bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low Touch Tourism
Authors: Grunenberg Sophie , Hilpert Markus
Published: July 2022

Ausgelöst durch die pandemiebedingten Veränderungen des Reiseverhaltens untersucht der Lehrstuhl für Humangeographie und Transformationsforschung an der Universität Augsburg in Kooperation mit dem Wissenstransferzentrum Innovative und Nachhaltige Tourismusentwicklung an der Hochschule Kempten elaborierte Formen eines möglichen low touch tourism. Im Fokus stehen dabei wirksame Strategien zur Vermeidung von Gruppenbildungen und Crowding-Effekten, Potentiale zur Minimierung physischer Kontakte zwischen Reisenden und Tourismusanbieter:innen (Techniken zur Vermeidung von near-contact services) und Möglichkeiten zur Reduzierung von physischen Kontakten mit hochfrequentierten Oberflächen. Ziel des Projektes ist die Sammlung, Strukturierung und Kategorisierung von Informationen, Daten und Erfahrungen zum low touch tourism.
Der touristische Einsatz von Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien in Kultureinrichtungen im ländlichen Raum: Eine interviewbasierte ressourcentheoretische Untersuchung
Authors: Schuhbauer Sarah , Hausmann Andrea
Published: July 2022

Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien (IKT) werden von Kultureinrichtungen im ländlichen Raum noch kaum touristisch eingesetzt. Bisher fehlt in der Forschung jedoch die Einbettung in einen ressourcentheoretischen Kontext. Aus bereits genutzten theoretischen Ansätzen wurde deshalb ein eigenes System von Ressourcenkategorien abgeleitet, mithilfe dessen im Rahmen von 30 Interviews analysiert wurde, welche Ressourcenausstattung notwendig ist, damit Kultureinrichtungen im ländlichen Raum IKT touristisch einsetzen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass nicht nur finanzielle und personelle Mittel, sondern auch das Wissen und die Fähigkeiten der MitarbeiterInnen sowie interorganisationale Möglichkeiten wichtige Voraussetzungen darstellen. Den Einrichtungen werden daher u. a. die Entwicklung einer digitalen Denkweise und zusätzliche Qualifizierungen im Bereich der Digitalisierung empfohlen.
Life and death in early colonial Campeche: new insights from ancient DNA
Authors: Tiesler Vera , Sedig Jakob , Nakatsuka Nathan , Mallick Swapan , Lazaridis Iosif , Bernardos Rebecca , Broomandkhoshbacht Nasreen , Oppenheimer Jonas , Lawson Ann Marie , Stewardson Kristin , Rohland Nadin , Kennett Douglas J. , Price T. Douglas , Reich David
Published: July 2022

Campeche, one of the Spanish Empire's main Mexican ports, was a place where previously distinct cultures and populations intermingled during the colonial era (AD 1540–1680). Investigation of the town's central plaza revealed a Hispanic cemetery of multi-ethnic burials. The authors combine previous analyses with newly generated genome-wide data from 10 individuals to trace detailed life histories of the mostly young, local Indigenous Americans and first-generation European and African immigrants, none of whom show evidence of genetic admixture. These results provide insights into the individual lives and social divides of the town's founder communities and demonstrate how ancient DNA analyses can contribute to understanding early colonial encounters.
Strategies in Mastering Science Process Skills in Science Experiments: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Idris Nazihah , Talib Othman , Razali Fazilah
Published: July 2022

Science is a knowledge discipline that is experimentally oriented. The science experiment is one of the core activities in science learning. It is a process that prioritises methods of investigation and problem-solving where the scientific method is employed. In science experiments, mastery of scientific process skills is required. Hence, it is crucial as this will expose students to scientific methods and knowledge. This study aims to identify what are the appropriate strategies that may be employed to augment learners’ science process skills. This article conducts a systematic literature review and twenty-two articles have been chosen to be analysed. The current study combined many research designs, where the review fulfilled the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) publishing standard. Web of Science and Scopus, two well-known databases, were used to discover articles for this study. This review includes a topic based on the thematic analysis which is strategies in mastering science process skills. The results show seven sub-themes based on the topic that are 1) Hands-on and minds-on implementation 2) Inquiry-based approach 3) Discovery learning 4) Strategic manipulative skills 5) Argumentation Skills 6) Using Information and Communication Technologies and 7) Implementing Engineering-oriented science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) Integration Activities. The research’s findings may motivate science educators to use the appropriate strategies while undergoing science experiments to improve SPS which are important competencies that can influence student’s performance in science learning.
Analysis of Indonesia's Three Major Anthropogenic Pollutants Which Include Various Emission and Fuel Sectors in the 1990-2015 Period
Authors: Sunarno S. , Purwanto P. , Warsito B.
Published: July 2022

