bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Russian Regional Politicians’ Income and Property Declarations: a Pilot Study and Quality Assessment of Administrative Data
Authors: Cherkashina Tatyana
Published: September 2021

The article presents the experience of converting non-targeted administrative data into research data, using as an example data on the income and property of deputies from local legislative bodies of the Russian Federation for 2019, collected as part of anticorruption operations. This particular empirical fragment was selected for the pilot study of administrative data, which includes assessing the possibility of integrating scattered fragments of information into a single database, assessing quality of data and their relevance for solving research problems, particularly analysis of high-income strata and the apparent trends towards individualization of private property. The system of indicators for assessing data quality includes their timeliness, availability, interpretability, reliability, comparability, coherence, errors of representation and measurement, and relevance. In the case of the data set in question, measurement errors are more common than representation errors. Overall the article emphasizes the notion that introducing new non-target data into circulation requires their preliminary testing, while data quality assessment becomes distributed both in time and between different subjects. The transition from created data to «obtained» data shifts the functions of evaluating its quality from the researcher-creator to the researcheruser. And though in this case data quality is in part ensured by the legal support for their production, the transformation of administrative data into research data involves assessing a variety of quality measurements — from availability to uniformity and accuracy.
The Community of Parents of Schoolchildren as a Subject of Civil Society (based on Materials from a Study conducted in a Russian Megalopolis)
Authors: Zborovsky Garold , Shabrova Nina
Published: September 2021

The article is dedicated to analyzing the potential of transformation of parents into a subject of civil society through amplifying their social activities in schools and in big cities. The school and the megalopolis are regarded as social environments that have the potential to create new social trends and movements that are manifested in modified urban community behavior strategies, with such communities including parents of schoolchildren. The results of a survey of parents of schoolchildren (2019, Yekaterinburg, n = 7281) serve as the empirical foundation for the article. The article analyzes the characteristics of parents of schoolchildren in the megalopolis as a social community and as a subject of civil society. The importance of forming and developing this community’s social capital in relation to both its “strong” and “weak” connections is emphasized. The features of schoolchildren parents’ involvement in public practices at the school and in the megalopolis are shown. The forms of public participation preferred by parents in schools and in megalopolises are determined. Parents are becoming increasingly willing to engage in various practices of social activity in the future. Something else we noticed is the lack of active desire on behalf of the schoolchildren parent community to participate in managing the school, to stage protests or to support public initiatives in big cities. The authors insist that the parent schoolchildren community has the potential to turn into an active subject of state policy by means of increasing social activity and possibly translating it into civic activity under certain conditions.
To the History of Russian Sociology of the 1920–1930s: Soviet Marxism vs “Sociology of Knowledge”
Authors: Malinkin Alexander
Published: September 2021

In the 1920’s Marxism, having become the state ideology of Soviet Russia, took a leading position among the political ideologies of Europe in terms of its influence on the minds and hearts of people. The teachings of K. Marx and F. Engels received various interpretations, among which “sociology of knowledge” in the interpretation of M. Scheler and K. Mannheim earned the most recognition in the academic environment. It originated in Germany in the mid 1920’s as a result of criticism of the Marxist “theory of ideology”, of “economist” limitations of the materialistic vision of man, of history and society. In the USSR “sociology of knowledge” was understood to be the most refined attempt to overcome Marxism. The essential characteristics of Marxism and “sociology of knowledge” as interpreted by K. Mannheim are revealed, while being subjected to comparative and critical analysis. The first reaction of Soviet Marxist sociologists to “sociology of knowledge” is analyzed. In the light of this reaction, it was presented as “social fascism”. The specifics of how the teachings of K. Marx and F. Engels existed in the USSR during the 1920s–1930’s are evaluated. “Historical materialism” is qualified as a sociological methodology of suspicion, and the practice of its application by the Bolsheviks as a form of discrimination and persecution in society based on social class and social group affiliation.
Social Environment and Academic Performance: A Systematic Review of Stochastic Actor-Oriented Research
Authors: Dokuka Sofia
Published: September 2021

Academic achievements play an important role in an individual’s professional development, and are also considered one of the main characteristics of an education system. Academic achievements are associated with multiple factors, including the social environment of students. In this paper we review the studies that use stochastic actororiented models to examine the effects of social networks on academic achievements. We consider both the results and designs of existing studies and outline potential avenues for future research. We demonstrate that the majority of studies analyze the networks of positive relationships in schools. Only a few studies are based on data from universities. We also conclude that the majority of studies are based on data from western democracies. These findings can be considered as a basis for further empirical analysis.
Modelagem da erosão hídrica potencial no Parque Nacional Serra da Capivara, Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Macêdo Renê Jota Arruda de , Santos Janaina C. , Surya Leandro
Published: September 2021

