bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Super-resolution microscopy based on interpolation and wide spectrum de-noising
Authors:   Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Cheng T. , Chenchen T. ,   Guangxi University of Science and Technology
Published: September 2023

In the conventional single-molecule localizations and super-resolution microscopy, the pixel size of a raw image is approximately equal to the standard deviation of the point spread function. Such a raw image is referred to herein as a conventional raw image, based on which better single molecule localization effect and efficiency can be achieved. It is found that both interpolation and de-noising can effectively improve the Signal to Noise Ratio of the conventional raw image. The conventional raw image, the de-noised, the interpolated and the de-noised interpolated are compared and analyzed and compressed sensing is used for super-resolution reconstruction. The simulation results show that both the highest Signal to Noise Ratio and the best super-resolution reconstruction can be obtained by de-noising the interpolated conventional raw image. This method also renders the best super-resolution reconstruction and minimum gradient in the real experiment. De-noising the interpolated conventional raw image is an effective method to improve the super-resolution microscopy.
Third-order aberration analysis of a Fresnel lens
Authors:   ITMO University, Romanova G.E. , Nguyen N.S. ,   ITMO University
Published: September 2023

This paper presents expressions for the third-order aberrations of a Fresnel surface (Seidel coefficients). The formulas are derived in a form that allows analytical aberration analysis to be performed at the stage of layout and preliminary design of a system composed of both classical and Fresnel surfaces. In addition to the five major monochromatic Seidel aberrations of the classical surfaces and the line coma which was described for the Fresnel-type surfaces, another aberration, called quadratic astigmatism, is described in this paper. Although the obtained expressions are an approximation for the third-order aberration domain, i.e. higher-order aberrations are ignored, they provide sufficient accuracy in practice, which is also shown in the paper. The derived expressions can be applied to the analysis of aberrations in schemes using a Fresnel lens, which makes it possible to identify the areas of rational use of elements of this type.
Poland's evolving Net Outward Investment Position : a cross-industry analysis
Authors: Gorynia Marian , Nowak Jan , Wolniak Radosław
Published: September 2023

This study is a continuation of the authors' previous work on Poland's investment development path (IDP) and its geographic patterns. It examines changes in sector and industry composition of FDI inflows to and outflows from Poland and confronts the observed changes with the hypotheses derived from J. Dunning's model of IDP. The data time frame used (from 1996 to 2005) coincides with Poland's move through stage 2 of her IDP. The study reveals that during that stage a fundamental shift in sector/industry composition of FDI took place: the leading position of the manufacturing sector in both inflows and outflows was replaced by services (especially financial and trade). With respect to economic policy implications of the observed changes, the authors recommend a shift of focus from attracting FDI inflows towards stimulating outward FDI. (original abstract)
Mechanism and sources of world economic growth
Authors: Gomułka Stanisław
Published: September 2023

The paper proposes a novel approach to the theoretical interpretation of the observed wide variation of economic growth rates between countries and over time. It argues for the need to have two distinctly different classes of theories of economic growth, one for the countries of Technology Frontier Area (TFA), another one for all the other countries. The two classes are outlined and some specific theories are discussed. The paper also discusses the long-term dynamics of the innovation rate and the rate of economic growth. The empirical part offers a new list of stylized facts for the TFA countries and another one for the non-TFA countries. (original abstract)
The role of culture in building regional innovation systems and its impact on business tourism : the case of the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region
Authors: Bialk-Wolf Anna , Pechlaner Harald , Nordhorn Christian
Published: September 2023

In recent years increased attention has been paid to the role of culture and creativity as significant factors influencing economic development. Another crucial phenomenon shaping the economy is the great importance of regionalism. Culture, creativity and regionalism seem to facilitate coping with the troubles of our times in a better way. This paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the ways culture and creativity influence the building of a regional innovation system. A review of crucial literature considering the regional innovation system and the role of culture and creativity in the economic development is provided. The conclusion from qualitative research suggests that the significance of creativity in the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region is widely acknowledged and is an attempt to exploit this finding.(original abstract)
Territorio y economía civil. Reflexiones humanistas
Authors: Gabriel Alexander Solórzano Hernández , John Jaime Bustamante Arango , Iván Darío Toro Jaramillo , María Florencia Guidobono , Ana Elena Builes Vélez , Catherine Jaillier Castrillón , Leidy Diana Vargas , Luis Fernando Ramírez , María Clara Ramírez , Luis Alberto Castrillón López , Gustavo Adolfo Pineda Rojas , Carlos Alberto Sampedro , Jorge Andrés Rico , Antonio García Garcimartin
Published: September 2023

