bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of Monetary Systems in Poland after World War I and World War II
Authors: Landau Zbigniew
Published: September 2024

A well-functioning monetary system has always been an essential element of a normally functioning economy. When after 1918 and in 1944-1945 the economy of Poland was disorganized both as a result of war damage and in consequence of the policies of occupants' administrations, restoration of an efficient monetary system turned out to be one of the most urgent tasks of the state. In Poland, the situation after the world wars was particularly difficult, since the occupying powers consciously had developed monetary systems which suited their war effort, not the future goals of the Polish state.
Wellness and Psychological Flexibility as Predictors of Loneliness in University Students During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Akkaya Mücahit , Duy Baki
Published: September 2024

The COVID-19 COVID-19 Pandemic, first seen in China in 2019, has directly affected the daily life practices of individuals, and an understanding that emphasizes isolation rather than socialization has become dominant in the world. With the COVID-19 Pandemic, loneliness among young people has become more visible. This study examined social and emotional loneliness among college students in relation to wellness and psychological flexibility. A total of 498 university students participated in the study (F= 395; M= 103). One-way ANOVA, MANOVA, and hierarchical regression analysis were used. According to the results of the study, the mean social loneliness scores of men were significantly higher than the mean social loneliness scores of women, and the mean emotional loneliness scores of those whose romantic relationships ended during the COVID-19 Pandemic period were significantly higher than those whose romantic relationships continued. While meaningfulness of life and goal orientation, physical wellness, and social wellness sub-dimensions of wellness, values and behaviors consistent with values, and acceptance sub-dimension of psychological flexibility significantly predicted social loneliness, meaningfulness of life and goal orientation, social wellness sub-dimensions of wellness, and acceptance sub-dimension of psychological flexibility were found to be significant predictors of emotional loneliness.
How Do English Language Teachers Reflect on the Erasmus+ Projects They Have Experienced in Their School/Classroom Environments?
Authors: Karabekir Seda , Alkın-şahin Senar , Tunca Guclu Nihal , Yeşilpınar Uyar Melis
Published: September 2024

The aim of the study is to determine the experiences of English teachers through Erasmus+ projects and to examine their views on the reflection of these experiences in school/classroom environments. The research was conducted in a phenomenological design. The participants of the study consisted of 10 English teachers working at different levels and school types affiliated with the Ministry of National Education. Focus group interview technique was used to collect the data. In this context, data were collected through a semi-structured interview form prepared by the researchers. The data obtained from two focus group interviews were analyzed using the content analysis method. As a result, it was determined that English teachers gained different personal, socio-cultural, and professional experiences through Erasmus+ projects. It was concluded that teachers reflected these experiences to their school/classroom environments by supporting them with examples, using web 2 tools, sharing newly recognized cultural characteristics, using different teaching methods, techniques, and materials in their lessons, and giving assignments for the use of technology. It was determined that teachers had difficulties in reflecting on their experiences gained in project processes in school/classroom environments due to the curriculum, examination system, physical environment of the school, students, teachers, and administrators.
Schillers Turandot zwischen Maskenspiel und Ideendrama: Betrachtungen zu einer Chinoiserie als eurasische Verschränkung
Authors: Deng Jialai , Ren Weidong
Published: September 2024

Die literarische Darstellung einer Fremdkultur vollzieht sich als eine transformative Konfiguration. Indem das dargestellte Fremde als Gedankenfigur erscheint, wird die substanzielle Alterität zu einer diskursiven. Dabei steht die Dichtung mit anderen Textgenres in einem reziproken, aber nicht explikativen Verhältnis. Sie eröffnet der diskursiven Alterität neue Dimensionen, indem sie in ihrer Eigendynamik auf das Fremde Bezug nimmt und zugleich über das Eigene reflektiert. Ausgehend von dieser Grundposition kann Friedrich Schillers Turandot. Prinzessin von China bis zu einem gewissen Grad als ein dramaturgischer Versuch interkulturellen Schreibens gelesen werden. Schillers Sublimation der Commedia dell’arte findet in einem dreifachen Kontext statt: dem Geschlechterdiskurs, dem Chinabild seit der Aufklärung sowie der Entwicklung des Turandot-Stoffs in den Prätexten. Schiller bedient sich seiner idealisierten Kenntnisse durch Lektüren von Übersetzungen literarischer und geo-historiographischer Beschreibungen über China als eine landwirtschaftliche Zivilisation, schafft daraus eine chinesische Prinzessin als eurasische Verschränkung: Turandot tritt im orientalischen Kolorit auf, verkündet jedoch einen Kampf wider die konventionelle Frauenrolle für die eigene Autonomie. Es ist nicht nur ihre Schönheit, sondern vor allem die Würde ihrer Freiheitsgesinnung, welche die Liebe bei Kalaf hervorruft, eine Liebe, welche die märchenhafte Repetition von Rätsellösung und Tötung überwindet und die schöne Seele als Inbegriff der Humanität erscheinen lässt.
Refrachor (F) – seventy-year-old tool and a contemporary observation: estimation of equilibrium compositions of 1H- and 2H-tautomers of tetrazole and 1,2,3-triazole and imine–amine composition of acetaldimine–vinylamine tautomerism
Authors: Rachuru Sanjeev , Vandanapu Jagannadham
Published: September 2024