Erosão consiste no conjunto de processos naturais que removem e transportam os materiais produto do intemperismo. Um dos meios mais conhecidos de estimar o potencial erosivo se dá a partir de medidas que envolvem a relação declividade e seu comprimento de rampa, pelos quais extrai-se o potencial de perda de solo. Por encontrar-se inserido na região semiárida, naturalmente sensível aos processos erosivos, e pelo valor cultural (abrigo de artefatos arqueológicos) e ambiental (fauna e flora da Caatinga), o presente trabalho realizou o mapeamento de áreas vulneráveis à erosão a partir do fator topográfico LS extraído da Equação Universal de Perda de Solos (EUPS) para a área do Parque Nacional Serra da Capivara (PNSC), sudeste do Piauí. A modelagem do fator LS deu-se através de modelos digitais de elevação dos quais computou-se os mapas de gradiente de terreno e fluxo acumulado. Os modelos gerados nos mapas mostram que o reverso da cuesta é responsável pela maior captação do escoamento superficial para área N-NW do PNSC, sendo no total quatro áreas de drenagens. O fator adimensional LS apresentou valor médio de 7,1 e coeficiente de variação de aproximadamente 17 %, indicando alta heterogeneidade topográfica. Os maiores valores do fator LS concentram-se em áreas de relevos dissecados de exumação de patamares estruturais e escarpas erosivas dos cânions, que são regiões que abrigam os sítios arqueológicos. Este mapeamento primário possui relevante importância, pois subsidia as tomadas de decisão para fins de preservação do patrimônio arqueológico da região e do conhecimento dos processos de evolução do relevo sedimentar da borda da Bacia doParnaíba.
Vendor rights and violence: Challenges faced by female vendors in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mlambo Courage
Published: September 2021

The paper seeks to highlight the challenges faced by women street vendors in Zimbabwe. The paper provides an overview of the brutal attitudes displayed toward women and young girl vendors by law enforcement agencies in Zimbabwe. Street vending is an important source of income for the poor in the developing world. Street vending activities contribute to the livelihoods of millions of people and to national wellbeing at large, especially in developing countries. Secondary sources including journals, newspapers and online news articles were used in the compilation of this study. These sources were analysed for any insights into women street vendors’ socio-economic status, police treatment of street vendors and working conditions. Street vendors experience arbitrary arrests, harassment, and confiscation of their wares and the government continues to move them out of the town and cities structures despite the unavailability of alternative accommodation. is a need for the government of Zimbabwe to see economic and social rights as a priority and the government should also protect women and girls from police brutality. Without the state’s protection, women and young girls who ply their trade in the street will remain in a state of harassment, beatings and arbitrary arrest by the police.
The impact of authentic leadership on employees' organizational citizenship behavior in Ethiopia public service
Authors: Shifare Hailay , Abreha Fyory , Githaiga Nancy
Published: September 2021

There has been an increased recognition that more attention needs to be paid to authentic leadership as it emphasizes positive psychological behavior. Organizational citizenship behavior is crucial in the public service, and there should be friendly leadership behavior that could enable public employees to engage in helping behavior. Research in this area is of great interest and with a very active research community. The problem has recently attracted more attention due to the increasing mismanagement, scandal, and corruption in various public organizations that have contributed to the demand for authentic leadership. Although public organizations were trying to introduce various leadership styles that can enhance service delivery, what and how leadership behavior contributes to employees' Organizational Citizenship behavior (OCB) in public service is not well elaborated. The respondents were leaders from 10 public service organizations. Empirical evidence revealed that leaders' authentic leadership behavior impacted employees' organizational citizenship behavior through self-awareness, sharing information, ethical practices, good relation with subordinates, mutual understanding, and transparency. The innovative results of the study revealed that political, cultural, and social aspects influence the leadership behavior of leaders in public service. This study concluded that authentic leaders play a great role in creating a positive relationship and promoting employees' citizenship behaviors. The implications and future research of the results were discussed based on the influence of authentic leadership on employees' OCB.
Is the Mzungu phenomenon a help or hinderance?
Authors: Bunyan Elle
Published: September 2021

The deprivation, adversity, and lack of protection for children on the streets of urban Uganda are well known; as is the reality that most of their support is facilitated by Western Missionary operated, non-government organisations (NGOs). However, their approach is problematised as ineffective, oppressive, and colonial. Yet there is a dearth of research from the children’s perspectives, capturing the meaning of such actors’ interventions within their lifeworld’s, and no such literature within the Ugandan context. Therefore, this case study focuses on the ‘Mzungu Phenomenon’, a theme unearthed from critical hermeneutic analyses of the life stories of 30 former street children within an orphanage in Kampala, Uganda. The Mzungu phenomenon refers to the meaning and influence of the Western Missionaries and volunteers that feature within the children’s experiences, captured within their narratives. Underpinned by Ricœur’s narrative philosophy, this study illuminates and problematises the way in which Western NGO actors feature within the children’s lifeworld’s, and the wider ramifications from postcolonial, and postcolonial feminist theoretical perspectives. This includes the perpetuation of colonial legacies, ideologies, and praxis, that contribute to disempowerment for children, their families, and their communities, and the dual oppression of women. Therefore, this piece argues that despite a need to enhance child protection measures in Uganda, the current approaches that do not align with national and international rights-based policies must be further critically examined, challenged, and reformed, to ensure the wellbeing of the children.
Assessment of relationship between management policies and transfer of skills
Authors: Mburu Frasiah Wangari , W. Kamau Alice , M. Macharia Stephen
Published: September 2021

