bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
СІЛЬСЬКІ ТЕРИТОРІЇ СУМСЬКОЇ ОБЛАСТІ: ПІДХОДИ ДО ІДЕНТИФІКАЦІЇ, ОСОБЛИВОСТІ РОЗВИТКУ, ТИПІЗАЦІЯ
Authors: Барановський Микола Олександрович , Барановська Ольга Віталіївна
Published: May 2024

Ідентифікація сільських територій у межах України досі є предметом складних дискусій. Неоднозначність результатів зумовлена відсутністю унормованих критеріїв виокремлення сільських територій і різними підходами до трактування їхньої сутності. За таких умов найбільш ефективним інструментом ідентифікації сільських територій є використання кращих світових практик. У статті вперше на основі європейських підходів і нових критеріїв визначення типів населених пунктів ідентифіковано сільські території Сумської області на рівні громад і здійснено їх картографування. Встановлено, що переважно сільськими за функціональним типом є 37 територіальних громад (72,5%), у яких мешкає майже 75% сільського населення регіону. Показано, що до цього типу територій доцільно також віднести сільські поселення міських і перехідних громад. На основі кластерного аналізу визначено п’ять типів сільських територій із відмінними демографічними, розселенськими й економічними параметрами. Ядро класичних сільських територій Сумської області формують 24 громади, які мають низьку заселеність, потерпають від знелюднення поселенської мережі та міграційного відтоку населення. Повномасштабна агресія Росії стала тригером змін у розвитку не лише прикордонних, а й «тилових» сільських громад регіону. Область потребує розроблення сучасної моделі її просторового розвитку, яка має враховувати ймовірні зміни в системах розселення, поселенській мережі та логістиці. Описані у статті відмінності у профілях сільських територій можуть стати ключем до розроблення й реалізації завдань такої моделі. Визначені в дослідженні типи сільських територій дозволять диференційовано підійти до формування системи заходів регіональної політики, до визначення дієвих інструментів відновлення й розвитку громад Сумської області в повоєнний період.
ФІЗИКО-ХІМІЧНІ ВЛАСТИВОСТІ ҐРУНТІВ ДОЛИНИ РІЧКИ СТАВЧАНКА В МЕЖАХ МІСТА ПУСТОМИТИ
Authors: Наконечний Юрій Ігорович
Published: May 2024

Досліджено фізико-хімічні властивості ґрунтів долини річки Ставчанки в межах міста Пустомити, а саме: вміст гумусу, зольність, кислотно-основні властивості, суму увібраних основ і ступінь насичення ґрунтів основами. Річка Ставчанка є лівою притокою другого порядку річки Дністер. Установлено, що досліджувані мінеральні дернові та лучні ґрунти належать до низько- та середньо гумусних. Таку низьку гумусованість можна пояснити високим вмістом піщаної фракції та легкосуглинковим гранулометричним складом, що не дозволяє затримуватись новоутвореним гумусовим речовинам у верхньому горизонті, тому відбувається поступове їх транспортування в нижчі горизонти. Ґрунти характеризуються прогресивно-акумулятивним розподілом вмісту гумусу за профілем. Органогенні торфовища низинні є середньозольними за вмістом золи, а також зазначено динаміку до зниження зольності вниз за профілем. Відносно великий показник зольності в досліджуваних торфовищах низинних можна пояснити близькістю їх до русла річки Ставчанки та низьким гіпсометричним рівнем залягання цих ґрунтів над рівнем води в руслі річки, що приводить до періодичного поповнення на їх поверхні мінеральними речовинами, привнесеними в завислому стані паводковими та повеневими водами під час розливу річки. Реакція ґрунтового розчину коливається від дуже кислої в торфовищах, до нейтральної – у нижніх горизонтах дернових і лучних ґрунтів. Ступінь гідролітичної кислотності коливається в широких межах – від дуже низького в дернових і лучних ґрунтах, до дуже високого – у торфовищах низинних. Показник суми ввібраних основ є середнім у дернових і підвищений – у лучних ґрунтах. Ступінь насичення основами підвищений у межах усього профілю мінеральних ґрунтів. Отримані результати досліджень стануть у пригоді землевласникам і землекористувачам території досліджень під час ведення науково обґрунтованої господарської діяльності на цих землях. Результати досліджень уже стали у пригоді під час правильного вибору деревних культур (модрини європейської, дуба черешчатого, сосни чорної та липи вузьколистої) для створення рекреаційної зони в долині річки Ставчанки.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ВАРІАБЕЛЬНОСТІ СЕРЦЕВОГО РИТМУ НА ФОНІ ПОРУШЕННЯ СНУ ТА СТРЕСОВИХ ФАКТОРІВ: ТЕОРЕТИЧНИЙ АСПЕКТ
Authors: Ляшенко Валентина Петрівна , Стеценко Сергій Миколайович
Published: May 2024

