bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating spatially disaggregated probability of severe COVID-19 and the impact of handwashing interventions: The case of Zimbabwe
Authors: Joseph George , Milusheva Sveta , Sturrock Hugh , Mapako Tonderai , Ayling Sophie , Hoo Yi Rong
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The severity of COVID-19 disease varies substantially between individuals, with some infections being asymptomatic while others are fatal. Several risk factors have been identified that affect the progression of SARS-CoV-2 to severe COVID-19. They include age, smoking and presence of underlying comorbidities such as respiratory illness, HIV, anemia and obesity. Given that respiratory illness is one such comorbidity and is affected by hand hygiene, it is plausible that improving access to handwashing could lower the risk of severe COVID-19 among a population. In this paper, we estimate the potential impact of improved access to handwashing on the risk of respiratory illness and its knock-on impact on the risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease across Zimbabwe.

Methods

Spatial generalized additive models were applied to cluster level data from the 2015 Demographic and Health Survey. These models were used to generate continuous (1km resolution) estimates of risk factors for severe COVID-19, including prevalence of major comorbidities (respiratory illness, HIV without viral load suppression, anemia and obesity) and prevalence of smoking, which were aggregated to district level alongside estimates of the proportion of the population under 50 from Worldpop data. The risk of severe COVID-19 was then calculated for each district using published estimates of the relationship between comorbidities, smoking and age (under 50) and severe COVID-19. Two scenarios were then simulated to see how changing access to handwashing facilities could have knock on implications for the prevalence of severe COVID-19 in the population.

Results

This modeling conducted in this study shows that (1) current risk of severe disease is heterogeneous across the country, due to differences in individual characteristics and household conditions and (2) that if the quantifiable estimates on the importance of handwashing for transmission are sound, then improvements in handwashing access could lead to reductions in the risk of severe COVID-19 of up to 16% from the estimated current levels across all districts.

Conclusions

Taken alongside the likely impact on transmission of SARS-CoV-2 itself, as well as countless other pathogens, this result adds further support for the expansion of access to handwashing across the country. It also highlights the spatial differences in risk of severe COVID-19, and thus the opportunity for better planning to focus limited resources in high-risk areas in order to potentially reduce the number of severe cases.
Presence of coronaviruses in the common pipistrelle (P. pipistrellus) and Nathusius´ pipistrelle (P. nathusii) in relation to landscape composition
Authors: Jaramillo Ortiz Laura , Begeman Lineke , Schillemans Marcel , Kuiken Thijs , de Boer Willem Frederik
Published: November 2023

Changes in land use can modify habitat and roosting behaviour of bats, and therefore the transmission dynamics of viruses. Within bat roosts the density and contact rate among individuals increase and may facilitate the transmission of bat coronaviruses (CoVs). Landscape components supporting larger bat populations may thus lead to higher CoVs prevalence, as the number of roosts and/or roost size are likely to be higher. Hence, relationships between landscape composition and the presence of CoVs are expected to exist. To increase our understanding of the spread and shedding of coronaviruses in bat populations we studied the relationships between landscape composition and CoVs prevalence in the species Pipistrellus pipistrellus and Pipistrellus nathusii. Faecal samples were collected across The Netherlands, and were screened to detect the presence of CoV RNA. Coordinates were recorded for all faecal samples, so that landscape attributes could be quantified. Using a backward selection procedure on the basis of AIC, the landscape variables that best explained the presence of CoVs were selected in the final model. Results suggested that relationships between landscape composition and CoVs were likely associated with optimal foraging opportunities in both species, e.g. nearby water in P. nathusii or in areas with more grassland situated far away from forests for P. pipistrellus. Surprisingly, we found no positive association between built-up cover (where roosts are frequently found) and the presence of bat-CoVs for both species. We also show that samples collected from large bat roosts, such as maternity colonies, substantially increased the probability of finding CoVs in P. pipistrellus. Interestingly, while maternity colonies of P. nathusii are rarely present in The Netherlands, CoVs prevalence was similar in both species, suggesting that other mechanisms besides roost size, participate in the transmission of bat-CoVs. We encourage further studies to quantify bat roosts and colony networks over the different landscape compositions to better understand the ecological mechanisms involved in the transmission of bat-CoVs.
Prevalence of Cervical Cancer and Clinical Management of Women Screened positive using visual inspection with acetic acid and Cervicography in selected public sector health facilities of Manicaland and Midlands provinces of Zimbabwe, 2021
Authors: Tachiwenyika Emmanuel , Dhodho Munyaradzi , Muchedzi Auxilia , Sibanda Tafadzwa P. , Mupanguri Chiedza , Mukungunugwa Solomon , Mhangara Mutsa , Ganje Ngonidzashe , Tapera Talent , Samushonga Tendai , Muzondo Morgen , Dube Sithabiso , Tafuma Taurayi , Chingombe Byrone , Maravanyika Admire , Nyamundaya Tichaona
Published: November 2023

Background

Zimbabwe has high cervical cancer (CC) burden of 19% and mortality rate of 64%. Zimbabwe uses Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid and Cervicography (VIAC) for CC screening. Manicaland and Midlands provinces recorded low VIAC positivity of 3% (target 5–25%) and treatment coverage of 78% (target = 90%) between October 2020 and September 2021.

