bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Water-soluble Polysaccharides Plant Extraction of the Saussurea Genus on the Activity of Mice Peritoneal Macrophage NO-synthase
Authors: Ligacheva A. A. , Gulina E. I. , Shabanova I. V. , Trofimova E. S. , Krivoshchekov S. V. , Gurkin N. V. , Shurupova M. N. , Sherstoboev E. Yu. , Danilets M. G. , Belousov M. V.
Published: May 2022

Introduction. The nitric oxide molecule is one of the most versatile, multifunctional mediators of biological reactions in the body. NO participates in the formation of innate and specific immunity, the inflammatory process and protection against infectious pathogens. It is known that polysaccharides of higher plants are widely used to activate pro- and anti-inflammatory reactions. Previous studies have shown the promise of a more detailed research in the immunomodulatory properties of plant polysaccharides of the genus Saussurea DC, the mechanisms of their immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory action depending on the origin and conditions of extraction.

Aim. The aim of present research was to evaluate the dependence of the affection of the extraction parameters of water-soluble polysaccharides (WSPS) from the aerial parts of S. salicifolia (L.) DC., S. controversa DС., S. frolovii Lebeb. on NO synthase activity and peritoneal macrophages proliferation.

Materials and methods. Chemical methods for the isolation of water-soluble polysaccharides, cultural and biochemical methods for assessing biological activity were used.

Results and discussion. Water-soluble polysaccharides (WSPS) from plants S. salicifolia (L.) DC., S. controversa DС., S. frolovii Ledeb. obtained with different extraction parameters have the ability to enhance production of nitrites antigen-presenting cells in the same way as standard macrophage activator liposaccharide. Polysaccharides from S. controversa and S. frolovii at acidic extractant are free of endotoxin impurities. All water-soluble polysaccharide samples obtained using neutral and alkaline extractants contain endotoxin impurities. Samples from the S. controversa contained this impurity after extraction in an acidic extractant. Polysaccharide samples are not cytotoxic.

Conclusion. It was stated that water-soluble polysaccharides from plants of the Saussurea genus using an acidic extractant do not possess cytotoxic properties, do not contain endotoxin impurities and significantly enhance the production of nitric oxide by macrophages. These samples used in a detailed study of the immunomodulatory properties and further development on their basis of new treatment methods various diseases that require correction and regulation of the functional activity of immune cells, including macrophages.
Development and Study of Bacteriophage-containing Dosage Form for the Treatment of the Outer Ear Infections
Authors: Bakhrushina E. O. , Anurova M. N. , Bochkareva S. S. , Vorobev A. M. , Shcherbina Yu. O. , Pasivkina M. A. , Krekhtunova L. O. , Demina N. B. , Aleshkin A. V.
Published: May 2022

Introduction. Infectious otitis externa and middle ear can cause hearing loss, which significantly reduces the quality of life of patients. The main causative agents of acute bacterial otitis media are Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. This article is devoted to the development and study of a novel dosage form for treatment of infectious diseases of the external ear containing bacteriophages that lyse bacterial strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ear drops were considered as a promising dosage form for instillation into the ear canal.

Aim. The aim of the work is to develop a dosage form of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteriophages for the local treatment of infectious otitis media.

Materials and Methods. The active substances of the developed drug are bacteriophages that lyse bacterial strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: PA5 and PA10, which were obtained by growing on a solid growth medium in mattress flasks with subsequent sterilizing filtration through a membrane filter (0,22 µm) and elimination of endotoxins on a chromatographic column. To obtain experimental compositions, excipients that do not cause a drop in the titer of bacteriophages were used – purified water as the solvent, viscosity modifiers: glycerol (CHIMMED, Russia) and a mix of macrogol 6 and glyceryl caprilocaprate brand Softigen 767 (Cremer, Germany), antioxidant Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), preservatives nipagin and nipazole. The obtained samples were standardized according to pharmacopoeial indicators, recommended for the dosage form "drops" – density, pH, viscosity. For all experimental compositions, the stability of the titer of bacteriophages was studied by the Gratia method for 6 months. The local irritation and systemic effects were also studied on five chinchilla male rabbits.

Results and discussion. As a result of the conducted research, four experimental compositions of ear drops with a cocktail of bacteriophages PA5 and PA10 were obtained. The optimal technological characteristics were observed in the composition containing glycerol as a viscosity modifier at a concentration of 10,0 %. For optimal composition, the stability of the bacteriophages cocktail titer, local irritating and systemic effects were analyzed. The study revealed stability of the bacteriophages PA5 and PA10 titers in the composition of dosage form, and absence of local irritating and systemic effects of ear drops.

