bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthropometric parameters as risk factors for dilated cardiomyopathy in carriers of rs1805124 and rs35068180 polymorphisms
Authors: Kuznetsova O. O. , Nikulina S. Yu. , Chernova A. A. , Maksimov V. N.
Published: November 2024

Aim. To identify anthropometric parameters that are associated with a more frequent development of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in patients with rs1805124 and rs35068180 polymorphisms.

Material and methods. The present study included 111 patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) (99 men (89,2%) and 12 women (10,8%)). The mean age of the participants was 51±9,1 years, with an age range of 20 to 69 years. The control group included 101 healthy individuals (mean age, 50,8±12,3 years; age range, 34 to 79 years (men, 86,1%)).

The Rees-Eysenck index (body length*100/chest transverse diameter*6) and the Tanner's sexual dimorphism index (3*shoulder diameter–intercrestal diameter) were used.

In addition to the conventional body mass index (BMI), the study determined waist circumference, hip circumference, body shape index (BSI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body adiposity index (BAI), body roundness index (BRI).

Results. Patients carrying the GG genotype had significantly higher WHR, BAI, and BRI indices compared to the control group. However, similar differences were also observed among carriers of the AG and AA genotypes. Also, carriers of the AG and AA genotypes of the rs1805124 polymorphism significantly differed from the control group in WHR and WHtR. This may indicate the primary influence of somatometric indices, rather than the studied polymorphisms, on the DCM development.

The multivariate analysis performed using the Wald stepwise selection method showed a significant effect of BRI (p=0,000) and the Rees-Eysenck index (p=0,000) on the development of DCM in carriers of the rs1805124 polymorphism GG genotype. In patients carrying the 6a/6a genotype, the WHtR, WHR, BMI, BAI, and BRI were significantly higher than in the control group. Similar differences were also observed among carriers of the 6a/5a genotype. The indices of WhtR, BAI, BMI, and BRI were significantly higher in carriers of the 5a/5a genotype. However, similar differences were also observed among carriers of the AG and AA genotypes. Also, carriers of the AG and AA genotypes of the rs1805124 polymorphism significantly differed from the control group in both WHR and WHtR.

Conclusion. Most likely, such somatometric indices as BRI, WHR, WHtR, BAI, and BMI are of great importance in the development of DCM. In carriers of the homozygous rare allele G of the rs1805124 polymorphism, independent predictors of DCM may be BRI and the Rees-Eysenck index, while in carriers of the rare allele 5a of the rs35068180 polymorphism — BRI, BMI, and the Rees-Eysenck index. However, BRI and the Rees-Eysenck index may be independent predictors of DCM regardless of the genotypes of the studied polymorphisms.
PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT OF CIRCULARLY POLARIZED MICROSTRIP ANTENNA USING SINGLE-LAYER FOAM SUBSTRATE FOR 5.8 GHZ ISM BAND APPLICATIONS
Authors: Hake Shahadev , Jaiswal Rupesh , Moon Sunil , Nikam Pritam , Kumar Jayendra
Published: November 2024

Since last decade, a microstrip patch antenna has played a very important role in industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band applications, but single-layer antennae suffer from low gain and low radiation efficiency. For an ISM band, there is always a trade-off between these parameters, so maintaining it on a single-layer microstrip antenna is a big challenge. A circularly polarized (CP) microstrip antenna using a single-layer foam substrate has been designed for 5.8 GHz ISM band which offers high gain, improved radiation efficiency, and a lightweight design. It is constructed as a low-profile, single coaxial feed microstrip antenna on a foam substrate, achieving circular polarization by integrating two slots into the radiating patch antenna has dimensions of 0.98 λ0 × 0.98 λ0 × 0.096 λ0, impedance bandwidth of 600 MHz (5.56-6.16) GHz, which underscores its adaptability across a wide range of frequencies within the specified band. Furthermore, it elaborates the axial ratio bandwidth which extends over 130 MHz (5.77-5.90) GHz, showing the antenna's ability to maintain circular polarization characteristics over a significant frequency range with a gain of 8.87 dB. The experimental and simulation results confirmed a remarkable radiation efficiency of 95.62%, showing its superior effectiveness compared to any existing single-layer microstrip antenna.
The GAR of the unified welfare index Foster-Thorbecke-Greer-Sen-Kakwani
Authors: Babou El Hadji
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we use a direct and specific way of finding a General Asymptotic Representation of Kakwani welfare index. The Kakwani measure includes the Sen index and the Foster-Thorbecke-Geer index. A GAR for Kakwani has been derived in Lo (2013) as a particular case of the GAR of the General Poverty index. However that general approach uses highly mathematical tools. But that approach does not use the fep-lrfep method as exposed in \cite{loFepLrepMethod}. So, a direct treatment based on the new unified formulation is to be considered and that would serve as a validation of the first result.
Levulinic Acid Production from Artichoke Leaves (Cynara Scolymus L.) by Catalytic Hydrothermal Reaction
Authors: Selvi Gökkaya Dilek , Sağlam Mehmet , Yüksel Mithat , Ballice Levent
Published: November 2024

