bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian method for estimating Weibull parameters for wind resource assessment in the Equatorial region: a comparison between two-parameter and three-parameter Weibull distributions
Authors: Khan M. G. M. , Ahmed M. Rafiuddin
Published: January 2022

The two-parameter Weibull distribution has garnered much attention in the assessment of windenergy potential. The estimation of the shape and scale parameters of the distribution has broughtforth a successful tool for the wind energy industry. However, it may be inappropriate to use thetwo-parameter Weibull distribution to assess energy at every location, especially at sites wherelow wind speeds are frequent, such as the Equatorial region. In this work, a robust technique inwind resource assessment using a Bayesian approach for estimating Weibull parameters is firstproposed. Secondly, the wind resource assessment techniques using a two-parameter Weibulldistribution and a three-parameter Weibull distribution which is a generalized form of twoparameterWeibull distribution are compared. Simulation studies confirm that the Bayesianapproach seems a more robust technique for accurate estimation of Weibull parameters. Theresearch is conducted using data from seven sites in Equatorial region from 1o N of Equator to 19oSouth of Equator. Results reveal that a three-parameter Weibull distribution with non-zero shiftparameter is a better fit for wind data having a higher percentage of low wind speeds (0-1 m/s) andlow skewness. However, wind data with a smaller percentage of low wind speeds and highskewness showed better results with a two-parameter distribution that is a special case of threeparameterWeibull distribution with zero shift parameter. The results also demonstrate that theproposed Bayesian approach and application of a three-parameter Weibull distribution areextremely useful in accurate estimate of wind power and annual energy production.
The Role of Chance in Fencing Tournaments: an Agent-Based Approach
Authors: Zappalà Chiara , Pluchino Alessandro , Rapisarda Andrea , Biondo Alessio Emanuele , Sobkowicz Pawel
Published: January 2022

It is a widespread belief that success is mainly due to innate qualities, rather than to external forces.This is particularly true in sport competitions, where individual talent is usually considered the main, if not the only, ingredient in order to reach success. In this study, with the help of both real data and agent-based simulations, we explore the limits of this belief by quantifying the relative weight of talent and chance in fencing, a combat sport involving a weapon. Fencing competitions are structured as direct elimination tournaments, where randomness is explicitly present in some rules. Our dataset covers the last decade of international events and consists of both single competition results and annual rankings for male and female fencers under 20 years old (Junior category). Our model is calibrated on the dataset and parametrized by just one free variable 'a' describing the importance of talent - and, consequently, of chance - in competitions (a = 1 indicates the ideal scenario where only talent matters, a = 0 the complete random one). Our agent-based approach is able to reproduce the main stylized facts observed in real data, at the level of both single fencing tournaments and entire careers of a given community of fencers. We find that simulations approximate very well the real data for both Junior Men and Women when talent weights slightly less than chance, i.e. when 'a' is around 0.45. We conclude that the role of chance in fencing is unusually high and it probably represents an extreme case for individual sports. Our results shed light on the importance of external factors in both athletes' results in single tournaments and their entire career, making even more unfair the ``winner-takes-all'' disparities in remuneration which often occur among the winner and the other classified.
Risk assessment for the industrial facility impact on the atmosphere
Authors: Gushchin I. A. , Sofronov D. V. , Smolnikov V. D. , Rymbaev I. A.
Published: January 2022

Environmental pollution creates problems for health of people living in residential areas near pollution sources. Studies aimed at developing methods for investigating the impact of industrial facilities on the air is of interest. The purpose of this work is to analyze the methodology for assessing the risk of exposure of a technosphere object to the atmosphere. It was assumed that the enterprise in emergency mode emits pollutants through the source of emissions at the maximum single concentration of the substance exceeding the maximum permissible concentration. To calculate the impact on a human, various scenarios of an emergency situation are taken into account. These are constructing failure trees and using well-known health risk assessment techniques. The calculation took into account the wind rose for a specific enterprise location and wind speed projections obeying the normal distribution law. These assumptions allowed us to develop a method for calculating the risk of exceeding the concentration of a pollutant at a given point (x, y) during the year. Isolines of surface concentrations were built. Three toxic substances were taken for analysis. The method for calculating the dispersion of emissions of harmful (polluting) substances in the atmospheric airwas used; maps of the dispersion of isolines of pollutants in residential areas were constructed. When solving the inverse problem, emergency emission intensities at which excess of permissible concentrations occurred were determined. In the range of multiplicities exceeding the maximum single maximum permissible concentration from 1 to 5, the dependence was well approximated by a straight line. This technique can be used to determine the risk of diseases caused by carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic substances and minimize the risk of exposure to harmful substances.
Psychological training of fire service employees
Authors: Savina G. I. , Kalegina Yu. V.
Published: January 2022