El contexto en el que se encuentra la humanidad actualmente, exige habitar la humanidad, habitarla de buenos principios, capacidades de resiliencia, de amor fraterno, de caridad, de gratuidad y reciprocidad. En medio de esta crisis hace falta habitar lo humano y desencadenarlo. Cada uno de los capítulos, desde diversas posturas, encuentran allí, a partir de sus reflexiones humanistas, un sentido de posibilidad de transformación de las actuales formas en que se ha establecido y ha evolucionado el binomio territorio y humanidad, por lo que se plantean formas que, desde la economía civil y otras reflexiones humanistas, permiten soñar que alguna vez, por utópico que parezca, como en algún momento lo soñó Tomás Moro, sea posible encontrar una nueva dignificación de nuestras relaciones y de ellas con el territorio que habitamos. Pero también, que los postulados de la economía civil como una vía que puede posibilitar la humanización de la economía, los intercambios y formas de habitar, nos lleve a un camino en la que podamos vivir la vida y la felicidad pública que hemos soñado, como una ciudad de comunidad y de beneficios mutuos.
Covid 19 hastalığı sırasında yoğun bakıma yatış ile postoperatif yoğun bakım ünitesi yatışı arasında bir ilişki var mı: retrospektif çalışma
Authors: CANİKLİ ADIGÜZEL Şenay , BAHADIR ALTUN Hatice , AKYURT Dilan , ÜLTAN ÖZGEN Gökçe , SÜREN Mustafa
Published: September 2023

Amaç: Çalışmamızda Covid-19 enfeksiyonu tedavisi olduktan sonra elektif ameliyat edilen hastaların postoperatif mortalite, morbidite ve yoğun bakım ünitesi (YBÜ) gereksinimlerini inceledik.

Gereç ve Yöntemler: Çalışmaya hastanemizde Temmuz 2020–Temmuz 2021 döneminde yatarak Covid-19 enfeksiyonu tedavisi olan ve sonrasında herhangi bir nedenle elektif ameliyat edilen 18 yaş üstü hastalar dahil edildi. Bu hastaların hastanemiz arşiv kayıtlarından dosyaları incelendi. Covid-19 tanısı için PCR test pozitifliği baz alındı. Hastalık sonrası PCR testi negatif olan elektif olarak ameliyat edilen hastalar incelendi.

Bulgular: Hastanemizde bu dönemde 38,136 hasta yatırılarak tedavi edilmiş ve bu hastaların 2,463’ü Covid-19 enfeksiyonu tanısı ile takip edilmişti. Hastanemizde ameliyat edilen hasta sayısı 24,375 iken; bu hastalardan 423’ü Covid-19 tanısıyla hastanemizde yatırılarak takip edilmiş hasta idi. 423 hastadan 102’si elektif, 321’i acil ameliyata alınmıştı. Elektif olarak ameliyat edilen ve PCR testi negatifleşen 30 hasta çalışmaya dahil edilerek kayıtları incelendi. Bu 30 hastadan 5’i (%16.6) postoperatif YBÜ’de takip edilmişti. Önceden Covid-19 nedeniyle YBÜ’de yatmış olan 2 hasta postoperatif dönemde de YBÜ’de takip edildi. Covid-19 YBÜ yatışı ile postoperatif YBÜ ihtiyacı arasında anlamlı bir ilişki bulundu (p
Preparation and Сharacterization of Biocomposite Films of Sodium Alginate/Kappa-Carrageenan/Iota-Carrageenan Loaded with Aminoethoxyvinylglycine
Authors: Villacres N.A. , Cavalheiro E.T.G. , Ferreira A.P.G. , Venancio T. , Alarcon H.A. , Valderrama A.C.
Published: September 2023

This work focused on the development of a new biomaterial from polysaccharides. Thus composite films of sodium alginate, κ-carrageenan, and ι-carra-geenan plasticized with glycerol and poly(ethylene glycol) 400 (PEG 400) were prepared. The surface properties of the resulting films in terms of surface morphology were investigated. The best ratio between glycerol and PEG 400 used as plasticizers to prepare sodium alginate films was determined. Opacity, water content, SEM, TGA, and FTIR studies determined the optimal ratio between glycerol and PEG 400. The addition of carrageenans in the composite films showed differences in the TGA curves and on surface of the films. The composite film was loaded with an ethanolic solution of aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG). The AVG loaded in the composite film exhibited improved surface area, increased percent of crystallinity, and higher percent release at a lower temperature and its release kinetics were studied
Seedling and adult plant resistance to leaf rust in some Bulgarian common wheat lines
Authors: Ivanova V.
Published: September 2023