In addition to examining the highest yield production of Levulinic acid (LA) from artichoke leaves by the subcritical catalytic hydrothermal decomposition, the studies were carried out on also increasing the production yields of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), Acetic and Formic acid from this biomass. In order to obtain the most suitable reaction conditions, the effect of different reaction conditions, including different temperature, reaction time, pH and catalyst types, on the decomposition of artichoke leaves and product yields were investigated. The subcritical thermal decomposition studies of artichoke leaves were carried out in an autoclave system at temperatures (120°C, 140°C, 160°C, and 180°C) for reaction times of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 min in the presence of H2SO4, HNO3, and HCL catalysts with different pH values; these reactions were realized also without adding a catalyst. As a result of the detailed research, it was seen that the most suitable experimental conditions for the production of LA with the highest yield from artichoke leaves could be achieved by adding sulfuric acid with a pH of 0.5 at a reaction temperature of 180°C and a reaction time of 50 min. The investigations were continued till achieving the highest product yields. After carrying out the experiments stated above, the optimal yields of the products produced from the artichoke biomass by the reactions were found as 209.39 g/kg biomass for LA, 117.40 g/kg biomass for formic acid, 72.27 g/kg biomass for acetic acid, and 39.04 g/kg biomass for 5-HMF.
Quantifying the Visuo-Perceptual Segregation Between Ortabayır and Levent District in Istanbul through Semantic Segmentation
Authors: Kassab Jood , Uzun Can
Published: November 2024

Urban segregation has always been a critical problem affecting citizens’ socio-cultural equality. Although the issue has been widely investigated, recent methodological perspectives based on machine learning techniques can provide alternative viewpoints while contributing to precise findings. This study highlights the urban segregation problem in the context of Levent and Ortabayir districts in Istanbul while reviewing the existing literature on the relevant issue of segregation. The study aims to elaborate on the visual and perceptual segregation between Levent and Ortabayir while providing quantitative evidence. This study applies semantic segmentation of street view images and scene ratings to quantify visuo-perceptual segregation. The dataset for semantic segmentation contains 150 street view images for both Levent and Ortabayır regions. Seven semantic label criteria are decided, such as nature, pavement, road, sky, buildings, people, and cars, to outline the basic visual qualities of the urban environment. The street view scenes are evaluated on a 7-Likert scale by fifty raters who are asked to focus on the scenes’ safety and beauty perceptual qualities. We applied comparison analysis to detect the statistical similarities and variations and correlation analyses to investigate the associative trends between virtual and perceptual variables. This study distinguishes itself from the existing literature by adopting the machine learning method to asses the segregation problem between Levent and Ortabayir through semantic labels. Our approach contributes to the literature with its methodology and the quantitative, precise segregation findings. This study confirms the segregation between Levent and Ortabayir with their visual and perceptual qualities and illustrates the discrete visuo-perceptual features of both regions. This study shows that segregation appears in the selected regions on both inter-regional and intra-regional scales.
Exploring the Functional Potential of Breast Milk Protein Hydrolysates: Antiglycation, Antioxidant, Metal Chelation, and Lipid Peroxidation Activities
Authors: Kocadağ Kocazorbaz Ebru
Published: November 2024

The formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is a pivotal factor in the development of various age-related and diabetes associated pathophysiologies, including but not limeted to arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, atherosclerosis and cataracts. Consequently, the prospect of inhibiting AGE formation emerges as a viable strategy to prevent or halt the advancement of diabetic complications. In the scientific literature, there is still a reluctance to produce bioactive peptides demonstrating antiglycation activity from breast milk. The breast milk protein was hydrolysed using trypsin for 240 min. The antiglycation, metal chelating activity, lipid peroxidation activity, and antioxidant activity of the peptides in the hydrolysates obtained after hydrolysis of human milk with trypsin enzyme were performed. The peptide diversity obtained after hydrolysis was determined by RP-HPLC. The breast milk hydrolysate was demonstrated significant antiglycation activity (IC50: 312.8 ± 12.1 µg/mL), antioxidant activity (61.8±4.58 mM AAE/µg peptide) , metal chelation activity (24.4%/μg peptide). The hydrolysate effectively inhibited lipid peroxidation (30.5±0.12%) compared to Trolox (51.2±0.3%). These findings highlight the potential of breast milk protein hydrolysates as a source of bioactive peptides with diverse health benefits. The present study offers valuable insights into utilizing human milk peptides as novel functional food components.
Between Private and Public: Rethinking Hannah Arendt’s Notion of ‘Natality’ Through Contemporary Feminist Thought
Authors: Argirò Anna
Published: November 2024