The problem of premature professional burnout among employees, including firefighters is of scientific and practical significance. The article describes the nature and types of professional stress, as well as activities of the Training Center of the Federal Fire Service in Chelyabinsk Region. It aims to identify guidelines in the normative labor functions of rescuers of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia and firefighters for training programs to prepare fire service employees for stressful activities. To achieve this goal, labor functions of rescuers of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia and firefighters were analyzed; training programs developed by the Training Center of the Federal Fire Service in Chelyabinsk region were assessed. The methods of comparative analysis and conversation with experts were used to identify pedagogical aspects of labor functions of fire service employees associated with their willingness to work under stress. The article established a relationship between the training programs and the development of readiness to perform labor functions under stress. The condition required for the training program to be efficient was determined. It involves attracting the psychological service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations to hold methodical meetings and seminars. The positive result of this training is an adequate response to stress factors. The research results may be used by teachers of training centers and universities and methodologists.
Using natural aluminosilicate (vermiculite) sorbent for purifying waste water from antibiotics
Authors: Galchenko D. S. , Smirnova M. G. , Sokolova L. I.
Published: January 2022

The problem of wastewater treatment from residual antibiotics is of particular relevance, since these drugs are used in many agricultural sectors. Antibiotics get into water, animal and human bodies, where they can accumulate negatively affecting health. The aim of this article is to study the possibility of using natural aluminosilicate vermiculite sorbent from the Koksharovskoye field (Primorsky Region) for purifying fish processing and fish farming enterprises’ waste water from antibiotics (chloramphenicol, tetracycline, cefazolin, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone, cefepime and and ciprofloxacin) under static and dynamic conditions. The study was carried out on a model wastewater system with injected antibiotics. The purification ability of the model system using the method of spectrophotometric antibiotics detection is analyzed. Under static conditions, the total content of antibiotics varied from 0.25 mg to 1.00 mg per 1 g of sorbent. Under dynamic conditions, the antibiotic content was 0.025 mg per 1 g of sorbent. High values of absorption for all studied antibiotics, except for chloramphenicol, were achieved both in static and dynamic modes. For chloramphenicol, when examined under static conditions, the maximum absorption rate was 45% with the minimum total concentration of antibiotics. With an increase in the load on the sorbent, the degree of absorption decreased to 3%. Thus, vermiculite modified with 7% hydrochloric acid is a promising sorbent for cleaning water bodies from residual antibiotics.
Improvement the performance of composite PCM paraffin-based incorporate with volcanic ash as heat storage for low-temperature application
Authors: Rahmalina Dwi , Adhitya Dwi Chandra , Rahman Reza Abdu , Ismail Ismail
Published: January 2022

Paraffin is well known thermal energy storage with the high latent heat of fusion. Unfortunately, low thermal conductivity and low melting temperature inhibit large-scale applications for lower temperature applications like solar water heaters and desalination. The addition of high thermal conductivity material can increase the thermal conductivity of paraffin and increase the melting temperature of paraffin. In this study, a new approach is taken by using volcanic sand as thermal conductivity enhancement material. The properties of the sand are examined. The chemical composition of the sand is dominated by Fe (51.23 %), Fe2O3 (23.24 %) and SiO2 (11 %), which are known as good thermal conductivity materials. Six different compositions of paraffin/sand (weight ration) are tested to observe the melting and vapor temperature of the composite. Adding sand (with granule size of 44 µm) by 30 wt % can accelerate the charging rate by 25 % compared to pure paraffin, where the discharging rate is increased significantly by 17.8 %. The supercooling degree of the composite is only 1 °C, where pure paraffin has a supercooling degree by 8 °C. The charging and discharging characteristics for each sample are discussed in detail within the article. Overall, the addition of volcanic sand improves paraffin's charging and discharging rate, reducing the supercooling degree and can be considered a convenient method to improve the paraffin performance as latent heat storage
Research of collision properties of the modified UMAC algorithm on crypto-code constructions
Authors: Yevseiev Serhii , Havrylova Alla , Korol Olha , Dmitriiev Oleh , Nesmiian Oleksii , Yufa Yevhen , Hrebennikov Asadi
Published: January 2022

The transfer of information by telecommunication channels is accompanied by message hashing to control the integrity of the data and confirm the authenticity of the data. When using a reliable hash function, it is computationally difficult to create a fake message with a pre-existing hash code, however, due to the weaknesses of specific hashing algorithms, this threat can be feasible. To increase the level of cryptographic strength of transmitted messages over telecommunication channels, there are ways to create hash codes, which, according to practical research, are imperfect in terms of the speed of their formation and the degree of cryptographic strength. The collisional properties of hashing functions formed using the modified UMAC algorithm using the methodology for assessing the universality and strict universality of hash codes are investigated. Based on the results of the research, an assessment of the impact of the proposed modifications at the last stage of the generation of authentication codes on the provision of universal hashing properties was presented. The analysis of the advantages and disadvantages that accompany the formation of the hash code by the previously known methods is carried out. The scheme of cascading generation of data integrity and authenticity control codes using the UMAC algorithm on crypto-code constructions has been improved. Schemes of algorithms for checking hash codes were developed to meet the requirements of universality and strict universality. The calculation and analysis of collision search in the set of generated hash codes was carried out according to the requirements of a universal and strictly universal class for creating hash codes
Evaluation of microbiological risks in cream as a raw material for buttermaking
Authors: Sviridenko G. M. , Zakharova M. B. , Ivanova N. V.
Published: January 2022