The response of 250 common winter wheat breeding lines was investigated for resistance to the causative agent of Puccinia triticina under conditions of an infected field on the territory of Dobrudzha Agricultural Institute – General Toshevo, Bulgaria, during three successive seasons. Twenty lines with different degrees of resistance under field conditions were selected. Multi-pathotype testing was used to study the response of these lines at seedling stage under greenhouse conditions to individual pathotypes of P. triticina. Based on the response of the lines at seedling and adult stages, we found out that 20 % of them carried race-specific resistance. One of the lines (99/08-52) reacted with full resistance to the pathotypes used under greenhouse conditions. The reaction demonstrated by this line coincided with the response of isogenic lines carrying the genes Lr9, Lr19, Lr22a, Lr22b and Lr25. The other three lines (19/06-108, 82/08-43 and 82/08-35) showed a resistant reaction to 6 or 5 of the pathotypes used in the study. Their response partially coincided with the reaction of 5 isogenic lines, and the presence of some of these genes in the above lines is quite possible. Lines carrying this type of resistance are to be subjected to further genetic and breeding investigations to prove the presence of a race-specific gene. Twenty-five percent of the lines combined partial race-specific resistance at seedling stage with the resistance of race non-specific nature at adult stage. Forty percent of all studied lines carried race non-specific resistance, and 15 % of the lines possessed resistance of the “slow rusting” type. As a result of the study we carried out, the lines that demonstrated stable resistance to leaf rust can provide sufficient protection of the host and can be included in the breeding programs for developing varieties resistant to P. triticina.
Role of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and sirtuin genes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease development
Authors: Korytina G. F. , Akhmadishina L. Z. , Markelov V. A. , Aznabaeva Y. G. , Kochetova O. V. , Nasibullin T. R. , Larkina A. P. , Khusnutdinova N. N. , Zagidullin N. Sh. , Victorova T. V.
Published: September 2023

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a multifactorial disease of the respiratory system which develops as a result of a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors closely related to lifestyle. We aimed to assess the combined effect of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway (PIK3R1, AKT1, MTOR, PTEN) and sirtuin (SIRT1, SIRT3, SIRT6) genes to COPD risk. SNPs of SIRT1 (rs3758391, rs3818292), SIRT3 (rs3782116, rs536715), SIRT6 (rs107251), AKT1 (rs2494732), PIK3R1 (rs10515070, rs831125, rs3730089), MTOR (rs2295080, rs2536), PTEN (rs701848, rs2735343) genes were genotyped by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) among 1245 case and control samples. Logistic regression was used to detect the association of SNPs in different models. Linear regression analyses were performed to estimate the relationship between SNPs and lung function parameters and smoking pack-years. Significant associations with COPD were identified for SIRT1 (rs3818292) (P = 0.001, OR = 1.51 for AG), SIRT3 (rs3782116) (P = 0.0055, OR = 0.69) and SIRT3 (rs536715) (P = 0.00001, OR = 0.50) under the dominant model, SIRT6 (rs107251) (P = 0.00001, OR = 0.55 for СT), PIK3R1: (rs10515070 (P = 0.0023, OR = 1.47 for AT), rs831125 (P = 0.00001, OR = 2.28 for AG), rs3730089 (P = 0.0007, OR = 1.73 for GG)), PTEN: (rs701848 (P = 0.0015, OR = 1.35 under the log-additive model), and rs2735343 (P = 0.0001, OR = 1.64 for GC)). A significant genotype-dependent variation of lung function parameters was observed for SIRT1 (rs3818292), SIRT3 (rs3782116), PIK3R1 (rs3730089), and MTOR (rs2536). Gene-gene combinations that remained significantly associated with COPD were obtained; the highest risk of COPD was conferred by a combination of G allele of the PIK3R1 (rs831125) gene and GG of SIRT3 (rs536715) (OR = 3.45). The obtained results of polygenic analysis indicate the interaction of genes encoding sirtuins SIRT3, SIRT2, SIRT6 and PI3KR1, PTEN, MTOR and confirm the functional relationship between sirtuins and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
Metabolic profile of blood serum in experimental arterial hypertension
Authors: Seryapina A. A. , Malyavko A. A. , Polityko Yu. K. , Yanshole L. V. , Tsentalovich Yu. P. , Markel A. L.
Published: September 2023

The etiology of essential hypertension is intricate, since it employs simultaneously various body systems related to the regulation of blood pressure in one way or another: the sympathetic nervous system, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal systems, renal and endothelial mechanisms. The pathogenesis of hypertension is influenced by a variety of both genetic and environmental factors, which determines the heterogeneity of the disease in human population. Hence, there is a need to perform research on experimental models – inbred animal strains, one of them being ISIAH rat strain, which is designed to simulate inherited stress-induced arterial hypertension as close as possible to primary (or essential) hypertension in humans. To determine specific markers of diseases, various omics technologies are applied, including metabolomics, which makes it possible to evaluate the content of low-molecular compounds – amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids fragments – in biological samples available for clinical analysis (blood and urine). We analyzed the metabolic profile of the blood serum of male ISIAH rats with a genetic stress-dependent form of arterial hypertension in comparison with the normotensive WAG rats. Using the method of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR spectroscopy), 56 metabolites in blood serum samples were identified, 18 of which were shown to have significant interstrain differences in serum concentrations. Statistical analysis of the data obtained showed that the hypertensive status of ISIAH rats is characterized by increased concentrations of leucine, isoleucine, valine, myo-inositol, isobutyrate, glutamate, glutamine, ornithine and creatine phosphate, and reduced concentrations of 2-hydroxyisobutyrate, betaine, tyrosine and tryptophan. Such a ratio of the metabolite concentrations is associated with changes in the regulation of glucose metabolism (metabolic markers – leucine, isoleucine, valine, myoinositol), of nitric oxide synthesis (ornithine) and catecholamine pathway (tyrosine), and with inflammatory processes (metabolic markers – betaine, tryptophan), all of these changes being typical for hypertensive status. Thus, metabolic profiling of the stress-dependent form of arterial hypertension seems to be an important result for a personalized approach to the prevention and treatment of hypertensive disease.
Diseño de un gadget inteligente para corregir la postura y aliviar molestias musculares en los teletrabajadores
Authors: Araya-Canales María I. , Rodríguez-Barrantes Isabel
Published: September 2023