Refrachor with a symbol F a new physical constant proposed for the first time in 1951 by Joshi and Tuli defined by the equation F = –P log(

n
D
20

${n}_{\mathrm{D}}^{20}$

–1) where P is the parachor and

n
D
20

${n}_{\mathrm{D}}^{20}$

is the refractive index, is now used in our present work to calculate the percentage composition of 1H- and 2H-tautomers of tetrazole, 1,2,3-triazole, and imine-enamine tautomerism of acetaldimine in their equilibrium mixtures.
Réflexions pour la pérennité et la transformation des MPME à l’ère de l’économie collaborative et de la fragilisation des chaînes d’approvisionnement
Authors: Roland Jessica
Published: September 2024

La transformation numérique de nos organisations et de nos sociétés entraîne d’énormes défis dont la complexité n’est pas à minimiser. Considérant également la fragilisation des chaînes d’approvisionnement ainsi que les nouveaux joueurs de l’économie collaborative, nous constatons plusieurs changements dans l’écosystème de diverses industries. Nous abordons, dans le présent article, quelques pistes de réflexion pour les dirigeants et les États, ces derniers en tant que parties prenantes importantes d’un écosystème entrepreneurial.
Assessing the impact of exchange rates on international trade in the manufacturing sector of CEE countries: A specific focus on SMEs
Authors: Simakova Jana , Prazak Tomas
Published: September 2024

This paper aims to analyze the impact of exchange rates on international trade in the manufacturing sector in selected Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. To accomplish this, a distinctive combination of econometric techniques is employed, enabling an assessment of both macro- and micro-level perspectives concerning the mutual relationship between foreign exchange rates and international trade. At the macroeconomic level, the examination employs the J-curve methodology, utilizing Johansen cointegration and vector error correction models to assess the influence of currency exchange rate dynamics on international trade within the manufacturing industry in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, and Romania. At the micro level, the generalized method of moments is applied to company data from the manufacturing industry in each respective country. The research period encompasses data spanning from 2011 to 2021. The research findings highlight a significant disjunction between macroeconomic and microeconomic perspectives on the impact of exchange rates within the manufacturing industry. While macroeconomic analysis indicates a general trend towards expected outcomes, such as increased exports and improved trade balance following domestic currency depreciation, miecroeconomic regression analysis reveals a more nuanced picture. Contrary to macroeconomic assumptions, the microeconomic perspective, particularly in the case of Romania and Hungary, suggests that exchange rate effects may have opposite impacts on return on assets (ROA) in the manufacturing sector in tested small- and medium-sized companies. This discrepancy underscores the complexity of exchange rate dynamics and emphasizes the need for nuanced, context-specific analyses when assessing the influence of exchange rate fluctuations on international trade and financial performance.
The impact of chatbots on the buying behaviors of Generation Z toward brands
Authors: Holendova Julie , Svoboda David , Seric Neven
Published: September 2024

As society develops, so do the needs and wishes of customers, the market situation, and especially the competition. The procedures and essential tools of traditional marketing that worked before are gradually losing their effectiveness and are no longer able to ensure a competitive advantage. If businesses want to have a competitive advantage, they must be prepared for these changes and be able to respond to them appropriately. There is currently a generational change in household spending; thus, the customer’s preferences have changed significantly. If a brand wants to remain relevant in the future market, which will be shaped by the new generation of customers, it is appropriate to focus on the Generation Z customer segment. Generation Z is the youngest generation targeted within marketing strategies and at the same time the generation with a lot of changes in product/service perception. Generation Z will be the biggest future challenge for marketing. This paper is dedicated to Generation Z in the market of the Czech Republic. Providing insights from in-depth interviews with Generation Z individuals, this research reveals their expectations, behaviors, and preferences when engaging with brands’ chatbots. The findings shed light on essential factors that influence customer satisfaction and loyalty, such as the availability of human agent transfer, clear robot interaction differentiation, and seamless problem-resolution processes. The paper aims to identify the preferences of Generation Z brands’ interaction via chatbots. The paper will, therefore, provide an understanding of how a brand can build strong relationships with Generation Z customers through an innovative marketing approach that uses chatbots to communicate with customers 24/7/365.
Attentiveness Modulates Reaction-Time Variability: Findings From a Population-Based Sample of 1032 Children
Authors: Aristodemou Michael Emil , Rommelse Nanda , Kievit Rogier
Published: September 2024

