bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of sulfide anion in the development of chronic alcoholic hepatitis under the conditions of modulation of adenosine monophosphate kinase – a correlational study
Authors:   Department of Biological and Bioorganic Chemistry, Poltava State Medical University, Poltava, Ukraine, Mykytenko Andrii , Akimov Oleh ,   Department of Pathophysiology, Poltava State Medical University, Poltava, Ukraine, Shevchenko Oleksandr ,   Department of General and Clinical Pathological Physiology, Kharkiv National Medical University, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Neporada Karine ,   Department of Biological and Bioorganic Chemistry, Poltava State Medical University, Poltava, Ukraine
Published: September 2023

Introduction and aim. Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) has attracted the attention of researchers as a novel signaling molecule that affects vascular metabolism, immune function, stress and inflammation. It plays an important role in pathophysiological disorders under the conditions of the development of obesity, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this work is to establish correlation ratios of H 2 S concentration with markers of oxidative-nitrosative stress and extracellular matrix metabolism of the liver during chronic alcoholic hepatitis modeling and AMPK modulation by phenformin and doxorubicin. Material and methods. The experiments were performed on 36 white, sexually mature male Wistar rats, weighing 180-220 g. Alcoholic hepatitis was modelled by alcohol administration, on the background of alcoholic hepatitis animals received phenformin orally at a dose of 10 mg/kg or doxorubicin at a dose of 1.25 mg/kg intraperitoneally. Statistical processing of the results of biochemical studies was carried out using the non-parametric method of Spearman to determine correlations. Results. H 2 S during alcoholic hepatitis inversely proportionally strongly correlates with the concentration of nitrites, oxyproline and arginase activity. Phenformin administration during alcoholic hepatitis leads to formation of inversely proportionally strongly correlation of H 2 S with the production of superoxide anion radical, the concentration of malondialdehyde, activities of constitutive NO-synthases, nitrite reductases, nitrate reductases, and arginase. Doxorubicin administration during alcoholic hepatitis leads to formation of directly proportional strongly correlation of H 2 S with the activity of constitutive NO-synthases, nitrite reductases, nitrate reductases. Conclusion. Administration of phenformin or doxorubicin expands correlations between H 2 S and indicators of oxidative-nitrosative stress.
Epidemiological characteristics of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy in the Sumy region
Authors: Govbakh Iryna , Mishchenko Tamara
Published: September 2023

The aim of the study was to investigate the characteristics of the spread of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy type 1A in the Sumy region, in terms of administrative units and specific ethnic groups of the population.

Materials and methods. An epidemiological study of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN) type 1A in the Sumy region was conducted based on patient referrals to various healthcare facilities from 2014 to 2017. The prevalence of HMSN in the Sumy region was studied using an epidemiological approach. The prevalence rate of HMSN was calculated for different administrative units of the Sumy region, as well as for specific ethnic groups of the population.

Results. The study registered 67 patients with hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy type 1A in the Sumy region. The prevalence rate of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy type 1A in the Sumy region was 5.96 per 100,000 population. Of the HMSN patients, 47.8 % (32 individuals) resided in urban areas, while 52.2 % (35 individuals) lived in rural areas. In terms of gender distribution, 59.7 % (40 individuals) were female, and 40.3 % (27 individuals) were male. Most patients were of Ukrainian ethnicity (77.6 %), followed by Russians (20.9 %). Belarusians accounted for 1.5 % of HMSN patients in the Sumy region. Among other ethnic groups present in the Sumy region, HMSN type 1A was not detected.

Conclusions. Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy type 1A is unevenly distributed in the Sumy region. The heterogeneous distribution of the disease is primarily attributed to the characteristics of settlement in specific geographic regions, which have led to the formation of territorial, national, and religious isolates with the accumulation of genetically heterogeneous types in these populations, resulting in an increased genetic burden
Assessment of air quality index in Annaba
Authors: Badjoudj Salem , Benselhoub Aissa , Narsis Souad , Dovbash Nadiia , Idres Abdelaziz , Benghadab Khadouja Marame , Boutarfa Fares , Bounouala Mohamed , Bellucci Stefano
Published: September 2023

In recent years, the world has been witnessing serious ecological imbalances due to the catastrophic situation and the damage caused to the environment. Human activities as waste disposal, cement units, smelting, chemical industries etc., are the main causes of pollution. Air pollution directly affects the human living standards, pollutants requires regular control in view of their direct impact on health, such as nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, and particulate matter. Algeria adopts international standards to monitor the levels of pollution recorded in Algerian cities and compare them with global levels. Thus, the object of this study was the air quality index (AQI) in Annaba (Northeastern of Algeria). This study aimed to evaluate AQI in Annaba. In this context, quantitative estimates of polluted waste resulting from some industrial activities have been conducted in order to determine the degree of its danger and the extent of its contribution to the deterioration of the air quality. The monitoring of pollutants allowed to identify the benefits of comprehensive environmental assessment. The air quality index was determined using various pollutants parameters (dust, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide). A ten-point scale ranking of the overall air quality index of pollution accepted in Algeria allows making the differentiated assessment of negative impacts of existing industrial agglomerations on the environment. However, the analysis performed on samples DC1 and DC2 with SEM (TESCAN model VEGA II) and BSE detector (Backscattered Electrons) shows that the particles sizes are estimated to range from hundreds of microns to a few microns, a different morphology and irregular shape. Our results will enable policy makers to appropriate measures to be taken, and which are based mainly on sensitizing economic operators to environmental issues in order to adopt an environmentally friendly industrial system.
Increasing the accuracy of handwriting text recognition in medical prescriptions with generative artificial intelligence
Authors: Yakovchuk Oleg , Vasin Maksym
Published: September 2023