Conclusion. The dosage form can be recommended for preclinical studies.
PENERAPAN KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PADA DINAS SOSIAL PROVINSI SULAWESI SELATAN
Authors: Idzhar Andi Muhammad
Published: May 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis penerapan knowledge management pada Dinas Sosial Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan, yang dilihat dari tiga proses dasar atau tahapan penerapan knowledge management dalam organisasi yaitu penciptaan pengetahuan, berbagi pengetahuan, dan implementasi pengetahuan. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode penelitian deskriptif kualitatif, yaitu penelitian kualitatif yang akan menggambarkan bagaimana proses dasar atau tahapan penerapan knowledge management pada suatu instansi pemerintah. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan, yaitu wawancara, observasi dan telaah dokumen. Penelitian ini melibatkan 13 orang informan yang dipilih berdasarkan pertimbangan pihak-pihak yang paling terlibat dengan mempertimbangkan jabatan strategis dan masa kerja pada Dinas Sosial, khususnya terkait penerapan knowledge management. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penerapan knowledge management pada proses atau tahapan penciptaan pengetahuan di Dinas Sosial Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan belum sepenuhnya diterapkan. Adapun aktivitas yang sudah diterapkan dan berjalan rutin, yaitu pertemuan informal dan belajar dengan melakukan (learning by doing). Begitupun pada tahapan berbagi pengetahuan juga belum sepenuhnya diterapkan di Dinas Sosial Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan, hanya aktivitas penggunaan media interaktif yang sudah berjalan dengan baik. Dan terakhir, pada proses atau tahapan penerapan atau implementasi pengetahuan (knowledge implementation) di Dinas Sosial Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan hampir semuanya belum diterapkan, meskipun ada beberapa aktivitas yang sudah terlaksana pada tahapan ini, namun peneliti menganggap hal tersebut belum dilaksanakan secara khusus dan maksimal, seperti aktivitas penilaian infrastruktur dalam bentuk pendataan kebutuhan peralatan dan perlengkapan, dan pemberian reward system.
ANALISIS MUTASI PINDAH PEGAWAI NEGERI SIPIL DI LINGKUNGAN PEMERINTAH PROVINSI SULAWESI SELATAN
Authors: Kasiran Riana
Published: May 2022

Mutasi pindah di lingkungan pemerintah provinsi Sulawesi Selatan adalah perpindahan Pegawai Negeri Sipil dari instansi luar ke intansi pemerintah provinsi Sulawesi Selatan dengan alasan tertentu. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis alasan mutasi pindah Pegawai Negeri Sipil ke lingkungan pemerintah provinsi Sulawesi Selatan. Informan berjumlah 46 orang. Pendekatan yang digunakan adalah pendekatan kualitatif khususnya studi kasus dengan menggunakan kuesioner, wawancara, observasi, dan telaah dokumen. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa mutasi di lingkungan pemerintah provinsi Sulawesi Selatan termasuk mutasi horizontal, dilaksanakan berdasarkan pedoman yang ada, dan prinsip merit system. Namun, pada kondisi tertentu, mutasi dilakukan berdasarkan spoil system. Beberapa kendala yang dihadapi adalah: tidak adanya standar waktu; adanya moratorium; kesiapan instansi asal untuk melepas dan instansi yang dituju untuk menerima; kegiatan rutin kantor yang masih terus berjalan; pandemi Covid-19; dan bencana alam. Gambaran alasan mutasi: mutasi atas keinginan pegawai sendiri dan Alih Tugas Produktif. Mutasi atas keinginan sendiri: di instansi asalnya, tugas dan bidang kerjanya tidak sesuai dengan pekerjaannya; di intansi asalnya, lingkungan kerjanya tidak sesuai dengan kondisi fisiknya atau alasan kesehatan; ingin mengembangkan karir; kembali ke daerah asal/ dekat dengan keluarga: mengikuti sosok pemimpin; memperoleh tunjangan yang lebih baik. Alih Tugas Produktif (ATP), yakni alasan diajukan oleh pimpinan sebagai efek dari pemilihan Kepala Daerah di Sulawesi Selatan.
European porphyria initiative (EPI): a platform to develop a common approach to the management of porphyrias and to promote research in the field
Authors: Deybach J-Ch , Badminton M , Puy H , Sandberg S , Frank J , Harper P , Martasek P , Minder E , Parker S , Thunell S , Elder G
Published: May 2022

Porphyrias are uncommon inherited diseases of haem biosynthesis for which the diagnosis and treatment varies in individual countries. Despite the existence of guidelines recommended by porphyria experts concerning the diagnosis and management of the acute porphyrias, and of specialist centres in most European countries, many clinicians still do not apply these guidelines. The European Porphyia Initiative (EPI) network was formed in 2001 in order to compare experience among countries to attempt to develop a common approach to the management of the porphyrias, particularly concerning recommendation of safe and unsafe drugs, and to facilitate international collaborative clinical and biological research. The main achievements of EPI during this period have been: * Drafting and agreeing to consensus protocols for the diagnosis and management of acute hepatic porphyrias. * Creation of a multilingual website, particularly focusing on guidelines for common prescribing problems in acute porphyria and on providing information for patients that is now available in 10 languages: (www.porphyria-europe.org). EPI's current objectives are to develop the EPI platform, expand to new countries, extend to non-acute porphyrias and design European research and clinical trials in porphyria. The project will focus on: 1. Setting up a European laboratory external quality assurance scheme (EQAS) for biochemical and molecular investigations and their interpretation 2. Establishing a consensus drug list in collaboration with the Nordic porphyria network 3. Improving patient counseling 4. Developing large multi-centre, multi-national research projects. Due to the rarity of the porphyrias, it would be very difficult for any one country to provide this data with a sufficient number of patients and within a reasonable timescale. The progress achieved will facilitate improvements in the treatment and development of new therapeutic strategies. It will set a pattern for establishing, and subsequently harmonising, between countries best clinical practice for a rare but important group of diseases, and will help to develop the optimal therapy and ensure its cost effectiveness.
The Effect of Different Physiotherapy Programs on Pain, Balance and Trunk Functional Capacity in Adolescents with Low Back Pain
Authors: Budrienė Lina , Gudaitė Gabrielė
Published: May 2022

Background. Low back pain is a common problem, adversely affecting balance and strategy for controlling the trunk muscles. There are various methods to treat low back pain, therefore, studies comparing the effectiveness of different programs can help improve the rehabilitation program for patients with low back pain.

