bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxicity towards Breast Cancer Cells of Pluronic F-127/Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Containing Nitric Oxide Donor and Silica Nanoparticles Loaded with Cisplatin
Authors: de Melo Santana Bianca , Pieretti Joana Claudio , Gomes Rafael Nunes , Cerchiaro Giselle , Seabra Amedea Barozzi
Published: December 2022

The incorporation of both nitric oxide (NO) donor (S-nitrosoglutathione, GSNO) and silica nanoparticles loaded with cisplatin (SiO2@CisPt NPs) into a polymeric matrix represents a suitable approach to creating a drug-delivery system with sustained and localized drug release against tumor cells. Herein, we report the synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxicity evaluation of Pluronic F-127/hyaluronic acid hydrogel containing GSNO and SiO2@CisPt NPs against breast cancer cells. SiO2@CisPt NPs were successfully synthesized, revealing a spherical morphology with an average size of 158 ± 20 nm. Both GSNO and SiO2@CisPt NPs were incorporated into the thermoresponsive Pluronic/hyaluronic hydrogel for sustained and localized release of both NO and cisplatin. The kinetics of NO release from a hydrogel matrix revealed spontaneous and sustained release of NO at the millimolar range for 24 h. The MTT assay showed concentration-dependent cytotoxicity of the hydrogel. The combination of GSNO and SiO2@CisPt incorporated into a polymeric matrix decreased the cell viability 20% more than the hydrogel containing only GSNO or SiO2@CisPt. At 200 µg/mL, this combination led to a critical cell viability of 30%, indicating a synergistic effect between GSNO and SiO2@CisPt NPs in the hydrogel matrix, and, therefore, highlighting the potential application of this drug-delivery system in the field of biomedicine.
Aromatic Polyimide Membranes with tert-Butyl and Carboxylic Side Groups for Gas Separation Applications—Covalent Crosslinking Study
Authors: Esteban Noelia , Juan-y-Seva Marta , Aguilar-Lugo Carla , Miguel Jesús A. , Staudt Claudia , de la Campa José G. , Álvarez Cristina , Lozano Ángel E.
Published: December 2022

A set of aromatic copolyimides was obtained by reaction of 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene) diphthalic anhydride (6FDA), and mixtures of the diamines 1,4-bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-2,5-di-tert-butylbenzene (CF3TBAPB) and 3,5-diamino benzoic acid (DABA). These polymers were characterized and compared with the homopolymer derived from 6FDA and CF3TBAPB. All copolyimides showed high molecular weight values and good mechanical properties. The presence of carboxylic groups in these copolymers allowed their chemical crosslinking by reaction with 1,4-butanediol. Glass transition temperatures (Tg) were higher than 260 °C, showing the non-crosslinked copolyimides had the highest Tg values. Degradation temperature of crosslinked copolyimides was lower than their corresponding non-crosslinked ones. Mechanical properties of all polymers were good, and thus, copolyimide (precursor, and crosslinked ones) films could be tested as gas separation membranes. It was observed that CO2 permeability values were around 100 barrer. Finally, the plasticization resistance of the crosslinked material having a large number of carboxylic groups was excellent.
Electrical, Thermo-Electrical, and Electromagnetic Behaviour of Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Graphene Nanoplatelets with Different Average Surface Area
Authors: Collado Ignacio , Jiménez-Suárez Alberto , Moriche Rocío , Del Rosario Gilberto , Prolongo Silvia Gonzalez
Published: December 2022

The influence of the average surface area of different graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) on the thermo-electrical behaviour, associated with Joule heating, and the attenuation of electromagnetic signals of epoxy composites has been studied, analysing the effect of the morphology obtained as a function of the dispersion time by ultrasonication and the GNP content added. Gravity moulding was used as the first stage in the scaling-up, oriented to the industrial manufacture of multilayer coatings, observing a preferential self-orientation of nanoparticles and, in several conditions, a self-stratification too. The increase of sonication time during the GNP dispersion provides a decrease in the electrical conductivity, due to the GNP fragmentation. Instead, the thermal conductivity is enhanced due to the higher homogeneous distribution of GNPs into the epoxy matrix. Finally, the lower surface area of GNPs reduces the thermal and electrical conductivity due to a greater separation between nanosheets. Regarding the study of the attenuation of electromagnetic waves, it has been discovered that in the frequency range from 100 Hz to 20 MHz, this attenuation is independent of the direction of analysis, the type of graphene, the sonication time, and the state of dispersion of the nano-reinforcement in the matrix. Furthermore, it has also been observed that the conservation of the constant shielding values for the three types of GNPs are in a range of average frequencies between 0.3 and 3 MHz.
Stiffness-Controlled Hydrogels for 3D Cell Culture Models
Authors: Merivaara Arto , Koivunotko Elle , Manninen Kalle , Kaseva Tuomas , Monola Julia , Salli Eero , Koivuniemi Raili , Savolainen Sauli , Valkonen Sami , Yliperttula Marjo
Published: December 2022

Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) hydrogel is a versatile biomaterial suitable, for example, for three-dimensional (3D) cell spheroid culturing, drug delivery, and wound treatment. By freeze-drying NFC hydrogel, highly porous NFC structures can be manufactured. We freeze-dried NFC hydrogel and subsequently reconstituted the samples into a variety of concentrations of NFC fibers, which resulted in different stiffness of the material, i.e., different mechanical cues. After the successful freeze-drying and reconstitution, we showed that freeze-dried NFC hydrogel can be used for one-step 3D cell spheroid culturing of primary mesenchymal stem/stromal cells, prostate cancer cells (PC3), and hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2). No difference was observed in the viability or morphology between the 3D cell spheroids cultured in the freeze-dried and reconstituted NFC hydrogel and fresh NFC hydrogel. Furthermore, the 3D cultured spheroids showed stable metabolic activity and nearly 100% viability. Finally, we applied a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based automatic nuclei segmentation approach to automatically segment individual cells of 3D cultured PC3 and HepG2 spheroids. These results provide an application to culture 3D cell spheroids more readily with the NFC hydrogel and a step towards automatization of 3D cell culturing and analysis.
Development of a Pretensioning Anchorage for Sand-Coated CFRP Tendons: Modeling and Validation
Authors: Züst Gian-Luca , Ott Valentin , Terrasi Giovanni Pietro
Published: December 2022

This paper presents a finite element (FE) analysis of an anchor for prestressing of sand-coated carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) tendons during the manufacturing of precast elements. This anchorage is temporary and removed after 2 to 7 days, when the pretensioning is released and the concrete is finally compressed. The investigated anchor consists of a conical metal barrel and three polymer wedges. The main tendon material properties are measured, compared with theoretical values and define the basis for the FE model. The latter considers both steps, pressing-in of the wedges and the subsequent loading of the tendon (diameter 7.5 mm). The relatively soft contact between polymer wedge and sand-coating is characterized experimentally and implemented with a pressure-overclosure condition. For the validation of the FE model, the strain distribution in the tendon is measured using fiber optical sensing. The therefore crucial process of fiber integration is described, and a novel approach is presented to uncover the optical fiber. The strain distribution of a sample with two anchors loaded in tension up to 80 kN is presented. The stress concentration at the front of the anchorage is highlighted. In addition, the finite element model is compared with the experiment, showing a good agreement of the strain distribution. A failure criterion according to Puck is finally implemented, which allows to assess potential fiber or interfiber failure.
Efficient Cationization of Cotton for Salt-Free Dyeing by Adjusting Fiber Crystallinity through Alcohol-Water-NaOH Pretreatment
Authors: Wu Aini , Ma Wei , Yang Zhiyu , Zhang Shufen
Published: December 2022

Cationization of cotton is considered to be an effective way to realize salt-free dyeing of reactive dyes. However, applying cotton modified with glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride (GTA) suffers from large consumption of the cationic reagent. One of the reasons is that high crystallinity of cotton fibers hinders the penetration of the reagents into the cellulose interior and limits the reaction between them. This paper designed to use alcohol-water-NaOH system to pretreat the fibers before cationization. With this method, crystallinity of the cotton fibers is decreased and more reactive –OH is exposed, resulting in much higher fiber-reagent reactivity and increased GTA utilization. Influence of alcohol type, alcohol-to-water ratio, and quantity of NaOH on fiber crystallinity and GTA dosage for cationization are all examined. It is found that for achieving 96.0% fixation of C.I. Reactive Black 5 in the absence of salt, GTA dosage can be reduced by half when the fibers are pretreated by alcohol-water-NaOH. Compared with ethanol, n-propanol and isopropanol, tert-butyl alcohol incorporated system shows better performance in increasing fiber reactivity due to their weaker ability to dissolve ions. In this study, XRD and FT-IR are used to demonstrate changes in crystallinity of the fibers after pretreatment. The alteration in micromorphology and hydrophilicity of the pretreated fibers is observed by SEM and water contact angle test, respectively. Furthermore, the alcohol-water-NaOH system can be recycled to show very good repeatability. Notably, all dyed samples pretreated with the system present high color saturation and satisfactory color fastness, especially that the wet rub fastness reaches 4–5 grade, which is one grade higher than that obtained from the conventional dyeing with salt. The above findings prove that alcohol-water-NaOH pretreatment is effective in enhancing reactivity of the cotton fibers and penetrability of the agent, and it shows promising prospects in real application.
Effect of Rheological Properties of Polymer Solution on Polymer Flooding Characteristics
Authors: Navaie Farhood , Esmaeilnezhad Ehsan , Choi Hyoung-Jin
Published: December 2022

