bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospects and Problems of the Use of New Order PMSC in East Africa
Authors: Kupriyanov A. , Kramnik I.
Published: May 2021

In recent decades, some researchers and experts have written a lot about the fact that the monopoly of nation-states on external violence is gradually disappearing, and non-state entities are becoming more and more proactive, challenging the state. Among these actors are criminal groups, underground trade networks, smugglers, slave traders, drug traffickers, gun runners, terrorist groups, pirates. All of them pose so-called non-traditional threats and challenges to states. In the context of the new Cold War, their activities are intensifying. This article is devoted to the analysis of the situation in the coastal waters of East Africa, one of the so-called gray zones, where non-state shadow actors are especially active. The authors investigate the capabilities of the East African states to withstand non-traditional maritime challenges and threats and come to the conclusion that these states are unable to cope on their own. The great powers, on the other hand, are focused on confronting each other and have no capacity to divert forces for operations to maintain order in distant regions. The authors believe that in these conditions, Russia is faced with new opportunities: it can create and send to the region private maritime security companies of a new type, New Order PMSC, which will be financed through a contract with the client state and at the same time will help to strengthen Russia's influence. Unlike ordinary PMSCs, they are not interested in dragging out the conflict, their goal is to eliminate hotbeds of danger and prepare the coast guard forces of client states to deal with potential threats. The activities of these companies will be equally beneficial to the states of East Africa and Russia. The authors propose an approximate composition of such PMSCs, outline the goals and objectives they face, and make certain that with the help of relatively low costs, Russia can improve the effectiveness of its policy in the region.
Implementation of Guided Inquiry Based on Blended Learning to Improve Students’ Metacognitive Skills in Reaction Rate
Authors: Afifah Ulfa Nur , Azizah Utiya
Published: May 2021

The development of the educational paradigm in the 21st century emphasizes learning oriented to higher-order thinking skills, one of them is metacognitive skills. This study aims to improve the metacognitive skills of students through a guided inquiry learning model based on blended learning in reaction rate material. The research design used is One-Group Pretest-Posttest Design. The research was conducted in class XI MIPA 5 SMAN 2 Pamekasan. The data were obtained using the observation sheet instrument for the implementation of the learning model, the activities of the students, and the metacognitive skills test sheet. Data analysis was performed using the percentage, mean, n-gain, and paired t-test techniques. The results showed that 1) Guided inquiry learning model based on blended learning is carried out well with an average percentage of phase 1 of 94.88%, phase 2 of 100%, phase 3 of 97.92%, phase 4 of 98.44% and phase 5 of 96.88%, 2) The percentage of students' activities who are actively involved and relevant to guided inquiry learning model based on blended learning is 87.41%, 3) The metacognitive skills of students have increased in terms of the n-gain range, namely 0.53 - 0.62 with the medium category, dan 4) there is a significant difference in the results of metacognitive skills between before and after being given a guided inquiry learning model based on blended learning. The results showed that the guided inquiry learning model based on blended learning was effective in improving students' metacognitive skills
Theoretical Derivation of Critical Current Density and Critical Magnetic Field Considering Many-Body Interactions of Magnetic Flux Quanta
Authors: Ishiguri Shinichi
Published: May 2021

To clarify the relationships among critical temperature, critical magnetic field, and critical current density, this paper describes many-body interactions of quantum magnetic fluxes (i.e., vortices) and calculates pinning-related critical current density. All calculations are analytically derived, without numerical or fitting methods. After calculating a magnetic flux quantum mass, we theoretically obtain the critical temperature in a many-body interaction scenario (which can be handled by our established method). We also derive the critical magnetic field and inherent critical current density at each critical temperature. Finally, we determine the pinning-related critical current density with self-fields. The relationships between the critical magnetic field and critical temperature, inherent critical current density and critical temperature, and pinning critical current density and self-magnetic field were consistent with experimental observations. From the critical current density and critical magnetic field, we clarified the magnetic field transition. It appears that a magnetic flux quantum collapses when the lattice of magnetic flux quanta melts. Our results, combined with our previously published papers, provide a comprehensive understanding of the transition points in high-Tc cuprates.
The Influence of Sport Nutrition Knowledge on Body Composition and Perceptions of Dietary Requirements in Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Jagim Andrew , Fields Jennifer B. , Magee Meghan , Kerksick Chad , Luedke Joel , Erickson Jacob , Jones Margaret
Published: May 2021