The aim. To evaluate the effect of trunk stabilization and balance exercises performed with different devices on pain, balance and trunk functional capacity in adolescents with low back pain.

Methods. 12 adolescents with low back pain participated in this study. They were divided into two groups. The first group received 20 minutes of stabilization exercises and 10 minutes of balance training using the Biodex balance system. The second group received 20 minutes of stabilization exercises and 10 minutes of balance training using a vibration platform. All subjects were evaluated before and after 10 physiotherapy procedures. Self-reported pain, balance and static endurance of trunk muscles were assessed before and after the interventions.

Results. Both programs significantly reduced pain, improved control of the center of gravity within the base of support, reduced the time required to shift weight in different paths, reduced sway index in conditions of eyes open or eyes closed on a firm or foam surface, improved dynamic and static overall postural stability and increased static endurance of trunk muscles. Improvement in control of the center of gravity within the base of support, and reduction in the time required to shift weight in different paths, were more significant in the group that received balance training using the Biodex balance system compared with that in the group that received balance training using a vibration platform.

Conclusions. Balance training using the Biodex balance system was more effective in improving control of the center of gravity within the base of support and reducing the time required to shift weight in different paths than balance training using a vibration platform.

Keywords: low back pain, balance, trunk stability, Biodex balance system, vibration platform.
The Effect of Market Orientation and Entrepreneurship Orientation On the Performance of Culinary Msme Business in Bekasi Through Dynamic Capability as A Mediation Variable
Authors: Eninggarini Yutika Riski , Razak Ismail , Subagja Iwan Kurniawan
Published: May 2022

This study aims to determine 1) market orientation to dynamic capability variables, 2) entrepreneurial orientation to dynamic capability variables, 3) market orientation to business performance variables, 4) entrepreneurial orientation to business performance variables, 5) dynamic capabilities to business performance variables, 6) market orientation on business performance through dynamic capability variables, 7) entrepreneurial orientation on business performance through dynamic capability variables. The research was conducted on Culinary MSMEs in Bekasi, involving 100 Culinary MSMEs. Data analysis in this study used SEM analysis.
The results showed that 1) market orientation had a positive effect on the dynamic capability variable, 2) entrepreneurial orientation had a positive effect on the dynamic capability variable, 3) market orientation had a positive effect on the business performance variable, 4) the entrepreneurial orientation had a positive effect on the business performance variable, 5) dynamic capability has a positive effect on business performance variables, 6) market orientation has a positive and significant effect on business performance through dynamic capability variables, 7) entrepreneurial orientation has a positive and significant effect on business performance through dynamic capability variables.
Critical Race Theory (CRT) Ethically Sharing Truth through a Sustainable Marketing Communication Strategy
Authors: Warner Rickey Paul , Oriaku Ebere Agwu , Honeycutt Andrew E. , Swaiden Ziad
Published: May 2022

Critic Race Theory (CRT) emerged in the 1970s as part of research conducted by Harvard Law School students. Their study investigated deeply embedded systemic racism in America's institutions. The research revealed racism and discriminatory practices in education, employment, housing, health care, law, and the criminal justice system. The impact of CRT on African Americans is enormous; however, members of the White race vehemently deny responsibility for past wrongs. This paper examines sustainable marketing communication as a strategy for improving relationships between people of color. To eradicate systemic institutional racism, Generation Z emerges as a relevant target for influencing and implementing a strategy to restore trust among stakeholders. Plausible remedies address efforts to improve human capital, invest in education, eradicate poverty, provide healthcare for the poor, integrate recidivism into the legal criminal justice system, and reform policing in minority communities. Moreover, secondary data related to education, incarceration, life expectancy, and health care supports claims concerning deep-seated institutional racism.
Pelaksanaan Pembelajaran Jarak Jauh untuk Meningkatkan Kemandirian Belajar Siswa di MI Tarbiyatul Islamiyah Sentong Krejengan Probolinggo
Authors: Abdurrahman Abdurrahman
Published: May 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan kemandirian Pembelajaran Jarak Jauh belajar pada siswa Madrasah Ibtidiyah Tarbiyatul Islamiyah Sentong Krejengan Probolinggo di masa pandemi Covid-19. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan studi kasus. Populasi yang diambil dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh siswa pada kelas VI, teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik regresi sederhana. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah kualitatif melalui pengamatan, wawancara mendalam, dan observasi lapangan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penerapan pembelajaran dengan memanfaatkan GTG (Group Telegram) sebagai model pembelajaran daring di madrasah ibtidaiyah memiliki langkah-langkah yang sama pada masing-masing guru di Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Tarbiyatul Islamiyah kelas VI dengan memanfaatkan menu pada GTG (Group Telegram), yakni berupa video, voice, diskusi, dan demonstrasi.
Persepsi Santri Mengenai Nilai Edukatif pada Pemilahan Sampah Organik dan Non Organik di Nurul Jadid
Authors: Warliah Wiwin , Ni'mah Muliatin , Afif Nur , Maulidiyah Nurul , Devi Ika , Honifah Siti Nur , Fitriyah Laili , Isti'ana Isti'ana , Sakinah Nur
Published: May 2022

