bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rock-discourse as the reflection of Perestroika
Authors: Дюкин С.Г.
Published: August 2021

Цель статьи – выявление реформаторского потенциала рок-музыки, который проявился в ходе Перестройки. Гипотезой исследования стала мысль о том, что молодежная музыка была не столько двигателем процессов изменения советского общества, сколько отражала намерения власти и ход реальных реформ, служила для апробации реформаторского дискурса. Исследование проведено на основе анализа нарративных интервью с очевидцами событий, музыкантами и людьми, близкими к рок-культуре в конце 1980-х гг., публикаций в прессе описываемого периода, неопубликованных документов. Появление и развитие описанного в статье дискурса указывает на использование рок-музыки в качестве индикатора изменений и инструмента для забрасывания камней, то есть апробации радикальных идей и решений.

The aim of this article is detection of reform potential of rock-music during Soviet Perestroika. Hypothesis of research is idea that youth music was not so much a support for changing of the Soviet society, but it was a mirror, which reflected intentions of power and process of real reforms. Rock-music was used for the testing of reform discourse. The forming and development of this discourse indicates the use of rock-music as an indicator of changings and instrument for check of discourse field or for testing radical ideas and decisions.
Little Island, Great Desolation: “Antarctic France” in Brazil as a Space of Sensory Deprivation
Authors: Окунева О.В.
Published: August 2021

В статье на примере истории первой французской колонии в Бразилии (1555–1560) рассматривается проблематика использования пространства сенсорной депривации в качестве инструмента властных отношений. Сохранившиеся свидетельства о тяготах и лишениях колонистов повествуют об ограниченности пространства, недостаточности запасов продовольствия одновременно с отсутствием привычных продуктов питания, а также жесткой и временами жестокой регламентацией главы колонии. Наряду с выявлением уникальной и верифицируемой информации источников статья затрагивает проблематику конструирования авторами XVI века определённых образов с помощью литературных приёмов.

The article examines the instrumental use of sensory deprivation to establish and maintain domination within a limited area, such as the first French colony in Brazil, the so-called “Antarctic France”. Testimonies of this colonial enterprise show the colonists’ hard life: limited space, insufficient food supplies and the lack of familiar alimentation, as well as authoritarian (and sometimes brutal) governance.
The article identifies unique and cross-confirmed information from such testimonies, and examines the ways 16th century authors used rhetoric and literary techniques to produce desired effect.
In memory of Vladimir Petrovich Sapon (1969-2020) - historian and teacher
Authors: Суслов А.Ю.
Published: August 2021

Статья посвящена памяти профессора Нижегородского государственного педагогического университета им. Козьмы Минина В.П. Сапона. Рассматривается биография и основные труды ученого, его вклад в развитие исторической науки.

The article is dedicated to the memory of the Nizhny Novgorod historian and teacher, Professor of the Kozma Minin state pedagogical University, doctor of historical Sciences Vladimir Petrovich Sapon. The author considers the biography of the scientist, his main works, and his contribution to the development of historical science.
The term “Aristocracy” and its Use for Nobility in the Achaemenid Empire
Authors: Орлов В.П. , Рунг Э.В.
Published: August 2021

В статье рассматривается правомерность использования термина «аристократия» применительно к истории Древнего Востока в целом и Ахеменидской державы, в частности. Авторы статьи на ряде примеров демонстрируют, в каких контекстах встречался термин «аристократия» в трудах зарубежных и отечественных востоковедов и эллинистов, а в завершении дают краткую характеристику персидской аристократии, которая приводится ими с учетом как древнегреческого понимания этого феномена, и так и древнеперсидских реалий, на основании источников.

This article discusses the use of the term “aristocracy” for the history of the Ancient East as a whole, and of the Achaemenid Empire, in particular. Turning to this issue, the authors demonstrate, in a number of examples, in what contexts the term “aristocracy” was used in the works of foreign and Russian orientalists and Hellenists, and finally they give a brief description of the Persian aristocracy, which they consider on the basis of the ancient Greek understanding of this phenomenon, and of ancient Persian realities reconstructed from sources.
An overview of the elemental and functional content of the health indicators system as an economic category
Authors: Koibichuk Vitaliia , Jakubowska Agnieszka , Drozd Serhii , Sydorenko Anastasiia
Published: August 2021

