bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinación e interpretación de la sensibilidad a cefiderocol
Authors: Ruiz Joaquim , Egoávil-Espejo Rocio , Ymaña Barbara , Oporto-Llerena Rosario , Pons Maria J.
Published: February 2025

Cefiderocol es un nuevo antibiótico activo frente a bacterias Gram negativas de interés clínico que penetra en las mismas de manera pasiva a través de porinas y de manera activa a través de captadores de hierro. Esta peculiaridad resulta en la necesidad de efectuar pequeñas modificaciones a la hora de efectuar ensayos de concentración mínima inhibitoria. Así, se precisa de un medio de cultivo sin cationes, y la presencia de un crecimiento tenue no se considera a la hora de interpretar los resultados.
Liderazgo autoritario y estrés laboral en una empresa comercializadora de productos biodegradables, distrito de Surquillo (Lima-Perú), 2024
Authors:   , Juarez Garcia Marleny Carito , La Madrid Zavala Rita Piera
Published: February 2025

La finalidad de la presente pesquisa fue abordar la interrelación existente entre el liderazgo autoritario y el estrés laboral en una compañía comercializadora de productos biodegradables. La estructura metodológica de esta investigación contempló un enfoque cuantitativo, un alcance correlacional y un diseño transeccional correlacional-causal. La metodología empleada incluyó la aplicación de un cuestionario estructurado que se administró a una muestra de 16 individuos del Área Logística de la compañía que se analizó. Los resultados de esta investigación proporcionan una visión clara de la situación actual de la empresa y la relación del liderazgo autoritario con las diferentes dimensiones analizadas. Se identificó una correlación estadísticamente significativa (p = 0.000) entre el liderazgo autoritario y el estrés laboral en el contexto de estudio. El coeficiente de correlación de Pearson, que alcanzó un valor de R = 0.870, sugiere una fuerte conexión positiva entre ambos constructos. Con base en estos resultados, se recomienda la implementación de un programa de desarrollo de liderazgo que priorice enfoques de gestión participativos y que busque empoderar a los colaboradores. Asimismo, se sugiere establecer canales de comunicación abiertos y transparentes entre líderes y empleados, junto con la introducción de iniciativas de bienestar y estrategias para la gestión del estrés. Estas acciones no solo mejorarán el ambiente laboral, sino que también promoverán un mayor compromiso y desempeño en la fuerza de trabajo.
Breaking deficit views through a "language as resource" orientation: One teacher’s journey of shifting lenses
Authors: Vo Catriona , Choi Julie
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we illuminate the powerful shift in one teacher’s understanding of “language as a problem” to “language as a resource”. Drawing on the concepts of “language as resource” (Ruiz, 1984), “multilingual resources” (French, 2016), and “acts of reciprocity” (Windle et al., 2023), we analyse critical events shaping one teacher’s development of the LAR orientation across a seven-year period from initial teacher education into the early career years of teaching. Our findings show how the LAR orientation can be a productive starting point to help teachers develop an asset-based orientation towards language. We conclude by calling attention to the significant need in teacher education for initiatives and practices that foster “collaborative creations of power” (Cummins, 2000). Given the centrality of multilingual realities in the classroom, supporting a new generation of teachers to leverage language as a resource is essential to engage in responsive teaching in an increasingly diverse and inequitable world.
Patterns and Predictors of Residential Indoor Water Use Across Major US Cities
Authors: Naseri Md Yunus , Bernosky Grant , Mayer Peter W. , Marston Landon T.
Published: February 2025

This study investigates residential indoor water consumption variability across 39 US cities using data from 26,441 single-family smart water meters. Employing functional data analysis and mixed-effects random forest, we identified distinct usage patterns across city clusters, with 13 high and 6 low water-using cities (all in coastal California) differing significantly from 20 medium water-using cities. Shower and toilet use were primary drivers of indoor use differences between clusters, influenced by both behavioral and fixture efficiency factors. The presence of appliances, certain household features, and weather also affect indoor water use, with varying influence on indoor water use across clusters. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of state-level water efficiency interventions and emphasize the importance of considering both behavioral factors and appliance efficiency in conservation strategies, providing valuable insights for targeted water demand management in urban areas.
How RAG1/2 evolved from ancestral transposases to initiate V(D)J recombination without transposition
Authors: Chen Xuemin , Yao Liangrui , Ma Shanshan , Yuan Xingyun , Yang Yang , Yuan Yuan , Liu Yumei , Liu Lan , Wang Huaibin , Yang Wei , Gellert Martin
Published: February 2025

