bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of feeding pomegranate seed pulp on Awassi lambs' nutrient digestibility, growth performance, and carcass quality
Authors: Obeidat Belal S.
Published: March 2023

Background and Aim: The use of alternative feeds in feeding livestock as an alternative to traditional feeds has been used for many years, on the one hand, to lower the price of feed and, on the other hand, to raise the profitability of raising livestock. The study aimed to investigate the effect of feeding pomegranate seed pulp (PSP) on the growth performance and carcass characteristics and the health of Awassi lambs.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male lambs (16.9 ± 0.42 kg) were assigned randomly to one of two isonitrogenous (160 g/kg crude protein of dietary dry matter [DM]) treatment diets. The diets were the control (CON) and PSP-containing diet (100 g/kg of dietary DM; PSP100). The experimental period was 70 days preceded by 7 days of adaptation to diets. Feed intake was measured and lambs were weighed on day one and then biweekly. On day 49, eight lambs (four lambs per treatment) were chosen randomly and placed in metabolic cages for a digestibility trial. At the end of the trial, lambs were slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics and meat quality. The data were analyzed using Proc Mixed procedures of SAS.

Results: The results revealed that nutrient intake was greater (p < 0.05) in lambs fed PSP100 than those fed the CON diet. Nitrogen intake and nitrogen retention were greater (p < 0.05) for lambs who consumed the PSP100 diet compared to CON. Final weight, total gain, and average daily gain were greater (p < 0.05) with lambs fed PSP100. Hot and cold carcass weights were higher (p < 0.05) by the PSP100 group than by the CON group. Carcass cut weight increased (p < 0.05) with feeding PSP100 diet. No differences were detected in blood parameters except high-density lipoprotein content, which was greater (p < 0.05) in the PSP100 group compared with the CON group.

Conclusion: It could be concluded that adding PSP to lambs' diets improved growth and carcass measurements positively and did not negatively affect lambs' health; therefore, it is recommended to use PSP as an alternative to traditional feeds in lambs formulated rations.

Keywords: Awassi lambs, carcass characteristics and meat quality, growth performance, pomegranate seed pulp.
The Influence of Climate Factors on The Prevalence of Dengue Fever in Johor
Authors: Vallasamy Suriya Kumareswaran , Umairah Muhadi Siti
Published: March 2023

Dengue transmission occurs year-round in tropical endemic locations, however there is a unique cyclical pattern linked with the rainy season. In tropical and subtropical climates, temperature, and precipitation levels for adult vectors to be active year-round. This contributes to the disease's endemic status by perpetuating its transmission cycle. This study examines temperature and precipitation as climatic factors influencing the occurrence of dengue in Johor, Malaysia from January 2021to 2022. Daily dengue cases data was gathered from
I Dengue Malaysian website dedicated to dengue fever, while satellite climate data for the same period was taken from the official website of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). A descriptive analysis was undertaken to characterise all the important variables across the study period. Correlation analysis was conducted to investigate the linear relationship between dengue cases and climate factors. A total of 5999 dengue cases reported from January 2021to December 2022. The result shows there is positive correlation between dengue cases towards rainfall and humidity (
p value <0.01). Also, the results show there is no correlation between dengue cases towards windspeed and temperature. The results indicate that climate characteristics are effective for reducing uncertainty on the severity of future dengue transmission. These correlations between climate conditions and dengue cases can be exploited to generate early warning for any future epidemic, enabling the implementation of rigorous laws and the planning of healthcare service delivery.
Fuzzy Automatic Control of the Pyrolysis Process for the Municipal Solid Waste of Variable Composition
Authors: Kondratenko Yuriy , Kozlov Oleksiy , Lysiuk Hanna , Kryvda Viktoriia , Maksymova Oksana
Published: March 2023

control of the pyrolysis process of municipal solid waste (MSW) of variable composition and moisture content. The fuzzy control method is developed and studied that makes it possible to carry out the proper automatic control of the pyrolysis plant with the determination of the optimal ratio of air/MSW for various types of waste and with different moisture content values to ensure high efficiency of the MSW disposal process. The effectiveness study of the proposed fuzzy control method is performed in this paper on a specific example, in particular, when automating the pyrolysis plant for the MSW disposal with the reactor volume of 250 liters. The obtained simulation results confirm the high efficiency of the developed method, as well as the feasibility of its use for designing automatic control systems of various pyrolysis plants that operate under conditions of changes in the composition and moisture content of input waste.
Fachliches und »Anderes« in der Hochschuldidaktik Mathematik: Einblicke und Ungeklärtes
Authors: Hochmuth Reinhard
Published: March 2023

Mathematikdidaktische Forschung verortet sich in einem Kontext vielfältiger sog. Bezugswissenschaften: Erkenntnisse, Theorien und Forschungsmethoden aus der Psychologie, der Pädagogik, den Sozialwissenschaften u.a.m. werden angewendet oder adaptiert und so für die Beforschung des Lernens und der Lehre von Mathematik in Schule und Hochschule fruchtbar gemacht. Wie mathematikdidaktische Theorien, die sich in unterschiedlicher Weise der Bezugswissenschaften bedienen, miteinander vernetzt werden können, wurde in den zurückliegenden 15 Jahren intensiv beforscht. Nach einem kurzen Einblick in Arbeitsfelder und theoretische Ansätze der Hochschuldidaktik Mathematik werden unter anderem von Radford (2008) hervorgehobene Herausforderungen an Vernetzungspraktiken aufgegriffen und hinsichtlich offener Forschungsfragen diskutiert.
Entwicklungen und Errungenschaften der Ingenieurdidaktik
Authors: Haertel Tobias
Published: March 2023