The article presents the research results of studying the influence of various groups of microorganisms — coliform bacteria, lactic acid microorganisms, yeast, and spore bacteria — on the quality and storage capacity of cream used as a raw material for buttermaking. The objects of study were the following: cream as a raw material before and after pasteurization, as well as pasteurized cream seeded with testing cultures of various types of spoilage microorganisms. The samples were stored at temperature conditions of 30 ± 1 °C, 10 ± 1 °C, and 4 ± 2 °C. To evaluate the quality and storage capacity of cream used as a raw material, its microbiological and physicochemical indicators were determined by standardized methods: bacterial number, titratable acidity, indicators of oxidative spoilage of the fat phase. Organoleptic characteristics were evaluated in terms of taste, consistency and appearance. Research results have shown that the greatest microbiological risks during storage of cream used as a raw material are associated with lactococci, coliform bacteria and yeast. Microbiological risks caused by seeding of cream with thermophilic streptococcus, spore bacteria of the genus Bacillus and spore anaerobic microorganisms of the genus Clostridium are less significant, which is associated with the lack of development and metabolism of these groups of microorganisms at storage temperatures of 10 ± 1 °C and 4 ± 2 °C. At the same time, the reason for the rejection of cream contaminated with these testing cultures, at a storage temperature of 4 ± 2 °C, is primarily a decrease in organoleptic indicators, and at a temperature of 10 ± 1 °C — an excess in bacterial number.
Use of pullulanase as a biocatalyst for starch hydrolysis: Part 1. Study of the effect of pullulanase on maize amylopectin starch
Authors: Papakhin A. A. , Borodina Z. M.
Published: January 2022

The use of debranching enzymes in starch hydrolysis is a topical direction for obtaining new types of starch products with controlled properties and a potential for the further use. The aim of the work was to study an effect of pullulanase (EC3.2.1.41) on maize amylopectin starch in the native and gelatinized state. The objects of the research were maize amylopectin starch and enzyme preparation Promozyme D6 (Novozymes, Denmark). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the carbohydrate composition of hydrolysates. The mass fraction of reducing substances (RS) was determined by the Lane and Eynon method. A rotational viscometer was used to measure dynamic viscosity of the starch hydrolysis products. It was found that analyzed starch in the native state showed low enzymatic sensitivity to the action of pullulanase with insignificant changes in viscosity, solubility and iodine binding capacity of the samples. Pullulanase showed the highest effect on gelatinized starch during the first eight hours of incubation. After eight hours, the maximum degree of starch hydrolysis by pullulanase at a dose of 10 units/g dry matter (DM) was 4.7% on DM basis, iodine binding capacity of the hydrolysate was D600 = 0.343 (in the control experiment D600 = 0.154), and the viscosity of the hydrolysate decreased from 7887 mPa · s to 4.3 mPa · s. Hydrolysates cooled to 8 °C and held for 20 hours along with hydrolysates that were not cooled showed high susceptibility to attack by glucoamilase (97–98%) at 60 °C and 24 hours of saccharification, which suggested the absence of their resistance to the action of glucoamilase in the conditions of the experiment. The use of pullulanase in dextrinization of the analyzed starch, which was gelatinized and partly hydrolyzed by α-amylase (RS6.1%), enabled obtaining hydrolysates with the mass fraction of reducing substances in a range of 10–24% on DM basis with the process duration of 2 to 24 hours and the enzyme dose of 2–10 units, which contained mainly maltotriose, maltohexose and maltoheptose with their total amount of 45–60% on DM basis. The results indicate a need for further research of the biocatalytic action of pullulanase to develop new methods for enzymatic modification of starch.
Glycation end products and technological aspects of reducing immunogenicity of specialized food products for nutrition of athletes
Authors: Kobelkova I. V. , Korosteleva M. M. , Nikityuk D. B. , Kobelkova M. S.
Published: January 2022

