Published: July 2022

With the development of science and technology, the penetration rate of smartphones has increased, and cyberspace has become more familiar with real life and information accessibility has increased. However, as cyberspace becomes more common, new forms of crime are emerging, and the seriousness of the crime is emerging.
Among them, digital sex crimes are the most serious. Amid growing anxiety over the crime, the government announced a comprehensive plan to prevent damage to digital sex crimes and actively discussed enacting and revising related bills, but there is still a gap in support for victims.
There is a perception that digital sex crimes are not physically damaged like ordinary sex crimes, and that this crime is lighter than other crimes. However, unlike this perception, digital sex crimes are crimes that are almost impossible to recover from once they are damaged. Once the victim's videos are released into cyberspace, they cannot be permanently deleted, causing pain to victims and social activities cannot be carried out. In other words, the act can be seen as a personality murder of the victim. Despite these criminal characteristics, the system for supporting victims is still inadequate.
The lack of understanding of digital sex crimes by investigators and the Ministry of Justice, lack of budget to support digital sex crimes victims' support centers, and difficulties in international cooperation in arresting overseas Internet operators. To solve these problems, education programs should be carried out at the level necessary for each organization to improve the understanding of investigative agencies and the judiciary, and a system should be established to make education compulsory. In addition, it is necessary to expand the budget to support the victims of digital sex crimes, and to join the Cybercrime Prevention Agreement and cooperate with member countries to investigate sites with overseas servers.
Some Problems and Revision Directions of Ships Subject to Drunk Driving under the Maritime Safety Act
Authors:   Wonkwang University Legal Research Institute has, Kim Tae-Soo
Published: July 2022

In order to prevent accidents caused by drinking on the surface of the water, the Maritime Safety Act prohibits drunk driving and stipulates criminal punishment in case of violation. However, the Maritime Safety Act stipulates that ships subject to drunk driving are referred to as ships under the Ship Staff Act, the Ship Safety Act and the Fishing Ship Act are referred to as ships, and the Maritime Safety Act again stipulates that some of these ships are added or excluded.
The reason for this complexity is that the Maritime Safety Act stipulates that ships subject to drunk driving are 'vessels under the Ship Staff Act'. This is because the Ship Staff Act is a law on ship employees, so ships that cannot be boarded by ship employees are not subject to the Act.
Therefore, the best way would be to specify the standards for ships that are drunk driving in the Maritime Safety Act. As a way, it is considered reasonable to judge the standard for punishing drunk driving while using the concept of ships under the Maritime Safety Act based on whether or not to use power, not the total tonnage. This is because prohibiting drunk driving requires prompt action when a risk occurs during ship operation while drunk. In other words, alcohol degrades a person's ability to act and does not operate the machine properly, resulting in a high risk of accidents. Therefore, I would like to propose to use the standard of punishment based on whether or not to use power, not the total tonnage.
If this revision is made, not only start-up ships but also ships subject to drunk driving crimes can be punished for drunk driving regardless of nationality. Moreover, even if the Ship Staff Act, the Ship Safety Act, and the Fishing Boat Act are revised, the scope of ships subject to drunk driving is not affected, and the scope of ships or punishment regulations may be revised independently.
Molecular characterization of chitinase producing Bacillus thuringiensis
Authors:   Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, RCA, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur-313 001, India, Singh P. , Joshi A. ,   Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, RCA, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur-313 001, India, Nath D.J. ,   Department of Soil Science, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785 013, India, Gayan A. ,   College of Sericulture, Soil Science, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785 013, India, Sanadhaya S. ,   Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, RCA, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur-313 001, India, Saheewala H. ,   Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, RCA, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur-313 001, India, Jain P. ,   Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, RCA, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur-313 001, India, Gupta L. ,   Department of Animal Production, RCA, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur-313 001, India, Mohanty S.R. ,   All India Network Project on Soil Biodiversity and Bio-fertilizers, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal-462 038, India, Jain D. ,   Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, RCA, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur-313 001, India
Published: July 2022