Veränderungen in der ingenieurwissenschaftlichen Hochschullehre hat es über lange Zeit fast nur auf fachlicher Ebene gegeben. Fachliche Lerninhalte wurden aktualisiert oder ergänzt, während überfachliche Lerninhalte oder neue Lehrmethoden ganz überwiegend keinen Einzug in die Lehre fanden. Dazu trug sicher auch der Erfolg der Lehre mit der weltweit ausgezeichneten Reputation deutscher Ingenieurwissenschaften bei. In der Kombination der Auswirkungen aus dem Bologna-Prozess und der Auflage mehrerer ingenieurdidaktischer Forschungs- und Lehrprojekte (insbesondere im Qualitätspakt Lehre) hat sich dies zuletzt stark verändert. Durch die Fokussierung auf Kompetenzmodelle, die vor allem aus Berufstätigkeiten in der Wirtschaft abgeleitet wurden, blieben wissenschaftsdidaktische Reflexionen dabei jedoch unterrepräsentiert.
Verfasstheit und Gegenstandsbestimmung der Sportwissenschaft - Impulse für die Wissenschaftsdidaktik?
Authors: Güldenpfennig Sven
Published: March 2023

Der Beitrag befasst sich mit der Spotwissenschaft als einem lehrreichen Beispiel dafür, wie die Arbeit eines wissenschaftlichen Fachgebiets durch unklare Abgrenzung ihres zentralen Gegenstands scheitern oder zumindest beeinträchtigt werden kann. Dieser Gegenstand ist hier nicht, wie in den klassischen Einzelwissenschaften, ein spezifischer Aspekt, unter dem die gesamte natürliche und gesellschaftliche Realität beobachtet wird, sondern umgekehrt ein spezifischer Ausschnitt der Realität, der mit Hilfe aller Einzelwissenschaften beobachtet wird. Diese scheinbare Tautologie - ein elaborierter und differenzierter Begriff von Sport als Gegenstand der Sportwissenschaft - macht dieses Fach zu einem Beispiel für die heute an Bedeutung zunehmenden Integrations- und Querschnittswissenschaften. Auch die wissenschafts- und hochschuldidaktische Lage der Sportwissenschaft muss sich kompetenter als bisher auf diese Konfiguration einstellen.
Humanität und gebaute Umwelt
Authors: Erben Dietrich
Published: March 2023

Welchen Bedingungen unterliegen menschliche Lebenswirklichkeiten in gesellschaftlich hervorgebrachten Räumen? Dieser Frage nähert sich Dietrich Erben vom Begriff der Humanität aus und ist damit den sozialen Handlungen, der sinnlichen Wahrnehmung und den imaginierten Bedeutungszuschreibungen in der gebauten Umwelt auf der Spur. Für ein neues Verständnis der gebauten Umwelt integriert er Methoden der Kunstgeschichte, der historischen Anthropologie und der Technikgeschichte in die Architekturgeschichte. Neben dem Fokus auf der Architekturgeschichte seit der Moderne lässt der Blick auf frühere Epochen die historischen Verbindungslinien zwischen Humanität und gebauter Umwelt erkennbar werden.
Sustained Lumen Area by Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon Following Rotational Atherectomy for Napkin-Ring Left Main Trunk Ostial Lesion
Authors: Osawa Takumi , Koizumi Tomomi , Ito Yuta
Published: March 2023

Late lumen enlargement after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-coated balloon has contributed to good clinical results. However, late lumen enlargement with drug-coated balloon following rotational atherectomy has not been well reported. This report describes a case of calcified napkin-ring ostial lesion at the left main trunk that showed a sustained lumen area after PCI with drug-coated balloon following rotational atherectomy. An 85-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital with dyspnea. Echocardiography showed hypokinesis in the anteroseptal and inferior walls. Electrocardiograph-gated cardiac computed tomography showed a calcified ostial lesion in the left main trunk. Invasive angiography of the coronary artery showed severe stenosis in the left main trunk ostium. Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed with a drug-coated balloon after rotational atherectomy. The minimal lumen area measured by intravascular ultrasound grew mildly from 4.09 to 4.17 mm2 immediately after PCI. Follow-up angiography and intravascular ultrasound performed after 6 months showed that the minimal lumen area in the left main trunk ostium was further enlarged from 4.17 to 4.69 mm2. The presence of sustained lumen area after PCI with drug-coated balloon following rotational atherectomy for a napkin-ring left main trunk ostial lesion was confirmed. This case demonstrates sustained lumen area after drug-coated balloon following rotational atherectomy in the left main trunk ostium, improving the patient's chest symptom. Hence, drug-coated balloon after rotational atherectomy may be an option for complex stent sites, such as the left main trunk ostium in geriatric patients and sites with highly calcified lesions.
Enhanced Left Ventricular Recovery in Treatment of Mitral Regurgitation With Severe Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Authors: Devich Robert , Mahesh Balakrishnan , Bhat Geetha , Kozak Mark , Choi Esther , Melton Nathaniel , Dowling Robert
Published: March 2023