Стаття розкриває теоретичні аспекти взаємозв’язку варіабельності серцевого ритму (ВСР), стресу та порушень сну, їхнього впливу на фізичне та психічне здоров’я людини. Окремий акцент робиться на ролі варіабельності серцевого ритму як індикатора нормальності регуляторних механізмів нервової системи (зокрема, балансу симпатичної та парасимпатичної складових частин автономної нервової системи), що відображається у змінах серцевого ритму. Досліджується, яким чином зміни в цих показниках можуть вказувати на ризик розвитку різних захворювань і порушення функцій. Виокремлюються можливості використання варіабельності серцевого ритму як неінвазивного методу для прогнозування ризику серцево-судинних захворювань та інших патологій, зокрема і психоемоційного генезу. Підкреслено, що підвищена варіабельність серцевого ритму вказує на злагоджене функціонування різних систем організму та досить добрий загальний стан здоров’я, тому може бути асоційованою зі здатністю людини ефективно впоратися зі стресом і збереженням психофізіологічного балансу. Завдяки проведеному аналізу фізіологічних аспектів варіабельності серцевого ритму у статті поглиблено розуміння механізмів, за допомогою яких організм реагує на стресові впливи. Зокрема, аналізується взаємодія між активністю нервової системи та ритмічними змінами в серцевому ритмі. Окрема увага приділяється питанням впливу стресових чинників на якість сну, що сприяє розвитку його різноманітних порушень, та їх відображенню в характері варіабельності серцевого ритму. Загалом, у статті розкрито патогенетичні зв’язки варіабельності серцевого ритму, стресу та сну, що мають велике значення для розуміння механізмів забезпечення здоров’я та нормального функціонування організму загалом. Розкриття глибинних аспектів даних механізмів має сприяти пошуку та розробленню ефективних стратегій впливу на цей зв’язок для поліпшення фізичного (шляхом нормалізації діяльності нервової системи через варіабельність серцевого ритму) та психічного здоров’я (шляхом оптимізації якості сну та підвищення стресостійкості), оптимізації адаптаційних властивостей людського організму.
Indigenous architecture and rock art
and Euro-American historical inscriptions
from the Canyons of the Ancients National
Monument, southwestern Colorado, USA
Authors: Palonka Radosław
Published: May 2024

The paper presents some results from research of the
Polish archaeological project conducted in several canyons
in the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument,
Mesa Verde region of southwestern Colorado, USA. It
focuses on reconstruction of settlement structure and
socio-cultural changes in Ancestral Pueblo community
from 13th century A.D. as well as on documentation
(mainly with advanced digital methods) and analysis of
Native American rock art from different time periods.
Rock art consists of petroglyphs and paintings that include
Ancestral Pueblo and historic Ute tribes, but also
Euro-American inscriptions left close to Native American
rock art panels. One of the aims of the project is
also to reconstruct the relationships between the site
locations, architecture, rock art, and the surrounding
landscape.
Uncovering multiple influences on space use by deer mice using NEON data
Authors: O'Fallon Sean , Pinter-Wollman Noa , Mabry Karen
Published: May 2024

Space use by animals is affected by multiple factors; previous researchers have examined the effects of influences such as sex, body condition, and population density on home range area. However, evaluating the simultaneous influences of multiple factors on animal space use has been relatively intractable due to sample size limitations. We capitalize on National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) data to ask what factors determine space use by deer mice (genus Peromyscus). We examined data from 10 years of repeated captures of individually identified mice at 36 sites across North America. We confirmed previous findings that males have larger home ranges than females and that home range area decreases with increasing animal density. In addition, our large sample size (N = 2420 individuals) enabled us to examine the interacting influences of these and other intrinsic and extrinsic factors using a robust statistical framework. We found that the relationship between body condition and home range area differs between male and female mice, and that habitat type, latitude, and animal density all interact to influence space use. We conclude that high throughput ecological data can be used to examine important behavioral questions that have long eluded investigators.
Research on Dunhuang Burial Practices: “One and Diverse”: Dunhuang Murals in Gansu as an Example
Authors: Bi Mengling
Published: May 2024

As an important junction on the ancient Silk Road in China, Dunhuang's historical remains reflect the social order, social life, and social values of that time. To study the funeral customs and concepts in ancient Dunhuang, this paper analyzed the funeral customs by examining Dunhuang murals and a substantial amount of literature searching related essays online. In particular, the text compares and relates the funeral practices of ethnic minorities and the Han Chinese. It is found that the evolution of funeral customs in Dunhuang reflects the characteristics of the concept of all-in-one pluralism, representing a unified approach to diversity and inclusion. In this region of Dunhuang, the funeral customs observed include not only those derived from Taoism and Confucianism, which were the dominant religious traditions among the Han Chinese, but also those derived from Zoroastrianism, which was practiced by the ethnic minorities, as well as from exotic forms of Buddhism. This means that different regions and religions constantly fused and were absorbed into one another in Dunhuang, eventually becoming part of the excellent traditional Chinese culture. This demonstrates that different cultures can exist within a given practice, not only without mutual exclusion but also by displaying different characteristics.
Elementary proof of Funahashi's theorem
Authors: Izuki Mitsuo , Noi Takahiro , Sawano Yoshihiro , Tanaka Hirokazu
Published: May 2024

