bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time of Harvest as the Determinant of Dry Matter Productivity and Chemical Composition of Field Pea (Pisum sativum) and Oat (Avena sativa) and their Mixture in the Abandoned Lands of Subtropical Terai Nepal
Authors: Barsila Shanker Raj , Bogati Ram Bahadur , Tamang Dawa Tshiring
Published: September 2023

The grass-legume mixture formulation is an important criterion to improve biomass availability with an improved balance of the nutritive components. The objective ofthis reseach was to determine the yield and forage quality traits (green fodder yield, dry matter yield) and chemical composition (protein, fibre and mineral contents) of field pea (Pisum sativum) and oat (Avena sativa) and their mixtures under subtropical conditions. The experiment was performed over 4 months (December 2018 to March 2019) at Agriculture and Forestry University Livestock Farm, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal, using four different treatment mixture rates of pea and oat crops. Treatments were; treatment-1 - 100% Pea+0% Oat, treatment-2 - 75% Pea+25% Oat, treatment-3 -50% Pea+50% Oat and treatment-4 - 25% Pea+75% Oat) and samples were collected in three different cutting stages (the jointing stage of oat, the stage oat in scabbard and milk dough stage of oat). The plant height was affected by the growing days while the tillers and branches in peas respectively were affected by both the time of harvest and the seed proportions. According to the results, it is suggested that the highest dry matter productivity was observed in 75% pea mix with 25% oat in the 3rd harvest, followed by 75% oat mix with 25% pea in the 3rd harvest. As well as, within intercrops, the best protein yield was obtained in a 50% oat mix with 50% pea (16.73%) at 1st harvest oat-pea intercropping. Besides, the pea + oat mixture should be harvested at the milk-dough stage of oat for better protein content and to increase the nutritive value of forage.
Efficacy of Some Plant Extracts against Root Rot Disease of Green Oak Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. Crispa) Caused by Pythium sp. Grown in a Hydroponic System
Authors: Chaudhary Lakshya Bahadur , Meetum Pimjai , Kanjanamaneesathian Mana , Adhikari Roshan , Mongkol Rachsawan
Published: September 2023

An antifungal activity of the twelve plant extracts were tested against Pythium sp., the causal agents of root rot diseases grown in hydroponic systems. The crude extracts of Acorus calamus and Syzygium aromaticum completely inhibited the mycelial growth of Pythium sp. in the in vitro condition at 5,000 ppm, whilst Curcuma zedoaria and other plant extracts had show lesser inhibitory activity. Out of these twelve plant extracts selecting A. calamus, S. aromaticum and C. zedoaria for further in vivo test in nursery raising seedling in plastic tray of hydroponic system by inoculating Pythium sp. mycelial developed on agar medium, A. calamus rhizome extract exhibited highest inhibitory effect against % root tip colonized by Pythium sp. of 5.85 to 48 followed by S. aromaticum floral bud 9.97 to 60 and rhizome of C. zedoaria extract 28.32 to 90 at 2000 ppm on seven and twenty one days after inoculation respectively. The concentrations and application methods of these extracts should be further investigated to control the root rot disease of lettucein the hydroponic system.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah: Of Hybrid Subjectivity, its Locations and Subverting Potential
Authors: Rokaya Anuradha
Published: September 2023

This paper looks into Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah as a postcolonial text. Using the Bhabhaian constructs of “mimicry,” “hybridity” and “the third space,” this paper argues that Adichie’s narrative portrays how the coming together of cultures induces “mimicry” of the cultural norms of the seemingly dominant culture. Owing to this “mimicry” the mimicking characters develop a “hybrid” identity characterized by “ambivalence.” This paper also argues that the location/ site of mimicry and consequent development of hybrid identity are not conditional upon physical migration, or moving beyond the borders of one’s homeland. The tendency to look up to the supposedly dominant culture can prevail within the confines of natives’ own society as well, which is perhaps an indication of the post-colonial society still reeling under the continued colonial influence. Whatever maybe the location of “hybrid” characters, “ambivalence” invariably crops up in their identity. Although ambivalence indicates being indecisive about one’s identity, and about how one looks at the identity of the other, it might also mean emancipation from the burden of restricting and discriminating categories as exemplified by Adichie’s narrative. In the ambivalent state the hybrid subjects can nurture hopes to rise above the assumed purity of cultures. The native- colonial or white-black nexus in this sense may be understood to have steered away from confrontation, and found a way towards reconciliation.
Impact of External Debt on Economic Growth of Nepalese Economy
Authors: Kunwar Keshar Bahadur
Published: September 2023