Despite heavy investments in training and development, low-quality education standards and challenges in management practices have been a sticky problem in the Kenyan education sector. Organization Theory guided the main aim of this study in establishing the relationship between management policies and transfer of skills for public secondary school headteachers in schools management. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The study population comprised 226 headteachers.  A mixture of stratified random sampling and census study was adopted in sampling 69 respondents. The results established that management policies explained a 23.4% variation in the transfer of skills for school heads. ?1 = 0.536 and p-value = 0.000 (p<0.05) indicated that management policies had positive and significant effects on transfer of skills. The study established that unsupportive policies like the Students Council, two centers of power, strict policies, and lack of inclusivity in policy formulation adversely affected school heads in implementing learned skills. The study recommends fair representation of all categories of education stakeholders in policies review and formulation to alleviate challenges associated with management policies to enhance the transfer of skills. The Government should address the issue of two centers of power in the public basic education sector. The paper sought to call the attention of the professional development trainers to exercise follow-ups to assess post-training behavioral outcomes in the context of organizational climate.
Investigating the interplay between social presence, motivation, and knowledge sharing behaviour in virtual learning environment
Authors: Catyanadika Putra Endi
Published: September 2021

This study investigates the interplay between social presence, motivation, and knowledge sharing behaviour in the virtual learning environment. Sample for this research were 150 university students participated in online class sessions. A quantitative analysis was conducted by Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with Partial Least Square (PLS) methods. The result showed that (1) there are positive effects between social presence on intrinsic motivation and knowledge sharing behaviour, (2) there is a positive effect between intrinsic motivation and knowledge sharing behaviour, (3) intrinsic motivation partially mediated the relationship between social presence and knowledge sharing behaviour, and (4) extrinsic motivation acts as predictor moderator on the relationship between social presence, intrinsic motivation, and knowledge sharing behaviour. These results implied the importance of students’ motivation and social presence perception to foster knowledge sharing in the mediated learning environment.
Determinants of FDI inflows to Next 11 countries: A panel data analysis
Authors: Jahan Nusrat , Chandra Paul Sujan
Published: September 2021

As the inclination to FDI shifts from developed to developing economies, investors are flocking to emerging markets, particularly to the Next-11 nations, which render additional growth and investment opportunities. Meanwhile, these countries have become popular FDI destinations; the goal of this study is to look at the major factors that make these countries appealing to FDI destinations. As a result, this research examines the factors that influenced FDI inflows into these nations from 1995 to 2019. Market size, trade openness, natural resource availability, economic stability, and infrastructure facilities are among the potential explanatory factors identified in this research. On the panel data set, which includes data from 11 nations, a fixed-effect model is used. The data show that market size, trade openness, natural resource availability, and economic stability are all possible predictors of FDI inflows to these nations, whereas infrastructure appears to be a minor one.
Application of social network analysis for determining the suitable social media influencers
Authors: Febrianta Mochamad Yudha , Yusditira Yusditira , Widianesty Sri
Published: September 2021

Virtual Hotel Operator (VHO) trend is growing rapidly, especially in Indonesia. Two of the most popular VHO in Indonesia are OYO and RedDoorz, both have been competing to attain the first position. Both OYO and RedDoorz have their own social media marketing strategies. For example, OYO persuades other conventional hotels to collaborate and use the OYO platform in their businesses. On the other hand, RedDoorz was recorded as the most visited Virtual Hotel Operator Platform in 2019, based on the data of Konsumen Jakpat 2019. OYO and RedDoorz also utilize social media to promote their services such as Instagram and Twitter. For advertising their businesses in social media, OYO and RedDoorz often use some social media influencers or known as influencer social media marketing. Influencers should be able to effectively deliver the messages and influence people’s decisions to use the products or services they advertise. This study aims to further explore the social media marketing strategy employed by OYO and RedDoorz. The results of Social Network Analysis by using “oyoindonesia” and ‘reddoorz’ as keywords in social media Twitter showed that RedDoorz has a bigger social network and more users involved in spreading their information than OYO. On the other hand, OYO's official account on Twitter is more efficient in performing its function as marketing media.
Selling price according to traditional traders in the practice of Jual Kase-Kase
Authors: Labusang Melati Sukma Dewi , Triyuwono Iwan , Hariadi Bambang
Published: September 2021