This article re-examines Arendt’s notion of ‘natality’ through a reinterpretation of her public-private distinction as dynamic, and engaging specifically with feminist reflections on ‘the maternal’ as provided by Adriana Cavarero and Judith Butler. As the human capacity of beginning something new, Arendt’s concept of ‘natality’ implies that human beings come into the world not as self-generated, but as related to others. Nonetheless, this notion has been criticized for abstracting from the concrete experience and generative process of birth. More generally, it has often been argued that Arendt separates human beings’ first appearancein the world through birth from their capacity to appear in the shared scene of political life. Building on feminist reflections on maternity and suggesting an interpretation of Arendt’s public/private distinction as dynamic, this article shows that the private sphere exhibits its plurality and embodiment through intimate relations that inform the political space. This way, it argues that the interplay between what Arendt calls ‘first and second birth’ can be rethought as non-exclusive but connected, reconsidering the ‘first birth’ as a political and existentially significant event already staged within a network of relations.
The Development of Tourism Areas in Abang Temple Yogyakarta, Using Engineering Geological Capability
Authors: Kristanto Wisnu Aji Dwi , Utami Ayu
Published: November 2024

Temples are interesting objects used for the exploration, exploitation, and development of tourist areas. However, these cultural sites and the surrounding environment need to be adequately preserved to prevent disasters. One of the interesting aspects of temples needed to be developed as tourist areas is its engineering geological capability. Therefore, this study aims to determine the engineering geological capability of Abang Temple located in the village of Jogotirto, Berbah, Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This Buddhist heritage temple was built on an isolated hill with the constituent materials of red bricks, tuff, and andesite that have experienced weathering over the decades. The temple is geographically located in an interesting natural nuance, thereby making it a dilemma for developing tourist areas. This research was carried out by mapping and measuring field data on several influential aspects, including the carrying capacity of rocks and soil, slope, the potential for geological disasters, the depth of groundwater level, the ease of excavation, the land use, the rock weathering level, and the discontinuity field density. The results shows that there are three zones of engineering geological capability for developing temples into tourist areas, namely high, medium, and low capabilities.
Development of the Attitude Scale for Wasteful Behaviors Towards Nurses and Examination of Its Psychometric Properties
Authors: Baykara Mat Seda Tuğba , Baykal Ülkü
Published: November 2024

Objective: This study aims to develop the "Nurses’ Wasteful Behaviors Attitude Scale" as a new measurement tool to evaluate the attitudes of nurses’ wasteful behaviors.

Methods: In the final phase of this three-phase study, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to create a new item pool of 52 items to minimize potential biases in the scale items and to communicate effectively with nursing professionals. Following the content validity results, a 50-item scale draft was obtained. Data were obtained online from 500 nurses between February and September 2023.

Results: The content validity index of the scale stands at 0.96. Following the exploratory factor analysis, it was determined that the scale comprises 30 items distributed across five sub-dimensions, which collectively account for 58.17% of the total variance. Moreover, the Cronbach's alpha coefficient yielded a value of .93.

Conclusion: The scale has high internal consistency, time invariance, and high fit indices. This scale can help take initiatives to prevent wasteful behaviors in the hospitals and ensure sustainability.
Expression of some transcription factors CBF (C-REPEAT BINDING FACTOR) in rye seedlings (Secale cereale L.) under cold stress
Authors:   Perm State University, Pechenkina Viktoriia A. ,   Perm Agricultural Research Institute – Branch of Perm Federal Research Center Ural Brunch Russian Academy of Sciences, Shestiperstova Alisa S. ,   Perm State University, Vasileva Yulia S. ,   Perm State University, Boronnikova Svetlana V. ,   Perm State University
Published: November 2024

Winter rye is one of the most important food crops in the world. Due to its high adaptability, winter hardiness and ability to yield on low-fertility soils, winter rye helps stabilize the gross grain harvest. For the vast majority of crop plants, the main stress-causing environmental factor is temperature. This is especially true for its lower values in cultivation areas. The response to low temperatures in plants is formed at the cellular level. Genes and transcription factors responsible for cold resistance are activated, which ensure plant survival. One of the most important mechanisms capable of activating the adaptive response of rye to cold is the CBF (C-repeat Binding Factor) family of transcription factors. The aim of this work was to identify the expression level of some genes of the ScCBF family (ScCBF1, ScCBF4, ScCBF14, ScCBF18) in seedlings of sowing rye (Secale cereale L.) under cold stress. S. cereale seedlings were divided into four groups based on the duration of cold stress (1, 6, 12, 24 h). One control group was not exposed to cold stress. RNA of seedlings from different cold stress groups was analyzed by real-time PCR. The study showed that the expression levels of ScCBF1, ScCBF4, ScCBF14, and ScCBF18 genes changed to varying degrees in response to low positive temperature. The highest level of normalized expression of ScCBF1 and ScCBF14 genes was observed under 6-hour cold stress. In the case of ScCBF4 gene, the highest level of its normalized expression was observed under 24-hour cold stress. The level of normalized expression of ScCBF18 gene reached its peak under 12-hour stress.
The estimation of gross regional product leading indicator by temporal dissaggregation method
Authors:   National Bank of the Republic of Bashkortostan of the Ural Main Branch of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation (Bank of Russia), Gafarova Elena A.
Published: November 2024