The rapid industrial growth and urbanization in Indonesia over the last two decades have resulted in a significant increase in air pollution, so it has caused a decrease in air quality. An air pollution inventory is needed to determine the level of air quality, emission sector, and the type of pollutant fuel. Air pollutant emission data were obtained from various sources, including Regional Emissions Inventory in Asia (REAS) V3.1, Database Emissions for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR) V4.3.2, and Community Emissions Data System (CEDS) V1.0. The data consists of 3 types of emitted pollutants (CO, NOX, and SO2) and two contributing factors (emission and fuel sectors). This study aims to compare data from the emission sources of the three air pollutants, determine the trend of changes in the emission of the three pollutants, and determine the main sectors and fuels that emit the three air pollutants. This research uses the literature study method to collect, visualize, and analyze data. The results showed that between 2005 and 2012, there was a downward trend in emissions in the industrial sector for CO, NOX, and SO2 gases, with the lowest point in August. This is because many industrial sectors have applied the principle of clean energy to reduce air pollution and create clean air. However, the transportation sector showed an increase in CO and NOX emissions and peaked in April and October. Furthermore, the SO2 emissions for the power generation sector fluctuated and peaked in July.
Level of Creative Thinking Among Prospective Chemistry Teachers
Authors: Apriwanda W. , Hanri C.
Published: July 2022

Creative thinking is one of the skills considered in facing the 21st-century era. Similar to other science domains, creative thinking is also crucial in chemistry learning. The variety of problems in chemistry makes students must be creative thinkers to solve chemistry problems faced. In the classroom, a chemistry teacher has a role in encouraging students’ creative thinking. Other than that, this role also applies to prospective chemistry teachers who will have the same responsibility in the future. Therefore, this study aims to identify the level of creative thinking among prospective chemistry teachers, and identify the aspect of creative thinking that needs to improve. The research design used in this study was a quantitative approach with descriptive research. There were 92 prospective chemistry teachers in Pekanbaru, Riau-Indonesia selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using open-ended questions and analyzed using the rubric of scoring. Once scoring was done, the score obtained was presented in form of a percentage of score to determine the level of creative thinking. The finding reveals that the level of creative thinking of prospective chemistry teachers was moderate (percentage score of 35.43). The prospective chemistry teachers were at a low level of flexibility and fluency with a percentage score of 27.29 and 27.42 respectively. This finding could be a consideration for any stakeholder to improve the quality of education by taking steps to improve creative thinking among prospective chemistry teachers. With the hope, that none of the students in the future found is at a low level of creative thinking because the students have been taught by competent teachers.
Program for Integrating Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into Prospective Biology Teachers' Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK)
Authors: Purwianingsih W. , Novidsa I. , Riandi R.
Published: July 2022

This study aims to promote prospective biology teachers' Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) about Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) or TPACK-ESD through a School Biology Course. The course is an integrated course as it discusses essential biology contents for the school and the strategies to present the content to the students. It is urgent to promote prospective teachers' TPACK-ESD since the existing biology teachers are not prepared to integrate ESD into biology lessons. The study applied a descriptive method based on a seven-step model of Reorient University Curricula to Address Sustainability (RUCAS). Participants in this study were third-year prospective teachers who were taking the course. The effectiveness of this program for prospective biology teachers is drawn from Content Representation (CoRes) and lesson plans prepared by prospective teachers. The results showed that prospective teachers' TPACK-ESD improved from early development to developed level. It means that prospective teachers' TPACK-ESD is still at a low level. Although the program can improve prospective biology teachers' competencies in developing lesson plans, the level is still low. One semester intensive program seems insufficient to promote prospective teachers' TPACK-ESD. Therefore, it is recommended that the program for promoting ESD integration into TPACK-ESD is conducted for an extended time. The novelty of this study lies in the findings and the coverage of the research area. This study is the first to explore a strategy to promote prospective teachers' TPACK-ESD. More studies are needed, especially on teachers' education curriculum and professional development programs, to accelerate the development of teachers' TPACK-ESD.
The Effect of 21st-Century Learning on Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) and Numerical Literacy of Science Students in Indonesia based on Gender
Authors: Sepriyanti N. , Nelwati S. , Kustati M. , Afriadi J.
Published: July 2022

This study discusses the importance of 21st-Century learning to improve students’ higher-order thinking skills and numerical literacy based on gender. This research is descriptive quantitative, and correlational. The subjects of this study were education and science students from nine public Islamic universities in Indonesia who were selected by purposive sampling and took statistics courses in the odd semester of 2021/2022 in terms of gender. The sample size is 213 students, with 87 males and 126 female students. Data collection method used questionnaires, observation sheets, and HOTS and numerical literacy tests. The results show that the 21st-century competency-based learning process to improve HOTS and numerical literacy of Public Islamic university students in Indonesia was in the very good category (81.67%). Students’ responses to the learning process were in the very good category (81.78%). Male students’ HOTS were higher than female students, and male students’ numerical literacy skills were lower than female students. In summary, these results suggest that gender partially influences and relates to HOTS and numerical literacy of students at nine public Islamic universities in Indonesia with a low correlation.
A Model to Predict in-Hospital Death in Patients with Type B Acute Aortic Dissection: A Single-Center Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Li Wang , Zhou Jun , Cheng Cheng
Published: July 2022

