bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unravelling the Effect of Provitamin A Enrichment on Agronomic Performance of Tropical Maize Hybrids
Authors: Menkir Abebe , Dieng Ibnou , Mengesha Wende , Meseka Silvestro , Maziya-Dixon Bussie , Alamu Oladeji Emmanuel , Bossey Bunmi , Muhyideen Oyekunle , Ewool Manfred , Coulibaly Mmadou Mory
Published: August 2021

Maize is consumed in different traditional diets as a source of macro- and micro-nutrients across Africa. Significant investment has thus been made to develop maize with high provitamin A content to complement other interventions for alleviating vitamin A deficiencies. The current breeding focus on increasing β-carotene levels to develop biofortified maize may affect the synthesis of other beneficial carotenoids. The changes in carotenoid profiles, which are commonly affected by environmental factors, may also lead to a trade-off with agronomic performance. The present study was therefore conducted to evaluate provitamin A biofortified maize hybrids across diverse field environments. The results showed that the difference in accumulating provitamin A and other beneficial carotenoids across variable growing environments was mainly regulated by the genetic backgrounds of the hybrids. Many hybrids, accumulating more than 10 µg/g of provitamin A, produced higher grain yields (>3600 kg/ha) than the orange commercial maize hybrid (3051 kg/ha). These hybrids were also competitive, compared to the orange commercial maize hybrid, in accumulating lutein and zeaxanthins. Our study showed that breeding for enhanced provitamin A content had no adverse effect on grain yield in the biofortified hybrids evaluated in the regional trials. Furthermore, the results highlighted the possibility of developing broadly adapted hybrids containing high levels of beneficial carotenoids for commercialization in areas with variable maize growing conditions in Africa.
Do Bryophyte Elemental Concentrations Explain Their Morphological Traits?
Authors: Fernández-Martínez Marcos , Corbera Jordi , Cano-Rocabayera Oriol , Sabater Francesc , Preece Catherine
Published: August 2021

Differences in the elemental composition of plants, mainly C, N, and P, have been shown to be related to differences in their nutritional status, and their morphological and functional traits. The relationship between morphological traits and micronutrients and trace elements, however, has been much less studied. Additionally, in bryophytes, research devoted to investigating these relationships is still very scarce. Here, we analysed 80 samples from 29 aquatic and semi-aquatic (hygrophytic) moss species living in Mediterranean springs to investigate the relationship between moss nutrient concentrations and their micro- and macroscopic morphological traits and growth forms. We found that, across species, the elemental concentration of mosses was more tightly linked to macroscopic traits than to microscopic traits. Growth forms could also be successfully explained by the concentration of elements in mosses. Apart from macronutrients and their stoichiometric ratios (C:N, C:P, and N:P), micronutrients and trace elements were also important variables predicting moss morphological traits and growth forms. Additionally, our results showed that microscopic traits were well related to macroscopic traits. Overall, our results clearly indicate that the elemental composition of mosses can be used to infer their morphological traits, and that elements other than macronutrients should be taken into account to achieve a good representation of their morphological and, potentially, functional traits when comparing the elemental composition across species.
Impact of Rootstock and Season on Red Blotch Disease Expression in Cabernet Sauvignon (V. vinifera)
Authors: Rumbaugh Arran C. , Girardello Raul C. , Cooper Monica L. , Plank Cassandra , Kurtural S. Kaan , Oberholster Anita
Published: August 2021

Grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV), the causative agent of grapevine red blotch disease, is widespread across the United States and causes a delay in ripening events in grapes. This study evaluates the effects of GRBV on Cabernet Sauvignon grape berry composition, grafted on two different rootstocks (110R and 420A) in two seasons (2016 and 2017). Total soluble solids, acidity, and anthocyanin concentrations were monitored through ripening and at harvest. Phenolic and volatile compounds were also analyzed at harvest to determine genotypic and environmental influences on disease outcome. Sugar accumulation through ripening was lower in diseased fruit (RB (+)) than healthy fruit across rootstock and season. GRBV impact was larger in 2016 than 2017, indicating a seasonal effect on disease expression. In general, anthocyanin levels and volatile compound accumulation was lower in RB (+) fruit than healthy fruit. Total phenolic composition and tannin content was higher in RB (+) fruit than healthy fruit in only 110R rootstock. Overall, GRBV impacted Cabernet Sauvignon grape composition crafted on rootstock 110R more than those crafted on rootstock 420A.
Predicting Impacts of Climate Change on Northward Range Expansion of Invasive Weeds in South Korea
Authors: Hong Sun Hee , Lee Yong Ho , Lee Gaeun , Lee Do-Hun , Adhikari Pradeep
Published: August 2021