Polymer flooding is an appropriate enhanced oil recovery (EOR) process that can increase macroscopic sweep efficiency. We examined two polymeric superpushers at different salinities (10,000 and 42,000 ppm of NaCl and 18,000 ppm of CaCl2) and temperatures (30 to 75 °C) as polymer-flooding agents for the EOR process. Rheological and thixotropic tests were attempted to find shear viscosity change when the polymer solutions were introduced under different salinity and temperatures, followed by describing the rheological behavior with the two most common rheological models used for polymer solutions, and then a quadratic model with Design-Expert to detect the effective parameters. Core flooding tests were conducted afterward to determine the final proposed fluid. An increase in the concentration of monovalent ions and the addition of divalent ions adversely affected both types of polymers used, which was similar to the effects of a temperature increase. The Flopaam 3630S at 1000 ppm has more stability under harsh conditions and enables 22% and 38% oil recovery in carbonate and sandstone core rocks, respectively. Consequently, Flopaam 3630S can be the perfect polymer agent for different chemical flooding procedures in high-salinity oil reservoirs.
The Solution Properties of Polymethacrylate Molecular Brushes with Oligo(ethylene glycol) and Oligo(propylene glycol) Side Chains
Authors: Simonova Maria , Simagin Alexander , Kamorin Denis , Orekhov Sergey , Filippov Alexander , Kazantsev Oleg
Published: December 2022

The properties of polymer brushes based on three macromonomers were investigated in aqueous and organic solutions. Methacrylic monomers with different compositions of the oligo(oxyalkylene) substituents and arrangements of the oligo(ethylene glycol) and oligo(propylene glycol) blocks were used for the synthesis of polymers. There were methoxy [oligo(ethylene glycol)10.3-block-oligo(propylene glycol)4.7] methacrylate, methoxy [oligo(propylene glycol)8.3-block-oligo(ethylene glycol)6.6] methacrylate, and methoxy oligo(propylene glycol)4.2 methacrylate. Molecular brushes were investigated by the methods of molecular hydrodynamics and optics in dilute solutions in acetonitrile, chloroform, and water. The peculiarities of behavior of poly[oligo(oxyalkylene) methacrylates] in aqueous solutions and water-toluene systems have been found; in particular, the solubility of the polymers in water and organic solvents, the polymers equilibrium distribution between the phases, and the surface activity in the water-toluene system have been established. The thermo-responsibility in aqueous solutions and values of a critical concentration of micelle formation were shown. Depending on the arrangement of blocks in the side chains of molecular brushes, they are characterized by different intramolecular density.
Study on Curing Deformation of Composite Thin Shells Prepared by M-CRTM with Adjustable Injection Gap
Authors: Zhang Ce , Sun Ying , Xu Jing , Shi Xiaoping , Zhang Guoli
Published: December 2022

A composite thin shell with a high fiber volume fraction prepared by resin transfer molding (RTM) may have void defects, which create deformations in the final curing and lead to the final product being unable to meet the actual assembly requirements. Taking a helmet shell as an example, a multi-directional compression RTM (M-CRTM) method with an adjustable injection gap is proposed according to the shape of the thin shell. This method can increase the injection gap to reduce the fiber volume fraction during the injection process, making it easier for the resin to penetrate the reinforcement and for air bubbles to exit the mold. X-ray CT detection shows that the porosity of the helmet shell prepared by the newly developed technology is 36.6% lower than that of the RTM-molded sample. The void’s distribution is more uniform, and its size is decreased, as is the number of voids, especially large voids. The results show that the maximum curing deformation of the M-CRTM-molded helmet shell is reduced by 13.7% compared to the RTM molded sample. This paper then further studies the deformation types of the shell and analyzes the causes of such results, which plays an important role in promoting the application of composite thin shells.
Photo-Curing Chitosan-g-N-Methylolacrylamide Compositions: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Uspenskii Sergey , Potseleev Vladislav , Svidchenko Eugenia , Goncharuk Galina , Zelenetskii Alexander , Akopova Tatiana
Published: December 2022

Chitosan is one of the promising compounds for use in various fields of medicine. However, for successful application, materials based on it must be insoluble in water and have specified physical and mechanical properties. In this work, we studied the interaction of N-methylolacrylamide (NMA) and chitosan upon concentration of the solutions, both under the action of UV radiation and without it, which results in curing of the polymer matrix. The main products, proposed mechanisms of the crosslinking reaction, and the influence of external conditions on these processes have been revealed using NMR, IR, and UV spectroscopy. It was found that the reaction proceeds along three pathways. The main reactions proceed with the amino groups of chitosan, and the hydroxymethyl and vinyl groups of NMA. Studies have shown that for the formation of insoluble materials based on chitosan, the best content in the initial cast solution is 2 wt% of chitosan at 0.25 wt% concentration of NMA. Films formed from such solutions possessed high strength and deformation characteristics, namely an elastic modulus of about 1500 GPa, a strength of about 30 MPa, and an elongation at break of about 100%.
Mapping Dwellings in IDP/Refugee Settlements Using Deep Learning
Authors: Ghorbanzadeh Omid , Crivellari Alessandro , Tiede Dirk , Ghamisi Pedram , Lang Stefan
Published: December 2022