Food allergy, which affects about 8% of children and 5% of adults in the world, is one of the major global health problems, and allergen control is an important aspect of food safety. According to the FALCPA (Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 FDA), more than 160 foods can cause allergic reactions, with eight of them responsible for 90% of all food allergies in the United States, including milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, soybeans, tree nuts, crustaceans and fish, also known as the Big 8. Most foods that are sources of obligate allergens are heat treated before consumption, which can trigger the Maillard reaction, which produces glycation end products. Symptoms of food sensitization are known to significantly affect the quality of life, gut microbial diversity and adaptation potential. In particular, in athletes, this can be expressed in a decrease in the effectiveness of the training process, which leads to poor endurance and athletic performance. In this regard, it seems relevant to study the effect of the Maillard reaction and AGEs on the immunogenicity of proteins and the possible relationship between these compounds and food allergy, as well as to develop measures to prevent the adverse effect of allergens on the body of a professional athlete and any other consumer.
Problems of blood glucose self-monitoring in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kononova Yu. A. , Bregovskiy V. B. , Babenko A. Yu.
Published: January 2022

Glycemic self-monitoring is essential in  the  treatment of  diabetes mellitus. Compliance with the  recommendations for  selfmonitoring of glycemia is an important condition for the prevention of diabetes complications. The article provides a review of the problems associated with blood glucose self-monitoring faced by diabetic patients and doctors. These include low frequency of blood glucose self-monitoring, technical errors in glucose measurements, errors in keeping a diary and errors in using measurement data to diabetes control. The blood glucose monitoring system, which includes the glucometer, test strips, application, сloud for data storage can be used for blood glucose self-monitoring in patients with diabetes mellitus. The article discusses the features and advantages of the blood glucose monitoring system. The advantages of the glucometer are the no сoding technology and the following options: аpplication of additional amount of blood to the test strip; adding meal marks, testing as the measurement results compare with targets and informing about it; storage a large number of measurement results. In addition to the standard blood glucose measurement, the glucose meter and the application offer many features to improve blood glucose self-monitoring that can help to improve diabetes management: automatic transferring measurement results to smartphone or tablet; saving notes in logbook; display of glucose trends and testing as they compare with targets; offering quick and valuable tips for critical high/low glucose values.
“Long covid” (postcovid syndrome). Mechanism of occurrence, diagnosis and rehabilitation
Authors: Choi En. D.
Published: January 2022

Introduction. The article is devoted to the study of the mechanism of occurrence of postcovid syndrome, a new laboratory method for its diagnosis and issues of drug and non-drug rehabilitation of patients who have suffered COVID-19.

The purpose of this work was to study the possibilities of using the method of monochrome analysis of nanoparticles for instrumental and laboratory diagnostics of postcovid syndrome and to substantiate the use of complex therapeutic approaches to the treatment of patients.

Materials and methods. The biomaterial (saliva) of 250 patients who underwent COVID-19 in mild, moderate and severe forms, with a slight predominance of males, in the age range from 18 to 75 years, who were in the Center of Eastern and European Medicine (Moscow) on rehabilitation treatment in the period from June 2020 to September 2021, was studied by the method of monochrome analysis of nanoparticles. According to the results of the work carried out, it was found that the most typical saliva spectrum of patients diagnosed with “postcovid syndrome” was multimodal (three or more peaks) with the greatest contribution (45%) to light scattering on agglomerates of  nanoparticles with a  diameter of  more than 1000  nm, with detectable nanoparticles of the middle sub-range of the spectrum from 119 to 122 nm with a 15% contribution to light scattering and an increased contribution to light scattering up to 41% on small nanoparticles with a diameter of 22 nm.

Results. Analysis of the results of the study showed a statistically significant (p < 0.01) appearance of a peak of 119 nm on the histogram of patients, which was not observed either in the group of practically healthy individuals (control group) or in the group of patients with general somatic pathology (comparison group). Conclusions. An algorithm for non-invasive diagnosis of postcovid syndrome by saliva was developed. Also, special attention was paid during the study to the development of an integrated approach to the rehabilitation of patients who have undergone a new coronavirus infection, including medicinal and non-medicinal methods of treatment. >< 0.01) appearance of a peak of 119 nm on the histogram of patients, which was not observed either in the group of practically healthy individuals (control group) or in the group of patients with general somatic pathology (comparison group).

Conclusions. An algorithm for non-invasive diagnosis of postcovid syndrome by saliva was developed. Also, special attention was paid during the study to the development of an integrated approach to the rehabilitation of patients who have undergone a new coronavirus infection, including medicinal and non-medicinal methods of treatment.
The place of combined mucoactive drugs in the treatment of acute respiratory infections in children
Authors: Starostina L. S.
Published: January 2022