Sport nutrition knowledge has been shown to influence dietary habits of athletes. The purpose of the current study was to examine relationships between sport nutrition knowledge and body composition and examine potential predictors of body weight goal in collegiate athletes. Participants included National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III women (n=42, height: 169.9 ± 6.9 cm; body mass: 67.1 ± 8.6 kg; fat-free mass: 51.3 ± 6.6 kg; body fat %: 24.2 ± 5.3%) and men (n=25, height: 180.8 ± 7.2 cm; body mass: 89.2 ± 20.5 kg; fat-free mass: 75.9 ± 12.2 kg; body fat %: 13.5 ± 8.9%) athletes. Body composition was assessed via air displacement plethysmography. Athletes completed a validated questionnaire designed to assess sport nutrition knowledge and were asked questions about their perceived dietary energy and macronutrient requirements, as well as their body weight goal (i.e. lose, maintain, gain weight). Athletes answered 47.98 ± 11.29 % of questions correctly on the nutrition questionnaire with no differences observed between sexes (men: 49.52 ± 11.76% vs. women: 47.03 ± 11.04%; p=0.40). An inverse relationship between sport nutrition knowledge scores and body fat percentage (r = -0.330; p=0.008), and fat mass (r = -.268; p=0.032) was observed for all athletes. Fat mass (β = 0.224), BF % (β = 0.217), and BMI (β = 0.421) were all significant (p<0.05) predictors of body weight goal in women. All athletes significantly (p<0.001) underestimated daily energy (-1,360 ± 610.2 kcal/d), carbohydrate (-301.6 ± 149.2 g/d), and fat (-41.4 ± 34.5 g/d) requirements. Division III collegiate athletes have a low level of sport nutrition knowledge, which was associated with a higher BF %. Women athletes with a higher body weight, BF % and BMI were more likely to select weight loss as a body weight goal. Athletes also significantly underestimated their energy and carbohydrate requirements based upon the demands of their sport, independent of sex.
An Unintended Legacy: The External Policy Responses of the US and European Union to Conflict Minerals in Africa
Authors: Addaney Michael , Lubaale Emma Charlene
Published: May 2021

Competition over environmental and natural resources characteristically lies at the heart of armed conflicts in Africa. It is also common knowledge that some companies dealing in products such as laptops, smart phones and jewellery; import minerals from conflict-affected areas, thereby indirectly fuelling conflicts in these areas or undermining human rights. For a continent endowed with natural resources including minerals, Africa has suffered the brunt of this predicament. This state of affairs has lent impetus to the adoption of several regulations geared towards curbing irresponsible business practices by companies relying on such minerals, the goal being, amongst others, to guarantee the protection of human rights. In May 2017, the European Union adopted Regulations intended to stop the importation of conflict minerals in Europe, debatably making giant strides in the direction of protection of human rights. These Regulations are to come into force in 2021. However, can these regulations advance the much-desired goal of protection of human rights in Africa on issues pertaining to conflict minerals? By analyzing the 2017 EU Regulations in light of previous regulations of a similar nature, the paper concludes that the said regulations constitute a weak normative framework and could in fact have unintended consequences on the fundamental rights of civilians in natural resource-rich conflict areas of Africa.
A Complete In Vitro Toxicological Assessment of the Biological Effects of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles: From Acute Toxicity to Multi-Dose Subchronic Cytotoxicity Study.
Authors: García-Salvador Adrián , Katsumiti Alberto , Rojas Elena , Aristimuño Carol , Betanzos Mónica , Martínez-Moro Marta , Moya Sergio E. , Goñi-de-Cerio Felipe
Published: May 2021

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are of significant relevance due to their unique properties, which have been exploited for widespread applications. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs) are one of most exploited ENM in the industry due to their excellent catalytic and multi-enzyme mimetic properties. Thus, toxicological effects of these ENMs should be further studied. Acute and subchronic toxicity of CeO2-NPs were assessed. First an in vitro multi-dose short-term (24h) toxicological assessment was performed in three different cell lines: A549 and Calu3, representing the lung tissue, and 3T3 as an interstitial tissue model. After that, a sub-chronic toxicity assessment (90 days) of these NPs was carried out on a realistic and well stablished reconstituted primary human airway epithelial model (MucilAir™), cultured at the Air-Liquid Interface (ALI), to study long-term effects of these particles. Results showed minor toxicity of CeO2-NPs in acute exposures. However, in subchronic exposures, cytotoxic and inflammatory responses were observed in the human airway epithelial model after 60 days of exposure to CeO2-NPs. These results suggest that acute toxicity approaches may underestimate the toxicological effect of some ENM, highlighting the need of subchronic toxicological studies in order to accurately assess the toxicity of ENM and their cumulative effects in the organism.
Identifying Storm Hotspots and the Most Unsettled Areas in Barcelona by Analysing Significant Rainfall Episodes in Barcelona During the 2013 – 2018 Period
Authors: Esbrí Laura , Rigo Tomeu , Llasat María Carmen , Aznar Blanca
Published: May 2021

Flash floods repeatedly threaten Barcelona, damaging the city infrastructure and endangering the safety of the population. The city’s urban planning and socioeconomic distribution, associated with the topography and other geographic factors, means that these flood events do not affect the entire city in the same way. This is a key point for surveillance and emergency tasks, which need some patterns and models to improve response capacity. This work aims to gain a better understanding of such events, to add valuable information on how to predict and manage these situations. For this purpose, both radar and ground observational data have been combined to identify the most important precipitation episodes in Barcelona between 2013 and 2018. To make the analysis easier, a new algorithm has been developed to determine the thunderstorm hotspots. Episodes with a higher impact have been analysed in depth. The final objective is to improve the actions taken by the organisation responsible for managing urban floods, which have seen Barcelona recognised as a model city for flood resilience by the United Nations.
Exosomal Hsp70 in Liquid Biopsies - A Biomarker for Prediction and Response Monitoring in Cancer
Authors: Werner Caroline , Stangl Stefan , Salvermoser Lukas , Schwab Melissa , Shevstov Maxim , Xanthopoulos Alexia , Wang Fei , Medenwald Daniel , Windberg Martin , Bache Matthias , Schlapschy Martin , Skerra Arne , Multhoff Gabriele
Published: May 2021