This paper aims to identify the impact of external debt on the GDP of Nepal using a qualitative and quantitative research design (mixed design). The test of the unit root of the series is the first step in determining whether the data are stationary or not. An augmented Dicky-Fuller unit root test and a co-integration test are employed to check the relationship of the variables under study. This study reveals that LNED, LNGFCF, LNTR, LNEXP, LNREM, and LNBRATE are insignificant. The coefficient of LNED (-0.82) implies that a 1 percent increase in external debt leads to a decrease of 0.82 percent in gross domestic production, just as a 1 percent increase in gross fixed capital formation contributes to an increase of 3.28 percent in GDP. other macroeconomic variables like the coefficient of LNTR (-3.78) imply that a 1 percent increase in total revenue decreases 3.78 percent in GDP; the coefficient of LNEXP (2.93) implies that a 1 percent increase in government expenditure increases 2.93 percent in GDP. In the same way, LNREM and LNBRATE contribute negatively to GDP. The speed of adjustment from the previous year’s disequilibrium in GDP added to the current year’s equilibrium is only 20.63 percent. Heteroscedasticity test: Breusch-Pagan-Godfrey and normality test are greater than 5 percent, which is desirable. So, this model is free from heteroscedasticity. The residual is normally distributed. The model is robust and stable, as both the lines’ long-run and short-run coefficients are acceptable over the study period from 1974/1975 to 2019/20. The diagnostic tests confirm that the models have the desired econometric properties.
Deudā: A Verbal Art of the Subaltern
Authors: Air Narendra Bahadur
Published: September 2023

Folk songs express the felt experiences and feelings of the common mass and seek to re-envision the traditions and practices of society. Deudā, in particular, is a folk poetic song popular in the Sudurpaschim and Karnali regions. The present research on Deudā songs holds special promise as it opens up avenues to look into folk traditions, practices, and social standings. Delving into Antonio Gramsci, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, and Ranajit Guha’s ideas of the subaltern, this study analyzes social association and representation by touching upon the subaltern consciousness in Deudā. It attempts to make an assessment of Deudā as the art of the humble people from the lower strata of life who create it to express their emotions and subaltern consciousness. The researcher has used interviews, focus group discussions, and observation as data collection techniques in this qualitative research. The main purpose of this study is to examine the voices of people from the margins, such as peasants, poor, women, and unprivileged caste groups belonging to the lower echelons of the communities, who express their felt experiences of life and break their silent marginal borders through Deudā songs. The findings of this research show that the Deudā songs convey the throbbing hearts of the subaltern people of the region with their emotions of pain, pathos, suffering, misery, hardships, compassion, fury or anger, silent protest, and rebellion
Awareness on Risk Factors and Warning Signs and Belief about Cancer among General Public in a Community of Biratnagar, Morang
Authors: Gautam Roshani , Kalikotay Bhagwaty , Maskey Deepika Khadgi
Published: September 2023

Globally, cancer is the leading cause of death and increasing in trend in Nepal. Lack of awareness on cancer, particularly of its risk factors, possible signs and screening guidelines is the barrier for early detection of cancer. Myths and misconceptions related to cancer screening need to be tackled through public health education programs. Hence, this study aims to assess the awareness about cancer risk factors, warning signs, and beliefs about cancer in the general public. Descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted, and a total of 188 households in a community at Biratnagar-8, Morang were included by using the systematic random sampling. Sampling frame was designed using interval of 17 (Kh interval) to meet the sample size. Face to face interview was conducted to collect data within a 4- week period. Data was analyzed in IBM SPSS version 16, and descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean were calculated and are presented in tables. Out of the 188 study participants, more than half belonged to 20-35 years age group, with a mean age 45.9 years, and two-thirds (69.7%) were female. The majority (80.9%) of study participants had inadequate awareness on risk factors and warning signs of cancer. However, half of them believed that cancer can be diagnosed at early stages (49.5%) and preventable (46.8%). The study concluded that study participants had inadequate awareness on risk factors and warning signs of cancer. Therefore, there is an urgent need to focus for the development and implementation of public campaigns to increase awareness on cancer.
Appropriate Technology Development for Energy Conservation in Animal Husbandry in the Context of Southeast Asian Countries
Authors: Das Arup R. , Sayanno Tasriba K. , Khandaker Nadim R.
Published: September 2023

Climate change is a global issue causing adverse effects in different sectors all over the world. Nations in Southeast Asia are mostly developing nations and do not have adequate resources to tackle the catastrophic effects of climate change. An increase in greenhouse gas emissions led to a significant rise in temperature all over the world, which is more vivid in Southeast Asian nations as they are tropical countries. Many residents of rural areas in these nations rely on agriculture and animal husbandry as means of their income. Over the last decade, farmers and poultry owners have faced more challenges to mitigate the extreme temperatures in which livestock cannot survive. Additionally, depleting fossil fuel levels, rise in the price of commodities and frequent power outages only add to the problem. Thus, a new environmentally friendly sustainable strategy has been proposed which makes use of renewable energy. The study also focuses on energy conservation technologies and techniques that the farmers can implement. If farmers and poultry owners are able to control the ambient temperature of the livestock housing, they are more likely to stay in business because of more profits. This temperature control can be acquired from livestock wastes, which the farmers usually dispose, of by generation of heat and electricity. This not only promotes the use of green technology but also reduces pollution associated with these wastes creating a more hygienic environment, producing more power, and enhancing the economy while aligning with sustainable development goals.
Exploring Investment Governance within Social Security Organization: A Key to SDG Achievement
Authors: Pradhan Bijaya Lal , Dhungel Gehendra Bhusan
Published: September 2023