The problem of respiratory diseases and their therapy options still retains much of its urgency. Respiratory diseases in children are still super common. According to the data on infectious morbidity among children in the Russian Federation for the period 2018–2020, current trends have not changed, and the acute respiratory infections (ARI) are still ranked number one in terms of the frequency of registered diseases. According to the official records, the frequency of ARI in children among infectious diseases is 71,850.02 per 100,000 population, or 71%. Such well-known symptom as cough is one of the most frequent manifestations of respiratory diseases. It causes the greatest discomfort for both the little patients and their parents, the quality of life of the children and those around them worsens, many domestic and foreign authors mention this symptom in their works. And it is this problem that doctors of various specialties most often face. The cough is currently treated with drugs with different effects depending on the characteristics and manifestations of the disease. Systematic reviews and multicenter studies show that prescription of mucoactive drugs to treat cough in children with underlying ARI is substantiated and feasible. The authors substantiated the necessity of using combinations of various drugs aimed to reduce inflammation of the airways, improve mucociliary clearance, thin out and promote sputum discharge and, accordingly, reduce cough. The article briefly discusses the mechanisms of the development of cough in ARI, the action of drug substances included in the combination drugs used to treat cough in children, the possibility of using the combination of muco- and bronchoactive drugs of synthetic and plant origin.
Neck pain: diagnostic and therapeutic features
Authors: Pilipovich A. A.
Published: January 2022

Neck pain is a fairly common complaint when visiting a doctor, its occurrence frequency is 10–21% per year, and neck pain takes the 4th place among the causes of disability; almost 50% of patients continue to experience unpleasant sensations or repeated pain episodes. The elderly people are the most prone to the neck pain, this is associated with the progressive degenerative changes in the facet joints and intervertebral discs. However, reasons of this symptom can be of different kinds. Cervicalgia diagnosis is directed primarily to eliminate symptomatic pains associated with severe somatic pathology, immune diseases, infections and oncology. Comorbid diseases and risk factors can combine with each other causing the  polyetiologic pain  syndrome. Main steps of the cervicalgia diagnostic algorithm are the following: collection of complaints and anamnesis in detail, physical and neurological examination, and also use of visualization methods. Visualization and electrodiagnostic methods are not always informative for patients with chronic cervicalgia and in the degenerative etiology of the syndrome. MRI and the surgeon consultation must be recommended to patients with deteriorating neurological symptoms or with long-term constant pain. Conservative therapy of cervicalgia implies a combination of non-drug methods (compliance with regime, orthopedic treatment, leaf, physiotherapy, etc.) and pharmacotherapy. The last depends on the presence of a neuropathic component of pain and the duration of pain syndrome. The pain therapy with a nociceptive nature is usually implies a combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory remedies, non-opioid analgesics and muscle relaxants. Whereas neuropathic pains first-line preparations are tricyclic antidepressants, duloxetine, venlafaxine, pregabalin, gabapentine. The therapy success depends on the proper individual estimation of the pain factors, pain chronization and possible treatment complications. The therapeutic forecast of the acute nonspecific cervicalgia is usually good, but it becomes less predictable if the pain acquires chronic character.
Histomorphological view of the cornea investigated by laser confocal microscopy in keratoplasty
Authors: Krakhmaleva D. A. , Surnina Z. V. , Malzhoen S. A. , Gamidov A. A.
Published: January 2022

Introduction. Corneal transplantation is the most successful and commonly performed allotransplantation procedure as compared with other organs and tissues. Over 100,000 corneal transplantations are performed worldwide every year.

Purpose. This study investigated whether in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) can aid in the diagnosis of a graft rejection reaction by detecting changes in cellular structures and density of immune cells after penetrating keratoplasty.

Materials and methods. The study included thirty-four eyes of 34 patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty (7 eyes with corneal graft rejection, 27 without rejection). The average age of patients is 51.1 ± 13.6 years (from 23 to 76 years). The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 36 months (24.5 ± 4.84 months). Follow-up was performed at 1, 3, 6, 12 months and annually after PKP. To study the morphology of the cornea all patients underwent IVCM to assess the basal epithelium, subbasal layer, stroma and endothelium. Immune cells were identified and evaluated for the shape, length of the processes and their density.

Results. Patients with corneal graft rejection demonstrated significant accumulation of corneal dendritic-like immune cells compared to patients with non-rejected grafts. In addition, the cells acquired a more mature morphology (grade 2–3). The density of dendritic cells (DC) was 809.17 ± 342.19 (p < 0.001). A positive correlation was found between DC density and graft rejection (p < 0.001). As well the patients showed signs of endothelial failure with low endothelial cell density and pleomorphism, increased light scattering and hyperreflectivity of the stroma.

Conclusions. In a complex of diagnostic measures, confocal microscopy may provide a valuable clinical adjunctive tool in diagnosis and management of early corneal graft rejection.
Mesolithic Sites in the Upper Tobol
Authors: Podzuban E. V.
Published: January 2022