In contrast to normal cells, tumor cells of multiple entities overexpress the Heat Shock Protein 70 (Hsp70) not only in the cytosol, but also present it on their plasma membrane in a tumor-specific manner. Furthermore, membrane-Hsp70 positive tumor cells actively release Hsp70 into lipid microvesicles termed exosomes into the blood. Due to conformational changes of Hsp70 in the lipid environment, most commercially available antibodies fail to detect membrane-bound and exosomal Hsp70. To fill this gap and to assess the role of exosomal Hsp70 in the circulation as a potential tumor biomarker, we established the novel complete Hsp70 (compHsp70) sandwich ELISA using two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that are able to recognize both, free and lipid-associated Hsp70 on the cell surface of viable tumor cells and exosomes. The epitopes of the mAbs cmHsp70.1 (aa 451-461) and cmHsp70.2 (aa 614-623) that are conserved among different species reside in the substrate-binding domain of Hsp70, with measured affinities of 0.42 nM and 0.44 nM, respectively. Validation of the compHsp70 ELISA revealed a high intra- and inter-assay precision, linearity in a concentration range of 1.56 to 25 ng/ml, high recovery rates of ‘spiked’ liposomal Hsp70 (>84%), comparable values between human serum and plasma samples, and no interference by food intake or age of the donors. Hsp70 concentrations in the circulation of patients with glioblastoma, squamous cell or adeno non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) at diagnosis were significantly higher than those of healthy volunteers. Hsp70 concentrations dropped concomitantly with the decrease in viable tumor mass on irradiation of patients with approximately 20 Gy (range 18 – 22.5 Gy) or after completion of radiotherapy (60 - 70 Gy). In summary, the compHsp70 ELISA presented herein provides a highly sensitive and reliable tool for measuring free and exosomal Hsp70 in liquid biopsies of tumor patients, levels of which can be used as a predictive tumor-specific biomarker, risk assessment and for monitoring therapeutic outcome.
Persistence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Six Months After Infection in an Outbreak With Five Hundred COVID-19 Cases in Borriana (Spain): A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Domènech-Montoliu Salvador , Puig-Barberà Joan , Pac-Sa Maria Rosario , Vidal-Utrillas Paula , Latorre-Poveda Marta , Del Rio-González Alba , Ferrando-Rubert Sara , Ferrer-Abad Gema , Sánchez-Urbano Manuel , Aparisi-Esteve Laura , Badenes-Marques Gema , Cervera-Ferrer Belen , Clerig-Arnau Ursula , Dols-Bernad Claudia , Fontal-Carcel Maria , Gomez-Lanas Lorna , Jovani-Sales David , Leòn-Domingo Maria Carmen , Llopico-Vilanova Maria Dolores , Moros-Blanco Mercedes , Notari-Rodríguez Cristina , Ruíz-Puig Raquel , Valls-López Sonia , Arnedo-Pena Alberto
Published: May 2021

In March 2020, several mass gathering events were related to the Falles festival in Borriana (Spain), resulting in a 536 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases outbreak among participants. Our objective was to estimate anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies persistence six months after and factors associated with antibody response. A prospective population-based cohort study was carried out by the Public Health Center of Castellon and the Emergency and Clinical Analysis and Microbiology Services of Hospital de la Plana in Vila-real. In October 2020, sero-epidemiologic study to estimate the persistence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies by a electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) was implemented. We enrolled 484 (90.2%) of the 536 members of the initial outbreak cohort and detected persistent antibodies in 479 (99%) without re-infection episodes. Five participants had a negative antibody test. Factors associated with a negative result were a lower body mass index (BMI), and less contact with other COVID-19 cases. Among the 469 participants with two ECLIA tests, 96 (20.5%) had an increase of antibodies and 373 (79.5%) a decline. Increased antibodies were associated with older age, higher BMI, more severe illness, and low current smokers. After a COVID-19 infection, a high proportion of cases maintained detectable anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
Quality Assurance in Higher Education: Empirical Evidence from Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Figurek Aleksandra , Abebe Solomon T. , Goncharuk Anatoliy G. , Iortyom Enoch T. , Vaskovic Una , Cirella Giuseppe T.
Published: May 2021

