bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing Critical Thinking Skills in Vocational High School Students through the Application of Physics Project Team Learning Model Integrated with Vocational-Based Worksheets
Authors: Maknun Johar , Herman Nanang Dalil
Published: April 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of enhancing the critical thinking skills of students by implementing the Physics Project Team Learning Model integrated with Vocational-Based Worksheets.
 
Methods: The research uses a quantitative approach. A quasi-experimental design with pretest-posttest measures was adopted. The study was conducted at a vocational school in Labuhanbatu Regency, North Sumatra Province, and included sample size of 20 students assessed using a Critical Thinking Skill Test, comprising reasoned multiple-choice questions.
 
Results and Conclusion: The results showed that the Physics Project Team Learning model integrated with the Vocational-Based Worksheet motivated students to meet their needs and facilitated learning. Statistical tests indicated that the model had a positive effect on improving the critical thinking skills of vocational high school students, as evidenced by a normalized gain (n-gain) of 0.31, falling into the moderate category. The effectiveness was also demonstrated by an effect size of 0.83, falling into the high category.
 
Research implications: Implementation of the Physics Project Team Learning Model has proven to be effective in improving critical thinking skills. Therefore, the Physics Project Team Learning Model integrated with the Vocational-Based Worksheets could be considered an alternative to address student issues and enhance critical thinking skills.
 
Originality/value:  Implementation of the Physics Project Team Learning model integrated with vocational-based worksheets is a new learning approach in Vocational High Schools. The learning approach that is often used is project-based learning.
Pesantren Resistance to Indonesia's National Curriculum to Defend Its Curriculum Model
Authors: Hanif Muh. , Mukhroji  , Suwito H. , Mubaroq Afiq Chamim , Dharin Abu
Published: April 2024

Purpose: This article explores the challenges faced by pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) in Indonesia in reconciling the national curriculum with their traditional religious education while preserving their identity.
 
Methods: The research employed a qualitative approach, utilizing multiple case studies conducted in two pesantren in Indonesia. The study involved observations, interviews, and documentation collected from January to December 2023.
 
Result and Conclusion: The findings reveal a contestation between the national curriculum and the curriculum offered by pesantren. While many pesantren have integrated formal education, they exhibit resistance by focusing on Islamic teachings and values. Pesantren often modify the national curriculum to align with their religious identity. This study underscores the complexity of integrating formal education with pesantren's values and emphasizes the necessity of an inclusive approach from the government to ensure the relevance of education. Furthermore, it highlights pesantren's resistance to the dominance of the national curriculum, reflecting tensions between the government's modernization agenda and the traditional values upheld by pesantren.
 
Research Implications: This research contributes to understanding the dynamics between formal education and traditional Islamic education within Indonesia's pesantren context. It sheds light on the challenges pesantren face in maintaining their identity while conforming to national educational standards. The findings have implications for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders involved in shaping the educational landscape of Indonesia.
 
Originality/ Value: This study offers original insights into the interaction between the national curriculum and pesantren's curriculum, which have not been extensively explored in existing literature. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of educational dynamics in Indonesia by examining pesantren's responses to government policies and state control. Additionally, it underscores the significance of preserving the unique identity of pesantren amidst efforts to modernize the educational system.
Equivalent density of calcium deposits – a new diagnostic pattern for atherocalcinosis
Authors: Kokov A. N. , Masenko V. L. , Mukhamadiyarov R. A.
Published: April 2024

Objective. To assess the density of the calcified substrate of atherosclerotic plaques of the carotid arteries using data from the computed tomography of patients with multifocal atherosclerosis. Material and methods. In 251 patients with verified atherosclerosis of the coronary and carotid arteries, with a high prevalence of angina pectoris, a history of myocardial infarction and modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, multislice computed tomography (MSCT) of the carotid arteries was performed to assess the calcium index and determine the equivalent density of calcium deposits (EDCD). A morphological sub-study of the material from the removed atherosclerotic plaques was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in 12 patients. Results. According to the MSCT data, we identified 5 main types of calcium deposit location in the thickness of the atherosclerotic plaque. We noted that totally calcified plaques were associated with carotid artery stenosis by more than 30 %. According to the SEM data, we identified 2 leading patterns: diffuse and compact types of microcalcification. There was a statistically significant association of a low level of EDCD with a diffuse type of calcification both in vivo (p=0.010) and ex vivo (p=0.008). Patients, having carotid artery EDCD less than 0.21 mg/mm3, reported a significantly higher incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (p=0.0001) and a history of stroke (p=0.021). When comparing the MSCT data on the calcium deposit density and their localization in the atherosclerotic plaque, we noted a statistically significant predominance of low EDCD with superficial calcification of the plaque (p=0.002). Conclusion. The use of a calculated indicator of the equivalent density of calcium deposits of the atherosclerotic substrate allows us to non-invasively obtain new data on the structure of plaques. The observed association of the superficial distribution of calcification with low calcification density according to the MSCT data may indicate potential plaque instability.
Assessment of arterial blood flow in the microvasculature of the lower extremities in patients with chronic ischemia using a single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
Authors: Zolotnitskaya V. P. , Amosov V. I. , Bedrov A. Ya. , Moiseev A. A. , Litvinov A. P. , Perlov R. B.
Published: April 2024