Predicting the distribution of invasive weeds under climate change is important for the early identification of areas that are susceptible to invasion and for the adoption of the best preventive measures. Here, we predicted the habitat suitability of 16 invasive weeds in response to climate change and land cover changes in South Korea using a maximum entropy modeling approach. Based on the predictions of the model, climate change is likely to increase habitat suitability. Currently, the area of moderately suitable and highly suitable habitats is estimated to be 8877.46 km2, and 990.29 km2, respectively, and these areas are expected to increase up to 496.52% by 2050 and 1439.65% by 2070 under the representative concentration pathways 4.5 scenario across the country. Although habitat suitability was estimated to be highest in the southern regions (<36° latitude), the central and northern regions are also predicted to have substantial increases in suitable habitat areas. Our study revealed that climate change would exacerbate the threat of northward weed invasions by shifting the climatic barriers of invasive weeds from the southern region. Thus, it is essential to initiate control and management strategies in the southern region to prevent further invasions into new areas.
Regulation of Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Protein (GPI-AP) Expression by F-Box/LRR-Repeat (FBXL) Protein in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Hong Min Jeong , Kim Jin-Baek , Seo Yong Weon , Kim Dae Yeon
Published: August 2021

F-box proteins are substrate recognition components of the Skp1-Cullin-F-box (SCF) complex, which performs many important biological functions including the degradation of numerous proteins via the ubiquitin–26S proteasome system. In this study, we isolated the gene encoding the F-box/LRR-repeat (FBXL) protein from wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings and validated that the TaFBXL protein is a component of the SCF complex. Yeast two-hybrid assays revealed that TaFBXL interacts with the wheat glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein (TaGPI-AP). The green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein of TaFBXL was detected in the nucleus and plasma membrane, whereas that of TaGPI-AP was observed in the cytosol and probably also plasma membrane. yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays revealed that TaFBXL specifically interacts with TaGPI-AP in the nucleus and plasma membrane, and TaGPI-AP is targeted by TaFBXL for degradation via the 26S proteasome system. In addition, TaFBXL and TaGPI-AP showed antagonistic expression patterns upon treatment with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and the level of TaGPI-AP was higher in tobacco leaves treated with both MG132 (proteasome inhibitor) and IAA than in leaves treated with either MG132 or IAA. Taken together, our data suggest that TaFBXL regulates the TaGPI-AP protein level in response to exogenous auxin application.
An Apoplastic Defensin of Wheat Elicits the Production of Extracellular Polysaccharides in Snow Mold
Authors: Isobe Ayako , Kuwabara Chikako , Koike Michiya , Sutoh Keita , Sasaki Kentaro , Imai Ryozo
Published: August 2021

TAD1 (Triticum aestivum defensin 1) is a plant defensin specifically induced by low temperature in winter wheat. In this study, we demonstrated that TAD1 accumulated in the apoplast during cold acclimation and displayed antifungal activity against the pink snow mold fungi Microdochium nivale. When M. nivale was treated with TAD1, Congo red-stainable extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) were produced. The EPS were degradable by cellulase treatment, suggesting the involvement of β-1,4 glucans. Interestingly, when the fungus was treated with FITC-labeled TAD1, fluorescent signals were observed within the EPS layer. Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that the EPS plays a role as a physical barrier against antimicrobial proteins secreted by plants. We anticipate that the findings from our study will have broad impact and will increase our understanding of plant–snow mold interactions under snow.
Research for a Non-Standard Kenics Static Mixer with an Eccentricity Factor
Authors: Wang Chenfeng , Liu Hanyang , Yang Xiaoxia , Wang Rijie
Published: August 2021

The Kenics static mixer is one of the most widely studied static mixers, whose structure–function relationship has been studied by varying its aspect ratio and modifying the surface. However, the effect of the symmetric structure of the Kenics static mixer itself on twisting the fluid has been neglected. In order to study how the symmetrical structure of the Kenics static mixer impacts the fluid flow, we changed the center position of elements at twist angle 90° and introduced the eccentricity factor γ. We applied LHS-PLS to study this non-standard Kenics static mixer and obtained the statistical correlations of the aspect ratio, Reynolds number, and eccentricity factor on relative Nusselt number and relative friction factor. We analyzed the results by comparing the PLS model with the univariate analysis, and it was found that the underlying logic of the Kenics static mixer with an asymmetric structure became different. In addition, a non-standard Kenics static mixer with an asymmetric structure was investigated using vortex generation and dissipation through fluid flow simulation. The results demonstrated that the classical symmetric structure has a minor pressure drop, but the backward eccentric one has a higher thermal-hydraulic performance factor. It was found that the nature of the eccentric structure is that two elements with different aspect ratios are being combined at θ=90°, and this articulation leads to non-standard Kenics static mixers with different underlying logic, which finally result in the differences between the PLS model and the univariate analysis.
Anticancer Properties of Strobilanthes crispus: A Review
Authors: Ng Ming Guan , Ng Chew Hee , Ng Khuen Yen , Chye Soi Moi , Ling Anna Pick Kiong , Koh Rhun Yian
Published: August 2021