Background: Acute type B aortic dissection (BAAD), as a catastrophic disease, is linked to high morbidity and mortality. The current research is to create a simple risk model to predict in-hospital mortality in BAAD patients based on laboratory results.
Methods: Patients with BAAD were included from April 1, 2017, to November 30, 2019, in the hospital. Clinical features and laboratory results were collected. Logistic regression analyses and ROC were applied to the evaluation.
Results: Hemoglobin (HB) (114.88 ± 28.42 (nonsurvivor) vs. 134.95 ± 17.88 (survivor), P < 0.001) and UREA (10.93 ± 7.02 (nonsurvivor) vs. 7.17 ± 3.77 (survivor), P = 0.001) were significantly different. In multivariate analysis, HB (hazard ratio (HR): 0.124; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.025 – 0.627; P = 0.012) and UREA (HR: 8.765; 95% CI 2.022 – 37.993; P = 0.004) were independent predictors of in-hospital death. Then, a model with good performance (AUC 0.761 (0.677 – 0.832) was developed.
Conclusion: A simple model with good prediction value was developed. With this model, physicians quickly can identify high-risk patients, determine the best treatment strategies, and improve prognosis.
“If Social Studies is Wrong, I Don’t Want to be Right”: Análisis del pensamiento de Wayne Ross y su relevancia para los Estudios Sociales en Costa Rica
Authors: Grieco Agüero Deyanira , López De La O Génesis , Peraza Orellana Luis
Published: July 2022

This article investigates Wayne Ross’s construction and problematization on topics such as: teaching practice, educational curriculum and “Social Studies”. It seeks to bring social studies teachers —both graduates and in training— closer to their thinking. At the same time, promote the debate and the problematization of teaching in the face of the challenges of the 21st century. For this purpose, we start from a theoretical review of some of his articles, books and academic chapters. The article ends with two specific points: the first is a general balance of Wayne Ross's thinking and the changes —or continuations— that his thinking has throughout his career; and the second is an invitation to the epistemic debate of Social Studies according to the current context of the country and the ideas of Ross.
Peculiarities of the use of indirect costs allocation method, based on the assignment of indirect costs to departments
Authors: Tamulevičienė Daiva , Mackevičius Jonas , Liubinaitė Ermina
Published: July 2022

No costing method can guarantee that cost accuracy will be 100% correct. This is primarily due to the problem of attributing indirect costs to the cost of a product or service. However, in recent decades, most of the research on the allocation of indirect costs has focused on Activity Based Costing (ABC) method, which is too complex and too costly for many companies. In contrast, research into the method of allocating indirect costs to departments has been unduly reduced. This method, often referred to as the traditional approach, is popular with the vast majority of companies and, if properly applied, would result in a reasonably accurate allocation of indirect costs to the cost of goods and services. The objective of the study is to reveal the peculiarities of the application of indirect cost allocation method based on the assignment of indirect costs to departments, with a view to improving the efficiency of the use of this method in the assignment of indirect costs to the cost of goods or services. The paper examines the peculiarities of the traditional method of allocating indirect costs, proposing not only a sequence for allocating these costs, but also the criteria for selecting the basis for the allocation of indirect costs, alternative methods of allocating indirect costs to production units, and the principles for calculating the indirect cost rate. All of this would allow enterprises to apply the indirect cost allocation method, based on assignment oh indirect cost to departments, much more effectively, both in financial accounting, for the purpose of determining cost of sales for the preparation of financial statements, and in management accounting, for the purpose of making various management decisions.
The Ethics of Realism as a New Media Language in Immersive Media
Authors: Fisher Joshua A. , Gifreu Castells Arnau
Published: July 2022