Introduction. Obliterating atherosclerosis of the lower extremity vessels is a chronic, steadily progressive disease of the leg arteries, with a high risk of limb amputation and death. Timely diagnosis and adequate treatment will help slow the disease progression, maintain the patient’s good health for a long time and avoid complications. Purpose. To study arterial blood flow in the microvasculature of the lower extremities, to qualitatively and quantitatively assess perfusion disturbances in functionally significant muscles of the lower extremities. Material and methods. Radionuclide examination of the main vessels and microvasculature of the lower extremities was performed in 36 patients, five of them with a diagnosis of lower extremity obliterating atherosclerosis in dynamics. Radiopharmaceuticals was administered through a catheter installed endovascularly above the aortic bifurcation when patients underwent arteriography of the lower extremity vessels, which also involves intra-arterial administration of a radiopaque contrast agent. Results. When processing the radiological study results, we visually assessed the distribution of radiopharmaceuticals in the vascular bed of the lower extremities, identified the asymmetry in the accumulation of radiopharmaceuticals as a percentage, quantified the accumulation of radiopharmaceutical pulses in the projection of the pelvic, thigh, leg and foot muscles, determining the level of accumulation in each of the areas of interest as a percentage. The radiological study results and direct aortic arteriography of the lower extremities with determination of the level of arterial stenosis confirmed the ischemic nature of the pain syndrome; and in the control study, the effectiveness of treatment with an improvement in perfusion parameters. Conclusions. Intra-arterial administration of radiopharmaceuticals makes it possible to assess the condition of the peripheral arterial bed, which has a significant role in the prognosis of lower extremity atherosclerosis and the results of reconstructive interventions. The method makes possible a hybrid topometric comparison of arterio-perfusion maps for diagnosis, planned treatment and monitoring of its results in dynamics.
Effect of intramyocardial injection of allogeneic biomaterial on the exercise tolerance after destructive injury to the heart muscle (experimental study)
Authors: Afanasiev S. A. , Kondratieva D. S. , Lebedeva A. I.
Published: April 2024

Introduction.The low regenerative potential of the heart prevents replacing dead cardiomyocytes with new cells. It has been shown that cell-free allogeneic biodegradable material (ABM) can increase the efficiency of reparative processes in myocardium and improve its structural and functional state. However, how the physical training capabilities change against this background has not been practically studied.Aim. To evaluate exercise tolerance in rats after the use of ABM.Material and methods. The work was performed on Wistar rats. Myocardial damage was caused by coronary occlusion (CO) and cryodestruction (CD) of the left ventricle apex of the heart. ABM was injected into the CO zone and along the perimeter of the myocardium affected area during CD. Animals with myocardial damage were included in control groups. Rats with myocardial damage and ABM injection constituted the experimental groups. Rats were taken into the experiment 45 days after ABM injection. The physical tolerance of rats was measured using the forced swimming test.Results. It has been shown that the swimming time of rats with СO by 62.5 % and with CD by 37.5 % (p<0.05) is less compared to similar indicators for these animals in the initial (intact) state, which indicates a significant decrease in their exercise tolerance in myocardial damage. Animals with CO or CD on the background of intramyocardial injection of ABM showed 33 % and 48 % longer swimming during the test, respectively. The increase in exercise tolerance of rats against the background of the ABM administration was accompanied by the improvement in the morphometric parameters of the heart.Conclusion.The effect of ABM intramyocardial injection on the endogenous mechanisms of cardiac muscle regeneration is effective and functionally significant.
A rare case of congenital heart disease: common pulmonary vein atresia
Authors: Russkikh S. B. , Ilyina N. A. , Uskov O. I.
Published: April 2024

Common pulmonary vein atresia is a rare congenital heart disease, in which the venous return from the lungs flows through the four pulmonary veins into the cavity behind them without connection to the heart chambers. The article presents a clinical case of a newborn child with this malformation. Computed tomography showed a lack of pulmonary vein drainage in a typical location as well as the presence of a common venous collector. On the basis of the data obtained we made a correct diagnosis.
Rare interstitial lung diseases in infants
Authors: Ilyina N. A. , Prusakova K. V. , Alekseeva A. L.
Published: April 2024