The object of the research is a system for recognizing handwritten text in medical prescriptions. The peculiarities of handwriting, the variety of calligraphy styles, as well as the specificity of medical prescriptions, create many problems and challenges for recognition algorithms, causing errors and reducing recognition accuracy.
The work presents a new system with additional components of post-processing the recognition results to increase the accuracy of the final results. An algorithm for combining words into lines and blocks is proposed, which makes it possible to group words while preserving contextual connections between them. Also, a generative neural network with a large language model is used to analyze the recognition result and correct possible errors. The results of the testing show an improvement in recognition accuracy by 0.13 %. Successful cases of generative artificial intelligence usage are analyzed, as well as examples of the results deterioration, that are related to grammatical errors in the initial input data.
The obtained results show the use of generative artificial intelligence as an additional step for processing the recognition results really can improve the accuracy of text recognition systems. The results of the study can be used for further experiments to improve recognition results in other tasks related to text recognition and in related fields.
Development of a scheme for the distribution of contact areas between the plate and offset cylinders
Authors: Aliyev Eldar , Ismailova Shebnem
Published: September 2023

The object of the research is the distribution of contact areas between the plate and offset cylinders. For printing impression in the offset printing process, it is necessary to ensure the transfer of printing ink from the ink unit to the printing plate, from the mold to the rubber-fabric material (deckel) of the offset cylinder and from the deckel to the printed material. At the same time, the quality of the prints is ensured by creating the necessary technological pressure between the plate, offset and printing cylinders, which also contributes to the deformation of the elastic deckel and the transfer of the ink layer in the contact zone. The transfer of illustrative and textual information from the form to the deckel of the offset cylinder occurs due to the actual touch area. Therefore, the study and calculation of the actual contact area is necessary to study the transfer of the paint layer in the contact zones. For this purpose, a review of some studies on contact problems was carried out, their advantages and disadvantages were discussed. Theoretical and experimental relations are given. It has been established that micro protrusions of the surface roughness of the printing plate significantly affect the deformation of the deckel. To study the influence of the surface roughness distribution of the printing plate on the actual deckel contact area in the contact zone, the interaction of micro protrusions of the surface roughness of the printing plate with the deckel surface, leading to additional displacements, was taken into account.
A method for calculating the number of roughness protrusions is proposed to further determine the actual deckel contact area and the actual pressure in the contact zone, taking into account the surface roughness of the printing plate. Based on the parameters calculated by the proposed method with known values of the surface roughness of the printing plate in the future it is possible to determine the actual deckel contact area and the actual contact pressure the optimal values of which are necessary to ensure the required ink transfer and print quality during printing. The data obtained also contribute to the determination of the modes of the printing process when printing the entire circulation, which leads to an increase in the circulation stability of printing forms. Increasing the circulation stability of printing plates allows to save the number of consumed printing plates. In the future, according to the results obtained, it is recommended to compile reference data, which are necessary when setting up and operating the printing machine.
A review of the effect of nurse shortages on existing nurse workforces in South Africa and Ukraine
Authors: Nankoo van Wyk Sandhya , Naicker Visvanathan
Published: September 2023

The object of this research is the nurse shortages on existing nurse workforces in South Africa and Ukraine. The healthcare system has taken strain since the inception of the war in Ukraine. The war caused damages to hospital, clinic and warehouse infrastructure, leading to limited medical resources and impacting the shortage of healthcare personnel, especially among the nursing professionals. A skilled, motivated and supported health workforce is essential to providing consistent and quality healthcare to patients. However, nurse shortages make it difficult for the existing nurses in a war-stricken country to provide the best possible care to their patients, which can be emotionally distressing for the nurses. Whereas in South Africa, economic turmoil and the recent COVID-19 pandemic placed an even more significant strain on South Africa’s overburdened and under-resourced healthcare system, eventually leading to a decline of healthcare workers on the frontline, thereby affecting the delivery of quality healthcare to patients. This paper will explore the expected effects of nurse shortages on the existing nurse workforce in these countries. It will provide recommendations for nurses to cope and regain their motivation to deliver quality healthcare to patients without compromising their own health and well-being. The researchers, therefore, conducted a qualitative study with Registered Nurses (RNs) and Operational Nurse Managers (ONMs) working in selected critical care units at a public hospital under investigation. The findings of the study revealed that the nurse shortage significantly impacted the well-being of existing nursing staff, both personally and professionally. Simple strategies to improve their well-being via the use of an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) were recommended by the researchers to address their mental health and well-being issues by providing support and advice in critical times of need, encouraging meditation & physical fitness activities and encouraging nurses to make a conscious decision to achieve a balance between work and family life. Such strategies will benefit the Ukrainian health workforce in providing quality healthcare to their patients during the unpleasant circumstances caused by the ongoing war.
Analysis of the possibilities of increasing the energy efficiency of absorption refrigeration appliances through the use of refrigerating accumulators
Authors: Berezovska Liudmyla , Titlov Oleksandr
Published: September 2023