Cancer is a major cause of death worldwide, as exemplified by millions of cancer diagnoses every year. The use of chemotherapy in treating cancer has many disadvantages which include recurrence of cancer, associated with drug resistance, and severe side effects that are harmful to the patients. A better source of anticancer drugs can come from nature. Strobilanthes crispus (S. crispus) is a herbal medicinal plant that is indigenous in Madagascar and the Malay Archipelago. The plant possesses high vitamin and mineral content as well as phytochemicals—like phenols, catechins, tannins, and flavonoids—that are known to have therapeutic effects. Numerous preclinical studies have reported very versatile pharmacological effects of this plant, such as anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-angiogenesis, anti-diabetes, anti-ulcerogenic, and wound healing. Herein, this paper reviews the anticancer properties of S. crispus, providing information for future research and further exploration.
First Chronological Constraints for the High Terraces of the Upper Ebro Catchment
Authors: Parés Josep M. , Duval Mathieu , Soria-Jáuregui Angel , González-Amuchástegui María José
Published: August 2021

The Cenozoic sedimentary basins in the Iberian Peninsula show a change from long-term basin infill to incision, a transition that indicates a period of major drainage reorganization that culminated in the throughflow of the networks to the Atlantic and Mediterranean oceans. Both the cause of the transition from aggradation to degradation and the linkages to tectonic, climatic, and geomorphic events hinge on the chronology of the fluvial network incision and excavation of the basin’s sedimentary fills. In this paper, we describe the first chronologic data on the highest fluvial terraces of the upper area of the Ebro River, one of the largest fluvial systems in the Iberian Peninsula, to determine the onset of incision and excavation in the basin. For this purpose, we combine electron spin resonance (ESR) and paleomagnetism methods to date strath terraces found at 140, 90, and 85 m above the current river level. Our results show ages of ca. 1.2 and 1.5 Ma for the uppermost river terraces in the upper Ebro catchment, constraining the minimum age of the entrenchment of the upper Ebro River.
Chemical Profiling, Antioxidant, Antiproliferative, and Antibacterial Potentials of Chemically Characterized Extract of Citrullus colocynthis L. Seeds
Authors: Bourhia Mohammed , Bouothmany Kaoutar , Bakrim Hanane , Hadrach Safaa , Salamatullah Ahmad Mohammad , Alzahrani Abdulhakeem , Khalil Alyahya Heba , Albadr Nawal A. , Gmouh Said , Laglaoui Amine , El Mzibri Mohammed , Benbacer Laila
Published: August 2021

Background: Citrullus colocynthis L. (C. colocynthis) is commonly known as colocynth. It belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae that is frequently used in alternative medicine in the north of Africa. The aim of the study: the present research was undertaken to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant, antiproliferative, and antibacterial potentials of C. colocynthis seed extract. Material and methods: the chemical composition of C. colocynthis seed organic extract was characterized using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant property was carried out using both β-carotene bleaching and DPPH assays. The antibacterial effect was effectuated using the agar disc diffusion method. The antiproliferative activity vs. human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29) and human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MDA MB 231) were carried by WST-1 test. The chemical analysis showed the presence of interesting potentially bioactive compounds. The studied plant extract exhibited antioxidant potential with IC50 value of 2. 22 mg/mL (β-carotene bleaching) and 8.98 ± 0.619 mg/mL (DPPH). Concerning the antiproliferative activity, the seed extract was effective in MDA-MB-231 and HT-29 cancer cells with IC50 values 86.89 ± 3.395 and 242.1 ± 17.9 μg/mL, respectively, whilst the extract of Citrullus colocynthis seeds was non-toxic in healthy human dermal fibroblasts. Regarding the antibacterial test, the extract was effective in Gram-positive bacteria only. Conclusion: The outcome of this research indicated that the extracts from C. colocynthis seeds may compose a promising source with interesting compounds that can be used to fight cancer, free radicals damage, and bacterial infections.
Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction, Antioxidant Activity, and Fatty Acid Composition of Bran Oil from Rice Varieties Cultivated in Portugal
Authors: Pinto Tânia I. , Coelho José A. , Pires Bruna I. , Neng Nuno R. , Nogueira José M. , Bordado João C. , Sardinha José P.
Published: August 2021

Bran of different rice cultivars produced in Portugal were used to study supercritical carbon dioxide extraction conditions of rice bran oil (RBO) and evaluate and compare antioxidant activity and fatty acid composition of the different rice bran varieties. The effect of plant loading (10–20 g), CO2 flow rate (0.5–1.5 L/min), pressure (20–60 MPa), and temperature (40–80 °C) was studied. The amount of oil extracted ranged from 11.72%, for Ariete cultivar, to 15.60%, for Sirio cultivar. The main fatty acids components obtained were palmitic (13.37%–16.32%), oleic (44.60%–52.56%), and linoleic (29.90%–38.51%). Excellent parameters of the susceptibility to oxidation of the oils were obtained and compare. RBO of Ariete and Gladio varieties presented superior DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, whereas, Minima, Ellebi, and Sirio varieties had the lowest scavenging activities. Moreover, the oil obtained towards the final stages of extraction presented increased antioxidant activity.
Exploring Bottled Water Purchase Intention via Trust in Advertising, Product Knowledge, Consumer Beliefs and Theory of Reasoned Action
Authors: Lin Carolyn A. , Xu Xiaowen
Published: August 2021