The RAG1/2 recombinase, which initiates V(D)J recombination in jawed vertebrates, evolved from RNaseH-like transposases such as Transib and ProtoRAG 1. However, its post-cleavage transposase activity is strictly suppressed. Previous structural studies have focused only on the conserved core domains of RAG1/2, leaving the regulatory mechanisms of the non-core regions unclear. To investigate how RAG1/2 suppresses transposition and regulates DNA cleavage, we determined cryo-EM structures of nearly full-length RAG1/2 complexed with cleaved Recombination Signal Sequences (RSS) in a Signal-End Complex (SEC), at resolutions up to 2.95 Å. Two key structures, SEC-0 and SEC-PHD, reveal distinct regulatory roles of RAG2, which is absent in Transib transposase. SEC-0 displays a closed conformation, revealing that the core RAG2 facilitates sequential DNA cleavage by stabilizing the RSS-cleaved states in a "spring-loaded" mechanism. SEC-PHD reveals how RAG2’s non-core PHD and Acidic Hinge (AH) domains, which are absent in ProtoRAG, inhibit target DNA binding in transposition. Histone H3K4me3, which recruits RAG1/2 to RSS sites, does not influence RAG1/2 binding to V, D or J gene segments bordered by RSS 2. In contrast, the suppressed transposition can be activated by H3K4me3 peptides that dislodge the inhibitory PHD domain 3,4. To achieve this de-repression in vivo, however, would require an unlikely close placement of two nucleosomes flanking a target DNA bent by nearly 180°. Our structural and biochemical results elucidate how RAG1 has acquired RAG2 and utilizes its core and non-core domains to enhance V(D)J recombination and suppress transposition.
A 10-year experimental study on the cooling effects of urban tree and lawn by transpiration on heatwaves and their mechanisms
Authors: Qiu Guo Yu , Fang Tao , Hu Weiting , Yan Chunhua , Zhang Chao , Wang Bei , Hayat Muhammad
Published: February 2025

Heatwaves have become the serious threat to the comfort and lives of urban residents. The cooling effects of urban tree and lawn through transpiration are regarded as a potential way to address these challenges, but their effects on heatwaves and mechanism remained unclear. Here, using a 10-year observation, we investigate the transpiration responses of urban lawn and a tree to 54 heatwave events in a subtropical city. We hypothesize that urban trees and lawns exhibit distinct transpiration response patterns during heatwaves due to different water use strategies and stomatal regulations. The findings reveal that (1) the lawn maintained high canopy stomatal conductance (Gs) during heatwaves, resulting in a 42.3% increase in transpiration rates (from 2.39 to 3.40 mm day− 1). In contrast, the tree significantly reduced Gs, maintaining relatively stable transpiration rates (slightly decreasing from 51.98 to 48.27 g m− 2 s− 1). (2) the lawn transpiration was highly dependent on soil water content (SWC), with rapid SWC depletion limiting sustained transpiration increases. Conversely, the tree accessed deeper soil water layers, enabling more stable transpiration throughout heatwaves. Urban tree responded to heatwaves much better than that of urban lawn. These results are of great importance for advancing knowledge in urban green space planning and water management.
Waveguide Excitation and Spin Pumping of Chirally Coupled Quantum Dots
Authors: Siampour Hamidreza , Germanis Savvas , Chen Xuchao , Dost René , Hallett Dominic J. , Clarke Edmund , Patil Pallavi K. , Skolnick Maurice , Wilson Luke , Fox Mark
Published: February 2025

We report on an integrated semiconductor chip where a single quantum dot (QD) is excited in-plane via a photonic-crystal waveguide through its nearest p-shell optical transition. The chirality of the waveguide mode is exploited to achieve both directional absorption and directional emission, resulting in a substantial enhancement in directional contrast, as measured for the Zeeman components of the waveguide-coupled QD. This remote excitation scheme enables high directionality (\(\:\ge\:0.95\)) across ~ 56% of the waveguide area, with significant overlap with the Purcell-enhanced region, where the electric field intensity profile is near its peak. In contrast, local excitation methods using an out-of-plane excitation beam focused directly over the area of the QD achieve only ~ 25% overlap. This enhancement increases the likelihood of locating Purcell-enhanced QDs in regions that support high directionality, enabling the experimental demonstration of a six-fold enhancement in the decay rate of a QD with > 90% directionality. The remote p-shell excitation protocol establishes a new benchmark for waveguide quantum optics in terms of the combination of Purcell enhancement and high directionality, thereby paving the way for on-chip excitation of spin-based solid-state quantum technologies in regimes of high β-factor.
Downregulation of HDGF Inhibits Tumorigenic Phenotypes of Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Suppressing the AKT/mTOR/VEGF pathway
Authors: Liu Ziyang , Wang Qihang , Yang Feilong
Published: February 2025

Hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC) poses a significant threat as one of the deadliest tumors within head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), often associated with regional metastasis. However, the precise mechanisms driving HSCC’s aggressive nature remain poorly understood. Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) exhibits aberrant expression across various malignancies, yet its specific role in HSCC remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the involvement and underlying molecular mechanisms of HDGF in HSCC. Our findings revealed high HDGF expression across a spectrum of tumors, including HNSCC. HDGF depletion significantly curtailed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HSCC cells, notably FaDu cells. Furthermore, Western blot analysis unveiled that HDGF knockdown impeded the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in FaDu cells, evidenced by upregulated E-cadherin and downregulated N-cadherin, Snail, and Slug proteins. Additionally, HDGF knockdown led to a notable decrease in p-AKT, p-mTOR, and VEGFA expression in FaDu cells. In summary, our findings underscore HDGF’s pivotal role in HSCC progression. HDGF knockdown emerges as a potential strategy to inhibit FaDu cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT, possibly through modulation of the AKT/mTOR/VEGF pathway. Thus, targeting HDGF holds promise as a therapeutic intervention for HSCC.
Modeling and analysis of wind turbine blades with honeycomb filling
Authors: Wang Qian , Zhang Junhua
Published: February 2025