Introduction. Тhe estimation of gross regional product high-frequency leading indicator is relevant for the reliable analysis of current trends in regional economy and early understanding of its changes in the periods of high uncertainty since gross regional product is published on an annual basis. One approach to receive this indicator is a temporal disaggregation method, which has proven to be reasonable in foreign literature for disaggregating gross domestic product. At the same time, temporal disaggregation of regional economic time series has been understudied. Purpose. The purpose of the study is to refer to a temporal disaggregation method to estimate an unobservable indicator with high accuracy approximation for annual GRPs. Materials and Methods. The study analyzed Rosstat data for various periods, which characterize the economic growth in the Republic of Bashkortostan, as well as Bank of Russia data of enteprises’ monitoring. X-13ARIMA-SEATS methods for seasonal adjustment, temporal disaggregation methods (Chou–Lin, Fernandez and Litterman) and ARIMA for short-term forecast were used. Results. The article presents the results of temporal disaggregation of the gross regional product of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The best specification was estimated by the Chow–Lin method and includes indicators that characterize industrial production, retail trade, as well as enterprises’ survey data about the fluctuations in the ruble exchange rate. The ARIMA model gave a short-term forecast for a gross regional product leading monthly indicator. Unlike a random walk model with a forecast of up to 2-year lead time, a combination of temporal disaggregation method and ARIMA gave a better out-of-sample annual GRP forecast. Conclusion. The study successfully tested a temporal disaggregation method for the gross regional product of the Republic of Bashkortostan. In practice, this method provides reliable forecast estimates of the gross regional product for the current economic analysis with regard to available high-frequency data. It is shown that the use of survey data can improve the quality of gross regional product forecast.
Mechanism for assessing the digital maturity of industrial enterprises’ personnel
Authors:   Samara National Research University, Vasyaycheva Vera A.
Published: November 2024

Introduction. The current trends in the development of the world economy set the vector for innovative renewal in the industrial entities of the Russian Federation. Digital independence and technological sovereignty of enterprises are determined by the introduction of cutting-edge computer programs and advanced information support for domestic developers. All-encompassing digitalization with no regard to the digital maturity of personnel could be a challenge with a large number of personnel risks and financial losses. Therefore, the concerns for appropriate assessment of personnel’s digital maturity come to the front. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to develop an assessment mechanism for the digital maturity of personnel, which ensures the efficiency of assessment procedures that make it possible to objectively determine specialists’ readiness to work in the digital environment and promote industrial enterprises to a new level of technological development. Materials and Methods. The paper refers to the methods of structural analysis and synthesis, generalization, analogy, modeling, system analysis, and optimization. Results. The paper describes some ideas for assessing and increasing the digital maturity of personnel at industrial enterprises in the Russian Federation. These ideas expand the methodological tools of modern managers and support accelerated modernization processes that transfer enterprises to a state of innovative activity. Conclusion. The author’s developments and conclusions have high practical significance for the development of key competencies at the Russian enterprises. This contributes into achieving the goals and higher competitiveness in a turbulent economy. The strategic guideline for further research is the issues of methodological and technological support for the developed proposals.
Digital economy and digital transformation of regional economy: Assessment and features
Authors:   Perm State University, Mirolyubova Tatyana V. , Nikolaev Roman S. ,   Perm State University,   Rosstat Regional Office of Perm Territory
Published: November 2024

Introduction. Modern Russian practices are aimed at finding the efficient methods to examine the transformational processes, including from the perspective of terms and concepts, and assessment approaches. Purpose. The paper strives to review the previously presented methodological approaches to assess the digital economy in terms of its connection with digital transformation and digital maturity of regional economy. Materials and Methods. Methodological solutions described in the paper are tested with the 2021–2023 Rosstat data for the constituents of the Russian Federation. Results. With an approach of a three-level digital economy in mind, the authors analyzed its structure and identified factors of production with their digital content, including digital labour and digital capital. The paper describes methodological solutions combined with modern statistical tools to explore and assess these factors. When tested, these solutions classify the constituents of the Russian Federation into seven groups by the size of their digital capital: cores (over 100 bln roubles), flagships (50–100 bln roubles), first, second, and third convoys, digital semi-periphery and digital periphery. Each group has its features of development identified by their specific weight in digital capital and digital labour, as well as personnel deficiency in the area of information technologies. Conclusion. Digital transformation in Russia is characterized with its later start and stronger dynamics, as well as significant unequal distribution among the regions. Digital transformations in the regions could be assessed with such indicators as digital labour and digital capital. The correlation among these indicators could differentiate the regions by their digital development.
On the correct size of positronium
Authors:   Vladimir Electromechanical Plant, Pavlov Valentin D.
Published: November 2024

