bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Localized Controlled Release of Kynurenic Acid Encapsulated in Synthetic Polymer Reduces Implant—Induced Dermal Fibrosis
Authors: Nabai Layla , Ghahary Aziz , Jackson John
Published: July 2022

Excessive fibrosis following surgical procedures is a challenging condition with serious consequences and no effective preventive or therapeutic option. Our group has previously shown the anti-fibrotic effect of kynurenic acid (KynA) in vitro and as topical cream formulations or nanofiber dressings in open wounds. Here, we hypothesized that the implantation of a controlled release drug delivery system loaded with KynA in a wound bed can prevent fibrosis in a closed wound. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and a diblock copolymer, methoxy polyethylene glycol-block-poly (D, L-lactide) (MePEG-b-PDLLA), were used for the fabrication of microspheres which were evaluated for their characteristics, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release profile, and in vivo efficacy for reduction of fibrosis. The optimized formulation exhibited high encapsulation efficiency (>80%), low initial burst release (~10%), and a delayed, gradual release of KynA. In vivo evaluation of the fabricated microspheres in the PVA model of wound healing revealed that KynA microspheres effectively reduced collagen deposition inside and around PVA sponges and α-smooth muscle actin expression after 66 days. Our results showed that KynA can be efficiently encapsulated in PLGA microspheres and its controlled release in vivo reduces fibrotic tissue formation, suggesting a novel therapeutic option for the prevention or treatment of post-surgical fibrosis.
Simple Parametric Model for Calculation of Lateral Electromagnetic Loads in Tokamaks at Asymmetric Vertical Displacement Events (AVDE)
Authors: Sadakov Sergey , Villone Fabio , Rubinacci Guglielmo , Ventre Salvatore
Published: July 2022

This paper describes a family of relatively simple numerical models for calculation of asymmetric electromagnetic (EM) loads at all tokamak structures and coils at asymmetric vertical plasma displacement events (AVDE). Unlike currently known AVDE studies concentrated on plasma physics, these models have a practical purpose to calculate detailed time-dependent patterns of AVDE-induced EM loads everywhere in the tokamak. They are built to intrinsically assure good-enough EM load balance (opposite net forces and torques for the Vacuum Vessel and the Magnets with zero total for the entire tokamak), as needed for consequent simulation of the tokamak’s dynamic response to AVDE, as well as for the development of tokamak monitoring algorithms and tokamak simulators. To achieve these practical goals, the models work in a manner of parametric study. They do not intervene in details of plasma physics, but run at widely varied input assumptions on AVDE evolution and severity. Their outputs will fill a library of ready-for-use lateral EM loads for multiple variants of AVDE evolution and severity. The tokamak physics community can select any variant from the library, and engineers can pick ready-for-use AVDE loads. Investigated here, EM models represent one already known approach and one newly suggested. The latter attempts to reflect the helical pattern of halo currents in plasma and delivers richer outcomes and, thus, can be preferred as the single practical model for parametric calculations.
A Narrative Review on Rice Proteins: Current Scenario and Food Industrial Application
Authors: Jayaprakash Gopika , Bains Aarti , Chawla Prince , Fogarasi Melinda , Fogarasi Szabolcs
Published: July 2022

Rice, Oryza sativa, is the major staple food that provides a larger share of dietary energy for more of the population than other cereal crops. Moreover, rice has a significant amount of protein including four different fractions such as prolamin, glutelin, globulin, and albumin with different solubility characteristics. However, these proteins exhibit a higher amino acid profile, so they are nutritionally important and possess several functional properties. Compared with many other cereal grains, rice protein is hypoallergic due to the absence of gluten, and therefore it is used to formulate food for infants and gluten-allergic people. Furthermore, the availability makes rice an easily accessible protein source and it exhibits several activities in the human body which discernibly affect total health. Because of these advantages, food industries are currently focusing on the effective application of rice protein as an alternative to animal-based and gluten-containing protein by overcoming limiting factors, such as poor solubility. Hence, it is important to gain an in-depth understanding of the rice protein to expand its application so, the underlined concept of this review is to give a current summary of rice protein, a detailed discussion of the chemistry of rice protein, and extraction techniques, and its functional properties. Furthermore, the impact of rice protein on human health and the current application of rice protein is also mentioned.
Optimization of Biocomposite Film Based on Whey Protein Isolate and Nanocrystalline Cellulose from Pineapple Crown Leaf Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Fitriani Fitriani , Aprilia Sri , Bilad Muhammad Roil , Arahman Nasrul , Usman Anwar , Huda Nurul , Kobun Rovina
Published: July 2022