The improvement in computer vision, sensor quality, and remote sensing data availability makes satellite imagery increasingly useful for studying human settlements. Several challenges remain to be overcome for some types of settlements, particularly for internally displaced populations (IDPs) and refugee camps. Refugee-dwelling footprints and detailed information derived from satellite imagery are critical for a variety of applications, including humanitarian aid during disasters or conflicts. Nevertheless, extracting dwellings remains difficult due to their differing sizes, shapes, and location variations. In this study, we use U-Net and residual U-Net to deal with dwelling classification in a refugee camp in northern Cameroon, Africa. Specifically, two semantic segmentation networks are adapted and applied. A limited number of randomly divided sample patches is used to train and test the networks based on a single image of the WorldView-3 satellite. Our accuracy assessment was conducted using four different dwelling categories for classification purposes, using metrics such as Precision, Recall, F1, and Kappa coefficient. As a result, F1 ranges from 81% to over 99% and approximately 88.1% to 99.5% based on the U-Net and the residual U-Net, respectively.
Smart Sales Empower Small Farmers: An Integrated Matching Method between Suppliers and Consumers Based on the Information Axiom
Authors: Huang Wei , Hu Peiqi , Tsai Fu-Sheng , Liu Yinke , Huang Yu
Published: December 2022

Small farmers’ sustainable development has important significance for narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas and hastening the promotion of general prosperity in China. Currently, China still has 240 million small farmers. The sale of agricultural products is an important source of their income. Constrained by their small scale, lack of capital, and technology, small farmers often have to adopt a household operation mode. This decentralized agricultural production and operation mode results in significant difficulties for small farmers to benefit from planting and selling agricultural products. Many efforts have been made to help them, such as establishing agricultural product information platforms that can provide supply and demand information to facilitate small farmers’ sales. However, imbalances between suppliers and consumers and cross-regional transaction difficulties still exist. To promote the sustainable development of small farmers, this study develops an intelligent matching method for the transaction of agricultural products between suppliers and consumers. Firstly, a unique attribute set for agricultural products was established. Because most agricultural products are fresh, perishable, and not easily preserved, the general attributes (brand, logistics distance, product grade, and price) of commodities and the specific attributes (freshness, maturity, product certification, seasonal products, place of origin, and product safety) of agricultural products were taken into account. Secondly, by combining fuzzy mathematics with the information axiom, improved amount of information calculation methods for both quantitative and qualitative attributes were put forward. Thirdly, based on the amount of information about all attributes and with the goal of maximizing the transaction-matching degree for both the supplier and consumer, a multiobjective optimization model was proposed. Finally, the effectiveness and accuracy of the method were verified through a case study. In order to solve the dilemma of small farmers, this study proposes an integrated matching method for agricultural product transactions based on the information axiom. Through case verification, this method has good feasibility and effectiveness. It has broad application prospects which can be applied to information portals, e-commerce platforms, and other fields. The application of this method can empower small farmers’ capabilities, facilitate agricultural product sales, and promote small farmers’ sustainable development.
The Prevalence of Active Commuting to School and the Factors Influencing Mode Choice: A Study of University Students in a Secondary City of Bangladesh
Authors: Urmi Ummay Fatema , Rahman Khalidur , Uddin Md Jamal , Hasan Mohammad Nayeem
Published: December 2022

Physical activity among people of all ages has been decreasing at an alarming rate in recent years. Active commuting is recognized as a public health strategy to increase physical activity. The objectives of the study were to determine the habit of active commuting and the associated factors of commute mode choice among university students in the secondary city of Sylhet, Bangladesh. The study was cross-sectional in nature, and information from three hundred and forty-eight students was collected through an online survey using Google Forms. In addition to basic statistical tools, a multiple logistic regression model was applied to identify the factors that were associated with the commuting mode choice of the students. The results have shown that the prevalence of using an active commuting mode is not at a satisfactory level (43%). No remarkable difference in commuting behavior was found between males and females. The “distance between campus and students’ residences” and the “mode of commuting preferred by roommate or classmate” are the most significant factors influencing students’ commuting choices and related actions. In addition, respondents with lower socio-economic conditions have more of a tendency to use active modes of commuting. Weather, time constraints, road safety, and family residence in rural or urban areas all have an impact on choosing an active mode of transportation for attending classes, but none is overly significant. It is recommended to promote the health and financial benefits of active commuting. Necessary facilities should be constructed to increase the level of active commuting, such as additional residential halls near campus and developing a built environment on the campus for walking and cycling for both male and female students.
Physical Activity and Nutritional Pattern Related to Maturation and Development
Authors: Bustamante-Sanchez Alvaro , Villegas-Mora Bella Esperanza , Martínez-Guardado Ismael , Tornero-Aguilera Jose Francisco , Ardigò Luca Paolo , Nobari Hadi , Clemente-Suárez Vicente Javier
Published: December 2022