It is noted that initially the minimum size of the hydrogen atom was determined by the semiclassical method, which is still widely used today. When calculating the minimum size of a positronium atom, the method tested on the hydrogen atom was not used. Instead, in the formula for the radius, the mass was replaced by the reduced mass of positronium. There would be nothing wrong with this if the above “hydrogen” method gave the same result. However, it is not. The difference between the formula for positronium and the “hydrogen” formula is the coefficient “2”, due to the fact that the positive charge is not in the center of mass. In the literature, the minimum size of a positronium atom (Bohr radius of positronium) was determined in accordance with the two-body problem method. In the particular case under consideration, the method of the two-body problem is redundant and can be successfully replaced by solving the problem of the motion of one of the bodies. This allows you to obtain more visual and obvious solutions without excessive formalism with the reduced mass and displacement vector. The doubly refined value of the positronium radius was determined using the semiclassical method. However, positronium is a quantum object. Therefore, a quantum mechanical consideration is also presented. The textbook solutions are taken as a basis. The solution to the problem of two particles is found in the form of an equivalent solution for one of the particles moving relative to a stationary center of mass, especially since there is a reliable quantum mechanical solution for the case of a spherically symmetric force field, which assumes a stationary center of force. The latter is especially important, since the mobility of the force center (electric charge) can lead to radiation and, consequently, a change in the energy balance. It has been established that the calculated minimum radius of positronium (the distance from its center of mass at which the probability of finding an electron/positron is maximum) is equal to four, and not two Bohr radii of hydrogen, as indicated in the literature. In this case, the semiclassical and quantum solutions do not contradict each other.
Medical Textiles of Self-Inflating On Air Mattress Bed and Belt for Nursing Physical Therapy Education and Training Performing a Healing Process
Authors: Elsayed A Elnashar , Michal Frydrysiak
Published: November 2024

Medical textiles of a self-inflating air mattress bed and belt include an air chamber and a foam panel therein. The air chamber is defined by top and bottom sheet panels and a valve allowing air passage into and out of the air chamber. The foam panel includes the field of airflow passage there through, and the top and bottom sheet panels are mechanically coupled directly together via the apertures in the foam panel of the air mattress conducted to improve sleep quality. This study investigated the effect of variations in the surface characteristics of mattress beds and belts on pelvic fracture patients’ sleep quality. The present study developed a mattress bed and belt whose rigidity can be varied by controlling the amount of air in its air cells. To investigate the effect of the variable rigidity of the air mattress bed and belt on pelvic fracture patients’ sleep quality, participants (women, ages 13-45) were instructed to sleep on the air mattress bed and belt under different conditions, and their sleep quality was subjectively and objectively investigated. Subjectively, sleep quality is assessed based on the participants’ evaluations of the depth and length of their sleep. Objectively, medical textiles for pelvic fracture patients and mattress bed and belt specifications are estimated using the sleep stage information obtained by analyzing the movements and brain waves of the participants during their sleep. A subjective assessment of the sleep quality demonstrates that the participants’ sleep was worse with the adjustment of the air mattress bed and belt.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Ammonia Synthesis
Authors: Slavko Đurić
Published: November 2024

The paper researches the effect of temperature on ammonia synthesis. The ammonia synthesis reaction is exothermic with a negative entropy change. ∆G < 0 condition is fulfilled at lower temperatures up to 464K (Le Chatelierov principle). It is a constant equilibrium of the ammonia synthesis reaction at lower temperatures, which means that the NH3(g) synthesis reaction is shifted in the direction of NH3(g) formation (higher production of ammonia). The downside of lowering the temperature is that more ammonia is obtained, but the reaction rate slows down. Above 464K, the free enthalpy of the NH3(g) synthesis reaction is greater than zero, so the reaction enters thermodynamically unfavorable conditions. By increasing the reaction temperature, the ammonia yield NH3(g) decreases in the equilibrium mixture. At 400K, it is 0.5127kmol/kmol (51.27%) and at 700K, the synthesis process NH3(g) is practically complete.
7500 Sex marker screening protocol EFGL v1
Authors: GeneticsLab EagleFish
Published: November 2024

This is a generalized protocol that Eagle Fish Genetics Lab (EFGL) uses to prepare samples for a genetic sex screening on the ABI 7500. It provides steps on normalizing samples, prepping different master mix recipes, and using the 7500 software v2.3 to complete a 7500 run.
TruAI Neuromelanin Quantification v2
Authors: Filimontseva Anastasia , Chatterton Zac , Halliday Glenda , Fu YuHong
Published: November 2024

Quantification of area and optical density of intracellular neuromelanin with TruAI.
Immunohistology for Mouse Brain Sections v1
Authors: Sun Yue , H. Roth Richard , Hwang Fuu-Jiun , B. Ding Jun
Published: November 2024