This study employed response surface methodology to optimize the preparation of biocomposites based on whey protein isolate, glycerol, and nanocrystalline cellulose from pineapple crown leaf. The effects of different concentrations of nanocrystalline cellulose as a filler and glycerol as a plasticizer on the thickness, the tensile strength, and the elongation at break on the resulting biocomposite films were investigated. The central composite design was used to determine the optimum preparation conditions for biocomposite films with optimum properties. The regression of a second-order polynomial model resulted in an optimum composition consisting of 4% glycerol and 3.5% nanocrystalline cellulose concentrations, which showed a desirability of 92.7%. The prediction of the regression model was validated by characterizing the biocomposite film prepared based on the optimum composition, at which the thickness, tensile strength, and elongation at break of the biocomposite film were 0.13 mm, 7.16 MPa, and 39.10%, respectively. This optimum composition can be obtained in range concentrations of glycerol (4–8%) and nanocrystalline cellulose (3–7%). Scanning electron microscope images showed that nanocrystalline cellulose dispersed well in the pure whey protein isolate, and the films had a relatively smooth surface. In comparison, a rough and uneven surface results in more porous biocomposite films. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that nanocrystalline cellulose and glycerol showed good compatibility with WPI film by forming hydrogen bonds. The addition of nanocrystalline cellulose as a filler also decreased the transparency, solubility, and water vapor permeability and increased the crystallinity index of the resulting biocomposite film.
Drug Delivery Systems Based on Pluronic Micelles with Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Popovici Corina , Popa Marcel , Sunel Valeriu , Atanase Leonard Ionut , Ichim Daniela Luminita
Published: July 2022

Bacterial oral diseases are chronic, and, therefore, require appropriate treatment, which involves various forms of administration and dosing of the drug. However, multimicrobial resistance is an increasing issue, which affects the global health system. In the present study, a commercial amphiphilic copolymer, Pluronic F127, was used for the encapsulation of 1-(5′-nitrobenzimidazole-2′-yl-sulphonyl-acetyl)-4-aryl-thiosemicarbazide, which is an original active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) previously synthesized and characterized by our group, at different copolymer/API weight ratios. The obtained micellar systems, with sizes around 20 nm, were stable during 30 days of storage at 4 °C, without a major increase of the Z-average sizes. As expected, the drug encapsulation and loading efficiencies varied with the copolymer/API ratio, the highest values of 84.8 and 11.1%, respectively being determined for the F127/API = 10/1 ratio. Moreover, in vitro biological tests have demonstrated that the obtained polymeric micelles (PMs) are both hemocompatible and cytocompatible. Furthermore, enhanced inhibition zones of 36 and 20 mm were observed for the sample F127/API = 2/1 against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. Based on these encouraging results, it can be admitted that these micellar systems can be an efficient alternative for the treatment of bacterial oral diseases, being suitable either by injection or by a topical administration.
Impure Mouths and Defiled Hearts: The Development of Deceit Impurity in Second Temple Judaism
Authors: Blidstein Moshe
Published: July 2022

Many early Christian and late Second Temple texts describe deceit as impurity. In this article, I delineate the development of this discourse and argue that it derived its power from several characteristics: mixing deceit impurity with other types of moral impurity; an implicit link between the structures of defilement/purity and falsehood/truth; localization of impurity in specific body loci; demonization; and a connection with Greek discourses on sophists and magicians. Some of these features are present already in the earliest texts such as the Hebrew Bible, but others developed only in the Hellenistic period.
High-Resolution Regional Digital Elevation Models and Derived Products from MESSENGER MDIS Images
Authors: Manheim Madeleine R. , Henriksen Megan R. , Robinson Mark S. , Kerner Hannah R. , Karas Bradley A. , Becker Kris J. , Chojnacki Matthew , Sutton Sarah S. , Blewett David T.
Published: July 2022

The Mercury Dual Imaging System (MDIS) on the Mercury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft has provided global images of Mercury’s surface. A subset of off-nadir observations acquired at different times resulted in near-global stereo coverage and enabled the creation of local area digital elevation models (DEMs). We derived fifty-seven DEMs covering nine sites of scientific interest and tied each to a geodetic reference derived from Mercury Laser Altimeter (MLA) profiles. DEMs created as part of this study have pixel scales ranging from 78 m/px to 500 m/px, and have vertical precisions less than the DEM pixel scale. These DEMs allow detailed characterizations of key Mercurian features. We present a preliminary examination of small features called “hollows” in three DEM sites. Depth measurements from the new DEMs are consistent with previous shadow and stereo measurements.
A Highly Salt-Tolerant Bacterium Brevibacterium sediminis Promotes the Growth of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Seedlings
Authors: Mahmud-Ur-Rahman  , Naser Iftekhar Bin , Mahmud Nur Uddin , Sarker Aniruddha , Hoque M. Nazmul , Islam Tofazzal
Published: July 2022