The Employees Provident Fund is a prominent Social Security Organization in Nepal, and it aims to invest the long-term savings it accumulates in various sectors of national and infrastructure development. This investment is intended to create diverse employment opportunities for Nepali citizens, all while maintaining a robust governance mechanism to safeguard the collected contributions, ensuring there are no losses. This strategy aligns with the goal of achieving sustainable development. In order to address the pressing issue of unemployment, which has been consistently raised as a concern by the International Labor Organization, there is an imminent requirement to adapt and enhance the investment framework within the broader Investment Governance concept. This adaptation is necessary to actively generate job opportunities in the areas where unemployment is a significant concern. The main objective of this research is to assess the awareness of current contributors to the Employees Provident Fund regarding Investment Governance and Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, it aims to validate the developed theory of Investment Governance and its impact on achieving SDGs in practical terms. Furthermore, this study intends to offer insights into the current state of the Employees Provident Fund's investment mechanism, serving as a valuable resource. The result shows that the existing contributors to the Employees Provident Fund in Nepal are highly aware of investment governance. Furthermore, the study has confirmed the accuracy of the developed theory through these tests involving the contributors of the Employees Provident Fund. This fund is a prominent Social Security Organization in Nepal and plays a vital role in focusing its long-term savings on investments in key sectors such as social (health, production, education, and tourism) and the environment. These investments are crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in generating employment, which is a significant aspect of the 8th goal among the SDGs. Beyond examining investment governance, this study also highlights the importance of further exploration into the role of the Employees Provident Fund in advancing national development.
Governance, Innovation, and Sustainable Development
Authors: Chaudhary Deepak
Published: September 2023

The role of good governance and innovation is critical in ensuring a favorable investment environment and sustainable development. A review of the literature suggests that there is an affirmative relationship between governance, innovation, and sustainable development directly or indirectly. Without governance, innovation and sustainability could not go ahead smoothly, and the same in light of innovation. Good governance is crucial for tackling any kind of challenges regarding development. At the same, innovative technology enhances governance and sustainable development.
Achievements and Issues in Sustainable Development in Nepal
Authors: Sharma Gyanendra Raj
Published: September 2023

By conducting a comprehensive literature study on viewpoints regarding sustainability and development, this research aims to synthesize the accomplishments and challenges associated with sustainable development. The study utilizes a review-based methodology that is based on discussions and debates among academics, scholars, and philosophers. In order to advance development narratives, sustainable development (SD) necessitates achieving a harmonious balance among three fundamental pillars: social, economic, and environmental. The literature draws the conclusion that SD has emerged around three fundamental concepts. Based on the available evidence, it can be firmly concluded that sustainability represents the sole viable pathway for achieving sustainable development. This entails the integration of profound contemplation, responsible actions, and the assimilation of valuable lessons from diverse successful practices on a global scale. While acknowledging the praiseworthy achievements resulting from historical endeavors and recent initiatives such as Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, it is essential to recognize the imperative of addressing the existing challenges to enhance the overall effectiveness and comprehensiveness of sustainable development efforts.
Three Pillars of Sustainable Development: Challenges versus Achievements
Authors: Ghimire Bidhya Jyoti
Published: September 2023

This study provides an in-depth exploration of the challenges and achievements associated with the three pillars of sustainable development, namely economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection. Utilizing qualitative research designs, along with the utilization of secondary sources and data collection techniques, this study aims to offer a comprehensive and scholarly understanding of the intricate dynamics inherent in these pillars. Drawing upon an extensive array of scholarly articles, and reports from reliable secondary sources, this research identifies and critically analyzes the salient challenges prevailing within each pillar. This study delves into the nuanced experiences and perspectives of diverse stakeholders engaged in sustainable development initiatives globally. This encompasses a comprehensive assessment of key indicators pertaining to poverty reduction and social equity, ecological preservation, and the implementation of sustainable economic practices. This paper could contribute to an empirically grounded and academically rigorous analysis of the challenges encountered and the accomplishments realized in the domain of sustainable development.
Post-Earthquake Reconstruction in Kathmandu Valley: Progress and Challenges
Authors: Kadel Riya , Kadel Ribence
Published: September 2023

The 2015 Gorkha earthquake in Nepal inflicted significant human casualties and economic losses, highlighting the need for improved construction techniques and seismic safety measures. This study examines the post-earthquake scenarios, types of earthquake-induced damages, reconstruction methodologies, and reconstruction progress in Kathmandu Valley. The dominant pre-earthquake building types were Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) structures in Kathmandu, and Stone Mud Mortar (SMM) and Brick Mud Mortar (BMM) structures in Bhaktapur. The earthquake caused extensive damage to both reinforced and non-reinforced masonry structures due to their low strength and poor construction practices. Failures included wall separation, in-plane, and out-plane failures, overturning, and floor collapse. The reconstruction efforts have been primarily focused on private housing, with progress varying across different sectors. While private housing has seen satisfactory reconstruction, public heritage sites, buildings, educational and health institutions, and government structures lag behind. Retrofitting techniques have proven to be more cost-effective than rebuilding RCC structures. The preference for SMM and BMC structures persists in other regions. This abstract provides a concise overview of the article's key findings regarding post-earthquake reconstruction in Kathmandu Valley, emphasizing the need for accelerated efforts to restore public infrastructure and heritage sites.
Szerokie gościńce i zapomniane szlaki historii filozofii w badaniach filozoficznych Andrzeja J. Norasa
Authors: Alechnowicz-Skrzypek Iwona
Published: September 2023