One of the most important tasks of modern society is the solution of environmental and energy problems in power engineering and, in particular, refrigeration technology. At the same time, in the field of artificial cooling systems, it is necessary to solve the problems of reducing the impact on both the ozone layer and the greenhouse effect. An effective approach here can be absorption refrigeration systems with a natural working fluid (water-ammonia solution), which does not adversely affect the environment. For the effective use of absorption refrigeration systems, it is necessary to solve the problems of increasing their energy efficiency, in particular, through the use of cold accumulators. Thus, the object of research is absorption-type cooling systems with cold accumulators.

The paper analyzes cold accumulators with different physical nature. It is shown that melting substances can be the most effective for solving problems of low-temperature cooling. An analysis of the thermal scheme of an absorption freezer of the «chest» type, which is the most problematic in terms of providing cooling modes at a level of (–18)–(–24) °С, was carried out. Optimization thermal calculations for typical absorption freezers up to 200 dm3 have been performed. It is shown that when the chamber is initially loaded with a product at an ambient temperature, the cooling capacity of the installed absorption refrigeration units is not enough – no more than 50 % of the required one. For an absorption freezer of the «chest» type, the most suitable cold-storage materials are a eutectic aqueous solution of sodium chloride or propylene glycol, since these solutions have the desired melting point of the order of –18 °C and a fairly high melting heat. The result of optimizing the weight and size characteristics of the internal volume of the absorption freezer is the following recommendations:

– the optimal size of wire baskets for placing products is 315´370´240 mm;

– the gaps between the basket and the cabinet wall, as well as between the baskets themselves, should be 10 mm to ensure normal convection conditions;

– it is not advisable to place fans inside the volume of the freezer at this stage, since the freezing time is reduced by a maximum of 30 %, but this results in additional heat generation, energy consumption and increases the shrinkage of the products stored in the chamber.
Analysis of genetic polymorphism in genes encoding cathelicidins from Vietnam indigenous yellow cattle breeds
Authors: Tuoi Do Thi , Ngoc Ta Hong , Anh Tran Thi Thuy , Lan Pham Doan , Phuc Do Thi , Nguyen Thi Hong Van
Published: September 2023

Cathelicidins include antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and are involved in the innate immune defense against infections in mammals. Polymorphisms in the DNA sequence of cathelicidin genes could be relevant to inherited variations of host innate immunity, adaptation, and pathogen resistance. This study aims to investigate the sequence polymorphism of cathelicidin genes including CATHL2 and CATHL4 from local indigenous yellow cattle breeds of Vietnam. Genomic DNA samples were extracted from 52 individuals collected from different cattle populations in Vietnam including Ha Giang, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An and Phu Yen. The CATHL2 and CATHL4 genes were amplified by PCR, following sequencing for identification of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and/or insertion-deletion (indel) DNA sequence variations. The copy number variations (CNVs) of the CATHL4 gene were determined by cloning, single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and real-time PCR. The comparative analysis results showed that there are 13 SNPs detected in all sequences of CATHL2 gene including 9 SNPs in intron 2 and intron 3, and 4 missense substitutions in exon 1, 2, and 3. These SNPs do not affect the predicted tertiary structure of Bac5 encoded by this gene. For CATHL4, the results revealed 15 SNPs, 3 indels and 1 repeat variation as motif (TG)n(G)n/(AC)n(C)n. Among these variations, the deletion 46delC in exon 1 of CATHL4 was detected in a sample of the Ha Giang breed causing a truncated polypeptide as predicted. The average copy number of CATHL4 of Vietnam indigenous cattle breeds using GADPH as a reference gene showed in range from 2.53 to 2.89 copies.
Diversity and larval habitats of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in urban areas in Ha Noi, Vietnam
Authors: Duong Van Cuong , Anh Nguyen Nguyet Thi , Van Nguyen Vinh
Published: September 2023