El teletrabajo se convirtió  en una de las modalidades laborales más importantes en los sectores privados y públicos, producto de la pandemia del COVID-19. Sus beneficios han sido múltiples en la parte económica; sin embargo, trajo desventajas para los usuarios que tuvieron que adaptar las condiciones de su hogar a esta modalidad. Las complicaciones, en su mayoría, son afectaciones musculares en el cuello y espalda, producto de malas posturas durante la jornada laboral.

A partir de esto, se identificó la necesidad de brindar ayuda a los teletrabajadores para corregir los problemas posturales, disminuyendo y previniendo los dolores musculoesqueléticos, de una manera distinta a la que se encuentra en el mercado, ya que los productos existentes se enfocan únicamente en avisar creando molestias al usuario.

Se planteó, entonces, por medio de la metodología design thinking, el diseño de un dispositivo inteligente THÉSI. Producto que permite la corrección de la postura del usuario por medio de un sistema de alarma con un modo silencioso, que recuerda cuando el individuo ha sobrepasado los 15° de flexión en el cuello; a su vez, ofrece un sistema de relajación en puntos de tensión.

De esta forma, se descubrió que es posible mejorar la memoria muscular del usuario al recordarle que debe reacomodar su postura al realizar un ángulo inadecuado y así evitar las posturas forzadas; lo cual previene lesiones de tipo musculoesqueléticas que pueden afectar la calidad de vida, así como la experiencia misma de teletrabajar se puede volver más placentera.
Diseño de un dispositivo de administración de visitantes para la gestión inteligente de parques nacionales en Costa Rica
Authors: Chaves-Varela Gerson
Published: September 2023

En este artículo, se describe el proceso de diseño de un dispositivo de control de flujo de visitantes para parques nacionales de Costa Rica. Con este, se busca contribuir con la labor que realizan los administradores de áreas protegidas en cuanto a información sobre el flujo de visitantes, así como la toma de decisiones para la implementación de planes administrativos adaptativos que buscan la seguridad y satisfacción de estos. Las cuales han disminuido a causa de una reciente alza en cantidad de visitantes y disminución de capacidades de dichos parques de manera sostenible.

El proceso de diseño se orientó por medio de la metodología de Design Thinking, empleando herramientas como análisis de referentes, de percepción, análisis tecnológico, ergonómico, entre otros. Por lo cual, el resultado de este proceso es un dispositivo adaptable al visitante de parques nacionales, capaz de transmitir la posición del usuario, para facilitar a los administradores el manejo de datos en busca de identificar tendencias, áreas de alta densidad y nivel de riesgo. Esto agiliza la planificación de toma de decisiones a corto, mediano y largo plazo.

Durante el proceso, se definieron características de producto como la fabricación, materiales por utilizar, funcionamiento del sistema y algunas de las experiencias, para verificar con posibles usuarios que el producto se encuentra en sincronía con los objetivos y requisitos propuestos inicialmente en el proyecto. Además, se propone un plan estratégico para implementar y validar un prototipo funcional en un área protegida nacional, con el fin de evaluar en un entorno real el funcionamiento e iterar, si es necesario, la solución de diseño.

Finalmente, a través de esta investigación, se identificó una clara ventaja de utilizar productos inteligentes para mejorar el control de flujo de visitantes y la solución creada intenta aprovechar estas ventajas, con el fin de proveer a los administradores de áreas protegidas una manera de maximizar sus ingresos, sin comprometer la sostenibilidad o la satisfacción de los usuarios.
Diversidade e aspectos paleobiológicos do registro de Dicynodontia no Brasil
Authors: Silva João Lucas da , Santos Mateus Anilson Costa , Paes Neto Voltaire Dutra , Pinheiro Felipe Lima
Published: September 2023

Introdução. Dicinodontes são terápsidos herbívoros cosmopolitas com um extenso registro fóssil. No Brasil, esses animais foram encontrados em depósitos dos Períodos Permiano e Triássico localizados no Paraná e Rio Grande do Sul. Objetivo e Metodologia. Este estudo tem como objetivo revisar a diversidade taxonômica e a paleobiologia dos dicinodontes, com ênfase nos espécimes brasileiros, por meio da literatura publicada. Resultados. Os resultados revelam que os dicinodontes são um grupo diverso, com variações significativas em aspectos paleobiológicos, como tamanho e hábito de vida. Além disso, diferentes subgrupos apresentam níveis distintos de diversidade. Notavelmente, os dicinodontes brasileiros exibem uma assimetria na diversidade entre os períodos Permiano e Triássico. Essa disparidade pode sugerir uma diferença real na diversidade ou uma subestimação da mesma no Permiano, devido às limitações do registro fóssil atual. Conclusão. Portanto, estudos adicionais com os fósseis coletados no Brasil são necessários para investigar e compreender melhor essas questões.
Negligência botânica e zoochauvinismo em livros didáticos de Biologia no ensino médio
Authors: Piassa Gabriel , Megid Neto Jorge , Simões André Olmos
Published: September 2023