The diagnosis of interstitial lung disease in infants (chILD) is challenging due to the fact that the differential range encompasses more than 200 variants of nosologies with an overall estimated prevalence of 1.6–46 per 100,000 according to several studies. Thus, chILDs are 10 times less common than in adults. The chILD disease spectrum differs significantly from that seen in older children and adults. Interest in the topic of chILD has increased over the past 20 years, as evidenced by the published results of numerous studies and reviews. Also, multidisciplinary groups and respiratory societies have been established, such as the American Thoracic Society (ATS), the European Research Collaboration for Children’s Interstitial Lung Disease (ERS CRC chILD-EU), the French National Reference Center for Rare Respiratory Diseases in Children (RESPIRARE), etc. This article discusses recent advances in the study and diagnosis of chILD, with a special focus on rare and ultra-rare types of chILD. In addition, the stages of the diagnostic search and the increasing role of computed tomography are discussed.
Jews and Israel 2024: A Survey of Canadian Attitudes and Jewish Perceptions
Authors: Brym Robert
Published: April 2024

Most Canadian Jews feel unsafe and victimized. They perceive a rise in negative attitudes toward Jews in recent months and years. Most doubt the situation will improve. The main reason they feel this way is that extreme anti-Israel statements andactions have proliferated in recent months. Because support for the existence of a Jewish state in Israel is a central component of their identity, most Jews regard extreme anti-Israel statements and actions as a threat to their existence as Jews.

Most non-Jewish Canadians do not have negative toward Jews. However, non-Jewish university students, Quebecois, and especially Muslim Canadians tend to have significantly more negative attitudes towards Jews than does the non-Jewish population as a whole.

Non-Jewish Canadians’ attitudes toward Israel tend to be significantly more negative than their attitudes toward Jews. The groups with the most negative attitudes toward Israel are, in order, Muslims, non-Jewish supporters of the New Democratic Party, and non-Jewish university students.

Among non-Jewish Canadians, the correlation between attitudes toward Jews and attitudes toward Israel is positive, statistically significant, and at the low end of moderate. This means that, although some critics of Israel have negative attitudes towardJews, most do not. Exceptions include Muslims, who tend to score relatively high on negative attitudes toward Jews and Israel; and people who identify as hard right, supporters of the Conservative and People’s Parties, and Canadians over the age of sixty-four, who tend to score relatively low on negative attitudes toward Jews and Israel.

On the whole, Canadian Jews have experienced a reduction in their emotional attachment to Israel because of the Israel-Hamas war and the rightward drift of Israeli government policy.

The trends just listed are derived from a survey conducted between 1 and 28 February 2024. The survey was based on four broadly representative independent samples of Canadian residents: 1,121 non-Jewish adults, 1,010 non-Jewish university students, 312 Muslim adults, and 414 Jewish adults, for a total of 2,857 respondents. In addition to providing an analysis of the survey results for the educated non-specialist public, this report seeks to place its findings in social context and in the context of prior survey research on attitudes toward Jews and Israel.
The Missed Opportunity to Africanise the International Criminal Court: An Appraisal of the Case of Prosecutor v Dominic Ongwen
Authors: Nortje Windell
Published: April 2024

More than twenty years have passed since the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC), by means of the Rome Statute (ICC Statute). Of the 120 states, thirty-three are from the African continent. The ICC is often perceived as being Eurocentric and retributive in nature. This is because it is often insensitive to cases from the African continent. The case of Prosecutor v Dominic Ongwen, which is the focal point of this article, illustrates this point. Ongwen, a former child soldier who became a warlord in the Lord’s Resistance Army committed numerous crimes under international law and was sentenced to twenty-five years imprisonment. His case was complex and required a wider approach than the retributive position adopted by the ICC. African traditional justice mechanisms were generally overlooked. This article resents this approach taken and proposes that the ICC should have taken a more Africanised stance in this case. The article aims to contribute to the field of research on the Africanisation and decolonisation of international criminal law.
Effect of microbiological preparations and nitrogen application on the processes associated with sequestration of organic carbon in typical slightly eroded chernozem soil
Authors:   Federal Agricultural Kursk Research Center, Masyutenko N. P. , Kuznetsov A. V. ,   Federal Agricultural Kursk Research Center, Masyutenko M. N. ,   Federal Agricultural Kursk Research Center, Chuyan N. A. ,   Federal Agricultural Kursk Research Center, Breskina G. M. ,   Federal Agricultural Kursk Research Center
Published: April 2024