This paper summarizes the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on defining the essence of health as an economic category. Systematization of the scientific works to defining health as an economic category requires a clear formation and a detailed description of the health determinants. For achieving the research goal, the study was carried out in the following logical sequence: 1) defining the general research problem; 2) theoretical analysis on the relevant publications; 3) classifying the health determinants by item functioning content; 4) defining areas of public policy concerning the investigated issue; 5) determining the global changes due to COVID-19 impact. The methodological base of this study was the methods of systematization, comparison, structural analysis, logical generalization, and bibliometric analysis. The study involved the VOSviewer 1.6.15 software in visualizing the obtained results. The study sample consists of 610 documents indexed in the Scopus database from 2010 to May 2021. The paper presents the classification of the health determinants by the item functioning content as follows: 1) medical and demographic orientation determinants; 2) morbidity determinants, their composition, a list of the number of appeals to medical institutions, reports of medical examinations; 3) disability determinants; 4) determinants of physical development such as somatometric (average height, weight, chest volume, geometric shape of organs and body tissues), somatotopic (geometry of the spine, legs, arms, skeletal development, etc.), and psychometric (arm strength, respiratory rate, blood pressure, etc.); 5) determinants of natural population movement (births, deaths, natural population growth, life expectancy). The authors noted that quantitative determinants mentioned above allowed determining in detail and systematically the level of health as an economic category. The findings showed that the global COVID-19 pandemic changes the legislation support of health care. Besides, the healthcare guarantees program ensures transparent government support in the medical sector of Ukraine. The authors indicated that using an «Analytical panels» (dashboards) service on the website of the National Health Service allowed the analytical data processing on medical costs. The authors highlighted the improvement in healthcare institutions’ performance and financial transparency. The obtained results could be helpful for scientists and students interested in this research issue.
Motivation management model and practical realization within the health care institutions
Authors: Mamay Alla , Myroshnychenko Iuliia , Dzwigol Henryk
Published: August 2021

The motivation of medical workers is essential to society since the quality of their work affects the individual and public health. The authors highlighted the special role of state and municipal authorities in motivating medical professionals. The study aims to identify the main directions and elaborate the recommendations to build motivational management models in health care facilities. The study reveals the essence and objectives of personnel policy management in health care facilities. The main methods of motivating health workers were analyzed. The authors evaluated the impact of health reforms on health workers’ motivation. The study proposed several ways to improve the motivational management models. The authors conducted an in-depth analysis of economic and non-economic motivation in health care facilities. The methodological basis of the study is comparative analysis, the method of scientific abstraction, induction and deduction analysis, and synthesis. The practical implementation involved the online services Google Ngram Viewer and SciVal. The findings proved the need to develop the health care quality performances and their approval at the local level. The authors concluded that it is necessary to elaborate on a local program of employees’ motivation of utility non-profit enterprises to implement qualitative indicators. This program may include the mayor’s award, awards free internship programs, invitations to cultural events, symbolic gifts, etc. The obtained results showed that the health reform didn’t cover all activity areas of the health care institutions while the funding for medical care per one patient was insufficient. Therefore, the study emphasized the urgency to solve the above strategic problem in state and municipal management in Ukraine. The findings could be useful for the state and the municipal government of Ukraine in elaborating on motivation programs for health workers and their maintenance.
КРІ model impact on employee motivation and competitiveness of private healthcare facilities
Authors: Kotenko Stanislav , Kobushko Iana , Heiets Iryna , Rusanov Oleksandr
Published: August 2021

The Constitution of Ukraine stipulates that an individual, his/her life, and health are the highest state social values. The authors highlighted that the health care system is the basis of social policy, national security, public health, and economic development. The current reformation of medical and legal reforms in Ukraine are fully covered by health legislation. In the context of these laws, the government promotes the development of private, communal, and state healthcare facilities. The authors noted that private medicine is snowballing in Ukraine, but the competitiveness of private health care facilities is insufficient in state medical reform. The study emphasized the absence of appropriate tools and mechanisms to motivate staff in private healthcare facilities. Based on the findings, the authors proposed introducing a set of evaluation indicators combined into a single integrated system – key performance indicators (KPIs), which would be the basis for calculating the bonus payroll. In turn, this system of material incentives should encourage medical staff to work effectively, be active, and initiative. The mechanism for developing a set of KPIs should be approved at the administration of the private health care facility. At the same time, medical workers of all levels must participate in KPIs elaborating. The indicators of medical care quality could be further used to improve healthcare, differentiated work assessment of medical staff, and healthcare facility in general, in accreditation and certification of private health care facilities. In the study, the authors formed and analyzed groups of indicators for different categories of the medical staff of private medical institutions. The obtained results showed that different bonus rates are needed to motivate employees at various levels to create an additional incentive to build a medical career. Thus, it could be argued that private healthcare facilities should develop motivation policy and strategy, revise system and forms of remuneration, improve the mechanism of motivation and incentives, focus on increasing competitiveness indicators in private medicine.
Improving Snapdragon Cut Flower Production through High Tunnel Season Extension, Transplant Timing, and Cultivar Selection
Authors: Lewis Maegen , Stock Melanie , Black Brent , Drost Dan , Dai Xin
Published: August 2021