A 73-year-old male patient presented with shortness of breath at rest resulting from new-onset severe primary mitral regurgitation with a flail posterior leaflet, left ventricular dysfunction, and cardiogenic shock. After initial stabilization in the intensive care unit, multiple treatment options were considered for this patient, all associated with significant mortality. Ultimately, operative mitral valve repair with Impella 5.5 placement was performed for postoperative hemodynamic support. Surgical repair provided elimination of mitral regurgitation. Impella support was maintained for 7 days to provide unloading of the left ventricle. After device removal, the patient had sustained left ventricular recovery with significantly improved ejection fraction. Full left ventricular support and unloading may decrease operative risk and promote left ventricular recovery in patients with severe mitral regurgitation and left ventricular dysfunction. This case emphasizes the value of ventricular unloading to facilitate the recovery of left ventricular function as a treatment option for patients with challenging cases of severe mitral regurgitation and left ventricular dysfunction.
Modeling and Measuring Domain-Specific Quantitative Reasoning in Higher Education Business and Economics
Authors: Schmidt Susanne , Zlatkin-Troitschanskaia Olga , Shavelson Richard J.
Published: March 2023

Quantitative reasoning is considered a crucial prerequisite for acquiring domain-specific expertise in higher education. To ascertain whether students are developing quantitative reasoning, validly assessing its development over the course of their studies is required. However, when measuring quantitative reasoning in an academic study program, it is often confounded with other skills. Following a situated approach, we focus on quantitative reasoning in the domain of business and economics and define domain-specific quantitative reasoning primarily as a skill and capacity that allows for reasoned thinking regarding numbers, arithmetic operations, graph analyses, and patterns in real-world business and economics tasks, leading to problem solving. As many studies demonstrate, well-established instruments for assessing business and economics knowledge like the Test of Understanding College Economics (TUCE) and the Examen General para el Egreso de la Licenciatura (EGEL) contain items that require domain-specific quantitative reasoning skills. In this study, we follow a new approach and assume that assessing business and economics knowledge offers the opportunity to extract domain-specific quantitative reasoning as the skill for handling quantitative data in domain-specific tasks. We present an approach where quantitative reasoning – embedded in existing measurements from TUCE and EGEL tasks – will be empirically extracted. Hereby, we reveal that items tapping domain-specific quantitative reasoning constitute an empirically separable factor within a Confirmatory Factor Analysis and that this factor (domain-specific quantitative reasoning) can be validly and reliably measured using existing knowledge assessments. This novel methodological approach, which is based on obtaining information on students’ quantitative reasoning skills using existing domain-specific tests, offers a practical alternative to broad test batteries for assessing students’ learning outcomes in higher education.
Short‐term repeated sprint training in hypoxia improves explosive power production capacity and repeated sprint ability in Japanese international‐level male fencers: A case study
Authors: Hagiwara Masahiro , Yamagishi Takaki , Okamoto Shogo , Azuma Yasuyuki , Yamashita Daichi
Published: March 2023

This case study reports the effects of six sessions of repeated sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) over 3 weeks on explosive power production capacity and repeated sprint ability (RSA) in two Japanese international‐level foil fencers. The six RSH sessions (60‐s sprints in total per session: consisting of two sets of five 6‐s sprints with 30‐s passive recovery, at simulated altitude of 3000 m) caused improvements of peak power output (PPO; Athlete A: 5.1%; Athlete B: 3.2%) and mean power output (MPO; Athlete A: 4.4%; Athlete B: 1.6%) over the 10 repeated sprints, respectively. The observed findings suggest that as few as six RSH sessions over 3 weeks can improve, at least to some extent, explosive power production capacity (PPO) and RSA (MPO) in the two elite fencers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to apply short‐term RSH in combat sport (fencing) with international‐level athletes. Further studies are required to explore the effectiveness of short‐term RSH in combat sports with a more robust study design (e.g., randomized control trial with adequate statistical power) as the modality of RSH would suit physical and physiological demands in the majority of combat sports (e.g., wrestling, boxing).
Exercise training modifies xenometabolites in gut and circulation of lean and obese adults
Authors: Kasperek Mikaela C. , Mailing Lucy , Piccolo Brian D. , Moody Becky , Lan Renny , Gao Xiaotian , Hernandez‐Saavedra Diego , Woods Jeffrey A. , Adams Sean H. , Allen Jacob M.
Published: March 2023

Regular, moderate exercise modifies the gut microbiome and contributes to human metabolic and immune health. The microbiome may exert influence on host physiology through the microbial production and modification of metabolites (xenometabolites); however, this has not been extensively explored. We hypothesized that 6 weeks of supervised, aerobic exercise 3×/week (60%–75% heart rate reserve [HRR], 30–60 min) in previously sedentary, lean (n = 14) and obese (n = 10) adults would modify both the fecal and serum xenometabolome. Serum and fecal samples were collected pre‐ and post‐6 week intervention and analyzed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Linear mixed models (LMMs) identified multiple fecal and serum xenometabolites responsive to exercise training. Further cluster and pathway analysis revealed that the most prominent xenometabolic shifts occurred within aromatic amino acid (ArAA) metabolic pathways. Fecal and serum ArAA derivatives correlated with body composition (lean mass), markers of insulin sensitivity (insulin, HOMA‐IR) and cardiorespiratory fitness (), both at baseline and in response to exercise training. Two serum aromatic microbial‐derived amino acid metabolites that were upregulated following the exercise intervention, indole‐3‐lactic acid (ILA: fold change: 1.2, FDR p < 0.05) and 4‐hydroxyphenyllactic acid (4‐HPLA: fold change: 1.3, FDR p < 0.05), share metabolic pathways within the microbiota and were associated with body composition and markers of insulin sensitivity at baseline and in response to training. These data provide evidence of physiologically relevant shifts in microbial metabolism that occur in response to exercise training, and reinforce the view that host metabolic health influences gut microbiota population and function. Future studies should consider the microbiome and xenometabolome when investigating the health benefits of exercise.
Sex and strain differences in renal hemodynamics in mice
Authors: Tao Yu , Young‐Stubbs Cassandra , Yazdizadeh Shotorbani Parisa , Su Dong‐Ming , Mathis Keisa W. , Ma Rong
Published: March 2023