W artykule podjęta została próba przyjrzenia się sposobowi, w jaki Andrzej J. Noras odnosił się do historii filozofii jako dyscypliny metafilozoficznej. W swoich pracach wielokrotnie podejmował problem znaczenia i wartości badań historyczno-filozoficznych. U podstaw stosunku Andrzeja J. Norasa do dyscypliny, w obrębie której się poruszał była postawa krytyczna, oznaczająca, by niczego nie pomijać, by badany przedmiot oświetlić z różnych perspektyw. W swoich badaniach podążał szlakami, które są rzadko uczęszczane przez historyków filozofii Dzięki temu udało mu się dokonać wielu interesujących ustaleń dotyczących głównego przedmiotu jego zainteresowań, jakim był neokantyzm. Wiele uwagi poświęcił także opisom sylwetek i dokonań filozofów mało znanych bądź po prostu zapomnianych. Zasługą Andrzeja J. Norasa jest to, że pozwolił im przemówić.
Myśl filozoficzna górnośląskich duchownych w opracowaniach Czesława Głombika
Authors: Wolsza Kazimierz
Published: September 2023

Prof. Czesław Głombik w swych badaniach naukowych zajmował się m.in.: historią filozofii współczesnej (wraz z filozofią katolicką), nurtami odnowy katolicyzmu, a także problematyką związaną z historią Górnego Śląska. Te trzy nurty badań spotykały się ze sobą w pracach poświęconych górnośląskim duchownym katolickim, takim jak: Konstanty Michalski, Erich Przywara, Fryderyk Klimke, August Hlond i Bolesław Kominek. W swych opracowaniach prof. Głombik zwracał uwagę na takie aspekty ich twórczości, które dotychczas nie były uwzględniane przez badaczy. Obficie korzystał ze źródeł archiwalnych. W publikacjach prof. Głombika można również dostrzec elementy charakterystyki duchowego profilu Górnego Śląska (pogłębionej filozoficznie idei Śląska). Autor poruszał następujące zagadnienia: czynniki polskie i niemieckie w dziejach Śląska, kwestie językowe, śląski etos, wkład Ślązaków w kulturę europejską, duma i pamięć.
Surgical treatment of idiopathic macular holes with a fovea-sparing technique and 20% SF6 gas tamponade
Authors: Буаллагуі Інес , Розанова Зоя Анатоліївна , Уманець Микола
Published: September 2023

Purpose: To assess the macular hole (MH) closure rate and final visual acuity after idiopathic MH treatment with a modified fovea-sparing technique and 20% SF6 gas tamponade.

Material and Methods: Fifteen patients (16 eyes; 12 women and 3 men; mean age (standard deviation or SD), 65.5 (5.90 years)) with Gass stage 2 to stage 4 MHs were involved in the study. Before surgery, mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (SD) was 0.15 (0.09), and mean MH diameter (SD), 437.2 (164.7) µm. Patients underwent surgical treatment with the modified fovea-sparing technique and 20% SF6 gas tamponade of two-week duration and were instructed to maintain a face-down position for a week after surgery.

Results: At 1 month after the first surgery, MHs were closed in 11/16 eyes (68.75%). In addition, mean BCVA (SD) in eyes with closed MHs improved significantly from 0.15 (0.09) to 0.48 (0.16) (р = 0.000000). Of the five eyes in which the MH had failed to close after primary fovea-sparing surgery, two received a gas fluid exchange gas tamponade with 15% С3F8, and these patients were advised to maintain a face down position for 3 more weeks. In addition, in another two eyes, the vitreous cavity was revised, and the internal limiting membrane (ILM) was removed by a conventional technique with 15% С3F8 gas tamponade. Moreover, one patient rejected repeat intervention. In the four eyes in which the MH had failed to close after primary fovea-sparing surgery, after a repeat intervention, the MH was closed, and mean BCVA (SD) improved to 0.35 (0.04). There was no significant difference between the eyes in which the MH failed to close and the eyes in which the MH did close after primary surgery in terms of mean MH size (SD) (455 (203) µm versus 415 (155) µm, р = 0.66) or MH duration.