Funahashi established that the space of two-layer feedforward neural networks is dense in the space of all continuous functions defined over compact sets in $n$-dimensional Euclidean space. The purpose of this short survey is to reexamine the proof of Theorem 1 in Funahashi \cite{Funahashi}. The Tietze extension theorem, whose proof is contained in the appendix, will be used. This paper is based on harmonic analysis, real analysis, and Fourier analysis. However, the audience in this paper is supposed to be researchers who do not specialize in these fields of mathematics. Some fundamental facts that are used in this paper without proofs will be collected after we present some notation in this paper.
Effect of Spinal and Lower limb Re-alignment Protocol on Bilateral Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis of Knee in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Agarwal Khushboo , Mishra Sumeeran , Shinde Sandeep
Published: May 2024

The alignment of spine-pelvis-lower extremity axis is significantly influenced by knee osteoarthritis. Joint alignment is the main bio-mechanical risk factor for progression of knee osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to find out the effect of spinal and lower limb realignment protocol on bilateral medial compartment knee osteoarthritis in postmenopausal women and to compare it with the conventional method of treatment for osteoarthritis of knee. A study sample of 128 post-menopausal subjects within age group 50-70 and BMI between 25-35 kg/m2 having bilateral knee osteoarthritis with medial compartment involvement were selected and equally divided into two groups as the control group and the experimental group. Assessment of pain, knee range of motion, quadriceps and hip abductor strength, and posture for spinal and lower limb malalignment was taken before and after giving the treatment regime to both the groups. Comparison was carried out between the results of the two groups.The results showed how significantly the mal-aligned structures were re-aligned after giving 8 weeks of realignment protocol and how significantly this resulted in better reduction of pain intensity and improvement in knee range of motion and strength of quadriceps and hip abductor muscles in experimental group as compared to the control group. Re-aligning the spinal and lower limb malalignment present in postmenopausal women with bilateral medial compartment knee osteoarthritis results in pain reduction associated with knee joint and improved knee range of motion and strength of quadriceps and hip abductor muscles in these individuals as compared to the ones receiving conventional physiotherapy.
Investigation of Recreation Area Participation Barriers of Families With Special Needs
Authors: Koyuncu Merve , Gümüş Hüseyin , Yılmaz Bolat Emine
Published: May 2024

Families, as fundamental units of society, represent the primary social context in which individuals spend the majority of their lives. The objectives of parenthood generally include the aim to nurture healthy and contented children. However, the birth of a child with health issues often necessitates a reevaluation of these objectives. Such circumstances directly impact the standards of living and daily routines of many parents. Numerous scientific studies have explored the ramifications of these effects. This study aims to investigate the barriers that impede the participation of families with children with special needs in recreational activities. A total of 555 parents from Mersin Province were recruited using a purposive sampling method. The study utilized the Scale of Participation Barriers to the Use of Recreation Area, developed by Gümüş and Alay, along with an Information Request Form as the primary data collection tools. In addition to descriptive statistics, the study employed the t-test for comparing the averages of two independent groups with a normal distribution, and one-way variance analysis for analyzing three or more groups. The results of the analysis revealed that the most significant barriers to participation in recreational areas were related to the 'sports area barrier' (4.01), 'individual barrier' (3.34), and 'time barrier' (2.89).
Composição química do óleo essencial de Xylopia sericea A. St.–Hil. (Annonaceae) no sul da Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Kffuri Carolina Weber , Cipriano Roger Raupp , Deschamps Cicero , Magalhães Pedro Mellilo de , Novais Jaílson Santos de , Narezi Gabriela
Published: May 2024

O óleo essencial dos frutos de Xylopia sericea A. St.-Hil. (Annonaceae) do sul da Bahia foi isolado por hidrodestilação. A composição química do óleo essencial foi examinada por GC-MS e resultou em 19 compostos, sendo identificados 98,77% do óleo. Os compostos majoritários foram α-felandreno (24,46%), β-felandreno (14,64%), β- pineno (13,53%), α-pineno (11,33%), mirceno (7,41%) e o-cimeno (6,07%). Os compostos presentes no óleo essencial de X. sericea apontam para uma diversidade de ações farmacológicas, potencial no tratamento de doenças e, em especial, como agente antimicrobiano e pesticida natural, evitando o uso de agrotóxicos que aumentam a contaminação humana e ambiental e a resistência em diversas espécies.
PERILAKU COPY PASTE DALAM WHATSAPP GROUP PERTEMANAN(Studi Etnografi Virtual Tentang Perilaku Copy Paste Dalam Whatsapp Group Pertemanan)
Authors: Susanti Santi , Rachmaniar
Published: May 2024