Jual kase-kase is a selling practice by traditional Banggai traders. Jual Kase-Kase is a term that comes from a habit of traders, thus making people call their practice the term Jual Kase-Kase. Starting from the barter system or the exchange of goods sold from house to house by traders, thus forming a way of transacting based on interests. In making an exchange the traders voluntarily accept the imbalance provided by the buyer. Changes in the sales system, affect the way of trading carried out by traditional traders, assigning value to each item sold and changing the location of the seller has an influence on the traders. However, the character of traditional traders is not lost even though some things from their sales practices have changed. The value given to an item does not only seek material benefits for traders but includes non-material values. Jual Kase-Kase means to give excess voluntarily. The purpose of this research is to reveal the meaning of selling price in the practice of selling cases from the perspective of traditional traders. An ethnomethodological approach is used to understand the meaning of the selling price of the practice of Jual Kase-Kase carried out by traditional traders. In this study, the value of goods sold by traditional traders is influenced by Banggai culture which is inherent in the character of traditional traders, where the value of goods is not only formed from material values but is formed from social and spiritual values. Where the social value is seen in the relationship created between fellow sellers or between sellers and buyers. The spiritual value that is present in the determination of the selling price is seen in the sincerity, honesty, and inner feeling of the perpetrator which finally appears in the price given.
Factors affecting the policy for determining the retail selling price of gas oil in Indonesia
Authors: Erga Yosephin Kharisma , Kasikoen Ken Martina
Published: September 2021

Presidential Regulation No. 191/2014, regulates the subsidy policy for Gas Oil, which is a fixed subsidy. Meanwhile, the retail selling price of Gas Oil will fluctuate in the society according to the formula calculation. However, since April 2016 the price of Gas Oil has been fixed. In certain cases, the determination of the retail selling price may differ from the calculation of the formula considering the state's financial capacity, the purchasing power of the people, and the real economy. This research will examine the influence of the state's financial capacity, the purchasing power of the people, and the real economy, either partially or simultaneously, on the policy of determining the retail sale price, and its impact. The test was carried out through multiple linear regression analysis using IBM Statistics 20. The results showed that the state's financial capacity and the real economy had a significant effect on the retail selling price policy for JBT Solar Oil. Meanwhile, people's purchasing power does not have a significant effect. The determination of the retail selling price of Gas Oil that is not in accordance with the calculation formula may give an impact on society, business entities, and the government.
Identificación de los militares en activo que participaron en los Juegos Olímpicos de 1920 en Amberes = Identification of the active Spanish military who participated in the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp
Authors: García García José Miguel
Published: September 2021

El objetivo de este estudio es identificar a los militares españoles en activo, pertenecientes a las Fuerzas Armadas, que participaron en los Juegos Olímpicos de 1920 en Amberes. Las fuentes sobre los miembros que allí participaron son muy escasas y confusas. Empleando la técnica de la observación documental se han seleccionado, revisado y analizado tres bases de datos con datos olímpicos, 20 monografías, dos artículos, dos boletines oficiales y nueve medios de comunicación escritos. Los resultados nominalmente de todos los deportistas españoles que participaron en los Juegos Olímpicos de Amberes en 1920 los hemos cruzado con los archivos militares que custodian los expedientes personales, obteniendo catorce nombres de posibles participantes militares. Analizados estos catorce expedientes militares se descartan a cuatro personas, uno por estar de baja y tres por no estar en activo. Las conclusiones muestran que los militares españoles en activo, pertenecientes a las Fuerzas Armadas, que participaron en los Juegos Olímpicos de 1920 en Amberes son, José Bento López, Antonio Bonilla San Martín, Luis Calvet Sandoz, Jaime Camps Gordon, Ignacio Estévez Estévez, José de Figueroa y Alonso-Martínez, Antonio Moreira Montero, Ángel Pradel Cid, Domingo Rodríguez Somoza y León Villarín Cano. AbstractThe purpose of this study is to identify the Spanish militaries in active belonging to the Armed Forces who participated in the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp. The sources about the members who participated are very few and confusing. Employing the technique of documentary observation have been selected, reviewed and analyzed three databases with olympic data, 20 monographs, two articles, two official bulletins and nine written media. The results nominally of all Spanish sportsmen who participated in the Olympic Games in Antwerp in 1920 have crossed with the military archives that guard the personal dossiers, obtaining fourteen names of possible militaries participants. After analyzing these fourteen military files, four people were discarded, one for being on leave and three for not being in active. The conclusions show that Spanish military on active belonging to the Armed Forces, who participated in the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp are, José Bento López, Antonio Bonilla San Martín, Luis Calvet Sandoz, Jaime Camps Gordon, Ignacio Estévez Estévez, José de Figueroa y Alonso-Martínez, Antonio Moreira Montero, Ángel Pradel Cid, Domingo Rodríguez Somoza y León Villarín Cano.
Influence of wine components on pellicle formation by pellicle-forming yeasts
Authors: Watanabe-Saito Fumie , Nakagawa Youji , Kishimoto Munekazu , Hisamoto Masashi , Okuda Tohru
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to clarify differences in susceptibility to red wine pellicle formation by pellicle-forming yeasts between two wine grape cultivars and to investigate wine components affecting pellicle formation. Twenty wines each of Muscat Bailey A (MBA) and Merlot (MR), the major grape cultivars of Japanese red wine, were used. Pellicle formation occurred more often in MBA wines than in MR wines, and almost all MBA wine surfaces were covered with pellicle after incubation for five days. Principal component analysis revealed the relationships between pellicle formation and the concentrations of ethanol, phenolics and tannins. The mean concentration of tannins in the pellicle MR wines (436 mg/L) was significantly lower than that in the non-pellicle MR wines (660 mg/L). Furthermore, the mean concentration of tannins in MBA wines (139 mg/L) was also significantly lower than that in MR wines (570 mg/L). Wine grape cultivar having a low concentration of tannins may be highly susceptible to pellicle formation by pellicle-forming yeasts during winemaking.
Global warming and wine quality: are we close to the tipping point?
Authors: Gambetta Gregory A. , Kurtural Sahap Kaan
Published: September 2021