Wind turbine blade is one of the most critical components of a wind turbine, has a crucial impact on the overall performance. Therefore, designing high-strength and lightweight blade structures is of great significance. In this paper, a 2MW wind turbine blade model is optimal designed by using MATLAB and UGNX software through an iterative process. The webs of the wind turbine blades are filled with honeycombs, it is found that the maximum stress of the wind turbine blades with honeycomb is significantly reduced through stress-strain analysis. Layered design is carried out on the leading edge, trailing edge, web plate, and main beam of the blade to make it closer to the actual blade application, with honeycomb layers are added. The results demonstrates that blades incorporating honeycombs exhibited higher strength and stiffness. When the blade subjects to extreme wind loads, the deflection at the tip of blades featuring negative Poisson's ratio honeycombs is only 55.60% of the regular blades. It is indicated that the application of honeycomb structures to blades can significantly mitigate the risk of blade-tower collisions, enhance durability, and prolong the lifespan of wind turbines.
Epidemiological Features of Nontyphoidal Salmonella Infections Reported to Foodborne Disease Surveillance System in China, 2013–2022
Authors: Wang Tongyu , Li Weiwei , Zhang Ronghua , Wen Jian , Liu Shuang , Jiang Yuyan , Lin Li , Chen Weiwei , Liang Jinjun , Ma Xiaochen , Zhou Yijing , Han Haihong , Liu Jikai , Fan Penghui , Guo Yunchang , Wang Linlin
Published: February 2025

Background
Nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) is the most commonly reported foodborne gastrointestinal infection and ranks among the top three causes of foodborne bacterial outbreaks in China.
Methods
This study analyzed NTS data from the Foodborne Disease Surveillance System in China (2013–2022) to summarize epidemiological trends, assess reporting rate changes, and examine rural-urban variations.
Results
During this period, 55,266 NTS cases were reported, with reporting rates increasing significantly (AAPC [CRR] = 21.89%). Urban areas accounted for 70.06% of cases, but rural patients had higher hospitalization rates than urban ones (41.54% vs. 33.69%, p < 0.001). Children aged 0–4 years constituted 53.59% of cases and showed higher hospitalization rates (p < 0.05). Salmonella Typhimurium (31.07%) and Enteritidis (15.89%) were the leading serotypes. NTS reporting rates were strongly correlated with national per-capita consumption of fruit (r = 0.98), poultry (r = 0.95), aquatic products (r = 0.95), eggs (r = 0.94), vegetables (r = 0.79), dairy (r = 0.73), and meat (r = 0.65).
Conclusion
This study highlights the growing public health burden of Salmonella infection in China, with a sharp rise in reporting rates and major rural-urban differences. Over half of the cases involved children under 5 years old, underscoring the urgent need to enhance food safety measures, particularly for vulnerable populations.
The Efficacy and Safety of Performing Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangioscopy (PTCS) Under Local Anesthesia for Pregnant Patient Suffering Acute Cholecystitis: A Study Protocol of a Prospective, Single-center, Single-arm Pilot Study
Authors: Liman Andrew , Zhou Rongxing
Published: February 2025

Background
Acute cholecystitis (AC) during pregnancy presents a clinical dilemma, as standard treatments like laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) involve general anesthesia, which carries risks for both the mother and fetus. Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangioscopy (PTCS) under local anesthesia has emerged as a promising alternative, offering a safer approach for pregnant patients with AC. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of PTCS under local anesthesia in pregnant women with acute cholecystitis.
Methods
This prospective, single-center, open-label pilot study enrolled pregnant women aged 18–40 years, diagnosed with acute cholecystitis, who met the inclusion criteria. PTCS was performed under local anesthesia using 2% lidocaine and 15 mg dexamethasone for intercostal nerve blockade. The primary outcome was the resolution of acute cholecystitis, defined as successful gallstone removal and symptom relief. Secondary outcomes included maternal and fetal safety, recovery time, and the need for further interventions. Data were compared with historical control groups receiving conservative treatment or laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Discussion
PTCS under local anesthesia demonstrated promising results in resolving acute cholecystitis, with minimal maternal and fetal complications. The procedure was well-tolerated, with reduced anesthesia-related risks and shorter recovery times compared to general anesthesia. Fetal safety was maintained, and no significant adverse outcomes were observed. This approach could offer an effective, minimally invasive alternative for managing acute cholecystitis in pregnant patients, reducing the need for more invasive surgical interventions. Larger, randomized studies are needed to confirm these findings and assess long-term outcomes.
Trial registration
Enhancing Thyroid Disease Prediction Using Machine Learning: A Comparative Study of Ensemble Models and Class Balancing Techniques
Authors: Zhong Jiachen , Wang Yiting
Published: February 2025