Keberadaan WhatsApp saat ini sudah menjadi suatu kebutuan yang tak dapat dihindari. Alhasil setiap orang memiliki banyak WAG dan ramai dengan postingannya masing-masing. Siapapun dari kita dapat memposting, membagikan sesuatu apapun di WAG, termasuk ucapan sukacita dan dukacita, dimana postingan yang disampaikan persis sama ataupun berbeda. Atas hal tersebut, penulis tertarik untuk memahami bagaimana perilaku copypaste muncul di WAG pertemanan dan hal apa yang kerap dicopy paste pada WAG pertemanan. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan etnografi virtual pada beberapa WAG pertemanan.  Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa: 1) perilaku copypaste ucapan kerap terjadi pada grup WhatsApp pertemanan besar, dengan peserta lebih dari 40 orang, dan terjadi pada grup- grup-grup alumni sekolah, atau teman-teman yang pernah tergabung dalam instansi atau lembaga tertentu; 2) hal yang kerap di copypaste peserta grup WhatsApp pertemanan besar adalah pemberian ucapan suka cita dan duka cita; 3) perilaku copypaste ucapan yang dilakukan peserta grup WhatsApp pertemanan besar adalah ucapan yang disampaikan seratus persen sama, baik dari kata-kata, rangkaian kalimat, penggunaan tanda baca, hingga kesalahan penulisan.
Prospects for the formation of forest-pasture systems: experience of the European Union for Ukraine
Authors: Tertychna O. , Ryabukha G. , Kudriashova K. , Shevchenko L. , Miroshnyk N.
Published: May 2024

The article examines the conceptual foundations of agroforestry systems, particularly their priority and prospects for developing regenerative agriculture in Ukraine and the EU. The types of agroforestry improvement are highlighted and their role in combating soil erosion, increasing biodiversity and carbon sequestration is determined. The socio-economic value of introducing, maintaining, stabilizing and expanding the practice of forest-pastoral systems is not in doubt from the point of view of providing ecosystem services and assessing risks. The experience of European countries was studied, and the ecological, social and economic advantages of successfully implementing forest-pastoral practices were revealed. Using the example of the traditional agroforestry system of the farming and cattle-breeding region in Portugal, the experience of harmonious cultivation of oaks, cover vegetation, and grazing cows, sheep, goats, and pigs was studied. The possibility of introducing a similar model of the existence and interaction of trees, plants, and livestock under human control in Ukraine was substantiated. It is argued that rational management of such territories aims to balance resource use and preserve the natural environment and biodiversity is an integral process. The advantages and disadvantages of forest pastures are analyzed, and measures for their care and improvement of functioning are proposed. In particular, for the forest-pasture systems of the Ukrainian Carpathians, the integration of summer seasonal grazing of cattle, sheep, and goats on meadows is necessary to support the gradual revival of meadows. The need for soil protection, water regulation, and climate-creating reproduction of the Carpathian region has been proven, taking into account changes in the modern state's spatial structure, productivity, and features. The social value and economic efficiency of introducing forest-pasture systems as an integral nature-oriented solution, which is gaining popularity at the European and world level and is an apt example of the ecological direction of balanced development, is emphasized. Forest pastures in Ukraine are important both for the agricultural sector and for the preservation of natural resources and biological diversity. It is important to ensure proper management of these territories for the purpose of balanced use of resources and preservation of the natural environment.
Standing dead wood stocks in forest stands of Middle Dnieper region (Forest-Steppe of Ukraine)
Authors: Chornobrov O.
Published: May 2024

Standing dead wood is an important component of forest ecosystems of temperate zone. The aim of the article is to study the forestry and ecological features of the distribution of standing dead wood stocks in forest stands of Middle Dnieper region (Forest-steppe of Ukraine). The study was carried out based on State forest inventory data of the part of territory of state forest enterprise with a total area of 24558.6 ha in northern part of Cherkasy region. According to forest inventory data standing dead wood was found on area of 3439.4 ha or 14.0% of the total forest area. The average standing dead wood volume was the highest in forests of nature conservation, scientific, historical and cultural purposes (13.0 m3∙ha–1), somewhat lower — in forests with commercial purpose (11.0 m3∙ha–1), in protective, and recreational and health-improving forests (9.8 m3∙ha–1). Standing dead wood was found in the forest stands of 15 tree species with a total stock of 34660 m3. In those forests the average volume of by tree species ranging from 5.0 m3∙ha–1 up to 20.0 m3∙ha–1, in general for all tree species — 10.1 m3∙ha–1. In the stands of the prevailing tree species — Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and Common oak (Quercus robur L.) the average volume of standing dead wood was 10.4, 9.0 m3∙ha–1 and 7.5 m3∙ha–1, respectively. In the stands of the first two specified tree species, a tendency to increase the average volume of standing dead wood with an increase in the age of the stand was revealed. Standing dead wood was found in 17 out of 32 forest types that are represented in the forest fund of the studied object, with an average volume of 5.7 m3∙ha–1 (fresh eroded hornbeam dibrova) to 22.4 m3∙ha–1 (damp black alder hrud). In general, standing dead wood stocks are low, which may be caused by forestry activities (cutting). The data we obtained are important for research into the peculiarities of the formation of woody detritus stocks in the forests of Middle Dnieper region of Ukraine and nature protection functions of dead wood.
Technological features of organic hop cultivation
Authors: Stetsiuk O. , Kyrychenko L. , Lyubchenko V. , Shtanko I. , Ratoshniuk V. , Ratoshniuk T.
Published: May 2024