Momentary fluctuations in children’s cognitive performance offer a rich source of signal. To understand this variation, we turn to the field of ADHD research. Children with ADHD exhibit high variability in reaction times. This phenomenon is accompanied by multiple theory-driven predictions about its candidate causes. However, suboptimal methods and datasets have obstructed empirical insights. To address this, we identify and address three sources of heterogeneity. We isolate a theoretically motivated estimate of reaction-time variability using dynamic structural equation modeling and examine its association with developmental problems. Our findings reveal a specific association between symptom-severity in the inattention domain and reaction-time variability in a population-based cohort of 1032 children aged 5.5-to-13.5 in the Netherlands. Moreover, by combining a unique task-design with latent difference-score models we provide support for the mechanistic hypothesis that attentiveness drives reaction-time variability. We conclude with three hypotheses for researchers interested in examining children’s development through its momentary dynamics.
Revisión literaria de valoración económica de soluciones basadas en naturaleza en agricultura
Authors: Quirós Badilla Diego Fernando , Solórzano Thompson Johanna , Paniagua Molina Javier , Solano Pereira Tatiana
Published: September 2024

Nature-based solutions (NbS) are a booming field. However, there needs to be more information to address their economic valuation in agricultural production systems. A bibliographical analysis was conducted of the concept, its evolution, and its different fields of action. A state-of-the-art review was developed on the economic valuation of alternatives considered within the term NbS as a process to solve problems in different human activities, focusing on the agricultural sector. It is demonstrated that the NbS concept is relatively new with an increasing number of publications in 2015 in multiple and correlated areas. In addition, the economic valuation approaches are equally diverse depending on the type of solution, scale, or field of application. It is necessary to broaden the field of study of the NbS economic valuation focused on the agricultural sector, which considers viable alternatives for sustainable development, conservation processes, and productivity improvement in the agricultural sector.
STRESS DURING PUBERTY EXERTS LONGLASTING SEX-SPECIFIC REPRODUCTIVE EFFECTS IN ADULT RATS
Authors:   SI “V.P. Komisarenko Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine”, Kyiv, Ukraine, Sachynska O.V. , Faliush O.A. ,   SI “V.P. Komisarenko Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine”, Kyiv, Ukraine, Perchyk I.G. ,   SI “V.P. Komisarenko Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine”, Kyiv, Ukraine, Lymareva A.A. ,   SI “V.P. Komisarenko Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine”, Kyiv, Ukraine, Reznikov A.G. ,   SI “V.P. Komisarenko Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine”, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: September 2024

Adolescence is one of the critical periods of individual development, which is highly sensitive to changes caused by stress factors. Stress-related hormonal imbalances can negatively affect puberty and reproductive function. The aim of the study was to investigate the long-lasting reproductive effects of chronic pubertal stress in rats. Animals were subjected to immobilization stress daily from 30 to 45 postnatal day by placing them for 1 h in cylinders 4.5 cm in diameter and 10 cm in long, equipped with breathing holes. The timing of puberty in animals was studied and their somatic development was assessed. Further studies were conducted in 6-month-old sexually mature rats. The results were compared with the corresponding parameters in intact animals. Pubertal stress delayed sexual maturation in females and decreased weight gain in males. In adult animals of both sexes, pubertal stress did not change testosterone levels or the weight and morphology of the gonads significantly, except for minor vacuolation of the spermatogenic epithelium. The spermatogenesis index in the experimental group was significantly lower than in the control, due to a decrease in the number of late spermatids. Pubertal stress led to a 25.9% decrease in the number of spermatozoa in epididymal washes, an increase in the number of their pathological forms and a 2.4-fold slowdown in oxidative-reductive processes in spermatozoa. The content of malonic dialdehyde increased in the testes and ovaries, which indicates the activation of lipid peroxidation. Thus, chronic pubertal stress led to a decrease in the reproductive potential of male rats. Females are less susceptible to the negative effects of pubertal stress.
NUTRIENT INTAKE AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH PSYCHOEMOTIONAL STATE AND METABOLIC PROFILE IN UKRAINIAN WOMEN DURING THE WAR
Authors:   D.F. Chebotarev State Institute of Gerontology NAMS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Synieok L. , Piven L. ,   D.F. Chebotarev State Institute of Gerontology NAMS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Naskalova S. ,   D.F. Chebotarev State Institute of Gerontology NAMS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Bondarenko O. ,   D.F. Chebotarev State Institute of Gerontology NAMS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Antonyuk-Shcheglova I. , Koshel N. ,   D.F. Chebotarev State Institute of Gerontology NAMS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, M. Romanenko M. ,   D.F. Chebotarev State Institute of Gerontology NAMS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Pisaruk A. ,   D.F. Chebotarev State Institute of Gerontology NAMS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Shatylo V. ,   D.F. Chebotarev State Institute of Gerontology NAMS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: September 2024