As the bottled water market is projected to grow continuously worldwide, so is the plastic waste that pollutes the environment. The beverage industry’s marketing campaigns have played an important role in sustaining the popularity of bottled water. Social science theory-based empirical research examining how consumers make bottled water consumption decisions remains limited. To help fill this literature gap, the current study tested a conceptual framework to explore the influence of trust in bottled water advertising and perceived product knowledge on consumer beliefs about bottled water, in conjunction with theory of reasoned action. The study surveyed a sample of college students in the U.S. (N = 445). Findings showed that greater trust in bottled water advertising as well as more false knowledge and less factual knowledge were significantly related to consumer beliefs about bottled water’s product content and image. Furthermore, more favorable cognitive beliefs, affective beliefs, attitude and perceived subjective norms toward bottled water consumption were positively related to purchase intention. To reduce bottled water purchase among young adults, it would be beneficial to utilize marketing strategies to popularize and normalize carrying a reusable water bottle as an environmentally friendly habit and a preferred lifestyle choice.
A Brief Insight to the Electrophoretic Deposition of PEEK-, Chitosan-, Gelatin-, and Zein-Based Composite Coatings for Biomedical Applications: Recent Developments and Challenges
Authors: Batool Syeda Ammara , Wadood Abdul , Hussain Syed Wilayat , Yasir Muhammad , Ur Rehman Muhammad Atiq
Published: August 2021

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is a powerful technique to assemble metals, polymer, ceramics, and composite materials into 2D, 3D, and intricately shaped implants. Polymers, proteins, and peptides can be deposited via EPD at room temperature without affecting their chemical structures. Furthermore, EPD is being used to deposit multifunctional coatings (i.e., bioactive, antibacterial, and biocompatible coatings). Recently, EPD was used to architect multi-structured coatings to improve mechanical and biological properties along with the controlled release of drugs/metallic ions. The key characteristics of EPD coatings in terms of inorganic bioactivity and their angiogenic potential coupled with antibacterial properties are the key elements enabling advanced applications of EPD in orthopedic applications. In the emerging field of EPD coatings for hard tissue and soft tissue engineering, an overview of such applications will be presented. The progress in the development of EPD-based polymeric or composite coatings, including their application in orthopedic and targeted drug delivery approaches, will be discussed, with a focus on the effect of different biologically active ions/drugs released from EPD deposits. The literature under discussion involves EPD coatings consisting of chitosan (Chi), zein, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and their composites. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo investigations of EPD coatings will be discussed in relation to the current main challenge of orthopedic implants, namely that the biomaterial must provide good bone-binding ability and mechanical compatibility.
A New Species of Toad (Anura: Bufonidae: Rhinella) from Northern Peru
Authors: Lehr Edgar , Cusi Juan C. , Rodriguez Lily O. , Venegas Pablo J. , García-Ayachi Luis A. , Catenazzi Alessandro
Published: August 2021

We describe a new species of Rhinella from montane forests between 1788 and 2305 m a.s.l. in the Departamentos Amazonas and San Martín, Peru. We tentatively assign the new species to the Rhinella festae species Group based on morphological similarities with its other 19 members. It is characterised by large size (maximum SVL 91.6 mm in females), a pointed and protruding snout that is posteroventrally inclined, absence of a visible tympanic annulus and tympanic membrane, long parotoid glands in contact with upper eyelid, presence of a dorsolateral row of enlarged tubercles, outer dorsolateral tarsus surface with a subconical ridge of fused tubercles, and absence of subgular vocal sac and vocal slits in males. One specimen from Departamento Amazonas tested positive for Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis.
Evaluation of Green Cities in the Drainage Area of China’s Beijing–Hangzhou Canal
Authors: Shi Fei , Lu Yuanyuan , Wu Fan , Wang Chengxiang , Hsu Wei-Ling
Published: August 2021

The phrase ‘green cities’ refers to an idealised and modernised urban development model that features harmonious development among the environment, ecology, society, culture, and the inhabitants of a city. Harmonious humanistic relations and green pathways have become predominant models in modern urban development. Green city construction has drawn considerable attention. However, the construction and development of green cities involves numerous problems. The various needs of different populations must be coordinated to foster the green development of a city. In this study, the analytic hierarchy process was used to classify factors related to green city construction into different levels. The scope of the empirical verification was eight cities alongshore the drainage area of the Jiangsu section of the Beijing–Hangzhou Canal. Data from 2009, 2014, and 2019 were selected for analysis. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed using these data, and standards were established to serve as a reference for city administrators in the process of decision-making regarding green city construction.
Remote Retrieval of Suspended Particulate Matter in Inland Waters: Image-Based or Physical Atmospheric Correction Models?
Authors: El Alem Anas , Lhissou Rachid , Chokmani Karem , Oubennaceur Khalid
Published: August 2021