Aim: In the present study, twenty eight Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains were studied for their potential to hydrolyze chitin. Methodology: The chitinolytic potential of Bt strains were determined using modified chitinase screening media (CSM) containing colloidal chitin as substrate. The potential Bt strains were screened for the presence of cry genes using PCR and further molecular characterized using 16S rDNA amplification and sequencing. Results: Among 28 Bt strains, 10 strains showed positive results by producing clear halo zone around bacterial colonies and the maximum chitinase solubilization index was observed in Bt-13 whereas the minimum solubilization index was observed in Bt-27 strain. Further, the chitinase assay revealed the minimum enzyme activity in Bt-26 (3.78 ± 0.101 U ml-1) whereas the maximum activity was observed in strain Bt-2 (10.19 ± 0.651 U ml-1). PCR based chitinase gene screening also revealed the presence of both endochitinase and exochitinase genes in these Bt strains. The potent Bt strains viz., Bt-7, Bt-10, Bt-11, Bt-13 and Bt-27 on the basis of chitinase production were molecular characterized based on 16S rDNA and sequencing results reveled their greatest sequence identity Bacillus thuringiensis. Interpretation: Results showed that the high chitinase activity of these Bt strains may be due to the presence of chitinase genes, which need to be explored for further biological applications.
Expression profiling of flavonoid biosynthesis genes in association with accumulation of flavonoid compounds in rice under water deficit stress
Authors:   Department of Botany, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli-637 024, India, Jayaraman K. , Sevanthi A.M. ,   ICAR - National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi-110 012, India, Raman V.K. ,   ICAR - National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi-110 012, India, Mandal P.K. ,   ICAR - National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi-110 012, India
Published: July 2022

Aim: To investigate whether the phenolic and flavonoid contents have any direct relation with the water deficit stress tolerance in rice. If so, then, which genes in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway are involved in the tolerance mechanism was explored by comparing a well-known water deficit tolerant cv. Nagina 22 (N22) as experiment material along with a sensitive cv. Pusa Sugandh 2 (PS2). Methodology: Water deficit stress was imposed on N22 (drought tolerant) and PS2 (drought sensitive) cultivars at the seedling stage by withholding water for 7days. Further, the expression level of flavonoid biosynthesis genes (OsCHS, OsCHI, OsF3H, OsF3’H, OsDFR, and OsANS) and the accumulation of total contents of phenolics and flavonoids in rice leaves of N22 and PS2 under water deficit stress were also investigated. Results: Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed enhanced expression of six major genes of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, namely OsCHS, OsCHI, OsF3H, OsF3’H, OsDFR, and OsANS in the drought tolerant cv. N22 compared to the drought sensitive cv. PS2 under water deficit stress. Accumulation of total phenolics and flavonoids compounds increased during water deficit stress in both the genotypes, but, it was significantly higher in N22 as compared to PS2. Interpretation: Our findings conclude that enhanced drought tolerance is positively correlated with an enhanced transcription of flavonoid biosynthesis genes and higher flavonoid content, suggesting that there could be differences in the genetic control of flavonoid metabolism in rice for drought stress response that, the enhanced expression and accumulation of flavonoids is promising strategy for rice improvement.
Duration of exposure modulates combined effects of arsenic and fluoride on oxidative stress in the liver of rat
Authors:   Department of Toxicology, Ch Charan Singh University, Meerut-250 004, India, Huma MS. , Verma Y. ,   Department of Toxicology, Ch Charan Singh University, Meerut-250 004, India, Rana S.V.S. ,   Department of Toxicology, Ch Charan Singh University, Meerut-250 004, India
Published: July 2022