Wine grapes are one of the most lucrative crops in the world and this value is founded heavily on traditional winegrowing regions established over hundreds of years. These regions are now experiencing marked changes in climate. People speculate that global warming could reshape the distribution of premium wine-growing regions, pushing regions to higher latitudes and elevations with cooler temperatures. A major redistribution of this kind would be catastrophic for numerous regional economies. Here we examine relationships between warming, fruit ripening, and wine quality in two renowned red wine regions; Napa Valley, California, USA, and Bordeaux, France. We show that both regions have warmed substantially over the past 60+ years and that until now this warming has contributed to increases in the average wine quality. However, ripening relationships revealed that we are reaching a plateau and raise concerns that we may be approaching a tipping point in traditional wine-growing regions.
Politički i društveno-kulturni narativi u turskim serijama
Authors: Zgurić Borna
Published: September 2021

Cilj ovoga rada je identificirati političke, kulturne i društvene narative turskih serija koje imaju propagandnu ulogu. Analizom narativa obrađena su dva žanrovski različita turska serijala novijeg datuma – Sanjalica i 50 m2. Analiza narativa nadopunjena je komparativnim pristupom, odnosno dizajnom najrazličitijih sustava. Unatoč tome što oba serijala površinski prikazuju zapadne i sekularne vrijednosti, njihov dublji sloj otkriva gotovo identične političke, kulturne i društvene narative koje obilježavaju politička propaganda vladajuće stranke i reprodukcija konzervativne kulture u Turskoj. Iako rad potvrđuje propagandni sadržaj analiziranih serijala, ponajprije prema turskim gledateljima, zaključuje se kako je potrebno proširiti istraživanje na veći broj turskih serija. Jednako tako, analiza narativa govori nam koje poruke ti serijali šalju, no kako bi se mogla istražiti recepcija njihovih poruka kod turskih gledatelja potrebna su daljnja istraživanja koja se služe drugim metodološkim postupcima.
Implementation of Learning Method Variations in Fiqh Subject for the Seventh Grade at MTS Yapi Pakem
Authors: Septoyadi Zikry , Fahrurrozi Ahmad , Candrawati Vita Lastriana
Published: September 2021

The use of varied and suitable methods will undoubtedly encourage the success of the learning process carried out. However, some teachers still ignore this, especially regarding the use of methods in the learning process. Therefore, it is necessary to research the ability of teachers who teach fiqh lessons in implementing variations of learning methods at MTs Yapi Pakem. This study aims to be used as a benchmark for schools and teachers in seeing the extent to which the implementation and success of the learning method variations. The approach in this study was descriptive qualitative, taking the background of MTs Yapi Pakem. Data collection was done by using observation, interviews, and documentation methods. To check the data validity, triangulation of sources, techniques, and time was carried out. Meanwhile, the data analysis technique consisted of data reduction, data presentation by giving meaning to the data collected, and from that meaning, conclusions or verification were drawn. This study’s results revealed that 1) in the implementation of the seventh-grade fiqh learning at MTs Yapi Pakem, various learning methods had been used. Meanwhile, the combination variations included lectures - question and answer – assignments, lecture-discussion - question and answer, lecture - assignment - question and answer. 2) For its implementation from planning to implementation, its use was quite good but still lacking in evaluation.
Analysis of Moodle as E-Learning in the Online Learning Implementation in Aviation Polytechnic of Surabaya
Authors: Hariyanto Didi
Published: September 2021

This study aims to analyze the implementation of Moodle as e-learning in the online learning application at the Aviation Polytechnic of Surabaya. The research method employed the descriptive qualitative method. The sample in this study consisted of 46 cadets from the Aviation Communication Study Program Batch V Alpha and Bravo at Aviation Polytechnic of Surabaya. This research was carried out from March 2020 to June 2020 at the Aviation Polytechnic of Surabaya. Data were collected using observation, questionnaires, interviews, and literature studies. The data obtained through questionnaires were then analyzed utilizing descriptive analysis techniques with percentages. The results of the optimal level of Moodle as e-learning in the online learning application from users, namely cadets, reached 79.56% for the user satisfaction aspect, with a good category. From the usability aspect, it got 73.61%, with enough category. From the graphic design aspect, it attained 56.74%, with enough category. The navigation aspect reached 76.95% in the good category, while the content aspect obtained 84.34% in the good category. Overall, the response of the VA and VB Aviation Communication cadets obtained 74.24%, with enough category. Thus, it can be concluded that Moodle as e-learning in the online-based learning application at the Aviation Polytechnic of Surabaya was not fully optimal since it was still in enough category. For this reason, it needs to be further developed from the usability aspect, graphic design, and additional features, such as video on demand and video streaming.
Corrosion and performance of dust palliatives : laboratory and field studies
Authors: Edwards Lulu , Weiss Charles , Newman J. , Nichols Fred , Coffing L. , Mason Quint
Published: September 2021