Penelitian ini ingin mengetahui persepsi santri terhadap nilai edukasi pemilahan sampah organik dan non organik yang dilaksanakan santri di Pondok Pesantren Nurul Jadid. Hal ini penting untuk dilakukan mengingat masih banyaknya santri yang belum memahami secara hakiki antara sampah organik dan non organik. Adapun jenis penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini ialah penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan deskriptif, di mana data yang dikumpulkan berupa kata dan gambar. Objek penelitian ini berasal dari santri di Pondok Pesantren Nurul Jadid, dengan teknik pengumpulan data melalui observasi, wawancara, pengamatan. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa para santri melakukan pemilahan sampah terlebih dahulu sebelum diangkut oleh  petugas TPS berdasar jenis sampah non organik dan organik. Sampah organik yang berasal dari dari rumput-rumput, sisa-sisa makanan atau sesuatu yang sifatnya mudah membusuk dan terurai dilainkan dalam kantong terpisah dengan sampah yang dihasilkan dari proses teknologi yang susah diurai seperti botol kemasan, atau kertas. Selain itu, perilaku dan sikap para santri telah mengalami perubahan yang disebabkan mereka telah memperoleh pengetahuan dan keterampilan baru di dalam menjaga lingkungan kebersihan mereka.
Aktualisasi Media Pembelajaran Berbasis Mobile Learning dalam Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Siswa pada Pelajaran PAI dalam Menghadapi Masa Pandemi Covid 19 di SD Negeri 1 Kalimas Kec. Besuki
Authors: Faisol M.
Published: May 2022

Penelitian ini menyajikan tentang implementasi media pembelajaran berbasis mobile learning di masa Covid-19 dalam meningkatkan hasil pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam dan hasl implementasi media Pembelajaran Berbasis mobile learning terhadap hasil belajarsiswa pada pelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam di SDN 1 Kalimas Besuki Situbondo. Didalam penelitian ini peneliti menggunakan Pendekatan kualitatif dengan teknik pengumpulan data melalui observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Adapun untuk menganalisis data peneliti dengan Data Reduksi, Penyajian Data, dan Penyimpulan Data/Verifikasi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan sebelum di terapkannya media pembelajaran berbasis mobile learning hasil belajar siswa dibawah kriteria ketuntasan minimal (KKM) dari pelajaran ini. Setelah di terapkannya media pembelajaran berbasis mobile learning, ini membuktikan bahwa siswa semakin mudah memperoleh pembelajaran secara daring dan juga dipermudah dalam mengakses tugas sekolah karena di dalam media pembelajaran berbasis mobile ini terbukti sangat efektif sebagai solusi didalam menghadapi masa pandemi covid-19.
THE CONFLICT IN SYRIA IN THE CONTEXT OF GERMAN DIGITAL PUBLICATIONS
Authors:   Institute “Higher School of Journalism and Mass Communications” of the St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, GURUSHKIN PAVEL , TITOVNINA ELIZAVETA
Published: May 2022

Press coverage of military conflicts is aimed at directly informing about combat and conflict actions: wars, religious and ethnic conflicts, special operations. However, the military conflict affects all spheres of society, including the media, changing the media discourse. Therefore, a significant role is played by the way in which the media present the problem of the conflict. The military and politicians use the media to spread the ideas that may be beneficial to them. The media are becoming not just a means of information and communication, but become full-fledged mechanisms and instruments of politics. It is especially necessary to pay attention to this in the conditions of a military conflict, because most of the media are owned by the political and economic elite. The conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic was one of the main directions in German foreign policy. German diplomacy highly appreciates its contribution to the organization of the destruction of chemical weapons, financial assistance to the affected state. Today, Germany is the organizer of conferences and negotiations on the topic of the war in Syria on a permanent basis. The purpose of this work is to determine the semantic and emotional content of the agenda of German digital publications in the context of the military conflict in Syria. The study made it possible to identify key topics, socio-economic and political problems around the conflict in Syria, which through the media had a significant impact on the public agenda in Germany.
SOCIAL TENSION AS ONE OF THE KEY ASPECTS OF THE ESG PRINCIPLES SYSTEM
Authors:   Financial University, Moscow, Russian Federation, KOTOV DMITRY
Published: May 2022