The demand for locally grown, specialty cut flowers is increasing and now includes nontraditional regions for production, such as the U.S. Intermountain West. The objective of this study was to evaluate snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L.) as a cool season, cut flower crop in northern Utah, where the high elevation and semiarid climate result in a short growing season with strong daily temperature fluctuations. High tunnel and field production methods were trialed in North Logan, UT (41.77°N, 111.81°W, 1382 m elevation) with cultivars ‘Chantilly’, ‘Potomac’, and ‘Rocket’ in 2018 and 2019. Each year, five to six transplant timings at 3-week intervals were tested, beginning in early February in high tunnels and ending in late May in an unprotected field. Stems were harvested and graded according to quality and stem length. High tunnels advanced production by 5 to 8 weeks, whereas field harvests continued beyond the high tunnel harvests by 2 to 8 weeks. High tunnels yielded 103 to 110 total stems per m2 (65% to 89% marketability), whereas field yields were 111 to 162 total stems per m2 (34% to 58% marketability). Overall, production was the greatest with March transplant timings in the high tunnels and mid-April transplant timings in the field. ‘Chantilly’ consistently bloomed the earliest on 4 and 6 May each year, ‘Potomac’ had the highest percentage of long stem lengths, and ‘Rocket’ extended marketable stem production through July in high tunnels. Selecting optimal transplant dates in the high tunnel and field based on cultivar bloom timing maximizes marketable yields and results in a harvest window lasting 4.5 months.
Design and development of patient-specific prosthetic socket for lower limb amputation
Authors: Gubbala Giri Ratnakar , Inala Ramu
Published: August 2021

The work aims to design and development of a prosthetic socket for lower limb amputation with 3D printing technology for a patient. It is focused on the finite element-based simulation and analysis by utilizing CT based three-dimensional (3D) model. In this study, image processing software is used for extracting models from CT images and obtained models are modified in CAD modeling software in STL format. These files are examined in ANSYS simulation to performing the static and dynamic analysis of the prosthetic stump and socket. Based on the simulation results, the model is to prepare with the 3D printer. The results from the 3D model simulation can be used to estimate the pressure distribution. The function of the below-knee prosthesis is to control the leg under static and dynamic conditions. The prosthetic sockets evolution and prefabrication by using finite element approach very interesting topic in this research work for the fabricators. Finally, it helps contribute to an overall prefabrication evaluation system to allow healthcare providers. The patients are comfortable with the transtibial prosthetics made of 3D printers with the simulation process to fit.
Nation brand and competitiveness of companies: Alternative approach to nation branding
Authors:   National Research University Higher School of Economics, Kusraeva Olga A.
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study is to identify factors by which the nation brand builds a competitive advantage for various activities implemented in the country and to develop an alternative approach to nation branding, which allows to increase the competitiveness of companies operating in the country. The analysis of the previous research reveals that the nation brand image is formed by nation branding, which is aimed to communicate the nation brand identity. It is also determined that during the implementation of nation branding, three types of gaps can take place between nation brand image and identity and prevent the formation of competitive advantages. The research intended to identify the factors that form competitive advantages through the nation branding was performed in two steps: first, the analysis of the main approaches to nation branding on what forms a competitive advantage and then the identification of the factors based on the analysis of the functions and goals of nation branding. In addition to political, socio-cultural, and geographical factors, the research reveals the following factors: communication, uniqueness, relevance, management, and brand unity. With consideration to identified factors and the information about gaps, there was developed an alternative approach to nation branding with the goal to enhance the competitiveness of companies operating in the country. 11 characteristics underlying the alternative approach were defined. The significant role of the national priorities of the country in the formation of the nation brand is emphasized. In the framework of an alternative approach, nation brand education is marked as a key task of nation branding. The team which is responsible for nation branding will trains representatives of different fields of the state activities how to use the nation brand in order to enhance competitiveness.
Factors of the fintech market development in the global economy (the case of the alternative lending)
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Barykin Sergey A. , Bulgakov Andrei L. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University,   National Research University Higher School of Economics
Published: August 2021