Aim: Exposure time dependent combined effects of arsenic (sodium arsenate) and fluoride (sodium fluoride), two major ground water pollutants, have been studied on oxidative stress and antioxidant mechanisms in the liver of female Wistar rats. Methodology: Healthy rats were treated with sodium arsenate (4mg kg-1 b.wt.) and sodium fluoride (4mg kg-1 b.wt.) for three-time intervals, i.e., 30, 60 and 90 days through gavage. Liver tissues of exposed rats were analysed for malonaldehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT). Results: Combined exposure of rats to arsenic and fluoride for selected period of exposure viz. 30, 60 and 90 days yielded different results on parameters of oxidative stress in liver. The highest values for malondialdehyde (0.610 nmoles mg-1 protein), hydrogen peroxide (2.31µ moles) and nitric oxide (2.57µ moles) were recorded after 60 days of exposure. Maximum decline in GSH (0.154µ mol g-1 liver) after 30 days of exposure, in GSSG (110µ mol g-1 liver) after 90 days of exposure, GPx (1.03 nmoles NADPH min mg-1 protein) after 30 days of exposure and catalse (74.96 units) after 30 days of exposure were registered. Results showed resistance against oxidative stress after 90 days of combined exposure to arsenic and fluoride. Interpretation: It is hypothesized that internalization of arsenic and fluoride in the hepatic parenchyma leads to the formation of a compound, arsenic trifluoride (AsF3). It was found less toxic than arsenic but more toxic than fluoride. Arsenic-protein interaction is also modulated in the presence of fluoride in the hepatic parenchymal cell.
The Origin of Transformation of ‘Aqidah and Their Impact on Politics: A Study on Zayd bin ‘Alī and Yaḥyā bin al-Ḥusayn
Authors: Mohammad Qaed Hassan Alwajeeh Mohammad Qaed
Published: July 2022

This study highlights the differences of political thought between Zayd bin ‘Alī bin Abi Talib r.a and Yaḥyā bin al-Ḥusayn, founder of Zaydiyyah state in Yemen regarding the doctrine of al-Imamah, al-Wisayah, al-‘Ismah, al-Rajʽah and al-Taqiyyah. Therefore, this article adopts the inductive descriptive historical approach to achieve the objectives of the study. The most significant results shows that Zayd bin ‘Alī denied the Imams’ infallibility, al-Mahdiyyah and rajʽah, al-Wisayah (guardianship), taqiyyah and otherwise acknowledged the legitimacy of the two early caliphs; which makes his madhhab among the most moderate and the closest to the Sunni. In contrast, Yahyā bin al-Ḥusayn linked the concept of imamate to the Prophethood, acknowledged rajʽāh and al-Wisayah as proof of the legitimacy of ‘Ali (radiyallah anh) and his sons as imams. This stand shows an agreement with the Twelver (Shia Ithna ‘Ashariyyah).
Free Will versus Belief in Qadr? The Response of Sa‘id Nursi and its Modern Relevance
Authors: Abd Rahman Amilah Awang
Published: July 2022

The need of modern man requires more practical answer from religious perspective to support them in facing rapid changes and high demands of life. The issue of human will which is the most important and fundamental foundation to the concept of responsibility and morality is still open to discussion and debate. This paper aims at exploring the view of a reformer of Islam, Badiuzzaman Sa‘id Nursi in his 26th Word of his Risale-I Nur. Rather than having the discourse in a purely theological method, Nursi demonstrates it in a synthesis manner and suitable with modern man. The issue which is normally brought as juxtaposed with the concept of absolute will of God is dealt with in a harmonious way and suitable to all readers. Other than the phenomenological approach to the ontology of solving the relationship between God’s power and human will, Nursi also brought in very remarkable explanation about good and bad and how human should deal with them. Through-out his explanation, Nursi came with interesting illustrations and therefore successful in explaining the issue effectively. This suits his status as a reformer of Islam who came to shed lights on crucial issues with modern approach.
A Glimpse on the Characteristics of Sufism and Its Major References in the Malay World
Authors: al-Akiti Muhammad Ayman , Abdul Halim Zainul Abidin
Published: July 2022

Sufism (taṣawwuf) is one of three major discussions of Sunni scholars in the Malay world. These scholars have given an impressive focus to the discussion of Sufism which is a complement to the discussion of ‘aqidah and fiqh. As a result, they succeeded in generating new ideas in Sufism and contributing to the intellectual development of this discipline. This paper discusses the principle of Sufism by Malay Sunni Sufi scholars who follow the methodology of Imam al-Ghazālī and al-Shaykh al-Akbar Ibn ʻArabī al-Ḥātimī. The focus of discussion will be on how the Malay scholars understand the objective methodology of Sufism by al-Ghazālī and Ibn ʻArabī and how they make these objectives realized through the establishment of Sufism syllabus for the Malay community. It categorizes the Sufis into three levels where each of these levels has a text of study corresponding to it. This study also explains that the study of Sufism is based on the category of knowledge level and the level of students. This is as explained by the two figures. Thus, the study concludes that the contribution of Malay scholars has merged the concept of the level of knowledge and its students based on the thought of Imam al-Ghazālī with the concept of categorization of knowledge and its students by Imam Ibn ʻArabī al-Ḥātimī. At the same time, this study proves taṣawwuf kashfī that comes with the spread of Islam to the Malay world is never lost, but it continues to grow, and studied until now.
Pengaruh dan Pemikiran Muhammad Natsir (1908-1993) Dalam Pendidikan Islam Zaman Kolonial Belanda di Indonesia
Authors: Mohamad Noor Mohamad Muzammil
Published: July 2022