This article is devoted to the analysis of such a concept as social tension. In this work, the main characteristics of social tension are considered, basic approaches to its definition are identified, and the opposite determinants of social life, such as social trust and social solidarity, are indicated. The author has analyzed the key factors influencing tension in society and events, the most significant of which has recently become the COVID-19 pandemic. An important place in this article is occupied by the definition of such a concept as ESG principles. The author describes the key elements of this phenomenon, indicates the importance of the process of applying these principles for social development. At the same time, the principles of sustainable development are important not only for improving the social structure, but also for the companies themselves using the described provisions in their strategies, as well as for potential investors. The article describes the mechanism of influence of the application of ESG principles on the level of social tension. This may be a direct reduction in social tension or an indirect impact on the opposing indicators, such as social trust and social solidarity. The author points out the need to spread the application of ESG principles among organizations to increase social sustainability.
THE SYSTEM MODEL AND THE LAW OF THE CRISIS OF TRUST IN CONDITIONS OF TRANSFORMING ECONOMIC RELATIONS
Authors: ZELENKOV MIKHAIL , TYURIKOV ALEXANDER , WEN ZHANG
Published: May 2022

The purpose of the article is to study the chain of interaction “challenge-action- confidence”, to build a system model of the dependence of the level of confidence on the impact of the challenge under the influence of the activity context and to formulate the law of the crisis of confidence, which reveals the process of its functioning in the conditions of transforming economic relations. The methodological basis of the study was humanistic and economic approaches, which made it possible to pay priority attention to the problems of interaction between challenge and confidence, as well as to the process of the influence of social mechanisms on the level of confidence. The use of the synthesis method made it possible to identify the author’s approach to the problem, and the application of the identification principle revealed shortcomings in the theory and practice of the interaction between challenge and confidence. The system-integrated approach made it possible to identify problems in the “challenge-confidence” chain, determine the role of the social mechanism in forming the context of this process, build a systemic model of the dependence of the level of confidence on the impact of a challenge under the influence of the context, and formulate the law of its functioning through the introduction of the concept of a crisis of confidence. The results of the work are: a new theoretical and empirical understanding of how a challenge, confidence and context interact in a single chain, a system model of the dependence of the level of confidence on the impact of a challenge under the influence of the context, and the law of the crisis of confidence, which reveals the process of its functioning. The main scientific conclusion is concluded in the position that under the influence of external and internal challenges to confidence, with its existing certain level, the process of functioning of the social mechanisms of its formation should be concentrated on making a creative response that makes it possible to reduce the impact of a challenge on confidence, and in specific conditions and increase the level of confidence based on the use of the positive component of the challenge.
ON THE BASIC CONNOTATION OF OVERSIGHT REGULATIONS
Authors:   Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, Shanghai,China, YUAN WANG
Published: May 2022

As a new type of legal norms, oversight regulations come from the legislative authorization of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and the National Oversight Commission is its legal formulation subject. As a legal norm on all kinds of oversight matters, oversight regulations are the lower-level law of oversight laws, so their effectiveness is lower than oversight laws, but higher than all kinds of oversight regulatory documents. As a legal form based on China's history and national conditions, oversight regulations have both legal and political characteristics, which serve as a bridge linking national laws and inner-Party regulations, and an important institutional guarantee to bring anti-corruption into the track of the rule of law. Clearly defining the basic connotation of oversight regulations and grasping their nature and characteristics can provide a certain theoretical basis for their formulation.
Assessing pension system outcomes in Brazil
Authors: Nogueira Silva Daniel , Morrone Henrique , Kappes Sylvio
Published: May 2022

The pension system serves as an important instrument to provide income for individuals who are incapacitated for work or achieve old age. Recently, Pension Systems worldwide have faced financial and actuarial difficulties, casting doubts about their sustainability. Arguably, the main reasons for the systemic unbalance are the ageing population and the structure of benefits. The present article investigates the impacts of these two variables by means of simulation exercises. Specifically, this paper aims to analyze how a rise in formality and an increase in labor productivity affect the results for the Brazilian Pension System (deficit or surplus), the participation of the benefits in total GDP and economic growth, based on a stock-flow consistent model (SFC). The results reveal that increasing formalization (i.e, rising the number of taxpayers) reduces the pension system deficit and boost economic growth. But the system deficit persists somewhat. Allowing for productivity growth improves the results.
MANAJEMEN RESIKO PADA PENGUJIAN ROV DI PT. SAMUDERA OCEANEERING
Authors: Wibowo Sadiq Ardo , Asmarawati Citra Indah , Putra Chandra
Published: May 2022

PT. Samudera Oceaneering is a branch of Oceaneering International Incorporated with main focus on the oil and gas industry. As a branch company of ROV, PT. Samudera Oceaneering always ensures that the ROV that will be sent for underwater works is in top notch condition and has been tested prior to the project to ensure all the functions are working properly and meet the specifications set by the client. In this internship the author takes a specific topic of risk management on ROV testing at PT. Samudera Oceaneering. Hazard identification is carried out in detail on the ROV testing process using the JSEA method. The risk assessment in the ROV testing process was obtained with the majority of the testing process being at high risk level. Based on the results of the risk assessment, the recommendation for risk control on the potential hazards that exist including installing a barricade in the test area, using the right PPE and tooling that is in good condition, ensuring that each item used has passed the test and is certified.
Advances of Commercial and Biological Materials for Electron Transport Layers in Biological Applications
Authors: Yin Zhifu , Lu Biao , Chen Yanbo , Guo Caixia
Published: May 2022