Organic carbon sequestration is a present-day topical issue. The effect of a biological preparation based on Trichoderma viride and a biological preparation based on Pseudomonas aureofacieens, used to treat shredded by-products of crops before embedding them in the soil, and applied N10 kg PPN per 1 ton of by-products (N) was studied. The research was carried out in 2018–2020 in FSBSI “Kursk FARC” in a stationary field experiment with biopreparations (Kursk Region, Medvensky District, village of Panino) in a typical slightly eroded chernozem soil in a grain crop rotation link (spring barley – buckwheat – fodder beans). It was found that the use of biological preparations separately or together with N contributed to the soil sequestration of carbon in the topsoil, significant accumulation of humus carbon reserves was 2.2 and 2.4 times higher than that in the control, and the application of only N10 kg PPN with 1 ton of plant residues ensured the preservation of humus carbon reserves. Carbon reserves in the by-products, crop and root residues of the cultivated crops in the topsoil when using biological preparations were higher than those in the control. A direct high relationship was revealed between the average amount of carbon dioxide released from the soil during the vegetation of fodder beans and the amount of carbon from their by-products, crop and root residues entering the soil layers of 0–10 cm and 0–20 cm, correlation coefficients were 0.87 and 0.80. The efficiency of soil carbon sequestration in the topsoil when using biological preparations separately or together with nitrogen exceeded that of the control, respectively 2.0 and 2.1 times, and of shredded by-products with N10 PPN per 1 ton only 1.5 times.
Toxic effect of ciprofloxacin on the photosynthesis reactions in microalga Scenedesmus quadricauda (Turp.) Bréb.
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Matorin D. N. , Timofeev N. P. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Batakov A. D. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Todorenko D. A. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Antal T. K. ,   Pskov State University
Published: April 2024

Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is widely used broad-spectrum antimicrobial drug of fluoroquinolone family. The widespread use of ciprofloxacin increases its release into the environment. Ciprofloxacin is detected in aquatic ecosystems potentially harming aquatic organisms. The CIP effect on photosynthetic organisms is not fully studied. In this study we examined the CIP effect on green freshwater microalgae Scenedesmus quadricauda (Turp.) Bréb. using chlorophyll fluorescence methods (JIP test parameters and rapid light curves). A significant decrease in the cell number was observed at ≥10 mg/L of сiprofloxacin in comparison with control. Analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters obtained from OJIP transients revealed the changes in photosynthetic reactions in сiprofloxacin treatment. Ciprofloxacin was found to inhibit electron transport rate in photosystem II (PSII). The decrease in the quantum yield of electron transport in photosystem II (φEo) was accompanied by the decrease in performance index (PIABS) and an increase in energy dissipation (DI0/RC). Ciprofloxacin enhanced the photosensitivity of microalgae but did not inhibit the recovery of photosynthetic activity after the photooxidative stress. In this regard the effect of CIP differs from that of the well-known antibiotic chloramphenicol that inhibits the resynthesis of plastid proteins and, accordingly, the recovery of photosynthetic activity associated with the resynthesis of PSII protein D1. Among the fluorescence parameters, PIABS was found to be the most stress-specific; therefore it can be proposed to detect an early toxic CIP effect in microalgae.
The assessment of potential risks of chloride salts and their effect on seed germination and plant development
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Voronina L. P. ,   Centre for Strategic Planning of FMBA of Russia, Flerchuk V. L. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Ponogaybo K. E. ,   Centre for Strategic Planning of FMBA of Russia, Sbitnev A. V. ,   Centre for Strategic Planning of FMBA of Russia, Abdelkader M. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University,   Sohag University
Published: April 2024

The article discusses the negative effect of de-icing materials (DM) and salts in their composition on plant seedlings germination and development. The influence of sodium and potassium cations and chlorine anion on phytotoxicity index is considered. The dynamics of test-plants (Avena sativa L., Raphanus sativa L., Hordeum vulgare L.) response on a number of test-indicators depending on the concentration of basic salts in DM by a promising method of phytotesting was analyzed. The analyzed DMs in concentrations higher than 1% have an inhibitory effect. The DM at 14–16 g/L suppresses root length of test plants (more than 50%) relative to the control. The low content of heavy metals, such as Cd, Cu, Pb, in the analyzed DM samples indicates the toxicity of sodium chloride as an active de-icing agent. The results of statistical analysis convincingly prove the high phytotoxicity of sodium chloride (NaCl) in relation to such indicators of the juvenile test-plant development as germination, the primary root length and the coleoptile height. Increasing the NaCl concentration in the solution from 0.75 to 1% was strongly toxic to the test-plants (more than 50%). Potassium chloride (KCl) in the concentration range of 0.1–1.0% showed no phytotoxicity. The KCl presence in the NaCl-included de-icing reagent reduces its phytotoxicity and allows the toxicity level of the agent to be assessed as “moderately toxic”.
Stress effect of crude biocide of actinobacteria Streptomyces geldanamycininus Z374 on cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors:   St. Petersburg Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SPC RAS), Zaytseva T. B. , Russu A. D. ,   St. Petersburg Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SPC RAS), Medvedeva N. G. ,   St. Petersburg Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SPC RAS)
Published: April 2024