Soil salinity has emerged as a serious issue for food security due to global climate change. It is estimated that currently about 62 million hectares or 20 percent of the world’s irrigated land is affected by salinity. Salinity is a serious problem in the coastal areas of Bangladesh. Isolation of salt-tolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and applying them as bioinoculants in crop plants are considered promising and effective biotechnological approaches to combat soil salinity. This study aimed to screen salt-tolerant PGPB from the root, leaf, and rhizospheric soils of rice plants collected from salt-affected coastal areas including Chattogram, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, and Cox’s Bazar districts of Bangladesh and evaluated their performances on the seedling growth of rice. Out of forty-one salinity-tolerant bacterial isolates screened, Brevibacterium sediminis showed salinity tolerance up to 12% NaCl (w/v). In vitro bioassay revealed that B. sediminis promoted the seedling growth of rice cv. BRRI dhan29 (salinity susceptible) and BINAdhan-10 (salinity tolerant), and the growth-promoting effects were higher in BINAdhan-10. This study for the first time identified B. sediminis strain IBGE3C as a salt-tolerant PGPB from a widely cultivated rice variety, BRRI dhan28 in the Lakshmipur district of Bangladesh. Our results suggest that salt-tolerant PGPB isolated from the root, leaf, and rhizospheric soil of rice plants could be used as a low cost and environmentally friendly option for overcoming the detrimental effects of salt stress on rice plants in the southern coastal regions of Bangladesh. However, further studies are needed for assessing the efficacy of B. sediminis on enhancement of salinity tolerance, and growth and yield of rice under salinity stressed conditions.
Study of the Molecular Components and Rheological Properties of Asphalt after Long-Term Aging under the Action of Moisture
Authors: Luo Xianyan , Xie Kaizhong , Zhao Shengbing , Yao Qi , Qin Yue
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to investigate variations and relationships between molecular components and rheological properties during the long-term aging of SBS-modified asphalt by the action of moisture. The chemical components and changes in molecular weight during aqueous PAV aging were observed using a four-component test and GPC test, and these morphological changes were quantified. Viscosity tests, time-scan tests and damage-healing tests were carried out to investigate the rheological properties during the aging process. Finally, the mechanism of asphalt aging under the influence of moisture was discussed. The results showed that moisture facilitated the long-term aging of asphalt and complicated the aging behavior under pressure-aging conditions. The dissolution of certain hydrophilic groups may be responsible for the decrease in resin content. The fatigue and self-healing properties of asphalt were weakened by moisture during the aging process. This was mainly attributed to a decrease in the composition of the asphalt colloidal dispersion medium, which resulted in earlier and faster development of microcracks under repeated loading as well as retardation in the rate of asphalt surface approach, wetting and spreading. Under long-term aging in the presence of moisture, the molecular components of the asphalt showed significant correlations with the rheological properties. The results of this study can contribute to further explaining the influence of moisture on the thermal-oxidative aging of asphalt.
Poverty, ICT and Economic Growth in SADC Region: A Panel Cointegration Evaluation
Authors: Olamide Ebenezer , Ogujiuba Kanayo K. , Maredza Andrew , Semosa Phetole
Published: July 2022

Although there is a wealth of evidence on the relationship between economic growth and poverty or poverty and information and communication technology (ICT), there are few studies on the interaction between the three factors. The triangle relationship between poverty, information and communication technology, and economic growth in SADC were investigated in this study from 2005 to 2019. The research looked at how ICT and economic growth impact poverty in SADC countries, using the instruments of the Mean-Group FMOLS, Mean-Group DOLS, and Robustness Mean-Group Estimators in achieving its major objective. The principal component analysis was employed in generating a single index value for ICT and the data were subjected to relevant econometric tests to achieve robust results. Findings showed that all the variables exhibited poverty-reducing effects in SADC except inflation. Results confirm the existence of the “leapfrogging” hypothesis for the region. It is necessary to strengthen existing bilateral links among member nations of the area to maintain the benefits of ICT’s poverty-reducing impacts, economic growth, financial development, and trade openness. As applicable in other advanced and some emerging economies, the digital competence of the region needs to be synchronized for effective ICT service delivery.
Structural Design and Performance Test of Biomass-Based Nursery Trays
Authors: Li Hailiang , Wang Chun , Zou Huafen , Sun Haitian , Wang Hongxuan , Yu Zhenzhen , Shi Jianwei , Liu Xinyu
Published: July 2022

To realize sustainability in agricultural production, structure design and performance testing of biomass-based nursery trays was carried out in this study. Starting from meeting the agronomic requirements of rice seedling raising and mechanical transplanting, the method of combining theoretical analysis with experimental verification was used to clarify the design ideas and structural design basis of the biomass-based nursery tray. Key structural dimension parameters, such as the lateral dimensions of the seedling tray, the longitudinal size of the nursery tray, and the depth of the pothole bowl, were optimized. Meanwhile, developed biomass-based nursery trays and plastic flat nursery trays were used as seedling carriers, and a non-woven fabric and a plastic film were used as isolation materials for seeding trials. The experiment consisted of three treatments: a non-woven fabric under plastic flat nursery trays (CK), a non-woven fabric under biomass-based nursery trays (CK1), and a plastic film under biomass-based nursery trays (CK2). Comparative analysis of the seedling emergence rate, seedling quality, and yield under different nursery methods was carried out in the experiment. The results showed that the seedling emergence rate of CK1 and CK2 increased by 9.1% and 9.5%, respectively, compared with the traditional seedling raising method (CK). In terms of seedling quality, the overall quality of the seedlings cultivated with biomass-based nursery trays improved, and the improvement in traits was particularly obvious in the group of seedlings with a plastic film as isolation materials (CK2), with final results showing a 5.8% increase in yield. The results of this study can provide a theoretical basis for establishing a rice cultivation technology system suitable for China’s national conditions, and can also provide technical support for increasing the use of biomass-based nursery trays to achieve the sustainable development of agriculture.
Place Attachment, Cultural Involvement, and Residents’ Attitudes towards Tourism Development: The Case of Novi Sad, the European Capital of Culture 2022
Authors: Blešić Ivana , Pivac Tatjana , Kovačić Sanja , Cimbaljević Marija , Lukić Tamara , Bubalo Živković Milka , Đerčan Bojan , Bjelajac Dajana
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine how residents in Novi Sad (The European Capital of Culture 2022) perceive the influence of cultural involvement and place attachment on their attitude toward tourism, and how this affects their support for tourism development. In order to investigate the relationships between these factors, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used. The proposed model was tested, and the findings show significant relationships between residents’ cultural involvement, place attachment, perceived positive and negative impacts of tourism (economic, socio-cultural, environmental), and support for tourism development. The findings of the study could assist tourism planners not only in Novi Sad but also in other urban destinations.
Identifying the Key Driving Factors of Carbon Emissions in ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ Countries
Authors: Sun Lili , Yu Hang , Liu Qiang , Li Yanzun , Li Lintao , Dong Hua , Adenutsi Caspar Daniel
Published: July 2022

The ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ (B&R) countries play a key role in mitigating global carbon emissions, but their driving factors behind carbon emissions remain unclear. This paper aimed to identify the key driving factors (KDFs) of carbon emissions in the B&R countries based on the extended STIRPAT (stochastic impacts by regression on population, affluence, and technology) model. The empirical results showed that: (1) Population and GDP per capita were the KDFs that promoted carbon emission, while energy intensity improvement and renewable energy were the KDFs that inhibited carbon emissions. Urbanization, another KDF, had a dual impact across countries. (2) The KDFs varied across the B&R countries. For the high-income group (HI), population had the greatest impact. It was identified as the KDF promoting carbon emission, while for the other three income groups, GDP per capita, as the dominant factor, was identified as the KDF promoting carbon emission. (3) Moreover, two interesting trends were found, namely, the higher the income, the greater the impact of energy intensity while the lower the impact of GDP per capita. These results could provide guidance for carbon reduction in the B&R countries.
The Effect of Aposematic Signals of Plants on Students’ Perception and Willingness to Protect Them
Authors: Fančovičová Jana , Prokop Pavol , Kubíčková Markéta
Published: July 2022

Degradation of biodiversity is one of the current problems of today, and scientists are increasingly concerned with identifying the key factors influencing people’s willingness to protect (WTP) wild organisms. Using a within-subject design, we investigated the influence of aposematic signals along with the presence or absence of flowers on perceived danger, attractiveness and WTP plants with lower secondary school students (mean age = 13 yrs) in Slovakia (n = 423). Aposematic plants received a higher dangerousness score (mean = 2.62 vs. 2.27), higher attractiveness score (mean = 3.45 vs. 3.32) and lower WTP plants than plants without aposematic signals (mean = 3.27 vs. 3.37). Interaction terms showed that males perceived the aposematic species as more dangerous than females and were more willing to protect species lacking aposematic signals. Females rated aposematic plants as more attractive than non-aposematic plants (mean = 3.82 vs. 3.0). The presence of flowers increased the perceived attractiveness of plants (mean = 3.75 vs. 3.02) and WTP plants (mean = 3.59 vs. 3.05) and decreased perceived dangerousness (mean = 2.70 vs. 2.20). Perceived attractiveness and WTP plants decreased with students’ age. Students with a higher interest in plants rated the attractiveness of the species more positively and were also more willing to protect them regardless of the presence of aposematic signals. We conclude that the presence of aposematic signals does not directly contribute to WTP plants, but conspicuous traits with high aesthetic value, such as flowers, positively enhance WTP in Slovak students.
Simulation of Triaxial Tests for Unsaturated Soils under a Tension–Shear State by the Discrete Element Method
Authors: Cai Guoqing , Li Jian , Liu Shaopeng , Li Jiguang , Han Bowen , He Xuzhen , Zhao Chenggang
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the discrete element method is used to simulate triaxial tests of unsaturated soil under a tension–shear state. A relationship between water content and uniaxial tensile strength with different void ratios is obtained, which is applied to uniaxial tensile discrete element simulations to establish a relationship between grain-scale parameters and water content from back analysis. A group of triaxial simulations for unsaturated soil under a tension–shear state is then conducted. The discrete element method is used to obtain the relationship between deviatoric stress and axial displacement with different water contents, and also to reveal the effects of water content on peak strength and dilatancy phenomena with different confining pressures. The displacement fields of numerical specimen are analyzed qualitatively, and the mechanism and process of failure are discussed from the prospective of energy and dissipation.
The Impact of Working from Home during COVID-19 on Time Allocation across Competing Demands
Authors: Gunasekara Asanka N. , Wheeler Melissa A. , Bardoel Anne
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: We apply the Total Leadership approach to better understand how employees allocate their time across the domains of work, family, community, and self at three points: pre-, during, and post-COVID-19 restrictions. (2) Methods: The study employed a mixed methods design with qualitative and quantitative survey data from 106 Australian employees who worked from home during the pandemic. (3) Findings: Three categories of participants emerged: work-centric, family-centric, and self-centric. The results showed a reduction in time allocated to work during restrictions, an anticipated further reduction post-restriction, and significant increases in the family and self domains. Qualitative analyses confirmed the shift away from work and a divergence between those who preferred the integration of domains verses those who preferred a segmentation approach. (4) Implications: The Total Leadership approach is relevant to this shift in values and priorities away from the work domain, since it encourages employees and employers to take a holistic perspective on their lives. This rethinking could help to reduce burnout and employee turnover—which are particularly salient due to the ‘great resignation’—and could contribute to the sustainability of workforces, as organisations strive to retain and recruit employees who increasingly value work–life balance and wellbeing. (5) Originality: The application of the Total Leadership approach provides a novel theoretical foundation to investigate how employees allocate time across different domains of their post-COVID-19 lives.
Design Factors to Improve the Consistency and Sustainable User Experience of Responsive Interface Design
Authors: Li Wenjie , Zhou Yuxiao , Luo Shijian , Dong Yenan
Published: July 2022