Electron transport layer (ETL), one of the important layers for high-performing perovskite solar cells (PSCs), also has great potential in bioengineering applications. It could be used for biological sensors, biological imaging, and biomedical treatments with high resolution or efficiency. Seldom research focused on the development of biological material for ETL and their application in biological uses. This review will introduce commercial and biological materials used in ETL to help readers understand the working mechanism of ETL. And the ways to prepare ETL at low temperatures will also be introduced to improve the performance of ETL. Then this review summarizes the latest research on material doping, material modification, and bilayer ETL structures to improve the electronic transmission capacity of ETLs. Finally, the application of ETLs in bioengineering will be also shown to demonstrate that ETLs and their used material have a high potential for biological applications.
Design of Distributed Drive Control Strategy for Wheel Side Rear Drive Electric Bus Based on Neural Network Algorithm
Authors: Chen Huipeng , Zheng Yingjie , Chen Sen , Zhu Shaopeng , Gao Jian
Published: May 2022

The electric bus driven by the wheel-side motor has a natural advantage for the driving stability control of the vehicle because the torque of each driving wheel is independently controllable. Based on the advantages of the artificial neural network control algorithm, this paper designs a direct yaw torque control strategy based on neural network PID control, and combines the steering characteristics of the vehicle to distribute the driving torque. The co-simulation results of Matlab/Simulink and TruckSim show that the designed control strategy can effectively reduce the vehicle’s center of mass slip angle and lateral acceleration under medium and high speed conditions, and ensure the stable driving of the bus.
RhoA/ROCK Signaling Regulates Drp1-Mediated Mitochondrial Fission During Collective Cell Migration
Authors: Qu Chen , Yang Wen , Kan Yating , Zuo Hui , Wu Mengqi , Zhang Qing , Wang Heng , Wang Dou , Chen Jiong
Published: May 2022

Collective migration plays critical roles in developmental, physiological and pathological processes, and requires a dynamic actomyosin network for cell shape change, cell adhesion and cell-cell communication. The dynamic network of mitochondria in individual cells is regulated by mitochondrial fission and fusion, and is required for cellular processes including cell metabolism, apoptosis and cell division. But whether mitochondrial dynamics interplays with and regulates actomyosin dynamics during collective migration is not clear. Here, we demonstrate that proper regulation of mitochondrial dynamics is critical for collective migration of Drosophila border cells during oogenesis, and misregulation of fission or fusion results in reduction of ATP levels. Specifically, Drp1 is genetically required for border cell migration, and Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission promotes formation of leading protrusion, likely through its regulation of ATP levels. Reduction of ATP levels by drug treatment also affects protrusion formation as well as actomyosin dynamics. Importantly, we find that RhoA/ROCK signaling, which is essential for actin and myosin dynamics during border cell migration, could exert its effect on mitochondrial fission through regulating Drp1’s recruitment to mitochondria. These findings suggest that RhoA/ROCK signaling may couple or coordinate actomyosin dynamics with mitochondrial dynamics to achieve optimal actomyosin function, leading to protrusive and migratory behavior.
Chiral Separation of Stilbene Dimers Generated by Biotransformation for Absolute Configuration Determination and Antibacterial Evaluation
Authors: Huber Robin , Marcourt Laurence , Quiros-Guerrero Luis-Manuel , Luscher Alexandre , Schnee Sylvain , Michellod Emilie , Ducret Verena , Kohler Thilo , Perron Karl , Wolfender Jean-Luc , Gindro Katia , Ferreira Queiroz Emerson
Published: May 2022

A series of complex stilbene dimers have been generated through biotransformation of resveratrol, pterostilbene, and the mixture of both using the enzymatic secretome of Botrytis cinerea Pers. The process starts with achiral molecules and results in the generation of complex molecules with multiple chiral carbons. So far, we have been studying these compounds in the form of enantiomeric mixtures. In the present study, we isolated the enantiomers to determine their absolute configuration and assess if the stereochemistry could impact their biological properties. Eight compounds were selected for this study, corresponding to the main scaffolds generated (pallidol, leachianol, restrytisol and acyclic dimers) and the most active compounds (trans-δ-viniferin derivatives) against a methicillin-resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). To isolate these enantiomers and determine their absolute configuration, a chiral HPLC-PDA analysis was performed. The analysis was achieved on a high-performance liquid chromatography system equipped with a chiral column. For each compound, the corresponding enantiomeric pair was obtained with high purity. The absolute configuration of each enantiomer was determined by comparison of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD). The antibacterial activities of the four trans-δ-viniferin derivatives against two S. aureus strains were evaluated.
CeO2 Structure Adjustment by H2O via the Microwave–Ultrasonic Method and Its Application in Imine Catalysis
Authors: Chang Xijiang , Ding Huihui , Yang Jingxia
Published: May 2022

CeO2 with fusiform structures were prepared by the combined microwave–ultrasonic method, and their morphologies and surface structure were changed by simply adding different amounts of H2O (1–5 ml) to the precursor system. The addition of H2O changed the PVP micelle structure and the surface state, resulting in CeO2 with a different specific surface area (64–111 m2 g−1) and Ce3+ defects (16.5%–28.1%). The sample with 2 ml H2O exhibited a high surface area (111.3 m2∙g−1) and relatively more surface defects (Ce3+%: 28.1%), resulting in excellent catalytic activity (4.34 mmol g−1 h−1).
MultiSoma: Motor and Gaze Analysis on Distributed Embodiment With Synchronized Behavior and Perception
Authors: Miura Reiji , Kasahara Shunichi , Kitazaki Michiteru , Verhulst Adrien , Inami Masahiko , Sugimoto Maki
Published: May 2022