Education is the bedrock of any nation. It is essential for individual and societal growth and development. This triggers the demand for quality education which simultaneously increases with a growing demand for quality assurance. This study investigated the role of quality assurance in achieving the expected outcome of education in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s higher education system. Comparative development is looked at by examining other National Qualification Frameworks. The study was based on textual reviews and descriptive analysis on student enrollment and programs of studies. Unlike the global trend, it can be seen that student enrollment is on the decline in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was found that quality assurance is an indispensable tool for strengthening the higher education system and for achieving the desired change and outcomes, that education offers. It was also found that study programs and curricula are pivotal for teaching and learning processes, and that a unified qualification framework is essential for achieving set objectives of education at all levels. The study recommended, among other things, that sound quality assurance systems as well as appropriate structure for monitoring and accreditation be put in place and be judiciously followed in order to achieve the desired outcomes in conjunction with the set objectives of higher education. Moreover, vital thoroughly analyzed pressures (i.e., democratic, economic, and systemic) barriers show signs of epistemological, political, and institutional barriers in the country.
Antioxidant Role of Kaempferol in the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Sharma Nidhi , Biswas Subhrajit , Dayan Noura Al , Sarwat Maryam
Published: May 2021

Keywords: free radicals; oxidative stress; hepatocellular carcinoma; anti-oxidants; kaempferol
Health Screening of the Reef Forming Scleractinian Cold-Water Corals Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata in a Remote Submarine Canyon on the European Continental Margin, NE Atlantic
Authors: Appah John , Lynch Sharon , Lim Aaron , O'Riordan Ruth , O'Reilly Luke , de Oliveira Larissa , Wheeler Andrew James
Published: May 2021

Temperature and pH can expedite the ability of pathogens to cause diseases in cold-water corals (CWCs). The present study employed a combination of histology and polymerase chain reaction diagnostic techniques to investigate potential pathogens present in the CWCs Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata in the Porcupine Bank Canyon (PBC), NE Atlantic. No pathogen was observed in the Madrepora samples. Neither histology nor standard PCR detected Vibrio spp. in the corals, although using Illumina technology, V. shilonii was observed in some L. pertusa samples in low abundances (0.22%). A Rickettsiales-like organisms (RLOs) occurred at a prevalence of 8.0% and at a low infection intensity of 1 - 4. Lophelia showed a few RLOs infection from the PBC canyon head (2.7%) and high infections in the south branch (5.3%). Similarly, unidentified cells observed in L. pertusa from the south branch (4.0%) were more common than those found in the canyon head (1.3%) with a prevalence of 5.3%. Although the route of pathogen infection is unclear, a likely mode of entry could be associated with particulate availability and the feeding strategies of the scleractinian corals. This suggest that L. pertusa invests energy into an enhanced immune function and reduced susceptibility to global pathogens despite a changing ocean environment.
Mechanical Properties Enhancement of the Au-Cu-Al Alloys via Phase Constitution Manipulation
Authors: Goo Kang Wei , Chiu Wan–Ting , Toriyabe Ayano , Homma Masahiro , Umise Akira , Tahara Masaki , Goto Kenji , Sannomiya Takumi , Hosoda Hideki
Published: May 2021

To enhance the mechanical properties (i.e. strength and elongation) of the face-centered cubic (fcc) α-phase in the Au-Cu-Al system, this study focused on the introduction of the martensite phase (doubled B19 (DB19) crystal structure of Au2CuAl) via the manipulation of alloy compositions. Fundamental evaluations, such as microstructure observations, phase identifications, thermal analysis, tensile behavior examinations, and reflectance analysis have been conducted. The presence of fcc annealing twins was both observed in the optical microscope (OM) and the scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. Both the strength and elongation of the alloys were greatly promoted while the DB19 martensite phase was introduced into the alloys. Amongst all the prepared specimens, the 47Au41Cu12Al and the 44Au44Cu12Al alloys performed the optimized mechanical properties. The enhancement of strength and ductility in these 2 alloys was achieved while the stress plateau was observed during the tensile deformation. A plot of the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) against fracture strain was constructed to illustrate the effects of the introduction of the DB19 martensite phase on the mechanical properties of the alloys. Regardless of the manipulation of the alloy compositions and the introduction of the DB19 martensite phase, the reflectance stayed almost identical to pure Au.
Development and Analysis of the Novel Hybridization of a Single Flash Geothermal Power Plant with Biomass Driven sCO2-steam Rankine Combined Cycle
Authors: Mutlu Balkan , Baker Derek , Kazanç Feyza
Published: May 2021

This study investigates the hybridization scenario of a single flash geothermal power plant with a biomass driven sCO2-steam Rankine combined cycle where a solid local biomass source, olive residue, is used as a fuel. The hybrid power plant is modeled using the simulation software EB-SILON®Professional. A topping sCO2 cycle is specifically chosen for its potential for flexible elec-tricity generation. A synergy between the topping sCO2 and bottoming steam Rankine cycles is achieved by a good temperature match between the coupling heat exchanger where the waste heat from the topping cycle is utilized in the bottoming cycle. The high temperature heat addition problem common sCO2 cycles is also eliminated by utilizing the heat in the flue gas in the bottoming cycle. Combined cycle thermal efficiency and biomass to electricity conversion efficiency of 24.9% and 22.4% are achieved, respectively. The corresponding fuel consumption of the hybridized plant is found as 2.2 kg/s.
Between inclusion and exclusion: Teachers’ reflections about students with autism in public school
Authors: Lima Yago Melo de , Santos Tânia Regina Lobato dos , Monteiro Rejane de Assis Oliveira
Published: May 2021