This work explores the ethical and moral limits of practicing realism in immersive nonfiction. To establish these practices, the nonfiction media ecosystem is analyzed from traditional to emerging immersive forms. Four significant forms of nonfiction works are discussed that reflect different ethics of realism: documentary, journalism, education, and cultural heritage. Through the description and presentation of each form, a provisional set of elements, variables, indicators and parameters that impact practices and ethics of realism are presented. These compositional elements can be implemented in the design, development and production of experiences for audiences that respect social, cultural, political, physical, and material realities.
Normograms in prenatal life of stomach and urinary bladder in the second and third
trimesters of pregnancy
Authors:   Department of Prenatal
            Cardiology, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital, Research Institute in Lodz,
            Poland, Witkowski Sławomir ,   Ludwik Rydygier Collegium
            Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Żalinska Agnieszka ,   Department of Prenatal
            Cardiology, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital, Research Institute in Lodz,
            Poland,   Department of Obstetrics and
            Gynecology, Polish Mother Memorial Hospital Research Institute, Lodz, Słodki Maciej ,   Department of Prenatal
            Cardiology, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital, Research Institute in Lodz,
            Poland, Respondek-Liberska Maria ,   Department of Prenatal
            Cardiology, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital, Research Institute in Lodz,
            Poland
Published: July 2022

Aim: The aim of this study was to prepare normograms for the fetal stomach,
urinary bladder, and stomach to urinary bladder index in healthy fetuses. Material and
methods: The study was conducted based on the data extracted from the database of our
tertiary center in the years 2016–2019. The study group, comprising 867 fetuses,
demonstrated normal biometry and normal heart structure, normal heart function, no
extracardiac malformations, and no extracardiac anomalies. The stomach to urinary
bladder index was analyzed in the study group. The examinations were performed with the
use of the following ultrasound machines: Voluson E10, Philips and Voluson Expert, with
convex transabdominal transducers. Linear regression analysis based on Microsoft Excel
was used for statistical analysis. Results: The average size of the stomach in healthy
fetuses between the 14–40th week of gestation was 18 mm (8–40 mm), the average urinary
bladder measurement was 17 mm (15–42 mm), and the fetal stomach to urinary bladder index
was constant: 1.26 (0.09–3.93). Conclusions: The normograms for the stomach, urinary
bladder and the stomach to urinary bladder index prepared based on our study group can
contribute to an improvement in the accuracy of examination and provide an unified
organization of the description of fetuses. These normograms constitute an additional
marker for the assessment of fetal condition. A clear disproportion in the size of the
urinary bladder and stomach can be helpful in terms of paying more attention to fetuses
with untypical features in screening centers.
Features of the use of physical exercises at the long-term stage of rehabilitation after intra-articular fractures
Authors: Pashkevych Sviatoslava , Shutieieva Tetiana , Beziazychna Оlha
Published: July 2022

Background and Study Aim. The main demand after surgical treatment of the injury is to restore motor function and return to an active lifestyle. The inclusion of effective therapeutic exercises in the rehabilitation program will help to restore the physical activity of patients. The aim of the study is to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a set of therapeutic exercises to restore the movements of the lower extremities of patients after surgery. Material and Methods. The program involved 14 patients who were randomized (n=6 - control group, CG; n=8 - main group, MG). All patients gave their informed consent to participate in the experiment and to the processing of their personal data. It was used the following scales: “6 minute walk test”, “Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score” (KOOS). The International Classification of Functioning (ICF) categories were assessed and program objectives were set. Conducted individual classes according to the developed rehabilitation program in the MG and the generally accepted in the CG. After 2 months, the implementation of the goals set in the program was evaluated. Nonparametric statistics were used to determine differences between groups, Wilcoxon test for related sets, and Mann-Whitney criteria for independent sets. Values ​​of p <0.05 were considered significant. Results. The goal of "Restore lower limb function" and "Ability to drive a car" was fulfilled in the MG and CG. Significant differences in the dynamics of KOOS subscales “Pain”, “Symptoms and stiffness”, “Quality of life” confirm this (p <0.05). The goal "Ability to work in the backyard" was met only by MG patients. The distance traveled significantly improved in MG and CG (p <0.05), but there was a significant difference between the comparison groups on this indicator (p <0.05). The assessment of the scale of the KOOS “Sport” and “Active Recreation” subscales changed only for MG (p <0.05) and at the end of the program differed significantly from the CG (p <0.05). Category d850 “Paid work” significantly improved during the study period in MG (p <0.05), with a significant difference between these indicators with CG. 2 of 6 CG patients (33.3 ± 21.1%) and 6 of 8 patients with MG (75.0 ± 16.4%) returned to previous work at p <0.05. Conclusions. It is recommended to perform exercises with an emphasis on the posterior surface of the lower extremity. The author's program of physical rehabilitation is quite conditional. Depending on the situation and condition of patients, adjustments are made. But the general direction and nature of the impact must be maintained.
Indicators of speed and strength abilities of young fencers 12-13 years old
Authors: Nesen Olena , Klimenchenko Viktoriia
Published: July 2022