Computers have been extended to a variety of devices, such as smart phones, tablets, and smart watches, thereby increasing the importance of responsive interfaces across multi-terminal devices. To ensure a consistent and sustainable user experience for websites and software products, it is important to study the layout, design elements, and users’ visual perception of different terminal interfaces. In this paper, the multi-terminal interfaces of 40 existing responsive websites were studied in a hierarchical grouping experiment, and six typical interface layouts were classified and extracted. Then, the main design factors affecting interface consistency of the responsive website were extracted and classified through eye tracking and a questionnaire survey. Finally, taking a sales management software tool (SA) as an example for design application, we successfully created responsive interfaces across multi-terminal devices with a consistent and sustainable experience.
Detection of African Swine Fever Virus in Ornithodoros Tick Species Associated with Indigenous and Extralimital Warthog Populations in South Africa
Authors: Craig Anthony F. , Schade-Weskott Mathilde L. , Rametse Thapelo , Heath Livio , Kriel Gideon J. P. , de Klerk-Lorist Lin-Mari , van Schalkwyk Louis , Trujillo Jessie D. , Crafford Jan E. , Richt Juergen A. , Swanepoel Robert
Published: July 2022

We investigated the possibility that sylvatic circulation of African swine fever virus (ASFV) in warthogs and Ornithodoros ticks had extended beyond the historically affected northern part of South Africa that was declared a controlled area in 1935 to prevent the spread of infection to the rest of the country. We recently reported finding antibody to the virus in extralimital warthogs in the south of the country, and now describe the detection of infected ticks outside the controlled area. A total of 5078 ticks was collected at 45 locations in 7/9 provinces during 2019–2021 and assayed as 711 pools for virus content by qPCR, while 221 pools were also analysed for tick phylogenetics. Viral nucleic acid was detected in 50 tick pools representing all four members of the Ornithodoros (Ornithodoros) moubata complex known to occur in South Africa: O. (O.) waterbergensis and O. (O.) phacochoerus species yielded ASFV genotypes XX, XXI, XXII at 4 locations and O. (O.) moubata yielded ASFV genotype I at two locations inside the controlled area. Outside the controlled area, O. (O.) moubata and O. (O.) compactus ticks yielded ASFV genotype I at 7 locations, while genotype III ASFV was identified in O. (O.) compactus ticks at a single location. Two of the three species of the O. (O.) savignyi complex ticks known to be present in the country, O. (O.) kalahariensis and O. (O.) noorsveldensis, were collected at single locations and found negative for virus. The only member of the Pavlovskyella subgenus of Ornithodoros ticks known to occur in South Africa, O. (P.) zumpti, was collected from warthog burrows for the first time, in Addo National Park in the Eastern Cape Province where ASFV had never been recorded, and it tested negative for the viral nucleic acid. While it is confirmed that there is sylvatic circulation of ASFV outside the controlled area in South Africa, there is a need for more extensive surveillance and for vector competence studies with various species of Ornithodoros ticks.
Impact of HIV-1 Infection on the Natural Progress of an Anti-HCV Positive Population in an Impoverished Village in China from 2009 to 2017
Authors: Li Xinjie , Li Yuantao , Zhang Yuqi , Yin Yue , Tu Jing , Xu Qiang , Liang Hua , Shen Tao
Published: July 2022

Our study aimed to determine the impact of HIV coinfection on the natural progression of liver disease in treatment-naive HCV-infected patients. From 2009 to 2017, we tracked non-invasive markers of liver fibrosis and end-stage liver disease (ESLD)-associated mortality among HCV mono-infected and HIV/HCV coinfected patients in an impoverished village in China. The study cohort consisted of 355 HBsAg-negative and anti-HCV (+) or anti-HIV (+) patients recruited in July 2009, 164 of whom were diagnosed with HIV-1 infection. The surviving patients were re-evaluated in August 2017. During the follow-up, the disease status, liver biochemical, and non-invasive indicators of liver fibrosis (APRI and FIB-4) were measured. The transaminases ALT and AST were significantly higher in HIV-positive HCV resolvers (HIV+ HCVr) than in HIV-negative HCV resolvers (HCVr) (p = 0.019 and p < 0.0001, respectively). APRI and FIB-4 scores of HIV-positive chronic HCV carriers (HIV+ HCVc) were significantly higher than in HIV-negative chronic HCV carriers (HCVc) (p < 0.001). Similarly, APRI and FIB-4 scores were higher in the HIV+ HCVr group than in the HCVr group (ps < 0.001). From 2009 to 2017, the levels of ALT (p = 0.006), AST (p = 0.003), APRI (p = 0.015), and FIB-4 (p = 0.025) were significantly elevated in the HIV/HCV coinfected patients with CD4+ T counts below 500 cells/l. ESLD-related mortality was significantly greater in HIV/HCV-infected cases than in HCV mono-infected patients (73.3% vs. 31.3%, p = 0.009) among patients (n = 45) who died between 2009 and 2017 during follow-up. These findings suggest a higher risk of ESLD-related death and rapid progression of liver fibrosis in HIV/HCV coinfected individuals compared with HCV mono-infected patients. During HIV/HCV coinfection, HIV infection may aggravate HCV-associated liver injury.
COVID-19 Vaccination Status among Pregnant and Postpartum Women—A Cross-Sectional Study on More Than 1000 Individuals
Authors: Nowacka Urszula , Malarkiewicz Paulina , Sierdzinski Janusz , Januszaniec Aleksandra , Kozłowski Szymon , Issat Tadeusz
Published: July 2022