The article introduces prehistoric artifacts from the sites of Karasor-5, Karasor-6, and Karasor-7 obtained in 1998. The archaeological site of Karasor is located in the Upper Tobol region, near the town of Lisakovsk. Stone tools, pottery fragments, a ceramic item, and a bronze arrow head were collected from a sand blowout, which had destroyed the cultural layer. The paper gives a detailed description of the pottery. The stone tools were examined using the technical and typological analysis, which featured the primary splitting, the morphological parameters and size of plates, the ratio of blanks, plates, flakes, and finished tools, the secondary processing methods, and the typological composition of the tools. The nature of the raw materials was counted as an independent indicator. The pottery fragments, the bronze arrow head, and the ceramic item belonged to the Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age. The stone industry of the Karasor archeological cluster proved to be a Mesolithic monument of the Turgai Trough. The technical and typological analysis revealed a close similarity with the Mesolithic sites of the Southern and Middle Trans-Urals, as well as the forest-steppe part of the Tobol-Irtysh interfluve. The stone artifacts were dated from the Mesolithic to the Early Iron Age.
Special Troika of the Krasnoyarsk NKVD: the Number of the Repressed in the Fall of 1938
Authors: Potapova N. A. , Babiy A. A.
Published: January 2022

The research featured the Special Troika of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, i.e. a committee of three officials who issued sentences without public trial. The authors focused on the number of the convicted on the so-called ethnic cases during the late Great Terror in the fall of 1938. The study was based on the archival documents of the Special Troika of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. According to the protocols, 1,894 local residents were found guilty in the ethnic cases in in the fall of 1938. Out of 1,690 people who were sentenced to capital punishment, less than 1% were executed. On November 26, 1938, the NKVD issued Order No. 00762, which marked the end of the Great Terror and recommended to transfer the remaining cases to the courts. Those convicted on the last day of mass repressions were released, and the NKVD authorities were forbidden to carry out sentences approved by the Special Troika after November 15, 1938. On December 22, 1938, People's Commissar of Internal Affairs L. P. Beria declared that all execution sentences issued by the Troika before November 17, 1928, became invalid.
Study on optimal adsorption conditions of norfloxacin in water based on response surface methodology
Authors: Zhang Ming , Zhang Kuo , Wang Jinpeng , Zhou Runjuan , Li Jiyuan , Zhao Wei
Published: January 2022

The waste pomelo peel was pyrolyzed at 400 °C to prepare biochar and used as adsorbent to remove norfloxacin (NOR) from simulated wastewater. The adsorption conditions of norfloxacin by biochar were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). On the basis of single-factor experiment, the adsorption conditions of biochar dosage, solution pH and reaction temperature were optimized by Box-Behnken Design (BBD), and the quadratic polynomial regression model of response value Y1 (NOR removal efficiency) and Y2 (NOR adsorption capacity) were obtained respectively. The results show that the two models are reasonable and reliable. The influence of single factor was as follows: solution pH > biochar dosage > reaction temperature. The interaction between biochar dosage and solution pH was very significant. The optimal adsorption conditions after optimization were as follows: biochar dosage = 0.5 g/L, solution pH = 3, and reaction temperature = 45 °C. The Y1 and Y2 obtained in the verification experiment were 75.68% and 3.0272 mg/g, respectively, which were only 2.38% and 0.0242 mg/g different from the theoretical predicted values of the model. Therefore, the theoretical model constructed by response surface methodology can be used to optimize the adsorption conditions of norfloxacin in water.
Isolation, characterization and S2−-oxidation metabolic pathway of a sulfur-oxidizing strain from a black-odor river in Beijing
Authors: Zhang Linyi , Song Chen , Xu Yaoyao , Shi Yajun , Liu Xiaoling
Published: January 2022

A single strain capable of efficient S2−-oxidizing was isolated from a black-odor river in Beijing. The single strain was identified as Stenotrophomonas through the physiology and biochemical characteristics as well as the 16S rRNA sequencing experiment. This strain was named as Stenotrophomonas sp.sp3 (strain sp3). The experimental results showed that for the strain sp3 growth and S2− oxidization, the optimal conditions were as follows: 25 °C of temperature, initial pH 7, 2.5 g/L of initial glucose concentration and 1.00 g/L of initial cell concentration. It was found that there were 31 kinds of sulfur oxidation-related genes in the strain sp3 through the whole genomic analysis. The results of the transcriptome analysis suggested that the main metabolic pathway of S2− to SO42− was the paracoccus sulfur oxidation process. The bioconversion processes of S2− to S0, S2− to SO32−, S2O32− to S0 and SO32−, and SO32− to SO42− were controlled by hdrA, cysIJ, tst and sox gene, respectively.
El papel de la lectura de ficción en el proceso educativo
Authors: Loayza-Maturrano Edward Faustino
Published: January 2022

Objetivo: Identificar y describir la función social de la literatura de ficción en la educación de niños y adolescentes en la Educación Básica. Método: Se empleó el análisis documental y el análisis hermenéutico de la situación de los niveles de lectura de los estudiantes de la Educación Básica. Resultados: Las investigaciones previas sobre el impacto positivo de las obras de ficción corroboran los beneficios en el desarrollo de la educación moral de niños y adolescentes. Asimismo, el análisis situacional de los estudiantes peruanos refleja el déficit lector de obras de ficción, lo cual provoca bajos niveles en la competencia de lectura. Conclusiones: La obligatoriedad de la literatura de ficción es muy importante en el proceso educativo porque entretiene, alegra, fomenta la imaginación, enriquece el espíritu del estudiante.
The Prevalence and Risk Factors for Symptomatic Dry Eye in Adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almujalli Anas Abdulaziz , Almatrafi Abdulaziz Abdullah , Aldael Anas Abdullah , Aljudi Talal Waleed , Abdulhalim Bahaa-Eldin Hasan
Published: January 2022

Objectives:

The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of symptomatic suspected dry eye, diagnosed dry eye syndrome (DES), and associated risk factors; in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study of 654 participants was employed using a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire that included demographic characteristics like age, gender, and risk factors (smoking, using contact lenses, chronic comorbidities, etc.).