Background and Study Aim. The health of a young athlete in the early stages of training is a mandatory element of the training process. This is a guarantee of the integrity of the process of training athletes for the next stage of preliminary basic training. The purpose of the study is to determine the indicators of speed and strength qualities of young fencers 12-13 years old at the stage of initial training. Material and methods. Fencers (n=13, age – 12-13 years, sports experience – 3 years) took part in the study. The children's parents agreed to participate in the study. The following tests were used: speed of overcoming the distance of 14 meters by fencing steps forward in the on-quard position, seconds; speed of overcoming distance of 14 meters by fencing steps back in the on-quard position, seconds; hits on the target in 10 seconds, the number of times; “Standing Long Jump Test”, cm; "Vertical Jump Test", sm. The computer program Excel was used: the indicators of arithmetic mean and standard deviation were determined. Correlation analysis was performed to identify relationships between the results of athletes' control standards. Statistical reliability was determined by Student's t test. Results. A sufficient level of development of speed and strength abilities for fencers of this age and qualification has been established. The relationship between the speed and strength of the muscles of the upper and lower extremities in young fencers was observed. Conclusions. The selected content and load of athletes fully meet the objectives of training. This is emphasized by the steady development of speed and strength abilities of athletes during fencing.
Jump serve performed by volleyball players of different qualifications
Authors: Melnyk Alina , Liakhova Tamara
Published: July 2022

Background and Study Aim. An important component of volleyball competitive activity is to obtain statistics on the performance of the jump serve. This allows the coach to decide on the appropriateness of its use in different moments of the game to obtain optimal results. The purpose of the work is to determine the indicators of the effectiveness of jump serve by volleyball players of student teams.

Material and Methods. The analysis of statistical data obtained as a result of pedagogical observations of the performance of jump serve. Volleyball players (aged 17-21 years) were monitored during the competitions. 8 games with the total number of jump serve 410 were selected for analysis.

Results. The corresponding indicators of efficiency of jump serve depending on number of a zone of a playground are defined. The efficiency of serve and different zones was the following: in zone 1 - 34.9%; in zone 5 - 31.1%; in zone 6 - 23.6%. Zones 1 and 5 have been determined to be the most vulnerable to the opponent’s defensive actions in the jump serve. It was shown that the jump serve significantly reduces the chances of the opponent to attack effectively.

Conclusions. The results can be used to solve the problem of improving the efficiency of jump serve in the training and competitive activities of student teams. It is recommended to use the jump serve in the first two games, when its effectiveness reaches its maximum values. It is also recommended to direct such a serve to the playground zones 1 and 5. It is necessary to find ways to improve the technique and accuracy of the jump serve and increase its efficiency in competitive activities.
Kiprah Dakwah Al-Washliyah di Tatar Sunda
Authors: Aripudin Acep
Published: July 2022

Alwashliyah is a da'wah organization with a different culture from the society in which the organization was born. This article aims to reveal the map of Aljamiyatul Washliyah's da'wah and other socio-religious organizations in West Java. The data to inform the theme of Alwashliyah da'wah is qualitative. Meanwhile, the socio-historical approach is used as an analytical tool and comparative to sharpen the map of the da'wah movement further. As for Alwashliyah's da'wah activities in West Java, namely: First, it was started in 1956 in the northern region of West Java through educational approaches and social activities; second, the da'wah method is carried out through tabligh, tadbir, tathwir. Alwashliyah da'wah in West Java is still concentrated in education and religious studies. Just like the da'wah of similar organizations. So that competition occurs in carrying out da'wah because the targets and forms are identical, impacting the inclusion of internal religious sentiments.
Preman Pensiun dan Kuasa Agama: Semiotika Visual Komunikasi Religius dalam Episode “Kembali Ke Fitri”
Authors: Rustandi Dudi , Noviana Anna
Published: July 2022

The Preman Pensiun cinema in the episode Return to Fitri has vital elements of the pull of religion so that humans return to Him. The purpose of this study is to interpret cultural signs visually. Using a critical paradigm with a visual semiotic method that is both structural and poststructural, the researcher uses a post-semiotic approach rooted in postmodernism to interpret the image that the author refers to from the Sinema Preman Pensiun episode of Return to Fitri. The study's results, from the perspective of structural visual semiotics, show that the power of religion is clearly depicted in the scenes played by Muslihat and Ujang figures. However, in the post-semiotic perspective, the pull of religion is a method of capitalism to influence or grip the minds of the audience so that they are interested in being part of the film (the audience). This research is expected to impact researches on communication semiotics that continue to develop and on da'wah communication in general, which the authors define as religious communication in the context of a critical paradigm.
The Development of Biogas Production in the Context of Energy Transition: The Case of Poland
Authors: Szterlik Paulina
Published: July 2022