Alternative lending is one of the largest segments of the financial technology market in the world which is represented by online platforms specializing in organizing the lending process. The purpose of the article is to assess the impact of key factors on the dynamics of venture capital investments in alternative lending platforms. The objectives of this study are to define the concept of alternative lending, build an econometric model to analyze the factors of development of alternative lending in the world, and interpret the results from the point of view of the prospects for the development of alternative lending. Alternative lending has been defined as a segment of the fintech market that can be characterized as parallel financing of economic activities based on digital platforms through the provision of syndicated loans after decentralized business models. To test the hypotheses of the study, an econometric model was built on the analysis of 5,234 investment transactions completed in the period from 2013 to 2019 in 35 countries of the world and included in the CrunchBase database. According to the model, such factors as the availability of venture capital, the number of workforce, the digital competitiveness of the economy (the factor of future readiness), and the availability of credit information have a significant impact on the dynamics of direct and venture capital investments in alternative lending companies. The obtained results can be considered when improving the national strategy for regulating the alternative lending market, which is especially important for Russia, where the segment of alternative lending is at the stage of stagnation.
Mechanism of antisurdant action of triazin-indole derivative at experimental acoustic trauma
Authors:   Farm-TRISAN Ltd, Pastushenkov Vladimir , Kuznecov Maxim ,   S. M. Kirov Military Medical Academy, Dvorjanchikov Vladimir ,   S. M. Kirov Military Medical Academy, Pastushenkov Alexander ,   North-Western State Medical University named after I. I. Mechnikov, Gabaeva Madin ,   Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after H. M. Berbekov
Published: August 2021

In our research performed using model of acoustic trauma at experimental animals (female of hybrids F1 of CBA and C57BL/6 lines) influence of triazin-indole at expression level of hypoxia induced factor (HIF) in Corti’s organ was studied at its therapy application. As a reference drug cytoflavin was used. Investigated drug in the form of 1 % solution was introduced into animals parenterally in dosage 5, 7, 10 mg/kg with 2 hr intervals after acoustic impact. Injection of cytoflavin as reference drag was performed in 1.7 ml/kg dosage. Level of HIF expression in the drug of Corti’s organ was estimated using immunohistochemical method. It was found out that triazin-indole derivative increases HIF expression in Corti’s cells and in neurons of spiral ganglion at acoustical traumatic impact depending on drug dosage increase. Maximal HIF expression in Corti’s cells and in ganglions were noted at therapeutic dose of the drug 10 mg/kg. In control group and in the group with application citoflavin in dose 1.7 ml/kg minimal HIF expression was observed. According to obtained results of performed investigation the authors concluded that antisurdant property of triazin-indole derivative is realized through the influence on HIF metabolism (probably, by blockage of prolyl hydroxylase) and enables to consider it as a target molecular during the drug application.
Co-regulation as a way to improve the effectiveness of legal regulation in sports
Authors:   The North-Western branch of the Russian State University of Justice, Dorskaia Aleksandra A. , Dorskii Andrei Yu. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: August 2021

In the article, the authors formulate a definition of co-regulation based on an overview of the approaches available in documents and regulations from the European Union. Co-regulation does not appear to be an intermediate form between state regulation and self-regulation, but rather an independent method of social regulation that can significantly improve legal regulation effectiveness. This is achieved by combining legal principles and norms and state control over their implementation with a broad discretion of professionals in a particular field. Sports is considered a classic case of co-regulation since all Russian sports federations pursue the legally defined goals (development of one or more sports in the Russian Federation, their promotion, organization, sporting events and training of athletes who are members of national sports teams), achieve these goals to realize the legally defined rights and obligations, and undergo evaluation for effectiveness and accreditation by the state. The article thoroughly analyzes the history of adopting a package of amendments to Russian legislation in order to introduce arbitral proceedings for athletes and coaches’ individual labor disputes in 2020. This example demonstrates the weaknesses of exclusive state regulation of legal relations in sports and the shortcomings of self-regulation. Specific problems are identified: their solutions are quite complicated when one has to choose one of the above-mentioned models or their combination, the status of “legionnaires”, duration of labor contracts, conditions for paying salaries and others. The arguments in favor of introducing a national arbitration for athletes and coaches’ labour disputes are considered. The status of Russian and international sports federations is studied in terms of their classification as self-regulatory organizations and the inconsistency of the independent status of sports organizations is demonstrated. In conclusion, the authors propose an amendment to the Federal Law on Physical Culture and Sports in the Russian Federation to legalize co-regulation in this area.
Information technology in the investigation of riots
Authors:   Research Institute of the Federal Penitentiary Service, Grigoryev Victor N.
Published: August 2021

The use of information technology is a cross-cutting actively developing element in the method of investigating mass riots, which in modern conditions acts as a factor in the success of this work. The article reveals the features of the criminal prosecution of riots using information technology. The main areas of using automated data banks and information retrieval systems in the investigation of mass riots are determined. Domestic and foreign possibilities of using information technologies in the organization of investigative work, in accounting and control over the materials of criminal cases on mass riots, in fixing the circumstances of crimes and in proving them are shown. The structure of the program for making and supporting the decision to create a specialized investigative group designed to work in emergency conditions is determined. As part of such a group, it is proposed to immediately organize its own information center with its own databank of episodes and persons, taking into account the primary materials on the facts of riots using the programs intended for this. For the formation of information about the general situation of mass riots, special mathematical models for the study of space-time patterns are intended. Recommendations are formulated to survey a large area and recreate a unified picture of disturbances using quadcopters. To determine the involvement of a person in riots, it is recommended to compare data from various electronic sources, such as email correspondence, electronic documents and mobile communication log files, the history of search queries in web browsers, cards and payment systems, etc. The modern judicial practice of proving participation in mass riots using, along with photo and video materials, the corresponding fragments of records also placed in electronic means is assessed.
Important issues in select European Union countries’ criminal environmental law in compliance with Directive 2008/99/EC
Authors:   University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Zębek Elżbieta
Published: August 2021