The article discusses Muhammad Natsir’s thoughts on Islamic education which influenced his involvement in the struggles of nationalism and politics in Indonesia. Natsir was the leader of the largest Islamic political organisation in the Southeast Asian region of the Masyumi Party. This writing will perceive how the foundations of his education have influenced his thoughts and struggle to uphold modern religious knowledge and education to the Muslim community. The findings showed that his thoughts had influenced the Indonesian Muslim community on Islamic knowledge that was always challenged by the Dutch colonialists. In addition, Natsir’s thoughts and struggles were expressed through his writings, his speeches, and the impact of what he had moulded by the establishment of his own religious school in Bandung, PENDIS. Through his writings, he emphasized the importance of modern education and Islamic knowledge to his colonised society. As a result of this writing, tracing the understanding of his thoughts and struggles in developing Indonesian society through Islamic education is feasible but inevitable from religious-nationalism aspects of independence from the grasp of colonialists. This writing utilized a qualitative approach by conducting analysis through sources written by Natsir and several religious writers from Indonesia and Malaysia.
Uses, Motives, Functions, and Virtues of Silence in Argumentation in Light of Jadal and Ādāb al-Baḥth wa al-Munāẓarah
Authors: Taiai Maria , Oruç Rahmi
Published: July 2022

Munāẓarah procedure determines who has the right to speak and who should remain silent until his turn comes. In fact, proper argumentation requires each party to remain silent where the right to speak is not theirs. However, the argumentation process in practice does not always follow the ideal rules of behaviour. One such instance is verbal aggressiveness, which often leads to anger and rapid information exchange with the offender. Such verbal exchange is generally characterized by an increase in volume and speed of speech, which usually lay the ground for a quarrel. The transition from healthy argumentation to quarrel is problematic because it changes the priorities of the parties involved in the verbal exchange from disclosing the truth to attacking the opponent. Then, the arguers are faced with the following question: What should I do when argumentation seems to be shifting to quarrel? Should I speak, or should I remain silent? The study argues the use of silence as an argumentation strategy prevents healthy argumentation from turning into a quarrel and enables discussants to conduct an ideal argumentation based on ethical standards. It does this in light of the disciplines of Jadal and Ādāb al-Baḥth wa al-Munāẓarah. The study first explains how munāẓarah procedure determines who has the right to speak and who should remain silent. Second, it discusses three argumentative moves in response to which silence might work better as an argumentative strategy. After that, it explores the intricate relationship between silence and tawfīq (divine aid). Finally, it investigates the relationship between silence - as a response to verbal aggressiveness - and the virtue of ḥilm (judiciousness).
O uso do Twitter como ferramenta diplomática pela China
Authors: Lopes Marra de Sousa Ana Tereza
Published: July 2022

Para muitos países, as redes sociais têm se destacado enquanto instrumento de diplomacia pública e digital, sendo a China um dos Estados que tem mais tem usado a rede para tais propósitos, principalmente o Twitter. Diante disso, visando contribuir para o melhor entendimento do uso do Twitter como ferramenta diplomática pela China, neste trabalho apresentamos um estudo de caso no qual analisamos o uso de contas de autoridades chinesas no Twitter para a interlocução com contrapartes brasileiras, destacando a forma como a rede social foi utilizada em momentos de tensão nas relações entre os países. A partir de revisão bibliográfica e levantamento de dados primários, concluímos que diante de um cenário de adversidades, a China passou a perceber o uso do Twitter como uma ferramenta diplomática voltada a instrumentalizar a defesa de seus interesses. No caso analisado, especificamente, autoridades chinesas utilizaram o Twitter para mobilizar no Brasil atores internos política e economicamente interessados nas relações bilaterais Brasil-China para que se colocassem contrários a políticas que poderiam ser desvantajosas para a China.
Study on optimization of experimental conditions of microbial desulfurization in coal mine by response surface methodology
Authors: zhao dan , Sun Ping , ai chun-ming , wang da-peng , mu xiao-zhi
Published: July 2022