This report details laboratory and field experiments on BioPreferred® dust suppressants to assess performance and corrosion characteristics. Numerous bio-based dust suppressant products are marketed, but little data are available to assess performance for dust abatement and corrosion of common metals. A laboratory study used an air impingement device and the Portable In-Situ Wind ERosion Laboratory (PI-SWERL) to simulate wind speeds similar to those in field conditions for rotary wing aircraft. Laboratory corrosion studies used metal coupons imbedded in soil treated with dust palliative. Field trials were conducted using ground vehicle traffic to minimize cost and lower safety concerns while increasing surface wear from repetitive traffic. These studies clearly show that bio-based products demonstrate low corrosion potential with similar dust abatement performance to synthetic-based agents.
Estimating growing-season root zone soil moisture from vegetation index-based evapotranspiration fraction and soil properties in the Northwest Mountain region, USA
Authors: Pradhan Nawa Raj
Published: September 2021

A soil moisture retrieval method is proposed, in the absence of ground-based auxiliary measurements, by deriving the soil moisture content relationship from the satellite vegetation index-based evapotranspiration fraction and soil moisture physical properties of a soil type. A temperature–vegetation dryness index threshold value is also proposed to identify water bodies and underlying saturated areas. Verification of the retrieved growing season soil moisture was performed by comparative analysis of soil moisture obtained by observed conventional in situ point measurements at the 239-km2 Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed, Idaho, USA (2006–2009), and at the US Climate Reference Network (USCRN) soil moisture measurement sites in Sundance, Wyoming (2012–2015), and Lewistown, Montana (2014–2015). The proposed method best represented the effective root zone soil moisture condition, at a depth between 50 and 100 cm, with an overall average R2 value of 0.72 and average root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.042.
CuO enhances the photocatalytic activity of Fe₂O₃ through synergistic reactive oxygen species interactions
Authors: Asenath-Smith Emily , Ambrogi Emma , Barnes Eftihia , Brame Jonathon
Published: September 2021

Iron oxide (α-Fe₂O₃, hematite) colloids were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and investigated as catalysts for the photodegradation of an organic dye under broad-spectrum illumination. To enhance photocatalytic performance, Fe₂O₃ was combined with other transition-metal oxide (TMO) colloids (e.g., CuO and ZnO), which are sensitive to different regions of the solar spectrum (far visible and ultraviolet, respectively), using a ternary blending approach for compositional mixtures. For a variety of ZnO/Fe₂O₃/CuO mole ratios, the pseudo-first-order rate constant for methyl orange degradation was at least double the sum of the individual Fe₂O₃ and CuO rate constants, indicating there is an underlying synergy governing the photocatalysis reaction with these combinations of TMOs. A full compositional study was carried out to map the interactions between the three TMOs. Additional experiments probed the identity and role of reactive oxygen species and elucidated the mechanism by which CuO enhanced Fe₂O₃ photodegradation while ZnO did not. The increased photocatalytic performance of Fe2O3 in the presence of CuO was associated with hydroxyl radical ROS, consistent with heterogeneous photo-Fenton mechanisms, which are not accessible by ZnO. These results imply that low-cost photocatalytic materials can be engineered for high performance under solar illumination by selective pairing of TMOs with compatible ROS.
Synthesis and characterization of biological nanomaterial/poly(vinylidene fluoride) composites
Authors: Barnes Eftihia , Jefcoat Jennifer , Alberts Erik , Peel Hannah , Mimum L. , Buchanan J, , Guan Xin , Warner Christopher , Klaus Kyle , Reed-Gore Erin , Weiss Charles
Published: September 2021

The properties of composite materials are strongly influenced by both the physical and chemical properties of their individual constituents, as well as the interactions between them. For nanocomposites, the incorporation of nano-sized dopants inside a host material matrix can lead to significant improvements in mechanical strength, toughness, thermal or electrical conductivity, etc. In this work, the effect of cellulose nanofibrils on the structure and mechanical properties of cellulose nanofibril poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) composite films was investigated. Cellulose is one of the most abundant organic polymers with superior mechanical properties and readily functionalized surfaces. Under the current processing conditions, cellulose nanofibrils, as-received and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO) oxidized, alter the crystallinity and mechanical properties of the composite films while not inducing a crystalline phase transformation on the 𝛾 phase PVDF composites. Composite films obtained from hydrated cellulose nanofibrils remain in a majority 𝛾 phase, but also exhibit a small, yet detectable fraction of 𝛼 and ß PVDF phases.
Vision restoration in photoreceptor-degenerated mice and macaque monkeys using nanowires
Authors: Zhang Jiayi , Yang Ruyi , Zhao Peng , Feng Chenli , Wang Liyang , Wang Zhexuan , Zhang Yingying , Chen Peng , Shen Mingqian , Shi Kaiwen , Weng Shijun , Huang Yanwen , Dong Chunqiong , Zeng Fu , Fu Luoyin , Ma Ruoxi , Wang Fei , Jiang Su , Xu Wendong , Wang Gang , Zheng Gengfeng , Chen Aihua , Yuan Fei , Yuan Yuanzhi , Yan Biao
Published: September 2021