This article analyzes issues in criminal environmental law in Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany, which implemented the provisions of the European Commission Directive 2008/99/EC. The provisions of this directive changed the scope of protection of environmental resources in these countries’ penal codes to varying extents. These three countries have been relatively successful in comprehensively implementing criminal directive provisions. This included changes in the special protection of Natura 2000 sites and ozone depleting substances. Legal systems are generally based on prevention and risk assessment, and the basic conditions of criminal responsibility for environmental crimes include “significant damage, causing damage to the health of another or animals and plants, damage to other property and also water, air, soil and environmental components which have significant value”. Additional aspects include environmental damage over larger areas and restoration costs. However, the greatest current problem is the vague definition of conditions of criminal responsibility, which makes it difficult to enforce legislation. The following postulates de lege ferenda were formulated: clarify the premises for offenses against the environment, specify the costs of remedying environmental damage, define critical emission standards for environmental crime, as well as specify activities in protected areas that threaten objects. This article emphasizes that an increased and better definition of the conditions of criminal responsibility for environmental crimes enacted by EU countries may contribute to more effective enforcement of infringements of environmental protection law.
Dialectical analysis of amendment to the Criminal Procedure Law of China in 2018
Authors:   Beijing Institute of Technology, Peng Haiqing
Published: August 2021

The amendment to the Criminal Procedure Law in China in 2018 mainly involves enhancing the system for leniency based on admission of guilt and acceptance of punishment, increasing the procedure of fast-track sentencing, improving the convergence norm between the Criminal Procedure Law and the Supervision Law, and adding the procedure for trial in absentia. These improvements and additions have positive implications for the implementation of a criminal policy of leniency and strictness, for realization of the diversion of complex situations and simple situations in the proceedings, for deepening the reform of the state’s supervisory system, for realizing the people’s procuratorate’s effective performance of legal supervision, and power and for effectively punishing crimes of corruption. However, there are limitations in the amendment of the Criminal Procedure Law in 2018. In the future, the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Law can adopt both the comprehensive amendment of the National People’s Congress and the partial amendment of its Standing Committee, so as to promote the amendment of the Criminal Procedure Law in a timely and comprehensive manner. In terms of the amendment’s content, the judicial reform results and coordination between laws should be fully considered. New regulations for the new law should be clear and enforceable. In regard to law implementation, there should be sufficient time for implementation preparation after the promulgation of the new law.
Protective and provocative family factors of aggressive behavior in children and adolescents
Authors:   Moscow State Pedagogical University, Rean Artur , Stavtsev Alexey ,   Moscow State Pedagogical University
Published: August 2021

The article examines the protective and the provocative family factors of aggressive behavior in children and adolescents. The negative influence of aggression on the process of socialization is described as well as possible ways of preventive influence to even out the negative influence. During the analysis of scientific literature, including empirical studies of family factors and their influence on the manifestation of aggressive behavior in children and adolescents, two significant clusters are identified: a family’s socio-demographic factors and intrafamily psychological factors as well as social attitudes. In this article, the authors describe a family’s psychological factors, and social attitudes in terms of their protective or provocative influence on the manifestation of aggressive behavior in children and adolescents, as well as in terms of a possible preventive and/or corrective effect on these factors. The frequent manifestation of acts of aggression, as well as the high level of aggressiveness and hostility of children and adolescents relative to the average indicators of their society, is considered as a consequence of deviations in the process of their socialization. The relationship between aggressive behavior and socialization allow the authors to state the importance of a complex integrated approach to the prevention and correction of the aggressive behavior of children and adolescents from the “risk group” from such “agents” of socialization as family and school. The work also examines current examples of complex preventive impact on the personality of a student with the help of positive psychological interventions (PPI), based on the example of foreign experience in the use of PPI. In addition, it substantiates the need for coordinated interaction between the institution of the family and the educational institution for an effective positive impact on the processes of socialization, as well as for the prevention and/or correction of aggressive behavior of minors.
Analysis of caregiver-child interaction when transferring children from a baby home to post-institutional families
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Shabalina Ekaterina , Muhamedrahimov Rifkat ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: August 2021