This paper writes about the reflections of four ordinary teachers and one special education teacher, of a public school in the school inclusion context. Analyze the reflections in relation to the acceptance and reception of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the school environment. The problem to be solved is the following: how do the acceptance and reception of students with ASD occur in the school? It configures in a snippet of a qualitative and field research based on Teixeira (2010) and Oliveira (2012), developed in a public school in the municipal education system located in Belém-PA in 2017. The theoretical contribution of the investigation was anchored on Orrú (2012, 2016) and Mantoan (2013, 2015), that study and research about autism and school inclusion. The reflections of the five teachers reveal alarming situations, such as resistance to accepting and welcoming of students with autism in the school context, because some factors interfere in the classroom and school routine, which calls the need of this space to reflect and revise his pedagogical proposal. However, the research also reveals educational situations that enable the school inclusion.
Using of the nutrient complex for the identification of filling crops in dairy products
Authors:   State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology of Rospotrebnadzor, Obolensk, Russian Federation, Morozova T.P. , Domotenko L.V. ,   State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology of Rospotrebnadzor, Obolensk, Russian Federation, Podkopaev Yа.V. ,   State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology of Rospotrebnadzor, Obolensk, Russian Federation, Kosilova I.S. ,   State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology of Rospotrebnadzor, Obolensk, Russian Federation, Detushev K.V. ,   State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology of Rospotrebnadzor, Obolensk, Russian Federation, Shepelin A.P. ,   State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology of Rospotrebnadzor, Obolensk, Russian Federation
Published: May 2021

The possibility of using the nutrient media complex produced by SCRAMB for the isolation, primary identification and counting of viable lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria in the fermented milk products was studied. Key words: Lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactococcus, Bifidobacterium, MRS agar, М 17 agar, OBB medium, Blikfeldt's medium
Isolation of endogenous antimicrobial peptides from blood cells
Authors:   Stavropol State Medical University, Stavropol, Russian Federation, Bazikov I.A. , Maltsev A.N. ,   Stavropol State Medical University, Stavropol, Russian Federation, Sedykh O.I. ,   Stavropol State Medical University, Stavropol, Russian Federation, Baturin V.A. ,   Stavropol State Medical University, Stavropol, Russian Federation, Bolatchiev A.D. ,   Stavropol State Medical University, Stavropol, Russian Federation, Efremenko A.A. ,   Stavropol State Medical University, Stavropol, Russian Federation
Published: May 2021

A technique for isolating the endogenous antimicrobial peptides (AMP) has been developed. Leukocyte-erythrocyte-platelet blood mass of donors was used as the material for preparing endogenous AMP. The hydrolysate was obtained with the trypsin solution from this mass, and then the components were fractionated using the filter chromatography column (Simax CSN ISO 3585, Russia). For gel filtration, 1.5 g of Sephadex G-25 was applied to the filter surface followed by sterilizing filtration of the obtained substance through bactericidal filters having a pore diameter of 0.2 μm. The antimicrobial peptide fractions were isolated using high performance liquid chromatography. Subsequently, AMP were encapsulated into the organosilicon niosomes. Key words: antimicrobial peptides, defensins, niosomes, antibiotic-resistant microorganisms
Investigation of interactions between antigens and matrix components of transdermal vaccine candidates
Authors:   Russian Research Anti-Plague Institute “Microbe” of the Rospotrebnadzor, Saratov, Russian Federation, Kireev M.N. , Ovchinnikova M.V. ,   Russian Research Anti-Plague Institute “Microbe” of the Rospotrebnadzor, Saratov, Russian Federation, Volokh O.A. ,   Russian Research Anti-Plague Institute “Microbe” of the Rospotrebnadzor, Saratov, Russian Federation, Borisova S.V. ,   Russian Research Anti-Plague Institute “Microbe” of the Rospotrebnadzor, Saratov, Russian Federation, Nikiforov A.K. ,   Russian Research Anti-Plague Institute “Microbe” of the Rospotrebnadzor, Saratov, Russian Federation
Published: May 2021

The paper presents the results of model experiments to study the effect of matrix components of transdermal vaccine candidates and prospective auxiliary substances on the activity of antigens included in the vaccine. Key words: natural biopolymers, enhancer, transdermal vaccines
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC: EXPERIENCE OF THE FIRST WAVE IN THE NIZHNY NOVGOROD REGION
Authors:   Volga Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, FEDOTOV VASILY D. , TULICHEV ALEXANDER A. ,   Volga Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, FEDOTOVA OLGA O. ,   City outpatient clinic No 1, Nizhny Novgorod, DOBROTINA IRINA S. ,   Volga Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, SHAKUROVA DINA N. ,   City Hospital No 3 (Geriatric Center in Nizhny Novgorod)
Published: May 2021