The objective of this paper was to compare the limits of three image-based atmospheric correction models (top of the atmosphere (ToA), dark object subtraction (DOS), and cosine of the sun zenith angle (COST)), and three physical models (atmospheric correction for flat terrain (ATCOR), fast line-of-sight atmospheric analysis of spectral hypercubes (FLAASH)), and ACOLITE) for retrieving suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations in inland water bodies using Landsat imagery. For SPM concentration estimates, all possible combinations of 2-band normalized ratios (2bNR) were computed, and a stepwise regression was applied. The correlation analysis allowed highlighting that the red/blue 2bNR was the best spectral index to retrieve SPM concentrations in the case of image-based models, while the red/green 2bNR was the best in the case of physical models. Contrary to expectations, image-based atmospheric models outperformed the accuracy of physical models. The cross-validation results underlined the good performance of the DOS and COST models, with R2 > 0.83, NASH-criterion (Nash) > 0.83, bias = −0.01 mg/L, and RMSE < 0.27 mg/L. This outperformance was confirmed using blind test validation data, with an R2 > 0.86 and Nash > 0.58 for the DOS and COST models. The challenges and limitations involved in the remote monitoring of SPM spatial distribution in turbid productive waters using satellite data are discussed at the end of the paper.
Patient orientation is the main focus of the general practitioner’s work
Authors: Rybachok Oksana Aleksandrovna
Published: August 2021

Taking into account the uneven settlement of the population of the Russian Federation, as well as with the aim of adapting the medical sphere to modern economic conditions in the context of the new economic mechanism, the reform of the health care system was started in the late 1990s. As a result of the reorganization of the primary care, a new specialty appeared, i.e. general practitioners, who replaced therapists and pediatricians. For many years, the principle of treatment of the disease was dominant in the Russian health care, without taking into account the individual characteristics of a patient; the introduced reform was aimed at ensuring that the doctor would advise a particular patient for all his/her life, know the characteristics of the organism, and understand the etiopathogenesis of the development of a particular disease. In February 2006, at the second World Patient Congress held in Spain by the International Alliance of Patient Organizations (IAPO), the Declaration on Patient-Centred Healthcare was adopted. It is an alternative program, aimed primarily not at treatment, but at the prevention of diseases, health promotion and the formation of general well-being, based on modern technologies and an individual approach to each patient.
Vitiligo — skin depigmentation syndrome
Authors: Ilyin Petr Arkadievich
Published: August 2021

Vitiligo is a variant of hypochromia — a skin pigmentation disorder. In this condition, there is a disorder in the synthesis of a special substance of melanin, which is responsible for the pigmentation of the skin, by melanocyte cells located in the basal layer of the epidermis. Melanocytes are evenly distributed throughout the body, with the exception of the soles and palms. Vitiligo is a so-called partial hypochromia and manifests itself as areas of the body that are devoid of pigmentation. More rarely, there is a total pigmentation disorder called albinism. It should be noted that in both hypochromia and albinism, the number of melanocytes is not changed, but for some reason they stop producing melanin from its precursor tyrosine.
Socio-hygienic characteristics of regional middle-level medical personnel
Authors: Kaspruk Lyudmila Ilyinichna , Mitrofanova Elizaveta Vladislavovna
Published: August 2021

The presented study sets out the results of an assessment of a sociological survey of middle-level medical personnel of the Orenburg Region in morphological connection with their quality of life. Information on the factors influencing the quality of medical care provided by medical personnel is provided. The assessment of the main indicators of the quality of life was carried out, revealing minor deviations of the lower limit of normal of the mean values on the SF-36 scales. The authors describe social stress factors affecting the social and hygienic «portrait» of middle-level medical professionals as recipients of medical services.
Osteonecrosis of the facial skull: clinical picture, diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Arkhangelskaya Olga Petrovna , Tolstunov Leonid Grigorievich
Published: August 2021

The treatment of patients with bone tissue pathology takes a special place in the practice of dentists. Since the mid-1950s, bisphosphonates, stable synthetic analogs of pyrophosphate, effective in diseases accompanied by increased bone resorption, have been used in the treatment of various disorders of the bone system. The present review is aimed at summarizing the pathogenesis, risk factors, diagnostic features, clinical stages, therapeutic methods, prevention and treatment strategies associated with drug-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw, which may provide a reference when observing such patients and improve their quality of life in the future.
The severity of pulmonary lesions in acquired heart defects
Authors: Kochieva Marina Leonidovna
Published: August 2021

Acquired heart defects are a group of diseases (represented by stenosis, valve insufficiency, combined and concomitant defects), accompanied by a violation of the structure and functions of the valvular heart apparatus and leading to changes in the intracardiac circulation. Against the background of such violations, stagnation occurs not only in the small, but also in the great blood circulation circle, which is manifested by a chronic dry cough, often with an admixture of blood. Compensated heart defects can be hidden, while decompensated ones are manifested by shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue, pain in the heart, and a tendency to fainting. In such conditions, there is an increase in pressure in the pulmonary artery, which ultimately can cause the development of pulmonary edema. Acquired heart defects are also a serious danger in terms of the development of heart failure, damage to internal organs (in particular, the liver and kidneys), the appearance of ascites, and if the course is unfavorable, the fatal outcome is possible.
Modeling of the impact of hold-down forces on the accuracy of the workpiece shape using the finite element method
Authors: Zaitsev A.V. , Izosimov A.N.
Published: August 2021