Introdução. Livros didáticos são o principal recurso para ensino e aprendizagem escolar. No caso dos livros de Biologia, frequentemente abordam a Botânica com estímulo à memorização de termos e sem associá-la ao cotidiano dos alunos. Tal conduta reforça a Negligência Botânica (NB) e o Zoochauvinismo (ZCH). Objetivo e Metodologia. Analisamos cinco coleções de Biologia aprovadas pelo Programa Nacional do Livro Didático, identificando abordagens que reforcem, ou não, a NB e o ZCH. Verificamos como as coleções tratam o estudo de plantas nos capítulos relativos à Botânica, Zoologia, Ecologia, Genética e Evolução. Resultados. Notamos um maior reforço a NB e ZCH nos capítulos de Ecologia, Genética e Evolução e não nos capítulos de Zoologia e Botânica. Conclusão. Em decorrência, é necessário que autores de livros didáticos e professores procurem apresentar, com maior frequência, os conteúdos de Botânica articulados às demais áreas da Biologia, realçando a interdependência das áreas na abordagem dos temas e fenômenos da Biologia.
Stakeholders engagement in emergency response of flood disasters management in District Ijen, Bondowoso Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Rustinsyah Rustinsyah , Prasetya Djoko Adi
Published: September 2023

The recurring flash floods in Ijen District, Bondowoso, has caused damage to houses and villages infrastructures. Flood handling requires coordination from multiple stakeholders, social enterprises and Non-Governmental Organizations. This study explores the stakeholders’ involvement in the emergency response of flash flood disaster handling in the Ijen District. This study used qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study found that these stakeholders have their own aims and interests. The analysts predict that the power index value is 0.74, while the interest index value is 0.94. These two figures show that both the power and the interests of the stakeholders are very high in dealing with flash flood disasters. Despite the high values, until August 2020, the recovery process had not been completed yet. These findings are important as an evaluation of the emergency response in disaster handling and a warning that it is important to sustain the environmental condition of mountain slopes
Physical culture for lifelong healthy participation: Expanding the horizon of individual interest and university engagement in physical education in higher education
Authors: Lobo Joseph , Martin Jonar , Argarin Jesus , Tubera Joel , Narciso Haynes Angelo , Dimalanta Genesis
Published: September 2023

The degree of an individual’s interest can be conceptualized as their inclination to experience specific emotions toward a particular domain, such as physical education. There is a lack of published scholarly literature exploring the correlation between individual interest and university engagement, particularly within the context of colleges and universities in the Philippines. The primary objective of this study is to enhance the understanding of the correlation between the two variables. Furthermore, the objective of this study is to ascertain the notable disparity in the individual interest and university engagement of students, taking into account their sexes and educational institution. This study uses a quantitative research method. Upon collecting data from a representative sample of college students, it was determined that there was no discernible variation in the levels of individual interest and university engagement based on gender and educational institution. Furthermore, a notable correlation has been identified between individual interest and engagement in higher education. Ultimately, the factors that contribute to university engagement include positive affect and readiness to reengage, stored utility value, stored attainment value, and knowledge-seeking intentions. The present study provides recommendations for future research initiatives and instructors in order to effectively promote lifelong engagement in physical culture among students, encouraging their participation in diverse healthy activities.
Political confrontations and disagreements in the Nigerian Government’s COVID-19 response
Authors: Ijaiya Tahir Adekunle
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 outbreak has led to various interventions and policies from governments around the world, including Nigeria. However, Nigeria’s response was laden with political interests, confrontation and disagreements from various blocs of interest. Therefore, this study aims to examine various phenomena of political confrontation and disagreement during COVID-19 intervention. This study uses qualitative methods. Data were obtained through qualitative secondary data and analyzed thematically. The results of this study indicate that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress (APC) are the two political parties that engage in the most political confrontation and disagreement. This study found that conflicting interests also occurred between the government and several interest groups regarding the import of foreign health workers and the distribution of COVID-19 assistance. Similarly, disagreements also ensued between the federal government and some subnational governments over their refusal to acknowledge the existence and/or severity of COVID-19. This study concludes that political conflicts and disagreements during COVID-19 in Nigeria were caused by government policies and interventions that could not be separated from competing interests and needs of the political, business, and professional elite.
Distribution, inducibility, and characteristics of Latilactobacillus curvatus temperate phages
Authors: Ambros Conrad L. , Ehrmann Matthias A.
Published: September 2023

Aim: Temperate phages are known to heavily impact the growth of their host, be it in a positive way, e.g., when beneficial genes are provided by the phage, or negatively when lysis occurs after prophage induction. This study provides an in-depth look into the distribution and variety of prophages in Latilactobacillus curvatus. This species is found in a wide variety of ecological niches and is routinely used as a meat starter culture.