Although some mosquito-borne diseases have been thriving in Ha Noi city, Vietnam very few studies on mosquitoes have been conducted. Determining how the species composition and abundance of mosquito vectors depend on environmental resources in different habitats addresses where different types of vector control need to be applied. The present study aims to investigate the characteristics of larval habitats and to provide a composition of mosquitoes (Culicidae) in this city. Surveys of larval and adult mosquitoes were carried out from different habitats in urban areas during rainy seasons from 2018 to 2023. Overall, in almost all water containers that were surveyed (80.9%), immature mosquitoes were present. A total of 4593 mosquitoes including 3,950 larvae and 643 adults were collected from 16 sampling sites. Twelve mosquito species belonging to 6 genera were collected and identified. Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus were the most common and abundant species, each accounting for 34% of the total collected larval specimens. Five species, Anopheles umbrosus, Culex cintellus, Armigeres subalbatus, Mansonia annulifera, and Lutzia fuscana were the first records for Ha Noi city. The species composition varied between different habitat types. Peri-domestic habitats were the most common breeding sites for mosquitoes in the study area. Noteworthy, species belonging to genus Aedes were abundant in domestic habitats created by anthropogenic materials while that of genus Culex was mainly thriving in large water bodies in both peri-domestic and natural habitats. The current results show a variation in the distribution and abundance of mosquitoes in urban areas of Ha Noi which should be considered for effective planning and implementing mosquito control programs in the city.
\(\textit{Jasminum binhchauense}\) (Oleaceae), a new species from Binh Chau-Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve in Southern Vietnam
Authors: Thi Thanh Nguyen , Van Son Le , Hong quang Bui
Published: September 2023

Jasminum binhchauense, a new species of the family Oleaceae, is described and illustrated. The species was collected during 2022–2023 from Binh Chau-Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, southern Vietnam. The new species differs from its congeners in its branchlets, leaf blade, petioles and calyx. A taxonomic description, a table comparing morphological characters of the allied species, and illustrations, a color photo-plate are provided.
Parents Catechesis: for Children, Family or for Adults?
Authors: Stala Józef
Published: September 2023

The Author of article provides an important information about parent catechesis from Catholic perspective. He reminds the basis of parent catechesis, beginning with the historical importance and explanations contained in the Church Documents: “Parents are the primary educators in the faith. Together with them, especially in certain cultures, all members of the family play an active part in the education of the younger members’ (General Directory for Catechesis255). If parents are the most important persons of the education of children in the faith, they need to be well prepared for fulfilling their mission that includes especially treating catechesis as lifelong process, the learning of Christian doctrine andmethods of family catechesis, permanent formation of mothers and fathers into the fullness of Christian life. The conclusion presents main challenges and advocates an intensification of catechetical activity in our times.
Possibilities of Remote Neuropsychological Work with Children: a Case Analysis
Authors: Shevchenko Irina
Published: September 2023

In the current realities of the pandemic and self-isolation, we are forced to make adjustments to the usual way of living and adapt to existing conditions. The number of children requiring neuropsychological support is not decreasing, and they have no time to wait for conditions in society to return to normal. In addition, many locations within our country have no qualified neuropsychological specialists, which many children desperately need. Therefore, an online method of neuropsychological work is the only possible way to overcome these challenges. However, in certain situations even online support is not always suitable. Some factors which influence this include; the age of the child, the severity of his/her violations, his/her emotional state and so on.
Within this article is an example of a case whereby the specialist does not participate in the remediation process by herself, but at the same time completely controls it. The format was “experimental,” after neither offline nor online methods of work previously were showing significant results. Together with the mother of the child we decided to go beyond the usual interaction with the child and began to look for alternative solutions. A new method was agreed, which required huge discipline and full inclusion of the parents into the remediation process.
A study was completed that qualitatively and quantitatively estimated the effect of this format of remediation work through the dynamics of longitudinal neuropsychological observation. The obtained results indicated strong positive dynamics in the formation of cognitive, regulatory and neurodynamic functions.
The article raises an important topic of accessibility of neuropsychological support for each child who needs it. The results underline the importance of a more detailed study of remote neuropsychological work with children in the near future.
Mother’s Face of Developmental Psychology
Authors: Kudryavtsev Vladimir
Published: September 2023

The paper is devoted to the memory of Liudmila Obukhova (1938-2016) – the chef of the department of developmental psychology in Moscow State University of Psychology and Education. L. F. Obukhova was both an outstanding researcher and extraordinary personality, taking maternal care of her disciples and colleagues. She contributed a lot for the development of cultural-historical psychology.
Digitalization of Personality Adaptations During COVID-19
Authors: Nemeth Darlyne G. , Capps Cody
Published: September 2023