Human behavior and perception are optimized for a single body. Yet, the human brain has plasticity, which allows us to extend our body schema. By utilizing technology like robotics or virtual reality (VR), we can modify our body parts or even add a new body to our own while retaining control over these parts. However, the update of body cognition when controlling multiple bodies has not been well examined. In this study, we explore the task performance and body cognition of humans when they have multiple full bodies as an extended embodiment. Our experimental system allows a participant to control up to four bodies at the same time and perceive sensory information from them. The participant experiences synchronizing behavior and vision perception in a virtual environment. We set up three tasks for multiple bodies and evaluated the cognition of these bodies with their gazing information, task performances, and subjective ratings. We found that humans can have the sense of body ownership and agency for each body when controlling multiple bodies simultaneously. Furthermore, it was observed that people manipulate multiple bodies by actively switching their attention in a static environment and passively switching their attention in a dynamic environment. Distributed embodiment has the potential to extend human behavior in cooperative work, parallel work, group behavior, and so on.
Cardiotoxicity Related to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Real-World Retrospective Analysis
Authors: She Jianqing , Liu Hui , Wu Haoyu , Tuerhongjiang Gulinigaer , Zheng Tao , Bai Ling
Published: May 2022

Background

Cardiotoxicity related to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is a rare but potentially lethal. In ICI-associated adverse events, evidence of cardiotoxicity and clinical predictive factors related to ICI is lacking. Here, we aim to assess the incidence and predictive factors of cardiotoxicity related to ICIs in real-world practice.

Objective

We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients who received PD-1 or PD-L1 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Clinical characteristics and cardiac lesion markers were collected both at baseline and during longitudinal follow-up from the Biobank database. Follow-up CKMB and NT-proBNP levels and ratios were then evaluated.

Results

A total of 2,304 patients with either PD-1 or PDL-1 utilization between August 2018 and April 2021 were collected. The average age was 59.44 ± 11.45 among PD-1 inhibitor utilizer and 58.97 ± 12.16 among PDL-1 inhibitor utilizer. The baseline creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CKMB) levels were 17 ± 19 U/L in PD-1 inhibitor users and 17 ± 23 U/L in PDL-1 inhibitor users. Majority of patients were male, with advanced stage cancer, and received ICIs as second-line therapy. The longitudinal change of cardiac enzymes and NT-pro BNP were collected. Cardiac lesion as defined by three times increase of CKMB happens in only minority of patients receiving ICIs therapy. It is also identified that increased CKMB happened in PD-1 inhibitor groups, but not PDL-1 inhibitor groups.

Conclusion

We evaluated the profile of cardiotoxicities caused by ICIs based on real-world experience. The cardiac lesion markers are generally unaltered, but it appears that the increased CKMB happened in PD-1 inhibitor groups, but not PDL-1 inhibitor groups.
Transcatether Aortic Valve Implantation to Treat Degenerated Surgical Bioprosthesis: Focus on the Specific Procedural Challenges
Authors: Aurigemma Cristina , Burzotta Francesco , Vergallo Rocco , Farina Piero , Romagnoli Enrico , Cangemi Stefano , Bianchini Francesco , Nesta Marialisa , Bruno Piergiorgio , D'Amario Domenico , Leone Antonio Maria , Trani Carlo
Published: May 2022

Actually transcatheter aortic valve implantation within failed surgically bioprosthetic valves (VIV-TAVI) is an established procedure in patients at high risk for repeat surgical aortic valve intervention. Although less invasive than surgical reintervention, VIV-TAVI procedure offers potential challenges, such as higher rates of prosthesis-patient mismatch and coronary obstruction. Thus, optimal procedural planning plays an important role to minimize the risk of procedure complications. In this review, we describe the key points of a VIV-TAVI procedure to optimize outcomes and reduce the risk of procedure complications.
Case Report: Torsade de Pointes Induced by the Third-Generation Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor–Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Osimertinib Combined With Litsea Cubeba
Authors: Zhang Xia-yan , Wu Cha-bin , Wu Cai-xia , Lin Li , Zhou Yue-juan , Zhu Yan-yan , Tian Wei-qiang , Luo Song-mei
Published: May 2022

Torsades de Pointes (TdP) occurred in a 68-year-old female with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant lung cancer administered osimertinib, the third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Electrocardiogram (ECG) recorded at Tdp showed QT prolongation (QTc = 515 ms), to which a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) named “Litsea Cubeba” may have contributed. After discontinuation of osimertinib and Litsea Cubeba, magnesium supplementation, potassium supplementation, lidocaine infusion, and the pacemaker frequency adjustment, Tdp terminated. However, QT prolongation sustained at discharge (QTc = 528 ms), partly because of the emergency use of amiodarone. Osimertinib may prolong the QT interval leading to TdP, especially when multiple risk factors to lengthen QT interval are incidentally overlapped. Thus, regular monitoring of ECG and appropriate management of concomitant drugs are highly recommended.
A Common Variant at the 3'untranslated Region of the CCL7 Gene (rs17735770) Is Associated With Decreased Susceptibility to Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Medina-Gil José María , Pérez-García Ana , Saavedra-Santana Pedro , Díaz-Carrasco Asunción , Martínez-Quintana Efrén , Rodríguez-González Fayna , Ramírez Cristina M. , Riaño Marta , Garay-Sánchez Paloma , Tugores Antonio
Published: May 2022