Pregnancy is a well-known factor for vaccine hesitancy and immunization remains the most effective form of prevention against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) related complications. The objective was to estimate vaccine uptake and hesitancy rate, characteristics, and factors contributing to a decision-making process among pregnant and postpartum individuals. This was a prospective cross-sectional study on 1033 pregnant (54.1%) and postpartum (45.9%) women conducted between December 2021 and March 2022 in a tertiary center for maternal–fetal medicine. Logistic regression was used to assess characteristics related to the vaccination decision process. Among responders, 74% were vaccinated and 26% were hesitant (9% planning to vaccinate and 17% totally opposed). Only 59.8% were offered a vaccine by healthcare professionals. Women with higher levels of education (OR 2.26, p < 0.0001), who received positive feedback about vaccination (OR 2.74, p = 0.0172), or were informed about COVID-19 complications in pregnancy (OR 2.6, p < 0.0001) were most likely to accept the vaccination. Hesitancy was associated with multiparity (≥3, OR 4.76, p = 0.006), worse educational status (OR 2.29, p < 0.0001), and lack of previous COVID-19 infection (OR 1.89, p < 0.0001). The most common reason for rejection was insufficient safety data (57%). Understanding factors behind vaccination status is crucial in lowering complications in mothers and newborns and targeted action may facilitate the uptake.
Review of Advanced Oxidation Processes Based on Peracetic Acid for Organic Pollutants
Authors: Shi Changjie , Li Cong , Wang Yong , Guo Jiaqi , Barry Sadou , Zhang Yunshu , Marmier Nicolas
Published: July 2022

In recent years, the removal of organic pollutants from water and wastewater has attracted more attention to different advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). There has been increasing interest in using peroxyacetic acid (PAA), an emerging oxidant with low or no toxic by-products, yet the promotion and application are limited by unclear activation mechanisms and complex preparation processes. This paper synthesized the related research results reported on the removal of organic pollutants by PAA-based AOPs. Based on the research of others, this paper not only introduced the preparation method and characteristics of PAA but also summarized the mechanism and reactivity of PAA activated by the free radical pathway and discussed the main influencing factors. Furthermore, the principle and application of the newly discovered methods of non-radical activation of PAA in recent years were also reviewed for the first time. Finally, the shortcomings and development of PAA-based AOPs were discussed and prospected. This review provides a reference for the development of activated PAA technology that can be practically applied to the treatment of organic pollutants in water.
Impact of Female Gender on Acute and Mid-Term Mortality in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction during the Pandemic Era
Authors: Barbieri Lucia , Avallone Carlo , D’Errico Andrea , Gentile Domitilla , Cigno Membo Dagnachew , Tumminello Gabriele , Carugo Stefano
Published: July 2022

There is still much controversy concerning the impact of gender on mortality during ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The COVID-19 pandemic deeply affected the clinical history of these patients, both in terms of presentation time and management. Our study focuses on STEMI patients hospitalized during the darkest period of the pandemic. From a total of 283 patients, women represented 26.8% of the population, with a mean age of 72 ± 11.2 years vs. 64.7 ± 12.6 years in men. Anterior STEMI was the most represented with a mildly reduced ejection fraction (EF 48.3 ± 11.8%) similar between genders. Coronary angiography showed more extensive disease in man, while women presented with a higher Killip class at admission and a more pronounced anemic status. In-hospital and 1-year mortality of the whole cohort were 11.4% and 7.5%, respectively, with no significant differences between genders (14.5% women vs. 10.6% men, p = ns; 9.2% women vs. 7% man, p = ns). EF resulted in being the only independent predictor of mortality in the short-term and at 1-year follow up in both genders. In the acute phase, the only other independent predictor of mortality was COVID-19 infection, secondary to the higher rate of respiratory complications, without any difference in terms of major adverse cardiac events. The impact of COVID-19 infection on mortality was completely lost at 1-year follow up.
Legitimacy of the limitation on freedom of religion during imprisonment (in the light of polish and international regulations)
Authors: Sitarz Olga , Jaworska-Wieloch Anna
Published: July 2022