Photoreceptor degeneration diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration, are major causes of blindness. Here we evaluate the performance of Au nanoparticle-coated titania (TiO2-x) nanowire (NW) arrays as artificial photoreceptors to restore image-forming vision in blind mice and non-human primates with photoreceptor degeneration. We first demonstrated that blind mice with the subretinal implant of NW arrays were capable of detecting static, moving and flashing objects, with a visual acuity of 0.3 cpd, measured up to 9 months after the implant surgery. Using chronic in vivo calcium imaging, we continuously monitored light-induced responses of neurons in the primary visual cortex (V1) in NW-implanted blind mice for over 14 weeks. Light responses of V1 neurons first appeared at 2 days after the surgery and the number of light-responsive V1 neurons peaked 1 week after the implant surgery, and the latency of these responses decreased over time. These results collectively suggested the plasticity and improvement in the encoding of visual information in V1 after NW implant surgery. We then implanted NW arrays subretinally in macaque monkeys, showing that the NW arrays did not cause adverse responses 8 weeks post surgery. Finally, visually-guided saccades were restored in macaque monkeys with the subretinal implant of NW arrays. Our findings demonstrated the possibility to utilize nanomaterials as artificial photoreceptors to ameliorate visual deficits of patients with photoreceptor degeneration.
Graphene Oxide and Polyethyleneimine Cooperative Construct Ionic Imprinted Cellulose Nanocrystals Aerogel for Selective Adsorption of Dy(III)
Authors: Zheng Xudong , Sun Wen , Li Ang , Wang Bin , Jiang Rong , Song Zhiqiang , Zhang Yuzhe , Li Zhongyu
Published: September 2021

Because of dysprosium's unique physical and chemical properties and limited supply, the price of rare earth dysprosium has been high in recent years. Therefore, the study of the method of high efficiency selective separation of dysprosium has the double value of scientific research and practical economy. In this paper, we used periodic cellulose nanocrystals as the basic structure, polyethylenimine and graphene oxide were introduced, combined with imprinting technology, to construct porous imprinted aerogel and use it for selective adsorption of Dy(III). The physical and chemical properties were characterized by SEM, TEM, FT-IR and TGA. It was proved that both polyethylenimine and graphene oxide were crosslinked effectively with cellulose nanocrystals. Adsorption experiments showed that the composite imprinted aerogel could selectively adsorb dysprosium effectively, and the maximum adsorption capacity for Dy(III) was 36.495 mg g− 1. The reproducibility experiment showed that aerogel had good regeneration ability. In conclusion, cellulose nanocrystals aerogel, which is environmentally friendly, efficient and repeatable, is expected to provide a new direction for the recovery of rare earth elements.
The Genomic Characteristics of RET Fusion Positive Tumors in Chinese Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Patients
Authors: Wu Guowu , Guo Longhua , Gu Yinfang , Huang Tanxiao , Liu Ming , Zou Xiaofang , Yang Bo , Huang Ping , Wen Chunling , Yi Lilan , Liao Wenting , Zhao Dongdong , Zhu Junlin , Zhang Xiaoni , Liu Yuanyuan , Yin Yan , Chen Shifu
Published: September 2021