Thyroid disease is a significant medical condition affecting approximately 20 million Americans. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism through hormones such as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), with disorders typically manifesting as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. This study evaluates the performance of various machine learning models in predicting and diagnosing thyroid disease, including Logistic Regression, Decision Trees, Random Forest, XGBoost, Support Vector Machines, Neural Networks, Bagging, and Stacking methods. The
bagging model utilizing three decision trees achieved the highest F1 Score of 0.9766, outperforming both Random Forest and XGBoost. Additionally, experiments on class balancing through undersampling and regrouping significantly improved model performance, particularly for stacking models with XGBoost, which attained an F1 Score of 0.9944.
Banks’ greenhouse gas emissions and equity value
Authors: Bressan Silvia
Published: February 2025

The carbon footprint of banks depends not only on their own operations but also, and more significantly, on their customers, who are or could become polluters in the future. This article examines the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions and market valuations for a sample of banks worldwide. We find that increasing scope 1, scope 2, and scope 3 emissions are negatively associated with the bank’s price-to-book ratio. Moreover, we find that highly polluting banks have poor asset quality and low deposit shares. We believe that investors consider carbon footprints in equity valuation, recognizing that carbon exposure makes banks financially unstable. This finding is significant for bank managers and regulators, suggesting that initiatives to curb greenhouse gas emissions could enhance bank value and lead to better financial conditions.
JEL Codes: G21; Q54; G12.
Molecular identification and the effect of abiotic stress on bioactive metabolite production for endophytic Bacillus isolates from Solanum nigrum
Authors: Ndou Benedict , Baloyi Beauty-Ben , Mabona Nokufa Morrieson , Tlou Matsobane Godfrey
Published: February 2025

Bacterial endophytes isolated from medicinal and wild plant species have recently gained significant attention for their medicinal properties, often closely linked to those of their plant hosts. In this study, two endophytic Bacillus isolates were identified and taxonomically characterized using 16S rRNA sequencing and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). We also investigated the impact of sublethal concentrations (0.5 mg/mL) of cadmium and hydrogen peroxide on metabolite production and bioactivity. Phytochemical testing, along with antimicrobial and antioxidant assays, revealed shifts in metabolite production under stress conditions. According to 16S rRNA-based similarity searchs, both isolates share a close relationship with Bacillus cereus complex; however, phylogeny and MLST failed to resolve their species identity. Phytochemical screening of methanolic crude extracts from both isolates tested positive for alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins. Notably, tannins were detected only after cadmium treatment, while steroids were present following exposure to both cadmium and H₂O₂. LC-MS fingerprinting confirmed the presence of several tannins and steroids in treated samples. The untreated crude extracts exhibited an IC₅₀ of ~ 3 mg/mL in the DPPH assay, which decreased to ~ 1.5 mg/mL after treatment with cadmium or H₂O₂, indicating a significant increase in radical scavenging activity. Additionally, extracts from both treated and untreated bacteria displayed antimicrobial activity against selected bacterial pathogens, with MIC values ranging from 62.5 µg/mL to 125 µg/mL. LC-MS analysis identified various antimicrobial and antioxidant metabolites, including phenoxomethylpenicilloyl, maculosin, (S,R,S)-alpha-tocopherol, 3-indoleacrylate, procyanidin A2, cis-11-eicosenamide, 3-hydroxy-3-phenacyloxindole, and 9-octadecenamide.
Connecting the alkaline ‘sink’ to the atmospheric carbon ‘source’ in eutrophic water treatment
Authors: Zhang Yi , Liu Benhong , Liu Lei , Seyler Barnabas C.
Published: February 2025

Water eutrophication and climate change are global challenges. Addressing the imbalance of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus is crucial for mitigating eutrophication. Utilizing atmospheric CO2 offers an eco-friendly and economic approach to restore aquatic ecosystems and combine climate change. This study investigated the effect of pH on dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentrations in ultrapure, lake, and river water. pH levels (3.5–12.0) were adjusted using H2SO4 and NaOH in 0.5 ± 0.03 intervals and maintained at 25 ± 1 °C in a static water bath for 3 days. Results showed that alkaline conditions (pH ≥ 7.5) effectively enhanced CO2 absorption, significantly increasing DIC content (P < 0.05). Compared to pH 7.0, the average DIC content over 3 days in ultrapure, lake, and river water at pH 9.0 increased by 36.89%, 44.24%, and 45.25%, respectively. A field test in a 1.5 km eutrophic river confirmed that pH had positive correlations with C/N (P < 0.05) and C/P (P> 0.05). These findings suggest that creating alkaline conditions could help mitigate atmospheric CO2. However, these conclusions are based on our experiments, demonstrating potential benefits but requiring caution in their applicability. Further research is necessary to validate their ecological impacts and broader applicability.
Institute of Zemstvo Chiefs in Penza province (by the materials of the Humble reports of the Governors of the Penza province for 1890–1897)
Authors:   Penza State University, N. Shoshkina Mariya
Published: February 2025