Objectives

We explored VIAC positivity rate and clinical management of clients screening positive in Manicaland and Midlands provinces.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study using routine VIAC and CC management data for period October 2020 to September 2021. Two samples were used, 1) a sample drawn from 48,000 women VIAC screened to measure positivity rate, and 2) a sample of 1,763 VIAC positive women to assess clinical management. Kobo-based tool was used to abstract data from facility registers, and data were analyzed using STATA 15.

Results

We analyzed data for 2,454 out of 48,000 women screened through VIAC. About 82% (2,007/2,454) were HIV positive, median ages were 40 and 38 years for HIV positives and negatives respectively. Most (64% and 77%) of HIV positive and negative clients respectively were married. VIAC positivity was 5.9% and 3.4% among HIV positive and negative women screened for the first time, and 3.2% and 5.6% for repeat visits respectively. Overall, 89.1% (1,571/1,763) of VIAC positive women received treatment. Most (41%) of those treated received thermocoagulation. Overall, 43.1% of clients received treatment on VIAC day, and 77.4% within 30 days. Six-month post-treatment coverage was 3.8%.

Conclusion

VIAC positivity among HIV positive women screening for the first time was 5.9%, within the expected 5–25%. Treatment coverage was high, and turnaround time from diagnosis to treatment met national standards. Post-treatment coverage was suboptimal. We recommend continued implementation of quality improvement initiatives, capacity building of clinicians, and optimization of post-treatment review of clients.
The power of social influence: A replication and extension of the Asch experiment
Authors: Franzen Axel , Mader Sebastian
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we pursue four goals: First, we replicate the original Asch experiment with five confederates and one naïve subject in each group (N = 210). Second, in a randomized trial we incentivize the decisions in the line experiment and demonstrate that monetary incentives lower the error rate, but that social influence is still at work. Third, we confront subjects with different political statements and show that the power of social influence can be generalized to matters of political opinion. Finally, we investigate whether intelligence, self-esteem, the need for social approval, and the Big Five are related to the susceptibility to provide conforming answers. We find an error rate of 33% for the standard length-of-line experiment which replicates the original findings by Asch (1951, 1955, 1956). Furthermore, in the incentivized condition the error rate decreases to 25%. For political opinions we find a conformity rate of 38%. However, besides openness, none of the investigated personality traits are convincingly related to the susceptibility of group pressure.
SAKE: Strobemer-assisted k-mer extraction
Authors: Leinonen Miika , Salmela Leena
Published: November 2023

K-mer-based analysis plays an important role in many bioinformatics applications, such as de novo assembly, sequencing error correction, and genotyping. To take full advantage of such methods, the k-mer content of a read set must be captured as accurately as possible. Often the use of long k-mers is preferred because they can be uniquely associated with a specific genomic region. Unfortunately, it is not possible to reliably extract long k-mers in high error rate reads with standard exact k-mer counting methods. We propose SAKE, a method to extract long k-mers from high error rate reads by utilizing strobemers and consensus k-mer generation through partial order alignment. Our experiments show that on simulated data with up to 6% error rate, SAKE can extract 97-mers with over 90% recall. Conversely, the recall of DSK, an exact k-mer counter, drops to less than 20%. Furthermore, the precision of SAKE remains similar to DSK. On real bacterial data, SAKE retrieves 97-mers with a recall of over 90% and slightly lower precision than DSK, while the recall of DSK already drops to 50%. We show that SAKE can extract more k-mers from uncorrected high error rate reads compared to exact k-mer counting. However, exact k-mer counters run on corrected reads can extract slightly more k-mers than SAKE run on uncorrected reads.
Advanced muscle imaging in adolescent elite rowers utilizing diffusion tensor imaging: Association of imaging findings with stroke typology
Authors: Marth Adrian Alexander , Auer Timo Alexander , Bertalan Gergely , Gebert Pimrapat , Kirchenberger Timo , Geisel Dominik , Hamm Bernd , Keller Sarah
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Muscular overuse injuries are a common health issue in elite athletes. Changes in the muscular microenvironment can be depicted by Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI). We hypothesize that the biomechanics of different stroke typologies plays a role in muscle injury and tested our hypothesis by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of the lumbar spine muscles of adolescent rowers utilizing DTI.

Methods and materials

Twenty-two male elite rowers (12 sweep, 10 scull rowers) with a mean age of 15.8 ± 1.2 years underwent 3-Tesla MRI of the lumbar spine 6 hours after cessation of training. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) were calculated for the erector spinae and multifidus muscle. Student’s t-test was used to test differences of DTI parameters between sweep and scull rowers and a Pearson correlation was utilized to correlate the parameters to training volume.