This protocol outlines the general steps for preparing mouse brain tissue for immunostaining and histology analysis. It can be adapted for different antibodies and brain regions as needed.
Cleaning and sterilizing Droso-Plugs for Drosophila maintenance v1
Authors: Hartman Helene , Dylan Shropshire J.
Published: November 2024

Genesee Scientific's Droso-Plugs provide a reusable, washable, and autoclavable solution for sealing Drosophila vials. This protocol outlines our lab's procedure for cleaning and sterilizing Droso-Plugs. While these plugs can be reused multiple times, we have observed that they may shrink with repeated cleanings and autoclaving cycles. Therefore, we recommend using each plug only twice before disposal.
Spatial N-glycomics with MALDI-MSI for human kidney tissue v2
Authors: Velickovic Dusan , Sharma Kumar , Alexandrov Theodore , Anderton Christopher
Published: November 2024

This protocol describes the procedure to obtain high quality MALDI mass spectrometry images of N-linked glycans from formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue. This protocol is optimized for human kidney biopsy tissue as part of the Kidney Precision Medicine Project. (Version 4) It is also optimized for performing MALDI mass spectrometry imaging on 2 µm thick tissue sections, which is an optimal thickness for histopathology.
Sample preparation for Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) v1
Authors: Sun Yue , B. Ding Jun , H. Roth Richard , Hwang Fuu-Jiun
Published: November 2024

Mouse brain tissue sample preparation for single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) that is performing in the Ding lab.
Win Your Race Goal: A Generalized Approach to Prediction of Running Performance v1
Authors: Dash Sandy
Published: November 2024

We introduce a novel approach for predicting running performance, designed to apply across a wide range of race distances (from marathons to ultras), elevation gains, and runner types (front-pack to back of the pack). To achieve this, the entire running logs of 15 runners, encompassing a total of 15,686 runs, were analyzed using two approaches: (1) regression and (2) time series regression (TSR). First, the prediction accuracy of a long short-term memory (LSTM) network was compared using both approaches. The regression approach demonstrated superior performance, achieving an accuracy of 89.13% in contrast, the TSR approach reached an accuracy of 85.21%. Both methods were evaluated using a test dataset that included the last 15 runs from each running log. Secondly, the performance of the LSTM model was compared against two benchmark models: Riegel formula and UltraSignup formula for a total of 60 races. The Riegel formula achieves an accuracy of 80%, UltraSignup 87.5%, and the LSTM model exhibits 90.4% accuracy. This work holds potential for integration into popular running apps and wearables, offering runners data-driven insights during their race preparations.
Ex Vivo Mouse Brain Slice Whole-Cell Patch-Clamp Electrophysiology v1
Authors: Hwang Fuu-Jiun , B. Ding Jun
Published: November 2024

This protocol outlines steps for performing ex vivo slice whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology experiments, including voltage clamp and current clamp recordings as well as optogenetic stimulation. For optogenetic stimulation, this procedure is typically performed on mice expressing genetically encoded opsins, such as Channelrhodopsin2, which can be introduced through viral injection or transgenic expression.
Semantic Features of the Word Qonyr (Brown): Conceptual Analysis of Two Separate Works
Authors: Baltabayeva Aidana , Bakenova Aigul , Amirbekova Aigul , Sametova Zhanakul , Sagyndykova Kalamkas , Samenkyzy Ulpan , Umirbekova Aizat , Zharylgapov Zhansaya , Khassenov Bolat
Published: November 2024

It is known that the Aesopian language was used in the works of many writers to convey the parable. This article shows how and why Kazakh writers used the Aesopian language during the Soviet era. The study analyzes the contextual and symbolic meanings of the word qonyr, one of the most important concepts of Kazakh cognition. The research material was taken from O. Bokey’s novel Kajdasyn, Kaska Kulynym? (Where Are You, My Foal with a Star on His Forehead?), and a poem by Zhumeken Nazhimedenov titled “Kyran-Kiya” (“Mountain Eagle”). A conceptual research method in modern linguistics was chosen for data analysis. As a result, new implicit meanings of the word qonyr (“brown”) were revealed, such as “longing”, “sadness”, and “nobility”. The juxtaposition of these meanings with Soviet ideology is presented. The results and conclusions of the study are a kind of contribution to studies in cognitive linguistics and decolonization.
Features of Hedging Strategies Performed by the Federal Reserve Chair in Press Conferences
Authors: Deng Zhujun , Ali Afida Mohamad , Zin Zaid Bin Mohd
Published: November 2024