Objective: The aim of this article is to identify the chances of further development of biogas production as a way to diverisfy the structure of energy production in Poland. Another one is to analyse biogas production as a part of getting closer to achieving the targets of the climate and energy framework of the European Union and Polish long-term energy sector strategies.
Research Design & Methods: The research methods used in the study include: the analysis and study of the literature, heuristic techniques for data analysis, the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis.
Findings: The production of biogas can be beneficial for local economic growth, environmental awareness, and social wellbeing. There is a strong need to overcome the barriers of further development of biogas production as well as analyse the opportunities, given that a type of renewable energy source is further developed. Biogas production can help meet the national and international goals concerning energy transition, developing low-carbon economies, and addressing modern economic trends.
Implications / Recommendations: The aim of this paper is to investigate the chances of further development of biogas production in spite of current changes in Polish agendas. The topic is of great importance when analysing the strategy of Poland to develop a low-carbon economy. It is also a significant part of current discussions between the scientific community and business practitioners in terms of energy transition in Poland. What is worth noting is that Polish strategies concerning the development of renewable energy production should be aligned with the climate and energy targets of the European Union, which can prove problematic. Polish energy mix is still based on energy production from coal, while the EU is steadily increasing gross energy production from renewable energy sources.
Contribution / Value Added: The analysis defines the role of biogas in circular economy as well as in modern economy with the consideration of environmental economics and sustainable development. It underlines the importance of biogas in energy transition in Poland, taking into consideration the Energy Policy of Poland until 2040 (Pol. Polityka energetyczna Polski do 2040 r.)
Assessment of CD4+ cells subpopulations with the expressing CD39 and CD73 ectonucleotidases in children with psoriasis
Authors: Kuptsova D. G. , Radigina T. V. , Petrichuk S. V. , Murashkin N. N. , Khotko A. A. , Ivanov R. A.
Published: July 2022

Purinergic signaling modulates systemic and local inflammatory responses in immune-mediated and autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis. Extracellular ATP is an important factor of purinergic regulation, and its levels are regulated by catalytic effects of CD39 and CD73 ectonucleotidases. The aim of the present study was to estimate the number of regulatory T cells (Tregs), activated T-helper cells (Thact), T-helper type 17 (Th17) expressing CD39 and CD73 ectonucleotidases in children with psoriasis vulgaris, depending on age, disease duration and severity of the pathological process. We have examined a total of 114 children with psoriasis vulgaris (70 girls and 44 boys) and 41 healthy children serving as a comparison group (25 girls and 16 boys). The age of children with psoriasis was 12.5 (10.1-15.8) years, and 12.4 (7.4-16.1) years for the comparison group. The severity of psoriasis was assessed by the PASI and BSA indices. The number of cells with CD39 and CD73 expression on Tregs, Thact and Th17 was estimated by flow cytofluorimetry. The highest number of CD39-expressing cells was found in the Tregs and CD73-expressing cells in Thact, both in children with psoriasis and in the comparison group. The number of CD39+Th17 was lower in children with psoriasis, but CD39+CD73+Thact and CD39+CD73+Th17 were higher than in comparison group (p < 0.05). There was a decreased number of CD73+Tregs, CD39+Thact, CD39+Th17, CD39+CD73+Thact and CD39+CD73+Th17 with age in healthy children (p < 0.05). In patients with psoriasis, the number of CD73+Th17 increased with age. A decrease in CD73+Th17, and an increase in CD39+CD73+ Tregs with higher PASI and BSA indices were detected. An increased PASI (> 10) showed patients with both high and low CD39+Tregs, with CD39+Tregs being reduced in 48% of cases, increased in 35% and normal values in only 17% of cases. Monitoring the numbers of Tregs, Thact and Th17 cells expressing CD39 and CD73 in children with psoriasis may be used to evaluate chronic inflammation, given the role of CD39 and CD73 ectonucleotidases in shaping the immune response in immune-mediated diseases,
Effect of tobacco smoke and nicotine on immune response in tuberculosis infection and other lung diseases
Authors: Chumovatov N. V. , Eremeev V. E. , Ergeshov A. E.
Published: July 2022