Abstract: To reduce the risk of spontaneous combustion during coal
storage and transportation, microbial desulfurization technology is used
to reduce the content of inorganic sulfur in coal. A strain of
Thiobacillus ferrooxidans was purified from coal mine water in Datong,
Shanxi Province, and its desulfurization test conditions were optimized.
Taking the removal rate of inorganic sulfur in coal as the response
value, the main factors affecting the removal rate of inorganic sulfur
were screened out by Plackett-Burman design method. Then, the steepest
climbing test was carried out to obtain the test center point, the
continuous variable surface model was established by response surface
method, and the interaction of various influence factors was determined.
The results show that the order of the three main factors influencing
the removal rate of inorganic sulfur is temperature > coal
particle size > desulfurization time, and the interaction
between temperature and coal particle size has the greatest influence on
the response value. The optimized desulfurization conditions are as
follows: the temperature is 29.50 ℃, the coal particle size is 100 mesh,
and the desulfurization time is 11.67 days. The removal rate of
inorganic sulfur is 79.78%, which is close to the predicted value and
the regression effect is good.
Relative Controllability of Hybrid Delay Multi-agent Systems
Authors: Si Yuanchao
Published: July 2022

This paper considers relative controllability of leader-follower hybrid
delay multi-agent systems under fixed communication topology, where two
kinds of state delays are existed and each agent subjects to one of
them. Some agents with unidirectional signal flows are assigned as
leaders and the others are followers. With neighbor-based protocols
adopted, the multi-agent systems are represented as a higher dimensional
two-delay system without pairwise matrices permutation. Fundamental
solution matrix of the two-delay system is constructed by improving the
methods in literature, further solution of the system is obtained. Based
on the solution Gramian criterion on relative controllability of the
system is established. Whereafter, a sufficient condition on relative
controllability of the system is presented. An example is attached to
support the work.
An improved nonlinear anisotropic PDE with p(x)-growth conditions applied to image restoration and enhancement
Authors: Alaa Hamza , Alaa Nour Eddine , Bouchriti Anass , CHARKAOUI Abderrahim
Published: July 2022

This work proposes a novel nonlinear parabolic equation with p(x)-growth
conditions for image restoration and enhancement. Based on the
generalized Lebesgue and Sobolev spaces with variable exponent, we
demonstrate the well-posedness of the proposed model. As a first result,
we prove the existence of a weak solution to our model when the reaction
term is bounded by a suitable function. Secondly, we use the
approximations method to establish the existence of a nonnegative weak
SOLA solution (Solution Obtained as Limit of Approximations) to the
proposed model. Finally, numerical experiments illustrate that the
proposed model performs better for image enhancement and denoising.
Biosynthesis of geranate via isopentenol utilization pathway in Escherichia coli
Authors: Pan Qiuchi , Ma Xiaoqiang , Liang Hong , Liu Yurou , Stephanopoulos Greg , Zhou Kang
Published: July 2022

Isoprenoids are a large family of natural products with diverse
structures, which allow them to play diverse and important roles in the
physiology of plants and animals. They also have important commercial
uses as pharmaceuticals, flavouring agents, fragrances, and nutritional
supplements. Recently, metabolic engineering has been intensively
investigated and emerged as the technology of choice for the production
of isoprenoids through microbial fermentation. Isoprenoid biosynthesis
typically originates in plants from acetyl-coA in central carbon
metabolism, however, a recent study reported an alternative pathway, the
Isopentenol Utilization pathway (IUP), that can provide the building
blocks of isoprenoid biosynthesis from affordable C5 substrates. In this
work, we expressed the IUP in Escherichia coli to efficiently
convert isopentenols into geranate, a valuable isoprenoid compound. We
first established a geraniol-producing strain in E. coli that
uses the IUP. Then, we extended the geraniol synthesis pathway to
produce geranate through two oxidation reactions catalysed by two
alcohol/aldehyde dehydrogenases from Castellaniella defragrans.
The geranate titer was further increased by optimizing the expression of
the two dehydrogenases and also parameters of the fermentation process.
The best strain produced 764 mg/L geranate in 24 h from 2 g/L
isopentenols (a mixture of isoprenol and prenol). We also investigated
if the dehydrogenases could accept other isoprenoid alcohols as
substrates.
Phase-field modeling of near-neutral pH stress corrosion crack initiation life in underground pipelines
Authors: Martnez Edel R. , Tesfamariam Solomon
Published: July 2022