Acute and chronic stress caused by war leads to psychoemotional disorders that can change eating habits and impair metabolic health. The aim of the study was to investigate the nutrient intake of Ukrainian women and its association with psychoemotional state and metabolic profile. The study included women aged 30-75 years, residents of the City of Kyiv and the Region of Kyiv, who underwent a comprehensive examination during the war (main group, n = 76) and before the war (control group, n = 80). Participants underwent anthropometry, analysis of glucose and lipid metabolism, nutrition was studied using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. In the main group, plasma cortisol level was measured and questionnaires were used to assess the psychoemotional state. Women examined during the war had worse glucose metabolism and changes in nutrient intake, such as an increase in total energy and the proportion of animal protein and plant fat accompanied by a high proportion of simple carbohydrates. Higher animal protein intake was an independent predictor of fasting glycaemia. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and insomnia were predictors of increased fasting glycaemia during the war and were accompanied by higher consumption of simple carbohydrates. Trait and state anxiety increased with lower animal protein intake and higher starch intake. State anxiety was also higher in women with a lower fat proportion in diet. Higher fat intake during the war may be a compensatory dietary change to mitigate negative emotions and chronic stress. To prevent the progression of metabolic disorders in women affected by war, it is necessary to develop healthy eating habits and provide psychological support to counteract stressful influences.
EFFECT OF QUERCETIN ON OXIDATIVE AND NITROSATIVE STRESS IN KIDNEY TISSUES OF RATS DURING ACUTE DESYNCHRONOSIS AND LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE-INDUCED INFLAMMATION
Authors:   Poltava State Medical University, Ukraine, Gutnik O.M. , Nazarenko S.M. ,   Poltava State Medical University, Ukraine, Kostenko V.O. ,   Poltava State Medical University, Ukraine
Published: September 2024

The relevance of this study stems from the growing interest in the impact of acute desynchronosis (AD) on oxidative disorders and the insufficiently studied effect of flavonoids on these processes in kidney tissue. This study investigates the effect of quercetin on oxidative and nitrosative stress in rat kidney homogenate under AD and 3 lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic inflammatory response (SIR). The animals were randomly divided into five groups: group 1 served as the control, group 2 underwent LPS-induced SIR modeling for 8 weeks, group 3 experienced AD reproduction by shifting the light-dark cycle 6 hours earlier for 7 days, group 4 underwent AD modeling during the last week of LPS-induced SIR, and rats in group 5 were administered a water-soluble form of quercetin (corvitin) intragastrically was administered at a dose of 200 mg/kg (20 mg/kg in terms of quercetin) daily during the AD modeling against LPS-induced SIR. It was found that the modeling of LPS-induced oxidative stress and AD significantly increased the rate of superoxide anion radical production in kidney homogenate by microsomal monooxygenases and NO synthase (NOS), mitochondrial respiratory chain, leukocyte NADPH oxidase, inducible NOS activity, and decreased the activity of the constitutive NOS isoform and its coupling index. Under AD modeling, the rate of superoxide anion radical production by leukocyte NADPH oxidase, total and inducible NOS activity was significantly lower compared with LPS-induced SIR. When modeling AD against the background of LPS-induced SIR, the production of superoxide anion radical by microsomes, mitochondria and leukocyte NADPH oxidase exceeded the respective results of group 2 by 15.9%, 16.0% and 38.5%, and group 3 by 24.4%, 17.5% and 74.6%. The inducible NOS activity was 22.9% higher compared to the value of group 2 and 93.4% higher in group 3, the concentration of peroxynitrites of alkali and alkaline earth metals was 35.5% higher than the respective parameters of group 2 and 57.9% higher than in group 3. Administration of quercetin during AD modeling and LPS-induced oxidative stress significantly reduced the rate of superoxide anion radical production by microsomal monooxygenases by 17.1%, mitochondrial respiratory chain by 31.2%, leukocyte NADPH oxidase by 19.4%, total and inducible NOS activity by 50.4% and 55.5%, respectively; the concentration of peroxynitrites of alkali and alkaline earth metals diminished by 41.4% compared to the value of group 4. It has been concluded that the administration of quercetin significantly reduces the signs of oxidative-nitrosative stress in the kidney homogenate of rats.
Pathophysiological features of acute liver failure caused by cholestasis [
Authors:   Bogomolets National Medical University, Department of Surgery No. 2, Kyiv, Ukraine, Kolosovych I.V. , Hanol I.V. ,   Bogomolets National Medical University, Department of Surgery No. 2, Kyiv, Ukraine, Nesteruk Y.O. ,   Bogomolets National Medical University, Department of Surgery No. 2, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: September 2024

Acute liver failure is a syndrome that occurs in 20-59% of patients with liver pathology and is one of the main causes of death in 40% of patients with mechanical jaundice of benign origin and in more than 70% of cases of tumor obstruction of the biliary tract and cancer of caput pancreas. In most cases, the syndrome is a consequence of acute liver damage (viral or drug-induced). Still, it can occur with longterm obstructive jaundice, be the first manifestation of Wilson’s disease, autoimmune chronic hepatitis, or superinfection of the hepatitis D virus against the background of chronic hepatitis B. The aim of the work was to study the pathophysiological features of the development of acute liver failure in patients with bile outflow disorders. The pathogenesis of acute liver failure caused by cholestasis is based on the damage and death of hepatocytes due to impaired blood circulation in the liver, as well as the toxic effect on the parenchyma of both the etiological factors themselves and their metabolites. The first week from the onset of symptoms is very important and usually accompanied by a systemic inflammatory response syndrome with significant consequences. At the same time, the main factors influencing the results of treatment of patients at different points in time are the combination of the critical functional reserve of the liver and the nature and severity of liver damage. In the case of the development of a systemic inflammatory response syndrome, there is a further increase in inflammation, which has a systemic nature and leads to the failure of other organs. Under these circumstances, understanding the pathophysiological features of the course of acute liver failure makes it possible to carry out the necessary diagnostic measures on time and offer appropriate therapy.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF PORTOPULMONARY HYPERTENSION: ENGLISH-LANGUAGE LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors:   Saint Paraskeva Medical Center, Lviv, Ukraine, Chooklin S. , Chuklin S. ,   Saint Paraskeva Medical Center, Lviv, Ukraine
Published: September 2024