Conclusion: A long gas tamponade (longer than 1 week) is required to improve the closure rate with the fovea-sparing ILM peeling technique for idiopathic MHs.
Cytologic features of the bulbar conjunctiva in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma-associated dry eye disease
Authors: Жмудь Тетяна Михайлівна , Тетарчук Владислав , Андрушкова Ольга Олександрівна , Демчук Алла Василівна , Гріжимальська Катерина Юріївна , Веретельник Світлана Петрівна
Published: September 2023

Purpose: To examine the features of the bulbar conjunctiva in patients who developed dry-eye disease (DED) after drug treatment for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods: Impression cytology was performed by applying twice a strip of cellulose acetate filter to the ocular surface to remove the superficial epithelial layers of the temporal bulbar conjunctiva. The strips were removed with a peeling motion in a few seconds, and the samples were immediately fixed in 95% ethyl alcohol, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, mounted on glass slides and coverslipped for light microscopy. Squamous metaplasia was graded according to Nelson’s grading system on the basis of cell morphology, staining and integrity as well as the nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio. This study included a case group of 80 patients (mean age, 63.8 +- 6.7 years) with POAG-associated DED, with the group being divided into four subgroups. Subgroups 1 and 2 were composed of 40 patients each, with glaucoma duration of less or more than 5 years, respectively. Subgroups a and b were composed of 40 patients each, with a number of topical ocular hypotensive drugs used equal to one or at least two, respectively. The control group was composed of 20 apparently healthy volunteers (mean age, 67.9 +- 8.9 years). All patients underwent a routine eye examination.

Results: All patients with glaucoma had symptoms of DED with Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores of at least 15. In subgroup 1, 60% had Nelson’s grade 1 and 40%, Nelson’s grade 2 squamous metaplasia. In subgroup 2, 10% had Nelson’s grade 1; 60%, Nelson’s grade 2 and 30%, Nelson’s grade 3 squamous metaplasia. In subgroup a, 20% had Nelson’s grade 1; 60%, Nelson’s grade 2 and 30%, Nelson’s grade 3 squamous metaplasia. In subgroup b, 10% had Nelson’s grade 1; 60%, Nelson’s grade 2 and 30%, Nelson’s grade 3 squamous metaplasia.

Conclusion: Changes in the bulbar conjunctival epithelium corresponded to Nelson’s grade 2 or 3 squamous metaplasia in 80% of patients who developed DED after drug treatment for POAG. The severity of squamous metaplasia correlated with the duration of glaucoma and, consequently, longer use of hypotensive eye drops (r1 = 0.15, p1 = 0.02, p2 = 0.01). Findings of the current study and international guidelines argue for the use of the medications containing no preservatives or potentially toxic components in long-term therapy against glaucoma.
Impact of a course of injections with melatonin on morphological and functional changes in the optic nerve in experimental animals with hypopinealism
Authors: Недзвецька Ольга , Пастух Уляна , Кузьмина де Гутврра Ольга , Пастух Ірина , Соболева Ірина , Сотник Наталія
Published: September 2023

Background: Optic atrophy (OA) may be expected in hypopinealism, which is accompanied by degenerative changes in the retina.

Purpose: To assess the impact of a course of injections with melatonin on the morphological and functional optic nerve (ON) changes in rabbits exposed to prolonged around-the-clock light (ATCL) leading to hypopinealism.

Material and Methods: Eighty-four rabbits were used in this experimental study. Group 1 (an ATCL group) was composed of 32 animals exposed to ATCL to develop functional hypopinealism. Group 2 (an ATCL+M group) was composed of 29 animals exposed to ATCL but treated with intramuscular melatonin for 14 days. Group 3 (a control group or CG) was composed of 23 intact animals maintained under natural day/night cycle conditions. Groups were subdivided into subgroups based on experimental constructs (1-2 months, 3-5 months, 8-12 months, 18-19 months, 26-28 months). Blood melatonin levels were assessed by commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. ON specimens were obtained and comprehensively assessed morphologically and morphometrically.

Results: Night-time blood melatonin level in experimental groups was almost six-fold lower than that in controls. Signs of abnormal ON circulation were observed at ≤12 months of ATCL exposure. ON demyelination was observed from months 3-5 of the experiment. Sclerotic and atrophic processes in the ON were observed at 28 months of ATCL exposure. In ATCL26-28 and ATCL+M26-28 subgroups, the mean relative vascular area in the intraorbital ON was significantly reduced compared to CG26-28 (2.01 ± 0.15% and 1.93 ± 0.15%, respectively, versus 3.20 ± 0.13%, р less 0.05). In addition, the mean relative area of the perivascular connective tissue (4.80 ± 0.15% and 4.61 ± 0.17%, respectively) was significantly increased compared to CG26-28 (3.40 ± 0.14%, р less 0.05). Moreover, the mean diameter of the nerve fiber bundle (2.51 ± 0.09 ×10-6 m and 2.73±0.10×10-6 m, respectively) was significantly reduced compared to CG26-28 (3.85±0.14×10-6 m; р less 0.05).