The aim of the study was to analyze the data from real clinical practice of diagnosis and treatment of a new coronavirus infection obtained during the first wave of the virus in Nizhny Novgorod Region.
Development of food exports to ensure economic security
Authors:   Southwest State University, Golovin Artem , Derkach Natalya ,   Southwest State University, Zyukin Danil ,   Ivan Ivanov Kursk State Agricultural Academy
Published: May 2021

This paper deals with knowledge in the field of increasing the level of the state economic security in view of the development of foreign trade in food products. The obtained results make it possible to determine the relationship between food and economic security, as well as the place of foreign trade in achieving sustainable development. The assessment of the volume of food production and the level of food security has allowed the authors of the paper to identify promising food groups for export. They include meat and meat products, as well as vegetables and gourds. These groups were determined on the basis of an assessment of the level of production, the volumes of which correspond to the threshold values of food security and have growth prospects. Calculations of the balance of food products, taking into account the needs of the domestic and foreign markets, are presented in the paper. The calculations are based on the condition of maintaining the target level of food security and increasing economic security. The main results of stimulating exports of food products will be: diversification of exports, an increase in the country’s share in world trade, an increase in foreign exchange earnings, expansion of agricultural production and a cumulative growth in gross domestic product. The instruments of state regulation of foreign trade in food products will be export quantitative quotas for goods the production level of which exceeds the threshold of self-sufficiency, as well as increased export duties on food, the production of which does not cover the domestic needs of the country. As part of the study a potential effect of the proposed measures implementation to improve economic security was presented. The potential for increasing exports is more than 1.5 million tons for meat and meat products and 162 thousand tons for vegetables and gourds.
Integration of biometric technologies into a personnel management system in a digital economy
Authors:   Southwest State University, Tomakova Irina , Kopteva Zhanna ,   Southwest State University
Published: May 2021

Digital technologies are widely used by the world population and development of digital economy is reflected in national projects, as well as in federal and regional programs. Therefore, the topic of biometric technologies is especially important now because such technologies have been used in various areas of economic activity. Yet, despite great opportunities which biometric technologies have, their use in personnel work has not been sufficiently studied. The paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the possibility of integration of biometric technologies into the personnel management system and provides an assessment of their impact on the efficiency of modern companies. Statistical data analysis is theoretical and practical basis of the study. Problems and negative factors that prevent the introduction of biometrics in modern business segment are determined more relevant on its basis. The authors of the paper have analyzed the current state and growth rate of the global market of biometric systems. As a result of this study, the approach to assessing the effectiveness of introducing biometric technologies into personnel management system of modern companies has been scientifically proven. Also, it has been determined that biometric technologies can simplify the procedure for normalizing labour processes because biometric time recorders allow for tracking the time of employees’ stay in various departments, detailed movement schemes, the efficiency of each employee’s activity during the working day. Due to biometric time recorders, it is also possible to prepare reports about work and rest conditions of employees, evaluate the effectiveness of their work and keep records of employees transferred to distance work. Further, it is possible to formulate labour standards of various categories of employees and form the total wage fund. It has been found that the integration of biometric technologies into personnel management system will increase the intensity of the use of organizations’ labour resources.
Digital technologies in the Russians’ everyday life: analysis based on the opinion surveys
Authors:   Southwest State University, Kamensky Evgeny
Published: May 2021

Recently, the global COVID-19 pandemic has become the most topical matter of public consciousness. In this regard, digitalization, which offers the so called remote models of social communications, is becoming the most topical issue not only among the expert community of politicians, economists, scientists and public figures, but also among ordinary people. The global pandemic has determined both the speed and the global networked nature of the spread of the digital environment in national sociocultural contexts. This determines the special relevance of the problems of professional assessment of the digital environment in the mass consciousness of the Russians. The imperative digitalization of basic social institutions, such as medicine and education, requires the consumer to activate adaptive-compensatory reserves, master new forms of communication and interaction as well as a reflexive response. Basing on the carried out sociological empirical studies (mass surveys of the population), the article presents the results which allow us to see the current state of public reflection on digitalization against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, to objectively describe the subjective assessments of the spread of the DT culture thinking patterns and practices in the socio-cultural environment of Russia. As a result, it has been revealed that in all institutional practices, except for family ones, the respondents agree with the need to promote the implementation of digital technologies. The respondents did not demonstrate a high level of negativity or put forward proposals to significantly limit digitalization for all the questionnaire items. At this stage, it can be argued with a certain degree of certainty that digitalization patterns are translated in the context of the reproduction of sociocultural relations for which they have become typical.
Shockwave Therapy Plus Eccentric Exercises Versus Isolated Eccentric Exercises for Achilles Insertional Tendinopathy
Authors: Mansur Nacime Salomão Barbachan , Matsunaga Fabio Teruo , Carrazzone Oreste Lemos , Schiefer dos Santos Bruno , Nunes Carlos Gilberto , Aoyama Bruno Takeshi , Dias dos Santos Paulo Roberto , Faloppa Flávio , Tamaoki Marcel Jun Sugawara
Published: May 2021

Background:

There remains a lack of consensus regarding the treatment of Achilles insertional tendinopathy. The condition is typically treated with eccentric exercises despite the absence of satisfactory and sustained results. Shockwave therapy was presented as an alternative, but there is a paucity of literature, with good outcomes, supporting its use. The purpose of the present single-center, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial was to determine if the use of shockwave therapy in combination with eccentric exercises improves pain and function in patients with Achilles insertional tendinopathy.