Methods: Fourty five L. curvatus genomes were screened for prophages. The intact predicted prophages and their chromosomal integration loci were described. Six L. curvatus lysogens were analysed for phage-mediated lysis post induction via UV light and/or mitomycin C. Their lysates were analysed for phage particles via viral DNA sequencing and transmission electron microscopy.

Results: Two hundred and six prophage sequences of any completeness were detected within L. curvatus genomes. The 50 as intact predicted prophages show high levels of genetic diversity on an intraspecies level with conserved regions mostly in the replication and head/tail gene clusters. Twelve chromosomal loci, mostly tRNA genes, were identified, where intact L. curvatus phages were integrated. The six analysed L. curvatus lysogens showed strain-dependent lysis in various degrees after induction, yet only four of their lysates appeared to contain fully assembled virions with the siphovirus morphotype.

Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that L. curvatus is a (pro)phage-susceptible species, harbouring multiple intact prophages and remnant sequences thereof. This knowledge provides a basis to study phage-host interaction influencing microbial communities in food fermentations.
Global Climate Agenda: Big Gamble
Authors: Rovinskaya T.
Published: September 2023

The article considers one of the most relevant and, at the same time, the most controversial topics of international politics – tackling climate change (global warming). The author attempts to answer a question: is the global climate agenda a natural priority, or is it being promoted intentionally? On the one hand, global warming is a scientifically acknowledged process, encouraged by industrial emissions of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, etc.), which may be harmful and dangerous for the environment and for humanity. On the other hand, climate change is one of many serious environmental problems that require urgent solution (such as water and soil pollutions, deforestation and desertification, loss of species, plastic waste and other). The question is: for what reason has the global warming been gaining increased attention for the last decades, primarily from Western states which not only proclaimed it their chief political goal, but have also been consequently promoting this agenda in the international arena? The Framework Convention on Climate Change (UN FCCC) adopted in 1992 at the UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, with the additional Kyoto Protocol of 1997 and then the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015, aimed mainly at the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, undergo a yearly “stock-taking” and promotion at the UN Climate Conferences. The European Union and its leading states (Germany and France) as well as the United States were the first to declare a “green transition” meaning a full decarbonization of their economies by 2050, expecting the rest of the world to follow this path as well. They have already spent billions of dollars for climate aims, including direct assistance to “fragile states”, and are ready to spend much more in the near future. Regular informal meetings at high level (the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Bled Strategic Forum) have also been mostly devoted to the climate agenda in recent years. Analyzing the results of climate-related events of the last decades and especially the last years, the author comes to a conclusion that the global climate agenda in its current form is being promoted intentionally and is a new form of struggle for world economic and political leadership.
Spain’s Energy Security in the Context of the Algerian-Moroccan Conflict
Authors: Cherkasova E.
Published: September 2023

The energy crisis experienced by the European Union and representing a serious non-military threat to its security has not bypassed Spain. This is a country with a high degree of dependence on hydrocarbon imports. However, the energy crisis there has a number of specific features. It began in autumn 2021, when Algeria – the main supplier of gas to Spain – severed diplomatic relations with Morocco and closed the gas pipeline GME passing through its territory. In March 2022, yielding to the pressure of Rabat, Madrid changed its position on Western Sahara, de facto recognizing its belonging to Morocco. Since the start of the special military operation in Ukraine and before the acceptance of the Moroccan autonomy plan, everything indicated that Spain could play a key role in meeting the EU new energy security needs through its privileged relationship with Algeria. Having temporarily normalized its relations with Morocco, Spain missed the opportunity to become a European gas hub, ceding this role to Italy. Currently, the very structure of the Spanish energy sector is changing, and the country is going to close all operating nuclear power plants. Madrid is betting on diversifying energy supplies, the Algerian gas is being replaced by the American LNG. Russian gas supplies to Spain, previously not so significant, continue to decrease. The country is set to make a serious contribution to the energy transition since it has numerous renewable energy sources, technologies, production capacities and developed infrastructure. Events in Ukraine have accelerated the already existing energy crisis. As energy prices increased, Spain put forward the initiative for the European Union to approve emergency measures to deal with it. The solution, according to Madrid, is the acceleration of the energy transition. Brussels has actually allowed Spain to set top prices for gas that is used to generate electricity, thus lowering the bills for customers. Within the EU framework Madrid has achieved recognition of the special energy status of the Iberian Peninsula, and together with France and Portugal intends to build a new gas pipeline that will supply Europe with green hydrogen and, in the transition period, with natural gas. In general, Spain, although not without difficulties, is rather successfully coping with the current energy crisis.
Management of R&D in OECD Countries: Experience in Results’ Monitoring
Authors: Bogacheva O. , Smorodinov O.
Published: September 2023