Monocytes participate in the development of atherosclerosis through the action of cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. Among them, CCR2 and its ligands, CCL2 and CCL7 play an important role, so the main objective of this work was to determine whether genetic variants affecting their activity were associated with cardiovascular disease. A cohort of 519 patients that have suffered coronary events was analyzed under a propensity score-matching protocol selecting a homogeneous set of cases and controls, according to age, sex, smoking status, dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes as risk factors. While dyslipidemia and arterial hypertension were more prevalent among patients with angina pectoris, current smoking status and elevated inflammatory markers, including total leukocyte and monocyte counts, were more likely associated with acute coronary events. Propensity score matching analysis, performed to eliminate the influence of these risk factors and highlight genetic modifiers, revealed that a single nucleotide variant, rs17735770 at the 3'untranslated region of the CCL7 gene transcript, was associated with decreased cardiovascular risk in a group represented mostly by men, with an average age of 57, and without significant differences in traditional risk factors. Furthermore, the presence of this variant altered the local mRNA structure encompassing a binding site for miR-23ab, resulting in increased translation of a reporter gene in a miR23 independent fashion. The rs17735770 genetic variant led to increased expression of CCL7, a potential antagonist of CCR2 at inflammatory sites, where it could play a meaningful role during the evolution of atherosclerosis.
Tidal Modulation of a Lateral Shear Margin: Priestley Glacier, Antarctica
Authors: Still Holly , Hulbe Christina , Forbes Martin , Prior David J. , Bowman M. Hamish , Boucinhas Bia , Craw Lisa , Kim Daeyeong , Lutz Franz , Mulvaney Robert , Thomas Rilee E.
Published: May 2022

We use high resolution, ground-based observations of ice displacement to investigate ice deformation across the floating left-lateral shear margin of Priestley Glacier, Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica. Bare ice conditions allow us to fix survey marks directly to the glacier surface. A combination of continuous positioning of a local reference mark, and repeat positioning of a network of 33 stakes installed across a 2 km width of the shear margin are used to quantify shear strain rates and the ice response to tidal forcing over an 18-day period. Along-flow velocity observed at a continuous Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) station within the network varies by up to ∼30% of the mean speed (±28 m a−1) over diurnal tidal cycles, with faster flow during the falling tide and slower flow during the rising tide. Long-term deformation in the margin approximates simple shear with a small component of flow-parallel shortening. At shorter timescales, precise optical techniques allow high-resolution observations of across-flow bending in response to the ocean tide, including across-flow strains on the order of 10–5. An elastodynamic model informed by the field observations is used to simulate the across-flow motion and deformation. Flexure is concentrated in the shear margin, such that a non-homogeneous elastic modulus is implied to best account for the combined observations. The combined pattern of ice displacement and ice strain also depends on the extent of coupling between the ice and valley sidewall. These conclusions suggest that investigations of elastic properties made using vertical ice motion, but neglecting horizontal displacement and surface strain, will lead to incorrect conclusions about the elastic properties of ice and potentially over-simplified assumptions about the sidewall boundary condition.
Variability of Sea Breezes Over the Cameroonian Coast and Their Interaction With the West African Monsoon
Authors: Kouogang Tchuenkam Fabius Cédric , Mama Anselme Crépin , Gah-Muti Salvanus Yevalla , Araujo Moacyr
Published: May 2022

The sea breeze characteristics of over two coastal areas of Cameroon were studied. The study used 3-hourly wind (speed and direction), rainfall, and atmospheric pressure data of 4 years (2006–2009) at Tiko and 5 years (2011–2015) at Ebodje to examine various characteristics of sea breezes. Statistics are presented that describe the occurrence, onset and cessation, and strength of the sea breezes. The frequency of occurrence clearly shows two regimes by two maxima (November and March) at Tiko and (January and July) at Ebodje. The results show that a sea breeze usually starts few hours (about 3–4 h) after the sunrise as a light onshore surface wind, has a mean duration of about 9 h at Tiko, and occurs during all seasons at both coastal areas. The sea breeze occurrence is found to be strongly influenced by the West African monsoon winds, and its onset and cessation times show a pronounced seasonal variation. The sea breeze strength is greater at Tiko than that at Ebodje during the West African monsoon season. Average daily hodographs for Tiko reveals that the sea breeze circulation is in both clockwise and anticlockwise rotation. There would be a significant seasonal effect of large-scale flows on sea breeze hodograph patterns. A wind roses analysis at Ebodje shows a high temporal variability of sea breeze frequencies at 09:00 (Local Standard Time: LST) in the south direction (36%), then at 15:00 LST in the west direction (26%), because of the preponderance of calm atmospheric situations conducive to its onset. Therefore, the circulation of the sea breeze is influenced by local factors (topography and vegetation). This phenomenon in the coastal regions of Cameroon can be the main factor controlling the transport of accidental near shore oil slicks and air pollutants.