Conclusion: The morphological findings (like demyelination of nerve fibers and thinning of nerve fiber bundles of the ON), combined with low blood flow in ON vessels, vascular wall thickening and connective tissue growth, indicated the development of sclerotic atrophy of the ON, in the presence of marked melatonin deficiency, in rabbits exposed to ATCL. The 14-day course melatonin treatment of ATCI-exposed rabbits exerted anti-edematous effects at early time points (less 5 months), until obviously irreversible changes in the ON occurred. However, the course melatonin treatment exerted no impact on the development of OA in animals with persistent, marked hypopinealism developed in the presence of prolonged (28-month) exposure to ATCI.
Retinal energy state in rats with experimental diabetes and axial myopia
Authors: Михейцева І.М. , Амаієд Ахмед , Коломійчук Сергій
Published: September 2023

Background: Elucidating the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) for further development of methods of treatment and prevention of the disease is an important medical and social task for ophthalmologists. The development of DR in the presence of myopia has some special features. In the presence of myopia, the diabetic complications in the retina are less severe than in emmetropia. The mechanisms of this paradoxical impact of eye myopization on the severity of these complications are, however, still unknown.

Purpose: To examine the state of retinal energy metabolism based on evaluation of biochemical markers of mitochondrial function (lactate, pyruvate, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) levels and succinate dehydrogenase activity) in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes that developed in the presence of axial myopia, compared to rats with diabetes alone and those with myopia alone.

Material and Methods: High axial myopia was produced in two-week animals by surgically fusing the eyelids of both eyes and maintaining these animals under conditions of reduced illumination for two weeks. A 15 mg/kg intraperitoneal streptozotocin injection for 5 days was used for inducing diabetes mellitus in rats with induced axial myopia and intact rats. Animals in the control group were maintained under conditions of natural illumination. In two months, all rats were euthanized under anesthesia, and their eyes were enucleated. ATP, ADP, lactate, and pyruvate levels were measured in blood and retinal specimens and ATP/ADP ratio and lactate/pyruvate ratio were determined. Succinate dehydrogenase activity was determined in isolated retinal mitochondria. For statistical analysis of biochemical results, Student’s t-test was conducted (Statistica software).

Results: Rats with diabetes alone exhibited lower retinal and plasma energy metabolism characteristics (ATP, ADP, and succinate dehydrogenase activity), and developed retinal hypoxia, with retinal lactate and pyruvate levels being 1.838-fold and 1.455-fold higher, respectively, and their ratio, 26.5% higher, compared to controls. In animals with STZ-induced diabetes in the presence of axial hypoxia, retinal lactate and pyruvate levels were 20.2% and 15.5% lower, respectively, and their ratio was lower (36.5 versus 38.7), compared to rats with diabetes alone, indicating lower hypoxia in the setting of eye myopization. In addition, in rats with diabetes in the presence of axial hypoxia, plasma and retinal ATP levels were 21.8% and 21.2% higher, respectively, and retinal succinate dehydrogenase activity, 20.8% higher, compared to rats with diabetes alone.

Conclusion: In experimental diabetes, an increase in the axial length of the eye (i.e., eye myopization) is accompanied by activation of energy processes and the development of hypoxia adaptation in retinal cells.
Assessing quantitatively the state of the blood-aqueous barrier by laser flare photometry: a review
Authors: Зборовська Олександра , Дорохова Олександра , Король Андрій , Трояновська Ксенія , Задорожний Олег , Колесніченко Вікторія , Пасєчнікова Наталія
Published: September 2023

This review discusses the experience in applying laser flare photometry, a non-invasive technique, in ophthalmology, to assess quantitatively the state of the blood-aqueous barrier (BAB) in patients with certain ocular and systemic disorders. The method allows reliable detection of such biomarkers of the state of the BAB as the intensity of the scattered light (flare) and number of cells in the aqueous of the anterior chamber, sometimes even at the subclinical level, which significantly improves the capability for early diagnosis and objective treatment monitoring.
Solitary occipital bone plasmacytoma with unusual ocular signs
Authors: Федірко Володимир Олегович , Єгорова Катерина , Цюрупа Дмитро , Оніщенко П. М. , Шуст Василь , Єгоров Микола
Published: September 2023

Solitary occipital bone plasmacytoma at the level of the confluence of sinuses is a rare condition. We report a case of an unusual combination of occipital bone plasmacytoma, ocular motility abnormalities, and papilledema. To the best of our knowledge, no case has been reported in the literature on such a combination of nosology, location and clinical course.
Doenças fúngicas da roseira: sintomatologia, etiologia e controle
Authors: Domingues Ricardo José , Töfoli Jesus Guerino
Published: September 2023

A produção comercial de plantas ornamentais representa um dos setores mais promissores da agricultura brasileira. Com atuação marcante no mercado interno e externo, a atividade possui importância econômica e social crescente, além de apresentar características empresariais bem definidas, elevado nível tecnológico e gerenciamento avançado de todo processo produtivo. Cultivada nos jardins da Ásia, há mais de 5.000 anos, a roseira (Rosa spp.), pertencente à família das Rosáceas, possui um grande número de espécies, que permitiram obter, pela hibridação, inúmeras variedades e híbridos. Em função disso, elas se apresentam com uma grande diversidade estrutural, podendo ser arbustivas, trepadeiras, com flores isoladas, entre outros aspectos. Existem mais de 30.000 variedades de rosas em todo o mundo. As técnicas de melhoramento originaram diferentes tipos e misturas visando, além da resistência a doenças, à melhoria do aspecto, tamanho e formato das flores, para atender mercados específicos e um consumidor cada vez mais exigente. Na maioria das regiões produtoras de rosas ocorrem diversos problemas fitossanitários, destacandose as doenças de etiologia fúngica. Os sintomas e sinais dessas doenças podem ser observados sobre as hastes, folhas e flores, muitas vezes comprometendo tanto a quantidade, como a qualidade da produção de hastes florais. O presente trabalho aborda 10 doenças fúngicas das roseiras, descrevendo suas sintomatologias, etiologias e técnicas de manejo.
The Relation between Reading Strategy Use and Reading Performance among Students
Authors: Musema Aman  , Geremew Lemu
Published: September 2023