This study examined the pragmatic functions of hedging strategies used by the Federal Reserve System (Fed) Chair during press conferences. The Fed’s significant influence on U.S. monetary policy and global financial markets makes its communication methods crucial yet linguistically underexplored. This study employed a mixed-methods approach to examine the frequency and types of hedges, their situational usage, and pragmatic functions. The findings revealed a notable use of approximators and shields to adapt to the complexities of financial communication, with adaptors and plausibility shields being the most common. The Fed Chair employed hedging strategies to address sensitive economic issues, uncertain policies, and matters affecting financial markets and public perception. These hedging strategies were used to mitigate potential criticism, enhance flexibility, soften the tone, maintain credibility, ensure effective information delivery, and improve politeness. The study contributed to the understanding of linguistic hedging strategies in financial communication and underscored the strategic use of language in economic policy-making and financial stability.
Ideological Manipulation in Aljazeera Live News Interpretation: A Normative Study
Authors: AlSuhaim Dana S.
Published: November 2024

Translation and Interpretation has long been scrutinised from the linguistic, social, and cultural perspectives, with a recent emphasis on the impact of social, cultural, and ideological factors on translation. Descriptive Translation Studies (DTS), pioneered by Gideon Toury, prioritise understanding translations within social and cultural contexts rather than prescribing norms. Political news translation and interpretation, particularly in conflict contexts, underscores the sensitive and controversial nature of translation decisions as they are influenced by political and ideological stances. This study investigates the dominant norms shaping the interpretating of international news on Al-Jazeera’s Live Channel. Through qualitative content analysis guided by Toury’s framework, the prevailing interpreting norms were identified. Analyses revealed the dominance of target-oriented norms in Al-Jazeera’s interpreters, reflecting adherence to the target culture's social, cultural, and ideological norms. The study contributes to our understanding of interpreting as a socially-embedded practice and its implications for political discourse and ideological representation.
The Identity of a Storyteller in Teachers’ Facebook Status Updates
Authors: Rashid Radzuwan Ab , Al-Ramahi Raed Awad , Al-Smadi Omar Ali , Alqaryouti Marwan Harb , Sadeq Ala Eddin
Published: November 2024

This paper explores how teachers discursively construct the identity of a storyteller when posting Status updates on Facebook Timelines. Data were generated using participant observation where 29 Timelines belonging to Malaysian secondary school English language teachers were observed throughout a six-month period. A total of 178 teaching-related Status updates were recorded and then analyzed using a discursive analytical approach combining ‘broad discourse analysis’ and Edwards and Potter's (1992) discursive psychology. The analysis shows that most of the Status updates fit the structure of a narrative genre and the teachers use various storytelling and discursive psychology strategies to engage readers. This paper argues that teachers' Status updates are more than just an account of mundane teaching-related experiences but serve as a mechanism for them to construct desirable identities.
PROOF WITHOUT WORDS: SINE DIFFERENCE IDENTITY
Authors: Wang Long
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we give a pictorial proof of sine difference identity.
FORMATION, ESTABLISHMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE EASTERN POLICY OF THE EU
Authors:   Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University, Uman, Ukraine, Kuznets Tetiana , Hordiyenko Vyacheslav ,   Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University, Uman, Ukraine
Published: November 2024

The article examines the political initiative of the European Union – the European Neighborhood Policy. The dynamics of relations between the EU member states and their neighbors have been monitored. The role of Poland in the perspective of further cooperation and potential expansion of the borders of economic interaction of neighboring EU countries is characterized. The documents and the European Neighborhood Policy Strategy were analyzed separately. The consolidating factor of Poland is singled out as an opportunity for Ukraine and Moldova to join the European Community, and for the EU to expand its economic borders and integrate new potential partners. The purpose of the article is to analyze the cooperation of the European Union with potential partners who may become members of the European community in the future. The main task of this article is to study the formation and development of the Eastern policy of the European Union on the example of Ukraine and Moldova. Another important issue is the EU’s eastward expansion. It is hindered by the imperial ambitions of Russia, which considers Eastern Europe its sphere of influence and is ready by any means to stop the integration of these countries into Europe. Only Moscow’s intervention is delaying the further expansion of the EU’s economic borders. For a long time, the people of Ukraine and Moldova have been asking who is better: Russia or the EU? Here it is worth comparing the material situation of, for example, Poland and neighboring Moldova and Ukraine, and the choice will become obvious. It was concluded that the European Neighborhood Policy is a rather effective mechanism for implementing the economic, social and political factors of the expansion of the EU borders to the East. Additionally, this initiative can serve as an incentive for modernization and further democratization of future member states. The main obstacle is the Russian Federation, which seeks to keep these countries in its orbit or to join Russia altogether. In the future, Europe must unite all possible efforts to confront this enemy of the democracies of the world.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY OF ITALY WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION (1972–2001)
Authors:   Odesa I.I. Mechnikov National University, Odesa, Ukraine, Smyntyna Olena
Published: November 2024