The use of organic hop growing technologies reduces the anthropogenic load on the hop farm ecosystem and accelerates the natural process of soil restoration. The productivity of hop cones at the same time approaches the traditional technology. Economic efficiency confirms the high profitability of hops grown using organic agricultural technologies. It is in the range of 38.7–67.3% and exceeded the profitability of hop raw materials by 1.6–2.8 times, which was obtained using traditional growing technology (24.0%). A technological process for growing organic hops on soddy-podzolic soils zone of the Polissya has been developed. To do this, it is necessary to sow green manure in the aisles of hop plantations after pruning underground rhizomes in the spring. Biological preparations for the protection of hops were used during the growing season. Five-year studies showed stable humus content, which did not depend on the agricultural technologies for growing hops. Insignificant acidification of the upper soil layer is observed on variants of traditional technology (from pH 5.9 to pH 5.4). This is due to the annual threefold introduction of ammonium nitrate. The content of easily hydrolyzed nitrogen has decreased by 32%, mobile forms of phosphorus by 13%, exchangeable potassium by 37% in the variants of traditional agricultural technology. Organic technologies have stabilized the content of nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil and there is a trend towards a decrease in exchangeable potassium.
Biological method of apple trees protection against scamb (Venturia inaequalis (Cooke) Wint.) in the conditions of Precarpathian province of the Carpathian mountain zone of Ukraine
Authors: Hunchak M.
Published: May 2024

It was established that the investigated systems of biological protection of apple trees in the conditions of Precarpathian province of Carpathian mountain zone of Ukraine in 2016–2020 showed high effectiveness against apple scab. The highest efficiency was obtained when using protection system No. 4 (Fit Doctor, p., Haubsyn, p. and Trikhodormin, p. and MAStech nutrition technology): the effectiveness against scab on apple leaves was on average 71.6% and against scab on fruits — 73.5%. The biological protection system of apple tree No. 1 (four application of Planryz, vs.) showed 65.7% effectiveness against scab on leaves and 62.7% against scab on fruits. When using the biological protection system No. 2 (four times application of Planryz, vs. and immunoprotect or Bai-Si), the effectiveness against scab on apple leaves was on average 67.2% and against scab on fruits — 66.7%. When using the biological protection system No. 3 (four-time application of Planryz, vs. and Stoller feeding technology), the effectiveness against scab on apple leaves was on average 70.1% and against scab on fruits — 72.5%. The yield of apple fruits when using the biological protection system No. 1 in 2016–2020 averaged 17.1 t/ha, when using the biological protection system No. 2 it was 17.5 t/ha, when using the biological protection system No. 3 the yield was level of 18.3 t/ha and for the use of biological protection system No. 4 — 18.1 t/ha. When applying the biological protection system No. 1 in 2016–2020, they received an average profitability of 322.1% and the income from its use was UAH 6,410.0 from ha. From the application of system No. 2, we received conditional net income in the amount of UAH 8,110.0 from ha and profitability of 262.5%. By using system No. 3, conditional net income was obtained in the amount of UAH 10,932.0 from ha and the profitability of protective measures when using it was 186.3%. When applying the biological system No. 4, they obtained a profitability of 69.2% and an income from its use of UAH 6,300.0 from ha.
Biochemical properties of winter wheat (Triticum vulgare L.) under Zn and Cu balance in the soil-culture system
Authors: Yehorova T. , Shumyhai I.
Published: May 2024

The role of trace elements as a factor in the formation of biochemical features of grain crops is a debatable and extremely understudied issue. At the same time, the ecological importance of the balance of nutritional elements for the normal functioning of plants is widely highlighted in biology and agronomy. The purpose of the study was to determine the interdependence of biochemical and biogeochemical features and to determine the influence of the biogeochemical balance of Zn and Cu on the biochemical parameters of wheat in various agrolandscapes of the forest-steppe of Ukraine. We has been developed an original method of regional spatial correlation between the balance of micronutrients in the soil-crop system and biochemical indicators of the quality of plant products. Spatial correlation was implemented in wheat growing areas in two agrolandscapes, namely, with dark gray podzolized soils in the Kyiv region and gray podzolized soils in the Vinnytsia region. Regional features of the distribution of Zn and Cu in the agricultural landscape are summarized by their biogeochemical formulas, which highlight 5 evaluation characteristics of the soil-culture system in subsoil rocks, soils, and grain crops. Features of the quality of wheat in the territory of agrolandscapes are determined by statistical data on the content of protein, gluten, and vitreousness. The result of the spatial correlation of the specified characteristics is the determination of the interdependencies of the biochemical parameters of the nutritional quality of wheat and the balance of Zn, Cu in the investigated agrolandscapes. The determined differences between the features of the links of the biogeochemical chains of zinc and copper indicate the possibility of a decrease in the vitreousness and protein in wheat grains as a result of the lack of this nutrient microelement, even under the conditions of their natural and agrogenic accumulation in the soil. The inconsistency of the processes in the soil and the agrocenosis of the agrolandscape indicates the expediency of changes in soil protection and agrochemical melioration systems. Special attention needs to be paid to research on foliar nutrition of wheat culture, as a factor in increasing the biophilicity of nutrient microelements and the corresponding increase in the protein content and vitrification of wheat grain.
Acute myocardial infarction without obstructive lesions, a retrospective study in older adult patients in a Latin American hospital.
Authors: Hernández Jorge , Dulcey Sarmiento Luis , Gomez Ayala Jaime , Ochoa Valentina , Torres Diego , Theran Juan , Esteban Laura
Published: May 2024