Since the Millennium, there has been a growing interest in categorizing personality adaptations. Research by Nemeth and colleagues utilized a Year 2000 Questionnaire to analyze these adaptations. With the assistance of R. Landes, at the Boston University Center for Millennial Studies and SurveyMonkey, people throughout the world were able to respond. In general, thousands of people took advantage of this opportunity. Six factors emerged; they were as follows: (1) Psychotic leaders. (2) Dependent followers. (3) Religious fundamentalists. (4) Militants. (5) Aggressive actors (Paranoid thinkers). (6) Corporate sociopaths. Mainstream Adaptation is also possible. It was hypothesized that, at times of great upheaval, personality structures became exacerbated. The current research, which was based on a revised Year 2000 Questionnaire, was titled: the COVID-19 Questionnaire. An IRB exemption, from Advarra, was granted and SurveyMonkey was utilized. Data collection has been underway since June 17, 2021.
Online Therapy for Children: The Mediation in Cultural-Historical Psychotherapy with Children in a Pandemic Context
Authors: Muratore Aline , Melo Aline Guilherme de
Published: September 2023

This article presents theoretical discussions and clinical practice based on the experience of online clinical sessions for children centered on the Cultural-Historical Psychology approach. The experience was set with patients from ages as of 4 to 11 years old, from the Hospital São Paulo and it took place at the Children’s Mental Health Sector of the Department of Pediatrics (UNIFESP), at the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the sanitary urgency of isolation, which made necessary the restriction of the outpatient care, the sector chose to attend to those patients via video calls. New mediation resources using technological and digital instruments had to be developed in order to continue Play Therapy on online sessions. As a result, Vygotsky’s theory and his collaborators helped to expand the usual techniques and the approach of children online therapy, necessary to continue their mental health care in the pandemic context.
The Contribution of Exiles to the Distribution of Literacy among the Children of Yekaterinburg in 1734–1740s
Authors: Safronova Alevtina
Published: September 2023

This article examines the contribution of exiles to teaching children living in the settlement of the Yekaterinburg plant, the largest in the mining and industrial Urals, to read and write. It was a place where the features of the new policy of Vasily Tatishchev, who became head of the factories in 1734, concerning teaching literacy to the vastest range of children possible and using exiles sent there from all over the country as teachers, were most clearly manifest. Based on the extensive use of archival documents of administrative and information character and petitions, the author characterises the peculiarities of the cadre of exiled teachers, which has never been done previously. The author reveals the reasons for the extensive recruitment of exiles and, starting from 1742, pardoned ex-exiles as teachers, reconstructs their composition, reveals their previous posts, the crimes for which they were exiled, common features characterising their vital activity, position in society, their relations among themselves and with other representatives of society, and the different levels of their material situation. Additionally, the article examines the peculiarities of the attitude of the Ural authorities toward the exiled teachers. The petitions of the exiles indicate that with them, the position of a literacy teacher enjoyed great appreciation despite the low pay. For the first time in history, the author analyses the student records of the grammar school, identifying all the cases of collective enrolment and the total number of children taught by the exiled Yekaterinburg masters, including those from the nearby factories. Also, the article introduces data about private literacy schools in Yekaterinburg opened by exiles, where they taught children for a fee as part of a contract with their parents at their homes. Based on this, the author concludes that the contribution of exiles as teachers to the development of children’s literacy in Yekaterinburg deserves the highest assessment.
Methods of the “New Division of the Empire”: The Reforms of Administrative Division in Vyatka Rеgion from Catherine the Great to Paul I
Authors: Khitrov Dmitry
Published: September 2023

This article examines the territorial transformations carried out in Vyatka Region in the 1780s–1810s. As is known, before the last quarter of the eighteenth century, the system of administrative-territorial division of the country was based on the historically established system of uyezds. However, in 1775–1802, two major reforms were carried out, which rebuilt the administrative-territorial division following qualitatively new principles – approximate equality of the population of provinces and uyezds and transport accessibility of administrative centres for the population. These changes largely determined the outlines of the social structure of the Russian Empire over the next century, and changes in the management system and social structure naturally attract researchers’ attention today. With the help of a detailed reconstruction (based on maps of the time, both printed, from national atlases of 1792 and 1800, and handprinted, from the collections of several archives) and comparison of the boundaries of provinces in the middle of the eighteenth century, in 1792, in 1792, 1800 and 1805–1806, the author reveals the redistribution of territories between urban centres. It transpires that the system of territorial relations in this region during the reform of Catherine II changed more decisively than in the central regions of the country, and the new borders were initially drawn without a survey of the situation on the ground, in some cases – in the form of straight lines on the map. The correction of inconveniences caused by such a manner of reform was delayed and was completed already during the administrative reforms of Paul I, which, unlike most regions, were not cancelled there in the first decade of the nineteenth century.
Captain Botsis’ Odyssey: On the Biography of the Russian Naval Commander
Authors: Yastrebov Alexey
Published: September 2023