Background. This article presents an analysis of the institute of zemstvo chiefs based on the annual reports of the governors of Penza province, which allows us to consider it from the point of view of the authorities and the administrative apparatus. This analysis allows us to assess the effectiveness, importance and effectiveness of the introduction of this institution into the life of the province. The purpose of the research is to study the materials of the Humble annual reports of the governors of Penza province in the period of 1890–1897, to analyze the work of the institute of zemstvo chiefs in the context of its assessment by the administrative apparatus of the province. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the basis of the data of the Humble annual reports of the governors of Penza province, as well as the official part of the periodical “Penza Provincial Gazette”. The research methodology is based on the historical-comparative method and the method of qualitative content analysis, which allows us to get a more complete picture of the stated problems of the period of the late 19th century; using the generalization method, general trends in evaluating the work of this institute by the provincial leadership based on the given practical examples are revealed. Results. The main task has been solved – to investigate the institution of zemstvo chiefs in the context of analyzing the reports of the governors of Penza province. Conclusions. The study of the materials of the Humble reports leads to the conclusion that the zemstvo chiefs in Penza province had considerable authority and successfully carried out their duties. The governors assessed the work of these officials positively and noted their important role in the life of society. These studies confirm that the institute of zemstvo chiefs from the first years of its existence played a key role in the management structure of the province. The leadership attached special importance to the social significance of the functions performed by these zemstvo chiefs, understanding the importance of their impact on the life of peasant society.
The natural landscape of urban everyday life in the perception of the population (by the example of Penza in the 19th – 20th centuries)
Authors:   Penza Regional Institute of Regional Development, A. Gushchin Aleksandr
Published: February 2025

Background. The evolution of the urban landscape and the interaction of citizens with it is an integral part of the appearance of the city, which is reflected in the historical memory of the population. The participation of the population in urban improvement and landscaping is one of the factors in the formation of love for a small homeland. The study of this issue will allow us to analyze the ongoing policy of greening the city and the impact of green space on the image of the city. The purpose of the study is to analyze the daily practices of interaction of the population with the green space of Penza in the 19th – 20th centuries. Materials and methods. The daily practices of interaction of the population with the green space of Penza in the 19th – 20th centuries are considered on the basis of an analysis of the policy of local authorities on greening the urban area. The source base consisted of archival documents, materials from local and central periodicals (Pravda, Izvestia, Trud, etc.), memoirs of contemporaries. The research methodology is based on the principles of the historical and systematic method, which allows us to analyze the effectiveness of regional greening policy. The historical and genetic method allows us to trace the transformation of the green zones of the Penza urban space. Results. The greening policy of Penza in the 19th – 20th centuries is considered. The ways of interaction of the population with green areas of urban space are revealed. The influence of landscaping on the image of the city in the perception of the population is analyzed. Conclusions. The good landscaping of Penza in the 19th century was due to the geographical location and the use of the natural landscape. The main green area during this period was a public garden and a country party. With the growth of the city's territory in the 20th century and a purposeful greening policy, much more green areas appear in the city. At the same time, the Central Park of Culture and Recreation named after V.G. Belinsky and the adjacent alleys retained their importance. It should be noted that the population was actively involved in the process of greening the city. All this contributed to the consolidation of the adjective “green” in relation to Penza in the historical memory of the population.
Modern practices of social service and charity of Penza diocese (1991–2024)
Authors:   Penza State University, B. Shigurova Alena
Published: February 2025

Background. The article examines the issue of the formation and current state of the social service of Penza diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church in the period from 1991 to 2024. Particular attention is paid to the formation of diocesan social service department and the currently implemented practices of church charity. The relevance of the study is seen in the fact that the recent history and current state of church social service, especially in Penza diocese, are not sufficiently covered in science. The purpose of the work is to study the practices of social work and charity currently implemented by the Penza diocese, their directions and forms. Materials and methods. The implementation of research tasks was achieved based on the use of materials from the official publications of the Penza diocese “Penza Diocesan Bulletin” (2010–2024), “Penza Orthodox Interlocutor” (2004–2024), official websites of Penza diocese, the department of social service and charity of Penza diocese, as well as materials from the archives of the department of social service and charity of Penza diocese. The methods of historical analysis and content analysis were chosen as the main methods. Results. The work identifies the main directions and forms of social work practices and charitable activities of Penza diocese in 1991–2024, and examines the recent history of the diocesan department of social service and charity. Conclusions. Modern practices of social service and charity of Penza diocese are implemented within the framework of the following areas of work: volunteerism, protection of the family, motherhood and childhood, abortion prevention, hospital ministry, assistance to people with disabilities, the elderly, the homeless and people in difficult life situations, prevention of alco-holism and assistance to addicts, assistance to refugees and people in emergency zones, spiritual care of social institutions. The forms of modern social service of Penza diocese are quite diverse, both due to the revival of the pre-revolutionary experience of charity and the emergence of innovative forms of work.
Relationship between the Russian and Alexandrian Orthodox Churches in the 1980s
Authors:   South Ural State Humanitarian Pedagogical University, O. Borkonyuk Georgiy
Published: February 2025