The article presents a study of characteristics of the interaction of children with the experience of institutionalization and caregivers both at the departure from a baby home and at different stages of living in post-institutional families, as well as their comparison with characteristics of interaction of parents and children in biological families. Previous studies have shown that the quality of interaction with a caregiver is one of the factors that mitigate the effects of early deprivation. To assess the quality of interaction, the PCERA method was used, based on the analysis of video recordings of a child and his caregiver during free play. A total of 31 cases of interaction between caregivers and children with the experience of institutionalization (IE; average age 29.3 ± 22.9 months) and 51 cases of interaction in biological families (BF; 38.8 ± 17.5 months) were analyzed. It was found that during the transition from a baby home to a post-institutional family, the quality of caregiver-child interaction remains at a relatively low level. In the first 24 months of a child’s residence in a family, foster parents have a lower level of sensitivity, mirroring and involvement in interaction with a child, more unpredictable behavior and negative emotions than parents in BF. After 24 months in a post-institutional family, children show a decrease in emotional stability and compliance and an increase in negative affect, in comparison with the assessment at the departure from an institution and in relation to their peers from a BF. At the same time, the overall total and some child’s indicators improve with increasing age of children in both the IE and BF groups. The results obtained underline the need to create psychological follow-up programs for post-institutional families aimed at supporting the development of interaction and the formation of attachment at the earliest stages after the child is transitioned to a post-institutional family.
Second-generation Liquid Platelet Concentrates: A Literature Review
Authors: Shah Rucha , Gowda Triveni M. , Thomas Raison , Kumar Tarun
Published: August 2021

Liquid or injectable platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a second-generation platelet concentrate that is completely autologous and free of external additives, like bovine thrombin and calcium chloride. Additionally, it is the only one to be obtained in a liquid form among the second-generation platelet concentrates. This allows for wide applications such as maximizing injections or mixing with bio-materials such as bone grafts or antibiotics. Since it was first introduced in 2015, several modifications of the original protocol have been proposed which aim at maximizing its biological and mechanical properties. This includes changes in centrifugation speed, time, and so on. The aim of this review is to summarize the various modifications of the injectable/liquid formation of PRF as well as to discuss the potential applications and future research direction.
Interleukin-17A in Alzheimer’s Disease: Recent Advances and Controversies
Authors: Yan Xin-Zhu , Lai Laijun , Ao Qiang , Tian Xiao-Hong , Zhang Yan-Hui
Published: August 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that mainly affects
older adults. Although the global burden of AD is increasing year by year, the causes of AD remain
largely unknown. Numerous basic and clinical studies have shown that interleukin-17A (IL-17A)
may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of AD. A comprehensive assessment of the role of
IL-17A in AD would benefit the diagnosis, understanding of etiology and treatment. However, over
the past decade, controversies remain regarding the expression level and role of IL-17A in AD. We
have incorporated newly published researches and point out that IL-17A expression levels may vary
along with the development of AD, exercising different roles at different stages of AD, although
much more work remains to be done to support the potential role of IL-17A in AD-related pathology.
Here, it is our intention to review the underlying mechanisms of IL-17A in AD and address the
current controversies in an effort to clarify the results of existing research and suggest future studies.
Conversion of Limonene over Heterogeneous Catalysis: An Overview
Authors: Tomar Ravi , Jain Swati , Yadav Purnima , Bajaj Tanima , Mohajer Fatemeh , Ziarani Ghodsi Mohammadi
Published: August 2021

:

The natural terpene limonene is widely found in nature. The (R)-limonene (the most abundant
enantiomer) is present in the essential oils of lemon, orange, and other citrus fruits, while the (S)-
limonene is found in peppermint and the racemate in turpentine oil. Limonene is a low-cost, low toxicity
biodegradable terpene present in agricultural wastes derived from citrus peels. The products obtained
from the conversion of limonene are valuable compounds widely used as additives for food, cosmetics, or
pharmaceuticals. The conversion of limonene to produce different products has been the subject of intense
research, mainly with the objective of improving catalytic systems. This review focused on the application
of heterogeneous catalysts in the catalytic conversion of limonene.
Comparison of High-Sensitive CRP, RDW, PLR and NLR between Patients
with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Chronic Heart
Failure
Authors: Solooki Mehrdad , Mahjoob Mohammad Parsa , Mousavi-roknabadi Razieh Sadat , Sedaghat Meghdad , Rezaeisadrabadi Mohammad , Fazlzadeh Aylar , Absalan Abdorrahim
Published: August 2021

Background:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic systemic inflammation,
which has similar signs and symptoms to chronic heart failure (CHF).

Objective:

To compare high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level and selected blood indices
in patients with COPD and CHF.