Results:

There were 266 (40.7%) previously diagnosed DES participants and 388 (59.3%) non-diagnosed DES, of which 497 were female and 157 were male. Females had a significantly higher rate of diagnosed DES than males (p<0.001), with a significant increase in the rate of DES diagnosis with age (p<0.001). There was also a significant increase in DES in participants with diabetes mellitus, allergic eye, thyroid eye, and skin diseases, as well as having undergone laser surgery or using contact lenses. There was no significant increase in DES in cases of smoking, daily use of electronic devices, or duration of sleep.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of dry eye among adults in Riyadh was 46.6%, with the most important risk factors being female gender, increasing age, Lasik refractive surgery, skin disease around the eye, and thyroid eye disease.
Intelligent Transportation Systems along with the COVID-19 Pandemic will Significantly Change the Transportation Market
Authors: Wiseman Yair
Published: January 2022

Background:

Reducing human presence in vehicles and transportation infrastructure is a common concept of Intelligent Transportation Systems and COVID-19 guidelines. However, the motivation for the reduced human presence is different. Intelligent Transportation Systems aim to improve transportation services with innovative technologies that can replace human handling and supervision. In contrast, COVID-19 guidelines aim to make the transportation means less busy, because a busy bus or a busy train means more opportunities for potential infection of passengers.

Objective:

The study aims to explain how the transportation market will be changed and why these changes are going to take place.

Methods:

The paper analyzes the current situation with its pros and cons and evaluates the ways in which the Intelligent Transportation Systems and the COVID-19 pandemic will affect this situation. A case study is also considered.

Results:

Intelligent Transportation Systems and the COVID-19 pandemic are two major factors in the transportation market that will significantly change the transportation means we know.

Conclusion:

It seems that the influence of the intense Intelligent Transportation Systems development and the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak is still underestimated by many governments; hence they continue to invest in traditional transportation instead of moving forward for a new generation of transportation.
ideology of “taking people as the root” of the ly dynasty in Vietnam
Authors: Hien Do Thi , Ha Do Thi Thanh
Published: January 2022

Ideology is always an issue that plays an important role in the life of a society, and that ideology also greatly influences the process of ruling the country of dynasties in the history. Unlike previous dynasties, which lasted only a few decades, the Ly dynasty represents a flourishing period of feudalism lasting more than 200 years. A major event was that King Ly Thanh Tong changed the country name from Dai Co Viet to Dai Viet in 1054, ushering in a brilliant era in Vietnamese history.  The ideology of “taking people as the root” of Vietnamese feudal dynasties highlights the unyielding and indomitable fighting spirit for the right to enjoy independence and freedom in the old land of Giao Chi and Cuu Chan, which later was Dai Viet and is now Vietnam. It also reflects the desire for people to live in peace and harmony. This articles focuses on studying the ideology of “taking people as the root” through the reign of kings of the Ly dynasty in Vietnam. From there, the article points out the achievements and limitations in the process of taking care of people, as well as historical lessons for the development of the country today.
A system dynamics approach to food security: The case of Turkey
Authors:   Institute of Social Sciences, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Gaziantep, Turkey, Çelik Muhammed , Serin Zehra Vildan ,   Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Gaziantep, Turkey
Published: January 2022

Predicting a sustainable food safety policy for the near future is among Turkey's priority problems. In this context, this study aims to predict Turkey's sustainable food safety policies. For this reason, the system dynamics model, which is a dynamic cycle-based method with stock and flow diagrams, is used in this paper. This study supposed the six different scenarios for 2020 and 2050. Data were selected as population, productivity rate, arable land fertility rate, and annual food consumption (per capita). The purpose of creating these scenarios; To determine the most appropriate policy to ensure food safety in Turkey. In the first scenario, we assumed that the current situation continues. In the second scenario, the average productivity rate was increased by 1.5%. The third scenario assumes that annual per capita food consumption rises to 1.2 tonnes per year. In the fourth scenario, the total fertility rate is accelerated by 2%. In the fifth scenario, we assumed that the arable land loss rate decreased by 1/3. Finally, we assumed that the sixth scenario covers all the second, third, fourth, and fifth scenarios and that 2 points reduce food losses. In conclusion, the findings show that food security responds positively in scenarios 2 and 6. However, in other scenarios, food security is negatively affected. The findings show that the sixth scenario is the best-case scenario. To ensure food security, it is necessary to reduce arable land losses and food waste. Training farmers and control of the food supply chain will be beneficial for sustainable food security in Turkey. We recommend that policymakers consider these recommendations.
diseño instruccional: ruta necesaria en la educación virtual
Authors: Gil Mateos Jorge , García Martínez Andrés , Atiaja Atiaja Normandi
Published: January 2022