Background. The relevance of the analysis of the relationship between the Moscow and Alexandria Patriarchates in the last decade of the Soviet period is determined by the need for a conceptual understanding of the processes that took place in the sphere of state-church relations in the USSR in the 1980s, as well as the application of historical experience in choosing the priorities of church and state policy. The purpose of the study is to analyze the relationship between the Russian and Alexandria Churches in the 1980s, as well as its nature, forms and significance in terms of the interest of Church and state. Materials and methods. The analysis of the relationship between the Russian and Alexandria Patriarchates is based on documents from the State Archives of the Russian Federation introduced into scientific use for the first time. Methodologically the study is based on the principle of historicity, which allows us to analyze the nature and content of the relationship between the two patriarchates in the context of the USSR’s Middle East policy in the 1980s. The work uses the methods of historical science: problem-chronological, hermeneutic, comparative, synchronous and the combination of diachronic and hermeneutic methods. Results. The forms, directions and nature of the relationship between the Russian and Alexandrian Churches at the level of the heads of the Churches, as well as at the level of the institute of representative offices were analyzed. Conclusions. The relationship between the Moscow and Alexandrian Orthodox Churches in the 1980s remained smooth and friendly, largely due to the efforts of the Moscow Patriarchate. The activities of the rectors of the Alexander Nevsky Church in Alexandria, who performed the function of representatives of the Moscow Patriarch to the Patriarch of Alexandria, were of great importance in maintaining and developing relations between the Churches. The Alexandrian Patriarchate in the 1980s also sought to maintain friendly relations with the Russian Orthodox Church, hoping for its help and material support. The Soviet government, in the context of the aggravation of relations between the USSR and Egypt in the early 1980s, considered church channels as an opportunity to maintain the Soviet presence in the country and attached great importance to the development of relations between the Churches. In the context of sharpening tensions between two countries the Soviet state considered the church contacts as a possibility to maintain its presence in Egypt and attached great importance to the strengthening of relations between Churches.
System of singular integral equations in the problem of electromagnetic oscillations of a graphene-coated dielectric ball
Authors:   Penza State University, G. Smirnov Yuriy , V. Kondyrev Oleg ,   Penza State University
Published: February 2025

Background. Boundary value transmission problems for a system of Maxwell's equations are fundamental in electrodynamics. Recently, there has been interest in problems involving the presence of a thin layer of graphene on the surface, which changes the coupling conditions. The purpose of the study is to obtain a system of integral equations for the vector boundary value problem of electromagnetic oscillations of a dielectric ball coated with graphene in a spherical coordinate system. Materials and methods. Using the Stratton-Chu formula, the components of the field are expressed in terms of surface currents and transmission conditions are used to obtain singular integral equations on the surface of the ball. Results. A system of singular integral equations with 4 unknown scalar functions on the surface of the sphere is obtained. The properties of the system of integral equations are studied. Conclusions. The resulting system of singular integral equations can be solved numerically by known methods, for example, the Galerkin method or the collocation method.
Calculating the size of positronium
Authors:   Kurgan State University, P. Popov Igor
Published: February 2025

Background. A fairly common error has been established in the particular case of the problem of two bodies of the same mass performing circular motion around a fixed center of their mass, which consists in the fact that the radius of rotation is found using a formula obtained under conditions that are not satisfied for material points of the same mass. This error leads to a twofold decrease in the calculated radius of rotation, which is a very large error. This error is transferred to the positronium atom, as a result of which its Bohr radius is determined significantly incorrectly. The purpose of the research is to correct the value of the Bohr radius of positronium. Materials and methods. When determining the Bohr radius of positronium, a method for solving the two-body problem was used, borrowed from theoretical mechanics, the key element of which is the reduced mass. 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 moving relative to the center of mass. Results. 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. Conclusions. An error in the special case of the two-body problem led to an error in determining the size of positronium.
Unidades de ensino potencialmente significativas: uma contribuição à formação inicial de licenciandos em química
Authors:   , Moreira Eliani Jordana da Silva
Published: February 2025

A efetiva melhoria do processo ensino-aprendizagem ocorre pela intervenção do professor e pelo contínuo aprimoramento sobre sua prática pedagógica em ações de educação inicial e continuada. Assim, o meio escolar é um ambiente propício à pesquisa e à investigação do potencial de diferentes metodologias. Nesse sentido, as Unidades de Ensino Potencialmente Significativas (UEPS) – sequências de ensino fundamentadas teoricamente – estão voltadas para a Aprendizagem Significativa, uma vez que podem estimular a pesquisa aplicada em ensino, aquela voltada diretamente à sala de aula. As sequências de ensino em ciências surgem como uma tentativa de aproximar o contexto dos conhecimentos científicos da prática em sala de aula. Em função disso, o presente trabalho investigou em que medida uma intervenção didática estruturada em UEPS pode ser vista por licenciandos em Química, como viável e interessante para abordar conteúdos químicos. Para isso, aplicamos uma oficina intitulada “Unidades de Ensino Potencialmente Significativas: uma contribuição à formação inicial de licenciandos em Química do IFRN, campus Apodi”, embasada pela teoria da Aprendizagem Significativa (TAS) de David Ausubel com os discentes do curso de Licenciatura em Química do IFRN do campus supracitado. Adotamos neste trabalho a pesquisa quantitativa, com o uso da escala de Likert e qualitativa, a partir da pesquisa ativa, na forma de pesquisa-ação. Os dados quantitativos foram tratados segundo a estatística clássica, usando como medidas de centralidade, a média aritmética e desvio padrão. Quanto aos dados qualitativos, construíram-se a partir da Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin. A análise dos dados pós oficina indicou que os discentes perceberam as UEPS como interessantes para serem utilizadas em suas aulas. Entretanto, consideradas pouco viáveis, em virtude de aspectos relacionados ao tempo destinado à sua preparação e também por desenvolverem uma prática ainda atrelada ao ensino tradicional, no qual o professor é tido como o detentor do conhecimento. Com este trabalho pode-se perceber também a importância de espaços na formação inicial de professores que propiciem a discussão e o desenvolvimento de propostas de ensino com abordagens diversificadas, os quais podem colaborar numa perspectiva de mudança no ensino
Letramento científico: uma análise do uso social dos conhecimentos construídos nas ciências naturais e matemática
Authors:   , Sousa Kaiser Jackson Pereira de
Published: February 2025