A unified phase-field theory is introduced to describe crack initiation
and early crack growth due to pitting corrosion of pipelines in contact
with near-neutral pH groundwater. The model incorporates a formulation
that accounts for stochastic corrosion-induced crack nucleation events
at pit sites. This approach supplies a modeling framework to handle the
combined effects of electrochemical transformation of the original
metal, hydrogen diffusion and resulting embrittlement of the original
metal, and mechanical stresses. This is a robust computational approach
to tracking the evolving metalelectrolyte interface and embrittlement
regions. It was confirmed that dissolved hydrogen into the material
promotes crack initiation over a wide potential range and that pitting
corrosion, as a precursor of stress corrosion cracking, has a
recognizable influence on strength over time. It is expected that this
work provides the ground for modeling the pit-to-crack transition
required to effectively control very slow crack-in-colonies in
pipelines.
THE IMPACT OF THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC ON INVESTORS’ BEHAVIOUR IN THE LIGHT OF BEHAVIOURAL FINANCE
Authors: Wiśniewska Marta
Published: July 2022

The aim of the research was to find out the opinions of stockbrokers working at the Warsaw Stock Exchange regarding the behaviour of Polish investors in the face of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The research was carried out among 51 stockbrokers representing brokerage houses with a long history of operations. It has been found that psychological conditions of people and stock market sentiments play an important role in the decision-making process, and irrational investor behaviours, including largely herd effects, are particularly evident during the pandemic. The research shows that the occurrence of the coronavirus has not reduced the activity of Polish investors. Thus, significantly growing interest in shares of companies listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange has been noted. The behaviour and attitude of market participants towards risk were volatile during the developing pandemic, which manifested itself in rapid buying of overvalued assets or rapid selling of assets.
E-LEARNING CHALLENGES IN POLAND DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Parlińska Agieszka
Published: July 2022

The main objective of the paper is to show the new challenges for education that arose in Poland from 2019-2021, and the use of e-learning methods. This new approach, and the purpose and added value of this study, is to enrich the knowledge of the use of new teaching and research methods gained during the Covid-19 pandemic and applicability to pandemics generally, as well as continued use of these methods afterwards.. To achieve the objective, the method of literature analysis and critique was used, as well as a ratio analysis based on historical data from Statistics Poland (GUS), EUROSTAT and the author’s own first-hand observations as a university educator. The research results helped to formulate several conclusions regarding the factors which influence effective e-learning, such as: internet access and quality; the availability of adequate software, hardware and other tools; and the digital competence of teachers and students. A short SWOT analyse is also presented to highlight key considerations that are crucial for the future of elearning.
Bank Competition and Borrower Conservatism
Authors: Hou Liya , Liang Yi , Basu Sudipta
Published: July 2022

We study the influence of bank competition on U.S. public borrowers’ accounting conservatism by exploiting the staggered adoption of the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act (IBBEA) of 1994, which increased the threats of new bank entrants and actual bank entry. We find that borrowers’ conditional conservatism fell after IBBEA. Conservatism fell more for firms located in states with weak incumbent banks and states with more out-of-state entrants, especially entrants with better monitoring technologies. The decrease in conservatism partially stems from borrowers’ increased investment and risk-taking incentives. Conservatism fell more for firms relying more on bank loans, especially those that borrowed loans for the first time after IBBEA and for firms having lower dedicated institutional ownership and board independence. We also find that loans included fewer covenants and that bank loan borrowers became less likely to choose Big N auditors and industry specialist auditors after IBBEA.

Data Availability: Data are available from the public sources cited in the text.