Cuando los docentes se plantean el desarrollo de un curso siguen un proceso, de forma consciente y no rutinaria, con el fin de diseñar y desarrollar acciones formativas de calidad. El disponer de modelos que estandaricen y guíen este proceso es de indudable valor para los docentes o equipos de diseño, que en muchos casos será requerido para diseñar los materiales y estrategias didácticas del curso. Es en este sentido que el Diseño Instruccional (DI) establece las fases a tener en cuenta en este proceso y los criterios que se deben considerar en el mismo. El presente trabajo aborda el concepto de DI y sus características, así como el conocimiento de los modelos de DI existentes, y propone la conveniencia del uso de uno u otro modelo de acuerdo a los intereses de los actores del proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje.
¿Impulsan la actividad económica en América Latina el número de sucursales bancarias y cajeros automáticos?
Authors: Hernández Pineda Ana Lilia , Aali-Bujari Alí
Published: January 2022

El objetivo de ésta investigación es analizar el impacto del número de sucursales bancarias por cada 100000 adultos y cajeros automáticos por cada 100000 adultos en el crecimiento económico en Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, México, Perú y Uruguay, durante 2004-2018. Metodología: se estiman modelos de datos panel: efectos fijos y efectos aleatorios. Resultados: El principal hallazgo, es que el crecimiento económico es afectado positivamente por el número de sucursales bancarias y de cajeros automáticos. Recomendaciones: Se exhorta a los tomadores de decisiones buscar los instrumentos e incentivos adecuados para aumentar el número de sucursales bancarias y cajeros por cada 100000 adultos, y así contribuir al crecimiento económico. Limitaciones: La investigación se restringe a analizar sólo el rol del número de sucursales bancarias y cajeros automáticos en el crecimiento económico. Originalidad: se concentra en siete economías de América Latina, se tiene una mayor disponibilidad de datos, se realiza análisis de datos panel, que permite utilizar mayor cantidad de países, variables y períodos. Conclusiones: El número de sucursales bancarias y cajeros automáticos impulsan la actividad económica en América Latina.
The Efficacy of a Smartphone Game to Prevent HIV Among Young Africans: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial in the Context of COVID-19
Authors: Mudhune Victor , Sabben Gaëlle , Ondenge Ken , Mbeda Calvin , Morales Marissa , Lyles Robert H , Arego Judith , Ndivo Richard , Bednarczyk Robert A , Komro Kelli , Winskell Kate
Published: January 2022

Background

Adolescents contribute slightly less than one-third of all new HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa. There is a need for more effective intervention approaches to help young adolescents safely navigate through adolescence and into adulthood. We are assessing the efficacy of Tumaini, a smartphone game designed to prevent HIV among young Africans. Against the background of COVID-19, meaningful alteration of the research protocol was necessary to ensure successful implementation and retention of the study participants in ongoing research.

Objective

The objective of our protocol is to determine (1) if Tumaini delays sexual debut and increases condom use at first sex and (2) whether it influences behavioral mediators of early and unprotected sex.

Methods

Participants were recruited from Kisumu County in Western Kenya. This study is a 2-arm, individual-randomized controlled trial that enrolled 1004 adolescents aged between 12 years and 15 years. The intervention arm participants are playing Tumaini, while the control arm is provided with Brainilis, a commercially available control game. The study period will last 45 months. At baseline, participants in both arms completed a baseline survey and biological testing for HIV and herpes simplex virus, type 2 (HSV-2); participants will have annual game play periods in years 1-3. They will also complete a total of 12 follow-up surveys. At endline, repeat biological testing will be conducted. Protocol adaptations were necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic and implemented in accordance with local public health guidelines.

Results

Participants were enrolled between October 2020 and November 2020. We plan to complete study procedures in September 2024. The enrolled participant sample was 50.1% (499/996) female and had a mean age of 14.0 (SD 0.6) years.

Conclusions

This ongoing research demonstrates that, with appropriate revisions to planned protocol activities guided by the need to maintain study integrity, protect both study participants and staff, and adhere to institutional review board and local health authority guidelines, human subject research is possible in the context of a global pandemic. If the trial demonstrates efficacy, Tumaini would provide an alternative, remote means of delivering age-appropriate education to adolescents on safer sex, HIV prevention, and effective life skills on a highly scalable, low-cost, and culturally adaptable platform.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04437667; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04437667

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/35117