No momento atual da sociedade as questões científicas são discutidas por vezes sem nenhum embasamento científico. Nota-se, então, que não cabe mais aquele ensino que visa apenas a memorização de conceitos e fórmulas, mas que se construa uma aprendizagem na qual os estudantes possam, dentre outras coisas, utilizar os conhecimentos escolares no seu cotidiano visando o bem comum para todos. O presente trabalho discute sobre elementos que possam direcionar a construção de habilidades de Letramento Científico (LC) pelos estudantes concluintes do ensino médio integrado do IFRN campus Pau dos Ferros. A pesquisa foi iniciada com as discussões sobre o tema, autores como Shen (1975), Norris e Phillips (2003), Fourez (1997), Mamede e Zimmermann (2005), Santos (2007), Soares (2016) debatem o LC, sobre o uso dos conhecimentos escolares, principalmente os de natureza científica, por parte dos estudantes na sua vida social fora do ambiente escolar. Com o intuito de verificar a quantidade de produções acadêmicas sobre o tema, foi realizado um estado da arte, em que se constatou um número significativo das mais diversas produções, como artigos, trabalhos apresentados em eventos, dissertações, teses e trabalhos de conclusão de cursos de especialização. Notou-se ainda que não havia trabalhos sobre LC no âmbito do ensino médio integrado à educação profissional e tecnológica, dando assim um caráter de ineditismo a presente dissertação, ainda mais por ela ter sido desenvolvida no IFRN. Posteriormente, foi feita uma análise nos principais documentos da instituição, com o objetivo de encontrar indicações metodológicas para os professores embasarem suas práticas de modo a construir habilidades de LC. Os documentos analisados foram o Projeto Político Pedagógico (PPP), as Propostas de Trabalho das Disciplinas do Ensino Médio (PTDEM) e os Projetos Pedagógicos dos Cursos (PPCs). A análise documental seguiu a metodologia de Bardin (2011) e percebeu-se uma quantidade significativa de recortes dos documentos que podem auxiliar os docentes a realizarem seus fazeres para tentar construir nos estudantes o LC. Por fim, para avaliar se as habilidades típicas dos que são letrados cientificamente estavam sendo construídas nos estudantes foi aplicado o Test of Scientific Literacy Skills (TOSLS) elaborado por Gormally, Brickman e Lutz (2012). O número de acertos e erros das questões mostrou que algumas habilidades de LC estão sendo bem desenvolvidas nos discentes, mas outras precisam de uma maior atenção e devem ser melhor trabalhadas. Cabe destacar que a presente dissertação não possui nenhum caráter fiscalizador ou tenta procurar culpados por causa dos resultados, a intenção é de causar reflexão em todos os atores envolvidos nos processos de ensino e aprendizagem para que o IFRN continue sempre ofertando uma educação de qualidade, formação humana integral e emancipadora nos seus estudantes
Nanotechnology-based Approaches for Targeted Drug Delivery to the Small Intestine: Advancements and Challenges
Authors: Chandra Phool , Ruhela Manav , Kumar Prashant , Porwal Mayur , Verma Anurag , Sharma Himanshu , Sachan Neetu
Published: February 2025

Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising avenue for targeted drug delivery to the small intestine,
offering precise control over drug release and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. This review discusses recent
advancements and challenges in nanotechnology-based approaches for targeted drug delivery to the small
intestine. The small intestine presents unique challenges for drug delivery, including enzymatic degradation,
low permeability, and rapid transit time. Nanotechnology offers solutions to these challenges by providing
carriers capable of protecting drugs from degradation, enhancing their absorption, and facilitating site-specific
delivery. Various nanocarrier systems have been explored for targeted drug delivery to the small intestine, including
liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and solid lipid nanoparticles. These carriers can be
functionalized with ligands targeting specific receptors or transporters expressed on the intestinal epithelium,
enabling efficient uptake and intracellular delivery of drugs. Additionally, nanotechnology enables the controlled
release of drugs, allowing for sustained and/or triggered release profiles tailored to the physiological
conditions of the small intestine. This precise control over drug release can improve therapeutic outcomes
while minimizing systemic side effects. Despite the significant progress in nanotechnology-based drug delivery
to the small intestine, several challenges remain. These include achieving sufficient drug loading capacity,
ensuring biocompatibility and safety of nanocarriers, and addressing regulatory concerns associated with their
clinical translation. In conclusion, nanotechnology holds immense potential for targeted drug delivery to the
small intestine, offering solutions to overcome the limitations of conventional drug delivery systems. Addressing
the remaining challenges will be crucial for realizing the full therapeutic benefits of nanotechnology in
treating diseases affecting the small intestine.
Adaptability of Thermotoga Maritima's Glycolysis Pathway in Both Oxic and Anoxic Environments
Authors: Lakhal Raja , AlMatar Manaf , Alkalaf Tahani
Published: February 2025

Background:

The phylum Thermotogae is composed of five families: Fervidobacteriaceae,
Thermatogaceae, Kosmotogaceae, Petrotogaceae, and Mesoaciditogaceae; one class:
Thermotogae; and four orders: Kosmotogales, Petrotogales, and Mesoaciditogales.