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between the use of reading strategies and reading achievement between high and low EFL university students in Ethiopia. To this effect, sixty students were selected (30 top high achievers and 30 least low achievers) using stratified sampling technique. The Survey of Reading Strategies and Reading Comprehension Test were employed to discover students’ reading strategy use, and to measure their reading ability respectively. Thus, thirty reading strategies of the survey and fifty reading comprehension questions were administered to students. The data gathered was statistically analyzed through descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test and Pearson correlation. The findings of the study revealed that High achievers adopted a diverse and more reading strategies in higher frequency compared to low achievers. This difference between the groups was significant. The result also showed that there was a relationship between students’ three main strategies use (i.e., global, problem-solving and support reading strategies and their reading achievement). Based on the findings, it was recommended to raise awareness to enhance students' use of various strategies at higher frequency and the low achievers must be encouraged to use the reading strategies more frequently in general and global reading strategies in particular.
Formation of educational motivation of younger schoolchildren in conditions of different technical equipment of the educational process
Authors: Usoltseva Viktoriia Vladimirovna , Pidtsan Natalia Georgievna , Dorokhova Alexandra Valeryevna
Published: September 2023

The article presents an analysis of the formation of educational motivation of younger schoolchildren in conditions of different technical equipment of the educational process. The relevance of the research is determined by the fact that in the modern world there is an active development of new technologies. Competent use of technical equipment in the educational process can only develop students' interest in obtaining knowledge, thereby increasing their level of educational motivation. The purpose of the study is to study the formation of educational motivation of younger schoolchildren in conditions of different technical equipment of the educational process. The authors hypothesized that younger schoolchildren studying in conditions of good technical equipment of the educational process have a higher level of motivation for educational activities. The sample set of the study was made up of students of the 2nd and 4th grades of budgetary educational institutions “secondary school №. 124”, “secondary school № 30”. The stages and the complex of psychological techniques are described. Features of conducting and results of the study of educational motivation of students of schools with different technical equipment. The study was conducted by testing the typology of teaching motives, assessing school motivation and its level in elementary school students. In conclusion, the article presents conclusions about the presence of differences in the educational motivation of students in different conditions of technical equipment. It was found that students of the 2nd grades in the conditions of modern equipment of the educational process are more motivated to study.
University lecture: experience of teaching chemistry to foreign students
Authors: Shtobbe Irina Andreevna , Azarova Olga Vasilevna
Published: September 2023

The article presents the experience of teaching chemistry to foreign students of a medical university. To facilitate the understanding of educational material in chemistry by foreign students, the didactic potential of university lectures has been expanded. Every year, Russian universities accept citizens from more than 170 countries to study. The annual growth in the number of foreign students corresponds to the national course for further integration into the educational and scientific community of the allied states. The relevance of the study is determined by the need of Russian universities to develop educational and methodological materials in a foreign language for training programs for foreign students. The aim of this study is to facilitate the understanding of lecture material, and, as a result, to increase the effectiveness of teaching chemistry to foreign students of a medical university through the use of an English-language course of lectures in the learning process. Within this work, using the method of students questionnaire survey, a pedagogical study of the attitude of foreign students to the use of a course of chemistry lectures in English was carried out. The study involved 80 foreign students of Altai State Medical University, citizens of far abroad countries. It was found that the described course of lectures minimizes the difficulties of foreign students' perception of large amounts of educational material (97.5% of respondents), increases the efficiency of independent work (92.5%), helps to overcome the language barrier when teaching in an intermediary language (67.5%), as a result, there is a general interest of foreign students in chemistry as a science (95%), facilitating of educational material understanding and an increase in academic performance (96.2% of those who successfully passed the exam in chemistry compared to 60% of students in the control group). Thus, we came to the conclusion that the use of a developed English-language course of lectures in the teaching chemistry makes it easier for students to perceive the lecture material and improve the quality of chemistry education for foreign students.
Analysis of high school students' perceptions of tutors in the educational process
Authors: Luzgina Elena Nikolaevna , Ivanova Milena Evgenievna
Published: September 2023