Methods:

A total of 119 patients with Achilles insertional tendinopathy were evaluated and enrolled in the study from February 2017 to February 2019. Patients were allocated to 1 of 2 treatment groups, eccentric exercises with extracorporeal shockwave therapy (SWT group) and eccentric exercises with sham shockwave therapy (control group). Three sessions of radial shockwaves (or sham treatment) were performed every 2 weeks and eccentric exercises were undertaken for 3 months. The primary outcome was the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A) at 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes included the visual analogue scale, algometry, the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, and the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey.

Results:

Both groups showed significant improvement during the study period; however, there were no between-group differences in any of the outcomes (all p >0.05). At the 24-week evaluation, the SWT group exhibited a mean VISA-A of 63.2 (95% confidence interval, 8.0) compared with 62.3 (95% confidence interval, 6.9) in the control group (p = 0.876). There was a higher rate of failure (38.3%) but a lower rate of recurrence (17.0%) in the SWT group compared with the control group (11.5% and 34.6%, respectively; p = 0.002 and p = 0.047). There were no complications reported for either group.

Conclusions:

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy does not potentiate the effects of eccentric strengthening in the management of Achilles insertional tendinopathy.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
La relación de los productos agroalimentarios de calidad diferenciada con el turismo en España y Portugal
Authors: Lopes Celso Manuel dos Reis , Rengifo Gallego Juan Ignacio , Correia Leitão João Carlos
Published: May 2021

La protección de las indicaciones geográficas, y respectiva identificación con sellos de calidad DOP, IGP o ETG, de los productos agroalimentarios regionales de calidad, es factor de promoción del desarrollo en las regiones europeas que fortalecen el potencial endógeno de sus territorios. En este sentido, con el presente trabajo se pretende comprender, a través del análisis de los comportamientos de sus consumidores, la relación existente entre estos productos y la demanda turística en sus territorios de origen. La metodología utilizada para concretar este objetivo, más allá de una revisión exhaustiva de fuentes secundarias, consistió en el desarrollo y aplicación de un cuestionario, de formato en línea y presencial, a consumidores de productos agroalimentarios de España y Portugal. Los resultados obtenidos permiten verificar que los consumidores, por regla general, son conocedores de las marcas o sellos de calidad y de su significado. Se comprobó también la existencia de una simbiosis efectiva entre estos productos y el turismo en sus territorios de origen, impulsada por su fuerte capacidad movilizadora de sus consumidores.
The Beautiful As a “Rescue Hopeless”. Hegel and Adorno
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Political Science and Religious Studies, Science Committeeof the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Solovieva Greta G. , Rakhmetova Zhazira A. ,   Institute of Philosophy, Political Science and Religious Studies, Science Committeeof the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Published: May 2021

Does modern philosophy of art reject the principles and methods of mastering the reality of classical aesthetics, in particular, the category of the beautiful, em­phasizing, on the contrary, the ugly, ugly, terrible, disgusting? The authors strive to find answers in the dialogue of great philosophical masters – “Zeus the Olympian of the German classics” by Hegel and the preacher of “progressive negation” on the border of modernity and postmodernism Theodor Adorno. Hegel insists on the transcendental origin of the beautiful as the coincidence of idea and reality, the sensory phenomenon of the absolute, the resolution of con­tradictions between the subjective and the objective, the universal and the indi­vidual, the finite and the infinite. Adorno opposes, claiming the rights of “beauti­ful negativity”. He abandons the transcendental character of beauty and shifts the emphasis to the social sphere. The ugly, the ugly, the ugly should not be hidden. But to portray him in such a way as to arouse disgust towards him, the desire to create a project of “righteous life” But the development of the dialogue reveals that both thinkers ultimately agree on the main thing: the beautiful is inescapable and remains the defining category of both aesthetics and life.
Does the Historical Epistemology Make the Ontological Turn?
Authors:   Saint Petersburg University, Shipovalova Lada V.
Published: May 2021