Background: Approximately 1-2% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harbor RET (rearranged during transfection) fusions. The oncogenic RET fusions could lead to constitutive kinase activation and oncogenesis.Methods: 1746 Chinese NSCLC patients were enrolled from in this study. Tumor tissues were collected during surgery, and were formalin fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) and archived. Peripheral blood (PB) samples were also collected from each patient as control. In addition, we selected 17 of them for cfDNA NGS testing and 14 tumor samples for immunohistochemistry testing using PD-L1 rabbit monoclonal antibody, clones 28-8 (Abcam, Cambridge, UK).Results: Of the 1746 NSCLC cases, RET rearrangements were identified in 25 cases (1.43 %) with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC, of which 20 (80%) were female. We found that 14 out of 25 patients had an KIF5B-RET fusion, with KIF5B exon15-RET exon12, KIF5B exon23-RET exon12, and KIF5B exon24-RET exon11 detected in 14, 3, and 1 patients respectively. We also identified one novel RET fusion partner PLCE1 and 4 intergenic-breakpoint fusions. Conclusion: In this study, using the hybrid capture based NGS (the next generation sequencing) techniques, we revealed the genomic profiling for the patients with RET fusion-positive NSCLC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that exhibited the detailed breakpoints of Chinese NSCLC patients with RET rearrangement, and we found a novel new partner PLCE1. The results provided genomic information for patients with RET fusion which is significant for personalized clinical management in the era of precision medicine.
Intranasal Dexamethasone: a New Clinical Trial For The Control of Inflammation and Neuroinflammation in Covid-19 Patients
Authors: Caádenas Graciela , Espinosa Ana María , Chavez-Canales María , Jordán-Ríos Antonio , Malagon Daniel Anica , Márquez Manlio F. , Torres-Araujo Laura , Barajas-Campos Ricardo , Wong Rosa , Ramírez Luis , Ibet Karent , García Enrique , Rodriguez Mariana , Leyva Yoana , Hernández-Ruíz Joselin , Hernández-Mendel María , León-Hernández Mireya , Medina Karen , Sánchez Anahi , Hernández Sergio , Zeron Ignacia , Martínez-Cuazitl Adriana , Martínez Iván , Beltrán Eduardo , Figueroa Aldo , Hernández Patricia , Aguilar Rafael I , Murillo-Reyes Daniela , Río Luis R. Del , Alfaro-Bonilla Rogelio A. , Cruz Joselyn , Huerta Leonor , Fierro Nora , Hernández Marisela , Pérez-Tapia Mayra , Meneses Gabriela , Jung Helgi , Espíndola-Arriaga Erick , Rosas Gabriela , Olguin Roxana , Ortega Sandra , Chinney Alberto , Rosales Sergio , Hernández-Aceves Juan , Cervantes-Torres Jaquelynne , Besedovsky Hugo , Romano Marta C. , Bobes Raúl J , Soldevila Gloria , Lopez Juan , Fragoso Gladis , Laclette Juan P , Sciutto Edda , Rodríguez Anai Fuentes
Published: September 2021

COVID-19 has produced more than 176 million infected individuals and almost 3.2 million deaths worldwide. The infection results in a dysregulated systemic inflammation, multi-organ dysfunction, and critical illness. Cells of the central nervous system (CNS) are also affected triggering a dysregulated neuroinflammatory response.Low doses of glucocorticoids (GCs) orally or intravenously administered has been proved to reduce mortality of moderate and severe COVID-19 patients. However, low doses administered by those routes do not reach therapeutic levels in the CNS. In contrast, if dexamethasone is administered by the intranasal route can result in therapeutic doses in the CNS even at low doses of the GC. Methods: This is an approved multicentric randomized controlled protocol to compare the effectiveness of low doses of intranasal dexamethasone versus intravenous administered in adult moderate and severe COVID-19 patients. The protocol is conducted in five health institutions in Mexico City. A total of 120 patients will be randomized in two groups (intravenous vs intranasal) at 1:1 ratio, both groups will be treated with these dexamethasone schemes for 10 days. The primary outcome of the study will be clinical improvement, defined as a statistically significant higher reduction in the NEWS-2 score in intranasally versus intravenously dexamethasone treated patients. The second outcome will be the reduction in mortality during hospitalization. Conclusions: This protocol is currently undertaken to improve the efficacy of the standard therapeutic dexamethasone regimen for moderate and severe COVID-19 patients. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04513184 Registered November 12, 2020 and was approved by COFEPRIS with identifier DI/20/407/04/36. People are currently being recruited.
The Appropriate Dose of Remimazolam Combined with Remifentanil in Anesthesia for Gastroscopy
Authors: Zhang Jianyou , Wang Maohua , Liu Fengxia , Guo Miao , Zhu Yue , Li Shitong
Published: September 2021

Background: The appropriate doses of remimazolam combined with remifentanil were investigated in anesthesia gastroscopy by observing the effect of two methods of administration in fixed doses and dosed by ideal weight on success rate and recover effect in painless gastroscopy. Methods: A total of 400 patients underwent the anesthesia of gastroscopy were randomized to divide into five groups (W1, W2, F1, F2 and C Group) in endoscopy center, with 80 cases in each group. All patients were given 0.25ug/kg of remifentanil before gastroscopy. The success rate, the quality of anesthesia resuscitation, heart rate, blood pressure, Pulse oxygen saturation, perioperative adverse events and Modified observer’ s assessment of alert/sedation (MOAA/S) diachronic changes were recorded. Results: In terms of anesthetic effects of the first dose of the drug(P<0.05), the patients in F1 group showed be lack of sedation obviously. The success rate of induction in F2 group was higher than that in F1 group. The success rate of sedation in W2 groups was highest (96%). The control group was second to W2 Group. Blood pressure in W2 Group was lower than W1 Group after first administration(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in next several minutes. There was no difference in blood pressure between W2 Group and C Group at T1(P>0.05). There was no difference in the changes of heart rate, recovery time and discharge time(P>0.05). The incidence of cough in F1 and W1 is high(P<0.05). Conclusions: Remimazolam combined with remifentanil used were safe, and 0.3mg/kg of remimazolam combined with 0.25ug/kg of remifentanil by ideal body weight is better in painless gastroscopy.Trial registration: The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov: ChiCTR2100041759, registered 4 January 2021.