Results

ADC values in the erector spinae and multifidus muscle were significantly higher (p = 0.039) and FA values significantly lower (p < 0.001) in sweep rowers compared to scull rowers. There was no significant association between DTI parameters and training volume (r ≤ -0.459, p ≥ 0.074).

Conclusions

Our DTI results show that lumbar spine muscle diffusivity is higher in sweep rowers than in scull rowers. Altered muscle diffusivity is suggestive of microscopic tissue disruption and might be attributable to biomechanical differences between stroke typologies.
The telomere resolvase, TelA, utilizes an underwound pre-cleavage intermediate to promote hairpin telomere formation
Authors: Balouchi Mahrokh , Huang Shu Hui , McGrath Siobhan L. , Kobryn Kerri
Published: November 2023

The telomere resolvase, TelA, forms the hairpin telomeres of the linear chromosome of Agrobacterium tumefaciens in a process referred to as telomere resolution. Telomere resolution is a unique DNA cleavage and rejoining reaction that resolves replicated telomere junctions into a pair of hairpin telomeres. Telomere resolvases utilize a reaction mechanism with similarities to that of topoisomerase-IB enzymes and tyrosine recombinases. The reaction proceeds without the need for high-energy cofactors due to the use of a covalent, enzyme-cleaved DNA intermediate that stores the bond energy of the cleaved bonds in 3’-phosphotyrosyl linkages. The cleaved DNA strands are then refolded into a hairpin conformation and the 5’-OH ends of the refolded strands attack the 3’-phosphotyrosine linkages in order to rejoin the DNA strands into hairpin telomeres. Because this kind of reaction mechanism is, in principle, reversible it is unclear how TelA controls the direction of the reaction and propels the reaction to completion. We present evidence that TelA forms and/or stabilizes a pre-cleavage intermediate that features breakage of the four central basepairs between the scissile phosphates prior to DNA cleavage to help propel the reaction forwards, thus preventing abortive cleavage and rejoining cycles that regenerate the substrate DNA. We identify eight TelA sidechains, located in the hairpin-binding module and catalytic domains of TelA, implicated in this process. These mutants were deficient for telomere resolution on parental replicated telomere junctions but were rescued by introduction of substrate modifications that mimic unwinding of the DNA between the scissile phosphates.
Selection of summer feeding sites and food resources by female migratory caribou (Rangifer tarandus) determined using camera collars
Authors: Béland Sophiane , Vuillaume Barbara , Leclerc Martin , Bernier Martin , Côté Steeve D.
Published: November 2023

Migratory caribou (Rangifer tarandus) is a socioeconomically and culturally key species for northern communities in the Arctic, and most of its populations are experiencing a sharp decline. Female migratory caribou depend on the availability of summer habitat resources to meet the needs associated with lactation and the accumulation of fat reserves to survive when resources are less abundant. Because of the large scales at which habitat and resource data are usually available, information on how female migratory caribou select habitat and resources at fine scales in the wild is lacking. To document selection of summer feeding sites, we equipped 60 female caribou with camera collars from 2016 to 2018. We collected a total of 65,150 10-sec videos between June 1st and September 1st for three years with contrasted spring phenology. We determined the selection at the feeding site scale (3rd scale of Johnson) and food item scale (4th scale of Johnson) using resource selection probability functions. Wetlands were highly selected as feeding sites in June and July while they were avoided in August. Shrublands were mostly selected in July and August. At the resources scale, lichen, birch, willow, and mushrooms were the most strongly selected resources. Our results provide precise and novel information on habitat selection at feeding sites and food resources selected by female caribou in the wild. This information will help understand foraging patterns and habitat selection behavior of female migratory caribou and will contribute to the management and conservation of its declining populations.
A new type of radial basis functions for problems governed by partial differential equations
Authors: Liu Jie , Wang Fuzhang , Nadeem Sohail
Published: November 2023

The aim of this paper is to introduce a novel category of radial basis functions that incorporate smoothing techniques. Initially, we employ the power augmented and shape parameter schemes to create the radial basis functions. Subsequently, we apply the newly-constructed radial basis functions using the traditional collocation method and singular values decomposition algorithm to solve the corresponding linear system equations. Finally, we analyze several pairs of radial basis functions in depth to address physical problems linked to thermal science that are governed by partial differential equations. The numerical results demonstrate that the radial basis functions constructed using the power augmented and shape parameter schemes exhibit remarkable performance.
Towards a critical media ecology: Gender and media ecology
Authors: Bowen Bernadette ‘bird’
Published: November 2023

As a purposefully enacted form of praxis, this article represents a feminist methodological approach guided by the author’s personal introduction into choice works of feminist scholarship. By employing feminist epistemologies, this article demonstrates that each of our realities of understanding is made possible by our own differing subjective situations and our resonance towards difference. Throughout the piece, multiple parallel philosophical and ontological orientations are suggested in efforts to theoretically connect a broad array of feminist theories and praxis with canonic tenants of media ecology (such as language play, creation of counter-environments and breakdowns as breakthroughs). Written prior to the ‘Gender and Media Ecology’ invited Special Issue of EME, Dr. bird provides their own survey of ‘Gender and Media Ecology’, suggesting foundational means of future critical pursuits. The ultimate aim of this work is to invite future, even more expansive critical media ecological scholarship to continue similar efforts, which would provide even more holistically intersectional and invaluable means of challenging taken-for-granted institutional and societal norms inside the field of media ecology and beyond.
YouTube and the restructuring of play: A media (auto)poetics of toy unboxing videos
Authors: Ott Brian L.
Published: November 2023