Portopulmonary hypertension (PPH) is the coexistence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and portal hypertension in patients with or without cirrhosis. PAH may develop in 2-6% of patients with portal hypertension and is the result of complex pathophysiological interactions between the portal and pulmonary circulations. The pathogenic mechanisms are unknown and depend both on the underlying severity of the liver disease and on the adaptation of the heart to the disease of the pulmonary vessels. Various pathophysiological aspects appear to be involved in the development of PPH, including angiogenesis, genetics, humoral changes, and inflammation with increased pulmonary phagocytosis. Female gender and estrogen metabolism with elevated estrogen levels are associated with the development of PPH. Of particular interest is the activation of powerful local vasoconstrictor systems, the imbalance between vasoconstrictors and vasodilators, which contributes to the narrowing of pulmonary vessels. Increased pulmonary blood flow causing shear stress can lead to endothelial damage and dysfunction with vasoconstriction and progressive vascular remodeling. However, only a small number of patients develop PPH, which indicates the involvement of other factors. Therefore, other numerous theories have been proposed that require further study.
Interfacial and temperature behaviors of water and solutions bound to water-soluble lignin powder
Authors:   Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Gun'ko V. M. , Turov V. V. ,   Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Published: September 2024

Production of valuable industrial materials from lignins as byproducts of different origin is of importance to solve the utilization problem for large amounts of these byproducts. One of the corresponding pathways is the production of water-soluble lignins, for which, interactions with water and aqueous solutions play an important role in practical application efficiency of these materials. One could assume that interactions of lignins with bound water and solutions depend strongly on the dispersion media and the presence of various (e.g., polar and ion-generating) solutes in water. The interfacial and temperature behaviors of water (solutions) bound to lignin particles in wetted powders could be effectively studied using low-temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy applied to static samples that allows one to separate mobile and immobile phases vs. temperature below freezing point (Tf,b) of bulk liquid. At T < Tf,b several effects could be observed in wetted lignin powders such as confined space effects (CSE) in pores or voids between or inside crosslinked macromolecules, cryoscopic effects (CE) in bound solutions, partial freezing of liquids with cryoconcentration and differentiation of solutions, clusterization of bound liquids, etc. To elucidate some of these effects, wetted water-soluble lignin powders at a constant degree of hydration (h = 0.3 g/g) were studied in such dispersion media as air and chloroform-d alone or in a mixture with deuterated trifluoroacetic acid using the low-temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy method. Additionally, hydrated lignin molecules of different sizes were studied using quantum chemistry methods. Obtained results show that both CSE and CE affect the temperature behavior of bound water and related solutions. However, there is no their strong synergetic impact because the stronger bound the water (solution) the lower the activity of water as a solvent; i.e., CSE could partially inhibit CE. The obtained results are of interest in order to better understand different aspects of applications of water-soluble lignins under various conditions.
Influence of temperature and additives of organic substances on phase transitions in pig nervous tissue
Authors:   Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Krupska T. V. , Wei Qiliang ,   Institute of Micro/Nano Materials and Devices, Ningbo University of Technology China, Zheng Jinju ,   Institute of Micro/Nano Materials and Devices, Ningbo University of Technology China, Morozova L. P. ,   Vinnytsia National Agrarian University Ukraine, Yang Weiyou ,   Institute of Micro/Nano Materials and Devices, Ningbo University of Technology China, Turov V. V. ,   Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Published: September 2024