In order to better understand the implications of physical activity and nutrition in child development, we conducted the present narrative with the aim to analyze the physical activity and nutritional patterns related to maturation and development. To reach our study objective, a consensus and critical review were conducted by analyzing primary sources such as academic research and secondary sources such as databases, web pages, and bibliographic indexes following procedures of previous critical narrative reviews. We employed the MedLine (Pubmed), Cochrane (Wiley), PsychINFO, Embase, and CinAhl databases to search the MeSH-compliant keywords of exercise, physical activity, nutrition, maturation, development, child, neonatal, infantry, and cognitive development. We used manuscripts published from 1 January 2012 to 1 September 2022, although previous studies were included to explain some information in several points of the review. We found that physical activity and nutrition are basic pillars for the correct development and maturation of the child. Factors associated with development as a species such as breastfeeding, the correct intake of micro and macronutrients, and the performance of both passive and active physical activity will modulate the correct motor and cognitive development in preschool age, childhood, and adolescence.
Research on the Trade Characteristics of Conventional Energy Network Countries: Based on the Trade Characteristics of Leading Countries
Authors: Jiang Peixiang , Ding Chao , Dong Zhiliang , Liu Sen , Zhang Yichi
Published: December 2022

To study the trade characteristics and important trends of leading countries in conventional energy networks, this paper uses trade data on coal, oil and natural gas based on complex network theory; constructs a comprehensive directed weighted network; and analyzes the trade relations, trade volume, betweenness centrality and trade groups of China, the United States, Russia and Saudi Arabia. The results show that import and export trade relations exhibit the characteristics of power-law distribution, but the four countries are developing toward diversified trading partners. The United States has the greatest advantage in obtaining conventional energy and has the strongest control over energy. China’s advantage in obtaining conventional energy shows a downward trend, but its control over energy is second only to the United States. Saudi Arabia has the least advantage in obtaining energy and the weakest control, and it is an energy supplier. Russia’s trading bloc is the most stable. These four countries played a leading role in their trade bloc in most years.
Design of an Enhanced SAT Using Zeolite for the Removal of Ammonia Nitrogen at a Bengbu Aquatic Farm in China
Authors: Zhang Ge , Zhu Jinhao , Yang Ke , Zhu Yinhao , Sang Zijie
Published: December 2022

As one of the artificial recharge technologies, the soil–aquifer treatment (SAT) system is used for the removal of nitrogen pollution from aquaculture wastewater. An adsorption-enhanced SAT system was designed to reduce the level of nitrogen pollution below the threshold stipulated by the standards. Adsorption kinetics experiments were used to measure the adsorption capacity of zeolite and activated carbon for ammonia nitrogen. Both adsorbents can be well described by the Lagergren pseudo-second-order model, and the adsorption rates of zeolite and activated carbon for ammonia nitrogen were 72.16% and 31.40%, respectively. Combining the experimental data and the actual situation, the medium-packing method was determined and the influence of wastewater characteristics and hydrodynamic conditions on the adsorption and retention capacity of the SAT system were considered. Finally, the feasibility of the adsorption-enhanced SAT site design scheme was verified by Hydrus-1D model simulation. The study found that the design scheme for the situation in the study area was feasible; however, the surrounding underground environment still had a risk of pollution during the operation of the site. Therefore, further research is needed for the nitrogen pollution to be completely removed within the scope of the SAT site.
Can China’s Digital Inclusive Finance Alleviate Rural Poverty? An Empirical Analysis from the Perspective of Regional Economic Development and an Income Gap
Authors: Xiong Mingzhao , Li Wenqi , Teo Brian Sheng Xian , Othman Jaizah
Published: December 2022

Digital inclusive finance (DIF) plays an active role in preventing poverty-stricken groups from returning to poverty and reducing poverty. This paper empirically tests the impact of DIF on rural poverty alleviation using panel data from 30 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2020 as a sample. It employs multiple linear regression, mediation effect models, and threshold effect models. The results show that: (1) DIF and its three sub-indicators (coverage breadth, depth of use, and digitalization degree) have significant poverty reduction effects, and the findings hold even when endogeneity is taken into account; (2) a study of regional heterogeneity found that DIF and its sub-indices, coverage and depth of use in the eastern region, have the greatest effect on the poverty alleviation of rural residents, and the effects in the central and western regions have the least effect; (3) the mediation effect test found that DIF could indirectly promote poverty alleviation in rural areas by promoting regional economic growth and narrowing the urban-rural income gap. The Sobel test shows that the mediating effect of regional economic growth is greater than the mediating effect of the urban-rural income gap; (4) it is found through the threshold effect test that regional economic growth has a double threshold effect on rural poverty alleviation, and as the threshold value continues to increase, the poverty reduction effect increases in turn. Therefore, this paper puts forward policy suggestions for the aspects of accelerating the development of DIF in rural areas, implementing regionally differentiated poverty reduction strategies according to local conditions, promoting regional economic growth, and narrowing the urban-rural income gap.
Primary Schoolteachers’ Opinions about Gifted Education Programmes in Distance Education
Authors: Uzunboylu Hüseyin , Akçamete Gönül , Sarp Nilgün , Demirok Mukaddes
Published: December 2022