The present study was to examine sex and strain differences in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow (RBF) in C57BL6, 129/Sv, and C57BLKS/J mice, three commonly used mouse strains in renal research. GFR was measured by transdermal measurement of FITC‐sinitrin clearance in conscious mice. RBF was measured by a flow probe placed in the renal artery under an anesthetic state. In C57BL6 mice, there were no sex differences in both GFR and RBF. In 129/Sv mice, females had significantly greater GFR than males at age of 24 weeks, but not at 8 weeks. However, males had higher RBF and lower renal vascular resistance (RVR). Similar to 129/Sv, female C57BLKS/J had significantly greater GFR at both 8 and 24 weeks, lower RBF, and higher RVR than males. Across strains, male 129/Sv had lower GFR and higher RBF than male C57BL6, but no significant difference in GFR and greater RBF than male C57BLKS/J. No significant difference in GFR or RBF was observed between C57BL6 and C57BLKS/J mice. Deletion of eNOS in C57BLKS/J mice reduced GFR in both sexes, but decreased RBF in males. Furthermore, there were no sex differences in the severity of renal injury in eNOS−/− dbdb mice. Taken together, our study suggests that sex differences in renal hemodynamics in mice are strain and age dependent. eNOS was not involved in the sex differences in GFR, but in RBF. Furthermore, the sexual dimorphism did not impact the severity of renal injury in diabetic nephropathy.
Prenatal genetic diagnosis of monogenic diseases
Authors: Prior-de Castro Carmen , Gómez-González Clara , Rodríguez-López Raquel , Macher Hada C.
Published: March 2023

Prenatal genetic diagnosis of monogenic diseases is a process involving the use of a variety of molecular techniques for the molecular characterization of a potential monogenic disease in the fetus during pregnancy. Prenatal genetic diagnosis can be performed through invasive and non-invasive methods. A distinction must be made between “NIPD” (non-invasive prenatal diagnosis), which is considered to be diagnostic, from “NIPT” (non-invasive prenatal test), which is a screening test that requires subsequent confirmation by invasive methods. The different techniques currently available aim at detecting either, previously characterized pathogenic mutations in the family, the risk haplotype associated with the familial mutation, or potential pathogenic mutation(s) in a gene associated with a diagnostic suspicion. An overview is provided of relevant aspects of prenatal genetic diagnosis of monogenic diseases. The objective of this paper is to describe the main molecular techniques currently available and used in clinical practice. A description is provided of the indications, limitations and analytical recommendations regarding these techniques, and the standards governing genetic counseling. Continuous rapid advances in the clinical applications of genomics have provided increased access to comprehensive molecular characterization. Laboratories are struggling to keep in pace with technology developments.
Same or different? Subject realization in the majority and the heritage language of Polish-German bilingual children
Authors: Brehmer Bernhard , Sopata Aldona , Canzi Massimiliano
Published: March 2023

The paper examines the extent to which bilingual children select lexical noun phrases and null and overt pronouns as referring expressions in their majority language German and their heritage language Polish. Both languages are similar regarding the availability of lexical noun phrases but differ in terms of the distribution of null and overt pronominal forms. Our focus lies on discourse contexts with a subject antecedent in the preceding clause, which require only light processing for both speaker and hearer due to the high accessibility of the intended subject referent. Drawing on experimental data from a picture story retelling task (MAIN) to investigate the distribution of referring expressions in the two languages compared to age-matched monolingual control groups, our results reveal that bilingual children are sensitive to crosslinguistic differences in the syntactic and discourse-pragmatic constraints that regulate the distribution of null and overt subjects in Polish and German, depending on the mode of speech (narrative or dialogic). Furthermore, there are no significant differences between the bilingual and monolingual children, irrespective of language and age group. Thus, our study cannot confirm findings of previous studies concerning the tendency of bilingual children to be either overspecific or underspecific in subject reference production.
Trophic niche overlap among Neotropical carnivores in a silvicultural landscape
Authors: de Almeida Ana Beatriz , Magioli Marcelo , Gheler-Costa Carla , Verdade Luciano Martins , Marques Thiago Simon , de Cássia Gilli de Lima Letícia , Püttker Thomas
Published: March 2023