Toy unboxing videos are a popular and lucrative form of children’s entertainment on YouTube. This essay undertakes a media (auto)poetics of these videos and their relationship to children’s play through an integrated analysis of technology (media ecology), text (rhetorical criticism) and participant experience (autoethnography). Based on this analysis, I argue that toy unboxing videos foster and promote a form of ‘play as advertising’ via three key structural features: (1) repetition of the interest-excitement affect, (2) object fetishization and (3) direct address. In a concluding section of the essay, I reflect on the implications of the preceding analysis for digital media criticism, online advertising and children’s play.
From ‘Copy Left’
Authors: Luigetti Serse
Published: November 2023

In the spirit of Dada and/or Fluxus, these works of visual poetry (vispo) explore the relationship between language and meaning, figures and grounds, highlighting the materiality of letters and ways of seeing.
Story and Structure: A Complete Guide, Leon Conrad (2022)
Authors: Tsigkas Alexander
Published: November 2023

Review of: Story and Structure: A Complete Guide, Leon Conrad (2022)

Glastonbury: The Squeeze Press, 528 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-95563-913-5, h/bk, $50.00

ISBN 978-1-90606-925-4, p/bk, $38.99
The effect of COVID-19 in estimating the South African real spot-rate curve
Authors: Mashoene Mmakganya , Doorasamy Mishelle
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the dynamism of different mathematical term-structure models during COVID-19 to estimate the South African real spot-rate curve. The study is based on term-structure models following Nelson-Siegel framework; and  further incorporates the recalibration process on static term-structure models over different economic environments. It was found that the recalibration methodology resulted in no improvements on Linear-parametric and Cubic-splines term-structure models. However, the recalibration effect on Nelson-Siegel and Svensson models resulted in an improved fit for South African inflation-indexed spot rates even in periods of heightened market risk.
INFLUENCE OF ACETONE EXTRACT FROM SOME LICHENIZED FUNGI ON THE GROWTH ACTIVITY OF POPULUS TREMULA L. IN VITRO
Authors: Zontikov Dmitriy Nikolayevich , Zontikova Svetlana Anatol'yevna , Malakhova Kseniya Vyacheslavovna , Kanarskiy Al'bert Vladimirovich , Timakov Aleksey Aleksandrovich , Sergeyev Roman Vladimirovich
Published: November 2023

The article presents the results of studying the effect of extracts of epigeic lichenized fungi in concentrations from 10 to 50 mg/l on the activity of growth processes, gemmogenesis and rhizogenesis of the economically valuable species Populus tremula L. when cultivated in vitro. Epigeic and epiphytic lichenized fungi served as raw materials for the isolation of the acetone extract: Cetraria islandica (L.) Ach. families Parmeliaceae of the order Lecanorales of the department Lecanoromycetes and Evernia mesomorpha Nyl. – families Parmeliaceae of the order Lecanorales of the class Lecanoromycetes. Acetone was used as a solvent in the extraction of lichen acids from crushed raw materials of thalli. Under the influence of the allelopathic effect of the acetone extract of C. islandica and E. mesomorpha on the activity of growth processes and rhizogenesis of P. tremula, we studied the extract concentrations of 10, 30, and 50 mg/l of the nutrient medium. As a result, it was found that the concentration of the extract of 10 mg/l leads to an increase in the length of the microshoot and activation of the processes of gemmogenesis and rhizogenesis compared to the control in the absence of explant death. Significant differences were obtained in the variant using the acetone extract of C. islandica.
RESEARCH OF PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF WOOD PULSE ACTIVATED BY HYDRODYNAMIC METHOD
Authors: Demidenko Natal'ya Yur'yevna , Bayandin Mikhail Andreyevich , Namyatov Aleksey Valer'yevich , Yermolin Vladimir Nikolayevich
Published: November 2023

The work studied the effect of mechanical activation, hydrodynamically, on the physico-chemical properties of soft waste from mechanical processing of wood (sawdust). As a result of research, it has been established that during cavitation treatment, the chemical structure of sawdust is transformed, which ensures the production of hydrodynamically activated wood particles with a high content of reactive surface functional groups, which is caused by a change in the ligno-carbohydrate complex. It has been established that as a result of hydrodynamic activation, the amount of difficult-to-hydrolyze polysaccharides is reduced by 37%, while the proportions of easily hydrolyzable substances and substances of phenolic nature increase, respectively, by 12 and 25%. The transformation of the ligno-carbohydrate complex of wood particles during cavitation largely determines the change in the characteristics of their porous structure. An increase in the number of micropores by 1.5 times and large transport pores by 3 times during the cavitation process was established. The results obtained largely prove that the physical and chemical properties of hydrodynamically activated wood particles largely determine the possibility of obtaining non-toxic wood materials with high physical and mechanical properties without piezo-thermal effects.
ISOLATION AND STUDY OF POLYSACCHARIDES OF MARGILAN RADISH RAPHANUS SATIVUS
Authors: Oshchepkova Yuliya Igorevna , Salikhov Shavkat Ismailovich
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this research is to isolate and study the physicochemical characteristics of polysaccharides in the seeds of the Margilan radish of the Brassicaceae family cultivated in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