The problem of smoking, as well as incidence of tuberculosis, has existed for a long time. The latest WHO data indicate that 1.3 million people die from tuberculosis, and another 7 millions die from smoking every year. Tobacco smoke contains many harmful chemicals, including carbon monoxide, nicotine, nitrogen oxides, and cadmium. A number of studies indicate a high prevalence of smoking among patients with tuberculosis. In most cases, infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis does not lead to active disease, due to the development of a balanced, homeostatic immune response. The key protective components are inflammatory responses aimed at inhibition of the pathogen growth, its sequestration and final elimination. At the same time, excessive or inadequate immune response may lead to granuloma destruction, tissue damage and, as a result, prolonged duration of treatment due to decreased respiratory function of the lungs. Along with pro-inflammatory mediators, anti-inflammatory mediators are synthesized in the host organism, which can positively or negatively affect the course of disease, depending on the place and time of their production. The balance between pro-and anti-inflammatory mediators in terms of time and expression level plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of infection. In our review, we consider the impact of tobacco smoke on various components of the human immune system, as well as upon the course and outcome of tuberculosis and other lung diseases. In addition, we would like to draw the reader’s attention to the need of adjusting pathogenetic therapy of bronchopulmonary diseases, taking into account the patient’s smoking habits. Tobacco smoking is one of the main causes of the severe course of many infectious and non-infectious diseases of the bronchopulmonary system. The decay products of cigarette smoke disrupt the functioning of the ciliated epithelium of respiratory tract, the production of the mucous component in the bronchi, and reduce the effectiveness of the surfactant system. These negative events interfere with protective mechanisms of the human respiratory system. It is worth of note that tobacco smoke also exerts a systemic effect on the immune system. Data are accumulating on the association between the terms of exposure to tobacco smoke, and a range of adverse tunerculosis manifestations, such as extent of infection, severity of course, reactivation, treatment outcome, and mortality. At the same time, epidemiological studies are able to reveal the associations, but they do not allow us to determine exact causal relationships.
Influence of SARS-CoV-2 variants’ spike glycoprotein and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (nsp12) mutations on remdesivir docking residues
Authors: Dawood Ali A.
Published: July 2022

Rapid emergence and evolution of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants has raised concerns about their potential impact on efficiency of currently available vaccines. Among the most significant target mutations in the virus are those of the spike glycoprotein. Remdesivir, which inhibits the polymerase activity of the RNAdependent RNA polymerase RdRp, is the only medicine approved by FDA for treatment of COVID-19 (nsp12). The docking features of the flexible ligand (remdesivir) with the stiff receptors was investigated in the present study (S protein and RdRp interaction). In various studies, the spike glycoprotein and RdRp mutations were found to have a significant influence upon viral behaviour and, as a result, affect human health. The docking position of remdesivir with the S and RdRp proteins was shown to be unaffected by mutations in the missing loops. The remdesivir can only bind the B and C chains of S protein. Some mutations can be transferred between variations, without changing the type of amino acid, such as K417N, L452R, N501Y, D614G, T716I, and S982A.
Mechanisms of formation of hybrid immunity in people who recovered from COVID-19 and were vaccinated with SARS-CoV-2 peptide antigens
Authors: Sizyakina L. P. , Andrreeva I. I. , Kharitonova M. V. , Zaitseva N. S. , Lyubimov D. S. , Zakurskaya V. Ya. , Totolian Areg A.
Published: July 2022

The relevance of the current epidemic situation of a new coronavirus infection is determined by new strains of the virus and the registration of cases of re-infection in COVID-19 survivors earlier. In this regard, the questions about the expediency and nature of vaccination of those who have been ill attract close attention, moreover it has affected the formation of the concept of “hybrid immunity”. The aim of this study was to analyze changes in the parameters of the immune system, reflecting their regulatory and functional potential, in response to the introduction of the peptide vaccine EpiVacCorona to persons who have suffered from the new coronavirus infection. To study the features of the formation of hybrid immunity, a retrospective analysis of the observation of 43 study participants was carried out. The inclusion criteria were data confirming COVID-19 in mild and moderate forms of the course in the period from six months to a year ago, a low level or absence of antibodies to the nucleocapsid protein SARS-CoV-2, a negative PCR result for the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the absence of comorbid pathology. The subpopulation composition, regulatory and functional potential of the immune system were determined by flow cytofluorimetry using a set of monoclonal antibodies corresponding to the goals. 21 days after the administration of a single dose of EpiVacCorona, antibodies to the vaccine peptide antigens were registered in all study participants at the highest coefficient of positivity values for the SARS-CoV-2-IgG-Vector test system used. In addition, there was a fourfold increase in the number of specific IgG to the N protein. A specific immune response to recombinant SARS-CoV-2 antigens was accompanied by a decrease in the circulation of the number of monocytes expressing TLR4, T helper cells expressing the interaction coreceptor with antigen-presenting cells, unconnected B memory with an increase in the number of B lymphocytes expressing the CD40 T-B coreceptor interaction molecule. The remaining differences in the functioning of the immune system identified in patients with COVID-19 before the vaccination in comparison with the control data have not changed. The differences consist in a decrease in the proportion of monocytes expressing HLA-DR, an increase in the expression of interaction molecules on T and B lymphocytes, an increase in the number of Treg, B1 cells, activated B lymphocytes with a decrease in the proportion of suppressor Breg and B memory. The totality of the presented data demonstrates that the COVID-19 infection that preceded vaccination in mild and moderate clinical course contributes to the formation of immunological memory, which made it possible to form a secondary immune response even to a single injection of peptide antigens of the virus.
Phenotypic and functional characteristics of endothelial cells: the in vitro effects of protein fractions from the lysate of natural killer-derived microvesicles
Authors: Korenevsky A. V. , Berezkina M. E. , Gert T. N. , Sinyavin S. A. , Selkov S. A. , Sokolov D. I.
Published: July 2022