Introduction: A presentation consistent with an acute myocardial infarction without obstructive lesions of greater than 50% and no other plausible explanation for the clinical presentation at the time of angiography characterize myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA). heart attack. MINOCA is linked to a 5% 1-year death rate and accounts for 5% to 15% of AMI patients. In older patients, Latin America has few characterizations of it. Methods: Medical data from January 2021 to December 2023 in a South American hospital were reviewed as part of a retrospective study. Included were patients who had coronary angiography and were diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction based on the fourth universal criteria. Results: Patients who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were over 65 years old up to 90 years old were included. There were a hundred patients in all, including thirty-two women and sixty-eight men. 13 patients—8 women and 5 men—had MINOCA. The three most common comorbidities were diabetes (48%), dyslipidemia (57%), and hypertension (69%). Every patient at MINOCA had diabetes. Discussion: Where the MINOCA is up to 15%, a frequency comparable to research from other latitudes was discovered. All of the cases with ST elevation myocardial infarction had 8% fatality rates. There was no death among the MINOCA patients. We highlight the necessity of doing bigger cohort studies in order to improve characterisation, based on the results obtained here.
Empirical examination of the Black–Scholes model: evidence from the United States stock market
Authors: Salami Monsurat Foluke
Published: May 2024

Option pricing is crucial in enabling investors to hedge against risks. The Black–Scholes option pricing model is widely used for this purpose. This paper investigates whether the Black–Scholes model is a good indicator of option pricing in the United States stock market. We examine the relevance of the Black–Scholes model to certain stocks using paired sample t-test and Corrado and Miller’s approximation for the implied volatility. Empirical tests are applied to determine the significance of the relationship between the actual market values and the Black–Scholes model values. Paired sample t-tests are applied to 582 call options and 579 put options. The empirical test results show that there is no significant difference between the actual market premium value and the Black–Scholes model premium value for seven out of nine stocks considered for call options, and four out of nine stocks considered for put options. Thus, we conclude that the Black–Scholes option pricing model can be used to price call options but is not suitable for pricing put options in the United States stock market.
Beta transformation of the Exponential-Gaussian distribution with its properties and applications
Authors: Tesfaw Kumlachew Wubale , Goshu Ayele Taye
Published: May 2024

This study introduces a five-parameter continuous probability model named the Beta-Exponential-Gaussian distribution by extending the three-parameter Exponential-Gaussian distribution with the beta transformation method. The basic properties of the new distribution, including reliability measure, hazard function, survival function, moment, skewness, kurtosis, order statistics, and asymptotic behavior, are established. Using the acceptance-rejection algorithm, simulation studies are conducted. The new model is fitted to the simulated and real data sets, and its performance is reported. The Beta-Exponential-Gaussian distribution is found to be more flexible and has better performance in many aspects. It is suggested that the new distribution would be used in modeling data having skewness and bimodal distribution.
Preconditioning with selective autoretroperfusion: In vivo and in silico evidence of washout hypothesis
Authors: Choy Jenny S. , Hubbard Terry , Wang Haifeng , Awakeem Yousif , Khosravi Pouya , Khadivi Bahram , Navia Jose A. , Stone Gregg W. , Lee Lik Chuan , Kassab Ghassan S.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Prompt reperfusion of coronary artery after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is crucial for minimizing heart injury. The myocardium, however, may experience additional injury due to the flow restoration itself (reperfusion injury, RI). The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that short preconditioning (10 min) with selective autoretroperfusion (SARP) ameliorates RI, based on a washout hypothesis.

Methods

AMI was induced in 23 pigs (3 groups) by occluding the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. In SARP-b (SARP balloon inflated) and SARP-nb (SARP balloon deflated) groups, arterial blood was retroperfused for 10 min via the great cardiac vein before releasing the arterial occlusion. A mathematical model of coronary circulation was used to simulate the SARP process and evaluate the potential washout effect.

Results

SARP restored left ventricular function during LAD occlusion. Ejection fraction in the SARP-b group returned to baseline levels, compared to SARP-nb and control groups. Infarct area was significantly larger in the control group than in the SARP-b and SARP-nb groups. End-systolic wall thickness was preserved in the SARP-b compared to the SARP-nb and control groups. Analyte values (pH, lactate, glucose, and others), measured every 2 min during retroperfusion, suggest a “washout” effect as one important mechanism of action of SARP in reducing infarct size. With SARP, the values progressively approached baseline levels. The mathematical model also confirmed a possible washout effect of tracers.

Discussion

RI can be ameliorated by delaying restoration of arterial flow for a brief period of time while pretreating the infarction with SARP to restore homeostasis via a washout mechanism.
Nf1 deficiency modulates the stromal environment in the pretumorigenic rat mammary gland
Authors: Arumugam Menusha , Tovar Elizabeth A. , Essenburg Curt J. , Dischinger Patrick S. , Beddows Ian , Wolfrum Emily , Madaj Zach B. , Turner Lisa , Feenstra Kristin , Gallik Kristin L. , Cohen Lorna , Nichols Madison , Sheridan Rachel T. C. , Esquibel Corinne R. , Mouneimne Ghassan , Graveel Carrie R. , Steensma Matthew R.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Neurofibromin, coded by the NF1 tumor suppressor gene, is the main negative regulator of the RAS pathway and is frequently mutated in various cancers. Women with Neurofibromatosis Type I (NF1)–a tumor predisposition syndrome caused by a germline NF1 mutation–have an increased risk of developing aggressive breast cancer with poorer prognosis. The mechanism by which NF1 mutations lead to breast cancer tumorigenesis is not well understood. Therefore, the objective of this work was to identify stromal alterations before tumor formation that result in the increased risk and poorer outcome seen among NF1 patients with breast cancer.