Over the past decades, as a result of anthropogenic pollution and global warming, the frequency, intensity and geographical distribution of the mass development of microalgae and cyanobacteria in water bodies have significantly increased. The Microcystis species are responsible for most cases of the cyanobacterial blooms in freshwater bodies worldwide. Microcystis aeruginosa is the most commonly observed of them. In this work, we assessed the stress effect of isolated from actinobacteria Streptomyces geldanamycininus cyanocidal crude biocide Z374 (CB Z374) on the cyanobacteria M. aeruginosa. The results showed that CB Z374 significantly inhibited M. aeruginosa biomass. The CB Z374 half maximal effective concentration (EC50) for M. aeruginosa after 96 hours of treatment was 5 mg/L. The growth of M. aeruginosa with CB Z374 is characterized by an increase in the duration of the lag-phase, a decrease in the specific growth rate and biomass yield compared to the control. CB Z374 caused oxidative stress in cyanobacteria cells, determined by the elevated levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) up to 1.6 times, as well as an increased permeability of M. aeruginosa cell membranes by 1.5 times. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) content raised in response to oxidative stress. M. aeruginosa growth inhibition was accompanied by a photosynthesis modification: the photosynthetic pigments phycobiliproteins and carotenoids content increases by 2.3 and 1.6 times respectively and the chlorophyll a content decreases by 1.2 times. CB Z374 inhibited M. aeruginosa photosynthesis, which was expressed in a decline in the maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II – Fv/Fm by 10% and a reduction in the electron transfer rate (ETR) by 18%. We assume that oxidative stress and, as a result, cell membranes damage and photosynthesis inhibition are the main mechanisms of the cyanocidal action of CB Z374 on M. aeruginosa.
Chia (Salvia Hispanica): An Overview of Its Botany, Uses, Reproductive, Biology, Pharmacological Properties and Industrial Potentials
Authors:   Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University Moulay Ismail, Morocco, Rahal El Kahkahi , Meryama Moustaine ,   Laboratory of Botany and Plant Protection, Faculty of Sciences, University Ibn Tofail, BP 133, University Campus, Morocco, Rachid Zouhair ,   Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University Moulay Ismail, Morocco
Published: April 2024

The consumption of chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) has increased in recent years due to its high content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and dietary fibre. This seed also has a high concentration of proteins and essential amino acids, becoming a promising source of bioactive compounds such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol with the major phenolic acid being rosmarinic acide. Owing to the rich nutritional profile, chia seeds provide numerous health benefits such as cardiac and hepatic protective effects, anti-aging and anti-carcinogenic properties. The high amounts of dietary fibres present in the seeds also confer benefits by preserving good glycemic control thus helping in controlling diabetes mellitus. In addition to the food industry for the development of various baked products, production of biodegradable edible films, use as emulsifiers and stabilizers among other uses. In this article we have focused on drafting a technical description of the chia.
Anti-Hypertensive Drugs Special References with Their Classification of Calcium Channel Blocker
Authors:   Apollo College of Pharmacy, Anjora, Durg, India, Bandey Rashi , Sonwani Hari Prasad ,   Apollo College of Pharmacy, Anjora, Durg, India
Published: April 2024

Objective: Determine the distribution and longitudinal changes in antihypertensive medication regimens in the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT). Methods: We used antihypertensive medication data collected by pill bottle review at each visit to categorize antihypertensive regimens by medication class. Free text string variables of medication names were independently reviewed by two clinical pharmacists to create standardized generic medication names and classes. Results: Figure 1 illustrates longitudinal changes in class combinations and number of drugs at the randomization, 6, 12, and 18-month visits. Fifty-six percent of participants modified their initial regimen by the 6-month visits; 43% of participants made additional modifications to their regimens from the 6-month to the 18-month visit. The most common initial regimens, and least likely regimens to be changed over time, were combinations with an ACEI/ARB and diuretics ± other classes (42% of initial regimens). Participants in the intensive arm added a mean (standard deviation) of 0.6 (0.9) medications to their initial regimens in the first 18-months compared to -0.1 (0.9) in the standard arm. Conclusion: Intensive blood pressure treatment requires more medication complexity in terms of class and dose. Further study of distinct regimens may reveal if certain class and dose combinations provide better SBP control, safety, or patient satisfaction.
CT Image Quality and Dose Reduction Management
Authors:   Nuclear and Radiological Research Safety Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Egypt, HM Diab , SUE Kameesy ,   Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Egypt, F Mostafa ,   Ministry of Health, Egypt, HS Abou-Elenein ,   Department of Radiotherapy, Children Cancer Hospital, Egypt
Published: April 2024

Medical imaging is characterized by tremendous and undeniable benefits for patients in recent health care. Combining two imaging methodologies into a single examination, such as SPECT/ CT and PET/CT, so-called hybrid imaging, is also increased. Many factors may affect the image quality. Different CT protocols are designed to perform high-quality examination at low radiation dose. The present study is focused on the assessment of the performance of image quality for fifteen CT scanners with different scan mode (from 2slice to 320 slice) at 80, 100 and 120 kV with tube current of 50–250 mA to optimize the radiation dose. Also, the uniformity was examined as part of the quality control tests. The results showed that, the 320 slice CT scanner delivered the minimal radiation dose compared with the 16 and 64 slice CT scanners which mostly applied in Egyptian centers (governmental and private). Both 16 and 64 slice CT scanners produce acceptable image quality but with associated high absorbed dose. These results give a further support to the priority of the 320 slice CT scanner to be applied. Field uniformity measurements were adopted and the difference in the calculated values for different protocols was precisely evaluated and discussed.
Fat Halo Sign: Not Only Inflammatory Diseases
Authors:   Department of Emergency Radiology, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, Morocco, F Chait , N Bahlouli ,   Department of Emergency Radiology, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, Morocco, L Jroundi ,   Department of Emergency Radiology, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, Morocco, FZ Lamrani ,   Department of Emergency Radiology, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, Morocco
Published: April 2024