There is a growing need for high-quality education that prepares students for the complex challenges of the modern world. As a result, the use of tutoring services is becoming increasingly common in the education system. However, it is necessary to study the opinions of high school students about the role of tutors and the use of their services in the educational process to determine the effectiveness of this approach. The relevance of this research lies in determining high school students' perceptions of tutors' role in the educational process. High school students are a key group of tutoring service consumers, and their opinions about tutors' role in the educational process may influence decisions about using such services. In this study, a survey method was used. The survey questions addressed students' opinions about tutors' role in the educational process, as well as their personal experience with using tutoring services. The analysis of the data showed that high school students generally have positive attitudes towards tutors and consider them important helpers in the learning process. Most of the survey participants noted positive results from using tutoring services, such as improved academic performance and confidence in their knowledge. However, some drawbacks of using tutoring services were also identified, such as high cost, mismatch of the tutor's and student's knowledge levels, and insufficient effectiveness in some cases. The use of tutoring services can be an effective tool for improving academic performance and motivation among high school students, but the drawbacks and limitations of this approach should be taken into account. The results of this study can be useful for school administrations, parents, and high school students in making decisions about using tutoring services in the educational process.
The image of the crisis situation as viewed by Belarusian students
Authors: Novak Natalia Gennadevna , Zakharova Anna Nikolaevna
Published: September 2023

Introduction. A crisis situation is a broad notion that includes a crisis event that caused life difficulties, the crisis state experienced, the person himself as the subject of the situation and other participants in it, as well as other internal and external circumstances. Stress resistance and human behavior in a crisis situation are largely determined by the way a person evaluates what is happening. The selection of significant events from the context of the situation largely depends on the person's perception of what is happening. The aim of the research is to study the image of a crisis situation and its consequences on the basis of students' perceptions. Materials and methods. The research involved 1st-4th year students studying in the educational institution “F. Skorina Gomel State University”. The sample of research was composed of 369 students (181 boys and 188 girls) aged from 16 to 24. The average age of the respondents was 18.6. As a psychodiagnostic toolkit was used the original method “Image of a crisis situation” (N.G. Novak). Results of the research and their discussion. The analysis of respondents' perceptions revealed the image of a crisis event, the image of a crisis condition, as well as perceptions of possible consequences of experiencing a crisis event. Conclusions: modern Belarusian students reflect a crisis event as sudden, destructive, undesirable, unusual, unexpected, abrupt, threatening, useless, excessive, takes away strength, a person feels a sense of internal tension, a sense of internal instability, confusion, lack of control over the situation, depletion of adaptive resources, understands that something needs to be done, that something needs to be done (it will not resolve itself), but does not know exactly how to behave, feels the need for support, and asks for help himself, ready to support and help others; key signs of a crisis state: timid, angry, sad, tired, excited, sensitive, gloomy, upset, annoyed, agitated, emotionally unstable, a sense of injustice, senselessness, misunderstanding of what is happening, anxiety, confusion, hatred, quiet, silent, honest, noble, dependent, lost, intelligent, passive; positive and negative poles are defined, reflecting the likely consequences of the process of experiencing a crisis event.
Organizatsiia raboty po formirovaniiu gotovnosti k vypolneniiu materinskikh funktsii u studentok vuza
Authors: Illarionova Inna Valerevna
Published: September 2023

A higher educational institution, being an important institution for the development of society, ensures the full implementation of targeted psychological and pedagogical influence on students in matters of the formation of a system of values, knowledge, skills, and targeted development of individual personality traits. Modern approaches of researchers note the importance of determining the readiness to perform maternal functions in the younger generation and carrying out a set of activities that enrich students with knowledge about motherhood and child rearing. The purpose of the work is to determine the pedagogical aspects of the organization of work on the formation of readiness to perform maternal functions among girls in higher education institutions. The study emphasizes the importance of carrying out work in this direction, notes the leading role of psychological disciplines, namely the organization of classroom work, consisting of lectures and practical classes, extracurricular activities and independent work of students. A special role in the work with students on the formation of the maternal principle is given to the use of the educational potential of social partners (representatives of the healthcare system and museums).
Sistemnye problemy obrazovaniia v Rossii i napravleniia ikh resheniia
Authors: Spivak Vladimir Aleksandrovich
Published: September 2023

Based on the application of the methodology of the system approach, the chapter identifies such problems of the education sphere as insufficient quality of goal-setting, finding consensus among stakeholders, perception of participants of relations in education and other subjects of influence on its development as systemic phenomena, the need to specify models (portraits) of graduates as the ultimate goals of life activity of the education system, measuring their qualities and others.
Recurrence quantification analysis of energy market crises: a nonlinear approach to risk management
Authors: Bielinskyi Andrii O. , Soloviev , Vladimir N. , Solovieva Viktoria V. , Semerikov Serhiy O. , Radin Michael A.
Published: September 2023

The energy market is characterized by unstable price dynamics, which challenge the quantitative models of pricing processes and result in abnormal shocks and crashes. We use recurrence quantification analysis(RQA) to analyze and construct indicators of intermittent events in energy indices, where regular patterns are interrupted by chaotic fluctuations, which could signal the onset of crisis events. We apply RQA to daily data of Henry Hub natural gas spot prices, WTI spot prices, and Europe Brent spot prices. Our empirical results show that the recurrence measures capture the distinctive features of crashes and can be used for effective risk management strategies.