In the article, the modeling of the impact of hold-down forces on the accuracy of the shape of the workpiece using the finite element method was carried out. The operation of mechanical processing (turning cut) of a workpiece of the body of rotation type on a milling machine with basing and fixing along the inner cylindrical surface of the workpiece is considered. The study was conducted for four different types of machine retaining devices used on machines of this group. A consistent description and illustration of the method of modeling the process of the impact of hold-down forces on the workpiece is made for each type of the device under consideration. The force constraints and effects imposed on the model are described and illustrated, the parameters of the finite element grid used in modeling are presented, the displacement profiles obtained in the modeling process and the stages of modeling the machining process are described, and the values of the largest deviations from the shape of the workpiece are determined. The results of the modeling are presented: a qualitative picture of the shape errors obtained as a result of mechanical processing — the values of the largest deviation from the roundness and the largest deviation from the cross-section profile of the workpiece to be processed, as well as the shape of the cutting obtained in the cross-section of the workpiece for each type of the devices under consideration. On the basis of the obtained results, estimates of the degree of accuracy of the shape and the relative geometric accuracy provided by the considered devices were made in accordance with GOST 24643–81. The conclusion is made about the suitability of using the considered variants of machine retaining devices for the proposed technological process according to the criterion of the provided accuracy of the shape of the processed surface.

English version of the article is available at URL: https://panor.ru/articles/modeling-the-influence-of-the-fastening-forces-on-the-accuracy-of-the-workpiece-shape-using-the-finite-element-method/65043.html
Error of installation of a prismatic workpiece in the vise
Authors: Ibaeva L.V. , Gerasimov D. I.
Published: August 2021

The article analyzes the reasons why the workpiece is raised above the horizontal plane when it is fixed in the machine vise. The study is related to both the design of the device and the shape of the positioning of the workpiece surfaces. Five cases of the positioning of the side surfaces of the workpiece when fixed in a vise are considered. The role of backlash in the design of the machine vise in the installation error is determined. The values, by which the workpiece can rise after applying the tightening force in the case of errors in the shape of the workpiece and in the case of backlash in the design of the vise, are obtained. The values, by which the workpiece is raised, provided that there are no backlashes in the vise, are found when considering the tolerances for the positioning of surfaces depending on the method of cutting rolled products and the tolerances for the positioning of surfaces depending on the accuracy of rolled products. In addition, the values by which the workpiece is raised, provided that the workpiece does not have errors in the positioning of surfaces, taking into account the dimensional parameters of the slide bar and the guide of the vise with one movable jaw, as well as the dimensional parameters of the slide bar and the guide of the self-centering vise, are identified. The schemes for calculating the angle at which the slide block can turn due to the gapping in the guides and a scheme for calculating the height of the workpiece after fixing are presented. The geometric characteristics of the orientation of the workpiece after the application of the hold-down force are given; then the comparison of the results obtained in the study is carried out. As a result, it is concluded that the errors introduced by the design of the vise are several times less than the errors introduced by the shape of the workpiece. Methods for reducing the resulting installation errors are provided.
The necessity of conducting repairs, or the Economic paradox
Authors: Sidorov V. A. , Sidorov A. V. , Gichun N. V.
Published: August 2021

The increase in the total number of machines in the middle of the 20th century led to a rise in the number of repair services and served as an impetus for the start of work to improve the reliability of mechanical equipment based on the statistical probabilistic approach, the provisions of terotechnology and methods of technical diagnostics. Maintaining machines and mechanisms in working condition has become quite expensive. On the other hand, reducing the cost of maintenance and repairs leads to a violation of the continuity of the technological cycle. Existing trends in mechanical engineering and in the general paradigm of the development of civilization indicate a tendency to reduce the durability of parts and units. The manufacture of products with a long service life becomes economically unviable, which is the essence of the paradox. The article considers the examples of implementation of various approaches to the operation of equipment during maintenance and repair. The prerequisites for the necessity of conducting repairs are analyzed. It is recommended to try to reach a compromise between the manufacturer and the consumer on the basis of long-term contracts for the supply of spare parts or the provision of equipment maintenance services. The urgency of the problem is further justified by the high rate of robotization, since robots also need to be repaired. In this regard, the authors express the hope that this article will be useful in solving the problem of the repair.
Application areas of the angle reflector
Authors: Yurenkova L. R. , Yakovuk O. A. , Morozov I. V.
Published: August 2021

The article provides examples of how the device known as the «angle reflector» a few decades ago has been increasingly used in various fields of science and technology in recent years. Angle reflectors are designed to change (reflect) optical and radar rays in the direction, opposite to the original direction. At present, angle reflectors are widely used to ensure the safety of road transport on dangerous road sections. Radio wave reflectors have the same design as optical ones; therefore, in radio detection and location, angle reflectors are used to send warning signals to ship radars on bridge supports, beacons and buoys. Modern angle reflectors attached to meteorological probes allow determining the direction and speed of the wind at high altitude, which is especially important in the study of the outer space. In recent years, devices have been developed to improve the accuracy of radar stations calibration. The examples of graphical calculation of angle reflectors presented in the article clearly demonstrate the primary role of geometry in the design activity of an engineer. The graphical calculation is based on the theoretical positions of projective geometry. The design and calculation of optical systems is carried out by the graphoanalytic method, since only with a combination of graphical and analytical methods it is possible to accurately calculate the course of a light beam, laser, or radio wave and thereby determine the design parameters of the devices. The article focuses on a graphical method for calculating two types of angle reflectors using orthogonal projection, due to which modern engineers will be able to create more up-to-date designs of optical systems with a wide range of applications.
The creative potential of the production system as the driving force of its development
Authors: Mukhin A.V. , Ganina G.E. , Ostrovskii Yu.A.
Published: August 2021