JEL Classifications: G21; G28; K23; M41.
Effects of GLP-1 and GIP on Islet Function in Glucose-Intolerant, Pancreatic-Insufficient Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Nyirjesy Sarah C. , Peleckis Amy J. , Eiel Jack N. , Gallagher Kathryn , Doliba Andriana , Tami Abigail , Flatt Anneliese J. , De Leon Diva D. , Hadjiliadis Denis , Sheikh Saba , Stefanovski Darko , Gallop Robert , D’Alessio David A. , Rubenstein Ronald C. , Kelly Andrea , Rickels Michael R.
Published: July 2022

Impaired insulin and incretin secretion underlie abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) in pancreatic insufficient cystic fibrosis (PI-CF). Whether the incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) can enhance pancreatic islet function in cystic fibrosis (CF) is not known. We studied 32 adults with PI-CF and AGT randomized to receive either GLP-1 (n = 16) or GIP (n = 16) during glucose-potentiated arginine (GPA) testing of islet function on two occasions, with either incretin or placebo infused, in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over fashion. Another four adults with PI-CF and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and four matched control participants without CF underwent similar assessment with GIP. In PI-CF with AGT, GLP-1 substantially augmented second-phase insulin secretion but without effect on the acute insulin response to GPA or the proinsulin secretory ratio (PISR), while GIP infusion did not enhance second-phase or GPA-induced insulin secretion but increased the PISR. GIP also did not enhance second-phase insulin in PI-CF with NGT but did so markedly in control participants without CF controls. These data indicate that GLP-1, but not GIP, augments glucose-dependent insulin secretion in PI-CF, supporting the likelihood that GLP-1 agonists could have therapeutic benefit in this population. Understanding loss of GIP’s insulinotropic action in PI-CF may lead to novel insights into diabetes pathogenesis.
Diabetes Care Among Older Adults Enrolled in Medicare Advantage Versus Traditional Medicare Fee-For-Service Plans: The Diabetes Collaborative Registry
Authors: Essien Utibe R. , Tang Yuanyuan , Figueroa Jose F. , Litam Terrence Michael A. , Tang Fengming , Jones Philip G. , Patel Ravi , Wadhera Rishi K. , Desai Nihar R. , Mehta Sanjeev N. , Kosiborod Mikhail N. , Vaduganathan Muthiah
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVE

Medicare Advantage (MA), Medicare’s managed care program, is quickly expanding, yet little is known about diabetes care quality delivered under MA compared with traditional fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries ≥65 years old enrolled in the Diabetes Collaborative Registry from 2014 to 2019 with type 2 diabetes treated with one or more antihyperglycemic therapies. Quality measures, cardiometabolic risk factor control, and antihyperglycemic prescription patterns were compared between Medicare plan groups, adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical factors.

RESULTS

Among 345,911 Medicare beneficiaries, 229,598 (66%) were enrolled in FFS and 116,313 (34%) in MA plans (for ≥1 month). MA beneficiaries were more likely to receive ACE inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers for coronary artery disease, tobacco cessation counseling, and screening for retinopathy, foot care, and kidney disease (adjusted P ≤ 0.001 for all). MA beneficiaries had modestly but significantly higher systolic blood pressure (+0.2 mmHg), LDL cholesterol (+2.6 mg/dL), and HbA1c (+0.1%) (adjusted P < 0.01 for all). MA beneficiaries were independently less likely to receive glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (6.9% vs. 9.0%; adjusted odds ratio 0.80, 95% CI 0.77–0.84) and sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (5.4% vs. 6.7%; adjusted odds ratio 0.91, 95% CI 0.87–0.95). When integrating Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-linked data from 2014 to 2017 and more recent unlinked data from the Diabetes Collaborative Registry through 2019 (total N = 411,465), these therapeutic differences persisted, including among subgroups with established cardiovascular and kidney disease.

CONCLUSIONS

While MA plans enable greater access to preventive care, this may not translate to improved intermediate health outcomes. MA beneficiaries are also less likely to receive newer antihyperglycemic therapies with proven outcome benefits in high-risk individuals. Long-term health outcomes under various Medicare plans requires surveillance.
Long-term Survival After Sleeve Gastrectomy Versus Gastric Bypass in a Binational Cohort Study
Authors: Holmberg Dag , Santoni Giola , Kauppila Joonas H. , Markar Sheraz R. , Lagergren Jesper
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVE

Bariatric surgery prolongs life expectancy in severely obese individuals, but it is uncertain which of the two dominating bariatric procedures, sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass, offers the best long-term survival.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a population-based cohort study of primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy compared with gastric bypass for obesity in Sweden and Finland between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2020. The risk of all-cause mortality was calculated using multivariable Cox regression, providing hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs adjusted for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, Charlson comorbidity index, country, and calendar year.