The fat halo sign (in colonic imaging) corresponds to a feature seen on CT abdominal scans, and represents by widened and fat-infiltrated sub-mucosal layer of the bowl, between the muscularis propria and the mucosa. It is characterized by an inner (mucosa) and outer (muscularis propria and serosa) ring of enhancing bowel wall along with a non-enhancing middle layer of fat (submucosa) [1-3].
Key Skills of Physical Training in Track and Field Teaching and Training in Higher Vocational Faculty
Authors:   Senior teaching Assistant, Physical education Department, Education Faculty, Kandahar University, Kandahar City, Afghanistan, Bahir Hizbullah , Xiaoyun Wang ,   Associate Professor Recreation, Sport and Tourism Department Recreational Sport Management Faculty, Beijing Sport University Beijing, China, Habibi Mohammad ,   Assistant professor Physical Education Faculty, Kabul Education University, Kabul, Afghanistan
Published: April 2024

Athletics is one of the sports that people are more familiar with and love. It not only has strong confrontation and high appreciation but also embodies the contest between strength and physical fitness, giving people a kind of experience and feeling of power and beauty. The research we are referring to use a qualitative method of data collection called the library method. This method involves gathering information from existing written sources, such as books, academic journals, and other publications, in order to answer research questions. In this case, the researcher likely used this approach to gather information about key skills related to physical training in track and field teaching and training at the higher vocational level. Qualitative research methods often involve collecting rich, descriptive data that can provide valuable insights into complex phenomena. It can be found that physical training is an indispensable and important training component in track and field training, and the effect of physical training has a direct impact on the overall effect of track and field training. Therefore, in the training of track and field sports in higher vocational Faculty, track and field coaches need to attach great importance to physical training and use the explanation of physical training knowledge to strengthen students’ cognition so as to greatly improve the effectiveness of physical training. Based on this, this article will analyze the relevant skills of track and field physical training in higher vocational Faculty, aiming to improve the quality of track and field training and the training performance of students.
The Minimum Information about a Tailoring Enzyme/Maturase data standard for capturing natural product biosynthesis
Authors: Zdouc Mitja M. , Meijer David , Biermann Friederike , Holme Jonathan , Korenskaia Aleksandra , Lien Annette , Louwen Nico L. L. , Navarro-Muñoz Jorge C. , Nguyen Giang-Son , Rutz Adriano , Sveshnikova Anastasia , Szenei Judith , Terlouw Barbara , Torres Ortega Rosina , Feuermann Marc , Bridge Alan J. , van der Hooft Justin J. J. , Weber Tilmann , Ziemert Nadine , Blin Kai , Medema Marnix H.
Published: April 2024

Natural products, also known as specialized or secondary metabolites, show extraordinary chemical diversity and potent biological activities. Their biosynthesis usually first encompasses scaffold generation, followed by additional tailoring and maturation steps, leading to the mature compound. The latter steps are often performed by accessory enzymes known as tailoring enzymes or maturases. While knowledge about reaction and substrate specificities of these enzymes is essential for natural product biosynthesis, it is often scattered in the literature, hampering understanding and computational processing. Here, we conceptualize the Minimum Information about a Tailoring Enzyme/Maturase (MITE) data standard. We envision this data standard to serve in collecting experimentally verified data on reaction, substrate specificity, and other metadata of tailoring enzymes. Closely associated with the previously established Minimum Information about a Biosynthetic Gene cluster (MIBiG) data standard, MITE will aim to capture tailoring enzyme reaction information that is currently not systemized. We anticipate that MITE will accelerate natural product structure predictions from sequence, evolutionary analyses of biosynthetic pathways and synthetic biology engineering of specialized metabolic pathways.
Electrochemical Regioselective C(sp2)-H Bond Chalcogenation of Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines via Radical Cross Coupling at Room Temperature
Authors: Chillal Abhinay , Bhawale Rajesh , Sharma Siddharth , Kshirsagar Umesh
Published: April 2024

