bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adsorption potential of unmodified rice husk for boron removal
Authors: Che Man Hasfalina , Chin Wei Hong , Zadeh Maryam Rahmati , Yusof Mohd Rashid Mohd
Published: June 2023

A batch study of boron removal from aqueous solutions by adsorption using rice husk was carried out. The effect of selected parameters such as particle size, pH, adsorbent dosage, and initial concentration of adsorbate on boron removal was investigated in the study. Results showed that the maximum boron removal was obtained with the rice husk particle size between 0.425 mm and 1.0 mm at pH 5. Boron removal was increased with an increasing amount of adsorbent dosage but decreased as the initial concentration of adsorbate increased. A Freundlich isotherm was used to describe the potential of boron adsorption using rice husk. The maximum adsorption capacity of rice husk was found to be 4.23 mg/g for boron removal.
Effect of fiber loading on properties of thermoplastic sago starch/kenaf core fiber biocomposites
Authors: Sarifuddin Norshahida , Ismail Hanafi , Ahmad Zuraida
Published: June 2023

Growing attention has been paid to the innovation of ecological products, prompted by rising environmental concerns. As a natural polymer, thermoplastic sago starch has been regarded as an alternative material to petroleum-based plastic owing to its availability, cost, and biodegradability. In order to produce thermoplastic starch materials with enhanced structural and functional stability during use, kenaf fibers were incorporated as the reinforcing filler. In this work, thermoplastic sago starch (TPSS)/kenaf core fiber (KF) biocomposites were prepared at different fiber loadings (0 to 35 wt.%), and the effects of fiber loading were analyzed by mechanical tests, TGA, FTIR, SEM, and water absorption behavior. The tensile analysis showed a linear increase in strength and modulus upon increasing fiber content until it reached an optimum at 30 wt.% fiber loading. The thermal stability of biocomposites was improved slightly by the incorporation of kenaf fibers into TPSS matrices. FTIR results indicated a change in the functional group of the biocomposites. Moreover, the interfacial adhesion properties of biocomposites were evident from morphological studies of tensile fracture surfaces. It is interesting to note that water absorbed by the biocomposites was reduced by the addition of fiber, and it seems that the hydrophilic character was decreased especially for the glycerol-plasticized sample. The results obtained clearly illustrate the potential use of these fiber and biopolymers to establish their suitability as alternative biocomposite materials.
Removal of malachite green from aqueous solution using waste newspaper fiber
Authors: Tan Jia , Zhang Xiaoyu , Wei Xinhao , Wang Lijuan
Published: June 2023

Waste newspaper fiber (WNF) was separated and deinked for use as an absorbent for removal of Malachite Green (MG) from aqueous solutions. The chemical composition of the deinked waste newspaper fiber (DWNF) was analyzed, and its morphology was observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). A batch adsorption study was conducted under various adsorbent dosage, solution pH, and contact time. Kinetics and isotherms models were fitted; the thermodynamic parameters were also calculated. The results indicated that the main component in DWNF is cellulose. The SEM photographs showed that the surface became smoother and cleaner after deinking treatment. The equilibrium adsorption capacity was reached within 60 min, and the maximum adsorption capacity was around 27 mg/g. Alkaline pH (around 8) favored the adsorption process. The adsorption of MG was a spontaneous and exothermic process. It was found that the pseudo-second order kinetic equation and Langmuir adsorption isotherm model described the data of dye adsorption onto DWNF very well. The results show that DWNF is an effective absorbent for dye wastewater treatment.
Compression and springback properties of hardwood and softwood pellets
Authors: Dhamodaran Amarnath , Afzal Muhammad T.
Published: June 2023

A multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to predict the length of pellets under compression in the die based on moisture, temperature, pressure, hold time, and their interaction terms. Excellent correlations were obtained in the dependency of the considered parameters on length of compressed material inside the die. Springback characteristics based on axial changes after the compaction process were analyzed. The expansion for hardwood pellets (16.28%) was found to be lowest at particle size 0.150 to 0.300 mm with 8% moisture (w.b), 60 °C, 139.3 MPa pressure, and a hold time of 15S. The expansion for softwood pellets (20.56%) was lowest with particle size 0.300 to 0.425 mm, at 8% moisture (w.b), 70 °C, 159.2 MPa, and a hold time of 30S.
Deep-drawing of paper and paperboard: The role of material properties
Authors: Vishtal Alexey , Retulainen Elias
Published: June 2023

Fibre-based packaging materials are widely utilized all over the world. They have several important advantages in comparison with fossil-based packaging: biodegradability, recyclability, and renewability. However, fibre-based packaging cannot fully compete with plastic in its barrier properties. Also there are limitations regarding its shapes due to poorer formability. The deep-drawing forming process can be used for the production of advanced three-dimensional shapes from paper-based materials. Formability and related characteristics are essential for deep-drawing of paper-based materials. This paper aims to give an overview of the deep-drawing of paper-based materials with the emphasis on the experienced deformations, on the role of mechanical properties of materials in deep-drawing, and on the typical defects found in the shapes after the forming. Additionally, strategies are proposed to help mitigate common problems in deep-drawing.
Changepoint detection using p-variation of CUSUM process
Authors:   , Danielius Tadas
Published: June 2023

Pasikeitimo taškų aptikimas naudojant dalinių sumų proceso p-variaciją
Congruency of the Goals and Objectives of a Graduate Program in Physical Education: An Assessment of Stakeholders Thru Importance-Performance Analysis Framework
Authors: Nozaleda Bryan M. , Mabborang Ma. Haidee A.
Published: June 2023

Purpose: This study assessed the congruency of a graduate physical education program's goals and objectives using the Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) framework. The research aimed to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement, ultimately enhancing curriculum and bridging the gap between academia and the physical education and sports industry.

Materials and Methods: a cross-sectional survey was conducted, utilizing a structured questionnaire distributed to 135 participants classified as internal and external stakeholders selected via purposive convenience sampling. The questionnaire was administered via Google Forms. The questionnaire consisted of items related to stakeholders' demographic profile, awareness, acceptability, and perceived levels of importance and performance of the goals and objectives of the program. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, IPA, and Independent Samples T-test to determine varying perceptions among stakeholders.

Results: The findings indicated a substantial degree of awareness and acceptability of the program's goals and objectives among stakeholders. The study also revealed a strong alignment between the program objectives, graduate school objectives, and the university's vision and mission. However, certain discrepancies emerged concerning stakeholders' acceptability levels for specific objectives. With regard to the importance-performance analysis, the results highlighted the need for the organization to enhance its performance in producing graduates possessing advanced disciplinary content knowledge. Graduates should be equipped to examine and appreciate both traditional and contemporary theories, concepts, and models within their respective disciplines.

Conclusion: The study concludes that stakeholders have high awareness and acceptability of the preambular provisions of the university and the MPE program, but external stakeholders have lower awareness and acceptability. The congruency between program objectives and graduate school objectives, as well as the alignment between the university vision and graduate school vision and mission, suggests a well-designed and implemented program. Meanwhile, the importance-performance analysis highlights areas to improve, such as advanced disciplinary content, effective communication, and critical thinking and research skills. Enhancing communication and engagement strategies, monitoring alignment with stakeholder needs, and reassessing the importance of certain goals can improve the program's alignment with broader institutional goals and contribute to the university's overall success.
THE EFFECT OF BROCCOLI SPROUTS ON OXIDATIVE STRESS MARKERS IN MICE FED WITH CAFETERIA DIET
Authors:   Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, DERKACHOV V.P.
Published: June 2023