RESULTS

Among 61,503 patients (median age 42 years; 75.4% women), who contributed 415,712 person-years at risk (mean 6.8 person-years), 1,571 (2.6%) died during follow-up. Compared with patients who underwent gastric bypass (n = 51,891 [84.4%]), the sleeve gastrectomy group (n = 9,612 [15.6%]) had similar all-cause mortality during the entire study period (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.81–1.20), but decreased all-cause mortality in more recent years (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.54–0.97, from 2014 onward). Diabetes interacted statistically significantly with the type of bariatric surgery, with higher all-cause mortality after sleeve gastrectomy than after gastric bypass (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.06–2.24).

CONCLUSIONS

The overall survival following sleeve gastrectomy seems to compare well with gastric bypass and may even be better during recent years. A tailored surgical approach in relation to patients’ diabetes status may optimize survival in patients selected for bariatric surgery (i.e., sleeve gastrectomy for patients without diabetes and gastric bypass for patients with diabetes).
Optimal Number of Steps per Day to Prevent All-Cause Mortality in People With Prediabetes and Diabetes
Authors: del Pozo-Cruz Jesus , Alvarez-Barbosa Francisco , Gallardo-Gomez Daniel , del Pozo Cruz Borja
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to examine the dose-response associations between the number of steps per day and all-cause mortality among adults with prediabetes and diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This prospective study used data from 1,194 U.S. adults with prediabetes and 493 with diabetes for whom accelerometer-derived steps per day could be retrieved. Mortality was ascertained through the National Death Index (February 25, 2019). Splines were used to assess the dose-response associations between steps per day and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Over ∼9 years of follow-up, 200 adults with prediabetes and 138 with diabetes died. Nonlinear associations akin to an L shape were observed. We estimated an optimal dose of ∼10,000 steps per day to reduce the risk of all-cause mortality for both individuals with prediabetes and those with diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Accumulating more steps per day up to ∼10,000 steps per day may lower the risk of all-cause mortality of adults with prediabetes and diabetes.
Topical Aspirin administration improves cutaneous wound healing in diabetic mice through a phenotypic switch of wound macrophages toward an anti-inflammatory and pro-resolutive profile characterized by LXA4 release
Authors: Dardenne Christophe , Salon Marie , Authier Hélène , Meunier Etienne , AlaEddine Mohamad , Bernad José , Bouschbacher Marielle , Lefèvre Lise , Pipy Bernard , Coste Agnès
Published: July 2022

  

Diabetic patients present a persistent inflammatory process, leading to impaired wound healing. Since non-healing diabetic wounds management shows limited results, the introduction of advanced therapies targeting and correcting the inflammatory status of macrophages in chronic wounds could be an effective therapeutic strategy to stop the sustained inflammation and to return to healing state. Here, we demonstrated in an excisional skin injury in diet-induced diabesity murine model that topic low-dose Aspirin (36µg/wound/day) administration improved cutaneous wound healing by increasing wound closure through the promotion of the inflammation resolution program of macrophages. Indeed, this treatment increased efferocytosis of wound macrophages from aspirin-treated diabetic mice compared to untreated diabetic mice. We also showed that Aspirin treatment of high fat fed mice oriented the phenotype of wound macrophages toward an anti-inflammatory and pro-resolutive profile characterized by a decrease of LTB4 production. The use of diabetic mice deficient for 5-LOX or 12/15-LOX demonstrated that these two enzymes of acid arachidonic metabolism were essential for the beneficial effect of Aspirin on wound healing. Thus, Aspirin treatment modified the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids by promoting the synthesis of pro-resolving LXA4 through 5-LOX/LTA4/12/15-LOX signaling. In conclusion, the restoration of anti-inflammatory and pro-resolutive phenotype of wound macrophages by the topical administration of low-dose Aspirin represents a promising therapeutic approach in chronic wounds.  