To enable long-term coexistence, species need to differentiate at least one of the three main dimensions of the ecological niche (temporal, spatial, or trophic dimension). Here, we investigated whether mammalian predators (Chrysocyon brachyurus, Cerdocyon thous, Lycalopex vetulus, and Puma concolor) follow the prediction of trophic niche partitioning, which is expected when partitioning of food resources represents an important mechanism for coexistence. We predicted low niche overlap in general and low between P. concolor and the other species. We analyzed 207 fecal samples collected at a landscape composed of forest remnants immersed in Eucalyptus plantations. Food items (animals and plants) were identified using exoskeletons, feathers, scales, teeth, hair, and seeds. We calculated the frequency and percentage of occurrence of food items, niche breadth, and niche overlap between pairs of species. Prey size was similar among all predators, consuming mainly small-sized prey (<1 kg). However, niche breadth was larger for smaller carnivores compared to larger ones. No species pair showed significantly lower niche overlap than expected by chance. Our study provided detailed information on trophic resource use of sympatric carnivores, showing that trophic niche partitioning seems not to be crucial for the coexistence of carnivores in the study area.
Electrically switchable and tunable infrared light modulator based on functional graphene metasurface
Authors: Luo Wei , Abbasi Syeda Aimen , Zhu Shaodi , Li Xuejin , Ho Ho-Pui , Yuan Wu
Published: March 2023

Graphene is emerging as an ideal material for new-generation optoelectronic devices. In this paper, a novel graphene metasurface-based electrically switchable and tunable infrared light modulator has been proposed and theoretically studied. The functional modulator comprises a monolayer graphene sheet sandwiched in a Fabry–Perot (FP) like nanostructure consisting of a metal reflector, a dielectric spacer, and an ellipse patterned anisotropy antenna layer. As a result of the photon localization effect of the guided-mode resonance (GMR) in the FP structure, the graphene electroabsorption can be significantly enhanced to enable a high-performance light modulator. By fine-tuning the Fermi energy (E
f) of graphene via controlling its bias-gate voltage, the proposed modulator can switch between a perfect absorber and a reflective polarization converter of high conversion efficiency (i.e., >90%) at 1550 nm. The conversion mechanism and the geometric dependences of the infrared light modulator have been investigated. We further demonstrated the tunability of the highly-efficient polarization converter over a broad spectrum by adjusting the real dispersion of E
f. Our design concept provides an effective strategy for customizing novel optoelectronic devices by combining an electrically-tunable 2D material with a functional metasurface.
Comparative study of the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline under visible light irradiation using Bi24O31Br11-anchored carbonaceous and silicates catalyst support
Authors: Sanni Saheed O. , Akpotu Samson O. , Pholosi Agnes , Pakade Vusumzi E.
Published: March 2023

This study compared two hydrothermally synthesized heterojunctions composites, Bi24O31Br10 – carbonaceous (activated carbon from zinc chloride [ACZ], phosphoric acid [ACH], carbonized material [CM]), and Bi24O31Br10 – silicates (SBA-15 and MCM-41), with nanosheets structure. The photocatalytic degradation
of tetracycline (TC) was used to evaluate the synergistic influence of the catalyst supports for the corresponding heterojunction composites. The X-Ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the synthesis of the Bi24O31Br10 (BOB) – composites. After 120 min of visible LED light photocatalytic reactions, the degradation trend in removal efficiency of TC was BOB-ACZ > BOB > ACH > BOB-CM > BOB-MCM-41 > BOB-SBA-15 > BOB. The study reveals that Bi24O31Br11 – carbonaceous composite exhibits much better degradation efficiency than Bi24O31Br11 – silicates. Crucially, the synergistic surface interaction of ACZ with BOB, and the efficient separation of photogenerated charge carriers, from the SEM, XRD analysis, and photocurrent response, confirmed the photocatalytic enhancement of the heterojunction formation of the BOB-ACZ composite. This study further provides convincing insights on the superiority of carbonaceous nanomaterial to silica materials as efficient catalyst support in catalytic applications.
Grafting of heavy metal oxides onto pure polyester for the interest of enhancing radiation shielding performance
Authors: Yasmin Sabina , Almousa Nouf , Abualsayed Mohammad I. , Elsafi Mohamed
Published: March 2023

In the interest of obtaining new polyester, heavy metal oxides PbCO3, Bi2O3, and CdO with numerous ratios have been added to the polyester resin. Five samples of labeled PR-1, PR-2, PR-3, PR-4, and PR-5 were prepared for this study. The values of linear attenuation coefficients (LAC) of the new polyester samples were measured using an HPGe detector. In the interest of ensuring the experimental setup, the value of LAC obtained from the HPGe detector as well as the value of LAC calculated using Phy-X software, have both been placed in one graph, which revealed a consistent result. The experimental value of those new polyester samples has been measured within the energy region 0.06–1.332 MeV, whereas the theoretical values have been calculated within the energy limit of 0.015–15 MeV. The results of all the new polyester samples showed an uplifting trend according to the rising energy at 0.06, 0.66, 1.17, and 1.33 MeV. At energy 0.06 MeV, sample PR-5 (ρ = 2.180 g/cm3) showed the lowest half value layer (HVL) among the polyester samples. This result is due to the addition of Bi2O3 and CdO into the samples’ composition, increasing their density and enhancing the polyester’s reduction ability. Considering the measured shielding parameters studied herein, it has been found that sample PR-5 (50 wt% Polymer resin, 25 wt% Bi2O3, 25 wt% CdO) had the highest shielding ability compared with the rest of the polyester samples.
Präsent bleiben
Authors: Haußmann Annette
Published: March 2023