The formation of Italian environmental policy can be divided into two stages. During the first of them (1972–1992), environmental protection was considered one of the additional functions of the government, and innovations in this field occurred mainly under the influence of man-made disasters. The first of them was a mass leak of toxic substances in the city of Seveso in 1976, which led to the mass evacuation of several tens of thousands of people. After that, European countries developed and implemented detailed regulations on handling hazardous materials. The second impetus for the development of environmental policy was the 1986 accident at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant. Then the government established a separate Ministry of the Environment, and also, under public pressure, held a series of referendums, as a result of which all Italian nuclear power plants were shut down. The second stage in the development (1992–2001) of Italy’s environmental policy began with the accession to the European Union after the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, in which the obligations of member states to protect the environment were clearly defined. To control this sector, a special environmental protection body was created – the European Environment Agency with an obligation to assess the member states according to the degree of implementation of environmental legislation. Since Italy carried out reforms to enter the eurozone in the 1990s, compliance with all EU requirements became a mandatory requirement for its government. In addition, environmental solutions, such as limiting carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, controlling water resources and banning the excessive use of pesticides, began to affect the economy of the entire country significantly. The impetus provided by the European Union, helped Italy become one of the leading countries globally in implementing modern environmental policy. The task of this policy is not only to establish separate nature protection zones but also to create conditions for sustainable development, counter the negative consequences of climate change, and maintain a safe environment for the population.
Potential use of radiomics analysis of cine-mode cardiac MRI to detect post-infarction lesions in the left ventricular myocardium
Authors: Maksimova Aleksandra S. , Samatov Denis S. , Merzlikin Boris S. , Shelkovnikova Tatiana A. , Listratov Artem I. , Zavadovsky Konstantin V.
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND: The size and location of an infarct lesion and its clear differentiation from normal tissue are important for clinical diagnosis and precision medicine. This paper is based on the study of radiomic attributes for differentiation of infarct and non-infarct tissue using non-contrast-enhanced cine-mode cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data.
AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential use and informative value of radiomics analysis to identify post-infarction lesions in the left ventricular myocardium in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) using non-contrast-enhanced cine-mode cardiac MRI.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Results of contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI were evaluated in 33 patients following surgical treatment for ICM. Texture analysis was performed on 66 lesions in cine-mode cardiac MRI images, and 105 texture attributes were determined for each lesion. Cardiac MRI was performed according to a standard technique using a Vantage Titan 1.5 T MRI scanner (Toshiba). For texture analysis, 3D Slicer version 5.2.2 (Pyradiomics) was used.
RESULTS: During the study, attribute collinearity diagrams were plotted, zero-significance attributes were identified, and attribute significance was determined using a gradient boosting algorithm, and the cumulative significance of attributes was estimated as a function of their total number. By identifying low-significance attributes, the least significant parameters that did not affect the overall significance level were determined. When single-valued attributes were extracted, no corresponding attributes were found. Based on the analysis results, an ROC curve was constructed for Lasso logistic regression (Se=57.14%, Sp=71.43%, AUC=0.76). The main result of this study was to determine radiomic attributes that characterized lesions corresponding to post-infarction cardiosclerosis and intact left ventricular wall based on cine-mode cardiac MRI images.
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that radiomics analysis of non-contrast-enhanced cine-mode cardiac MRI images is a promising approach to identify lesions corresponding to myocardial infarction and intact wall. This method may potentially be used to identify lesions of post-infarction cardiosclerosis in patients with ICM without contrast enhancement.
The state of cancer care in Russia: malignant tumors of the skin (C44). One- and five-years survival of patients, age characteristics. Part II
Authors: Merabishvili Vakhtang M. , Demidov Lev V. , Belyaev Alexey M. , Gafton Georgy  I. , Samoilenko Igor V. , Perelygin Vladimir V.
Published: November 2024

Pancreas cancer (С25) is a cancer with an unfavorable prognosis, remains one of the most lethal types of cancer, at the national level mortality exceeds morbidity. The analysis of patient survival at the population level on the scale of federal districts is not carried out in Russia with the exception of the North-West Federal District. Considering that the levels of standardized rates of morbidity and mortality from pancreas cancer are close in Russia and NWFD, and the value of index of accuracy practically coincide, the results of the population cancer registry (PCR) of the NWFD RF actually characterize the state of cancer care on average in Russia, with the exception of autonomous districts. The aim of the second stage of the study was to identify the true state of the effectiveness of the oncological service in Russia by calculating a key parameter – evaluating its performance, specifically, calculating the leading parameter – the survival rate of patients, taking into account the stage, localization, histological structure, and the possibility of curing patients The conducted research made it possible to determine the effectiveness of providing specialized oncological care to patients with pancreas cancer at the federal district level. An increase in the one–year observed survival rate for the period from 2000 to 2004 to 2015-2019 was established from 16.0 to 21.8% or by 36.3%, and five–year from 5.1 to 6.0%. The median survival rate did not reach 4 years. A significant difference in the levels of one-year survival of patients in different age groups has been established. Significant defects in the distribution of patients according to the stage of the disease were revealed. The specification of patient survival by detailed localization groups and major histotypes of tumors was studied.