Methods:

This prospective cross-sectional study (July 2019-July 2020) was conducted on patients
aged 40-70 years old with a previous diagnosis of COPD, CHF, and cor pulmonale. They were divided
into four groups: 1) patients with COPD, who were hospitalized due to exacerbation of dyspnea,
2) patients with CHF without a history of COPD, 3) patients with CHF and history of COPD
(COPD+CHF), and finally 4) patients who had concomitant COPD and cor pulmonale condition.
Spirometry, echocardiography, and six-minute walking test were performed. The hsCRP level was
assessed at the beginning and end of hospital admission. Finally, RDW, neutrophil, lymphocyte,
platelet counts, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were
measured. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (α = 0.05).

Results:

In total, 140 patients were enrolled. The highest hsCRP level was observed in patients in
the COPD+CHF group, and the lowest level was found in patients with CHF. Overall, a significant
difference was observed in the hsCRP level at the beginning and the end of admission (P =0.0001).
HsCRP had a positive correlation with the duration of hospital stay and a negative correlation with
the results of the six-minute walking test. The lymphocyte counts and PLR had significant positive
correlations with the six-minute walking test (R =0.38, P =0.0001 vs. R =0.325, P =0.001, respectively),
and significant negative correlations with duration of hospital stay (R =-0.317, P =0.0001
vs. R =-0.380, P =0.001, respectively). At the admission, a significant difference in hsCRP was only
observed comparing the COPD and cor pulmonale groups (OR =1.097, P =0.002). There were
significant differences in the six-minute walking test comparing the COPD group with either of
CHF or COPD+CHF groups. Significant differences were noted in the hospital stay duration comparing
the COPD group with all other groups.
Maraviroc Oral Disintegration Tablet: Analytical Design of Experiments
(DoE) for Assessment and Comparison of In vitro Dissolution Profiles
Authors: Channabasavaish Jagadish Purale , Ramesh Akula , Jhawar Vinay , Das Proneel , Patil Prajakta , Mutalik Srinivas
Published: August 2021

Background:

The bioavailability of a drug in a solid oral dose depends on its
release from the drug product and its balance in dissolution. Compared with a reference
drug, the newly developed formulation needs to establish bioequivalence by
comparing the dissolution profile.

Objective:

To compare dissolution profiles of a newly developed maraviroc oral disintegration
tablet and the reference Axentri® tablet. The current research was designed to establish and validate
an integral analytical consistency by Quality by Design (QbD) approach to quantify maraviroc
from dissolution samples using the RP-HPLC method.

Methods:

Maraviroc was formulated into an orally disintegrating tablet using a direct compression
technique at different concentrations of sodium starch glycolate as super disintegrants and
talc and magnesium stearate as glidants. The dissolution test in 0.1N HCl was performed according
to standard procedures to predict bioequivalence. The results of dissolution tests were
analyzed using the QbD Box Behnken Design multivariate RP-HPLC method.

Results:

The optimized formulation (F2) was selected as it showed 90% drug release in 5 min
and a disintegration time of 22 sec with dissolution profiles to the marketed reference to meet
the FDA requirements of f2 similarity factor statistics. The integrated analytical QbD method
was statistically analyzed by ANOVA, counter-plot, and 3D response surface plots, which
demonstrated that the model is statistically significant. The developed method was validated as
per ICH guidelines Q2 (R1).

Conclusion :

In conclusion, maraviroc oral disintegrating tablets have been well prepared, and
superior statement consistency is established by the implementation of the QbD analytical
method for orally disintegrating tablet excellence and adoption.
Dental Students and Faculty Perceptions of Teaching Methods: Traditional Classes, Online Virtual Classes, and Recorded Lectures
Authors: Alfallaj Hayam A. , Alkadhi Ruba M. , Alfuriji Samah N. , Alfadley Abdulmohsen A. , Aleksejūnienė Jolanta
Published: August 2021

Background:

Rapid advancement in technology has provided alternatives to traditional classroom teaching. Such instructional methods have gained increasing importance during the COVID-19 pandemic when physical classroom attendance was not possible. The study evaluated faculty’s and students’ perceptions concerning the online virtual classes and recorded lectures as compared to traditional classes delivered at the College of Dentistry, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences.

Materials and Methods:

Surveys were developed and distributed to 34 faculty members and 186 students. Perceptions about virtual classes, recorded lectures, physical attendance, the effectiveness of different teaching methods, and overall experience were evaluated. Descriptive statistics were presented using frequencies and percentages. The Chi-square test compared the students’ and the faculty members’ responses. The level of significance was set at α =0.05.

Results:

Thirty-one faculty members and 149 dental students participated, and the overall response rates were 91.2% and 80.1%, respectively. While there was a general agreement on the usefulness of making recorded lectures available, a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) was found between students’ and faculty members’ views on making classroom-lecture attendance optional (67.1% of students and 12.9% of the faculty agreed/strongly agreed). Statistically significant differences (p<0.001) were found between the students and faculty members concerning the effectiveness of recorded lectures and attending online virtual classes as an alternative to classroom attendance.