Präsenz ist als ein Dasein und Mitgehen die wichtigste Grundlage für Seelsorge und Spiritual Care. Durch die Pandemie wurde ein Digitalisierungsschub ausgelöst, der sich bis heute in verschiedenen Bereichen der kirchlichen Arbeit niederschlägt, denn es mussten Alternativen zur leiblichen Begegnung gesucht werden. Eine empirische Studie während des zweiten Lockdowns untersucht Seelsorgende in Deutschland und befragt sie hinsichtlich ihrer seelsorglichen Mediennutzung, ihrer Einstellungen zur digitalen Kommunikation und leiblichen Präsenz sowie zu seelsorglichen Innovationen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass immer noch das leiblich-präsente Gespräch am häufigsten stattfindet, aber auch die Kommunikation per Brief, Telefon und Videochat deutlich angestiegen ist. Überwiegend sind die Seelsorgenden positiv gegenüber digitaler Kommunikation eingestellt und beurteilen differenzsensibel deren mögliche seelsorgliche Nutzung abhängig von Zielgruppen und Situationen, schätzen die leibliche Interaktion aber zugleich als unverzichtbar ein. Hier findet sich eine Diskrepanz zwischen grundsätzlicher Befürwortung von Digitalisierung im Rahmen von Seelsorge gegenüber ihrer tatsächlichen Nutzung. So bedienen sich Seelsorgende mehrheitlich traditioneller Medien wie Brief oder Telefon und bieten leibliche Präsenz in kreativer Gestalt an. Digitale seelsorgliche Innovationen einschließlich eines blended setting sind demgegenüber unterrepräsentiert. Eine präsente Seelsorge – digital und/oder leiblich – ist alternativlos. Mediale und digitale Möglichkeiten für eine zukunftsorientierte Seelsorge sind bei weitem noch nicht ausgeschöpft.
Investigation of the Tensile Properties in Continuous Glass Fiber–Reinforced Thermoplastic Composite Developed Using Fused Filament Fabrication
Authors: Shah Jaydeep R. , Thanki Shashank
Published: March 2023

Continuous fiber–reinforced thermoplastic composites are gaining acceptance in the manufacturing sector. However, the production constraints of intricate designs, the difficulty of using unique fiber alignment, and the expensive moldings make their usage inadequate. This investigation attempts to produce composites using continuous glass fiber as filler material and three distinct polymers, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polylactic acid, and polyethylene terephthalate glycol, utilizing an indigenously built nozzle attachment with the fused filament fabrication (FFF) process. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were used to elucidate the interface performance. The experimental results showed that the tensile strength of glass fiber–reinforced composites was 218 to 241 % greater than that of just thermoplastic specimens when the printing raster direction was 0° and 35 to 45 % lower when the printing raster orientation was 90°. Furthermore, SEM findings revealed that the tensile stress was very low and had bad interface behavior when the printing raster orientation was 90°. FFF has more adaptability for fiber reinforcement because of its meticulous orientation and good dispersal capabilities for the additively manufactured part, which may be directly used as the final product. The fiber content and its interfacing with base material are critical technical specifications for the composites.
Biomass, carbohydrate, and leakage conductance in buds of six ornamental tree species subjected to a “false spring” in Northeast China
Authors: Wang Xiaopei , Meng Lingquan , Wei Hongxu
Published: March 2023

Information is highly scarce about the possible effect of a late spring frost on physiological response of buds in ornamental trees. In this study, spring temperature of Changchun at Northeast China was recorded to identify the characteristics of a false spring by detecting extraordinary warming and sudden freeze in early April of 2017. Buds of six local ornamental tree species were investigated for their dynamics in biomass, non-structural carbohydrates, frost resistance on days of 7, 14, 21, and 28 April 2017. According to a comparison with spring temperature records historically from 2007 to 2016, a false spring was determined. Black pine (Pinus tabuliformis var. mukdensis) had greater bud biomass than apricot (Prunus sibirica L.). Peach (Prunus persica L. var. persica f. rubro-plena Schneid.) reserved greater non-structural carbohydrate content in post-chilling buds than black pine, and apricot and willow (Salix babylonica L.) had greater soluble sugars and starch contents in buds, respectively. Cumulative number of days with temperature below 12°C had a negative relationship with relative conductance in sorbus (Sorbus pohuashanensis [Hance] Hedl.). Chokecherry (Padus virginiana ‘Canada Red’) had greatest bud starch content on 21 April. Overall, a late spring frost imposed interruption on carbohydrate metabolism rather than direct damage on buds of ornamental trees before late April. Advanced warming induced more pronounced negative impact of a false spring than the sudden decline of minimum temperature.
Different responses of Monochamus galloprovincialis and three non-target species to trap type, colour, and lubricant treatment
Authors: Jaworski Tomasz , Plewa Radosław , Dziuk Aleksander , Sukovata Lidia
Published: March 2023