Low-temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy was used to study the pig spinal and brain tissues of the original samples at different temperatures, in chloroform, including that with the addition of hydrochloric acid, and in a mixture of chloroform and trifluoroacetic acid (TFAА) in a ratio of 6:1. It has been found that water in the tissues of the pig's brain and spinal cord is bound and is part of polyassociates, the radius of which is in the range R = 1–100 nm. During the freezing-thawing process, only the signal of bound water is observed in the 1H NMR spectra, while the protons of biopolymers and phospholipid membranes are not detected in the spectra, which indicates their low molecular mobility. Chloroform dissolves in the substance of cell membranes, increasing the mobility of aliphatic groups, and the membrane material passes from an ordered to a partially disordered state. This effect is much stronger for spinal cord tissue, which is due to the lower content of interstitial water. The characteristics of interstitial water layers were calculated: the concentration of strongly and weakly bound water, the maximum decrease in the Gibbs free energy in the layer of strongly bound water and interfacial energies. It has been found that for spinal cord tissue, the introduction of chloroform into the system is accompanied by a decrease in the binding of water in the nervous tissue (the amount of highly bound water decreases from 180 to 250 mg/g), and the value of interfacial energy decreases from 24 to 19.6 J/g. However, these changes have little effect on the radius distributions of interstitial water clusters. The main maximum of the distribution does not change and is observed at R = 20 nm. In the presence of TFAА, the amount of strongly bound water increases to 1400 mg/g, and the value of interfacial energy increases to 77.6 J/g. For brain tissue, their value turned out to be significantly less. Thus, chloroform had virtually no effect on the binding energy of water in the tissue, and the effect of TFAА also turned out to be half that for spinal cord tissue.
Caffeic acid complexes over alumina surface: FTIR, TPD MS and DFT calculations
Authors:   Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Nastasiienko N. S. , Kulik T. V. ,   Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Ilchenko M. M. ,   Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Palianytsia B. B. ,   Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Nastasiienko A. I. ,   Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Shaw G. ,   Cardiff Catalysis Institute, Translational Research Hub, School of Chemistry, Cardiff University United Kingdom, Davies P. R. ,   Cardiff Catalysis Institute, Translational Research Hub, School of Chemistry, Cardiff University United Kingdom, Wass D. ,   Cardiff Catalysis Institute, Translational Research Hub, School of Chemistry, Cardiff University United Kingdom, Kartel M. T. ,   Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Published: September 2024

Caffeic acid (CA) is a phenolic, natural, biologically active compound with pronounced antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It has a great potential for use in medicine and cosmetology and can also be used to obtain a number of other useful chemicals. Therefore, research aimed at improving the technologies for removing caffeic acid from plant raw materials and its processing is relevant. In our work, we have studied the complexes of caffeic acid with nanosized Al2O3, which is usually used in various plant biomass conversion technologies, using FT-IR spectroscopy, temperature-programmed desorption mass spectrometry (TPD MS), and DFT calculations. The FT-IR spectra analysis shows that CA can interact with aluminum oxide via both the carboxyl and phenolic groups. Based on the measured differences between carbonyl symmetric and asymmetrc vibrational peaks (Δν), it was found that carboxylate complexes of CA on the Al2O3 surface can have bidentate and monodentate structures. The mass spectrometric data analysis made it possible to identify compounds of 4-vinyl catechol, pyrocatechol, and phenol, which are decomposition products of the formed carboxylate and phenolic complexes. It was found that on the surface of the studied CA/Al2O3 samples, CA chelate complexes, formed with the participation of both OH groups of the aromatic ring, predominate.
Predictors of Abnormal Renal Ultrasonography in Children With Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Leahy Catharine , Hanson Keith A. , Desai Janki , Alvarez Alvaro , Rainey Shane C.
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The 2011 American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines recommended a renal and bladder ultrasound (RBUS) after the first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) in infants. Abnormal RBUS findings may be due to inflammation from the acute UTI or from vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), which may require a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) to diagnose, increasing health care costs. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of timing of imaging relative to the acute illness on abnormal dilation on RBUS and VCUG findings.

METHODS

Multicenter, retrospective study of patients aged 2 to 24 months presenting with first UTI and RBUS from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019. Demographics, isolated pathogen, and timing of RBUS and VCUG relative to urine culture date were recorded and compared.

RESULTS

A total of 227 patients were included. On multivariable logistic regression, increased time in days to RBUS was associated with decreased odds of abnormal dilation (adjusted odds ratio, 0.980; P = .018) in those patients meeting culture criteria for UTI (for each additional day of delay in obtaining RBUS, the adjusted odds of detecting dilation decreased by ∼2%). There was no significant association between timing of imaging and VUR on VCUG. Additionally, 32% of patients underwent RBUS who did not meet UTI culture criteria but had similar rates of abnormal dilation and VUR to those meeting UTI culture criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased time to RBUS led to decreased odds of abnormal dilation, suggesting that delaying RBUS may lead to fewer false-positive results, which may limit unnecessary additional testing and reduce health care costs. Additionally, a significant number of patients who did not meet UTI culture criteria underwent RBUS but had similar results to those meeting criteria, suggesting that the previous colony-forming unit definition for UTI may be suboptimal.
Perceived Effects of COVID-19 on Vaccine Hesitancy and Clinician Discussion: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Gurfinkel Dennis , Tietbohl Caroline , Clark Emma , Saville Alison , Albertin Christina , O’Leary Sean T. , Szilagyi Peter G. , Kempe Allison
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Studies note a high prevalence of pediatric coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-specific vaccine hesitancy in the United States. Our objective was to assess whether clinicians perceive a spillover effect of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy onto other vaccines, and the impact of this spillover on their general recommendation behavior.

METHODS

We conducted semistructured interviews with pediatricians in California and Colorado pediatric practices (January–March 2023). We transcribed, coded, and analyzed interviews using content analysis.