Referring to archival data of the RGADA (Relations with Venice Fund), this article provides new information about the little-known period of life (1700–1703) of Ivan Botsis related to his transition to the Russian service and directly preceding it. Until now, there is no full-fledged biography of the outstanding associate of Peter the Great, and this study supplements the information about his life full of dangers. Botsis played a significant role in Russia’s success in the Baltic Sea during the Northern War, so filling the gap in his biography is of particular interest. Based on the information introduced into scholarly circulation, the author draws information about his activities immediately after the Morean War (1684–1699). Although he is primarily known as a Russian naval commander, based on the data studied, one may conclude that in his homeland, he proved himself to be a loyal subject of his new homeland, the Venetian Republic, in military affairs. And after the end of the conflict and the conquest of the Peloponnese by Venice, showered with honors, he tried to succeed in a peaceful profession, trading business, and not so much as a merchant but as a coordinator of the commercial activity of his compatriots for private and public benefit. At the peak of his career, the enterprising and even adventurous nature of the Greek captain led him to a conflict with the Venetian and Ottoman authorities, and the hope for the Russian tsar as the deliverer of the Greeks from Turkish rule and sympathy for his military enterprises during the Northern War made him abandon a privileged position in his homeland and embark on a perilous journey to Russia to serve Peter I. The details of his risky escape, described in a petition addressed to the tsar, resemble an excerpt from an adventure novel. The appendix of the article contains previously unpublished documents, i. e. a petition of Captain Botsis and an excerpt of a decree of Tsar Peter on the allocation of his salary.
The Symphony That Conquered the World: Diplomatic Support of the Foreign Premiere of D. D. Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7 in 1942–1943
Authors: Kantor Julia
Published: September 2023

This article analyses the plots of international life concerning the premieres of D. D. Shostakovich’s Leningrad Symphony outside the USSR, their preparation, and their effect on the political establishment, the humanitarian elite, and ordinary listeners in 1942–1943. The competition of outstanding conductors such as A. Toscanini, L. Stokowski, H. Wood, S. Koussevitzky, etc. for getting the right of the Western premiere, the correspondence with them of the composer himself, the formation of public opinion, and, finally, the episode associated with Shostakovich’s failed trip to the US in 1942, make it possible to significantly complement the retrospective picture of the “journey” of Symphony No. 7 around Europe and the US. The documents the author refers to focus on the socio-political results of the process of presenting a work that “contributes to the support of the unyielding spirit underlying our common hopes for ultimate victory” and “expresses the power of Russia in a way that words can never do” to the West and the role of the People’s Commissariat for Foreign Affairs in it, encouraging reflections on the role of Art in the world at war. They make it possible not only to trace the chronology of the diplomatic “accompaniment” of the premieres of the Leningrad Symphony in the West in 1942–1943, but also to see who “conducted” its truly victorious sounding not only in the allied countries but also in neutral states. This article uses documents from the Archive of Russian Foreign Policy concerning the performance of the Leningrad Symphony outside the USSR, which have never been introduced into scholarly circulation previously.
Rhosia and the Circum-Russian Politosphere of the 10th Century
Authors: Emanov Alexander
Published: September 2023

This review considers the concept of the Rurikid polity of the tenth century proposed by Aleksei S. Shchavelev, Senior Researcher at the Center for Eastern Europe in the Ancient and Medieval World, Department of the History of Byzantium and Eastern Europe, Institute of General History, Russian Academy of Sciences. Also, the reviewer examines its chronology and spatial structure, the genealogy of the early Rurikids, and the dynamics of their territorial power. The concept of “polity” replaces the previous notions of “Ancient Russia”, “Kievan Rus’”, and “Ancient Russian State” irrelevant for pre-Christian Times. The basis for the reconstruction of the Rurikid polity in the tenth century was not so much The Primary Chronicle whose chronology is being criticized more and more harshly, as The Tactica by Byzantine Emperor Leo VI the Wise (866–912), the treatise De Administrando Imperio by Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus (905–959), letters from Hasdai ibn Shaprut (905–975), advisor to the Caliph of Cordoba, etc. This polity emerged following stochastic fluctuations in ethno-social, event, and personal history.
Phytochemical properties, antioxidant potential and fatty acids profiling of three dragon fruit species grown under sub-tropical climate
Authors: BRAR Jaswinder S. , SHARMA Sanjula , KAUR Harjeevan , SINGH Harpreet , NAIK E.K. , ADHIKARY Trina
Published: September 2023