The results of years-long scientific research on the formation of a unified approach that establishes the driving forces of the development of production systems of various directions are presented. Recommendations on the use of the creative potential of the system as the main driving force, invariant with respect to the conditions of the consumer environment, are formed. A comprehensive analysis of the various areas of production development that are currently the most popular in the discussion showed that a unified approach to evaluating efficiency is based on the main internal factor of developing production — the creative potential of the production system. This factor is stable under any changes in the external environment, it is a direct or indirect source of production efficiency and is also the main «engine» of production transformation. The mystery of intuitive thinking, which is the basis of creativity, makes it related to the phenomena of «synergy» in living nature and explains its insufficient coverage in science and technology. The modern development of production in the new directions covered in this publication will force both practitioners and production theorists to boldly and persistently promote new models and methods of study that include creativity and its applied links in the decision-making chain in production management as the main, central element and driving force of the development.

English version of the article is available at URL: https://panor.ru/articles/creative-potential-of-the-production-system-as-a-driving-force-of-its-development/65095.html
Impact of COVID-19 on the economies of Russia and France
Authors: Rodigina Natalya Jurievna , Moleva Svetlana Valerievna , Logina Maria Vladimirovna , Musikhin Vladislav Igorevich
Published: August 2021

The global pandemic has significantly affected the global economic paradigm in general and individual economies in particular. The situation of uncertainty and the turning point in the fight against COVID-19 is still relatively far ahead, since vaccination, if actively carried out in a number of countries, addresses only a part of the population, mainly employees of the health and service sectors. Economic policy plays a special role in maintaining and ensuring the well-being of the population in the tough epidemiological conditions. The asymmetry of the impact of COVID-19 on different countries can be indagated by different economic (macroeconomic) indicators. For example, in Russia and France, the countries that are the subject of comparison in the study, gross domestic product showed a descending trend, but the rate of such decline was not the same. In turn, the state budget deficit, internal and external debt-all these indices showed growth, due to unforeseen and urgently needed expenditures to eliminate the ‘bottlenecks’ in the health sector, to provide the population with the necessary volume of goods to meet their needs. The article demonstrates as well that the introduction of lockdowns (or self-isolation) led to a change in consumer preferences, a kind of a shortage of the consumer demand in France. Interesting in its own way is the study of the dynamics of consumption of food, energy and industrial goods, outliers of indicators in 2020. The authors found that throughout 2020, there is a positive trade balance in the foreign trade of the Russian Federation, which is an optimistic trend even in the context of a total decline in foreign trade. Taking into account the presented analysis of the dynamics of macroeconomic indicators, the authors consider the current experience of France in combating the economic recession, in particular, programs to support citizens, business and entrepreneurship. The study highlights the role of France as a country that has encouraged the EU countries to coordinate the efforts of all the countries of the European Union in the field of public health, protection of citizens and mitigation of the socio-economic consequences of the epidemic.
Trabalho bancário e saúde do trabalhador: análise das condições e relações de trabalho nos bancos públicos em Juiz de Fora/MG
Authors:   , Silva Robson Luiz Marques da
Published: August 2021

O estudo apresentado a seguir foi realizado com os trabalhadores bancários oriundos dos bancos públicos Caixa Econômica Federal e Banco do Brasil do município de Juiz de Fora/MG. Seu objetivo foi analisar as condições e relações de trabalho dessa categoria e as repercussões no âmbito da saúde em meio às profundas transformações no mundo do trabalho. Analisaram-se os impactos da reestruturação produtiva no Setor Financeiro desde da década de 1980 e suas resultantes no que tange à saúde e às condições de trabalho. No início da pesquisa, foi decretado o isolamento social devido à pandemia da Covid-19, fato esse que impôs o emprego de meios eletrônicos para abordar os trabalhadores. As informações encontradas relevaram que a vida profissional dos bancários está carregada de incertezas, pressões diárias, assédio moral, medo, adoecimento psíquico e mental. Elementos esses que podem caracterizar que o trabalho bancário traz adoecimento para os trabalhadores e que a maneira de resistência destes é o movimento sindical.
Energy harvesting in electric power systems
Authors:   , Fernandes Victor
Published: August 2021