RESULTS

We interviewed 21 pediatricians (10 in California, 11 in Colorado). Clinicians observed some spillover effect of vaccine-favorable changes among some parents and greater hesitancy among others regarding the risks and benefits of childhood vaccination in general. This spillover was informed by 2 divergent patterns of parental trust in health systems and individual clinicians caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors driving perceived changes included media coverage, greater knowledge about vaccination, and misinformation. Some clinicians felt that their approach to vaccine recommendations became more patient-centered, whereas others reported declining engagement in persuading hesitant parents about vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians described a hardening of parental views toward vaccines in both directions, which impacted their recommendation behavior. There is a need for vaccine hesitancy monitoring and better training and support for clinicians facing vaccine hesitant parents.
Cybertheology and the Ethical Dimensions of Artificial Superintelligence: A Theological Inquiry into Existential Risks
Authors: Peters Ted
Published: September 2024

Purpose: This study explores the role of cybertheology in addressing the ethical and societal challenges posed by Artificial Superintelligence (ASI), which has the potential to surpass human cognitive capabilities, heralding a profound cultural and existential crisis. It integrates theological anthropology to assess the implications of a posthuman future. Methodology: Utilising a comprehensive literature review, the research examines technological, philosophical, and theological perspectives through primary and secondary sources, including influential works by futurists and ethicists. The methodology aims to uncover the nuanced discourse surrounding the development of ASI and its potential impacts. Findings: The analysis reveals a narrative marked by speculative optimism and significant existential concerns regarding ASI. A critical gap in the existing ethical discourse is identified, highlighting the necessity for a grounded ethical framework that addresses the profound implications of superintelligent entities on human dignity and societal norms. Research Implications: The findings emphasise the urgent need to incorporate robust ethical considerations into the development and deployment of ASI. Cybertheology is presented as a vital framework for ensuring that ASI technologies align with human values and theological insights, thus providing a valuable lens through which to view the integration of superintelligence into society. Originality/Value: This paper contributes to academic and policy discussions on ASI by promoting cybertheology as a crucial perspective in ethical deliberations. It enriches scholarly dialogues by linking technological advancements with theological and ethical evaluations, proposing that cybertheology can play a pivotal role in shaping policies that govern ASI technologies. This approach ensures that technological progress is compatible with humanistic values, fostering a holistic understanding of ASI's potential impact on humanity.
Porozumienia handlowe UE z partnerami Indo-Pacyfiku w świetle zapisów unijnej strategii na rzecz współpracy w regionie
Authors:   Krakowska Akademia im. Andrzeja Frycza Modrzewskiego, Majchrowska Elżbieta
Published: September 2024

The article contains considerations on the regional trade agreements (RTAs) negotiated and concluded by the EU with its Indo-Pacific partners. The agreements were characterized in the context of the provisions of the strategy adopted in 2021 for this region, the aim of which is to increase the EU’s involvement in the Indo-Pacific, also by strengthening and deepening trade relations through RTAs. The analysis presented in the study showed that, in view of the huge potential and growing importance of this area in the global economy, these relations are of key importance for the EU’s economic interests, and the trade agreements negotiated, concluded and enforced constitute an important tool for implementing the Indo-Pacific strategy and pave the way towards strengthening the position of the EU there.
MODIFICATION OF ZrN/Ti-6Al-4V SYSTEM STRUCTURE BY COMPRESSION PLASMA FLOWS TREATMENT
Authors: Cherenda Nikolai N. , Bibik N. V. , Uglov Vladimir  V. , Grigoriev Sergey N. , Vereschaka Alexey A. , Astashynski Valiantsin M. , Kuzmitski Anton M.
Published: September 2024

Investigation of compression plasma flows impact on structure, phase, and elemental composition, as well as mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy with ZrN coating was carried out in this work. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersion X-ray analysis, samples weight measurements, microhardness and tribological tests were used as investigation techniques. The findings showed that plasma impact led to the formation of a composite surface layer based on titanium alloy containing inclusions of undissolved ZrN coating. Growth of the absorbed energy density resulted in a decrease of zirconium and nitrogen concentration in the surface layer due to erosion. Formation of solid solutions on the basis of α-Ti and β-Ti was found in the layer analyzed by X-ray diffraction. Presence of nitrogen in a vacuum chamber as plasma generating gas led to the formation of TiN on the surface. Plasma impact resulted in decrease of ZrN/Ti-6Al-4V system microhardness and decrease of friction coefficient (at specific treatment regimes).
Родители как «вторичные потерпевшие» в случае нанесения травмы ребенку
Authors: Кратенко Максим
Published: September 2024