Approach:

To accurately model the germline monoallelic NF1 mutations in NF1 patients, we utilized an Nf1-deficient rat model with accelerated mammary development before presenting with highly penetrant breast cancer.

Results:

We identified increased collagen content in Nf1-deficient rat mammary glands before tumor formation that correlated with age of tumor onset. Additionally, gene expression analysis revealed that Nf1-deficient mature adipocytes in the rat mammary gland have increased collagen expression and shifted to a fibroblast and preadipocyte expression profile. This alteration in lineage commitment was also observed with in vitro differentiation, however, flow cytometry analysis did not show a change in mammary adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell abundance.

Conclusion:

Collectively, this study uncovered the previously undescribed role of Nf1 in mammary collagen deposition and regulating adipocyte differentiation. In addition to unraveling the mechanism of tumor formation, further investigation of adipocytes and collagen modifications in preneoplastic mammary glands will create a foundation for developing early detection strategies of breast cancer among NF1 patients.
Investigation of the synthesis, gelation potential, and drug-loading capacities of two novel amides
Authors: Bariş Cebe Deniz , Kötekoğlu Elif
Published: May 2024

This study consists of four steps. In the first, two different biocompatible organogelators were synthesized, starting with the L-isoleucine amino acid to obtain amide compounds. In the second step, the gelation potential of synthesized organogelators with fatty acid esters and organic solvents was investigated. These esters were chosen as gelation liquids due to their biocompatibility and also their penetration-enhancing properties when the drug is administered via the skin. After the minimum gel concentrations (MGCs) of the organogelators were determined, the melting point of gel Tg was found, and then, ΔHg gelation enthalpy values were found by means of the Van’t Hoff equation. In addition to the gelation abilities and capacities of the organogelators being thus synthesized, their thermal stabilities were also determined. In the third stage of the study, the network which occurred during the formation of the gels was screened by an SEM device, and their characterizations were determined. In the study's fourth stage, the gels were loaded with ibuprofen and naproxen—known for their non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects—and their drug-loading capacities were thus determined.
A novel multi-scale violence and public gathering dataset for crowd behavior classification
Authors: Elzein Almiqdad , Basaran Emrah , Yang Yin David , Qaraqe Marwa
Published: May 2024

Dependable utilization of computer vision applications, such as smart surveillance, requires training deep learning networks on datasets that sufficiently represent the classes of interest. However, the bottleneck in many computer vision applications lies in the limited availability of adequate datasets. One particular application that is of great importance for the safety of cities and crowded areas is smart surveillance. Conventional surveillance methods are reactive and often ineffective in enable real-time action. However, smart surveillance is a key component of smart and proactive security in a smart city. Motivated by a smart city application which aims at the automatic identification of concerning events for alerting law-enforcement and governmental agencies, we craft a large video dataset that focuses on the distinction between small-scale violence, large-scale violence, peaceful gatherings, and natural events. This dataset classifies public events along two axes, the size of the crowd observed and the level of perceived violence in the crowd. We name this newly-built dataset the Multi-Scale Violence and Public Gathering (MSV-PG) dataset. The videos in the dataset go through several pre-processing steps to prepare them to be fed into a deep learning architecture. We conduct several experiments on the MSV-PG datasets using a ResNet3D, a Swin Transformer and an R(2 + 1)D architecture. The results achieved by these models when trained on the MSV-PG dataset, 88.37%, 89.76%, and 89.3%, respectively, indicate that the dataset is well-labeled and is rich enough to train deep learning models for automatic smart surveillance for diverse scenarios.
Peer Mentoring Circles in higher education: perceptions of their members with and without disability and program proposal
Authors: Maia Marisa , Santos Paula , Espe-Sherwind Marilyn
Published: May 2024

The increase of the number of students with disabilities in Higher Education, including students with intellectual disability, emphasizes the need for Higher Education Institutions to provide support for their inclusion and learning. Within inclusive Higher Education peers can have a fundamental role through Peer Mentoring Circles. This qualitative study aims to understand the perceived experiences of members of Peer Mentoring Circles, within the scope of a program that provided academic support, during an academic semester, to mentees with intellectual disability. Data collection included semi-structured interviews with members of the Circles (two mentees and seven mentors), and the facilitator’s field notes. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Through the data analysis, two categories were identified: components of the Peer Mentoring Circles program and experiences of the members of the Circles. The data generated suggest that both mentors and mentees had positive experiences, contributing to the development of the mentees’ skills. Based on literature and the data generated emerged the proposal for the Peer Mentoring Circles program with a broad set of guidelines for its implementation, which can set the baseline for developing future peer mentoring programs in Higher Education aimed not only at students with disabilities, but also at other students with support needs such as international students.
Clinicians in the Veterans Health Administration initiate gender-affirming hormone therapy in concordance with clinical guideline recommendations
Authors: Jasuja Guneet K. , Wolfe Hill L. , Reisman Joel I. , Vimalananda Varsha G. , Rao Sowmya R. , Blosnich John R. , Livingston Nicholas A. , Shipherd Jillian C.
Published: May 2024

Background

Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is a common medical intervention sought by transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals. Initiating GAHT in accordance with clinical guideline recommendations ensures delivery of high-quality care. However, no prior studies have examined how current GAHT initiation compares to recommended GAHT initiation.