The article deals with the issues related to the monitoring of R&D projects supported by the public funds. In accordance with the current legislation, monitoring of scientific, technical and innovation projects is carried out within the framework of the structural elements of state programs. To conduct monitoring, results, control points and objects of scientific and technical activities should be established. At the same time, however, within the framework of the three forms of financial support for the implementation of R&D projects – grant financing, subsidies for the implementation of public assignments, public procurement – different monitoring methods and procedures are applied. Further, the names of the control points are not linked to the results of projects in terms of technology readiness levels (TRL). Finally, information systems that support the monitoring and evaluation of R&D results are not fully compatible with each other. As a result, the overall effectiveness of monitoring decreases, which leads to delays in making managerial decisions and entails wasteful spending of budget funds. In the leading OECD countries, there is a practice of centralized methodological support of the implementation of R&D and innovation, which provides an unified approach to management of such projects and conjugation of state support at all stages of innovation cycle. Successful project management involves application of such specific management tools as the stage gates model and TRL methodology, which provide effective monitoring of results and flexibility in making management decisions, including the possibility of adjusting the basic parameters of projects at different stages of their implementation. The experience of foreign countries shows that in order to improve the quality and effectiveness of monitoring of R&D projects in Russia, it is necessary to ensure the harmonization of general and sectoral legislation governing the monitoring of the results of research, development and innovation projects, which will ensure the formation of a unified approach within the framework of project management of state programs. It is advisable to extend the rules for monitoring the results of R&D adopted in the system of grant financial support to the systems of public assignment and public procurement in this area of activity, creating conditions for the conjugation of various forms of public support. Finally, it is necessary to improve operation of the existing state information resources for the management of scientific, technical and innovation projects.
Evolution and Prospects of Turkiye–Azerbaijan–Pakistan Scalene Triangle
Authors: Vernigora A. , Makarevich G.
Published: September 2023

The article concentrates on historic prerequisites of Turkiye–Azerbaijan–Pakistan triangle with special emphasis on two vibrant tracks: Turkiye–Azerbaijan relations before the establishment of the USSR and Turkiye–Pakistan relations during the Cold War. Combined, these tracks shape the basis for the present triangle. The authors trace the triangle’s history back to the establishment of Azerbaijan’s independence and cover crucial spheres of cooperation between the nations: political interaction and their shared stance on security problems such as Nagorno-Karabakh, Kashmir, the Cyprus issue, as well as tensions in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean; economic links in general and energy cooperation in particular; defense cooperation, assistance in military training, dynamics of arms trade and its prospects. The institutionalization of the triangle took place in 2017 after the signing of Baku Declaration and was tested during the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War of 2020. Since the triangle saw success in the war, the parties have boosted their brotherly partnership with the first trilateral joint military drills launched in 2021. The authors claim that Turkiye and Azerbaijan will remain agenda-setters with Pakistan trying to correlate its national interests, which are hardly existent in the South Caucasus, with the triangle’s core. In case of Pakistani involvement in regional security issues, the authors propose two scenarios for Russia. The first one entails Russia serving as a mediator between Armenia, Iran and India. The second one calls on Armenia, India and Russia to develop trilateral defense cooperation that would benefit all the parties: Armenia would gain new sophisticated arms, India could acquire a reliable client, with Russia trying to implement a new form of defense cooperation so as to strengthen its position in global arms market.
SCO and the Belt and Road Initiative – the Prospect of Double Insurance to Afghanistan
Authors: SHI Wei
Published: September 2023

The article is devoted to the analysis of the impact of the SCO and the Belt and Road Initiative on the stability and economic development of Afghanistan. The author substantiates the possibility that the SCO and the Belt and Road Initiative can complement each other for peace and development in Afghanistan. The SCO provides a safe sphere for the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative in Afghanistan, and the Belt and Road Initiative helps that the economy of Afghanistan will become part of the regional economy. The complexity of this problem is noted due to the fact that the positions of the SCO member states with regard to Afghanistan differ significantly, the Organization makes decisions solely by consensus, and the situation in Afghanistan is unstable. The author points out that these difficulties can be overcome, since the SCO member states are obliged to resolve disputes among themselves only peacefully, the projects developed by the SCO could potentially be planned by groups of interested participants on the principle of multilateralism a la carte, as Russian experts have already suggested, and increasing the interest of the SCO countries bordering Afghanistan in implementing economic projects related to This country will contribute to strengthening stability in Afghanistan and in the region as a whole. The integration of the SCO’s activities with the Belt and Road initiative will require minimizing threats that may emanate from the territory of Afghanistan to neighboring countries, ensuring the security of infrastructure and other facilities created on the territory of Afghanistan with external participation, as well as creative development of organizational and legal mechanisms of the SCO’s activities.
Evaluation Of The Level Of Usefulness Of The "Jeknyong"�Application Using The Computer System Usability Questionnare (CSUQ) Method
Authors: Sitorus Yohanna , Astiti Sarah , Setyadi Resad
Published: September 2023