For the first time, a water-soluble fraction of polysaccharides was isolated from radish seeds by sowing Margilan successive extraction after the extraction of proteins and polyphenols. Anion exchange chromatography and gel filtration were used to obtain homogeneous polysaccharides. The polysaccharide fraction was separated by ion-exchange chromatography, purified on a Sephadex G-100 column. As a result, two polysaccharides RSP1 and RSP2 were obtained. The monosaccharide composition of the isolated polysaccharides was established. Analysis of monosaccharide residues showed that the composition of the RSP1 polysaccharide is represented by monosaccharides in the following composition: rhamnose - 0.7%, ribose - 4.7%, arabinose - 55.6%, xylose - 1.5%, mannose - 3.7%, glucose - 5.1% and galactose - 28.7%. The composition of the RSP2 polysaccharide is represented by monosaccharides: ribose - 2.8%, arabinose - 9.4%, mannose - 0.9%, glucose - 64.9% and galactose - 18.4%. From the obtained results, it can be seen that the RSP1 polysaccharide consists mainly of arabinose (55.6%) and galactose (28.7%) residues and belongs to the type of arabinogalactans, and the RSP2 polysaccharide mainly consists of glucose residues (64.9%) and galactose (18.4%).
RIBOSOME-INACTIVATED PROTEINS (RIPS) OF THE BLACK ELDER SAMBUCUS NIGRA
Authors: Agzamkhuzhaeva Khilola Tozhimurodovna , Oshchepkova Yulia Igorevna , Salikhov Shavkat Ismailovich
Published: November 2023

The aim of this work is to study the composition of ribosome-inactivating proteins from the bark and berries of the black elderberry Sambucus nigra L., growing on the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The composition of ribosome-inactivating proteins in the bark and berries of black elder Sambucus nigra L., collected in the Botanical Garden of the Republic of Uzbekistan, was studied. According to HPLC-MS/MS sequencing, the bark sample revealed the presence of 9 RIP-2. Based on the obtained amino acid sequences using the CLUSTAL O (1.2.4) program, the amino acid sequence of the identified type 2 RIPs was compared and similar and conserved residues were identified, which will further help identify new RIPs. In the course of the studies, the tryptic peptide LSLVVLQMVSEAAR containing the RIP active site motif (EAAR) was identified with a high degree of probability. Mass spectral data on this fragment will allow further identification of other RIP-1/2 from other samples of natural origin.

2 RIPs were isolated from berries, one of which is in a reduced form containing one chain. Establishing the amino acid sequence in the isolated RIP from black elderberries with a molecular mass of 62337 Da confirmed our hypothesis of identification by the tryptic peptide containing the RIP active center (EAAR).
ORGANIC ACIDS OF THE FRUITS OF STAGHORN SUMAC (RHUS TYPHINA L.)
Authors: Popov Ivan Viktorovich , Leonova Viktoriya Nodar'yevna , Popova Ol'ga Ivanovna
Published: November 2023

Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina L.) of the Anacardiaceae family is a deciduous tree originating from North America, cultivated in Russia. The aim of the work was to determine the organic acids in the fruits of staghorn sumac. The object of the study was the fruits of staghorn sumac, fresh, dried and overwintered (last year). For qualitative analysis of ascorbic acid and organic acids, extracts were obtained in three ways: in a flask in a water bath with a reverse refrigerator, in infusion mode, in decoction mode. The determination of organic acids was carried out using qualitative reactions, as well as by thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. By the method of thin-layer chromatography in extracts from three samples of raw materials were identified oxalic, tartaric, citric, ascorbic and malic acids. The method of high-performance liquid chromatography confirmed the presence of five organic acids. The content of the sum of organic acids was: in fresh fruits – 6.52%, in dry fruits – 6.26%, in overwintered fruits – 6.35%. The content of ascorbic acid is 0.78%, 0.75% and 0.76%, respectively. The high content of the sum of organic acids and ascorbic acid allows us to consider the fruits of staghorn sumac as a valuable source of biologically active compounds.
DETERMINATION OF WATER-SOLUBLE VITAMINS IN MILK THISTLE FRUITS GROWING NATURALLY IN THE REPUBLIC OF DAGESTAN
Authors: Balayeva Shamsiyat Abdulmedzhidovna , Ramazanov Arsen Shamsudinovich
Published: November 2023