Microvesicles are membrane-derived formations ranging in size from 100 to 1000 nm, being produced by a variety of resting and activated cells. They can transfer their cargo to target cells, regulate physiological processes, and participate in the development of clinical disorders. Among the microvesicles of different origin, natural killers are of special interest. They represent a subpopulation of lymphocytes that eliminate aberrant cells, including virally infected and malignant cells, and participate in regulation of angiogenesis. By producing various stimuli and inhibitors of the latter process, natural killers are able to change functional activity of endothelial cells by means of microvesicle-mediated contacts. There are only scarce literature data on ability of the extracellular vesicles to influence endothelial functions, depending on the intrinsic balance of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of protein fractions derived from microvesicle lysate of the NK-92 natural killer cell line upon phenotype and functional characteristics of EA.hy926 endothelial cell line under in vitro experimental conditions. Using chromatographic micro-preparatory separation, twelve protein fractions (inducers) were obtained from the lysate. It was found that proliferation and migration of EA.hy926 cells after their cultivation with 10 of 12 protein fractions, were changed in different directions. These effects were dose-dependent, or remained unchanged, at distinct concentrations of active components in the fractions. The inducing factors from these fractions exerted predominantly stimulating effects on proliferation of the target cells, thus suggesting presence of proteins which are able of regulating endothelial functions. However, the size of residual area free of migrating endothelial cells treated by the inducers did not always correlate with the migration intensity and did not inversely correlate with the number of migrating cells. Moreover, it was found that the obtained protein fractions had no effect upon expression of CD54 (ICAM-1), CD34, CD31 (PECAM-1) and CD119 (IFNγR1) receptors by EA.hy926 cells. The data obtained confirm an involvement of microvesicles in communications between natural killer cells and endothelial cells, and presume different participation modes of microvesicle-derived effector proteins in the angiogenesis machinery.
Peripheral blood T helper cell subsets in Löfgren’s and non-Löfgren’s syndrome patients
Authors: Kudryavtsev I. V. , Lazareva N. M. , Baranova O. P. , Serebriakova M. K. , Ses’ T. P. , Ilkovich M. M. , Totolian A. A.
Published: July 2022

Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic granulomatous disorder of unknown cause, characterized by formation of immune granulomas in various organs, mainly in lungs. Currently, two main phenotypes of pulmonary sarcoidosis are described, i.e., Lofgren’s syndrome (LS) is an acute form with favorable outcome, and non-Lofgren’s syndrome (nLS) is a chronic type of disease with a high risk of pulmonary fibrosis. Our study was aimed to investigate the balance of main “polarized” CD4+central and effector memory T cells from treatment-naive patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis (LS (n = 19) and nLS (n = 63)) compared to healthy volunteers (HC, n = 48). This marker might be used as immunological markers for predicting severity of this disorder. Multicolor flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that the patients with nLS showed significantly low levels of relative and absolute numbers of CD3+CD4+lymphocytes if compared to patients with LS and control group (38.94% (31.33-44.24) versus 48.96% (43.34-53.54) and 47.63% (43.82-52.73), p < 0.001 in both cases). Moreover, patients with nLS had reduced frequencies and absolute numbers of “naive”, CM and EM Th cells if compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, the patients with LS showed increased relative and absolute numbers of peripheral blood EM Th cells, capable for migration to peripheral inflamed tissues, when compared with nLS. Finally, patients with LS had increased frequencies and absolute numbers of effector TEMRA Th cells as compared to HC and nLS. Next, significant differences Th1 and Th2 cells frequencies were shown between the patients with nLS and HC (9.64% (7.06-13.65) versus 13.80% (11.24-18.03) with p < 0.001, and 11.96% (9.86-14.78) versus 10.67% (9.13-12.98) with p = 0.048, respectively). But there were no significant differences in the relative numbers of CXCR5-CCR6+Th17 and CXCR5+follicular T helper cells (Tfh) between the groups. Finally, both groups of patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis contained low proportions of “non-classical” Th17 and DN Th17 cell, but increased levels of DP Th17 cells within total CXCR5-CCR6+ CM Th if compared with HC. Nevertheless, patients with nLS had increased frequency of “classical” Th17 in comparison with healthy controls. A very similar imbalance between different Th17 cell subsets was observed within total CXCR5CCR6+ effector memory Th, that were able to migrate from the bloodstream to the sites of infection, or tissue injury. Taken together, the data suggest that the proportions of Th17 cell subsets in pulmonary sarcoidosis can be evaluated as a diagnostic and/or prognostic marker in clinical practice and these cells could serve as a new therapeutic target.