The aim of our study was to determine the ability of broccoli sprouts to influence the intensity of lipid peroxidation in mice fed a high-calorie cafeteria diet. Materials and methods. In this study, C57BL/6J mice were used. For determinatiom of lipid peroxides (LOOH), we used a method based on the ability of lipid peroxides to convert Fe2+to Fe3+. Then Fe3+ forms a complex with xylenol orange that absorbs light at 580 nm at low pH. The reaction mixture contained coumene hydroperoxide (1 mM), FeSO4*7H2O(1 M), xylenol (4 mM), water and supernatant. Differences between groups were analyzed by Duncan’s test for multiple comparision. Results. During the experiment, we monitored the changes in body mass of mice fed with different diets. There were no differences in LOOH levels in cortexes of mice from all experimental groups, but there was a tendency to the lower content of LOOH in the brain of mice fed with cafeteria diet and broccoli. No statistical differences in levels of LOOH were found between groups, but LOOH levels tended to the highest in the groups fed with broccoli sprouts alone and cafeteria diet. A significant difference was observed in the muscles (C) between the broccoli sprout group and the cafeteria diet + broccoli group. We also found a significant difference between the group fed with the cafeteria diet and the cafeteria diet + broccoli, which may indicate protective effects of broccoli on lipid peroxidation on cafeteria diet. Conclusions. Mice fed with cafeteria diet and broccoli spouts had higher body mass than control mice fed with standard group. Hypothalamus of mice fed with standard diet with broccoli spouts or with cafeteria diet showed a tendency to higher LOOH levels, whereas no effects of the diets were found on cortexes LOOH levels. The cafeteria diet + broccoli group had the lowest muscle LOOH content compared to all other groups. Also, LOOH levels tended to be lower in the cortexes in the hypothalamus of mice fed with cafeteria diet + broccoli as compared with the cafeteria diet group. This suggests the potential protective effects of broccoli spouts.
FIBRINOLYTIC POTENTIAL INCREASING DURING ACTIVATION OF BLOOD COAGULATION IN THE COURSE OF PREGNANCY WITH PLACENTAL DYSFUNCTION
Authors:   Palladin Institute of biochemistry of NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Tsaryk Y. ,   ESC ‘Institute of biology and medicine’, Kyiv
Published: June 2023

Aim. The study of molecular mechanisms of hemostasis balance is one of the most vivid tasks for clinical biochemistry. In present communication we aimed to underline the constant connection between blood coagulation and fibrinolysis. Methods. Blood coagulation activation was estimated by the soluble fibrin accumulation. For it determination we used the sandwich ELISA method. As the catch-antibody we used fibrin-specific mAb FnI-3C. As the tag-antibody we used another mAb (II-4d) that has an epitope in the NH 2 -terminal fragment of the γ-chain of the D-region of the fibrin(ogen) molecule. The rate of activation of fibrinolysis was estimated by measuring of Fibrinolytic Potential (FP). It was measured by turbidimetric method with recording the scattering of light by a fibrin clot at 405 nm on a microplate reader Multiscan (Finland). The clot was formed in the microplate wells in blood plasma activated by APTT reagent in the presence or without t-PA. Results. SF was found in blood plasma of 12 pregnant women with placenta dysfunction. Six of studied patients had SF less than 4 µg/ml that were assumed as the control meanings. We divided patients on two groups according to this parameter. It was shown that patients of the 1st group (SF ≤ 4) exhibited FP as 24 ou/s. In the same time patients of the 2nd group (SF ≥ 4) had much higher FP – 62 ou/s. The level of statistical significance was P = 0,05. Conclusions. Blood coagulation activation (estimated by SF measurement) was shown to be accompanied by fibrinolysis activity increasing (measured by FP evaluation) in pregnant women with placental dysfunctions. These findings can be evidence of constant balance between blood coagulation and fibrinolysis that stabilize hemostasis in pathological conditions for avoiding thrombosis or hemorrhages.
On the regularity of natural processes of synthesis and genesis hydrocarbons and water of oil and gas fields: abiogenic-biogenic dualism
Authors: Svoren’ Yosyp
Published: June 2023