With the increasing threat to forests in Europe from the invasive pine wood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, effective methods are needed to monitor and reduce populations of its insect vector, the pine sawyer beetle Monochamus galloprovincialis. In the present study, we tested the effectiveness of different trap types (multiple-funnel, cross-vane, and triangular), colours (black, white and clear), and lubricant (polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE) treatments (different PTFE formulations and timing of trap treatment) on the catches of M. galloprovincialis and three most commonly captured non-target beetle species (the xylophagous Spondylis buprestoides and two predators, Thanasimus formicarius and T. femoralis) in Poland. Of the traps not treated with PTFE, the white and black 6-funnel traps were most effective in trapping M. galloprovincialis beetles, while the catches in the cross-vane traps (both white and clear) were low. Trap treatment with PTFE significantly increased trap effectiveness, regardless of PTFE type and time of application. The catches of S. buprestoides were affected by trap type, while those of T. formicarius depended on trap colour and size. Both species seem to respond positively to ethanol and/or α-pinene in the lure composition. PTFE treatment had a significant effect on the catches of T. femoralis. In conclusion, for the monitoring of M. galloprovincialis, we recommend the white cross-vane traps treated with dry PTFE. They are less but still effective in catching the target species, while their use, together with lures containing no ethanol and α-pinene, greatly reduces the catches of non-target insects S. buprestoides and T. formicarius.
Emissions of CO2 from downed logs of different species and the surrounding soil in temperate forest
Authors: Błoska Ewa , Piaszczyk Wojciech , Lasota Jarosław
Published: March 2023

The decomposition of deadwood plays a very important role in the functioning of the forest ecosystem. The present study was conducted with the objectives to: (1) determine the amount of deadwood respiration depending on species and degree of decomposition; (2) determine the extent of the impact of decomposing wood on the amount of respiration in surrounding soil; (3) find a relationship between the amount of respiration and the chemical fractional composition of soil organic matter. Our research has shown that respiration of decaying wood samples was 2-3 times lower compared to soil, regardless of the type of wood and the degree of wood decomposition. The conducted analyses confirmed the influence of the species of wood and the degree of decomposition on the respiration rate in wood samples. More decomposed wood (4th and 5th degree of decomposition) releases more CO2 compared to less decomposed wood and the highest CO2 emissions were recorded for aspen and alder wood. Better understanding of the mechanisms and factors affecting CO2 emissions in forest ecosystem can help reduce climate change.
Effects of two different thinning methods on the diameter and basal area increments of silver lime (Tilia tomentosa Moench) target trees in Fruška Gora (Serbia)
Authors: Šušić Nikola , Bobinac Martin , Andrašev Siniša
Published: March 2023

This paper analyses the cumulative effects of selective thinning and thinning from below on diameter and basal area increments of target trees after 25/26 years in 52, 69- and 86-year-old silver lime (Tilia tomentosa Moench) stands. Two target tree collectives were analysed: (1) elite trees selected between 1993–1994 from permanent sampling plots (selective thinning method), and (2) a ‘comparable collective’ of target trees selected in 2019 (25/26 years later) according to the same criteria as the elite trees, in the same stands thinned from below. Elite trees that were selectively thinned had: higher diameter, basal area and volume per tree, higher diameter and basal area increment for a given time period, and lower slenderness coefficients compared to the target trees that were thinned from below at 52 and 69 yr. While diameter increment decreases with age, and differences between elite trees of different ages are clearly delineated, diameter increments of trees thinned from below are not significantly different at 52 and 69 yr. In addition, basal area increment of trees is highest at 69 yr with selective thinning. When thinning from below, there were no significant differences in basal area increments between trees at 69 and 86 yr. Silver lime shows a strong growth response after selective thinning at ages 25/26 and 44 yr. However, our results show that this response is less pronounced when selective thinning begins at 61 yr.
Gender inequalities in Transylvania's largest peri-urban forest usage
Authors: Oprica Romulus Florian , Tudose Nicu Constantin , Davidescu Șerban Octavian , Zup Mihai , Marin Mirabela , Comănici Adina Nicoleta , Criț Maria Nicoleta , Pitar Diana
Published: March 2023

Urban green spaces (public gardens, parks, urban and peri-urban forests) offer multiple-use opportunities and spaces for recreational activities and played a key role in supporting mental and physical health of dwellers during covid-19 pandemic, being ones of few places where outdoor and social activities where allowed. This study was conducted in Brașov city (also known as Kronstadt, by its German name), the second largest metropolitan area of Romania and surrounded by a significant area of peri-urban forests in Transylvania. Brașov city own just 5.62 sqm of urban green space/inhabitant, one of the lowest in the country, so the presence of a large peri-urban forest area become very valuable for locals and tourists visiting the area. Due to its importance and because understanding visitors' expectations and perceptions is a key element to support decision-makers and ensure proper management of these forests, the Brașov’s forests administrator (Kronstadt Local Public Forest District – RPLPK) decided to investigate how dwellers generally interact with the peri-urban forests and to identify opportunities for improving the capacity of forests in providing social and recreational services. Data were collected through the administration of CAWI (computer assisted web interview) to 314 respondents at beginning of 2021, at exactly one year distance after the pandemic lockdown was imposed all around the country. Analyzing the participants responses, a surprising fact become evident: the use of peri-urban forest is not gender equal, women being less able than men to access these green natural spaces and, therefore, to uptake the benefits provided by the peri-urban forests.
Zawieszenie jurysdykcji w grodzie krakowskim ze względu na sejmik lub sejm w świetle praktyki przełomu XVI i XVII w.
Authors:   Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie, Górski Kacper
Published: March 2023