Conclusion:

Overall, students were more accepting of technology than faculty members as a substitute for traditional classroom teaching. For a more efficient and satisfactory learning experience, both teaching methods should be considered in a blended-learning module.
Bruise Damage Susceptibility and Fruit Quality Assessment of Pear
Authors: Pathare Pankaj B. , Al-Dairi Mai , Al-Mahdouri Adil
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Bruising is a type of mechanical damage that challenges fresh horticulture production efforts, which occurs mainly due to excessive compression and impact forces during postharvest operations resulting in quality deterioration of fresh produce and reduction in economic value.

Objective:

This study aims to assess the bruise susceptibility of imported pears and determine its effect on pear quality attributes.

Materials and Methods:

Each Pyrus communis, variety ‘D'Anjou’ imported pears was impacted by a known mass steel ball at three different drop heights (20, 40, and 60 cm). Bruised fruit was stored at 22°C with 45±5% RH and 10°C with 85±5% RH for 48 hours storage period. Pears were also subjected to different quality analyses like color, firmness, weight loss, and total soluble solids (TSS). The analysis was conducted by performing two factorial balanced analyses of variance (ANOVA).

Results:

Bruise area, bruise volume, and bruise susceptibility were the highest at higher drop impact (60 cm) on pears stored at 22°C and the lowest were at lower drop impact (20 cm) on pears stored at 10°C. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant impact of drop height and temperature on bruising susceptibility. Besides, statistics showed a significant impact of the studied factors (temperature and drop height) on quality parameters of pears such as lightness (L*), redness-greenness (a*), weight loss, and firmness after 48 hours of storage

Conclusion:

Mechanical damages like bruising can be affected by many factors like storage temperature and impact level force.
Finally, it was concluded that mechanical damages like bruising can be affected by many factors like storage temperature and impact force. Overall, this study can consider as a guideline for workers during postharvest operations and handling.
Pharmacological Interventions for the Prevention and Treatment of Kidney
Injury Induced by Radiotherapy: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical
Perspectives
Authors: Hosseinimehr Seyed Jalal , Sahebnasagh Adeleh , Saghafi Fatemeh , Azimi Saeed , Salehifar Ebrahim
Published: August 2021

:

More than half of cancer patients need radiotherapy during the course of their treatment.
Despite the beneficial aspects, the destructive effects of radiation beams on normal tissues lead to
oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell injury. Kidneys are affected during radiotherapy of abdominal
malignancies. Radiation nephropathy eventually leads to the release of factors triggering systemic
inflammation. Currently, there is no proven prophylactic or therapeutic intervention for the
management of radiation-induced nephropathy. This article reviews the biomarkers involved in the
pathophysiology of radiation-induced nephropathy and its underlying molecular mechanisms. The
efficacy of compounds with potential radioprotective properties on amelioration of inflammation
and oxidative stress is also discussed. By outlining the approaches for preventing and treating this
critical side effect, we evaluate the potential treatment of radiation-induced nephropathy. Available
preclinical and clinical studies on these compounds are also scrutinized.
Implications of Cannabis Legalization: A National and International Perspective
Authors: Petti Theodore A. , Chatlos John Calvin
Published: August 2021

Background:

Issues related to the legalization of cannabis have
significantly increased over the past 25 years. Federal policy has become minimally
more flexible but essentially maintains marijuana’s dangerous drug status. Myriad
laws and regulations characterize the legal status of cannabis across the US and
internationally. Contradictory laws and regulations across states result from a lack
of coherent federal policy, thus leaving states to address public health, cannabis
industry and consumer pressures. Research prohibition has made public policy
development difficult and informed by inadequately supported, restricted science.

Objective 1:

Consider key issues related to cannabis legalization and distinctions
between gradients to access for medical purposes, decriminalization or adult
recreational use.

Objective 2:

To consider the status of cannabis legalization on a state and global basis.

Objective 3:

Consider implications of cannabis legalization and avenues for
mitigating harm.

Methods:

A review of the background to cannabis legalization intends to provide
insight into cannabis’ current legal status and options being considered for
advocacy and policy development. The three major classifications of legalized
marijuana are detailed; cannabidiol or hemp and synthetic cannabinoids are
considered separately.

Results:

The status of cannabis within the US and globally has often been
discordant with reality and science, and rigid with pressures to effect change. The
diversity of state and international laws is significant, even within the same
designation into one of the three major classes or cannabidiol.

Conclusion:

Science-based standardized federal and state laws and regulations to
meet the special needs of adolescents and emerging adults must be pursued.