The work is devoted to the determination of water-soluble vitamins in the fruits of milk thistle, which grows naturally in some areas of the Republic of Dagestan, differing from each other by natural and climatic conditions: Suleiman Stalsky, Kaitagsky, Magaramkent, Levashinsky and Kulinsky districts. Phenotypic factors (altitude above sea level, soil composition, number of sunny days, precipitation volume, humidity, average daytime temperature, etc.) affected the vitamin composition of milk thistle fruits growing in natural conditions. High-performance liquid chromatography in gradient elution mode was used to determine water-soluble vitamins in milk thistle fruit samples. Nine water-soluble vitamins in milk thistle fruits (ascorbic acid, vitamins B and PP) have been identified and quantified. The variability of the content of water-soluble vitamins in the fruits of wild milk thistle, depending on the growing conditions, has been established. Statistical analysis of the data array on vitamin composition showed the presence of not only significant symbate and asymmetric correlations of the type Y=aX+b (pair correlation coefficient |R|≥0.55), but also close natural correlations (|R|≥0.80) between the content of certain vitamins and individual phenotypic factors.
ANALYSIS OF THE FLOW OF A FIBROUS SUSPENSION IN A GRINDING PLANT IN THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CELLULOSE
Authors: Yurtayeva Larisa Vladimirovna , Alashkevich Yuriy Davydovich , Kaplev Evgeniy Vyacheslavovich , Vasilyeva Dar'ya Yur'yevna , Slizikova Elena Alexandrovna
Published: November 2023

Of the various methods for obtaining microcrystalline cellulose (mechanical, chemical, thermomechanical, planting cellulose in powder form from its solutions), the most common is acid hydrolysis of cellulose. The difficulty of obtaining MCC from vegetable raw materials is that, in addition to cellulose, it contains in its composition such compounds as lignin, hemicelluloses, various extractive substances and an insignificant percentage of minerals. When grinding plant fibers in an aqueous medium, both a purely mechanical process of changing the size and shape of fibers and a colloidal chemical process called fiber hydration occurs. Mechanical phenomena are expressed in the shortening of fibers, their longitudinal splitting into fibrils, an increase in the outer surface and the number of free hydroxyl groups on their surface. The term hydration refers to colloidal chemical phenomena that begin with the swelling of hydrophilic plant fibers.

The paper considers methods for obtaining microcrystalline cellulose and factors influencing the development of a fibrous suspension isolated from coniferous wood species in a grinding plant with inertial bodies. Multiphysical models of the flow of fibrous suspension in the installation are constructed. A study of the effect of grinding a fibrous suspension on the process of obtaining fine cellulose was carried out. The indicators of the finished product are given. The change in the degree of polymerization of cellulose that has previously passed the grinding stage, with different degrees of grinding according to the Shopper-Rigler, is analyzed. Data on cost reduction and resource savings (acid concentration, temperature and processing time) in the process of obtaining fine cellulose are presented.
STUDY OF THE ESSENTIAL OIL OBTAINED FROM JUNIPER PLANT BY PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL METHODS
Authors: Hasanova Aisha Baba gyzy
Published: November 2023

Plants are natural resource with a perfect structure that can meet many needs of people and show diversity since hundreds of years. All over the world and in our country, plants have been used for a long time in the preparation of tea, spices, perfumes, ointments and medicines used in the treatment of diseases. Essential oils arelarge group of biologically active compounds contained in plants. In the article, the process of extracting essential oil from the juniper plant (Juniperus communis L.) at different yields was studied. Juniper fruit 200.47 g; 200.28 g; when 200.54 g, the average amount of essential oil according to wet raw material was determined to be 1.2±1.4%. The composition of the essential oil obtained from juniper fruit, rich in biologically active substances and important for treatment, was studied by physicochemical methods (chromatographic, Ultraviolet (UV) and Infrared (IR) spectroscopic). In the chromatogram of the essential oil, it was determined that there is a peak of monoterpenoids with a tricyclic structure. Absorption bands obtained as a result of spectral analysis ensure the correctness of the composition of the synthesized essential oil. On the basis of medicinal properties of the juniper plant (Juniperus communis L.), the obtained essential oil can be used in medicine and cosmetology in the preparation of ointments and lotions with various ingredients.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF THE KIDNEYS OF POPULUS NIGRA L. OF THE CASPIAN REGION
Authors: Sukhenkо Lyudmila Timofeyevna , Kurashov Evgeny Alexandrovich , Krylova Yuliya Viktorovna
Published: November 2023