Objective

This study assessed guideline concordance around feminizing and masculinizing GAHT initiation in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Methods

The sample included 4,676 veterans with a gender identity disorder diagnosis who initiated feminizing (n=3,547) and masculinizing (n=1,129) GAHT between 2007 and 2018 in VHA. Demographics and health conditions on veterans receiving feminizing and masculinizing GAHT were assessed. Proportion of guideline concordant veterans on six VHA guidelines on feminizing and masculinizing GAHT initiation were determined.

Results

Compared to veterans receiving masculinizing GAHT, a higher proportion of veterans receiving feminizing GAHT were older (≥60 years: 23.7% vs. 6.3%), White non-Hispanic (83.5% vs. 57.6%), and had a higher number of comorbidities (≥7: 14.0% vs. 10.6%). A higher proportion of veterans receiving masculinizing GAHT were Black non-Hispanic (21.5% vs. 3.5%), had posttraumatic stress disorder (43.0% vs. 33.9%) and positive military sexual trauma (33.5% vs.16.8%; all p-values<0.001) than veterans receiving feminizing GAHT. Among veterans who started feminizing GAHT with estrogen, 98.6% were guideline concordant due to no documentation of venous thromboembolism, or breast cancer. Among veterans who started spironolactone as part of feminizing GAHT, 98.1% were guideline concordant as they had no documentation of contraindication, including hyperkalemia or acute renal failure. Among veterans starting masculinizing GAHT, 90.1% were guideline concordant due to no documentation of contraindications, such as breast or prostate cancer. Hematocrit had been measured in 91.8% of veterans before initiating masculinizing GAHT, with 96.5% not having an elevated hematocrit (>50%) prior to starting masculinizing GAHT. Among veterans initiating feminizing and masculinizing GAHT, 91.2% had documentation of a gender identity disorder diagnosis prior to GAHT initiation.

Conclusion

We observed high concordance between current GAHT initiation practices in VHA and guidelines, particularly for feminizing GAHT. Findings suggest that VHA clinicians are initiating feminizing GAHT in concordance with clinical guidelines. Future work should assess guideline concordance on monitoring and management of GAHT in VHA.
Association between maternal and fetal inflammatory biomarkers and offspring weight and BMI during the first year of life in pregnancies with GDM: MySweetheart study
Authors: Antoniou Maria-Christina , Quansah Dan Yedu , Gilbert Leah , Arhab Amar , Schenk Sybille , Lacroix Alain , Stuijfzand Bobby , Horsch Antje , Puder Jardena Jacqueline
Published: May 2024

Background

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is frequently associated with chronic, low-grade inflammation. Whether this environment affects offspring anthropometry during early childhood remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between maternal and fetal (cord blood-umbilical artery) inflammatory biomarkers and offspring weight and BMI up to 1 year in pregnancies with GDM.

Methods

In this prospective secondary analysis of the MySweetheart study, we included 193 women with GDM and their offspring. Maternal and fetal (N=39) predictors included serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers including CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α at 24-32 weeks of gestational age (GA) and in the cord blood. Offspring outcomes were small and large for gestational age (SGA, LGA), sex- and age-adjusted weight, and BMI at birth and at 1 year. Univariate and multivariate regression models were performed. Associations were adjusted for maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, age, and ethnicity.

Results

Mean maternal age was 33.6 ± 4.8 years, and pre-pregnancy BMI 25.9 ± 5.6 kg/m2. Their mean gestational age at the 1st GDM visit was 29 ± 2.4 weeks. Gestational age at delivery was 39.7 ± 1.1 weeks, with a mean birthweight of 3.4 ± 0.46 kg; 11.8% of offspring were LGA and 10.8% were SGA. At 1 year of age, mean offspring weight was 9.8 ± 1.2 kg and BMI z-score 0.23 ± 1.1 kg/m2. In the models including only maternal predictors, TNF-α at 24-32 weeks of GA was positively associated with SGA and inversely with offspring weight and BMI at birth and at 1 year (p ≤0.034). In the models including only fetal predictors and the combined model, CRP was inversely associated with BMI at 1 year (p ≤0.020).

Conclusions

In women with GDM, maternal and fetal inflammatory biomarkers distinctively influenced offspring anthropometry during the first year of life, independent of maternal age, prepregnancy BMI and ethnicity. These results suggest that low-grade inflammation during pregnancy may affect the developing offspring by leading to a decrease in weight and BMI and may have implications for future personalized follow-up of women with GDM and their offspring.