The Jeknyong application (Ojeke Inyong) is a household garbage collection service application with a transaction value. However, the use of the Jeknyong application has not been maximized because there are obstacles, such as several features still in development. This study discusses the Evaluation of the Level of Usability of the "Jeknyong" Application using the Computer System Usability Questionnaire (CSUQ) method, where Usability is a technique to find out how easily users can use the system, how efficiently and effectively the system can help users achieve goals. Data collection used a questionnaire with Banyumas community subjects who knew the Jeknyong application. The results are in the form of an indexed percentage of 85% in the Agree Interval category. The first variable System Usability (SYSUSE) evaluation results were 5135 or in the agreed interval. The second variable Information Quality (INFOQUAL) was 4588 or in the Fairly Disagree category. The third variable, Interface Quality (INTERQUAL), was 2039 or in the Agree category; the third variable, Overall Usability (OVERALL), gets a result of 709 or is in the Strongly Agree interval.
Gastric Disease Diagnostic Expert System Application Using the Fuzzy Mamdani Method
Authors: Rachma Shindy Millati , Nishom M. , Handayai Sharfina Febbi
Published: September 2023

The level of awareness among Indonesian society regarding the importance of maintaining gastric health is still very low, even though gastric diseases can significantly disrupt daily activities. In a medical examination, a doctor detects diseases in a patient's body based on their symptoms or complaints. The patient's action is to meet the doctor in person, and the doctor asks about the symptoms experienced by the patient. In the manual system, there is a drawback where patients have to visit the doctor for consultation or to have their diseases examined, and they also need to prepare the necessary fees for the examination. Such a manual system can be simplified with an information system where patients don't need to visit the doctor to diagnose their diseases. Therefore, the researcher will develop a gastric disease diagnostic expert system application using the fuzzy Mamdani method. The aim is to make it easier for patients/the public to identify the type of disease based on the symptoms experienced, as well as to provide information on solutions, actions, and medication for the disease. The methodology used in developing the gastric disease diagnostic expert system application involves four stages: fuzzification process, implication function, inference process (rules), and defuzzification. The research flow includes data collection through interviews and data sampling, data analysis, calculation using the fuzzy Mamdani method, implementation, and testing using a black box. The result of this research is a gastric disease diagnostic expert system application using the fuzzy Mamdani method with an accuracy of 65%. This application can help individuals to identify the type of disease based on the symptoms experienced without having to immediately consult a doctor, thus avoiding potential issues
Lipofuscin and Aging: Testing the Garbage Catastrophe Theory in cellulo
Authors: Renteln Michael
Published: September 2023

Lipofuscin is indigestible garbage that accumulates in the autophagic vesicles and cytosol of post-mitotic cells with age. Drs. Brunk and Terman postulated that lipofuscin accumulation is the main or at least a major driving factor in aging. They even posited that the evolution of memory is the reason why we get lipofuscin at all, as stable synaptic connections must be maintained over time, meaning that the somas of neurons must also remain in the same locale. In other words, they cannot dilute out their garbage over time through cell division. Mechanistically, their position certainly makes sense given that rendering a large percentage of a post-mitotic cell’s lysosomes useless must almost certainly negatively affect that cell and the surrounding microenvironment. Here, I explore the possibility that the accumulation of lipofuscin may to some extent exacerbate every other kind of age-related damage. I do not think that lipofuscin removal will reverse/prevent all forms of aging, just the major component facing us currently. In this piece, I will review what is known about lipofuscin accumulation from evolutionary and mechanistic standpoints and discuss a method of removing it from single cells in vitro.
Cosmic Expansion Anisotropy Does Not Solve the Hubble Tension
Authors: Grøn Øyvind Geelmuyden
Published: September 2023

Two anisotropic exact Bianchi type I solutions of Einstein’s field equations that generalize the isotropic ΛCDM universe model, are used to investigate the Hubble tension. It is shown that the cosmic anisotropy as deduced from the Planck measurements of the fluctuations in the temperature of the cosmic microwave background radiation, is ten billion times too small to solve the Hubble tension.
Asseement of Structural Performance of Rebar Corroded Reinforced Concrete Beam Members
Authors: Kim Hyungrae , Yang Sungchul , Noguchi Takafumi , Yoon Sangchun
Published: September 2023

This paper aims to determine the effect of local corrosion at three different corrosion areas, the 1. entire area, 2. constant moment area, and 3. constant shear area, on the flexural performance of RC beams. To analyze this, an experimental study was carried out to prepare two series of RC beams (200×300×2800mm) created with three different degree of corrosion inducing local rebar corrosion. Furthermore, two-series of experimental tests were conducted under different loading types by monotonic and cyclic loading. It was observed that strength capacity reduction grows in the order of the corroded RC specimens induced: the 1. entire area > 2. constant moment area > 3. constant shear area, as the average corrosion rate increases. Our test results further show that the yield and ultimate strength was kept nearly equivalent to the uncorroded RC specimen by the average corrosion rate of 10% and 15%, respectively. Over these corrosion rates, the yield strength and ultimate strength dropped significantly. Compared to test results under a monotonic loading condition, the structural capacity under a cyclic loading condition decreased with a more pronounced tendency for each corrosion case as the corrosion rate increased. A longitudinal crack was developed throughout and adjacent to the corrosion areas, as the corrosion rate increased. Thus, we can infer that strength reduction may be strongly influenced by this longitudinal crack.