The chemical composition of low molecular weight organic compounds (NOS) was studied by chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis of Populus nigra L. kidneys. Of the Caspian region and comparative antimicrobial (bactericidal) activity of extractive components with other plants with characteristic antimicrobial properties. The extraction was carried out by percolation in water-alcohol solutions. The study of antimicrobial activity was carried out by the standard CFU method. As a result, 49 compounds were identified, of which 10 remained unidentified. The study of comparative antimicrobial properties of plant extracts showed the complete bactericidal activity of Populus nigra kidneys against opportunistic microorganisms and microflora of air and water, in MIC equal to 0.25 micrograms/ml. Therefore, the NOSES isolated from the kidneys of Populus nigro of the Caspian region have prospects for further study of antioxidant activity for the preparation of biotechnological drugs and pharmaceutical substances.
FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS FROM PAPER WASTES. V. SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF HYBRID NANOCOMPOSITES OF POWDER CELLULOSES ISOLATED FROM WASTE PAPER AND SILVER NANOPARTICLES
Authors: Mikhailidi Aleksandra Mikhailovna , Vlasova Elena Nikolaevna , Saprikina Natalia Nikolaevna , Kotelnikova Nina Efimovna
Published: November 2023

Hybrid nanocomposites of powder celluloses (PCs) isolated from newsprint and cardboard waste containing silver nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using the diffusion-reduction method. The reduction of silver from solutions of its salt was carried out under heterogeneous conditions using trisodium citrate as a reducer. Molar ratio (MR) of PC/silver varied from 20 to 40. The mechanism of silver NPs formation and stabilization in the reduction process was considered. The hybrid nanocomposites were studied by IR-Fourier spectroscopy, high-resolution 13С NMR spectroscopy in a solid phase, wide-angle X-ray scattering, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDRA). It was shown that the silver particles had spherical shape and their size on the surface of the PC was mostly less than 100 nm. The silver content in the nanocomposites ranged from 1.2 to 7.3 wt.%. The preparation of NPs did not change in the structural modification of cellulose I after the reaction. During the modification of PCs with silver nanoparticles, the cellulose matrix was involved in a redox process, which was accompanied by the formation of new intermolecular bonds between the NPs and the matrix.
OBTAINING AND INVESTIGATION OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF GUANIDINE COMPLEXES WITH PECTIN POLYSACCHARIDES
Authors: Akhmedov Oliy Ravshanovich , Shomurotov Shavkat Abduganievich , Sidorenko Anastasiya Vyacheslavovna , Turaev Abbaskhan Sabirkhanovich
Published: November 2023

Pectin polysaccharides, due to the presence of reactive carboxyl functional groups in the structure, have a high complexing ability. This expands the scope of their practical application for the development of new biologically active substances. In this work, we propose the preparation of complex compounds based on sodium pectate and guanidine hydrochloride. By varying the molar amount of guanidine in relation to the acid groups of the polysaccharide matrix, samples were obtained that differ in the degree of substitution, the content of the amino derivative of the compound, and the inherent viscosity. The optimal ratio of the starting compounds was determined, at which the limiting amount of guanidine is bound to -COO- groups of pectin macromolecules. The structure of the resulting complexes was studied by FTIR spectroscopy. It has been established that the interaction of guanidine with polysaccharide carboxyls is accompanied by a change in the intensity of the absorption bands corresponding to the ionized acid group. Also, the binding of guanidine to the polysaccharide matrix through ionic bonds has been proven by carrying out the hydrolytic cleavage of the complex compound in an acidic medium. It is shown that with an increase in the hydrolysis time from 3 to 24 h, a gradual decrease in the initial degree of substitution of the complex compound is observed. The antimicrobial properties of polymer complexes with different characteristics against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were studied.
On the geometry of axes of complex circles of partition - part 1
Authors: Agama Theophilus
Published: November 2023

In this paper we continue the development of the circles of partition by introducing a certain geometry of the axes of complex circles of partition. We use this geometry to verify the condition in the squeeze principle in special cases with regards to the orientation of the axes of complex circles of partition.
Conceptualizing Information Literacy for National Development
Authors: Kuku David
Published: November 2023

The concept of information literacy is a subject of serious debate among scholars in the information profession. The controversy surrounding the subject may well be due to proliferation in the information and communication technology (ICT) and the diversity of the world’s culture. In this paper: Conceptualizing Information Literacy for National Development, the study looked at the relationship between the concept of information literacy and national development, the definition of the concept as attempted by different authors. The study also x-rayed the socio-cultural construct (Theory) of the concept and American Association of School Librarians (AASL) theory. They identified individual elements of information literacy consistent the two theories which include: Recognition of information needs; location and evaluation of the quality of information; store and retrieve information; make effective and ethical use of information, and apply information to create and communicate knowledge. They concluded that, any country that strives for sustainable national development must of necessity strives towards ensuring that, its citizens achieve the status of information literacy in the context peculiar to such environment.
Marketing Library and Information Resources and Services Using Social Media Platforms: The Security Question
Authors: Kuku David , ADADU MARY
Published: November 2023

Several social media platforms have emerged and revolutionised how library resources and services are marketed today. So many libraries have adopted the use of many of these media platforms for their library organizations. In this study; Marketing library and information resources and services using social media platform: The security question; the authors x-rayed the spread and use of social media in libraries examining the concepts of marketing, information resources and services, social media platforms and security in the information eco system. The authors discovered that, the most common security issues library organizations faced are data leakage and non-disclosure violations, cybersquatting where strangers masquerade as your library, your CEO or simply ‘own’ your trademark space in social media platforms amongst others. The study suggested amongst others that to safeguard malware; training on prevention, identification, containment, and eradication of malware be given to employees and individuals during their studies. Library organizations should be deliberate about empowering their policies by putting an investment in upgrading security tools that are well suited for the social media environment.
Nigeria women in Library and Information Profession for National Development
Authors: Kuku David
Published: November 2023