При причинении вреда здоровью в качестве потерпевшего (кредитора) традиционно рассматривается лишь сам пострадавший. Именно его закон наделяет правом на возмещение утраченного дохода, дополнительных расходов на лечение и уход. На практике многие родители пострадавших детей вместо обращения за профессиональными услугами к третьим лицам (сиделкам, психологам и пр.) сами осуществляют необходимый ребенку уход и реабилитацию на ежедневной основе, после чего предъявляют требование к делинквенту о возмещении убытков в виде утраченного заработка. В статье анализируются подходы российских и зарубежных судов к рассмотрению подобных исков, а также примеры прямого законодательного регулирования вопросов, связанных с оплатой безвозмездной помощи, оказываемой пострадавшему его близкими, или возмещением указанным лицам неполученного дохода. Сделан вывод о том, что родитель травмированного ребенка при определенных условиях вправе требовать возмещения неполученного заработка или стоимости осуществляемого лично ухода: необходимость постоянного ухода за ребенком ограничивает родителя в возможности осуществлять трудовую деятельность; ответчиком не доказана возможность обеспечения ребенку постороннего ухода за меньшую сумму и др. При этом стандарт доказывания вынужденного характера прекращения трудовой деятельности не должен быть слишком высоким; достаточно, чтобы соответствующее решение истца отвечало требованиям разумности и добросовестности. De lege lata требования родителей как вторичных потерпевших могут удовлетворяться со ссылкой на положения ст. 15, п. 1 ст. 1064 ГК РФ о полном возмещении вреда и ст. 1080 о праве регресса, либо положения ст. 1102 ГК РФ о взыскании неосновательного сбережения. De lege ferenda целесообразно расширить понятие юридически значимого вреда в случае нанесения травмы физическому лицу, указав на возмещение убытков лицам, оказывающим пострадавшему необходимый уход на безвозмездной основе, и возможность их расчета через не полученный заработок.
Налогообложение доходов от экономической деятельности на цифровых платформах: мировой опыт поиска решений
Authors: Пономарева Карина , Батарин Алексей
Published: September 2024

Во многих странах мира приобретает все большую актуальность проблематика налогообложения доходов физических лиц от деятельности, при ведении которой они не имеют работодателя и не привлекают наемных работников по трудовым договорам. Особенно много нерешенных вопросов существует в части налогообложения граждан, осуществляющих экономическую деятельность с помощью цифровых платформ. Эта проблематика весьма актуальна и в России. Целью настоящей статьи является разработка предложений о совершенствовании налогового законодательства в части налогообложения доходов физических лиц от деятельности, которую они осуществляют с помощью цифровых платформ без работодателя и привлечения наемных работников по трудовым договорам. Предполагается разработать эти предложения в том числе на основании использования лучших практик. В статье рассмотрен зарубежный опыт налогообложения доходов лиц, ведущих экономическую деятельность с помощью цифровых платформ, а также опыт конструирования моделей налогового агентирования цифровых платформ в отдельных зарубежных странах и интеграционных объединениях; проведен анализ зарубежной практики налогообложения доходов физических лиц от деятельности без работодателя и наемных работников; сформулированы предложения о совершенствовании российского налогового законодательства. Поскольку в большинстве стран модели участия цифровых платформ в налоговых отношениях находятся в стадии формирования, российский законодатель сможет как использовать лучшие практики, так и учесть ошибки других государств и избежать конструирования моделей, в которых уже обнаружились недостатки. Отмечается, что в большинстве государств основное внимание уделяется проблематике косвенного налогообложения, в то время как вопросы налогообложения самозанятых, работающих с помощью цифровых платформ, пока практически не урегулированы. В ходе исследования авторы использовали формально-юридический и сравнительно-правовой методы.
A New Find of Anorthoclase Crystals-lined Vug in a Deep-sea Basalt, Central Indian Ocean Basin
Authors: Iyer Sridhar D. , Amonkar Ankeeta , Kalangutkar Niyati G. , Das Pranab
Published: September 2024

We detail a new and first find of a vug in a deep-sea basalt that is lined with well-formed anorthoclase crystals. The specimen was dredged from the seafloor (water depth 4,440 m) near a seamount in the Central Indian Ocean Basin. The basalt has a thin veneer of glass covered with ferromanganese (FeMn) oxides while the interior is quite fresh. The geochemical analysis of the basalt depicts different degrees of alteration that vary from the outermost layer with FeMn oxides to the interior of the specimen. In general, the TiO2 (<1.5 wt%) and MgO (~5 wt%) contents are low while CaO, Na2O, K2O and P2O5 contents change within the specimen. The FeMn oxides have Fe2O3 (21 wt%) and MnO (8–27 wt%) and appear as botryoids and occur near and/or over the anorthoclase crystals. The trace and rare earth elements do not show significant variations from the outer to the interior of the specimen. Microscopy (binocular and scanning electron) and energy dispersive spectrometry of the vug revealed a dominance of drusy anorthoclase crystals. The formation of the anorthoclase crystals is ascribed to precipitation from hydrothermal solutions that seeped into the basalt through cracks. This is attested by the co-existing crystals of phillipsite and feldspar and FeMn oxides.
Formation of ventral midbrain Assembloid/Organoids v1
Authors: Tipon Regine , Croft Gist
Published: September 2024

Brain organoids are three-dimensional (3D) structures derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) that reflect early brain organization. Compared with traditional cell cultures, brain organoids offer a more accurate representation of human brain development and function, rendering them suitable models for neurodevelopmental diseases. In this early pilot to form brain organoids using iPSCs, we focused on verifying a successful approach to form organoids using our vmDA generated from our protocol, optimizing conditions to maintain the organoids (media, feeding schedule) as well as trying to understand the different ways to analyze these formed organoids. This approach also tested the possibility of producing a tri-culture system by adding iPSC-derived microglia into the organoids (composed of neurons and glia), and investigating the interactions between the distinct cell types.