This paper discusses the impact of sejmiks and Sejms on land law judiciary. Although suspending courts’ activities due to public convention was practised in Poland in the late Middle Ages, it was not prescribed in written land law until 1538. According to the constitution of 1538, the land courts of law should cease after sejmik that precedes Sejm was held. The administration of justice resumed when the Sejm finished. These rules were in force up to the late 80s, when new laws were passed. Land law judiciary (i.e. land, castrensial judicial, and castrensial official courts of law) should be suspended a week before sejmik (1590) and should resume two weeks after the Sejm ended (1589) thereunder. The aim of this paper is to present results of research on practical compliance with these principles. The object of study was the praxis of both castrensial judicial and castrensial official courts of law in Kraków in the years 1585–1620. The fundamental primary sources were books of records, which are preserved in the National Archives in Kraków. Within such chronological scope it was possible to establish how above-stated principles were followed in courts of law before and after revision of 1589–1590.
Protestacje przeciwko nowogródzkim sejmikom za panowania Augusta III (1736–1763)
Authors:   Instytut Historii im. T. Manteuffla Polskiej Akademii Nauk, Macuk Andrei
Published: March 2023

Nowogródek (Novogrudok) sejmiks were most often protested throughout the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. There were 93 protestatations against the Nowogródek (Novogrudok) sejmiks during August III’s reign. This made it possible to conduct a study of this type of sejmik documents for the first time. The purpose of the article is to analyze the protestations against the Nowogródek sejmiks during Augustus III’s reign, highlighting the common and different between them. Protestations were brought against all types of Novogrudok povet sejmiks. As a result, it was possible to establish the time and place where the protestations were brought. It was possible to establish the exact number of the protesting gentry in individual sejmiks and the usual number in Nowogródek sejmiks. Almost all of them were representatives of the petty gentry. It was possible to outline the circle of clans and certain gentry, who most often put their signatures under protestations against the Novogrudok sejmiks. The participation of the Novogrudok povet uryadniks (officers) and leading gentry families was rare. At the same time, the leading noble groups of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania had a significant influence on the Novogrudok sejmik: the Radzivils, the Sapiehas and the Czartoryskis. Their influence on the petty gentry was manifested in its active participation in protestatations at Novogrudok sejmiks. The protestations, main purpose was to disrupt the sejmik and therefore they were mainly against the sejmik director election. It was possible to find out that there is no connection between the number of protestations and the recognition of the sejmik as disrupted. It was possible to establish that there is also no connection between the number of gentry who signed the protestations and the recognition of the sejmik as disrupted. In conclusion, the average participation in protests against the Novogrudok sejmik during August III reign was reconstructed.
Сотенная организация в городах Великого княжества Литовского
Authors:   Европейский гуманитарный университет (European Humanities University, Lithuania), Волков Николай
Published: March 2023

Sotnya’s (hundreds) in the cities of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the early New Age are a unique phenomenon in which Belarusian historians see traditions of the ancient Rus. However, in the sources of the 15th–18th centuries there are no mentions of continuity with the urban tradition of the previous era, and the spread of hundreds and tens in the cities on the border of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was caused by the military confrontation with the Moscow State and the Crimean Khanate. They may have originated on the basis of local traditions of the organization of the infantry, which has its roots in times of ancient Rus, at the same time on their formation could have a significant influence the pattern of organization of the Polish infantry. Hundreds and tens remained of military importance until the middle of the 17th century, but from their appearance until the 18th century, they were equally effective fiscal and administrative units and influenced local government.
EL FERVOR DESCALZO DEL PRESIDENTE FRANCISCO DE CONTRERAS. SU APOYO AL DESIERTO CARMELITA DE BOLARQUE
Authors: Ezquerra Revilla Ignacio Javier
Published: March 2023

La transición entre los siglos XVI y XVII se caracterizó en España por el paso del confesionalismo de Felipe II a la asociación entre la Monarquía Hispana y la Sede Apostólica, bajo orientación política de esta última. Su fermento fue la espiritualidad mística, y en ese contexto arraigaron expresiones religiosas más rigoristas e íntimas como el Desierto, surgida en el Carmelo Descalzo como lectura radical de la reforma teresiana. En este artículo se trata del decidido apoyo prestado a este movimiento por el licenciado Francisco de Contreras, cuya carrera, culminada por el acceso a la presidencia del Consejo Real de Castilla en 1621, se distinguió por el generoso patrocinio del Desierto de Bolarque y la continua intervención política y administrativa en favor de sus promotores. Una vez consolidado su movimiento, ello les permitió conducir la expansión suprahispana de su orden.
Improving thermal and mechanical properties of injection moulded kenaf fibre-reinforced polyhydroxy-butyrate composites through fibre surface treatment
Authors: Hassan Aziz , Muhammad Rafiq Mohd Isa , Zainal Ariffin Mohd. Ishak
Published: March 2023

Ecofriendly biodegradable composites were developed to mitigate the impact they have on the environment. Composites made from completely biodegradable materials were prepared using kenaf fibres and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). The composites were mixed using a twin screw extruder and injection moulded into dumbbell-shaped specimens. The composites were subjected to thermal analysis via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and mechanical testing (tensile and flexural tests). The addition of alkali-treated kenaf fibre reduced the crystallinity of PHB (up to 6% reduction), making it more ductile. The rheological behaviour of PHB was modified with the addition of kenaf fibres. Additionally, the flexural modulus was improved by up to 11% with the addition of kenaf fibres, for both the treated and untreated kenaf fibres. However, it was also observed that to improve fibre matrix adhesion, an alkali treatment alone is insufficient, as shown by the 16% reduction of tensile strength in composites with 20% fibre loading.