In this report, we disclose an electrochemical approach for the C(sp2)-H chalcogenation of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines at room temperature via radical cross-coupling reaction. The reaction takes place within an undivided cell employing graphite electrodes, with TBABF4 acting as the supporting electrolyte. This technique offers a rapid, oxidant-free, and environmentally conscious protocol for achieving regioselective chalcogenation specifically at the C3 position of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines. Furthermore, the procedure uses only 0.5 equivalents of diaryl chalcogenides which underscores the atom economy of the protocol. Key attributes of this methodology include mild reaction conditions, short reaction time, utilization of cost-effective electrode materials, and reliable achievement of yields ranging from good to excellent and environmentally friendly reaction conditions. Cyclic voltammetry studies and radical quenching experiments suggest a radical pathway for the reaction mechanism.
LoGAN: Local generative adversarial network for novel structure prediction
Authors: Kovács Péter , Heid Esther , Madsen Georg K. H.
Published: April 2024

The efficient generation and filtering of candidate structures for new materials is becoming increasingly important as starting points for computational studies. In this work, we introduce an approach to Wasserstein generative adversarial networks for predicting unique crystal and molecular structures. Leveraging translation- and rotation-invariant atom-centered local descriptors address some of the major challenges faced by similar methods. Our models require only small sets of known structures as training data. Furthermore, the approach is able to generate both non-periodic and periodic structures based on local coordination. We showcase the data efficiency and versatility of the LoGAN approach by recovering all stable C5H12O isomers using only 39 C4H10O and C6H14O training examples, as well as all known low-energy SiO2 crystal structures utilizing only 167 training examples of other SiO2 crystal structures. We also introduce a filtration technique to reduce the computational cost of subsequent characterization steps by selecting samples from unique basins on the potential energy surface, which allows to minimize the number of geometry relaxations needed after structure generation. LoGAN thus represents a new, versatile approach to generative modeling of crystal and molecular structures in the low-data regime, and is available open-source.
Comparison of Modern Geodetic Methods in Studying the Impact of Beaver Activity on Small Rivers
Authors:   Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Lavrova O. A. , Sharifullin A. G. ,   Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Gafurov A. M. ,   Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Zagretdinov R. V. ,   Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University
Published: April 2024

Multiple increase in the beaver population on the East European Plain has led to the appearance of a large number of beaver dams and ponds on small rivers. At present, the problem of regulating small rivers in this region remains poorly studied due to the above circumstances. This study presents the results of a comparison of modern geodetic methods obtained using an electronic total station, GNSS equipment and UAVs. The small river Morkvashinka, flowing along the northern tip of the Volga Upland, was chosen as the object of the study. The spatial coordinates and altitudes measured by the GNSS receiver generally agree well with the tacheometric survey data. The height difference is 0.5 cm (standard deviation – 0.07). However, the main disadvantage of an electronic total station, which limits its use for surveying linearly elongated objects and small river valleys, is the lack of direct visibility of the objects being photographed from the device due to the highly dissected territory, the tortuosity of the river and dense vegetation. Using orthophoto and digital terrain models obtained from unmanned aerial vehicles, it is not always possible to accurately determine the border of the coastline, as well as the absolute heights of the dam, floodplain, terraces, water edge, channel marks (pond depth) due to dense vegetation. However, the river bed and floodplain, beaver dams and ponds are clearly visible on them.
Influence of Weather Factors on the Mean Daily Intensity of the Urban Heat Island In Yekaterinburg
Authors:   Institute of Geophysics UB RAS, Fakaeva N. R. , Demezhko D. Yu. ,   Institute of Geophysics UB RAS, Gornostaeva A. A. ,   Institute of Geophysics UB RAS, Khatskevich B. D. ,   Institute of Geophysics UB RAS
Published: April 2024

Urban heat island (UHI) intensity in the surface air temperature field is equal to the difference between temperatures (averaged for the period under consideration) in the city and in the immediate rural surroundings. Using multi-regression analysis, We investigated the meteorological factors determining the mean daily UHI intensity based on observational data at weather stations in Yekaterinburg and the village of Verkhneye Dubrovo in 2020–2022. The average value of an UHI intensity in May-September equals to 0.94 °C with a standard deviation of daily mean values of 0.71 °C. The multiple linear regression model includes the difference in the relative humidity of the atmosphere in the city and the village, the weather factor determined by wind speed and cloudiness, and atmospheric pressure. This “summer” model describes 60 % of the observed UHI variance. In December-March, the average UHI intensity equals to 0.81 °C with a standard deviation of mean daily values of 0.82 °C. The regression model includes only the weather factor explaining 27 % of the UHI variability. It is concluded that the UHI intensity in Yekaterinburg is primarily determined by solar radiation and various properties of urban and rural surfaces (albedo, emissivity, thermal properties of soils). They determine the maximal UHI intensity that is realized only in “ideal” weather (weather factor ~1). Deviations from “ideal” conditions described by meteorological factors only reduce the maximal UHI intensity. In winter, heat leaks from buildings and heating networks weakly dependent on the meteorological factors make an additional contribution to the UHI intensity.
Feasibility study of measures to master a new technology for manufacturing thin-walled large-size bottoms by flanging (in conditions of «Atommash» the branch of «AEM-Technologies» JSC in Volgodonsk)
Authors: Popova T. S. , Karpova O, I. , Popov A. A. , Pakhorukov A. D.
Published: April 2024