Esta tese investiga a colheita de energia (do inglês,energy harvesting) (EH) em sistemaselétricos de potência e a sua utilidade para alimentar sistemas híbridos de comunicações dedados, baseados na combinação de sistemas de comunicações via rede de energia elétrica(do inglês,power line communication) (PLC) e comunicações sem fio (do inglês,wirelesscommunication) (WLC). Neste contexto, são discutidos aspectos gerais do EH em sistemaselétricos de potência, destacando as vantagens e desvantagens da colheita de energia com baseem classificações típicas dos sistemas elétricos de potência em termos dos níveis de tensão edas bandas de frequência do conteúdo espectral dos sinais elétricos. Primeiro, a energia colhidaé avaliada quantitativamente na configuração concatenada de canais banda larga PLC e WLC,na combinação paralela de canais banda estreita PLC e WLC, e nas principais componentesharmônicas dos sinais elétricos. Em segundo lugar, o uso da energia colhida para fins decomunicação de dados é avaliado em termos de taxas de dados alcançáveis ergódicas dessescanais, e o número de transceptores alimentados com essa energia é estimado para cinco padrõesde comunicação de dados comumente adotados por dispositivos de comunicação de dados debaixa potência. Com base em um conjunto de dados medidos em instalações residenciais, asanálises numéricas mostraram que a energia colhida dos distúrbios existentes em sinais elétricosna banda de frequência delimitada pela tecnologia PLC bandalarga é uma parte considerávelda quantidade de energia colhida total. Também, as comunicações de dados baseadas em EHatingiram taxas de dados alcançáveis ergódicas de dezenas de bps ou kbps a dezenas de Mbps,dependendo do uso de canais banda estreita ou banda larga. Além disso, esta tese aborda umanova formulação matemática para quantificar com precisão o EH da potência desperdiçada emsinais elétricos e estende essa formulação para a potência colhida. Neste contexto, mostra-se que a dinâmica da energia desperdiçada das principais componentes harmônicas dos sinaiselétricos em uma instalação predial pode ser considerada umprocesso aleatório cicloestacionárioe estacionário nos dias úteis e fins de semana, respectivamente. Também, estima-se que milhões,ou mesmo bilhões, de transceptores podem ser alimentados por meio da potência colhida dosdistúrbios em sinais elétricos dos sistemas elétricos de potência brasileiros e, ao mesmo tempo,são esperados impactos positivos na qualidade de energia desses sistemas. Finalmente, a energiados distúrbios em sinais elétricos na banda de frequência dequalquer tecnologia PLC tem umenorme potencial para alimentar dispositivos de comunicação de dados de baixa potência, taiscomo os utilizados na Internet das Coisas, redes inteligentes e Indústria 4.0.
Eles estão “entrenós”: extraterrestres enquanto fluxos na malha de significados
Authors:   , Campanha Vitor de Lima
Published: August 2021

O objetivo desta tese é analisar como o extraterreste, enquanto conceito ou noção, perpassa por diferentes grupos de atores, sejam eles religiosos ou não. Para tal, utiliza-se como referencial teorias sociológicas e antropológicas que privilegiam associações e interrelações, como a Teoria Ator-Rede, do sociólogo Bruno Latour, bem como as elaborações teóricas do antropólogo Tim Ingold, que propõe seguir determinada coisa, que atua como um fluxo em uma malha de significados. Dessa forma, segue-se a noção de extraterrestre através de suas relações com diferentes grupos: o pensamento de certos Novos Movimentos Religiosos, dos adeptos da religiosidade Nova Era, do espiritismo kardecista e da ufologia pretensamente científica ou paracientífica. Faz-se um levantamento bibliográfico em livros, sites institucionais, sites de notícias, filmes e narrativas midiáticas sobre seres considerados extraterrestres. Conclui-se que esse conceito não apenas é modificado ao longo do tempo e dos múltiplos contatos com outros grupos/atores/coisas, mas também interfere nas conceituações de todos os atores envolvidos – promovendo ora distanciamentos, ora aproximações, e demonstrando assim a fluidez de fronteiras entre os pensamentos e discursos dos grupos analisados.
Ecoturismo e Conservação da Biodiversidade em Parques Nacionais do Brasil e Estados Unidos
Authors: Fontoura Leandro Martins , Adams Lowell , Medeiros Rodrigo
Published: August 2021

Realizamos uma análise comparativa dos parques nacionais na Região da Capital Nacional do Serviço Nacional de Parques dos Estados Unidos e na Região Administrativa do ICMBio CR-8 do Brasil, consistindo em todos os parques nacionais do estado do Rio de Janeiro. Nosso objetivo foi determinar as percepções dos gerentes de parques em relação ao efeito do uso público na conservação da biodiversidade em parques nacionais. O instrumento de pesquisa RAPPAM (Avaliação Rápida e Priorização da Gestão de Áreas Protegidas) foi administrado nos parques dos dois países. Único no presente estudo foi o desenvolvimento de um conjunto de 10 perguntas destinadas a investigar a relação entre uso público e conservação da biodiversidade em parques nacionais. Os gestores dos dois países relataram que as características e aspectos naturais dos parques (incluindo sua biodiversidade) estão sendo mantidas com o nível atual de uso público. Essa percepção dos gestores do parque se sustentou, independentemente do número de visitantes do parque (P = 0,18). Os parques dos EUA eram significativamente mais fortes (P = 0,03) em relação à importância do turismo e eram menos vulneráveis ​​(P <0,01) a vários impactos do que os parques brasileiros. As recomendações de gestão incluem a manutenção de um número adequado de funcionários e orçamento do parque, e a capacidade de monitorar e limitar o uso público, se necessário.