There is a need for scientific information obtained in scientific research environments related to the delivery of curriculum development training for gifted children by primary school teachers in distance education environments. This study aims to evaluate primary schoolteachers’ views on gifted education programmes that can be given through distance education. The research was carried out with 26 classroom teachers teaching in two different public schools in the spring term of the 2021–2022 academic year. The research was carried out according to the qualitative research model. A semi-structured interview form was created, consisting of interview questions about the quality and opinions of classroom teachers regarding education programmes that can be given through distance education. The validity and reliability analysis of the interview form was carried out within the framework of the opinions of field experts. Although the majority of teachers have gifted students, they need a gifted education programme, with the opinion that this training should be given in the hybrid model. When the gifted education programme for teachers is provided in the hybrid model, it is more effective than other models.
Different In Vitro Drug Susceptibility Profile of Plasmodium falciparum Isolates from Two Adjacent Areas of Northeast Myanmar and Molecular Markers for Drug Resistance
Authors: Duan Mengxi , Bai Yao , Deng Shuang , Ruan Yonghua , Zeng Weilin , Li Xiaosong , Wang Xun , Zhao Wei , Zhao Hui , Sun Kemin , Zhu Wenya , Wu Yiman , Miao Jun , Kyaw Myat Phone , Yang Zhaoqing , Cui Liwang
Published: December 2022

The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) is the epicenter of antimalarial drug resistance. We determined in vitro susceptibilities to 11 drugs of culture-adapted Plasmodium falciparum isolates from adjacent areas (Laiza and Muse) along the China–Myanmar border. Parasites from this region were highly resistant to chloroquine and pyrimethamine but relatively sensitive to other antimalarial drugs. Consistently, the Dd2-like pfcrt mutations were fixed or almost fixed in both parasite populations, and new mutations mediating piperaquine resistance were not identified. Similarly, several mutations related to pfdhfr and pfdhps were also highly prevalent. Despite their geographical proximity, malaria parasites from Laiza showed significantly higher in vitro resistance to artemisinin derivatives, naphthoquine, pyronaridine, lumefantrine, and pyrimethamine than parasites from Muse. Likewise, the pfdhfr N51I, pfdhps A581G, pfmrp1 H785N, and pfk13 F446I mutations were significantly more frequent in Laiza than in Muse (p < 0.05). For the pfmdr1 mutations, Y184F was found only in Laiza (70%), whereas F1226Y was identified only in Muse (31.8%). Parasite isolates from Laiza showed a median RSA value of 5.0%, significantly higher than the 2.4% in Muse. Altogether, P. falciparum parasite populations from neighboring regions in the GMS may diverge substantially in their resistance to several antimalarial drugs. This information about different parasite populations will guide antimalarial treatment policies to effectively manage drug resistance during malaria elimination.
First Human Usutu Virus Reported in Asti (Piedmont, Italy, August 2022) and Early Follow-Up
Authors: Lupia Tommaso , Marletto Fabio Paolo , Scuvera Ilvana Tiziana , Bosio Roberta , Rizzello Barbara , Fornari Valentina , Vivenza Daniela Maria Luisa , Ghisetti Valeria , Brusa Maria Teresa , Corcione Silvia , De Rosa Francesco Giuseppe
Published: December 2022

The Usutu virus (USUV) has recently attracted the attention of scientists because of its rapid spread across Europe and its growth over the previous seasons in Italy. Here, we describe the first case of USUV infection in Asti, Piedmont region, Italy. The patient remained asymptomatic in the acute phase and during the early follow-up, despite a mild increase in liver enzymes. The prompt diagnosis in this patient was due to positive qualitative PCR for WNV blood-donor screening with negative RT-PCR of WNV and positive USUV-RNA following the confirmation test. Blood-donor screening and transmission risk monitoring are pivotal in following the spread of this Flavivirus in non-endemic countries, due to the high percentage of asymptomatic carriers.
Trypanosoma cruzi Parasite Burdens of Several Triatomine Species in Colombia
Authors: Velásquez-Ortiz Natalia , Hernández Carolina , Cantillo-Barraza Omar , Ballesteros Nathalia , Cruz-Saavedra Lissa , Herrera Giovanny , Buitrago Luz Stella , Soto Hugo , Medina Manuel , Palacio Jatney , González Marina Stella , Cuervo Andrés , Vallejo Gustavo , Zuleta Dueñas Liliana , Urbano Plutarco , Muñoz Marina , Ramírez Juan David
Published: December 2022

Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas disease, is mainly transmitted by insects of the Triatominae subfamily. In Colombia, there are 26 triatomine species, and 16 of them are naturally infected with the parasite. The parasite loads of naturally infected vectors can be significant in targeting specific species that can affect the epidemiology of the disease. Studying their ecology and behavior is vital to understand their role in T. cruzi transmission dynamics. We evaluated the parasite loads of 182 field-collected triatomines corresponding to 10 species in 13 departments across Colombia. We standardized a methodology to quantify T. cruzi DNA in these insects. We obtained a LOD (limit of detection) of 3.05 p-eq/mL. The 82% of triatomines we evaluated were positive for T. cruzi infection, with loads ranging from hundreds to millions of equivalent parasites per milliliter. Panstrongylus geniculatus, Rhodnius prolixus, and Triatoma dimidiata were the species with the highest loads of T. cruzi; however, other species whose role as vectors is still unknown were also found with high loads of parasites. Our results suggest the relevance of secondary species for T. cruzi transmission in Colombia. We hope our data can help improve entomological surveillance and vector control programs in the country and the region.
COVID-19 Risk Perception and Prevention Practices among High- and Low-Density Populations in Bangladesh: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Satter Syed Moinuddin , Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Amin , Tamanna Refah , Abdullah Zarin , Shafique S. M. Zafor , Islam Md Saiful , Rimi Nadia Ali , Alam Muhammad Rashedul , Nazneen Arifa , Rahman Mustafizur , Bhuiyan Taufiqur Rahman , Khan Farzana Islam , Rahman Mahbubur , Alamgir A. S. M. , Shirin Tahmina , Rahman Mahmudur , Qadri Firdausi , Flora Meerjady Sabrina , Banu Sayera
Published: December 2022

We aimed to explore coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) risk perception and prevention practices among people living in high- and low-population density areas in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 623 patients with confirmed COVID-19 agreed to participate in the survey. Additionally, we purposively selected 14 participants from diverse economic and occupational groups and conducted qualitative interviews for them accordingly. Approximately 70% of the respondents had low socioeconomic status. Among the 623 respondents, 146 were from low-density areas, and 477 were from high-density areas. The findings showed that study participants perceived COVID-19 as a punishment from the Almighty, especially for non-Muslims, and were not concerned about its severity. They also believed that coronavirus would not survive in hot temperatures or negatively impact Bangladeshis. This study revealed that people were reluctant to undergo COVID-19 testing. Family members hid if anyone tested positive for COVID-19 or did not adhere to institutional isolation. The findings showed that participants were not concerned about COVID-19 and believed that coronavirus would not have a devastating impact on Bangladeshis; thus, they were reluctant to follow prevention measures and undergo testing. Tailored interventions for specific targeted groups would be relevant in mitigating the prevailing misconceptions.
Estudio de usabilidad y accesibilidad de los sitios web de la Universidad Técnica de Manabí
Authors: Chila Reina Tania Gissella , Cobeña Macias Tatiana Elizabeth
Published: December 2022

El estudio de usabilidad y accesibilidad de los sitios web de la Universidad Técnica de Manabí, consistió en la evaluación y análisis de los sitios y sistemas webs UTM, SGA, SPCA, E-VIRTUAL y ONLINE mediante las herramientas online TAW y FAE, siendo parte fundamental que todos los sitios cumplan con las normativas web. La metodología se apoyó en la recopilación del estado de arte sobre la usabilidad y accesibilidad web basado en un método de análisis cuantitativo en la recolección de la información aplicando la normativa WCAG 2.0 con un nivel de conformidad AA partiendo de los principios: Perceptible, Operable, Compresible y Robusto. En la sumatoria de ambas herramientas da como resultado que el Perceptible abarcó 127 errores, siendo en el que más fallas ocurrieron, seguido del operable con 51 problemas, en el compresible existieron 17 inconsistencias y por último el robusto habitado por 10 inconvenientes. Los resultados obtenidos con la herramienta TAW demuestran que dentro de los principios, pautas y criterios se encontraron 177 errores, mientras que en la herramienta FAE se reflejaron un total de 28 inconsistencias. La interpretación de los resultados se detalla en tablas y gráficos estadísticos, demostrando el tipo de problema existente en cada uno de ellos, asimismo dando una posible solución al problema suscitado. El aporte de esta investigación radicó en manifestar las diferentes fallas que conllevan al colapso de un sitio web y contribuir posibles soluciones en errores no visibles del mismo.
Factors of stability of Russian statehood in the Imperial period as the basis of innovative development of the country
Authors: Bryntsev A. N.
Published: December 2022