This article is devoted to consider the legitimacy of restrictions on religious freedom during imprisonment, taking into account the nature of the sentence, the importance of religion in human life and in the life of the convict, as well as international and national regulations. The subject of the analysis is the Polish legal system, starting with the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of conscience and religion to everyone, and in particular Polish executive law, which declares respect for religious freedom in prison. It does not mean the guaranteeing unlimited access to religious practices and services, because imprisonment limits many human freedoms, also in such a sensitive area as religious freedom. In the course of the analysis, we considered the legitimacy of restrictions provided by criminal law, taking into account international standards for the protection of human rights and Polish regulations, which guarantee human rights and freedoms.
COUNTERING BULLYING IN SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Saiko Nataliia , Klymenko Yuliya , Shevchuk Viktoriia , Batsman Olga , Myakushko Nadia
Published: July 2022

In this study, an analysis of the problem of bullying in secondary schools has been carried out. To do so, comparison, generalization, observation, systemic analysis, theoretical cognition, and analogy methods are utilized. The necessity of pedagogical reacting to the stated problem has been proved. The authors present guidelines for countering the problem of bullying. The importance of humanization of relationships at school, beginning with leadership styles, goal-oriented formation of optimistic positions, and positive thinking of schoolchildren and teachers are emphasized. Particular attention is paid while working with the problem of bullying to the method of reliance on the strengths of an individual and the formation of its leadership qualities. The main components of socially significant knowledge: socio-psychological, socio-legal, and social-integrative, have been outlined. The formation of this knowledge will allow a person to avoid bullying or respond to it at the right moment. The need for a timely diagnosis of bullying has been accentuated.
EXPERIMENTAL LEGAL REGIMES (REGULATORY SANDBOXES)
Authors: Makarov Vladislav
Published: July 2022

This article provides a comparative analysis of regulatory sandbox implementation in the Russian Federation and foreign countries. Based on the information provided by financial regulators of Bulgaria, Hungary, Georgia, Lithuania, Kyrgyzstan, and Estonia, as wellas on Russian and foreign legislation concerning regulatory sandboxes, the comparative legal study has explored the terminology, legal regulation, and potential application of experimental regimes. This research has analyzed the criteria for proposals related tospecial legal regimes, as well as authorities that regulate the participants of experimental legal regimes and evaluate the results. Testing stages have been specified and a general model of regulatory sandbox development has been provided. The study gives examples of legal experiment practices in the Russian Federation and foreign countries.
Kepemimpinan Kapuangan Balusu dan Relevansinya Terhadap Peran Pandu Budaya Gereja Toraja
Authors: Palamba' Simon
Published: July 2022

Abstract: The Balusu are indigenous peoples who are in the kaparengesan leadership area who also apply the kapuangan leadership. This leadership model finds a unique form. In addition, this community context is the site of the presence of the Toraja Church. So, this article aims to review the leadership model of the kapuangan Balusu and build the Toraja Church response with the perspective of the role of cultural guides that has been rolled out since the holding of the Toraja Ma’kombongan which emphasizes that there has been a shift in values ​​and meanings in various Toraja cultural practices. This meeting proposed the reinterpretation and actualization of Toraja culture. Therefore, the Toraja Church is responsible for taking on a guiding role in each of its local contexts. We want to contribute to the discourse on reinterpreting Toraja culture, specifically the kapuangan leadership model. The description of this article involves qualitative research methods, namely literature studies and interviews with traditional leaders in Balusu. In the end, this article attempts to review the kapuangan leadership model in Balusu in relation to the role of cultural guides by the Toraja Church to carry out Christian transformation.
Abstrak: Balusu merupakan masyarakat adat yang berada dalam wilayah kepemimpinan kaparengesan yang juga menerapkan kepemimpinan kapuangan. Model kepemimpinan ini menemukan bentuk unik. Selain itu, konteks masyarakat ini merupakan situs kehadiran Gereja Toraja. Maka, artikel ini bertujuan untuk mengulas model kepemimpinan kapuangan Balusu dan membangun Gereja Toraja dengan perspektif peran pandu budaya yang telah digulirkan sejak diselenggarakannya Toraja Ma’kombongan yang menandaskan bahwa telah terjadi pergesaran nilai dan makna dalam berbagai pelaksanaan budaya Toraja. Pertemuan ini mengusulkan reinterpretasi dan reaktualisasi budaya Toraja. Karena itu, Gereja Toraja bertanggung jawab mengambil peran pandu di masing-masing konteks lokalnya. Kami hendak memberikan sumbangsi diskursus reinterpretasi budaya Toraja, secara khusus model kepemimpinan kapuangan di Balusu. Uraian artikel ini melibatkan metode penelitian kualitatif, yakni studi pustaka dan wawancara dengan tokoh-tokoh adat di Balusu. Pada akhirnya, artikel ini berupaya untuk mengulas model kepemimpinan kapuangan di Balusu dalam kaitannya dengan peran pandu budaya oleh Gereja Toraja untuk melakukan transformasi kristiani.
The Quart Leap: The Invention of Soviet Ballet and Gliere's “The Red Poppy”
Authors: Королёк Богдан Алексеевич
Published: July 2022

В статье рассматривается балет Рейнгольда Глиэра и Михаила Курилко «Красный мак» в контексте закрепившегося за ним титула «первый советский балет». История его создания анализируется в качестве мифа о чудесном обретении «подлинно советского балета». Поставленный в год десятилетия Октября, «Красный мак» завершил попытки адаптировать монархическое искусство классического танца к социалистическому строю. Авторы избрали радикально консервативный метод: антиколониальный сюжет о советских людях и классовой борьбе в Китае был развернут в музыкальных и пластических шаблонах балетного театра конца XIX века. Это дало неожиданный результат: Россия предстала на сцене колонией Советского Союза. Поэтика «Красного мака» впервые рассматривается в тесной связи с дипломатическими маневрами советского правительства и культурными событиями времени, предшествовавшего премьере. В русскоязычный контекст вводятся работы Эдварда Тайермана, крупнейшего исследователя советско-китайской культурной коммуникации 1920-х годов.