Method:

There are thirteen genera in all. The physical and metabolic characteristics of the
Thermotogae species reflect the extreme heat from which they were separated. Thermotogae
members have a broad spectrum of metabolic capacities, resulting in a pool of valuable chemicals
with potential uses in many different sectors.

Result:

Based on NMR analysis, our findings demonstrate that T. maritima uses the EM route to
metabolize 90% of glucose in anoxia and the ED pathway for 10%. On the other hand, T. maritima
continues to employ the EM and ED glycolysis routes concurrently when exposed to extended
oxidative stress; however, the ED pathway's contribution drops from 10% to around 5%.

Conclusion:

Compared to the EM route, the ED pathway has more strongly repressed transcripts
that encode its unique enzymes.
Strategies to Combat Resistance to Anti-angiogenesis Therapies in Cancer: Current Status and Future Prospects
Authors: Patel Vijay K. , Shirbhate Ekta , Singh Vaibhav , Parveen Shadiya , Veerasamy Ravichandran , Tiwari Amit K. , Rajak Harish
Published: February 2025

Anti-angiogenic therapy represents a promising approach to cancer treatment by targeting
the vascular support systems of tumors rather than the tumor cells themselves. Antiangiogenic
agents face numerous obstacles that impede their efficacy, notwithstanding their potential: mechanistic
complexity, toxicity, resistance, and the lack of validated predictive biomarkers. Resistance
mechanisms may encompass genetic modifications, alternative angiogenic pathways, or the recruitment
of cells derived from bone marrow. This work examines present problems and approaches
to overcome resistance against anti-angiogenic treatment. Treatment response is predicted by
biomarker-guided therapy; patterns of circulating endothelial cells, IL-8 levels, and VEGFR expression
indicate possible therapeutic monitoring value. Multi-targeted approaches including drugs
that block VEGFR, PDGFR, FGFR, and c-MET concurrently have shown more efficacy than single-
pathway inhibition. Additional research indicates that combining treatments has positive results.
Combining anti-angiogenic agents with cancer vaccines increases immune responses and
tumour regulation. Combining radiotherapy with chemotherapy increases drug delivery and efficacy
utilizing vascular normalisation. Techniques based on nanotechnology such as gold nanoparticles
and carbon-based materials may enhance medicinal efficacy and delivery. These results reveal
that to overcome resistance mechanisms and enhance patient outcomes anti-angiogenic therapy
must combine focused therapies with precision medicine approaches.
Antioxidant Activities and Phenolic Profile of Chamomile (Matricaria recutita): A Herbal Tea from Pakistan
Authors: Sabir Syed Mubashar , Shahida Shabnam , Iqbal Wizra , Zeb Alam , Khan Muhammad Imran , Shanableh Abdallah , Khan Asma , Ghernaout Djamel , Elboughdiri Noureddine
Published: February 2025

The present study aimed to determine the antioxidant potential and phytochemical components
of aqueous extract of Matricaria recutita, which grows in hilly areas of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan.
In order to evaluate its antioxidant activity, different methods, such as DPPH radical scavenging,
ABTS scavenging, lipid peroxidation, and metal chelation assays, were performed. The flower
extract showed higher DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50: 75.3 μg/ml) compared to the leaf
extract (IC50: 82.3 μg/ml). Similarly, the flower extract displayed higher ABTS radical scavenging
activity (IC50: 102.3 μg/ml) compared to the leaf extract (IC50: 107.5 μg/ml). Significant metal chelating
ability was observed of Matricaria recutita. There existed a significant correlation among the
different antioxidant activities. Detailed phytochemical analysis of flower extracts showed the presence
of important phenolic and flavonoid compounds, including gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic
acid, qurecetin-3-galactoside, apigenin-7-glucoside, kaempferol-3-sinapoylsophotrioside, esculetin,
kaempferol 3-(caffeoyldiglucoside)-7-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-sinapolysophoroside-7-glucoside,
quercetin-3-(caffeoyl-diglucoside)-7-glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-(caffeoyldiglucoside)-7-rhamnoside,
kaempferol-3-feruloylsophoroside-7-glucoside, kaempferol-3-malonylglucoside, quercetin-3-(6″-
acetyl)glucosyl-2″-sinapic acid, 5, 7, 3′-trihydroxy-6, 4′, 5′-trimethoxyflavone, and tetrahydroxydimethoxyflavone.
On the basis of these results, it has been concluded that Matricaria recutita collected
from Azad Kashmir contains important phytochemicals and can be utilized as a source of antioxidants.