The article deals with the problems of historical epistemology as a topical direc­tion of scientific knowledge research. It focuses on the relationship between his­torical epistemology and historical ontology, on historical event, and on the differ­ence between the work of a historian of science and a historical epistemologist. The author builds a dialogue with the publication of I.T. Kasavin “Knowledge and Reality in the Historical Epistemology”. She puts forward the thesis that epistemology is justifiably called historical if it not only performs the primary epistemological grasp of a historical-scientific event, but also makes an ontologi­cal turn. When interpreting the ontological turn, she uses its understanding in contemporary anthropological research. The essential elements of the ontolog­ical turn are the historical event that sets the direction of the ontological turn and the historical epistemologist as its actor. The author interprets the event as the beginning of more than one causal historical series, an inexhaustible source of scientific knowledge for cognition. The work of the historical epistemologist is revealed as problematization of one’s own position and the local coordination of emerging causal historical series. The author gives the examples of such work of contemporary historical epistemologists from the texts of L. Daston and P. Galison. It is concluded that the relationship between epistemology and onto­logy in historical research of science, as well as interaction between the historian of science and epistemologist, depends on whether these positions are interpreted as stable and rigidly differentiated or whether the movement between them is recognized as necessary.
Theoretical Humanities (Based on the Kareev’s Manuscript “General Methodology of Humanities”)
Authors:   Russian State University for the Humanities, Dolgova Evgeniya A. , Malinov Alexey V. ,   St. Petersburg State University, Sliskova Valeriya V. ,   Russian State University for the Humanities
Published: May 2021

The article deals with the philosophical and methodological views of N.I. Kareev (1850–1931) whose name was usually associated with World History studies. Based on the materials of the partially published work “General Methodology of Humanities”, the authors put the question of the relevance of Kareev’s theoreti­cal and methodological research at the time of paper’s writing. The authors note that Kareev interpreted the concept of “humanities” as broadly as possible. This concept includes the Social Studies, which he opposed to the Natural sciences and set them apart from the “cultural”. It can be considered that Kareev’s enthu­siasm for the philosophical theories was caused by his personal interest and the necessity of historiography to justify its scientific and cognitive status. The article is accompanied by the extract of the sixth chapter “Theoretical Hu­manities” of the work “General Methodology of Humanities” dedicated to the theoretical problems of studying the phenomena that represent the subjects of the humanities. In the published fragments Kareev tried to trace how these two di­rections were formed in the humanities: the theoretical (deductive method) and the historical (inductive method). He interpreted the development of science as a transition from metaphysics to empirical knowledge based on facts. The au­thors conclude that by the time the text was prepared (early 1920s), Kareev’s ap­proach was perceived as outdated.
Modified Protocol to Use Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) as a local antibiotic delivery system – In Vitro study
Authors: Alhaffar MHD Bahaa Aldin , Shibibe Lama Ayoub , Soukkarieh Chadi , Sulaiman Ali Abou
Published: May 2021

Background: Plasma concentrate products have Rapidly developed during the last few years, and it had significantly improved regenerative medicine because of its specific features which enhance healing and reduce pain after surgeries. this research aims to improve the antibacterial effectiveness of PRF by adding different forms of antibiotics and evaluate the physical and antibacterial properties of the new PRF. Methods: In-Vitro experimental study was conducted; modified protocol was used which use two stages of centrifuging was used prepare PRF. Bacterial colonies and Miller-Hinton medium was prepared. Two types of bacteria were used for the culturing and incubation (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis). Different forms and volumes of antibacterial agents (Lincomycin) were incorporated with the PRF. Physical and antibacterial properties were evaluated.Results: ampoule and solution forms had the highest levels of bacterial growth inhibiting, and best physical properties, bacterial inhibiting lasted for 10 days in culture. Significant difference was noticed between the modified PRF and the control group (p<0.05). adding (0.5 ml) of ampoule form had the best results on both antibacterial and physical properties of the new PRF. Conclusion: The protocol proposed in this study succeeded to improve the antibacterial activity of the PRF with preserving the physical properties. No significant difference in physical properties were noticed between control group and PRF with antibiotic. Significance and impact of the study: PRF can be used as a local antibiotic delivering biomaterial adjacent to minor surgery, the results of this study can be used to reduce the post-operative infection that is frequent after oral surgeries.
How to Manage Synchronous Endometrial and Ovarian Cancer Patients?
Authors: shin wonkyo , Park Sang-yoon , Kang Sokbom , Lim Myongcheol , Seo Sang-Soo
Published: May 2021

Backgrounds: We aimed to evaluate the prognosis in patients with synchronous endometrial and ovarian cancer (SEOC) by comparing the differences between double primary cancer (DPC) and metastatic cancer (MC). Methods: The medical records of 47 patients diagnosed synchronously with endometrial and ovarian cancer between January 2006 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-eight and 19 patients were diagnosed with DPC and MC, respectively. Demographics, recurrence-free survival (RFS), and 5-year overall survival (OS) were compared. The clinical factors affecting survival were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses.Results: The demographics were not different between both groups. Endometrioid histology and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics grade were higher in the MC group than in the DPC group (42.1% vs. 10.7 %; P=0.018, P=0.002, respectively). The ratio of post-operative adjuvant therapy was not different in both groups. Recurrence occurred in five patients with DPC and seven with MC. The difference in RFS was not significantly different (P=0.131) but the OS was different between both groups (P = 0.020). Histology and para-aortic lymph node metastasis were associated wtih RFS in univariate analysis, but no difference was found in multivariate analysis.Conclusions: Although DPC patients had longer OS, multivariate analysis did not identify any influential factors. Focus should be placed on defining the appropriate adjuvant treatment for high-risk patients, which will improve prognosis, rather than on discriminating between DPC and MC.