The physical, biochemical and antioxidant properties of one white pulped (Hylocereus undatus; DG-I) and two red pulped dragon fruit species (H. polyrhizus, DG-II; H. costaricencis, DG-III) grown under sub-tropical conditions of north-west India were determined. Fruit size, fruit weight, pulp weight and pulp: peel ratio was significantly higher in DG-III, though the fruit numbers and yield per pillar was significantly less than other species. The pH, TSS, acidity, total sugar, reducing sugars and moisture content in all the species varied between 4.78-5.72, 8.63-9.31 oBrix, 0.30-0.56%, 6.64-6.91%, 4.60-4.76% and 83.44-85.82%, respectively. Total phenols and flavanols content in DG-I was 24.04 mg GAE 100 g−1 and 14.54 mg RE 100 g−1, whereas in red pulped it was significantly higher; varying between 49.12-56.40 mg GAE 100 g−1 and 30.41-31.10 mg RE 100 g−1 fruit pulp, respectively. β-carotene values in red pulped species DG-II and DG-III were 47.48 and 43.82 µg 100 g−1, respectively compared to corresponding values of 1.96 µg 100 g−1 in DG-I, a white pulped dragon fruit. Similarly, DPPH-RSC, FRAP, CUPRAC and ABTS values for red pulped dragon fruit ranged between 238.98-262.04 µmol 100 g−1, 358.8-386.40 µmol TE 100 g−1, 830.40-917.0 µmol TE 100 g−1 and 571.4-589.60 µmol 100 g−1, respectively in DG-II and DG-III in comparison to respective values of 108.75 µmol 100 g−1, 192.6 µmol TE 100 g−1, 525.6 µmol TE 100 g−1 and 400.2 µmol 100 g−1 in DG-I. The β-lain, responsible for imparting red colour in DG-II and DG-III was absent in white pulped DG-I. Seed oil content in both groups of dragon fruit varied between 31.90-33.5% with highest proportion of an essential fatty acid, linoleic acid (46.32-47.96%). In conclusion, red pulped dragon fruit has a considerably higher antioxidative potential than white one and these species may play a vital role in ensuring nutritional security for millions of people in developing nations.
Comparison of the potential of extracts from the flower, fruit pulp, and seed of Cassia fistula L. on MCF-7 breast cancer cell growth and cell migration
Authors: BOONTHA Supavadee , BURANRAT Benjaporn , SAEPANG Kamchai , PITAKSUTEEPONG Tasana
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to determine the anticancer effects of extracts prepared from various parts of Cassia fistula L. (CF), i.e., flower extract (FE), fruit pulp extract (FPE) and seed extract (SE), on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The anticancer effects of the extracts were assessed for cell toxicity, cell proliferation, cell migration, cell apoptosis, and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Effective cancer treatments have focused on inhibiting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling. Thus, the expression of EGFR protein after extract-treated cells was also determined. Following a 72 incubation, high potential cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cells was observed after SE treatment, followed by FE and FPE treatment. FE, FPE, and SE significantly inhibited cell growth at concentrations of 500, 1,000, and 250 µg/mL, respectively. Also, FE, FPE, and SE markedly suppressed migration of MCF-7 cells at concentrations of 500, 500, and 100 µg/mL, respectively. These results can be concluded that SE had the highest potential anticancer effect on MCF-7 cells when compared with FE and FPE. Thus, SE might be a potential source of preventative and therapeutic agents against breast cancer. Since most anticancer drugs cause ROS production in cancer cells and it is known that ROS induce cell death; therefore, cell apoptosis and ROS formation   induced by SE were further studied. The results showed SE induced MCF-7 cell apoptosis in a concentration-dependent way. SE caused a significant increase in ROS formation when compared with the control group. Western blot analysis showed low levels of EGFR protein expression after SE-treated cells at 1,000 mg/mL. Therefore, besides ROS formation, it may be concluded that the downregulation of EGFR protein expression is potentially one of the fundamental mechanisms driving the anticancer effects of SE.
NIRS and multivariate methods for discrimination of morning glory species at different growth stages
Authors: BRAGA Andreísa F. , De CARVALHO Lívia C. , CORREA da SILVA Diogo P. , ANTUNES Thamires G. , CARLOS CUNHA JÚNIOR Luis , De ALMEIDA TEIXEIRA Gustavo H. , da COSTA AGUIAR ALVES Pedro L.
Published: September 2023

Morning glory species are weeds very common in tropical crops, where they cause direct and indirect damage. The management of these species primarily relies on the application of herbicides, disregarding the growth stage and spatial distribution. Studies addressing new techniques for identifying these species may contribute to the development of proximal sensors for carrying out specific and rational management. Thus, the objective of this work was to use near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and multivariate analysis to discriminate two species of morning glory in three growth stages. NIRS spectra were collected from Ipomoea hederifolia and Merremia aegyptia were collected at three different stages in the spectral range of 4.000 to 10.000 cm-1. PCA and PC-LDA were used to analyze the entire spectrum and specific bands. NIRS associated with PCA and PC-LDA were sufficient to discriminate I. hederifolia and M. aegyptia species and their growth stages. PCA allowed a proper segregation of stages and species when applied individually PC-LDA correctly classified between 90.93 to 100% of species and stages. The best discrimination results were observed in the NIR spectra ranges from 4.500 to 6.000 cm-1 and 4.500 to 6.000 + 6.500 to 7.750 cm-1. This study represents an advance in the research and implementation of NIRS technology to discriminate weed species for the future development of equipment to assist in the adoption and/or performance of a specific management of weeds, capable of contributing to the reduction in the use of herbicides in crops.
Ethylene modulates root growth and mineral nutrients levels in trifoliate orange through the auxin-signaling pathway
Authors: HU Ceng-Hong , YUAN Shi-Dong , TONG Cui-Ling , ZHANG De-Jian , HUANG Ren-Hua
Published: September 2023