This paper examined women in library and information services as a panacea for national development. The study adopted contextual analysis which involved the review of publications on the subject matter from library collections and the Internet. The study seeks to answer the following questions: How has women in library affect national development? How has the women in library information services stimulates national development. The study revealed that, library ensures social inclusion and cohesion by providing access to information and knowledge to all the citizens, library is the only institution capable to shoulder information related responsibility across all strata of the society, by providing and ensuring quality information and services, digital and traditional content, knowledge and information networks and ICT facilities to facilitate life-long learning and communication. Women in Libraries and information services are vibrant social agency that connects people with global information resources and the ideas and creative works they seek. Women in Libraries and information services make available the richness of human expression and cultural diversity in all media. The study recommended the following: To support women inclusion in national development policy, nations must give priority attention to the women contributions to information service provision in their country. This will enable the citizens to make informed and responsible decisions resulting first and foremost to personal development which will culminate into collective or national development. Women in Library information services being critical to national development need to be encouraged at all levels of national, state and local library system.
“Why Did Devon Just Leave the Classroom?”: Disability Studies in Education-Informed Related Service Provision
Authors: Newhouse Katie , Rabinowitz Laurie
Published: November 2023

Public schools often schedule related services by using a mix of pull-out and push-in instruction, referred to as service delivery models. This poses challenges because the transitions to and from services are obvious to other students and can influence student identities and result in a loss of academic instructional time. This article shares inclusive approaches for novice teachers to learn how to organize related service provision in ways that strengthen student identities as individuals with disabilities. By focusing on how our previous teaching and research experiences inform our pedagogical design in our teacher education courses, we seek to open the door for future research on how related services are constructed and enacted in public schools that are working towards more inclusive pedagogy and practice. In this article we share how both authors are rethinking teacher education curriculum as a potential site for helping beginning educators understand the array of service delivery models and to address ways to conceptualize how related services are offered to students in PreK-12 schools across all classroom settings.
The measurement of the influence of the adhesion loss on the dynamic load of the drive reaction rod on the roller rig
Authors: Dybala Vojtěch
Published: November 2023

The dynamic behaviour and dynamic phenomena in traction drives of railway vehicle has been studied for decades. Generally, in these days the motivation for this research is to look for answers related with service problems, which has been risen, e.g. an overloading of mechanical components as wheelsets or an intention to improve control systems of traction drives of railway vehicles. This problematic has also motivated the research at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Czech Technical University (CTU) in Prague. Nowadays it is also usual, that the main research tool has been a simulation based on a mathematical model of a railway vehicle or its specific components, as testing on real vehicles is very demanding regarding costs. However, there is an alternative – a roller rig. At the CTU in Prague there has been modernized the second roller rig for purposes of measurement regarding the torsion dynamics research, to support PhD students for their theses and possibly to extend the education for students oriented on the railway vehicle’s design. This contribution brings results of measurements just from the problematics of torsion oscillations and dynamics. Specifically, further presented measurements are on the loss of the adhesion in the contact of the wheelset and rollers, as the substitution for the railway, its impact on the reaction rod overloading and study of the axle load influence on the transition phenomena.
Ecological solutions for freight trains
Authors: Chýle Martin , Drábek Michal
Published: November 2023

The article presents the potential of freight railway transport in terms of saving of emissions and maximizing the efficiency of operation. Attention is paid to the transport of freight trains on electrified lines with higher gradients (up to 25‰), alternatively with the possibility of a trip to non-electrified lines and sidings, which generate significant extra costs in the operation of trains and are often a reason for the carrier to deploy a locomotive of independent traction (diesel-electric) even in electrified line sections, even at the cost of increased operating costs and increased emissions. There are many such lines and possibilities of use within the Central European region and the Czech Republic.In the first part of the article, the basic categorisation of dual-mode freight locomotives and their suitability for individual operating programmes is presented. This part also describes current situation on the rolling stock market in general and directions of development taken by various locomotive manufacturers.Case studies of deployment of real freight locomotives on chosen Czech railway lines are used in the next part to present the possibilities for energy and cost savings when replacing a vehicle with independent traction by an electric or dual-mode locomotive, at least in sections equipped with overhead catenary. The pros and cons of using several possible solutions are described in detail. Further considerable savings can be achieved by, among other things, using regenerative braking and returning the generated electricity back to the catenary system when driving downhill. In this respect, however, it is also necessary to cooperate with the infrastructure manager, who must also adapt the railway lines to the operation of these vehicles.Finally, general rules for operational deployments on which the replacement of a conventional vehicle by a dual or pure electric vehicle can be considered are formulated.