The object of research in this article is the «Atommash» the branch of «AEM-Technologies» JSC in Volgodonsk, an organisation that was designed and commissioned in 1976 as the head machine-building enterprise for the production of a complete set of hull and heat-exchange equipment for NPP power unit in the volume of the nuclear island. The subject area chosen is the organisation of production of large-size products, which the enterprise intends to diversify through the acquisition of a line for the manufacture of thin-walled bottoms of large-size pressure vessel housings for NPPs and oil and gas chemistry. The purpose of the research is to develop a project for the development of new technological capacities based on the analysis of existing technologies and methods of production, which will increase the efficiency of production activities at the «Atommash» the branch of «AEM-Technologies» JSC in Volgodonsk. The main methods in writing the article were theoretical analysis of scientific literature on the research problem, graphical method and study of local documentation of the research object in terms of modernisation of production facilities. The main result of the research is the conclusion about the necessity of introducing a new technology – cold rolling (flanging) in order to expand the technological capabilities of the enterprise, to increase the efficiency of production in this area, to gain profit from the supply of thin-walled vessel bottoms to other enterprises to replace European suppliers, and as a consequence an increase in competitive advantage.
Regional players as antagonists: forms of irredentism and "phantom pains" of neighbors in different types of contemporary civilizations
Authors: Belyaev V. A. , Sibaeva G. R.
Published: April 2024

The article shows the evolution in the interpretation of antagonists in   science, the flexibility and changeability of antagonists on the world stage, the   competition between neighbors of the first order and the possibility of alliances   with neighbors of the second order, errors in determining possible allies in   France. The historical vectors of different forms of irredentism, the factors of   degradation of irredentism and its transformation from legitimate and fair to   illegal and unfair are divorced.

 The differences in the definition of antagonists and the degree of aggressiveness   of Retro-, Pirahan- and Forthcoming civilizations are revealed. It is proved that   retro-civilizations engaged in the revision of historical memory and based on   a retrograde, revanchist orientation live at the expense of "phantom pains", in   Russia's neighbors – thanks to irrational Russophobia. Their aggressiveness is   capable of reaching a high intensity, but does not rely on the necessary resources.   The Pirahan-civilization is also unstable – due to the gap between the hedonism   of the dominant culture and the propaganda of the "progressors"-motives.   Among the forthcoming-civilizations, there are both peaceful progressive   options and expansionist reactionary variants.
Protagonists as the basic actors of contemporary international relations
Authors: Belyaev V. A. , Sibaeva G. R.
Published: April 2024

The relevance of the article is due to the new correlation   of sociopolitical actors in the strategy of major civilizations. The purpose of the   article is to substantiate the new balance of power on the world stage. The article   analyzes such basic parameters of the alignment of socio-political actors as the   own defense forces of country-civilization, shows the unity of the basic interests   of the majority of workers in all civilizations, which provides solid life chances   for their inhabitants. The concepts of progressive and reactionary protagonists   are revealed. The article highlights the indigenized strata of the population in   the main civilizations that contribute to progressive protagonists. The vector of   historical development and the degree of stability of international relations are   studied depending on the number of protagonists (in the case of monopolization   of world politics by one actor, with the duality of protagonists and in the case of   protagonists` pluralization).
Modern values of generation Z in a comparative analysis of the youth of Russia and China: myths and realities
Authors: Glebova I. S. , Vorobiev A. A. , Khabibrakhmanova R. R.
Published: April 2024

This article presents the results of an empirical study aimed at  identifying changes in the cultural values of young people from 18 to 23 years  old in Russia and China for further comparative analysis of the results obtained.  This survey was based on the theory of Dutch scientist G. Hofstede on the typology of cultural dimensions, which contains five parameters describing  the differences between national cultures: power distance (from small to  large); collectivism and individualism; femininity and masculinity; uncertainty  avoidance (weak and strong), long-term orientation. Despite the fact that the  process of globalization has a significant impact on the values of young people,  making them more unified, regardless of the country and its national culture,  nevertheless, the results of the conducted research reveal some differences in  the characteristics of cultural identity of Chinese and Russian Generation Z.
Problems and prospects of prevention of family problems: the results of the author's research (based on the materials of the Republic of Mordovia)
Authors: Soloveva T. V. , Bistyakina D. A. , Pankova E. G.
Published: April 2024

The article presents the results of the author's sociological research  on the identification of problems and prospects for the prevention of family  problems in the Republic of Mordovia. The authors analyzed the opinions of  competent employees of social protection and social service institutions of  the Republic of Mordovia, which allowed not only to identify current problems in the prevention of family problems in the Republic of Mordovia, but also to  identify promising areas. The authors conclude that the further prospects for  the modernization of the state family policy in the field of prevention of family  problems depends on the solution of a number of tasks related to its theoretical  and methodological, regulatory, organizational, managerial and resource  support.