The article examines the ballet "The Red Poppy” by Reinhold Gliere and Mikhail Kurilko in the context of the title "the first Soviet ballet” that has been assigned to it and stuck. Its composition history is analyzed as a myth of the miraculous attainment of an "authentic-Soviet ballet.” Staged in the year of the decade of the October Revolution, it completed the choreographers' attempts to find a model of a "truly Soviet ballet,” that is to adapt the "monarchist art of classical dance” to the new socio-political system. The authors of "The Red Poppy” chose a radically conservative method. The anti-colonial plot about the class struggle in China and the Soviet people was developed in the patterns of the ballet theater of the late 19 century, which defined the script, the dance and the music. This gave an unexpected result of contemporary Russia appearing on the stage as a colony of the Soviet Union. For the first time the "Red Poppy” poetic is considered together with the diplomatic maneuvers of the Soviet government and the cultural events preceding the premiere. The work of Edward Thayerman, a major scholar of Soviet-Chinese cultural communication in the 1920s, is introduced into the Russian discourse.
Peer Review of Bogdan Korolyok's Article “The Quart Leap: The Invention of Soviet Ballet and Gliere's 'The Red Poppy'”
Authors: Наборщикова Светлана Витальевна
Published: July 2022

Чтобы сделать научно -издательский процесс более прозрачным и стимулировать ведение научной дискуссии, «Музыкальная академия» публикует некоторые рецензии вместе со статьями, которым они посвящены. Светлана Наборщикова в своей рецензии на исследование Богдана Королька анализирует его подход к изучению «Красного мака» Рейнгольда Глиэра, который принято считать первым советским балетом. Отзыв Наборщиковой написан с соблюдением правил «двойного слепого» рецензирования.

To make the scientific publishing process more transparent and to stimulate scientific discussion, the Music Academy journal publishes some peer reviews along with the articles to which they are devoted. Svetlana Naborshchikova in her review on the article of Bogdan Korolyok analyzes his approach to the research of "Red Poppy” by Reinhold Gliere, which is considered to be the first Soviet ballet. Naborshchikova's review is written in compliance with the rules of "double-blind” peer review.
SEQUÊNCIA DIDÁTICA: MOVIMENTO RETILÍNEO UNIFORME E MOVIMENTO RETILÍNEO UNIFORMEMENTE VARIÁVEL
Authors: Gomes da Silva Bruno
Published: July 2022

There is a big problem in the teaching of physics, especially when it comes to movements. Contextualizing the everyday life of students makes teaching physics more accessible. The movement part involves many mathematical formulas and at this stage of learning students are facing a new language in their lives, physics. This involves a lot of math, logical reasoning and text interpretation. And that's why it's not an easy task for students to learn the discipline. The present study aims to build a Didactic sequence (DS) for teaching the topics of Uniform Rectilinear Motion and Uniformly Variable Rectilinear Motion. The methodology imposed in the SD is from the theory of the Three Pedagogical Moments of Delizoicov and Angotti (1990). The research results are in the course of the study
Idea Generation for New Service Development (NSD): Harnessing the Power of Social Media Platforms
Authors: Pandey Neeraj , Rupnawar Akshay
Published: July 2022

Customers frequently use social media (SM) platforms to share and seek information about services. Could the content of customer SM interactions be used for new service development (NSD)? This study analyses: (a) Whether social media input is relevant for NSD? (b) What are the preferred social media platforms for NSD? (c) How social media input can be integrated with the current NSD organisational process? The results highlight the importance of social media input in NSD. Facebook leads the social media pack for relevant NSD input. The SMART roadmap for leveraging the power of social media for NSD has also been suggested.
Knowledge Risk Management in Organizations: Findings from Latin America
Authors: Durst Susanne
Published: July 2022

This exploratory study aims to provide initial insight into knowledge risk management. More precisely, it describes whether and to what extent knowledge risk management is practiced in organisations in different selected Latin American countries. A sample of organisations located in different Latin American countries is surveyed in order to understand how knowledge risks are managed, which knowledge risks are managed, and what tools and methods are used to manage these knowledge risks. The study presents information regarding knowledge risk management, as well as knowledge risks that are addressed in public and private organisations in different Latin American countries. Additionally, overviews of the methods used to manage those knowledge risks and the consequences of missing management of knowledge risks are shown. Based on the findings, decision-makers may identify and initiate actions to improve their approach to knowledge risk management. To the best of the author’s knowledge, no quantitative study on the practice of knowledge risk management dedicated to public and private organisations in Latin America has yet been published in academic journals.