Roots are fundamental to plant growth, with their development being profoundly influenced by water, mineral nutrients, and notably, plant hormones. Citrus, a leading horticultural crop cultivated globally, holds immense economic value. This study tried to investigate the roles and mechanisms effect of foliar spray 1.0 μmol/L ethephon (ETH) of ethylene and 5.0 μmol/L AgNO3 (an ethylene inhibitor) its inhibitor with auxin on root growth and mineral nutrients content levels in trifoliate orange under sand culture conditions for 45 days. Our findings indicate that ethephon treatment significantly boosted the number of lateral roots, root fresh weight, and enhanced the mineral nutrient content (N, P, K, B, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn, with the exception of Cu) in both root and shoot tissues. In contrast, the inhibitors notably reduced the length of lateral roots and decreased the content of P, and Fe in both root and shoot, whilst elevating Zn contents. Furthermore, ETH incited the up-regulation of auxin biosynthesis and transportation genes, leading to an increased endogenous auxin content in the lateral root-hair region. whereas, the inhibitors produced an opposite effect. We thus conclude that ethylene modulates auxin transportation and biosynthesis. This activity stimulates the auxin signaling pathway locally-specifically, in the root hair zone in the lateral root, which in turn, regulates root growth and mineral nutrient content.
Discrete nutrient utilizations in two Bauhinia species exposed to supplemental light-emitting diode spectra and exponential fertilization
Authors: CHANG Haibo , YANG Jingmin , LIU Jinhua , ZHANG Didi , BAI Longnan , YANG Yiqi , LIU Jiying , LUO Yunqing
Published: September 2023

Bauhinia is a widely planted urban tree plant in tropical cities, which are frequently dwelling in a habitat exposed to inevitable streetlamp lighting. It is of practical meaning to figure out the lighting spectra that benefit nutrient utilization in corporation with a proper exponential fertilization regime. In this study, Bauhinia brachycarpa and B. variegata seedlings were cultured with exponential fertilization at the rate of 80 mg nitrogen (N) plant-1 (N-phosphorus-potassium, 10-7-9) with an unfertilized control, and both were exposed to light-emitting diode spectra of R1BG5 (13.9% red, 77.0% green, 9.2% blue), R2BG3 (26.2% red, 70.2% green, 3.5% blue), and R3BG1 (42.3% red, 57.3% green, 0.4% blue). The R3BG1 spectrum resulted in smaller growing size and dry mass but higher nutrient concentration and root water content compared to the other two spectra. Exponential fertilization increased fresh mass for two Bauhinia species but only increased dry mass in B. brachycarpa. Compared to B. variegata, B. brachycarpa was verified to have a higher capacity to accommodate exogeneous nutrient input through exponential fertilization. The R3BG1 spectrum was recommended for the illumination in streetlamps for Bauhinia because this spectrum can promote nutrient uptake without too fast rate of growth relative to other spectra with lower red-light proportions.
Chemical composition of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) and its effect on growth performance, feed efficiency and metabolic biochemistry of juvenile hybrid tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: MÉNDEZ-MARTÍNEZ Yuniel , NARVÁEZ-NARVÁEZ Rosa I. , ANGULO Carlos , CORTÉS-JACINTO Edilmar , BOTELLO-LEON Aroldo , VERDECIA-ACOSTA Danis M. , TORRES-NAVARRETE Yenny G.
Published: September 2023

The aquaculture due to the high cost and continued shortage of animal protein sources, the development of alternative plant protein sources has been one of the main challenges to establish sustainable aquaculture as economically viable. Objective of this investigation was to determine the chemical composition and effect of Tithonia diversifolia on the growth performance, feed efficiency and metabolic biochemistry of juveniles of Oreochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis niloticus. Five treatments were used: 0% (control), 4, 8, 12 and 16% levels of inclusion of T. diversifolia flour in diet to feed juvenile fish cultured in 15 plastic aquariums at a density of 15 fish/aquarium. The assay lasted eight weeks. The T. diversifolia flour was characterized for showing adequate levels of crude protein (21%), with low crude fat (4.5%) levels, neutral detergent fiber levels: 43.03% and acid detergent fiber: 24.40%. The growth performance presented significant differences (p˂0.05), for weight gain, day average weight gain (DAW), length gain, day average length gain (DAL), specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). In treatment with 16% of inclusion of T. diversifolia flour, values obtained for weight gain, DAW, SGR, FE and PER (15.88 g, 0.28 g. day-1, 2.03 %, 0.34 g.g-1 and 0.98, respectively), which did not differ with the control treatment, highlighting the benefits of T diversifolia flour. The metabolic biochemistry parameters experienced a decrease with the increase of T. diversifolia in diet, where the highest values of triglycerides, cholesterol, and glucose were for the control treatment (p <0.05), while the protein increased to 4% of the flour. T. diversifolia flour presents an adequate balance of nutrients for its chemical composition and amino acids, without causing negative effects on the growth performance, weight-length relationship, feed efficiency, survival and metabolic biochemistry.