Subject/topic. In modern conditions, it makes sense to carefully analyze the factors of the stability of Russian statehood in the imperial period, to give them a balanced assessment in the context of historical retrospect. This will help identify ways to develop the domestic economy in the 21st century, taking into account the overcoming of global crises, large-scale sanctions, obstructionism in political decision-making. The purpose of the article is the urgent need to study the theoretical aspects of the critical stability of Russian statehood in the imperial period in order to develop recommendations for overcoming the country's global crisis in the modern period and transition to a new technological way of Industry 4.0. The methodology of the article. Within the framework of this study, existing basic methods were used: analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, classification and generalization. Results. Threats and challenges of the modern century have set scientists an important task to identify the key factors of Russia's sustainable development during the imperial period in order to form the main trends for overcoming systemic crises and dynamic economic recovery in modern realities. The article proves that in the conditions of globalization of the world economy, the correlation dependence between economic factors and the complex of political, economic and social conditions that contribute to or hinder the emergence of an economic crisis has developed into a functional one. Application. The conclusions and results obtained made it possible to determine the prospects for the practical use of the proposed approach for the development of a set of measures to increase the stability of the Russian economy in the face of sanctions.
Innovative approach to assessing the political and economic stability of Russian statehood (on the example of the reign of Alexander I)
Authors: Levina E. V.
Published: December 2022

The purpose of the article. The research conducted by the author of the article is aimed at identifying the main aspects and factors of the stability of the Russian state during the reign of Alexander I. The subject of the study was the political and economic features and the foundations of the stability of the Russian statehood in the period from 1801 to 1825. Materials and methods. The methodological basis of the research was made up of such general scientific and private scientific methods as analysis and synthesis, classification and generalization, discourse analysis, comparative historical analysis, economic and statistical methods, as well as a secondary analysis of previously conducted research on the stated problems. Results. The author of the study highlights the main crisis stages in the development of the stability of Russian statehood and describes (defines) the ways and decisions taken to overcome the crisis and post-crisis recovery. Application. The results obtained in the course of the study will contribute to the development of a conceptual justification for the transition to a new stage of economic and social development of the country, and can also be used for further research on the sustainability of Russian statehood.
Conducting a strategic audit during the development and approval of state strategic planning documentsy
Authors: Reshetnikov S. B. , Kotova N. E.
Published: December 2022

The current realities of the work of federal executive and legislative authorities force the professional community to develop approaches to auditing and monitoring the processes of adoption, approval and execution of strategic planning documents of the Russian Federation. The study substantiates the need for a strategic audit during the development and approval of strategic planning documents. The paper presents the main comments of the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation on the current strategic planning system, and also describes the system-wide problems of developing strategic planning documents. The authors have developed possible directions of strategic audit in the development of strategic planning documents, as well as methodological principles that can be guided for the effective implementation of strategic audit in the development of strategic planning documents. In conclusion, the authors present the primary tasks of strategic audit in the development and approval of strategic planning documents.
Building economic systems of the «organization» type on the basis of scientific and practical expediency
Authors: Gerasimov B. N.
Published: December 2022

The study, construction or reformation of productive activity objects determines the typology of their architecture for the subsequent selection and use of methodological and technological tools. The polycentric approach to the construction and reform of economic systems of the "organization" type consistently and purposefully uses systemic, process and functional approaches. Each of these approaches, applied in accordance with scientific and design feasibility, makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of management facilities in economic and social environments.
Management relations: Factors of influence, areas of improvement
Authors: Vinslav Yu. B.
Published: December 2022

The theoretical features of managerial relations as the interaction of subjects and objects at all levels of the economy are considered. The key aspects of these relations are formulated. Possible formats of managerial relations are proposed, as well as a number of conditions for their improvement. The complex of factors influencing the quality of managerial relations is considered. Among these factors are: forms of realization of property rights; the state of the productive forces of society; implemented mechanisms for the formation of managerial elites. A more detailed grouping of influencing factors is presented. At the same time, the role of such factors as mutual responsibility and common economic interests of the state and business is noted. The critique of foreign economic models in the context of the tasks of improving managerial relations in the Russian economy is given.
Value-oriented approach in corporate governance
Authors: Kharchilava Kh. P. , Nikishova M. I. , Petrova I. A.
Published: December 2022

A volatile external environment, a high level of competition, globalization and digitalization of the economy require updating the established principles of corporate governance formation. At the moment, value-oriented corporate governance is becoming increasingly popular. In the article, the authors consider formal and informal mechanisms of corporate governance with an emphasis on values as informal mechanisms that are becoming crucial in modern corporate governance. Theoretical approaches to value-oriented corporate governance are analyzed, the relationship between the values approved in Russian companies and the general level of compliance with the principles of corporate governance is evaluated in the article. To achieve the goal, in the article are used the methods of analysis, comparison, and questioning, the methodology of the National Corporate Governance. Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that companies in which values become an essential part of business culture and practice, demonstrate a high level of corporate governance and high market capitalization. In the largest companies with the best corporate governance practices, documents such as the corporate governance Code, the code of ethics, regulations/policies for resolving corporate conflicts and conflicts of interest are adopted more often than in other companies. The approved business ethics and values of the company, the high level of trust of internal and external stakeholders in the corporate governance system are reflected in the decisions taken that determine the competitiveness and long-term sustainable development of the organization.