It is shown that the problem of the nature of water in oil and gas fields must be solved in an inextricable connection with the genesis and synthesis of natural hydrocarbons in the Earth’s bowels. The work offers an original solution, based on a new theory of the synthesis and genesis of hydrocarbons (oil, gas, etc.): abiogenic-biogenic dualism, which asserts that giant and supergiant oil and gas fields were formed from inorganic and organic original hydrocarbon-containing substances under the influence of abiogenic high-thermobaric deep fluid in harsh physical, physicochemical and geological conditions of the earth’s crust. Since the abiogenic high-thermobaric deep fluid contains hydrogen H+ and OH-containing anions, the described mechanism for the interaction of positively charged ions: C+, H+, CnHm+-radicals with the formation-synthesis of a complex hydrocarbon mixture such as gas, oil, bitumen, etc. must be logically supplemented by a reaction: H2O → H+ + ОН−. As a result of this complex physical and chemical process, the maximum concentration of (OH−) anions accumulated in the oxidation zone, which after the disappearance of the electric field become neutral and interact with each other according to the scheme: ОН + ОН = H2O2 – hydrogen peroxide, which is an unstable compound, which decomposes into H2O + О. Oxygen atoms became the starting substances for the formation of macro- and microcracks in these cavities under harsh conditions of rocks of the carbonate or quartz-carbonate type, etc., much less often – perfect mineral crystals, which with their defects in the process of growth (synthesis) captivate and preserve substances in the system (proper hydrocarbons and water). Therefore, it was established for the first time that the natural water of oil and gas fields has a dual lithospheric-asthenospheric nature, while the lithospheric part is dominant, the isotopic composition is a mixture of these waters, and the deuterium isotope is more chemically active in complex physical and chemical processes, which run through the bowels of the planet. The obtained original data will contribute to the solution of Ukraine’s serious problem with energy carriers: natural gas, oil, coal and drinking water.
Migration Processes in the Kharkiv Region in the Conditions of Russian Aggression and Their Impact on the Demographic Situation
Authors: Skliar Volodymyr
Published: June 2023

The study of migration processes, caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, is a rather relevant scientific problem. The main territorial directions of migration processes in Kharkiv region and their impact on the demographic situation in the oblast are defined in the article. Attention is focused on the essence of the terms war fugitives – forced migrants (internally displaced persons) in Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees abroad. At the end of February 2022 yet, the offensive of the Russian invaders on Kharkiv has been stopped thanks to the heroic resistance of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Territorial Defense troops. Therefore, Kharkiv has been included in the list of the first cities of Ukraine to receive the title of Hero City (March 21, 2022). Temporal differences in migration flows are determined and the peculiarities of the territorial placement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Kharkiv region and other oblasts of Ukraine are defined on the base of the analysis of statistical data provided by the Kharkiv Regional Military-Civil Administration. The scale of these forced migrations is described, primarily in the city of Kharkiv. Its population has been decreased from 1,400,000 people on the eve of the Russian invasion to 300,000 people in April, 2022. According to the estimations of the Kharkiv city authorities, 600,000 people have been evacuated from Kharkiv by railway alone in the spring of 2022. It has been impossible to evacuate from the northern and eastern areas of Kharkiv region in the first months of the war. A significant part of the region territory (territories of 5 out of 7 districts) is under occupation. Attention is focused on the wave of return (re-evacuation) of the population to Kharkiv, which has started in May, 2022 after the liberation of the city’s nearest surroundings from the Russian occupiers and lasted until the spring of 2023, when the population of Kharkiv reaches 1.1 million people. Almost the whole territory of the Kharkiv region has been liberated in September-October, 2022. The ethnic structure of the population of Kharkiv region at the early 21st century is also revealed. It is indicated that a significant part of the forced migrants who have adapted to the new areas will remain there. This applies not only to Ukrainian migrants abroad, but also to Kharkiv residents who live currently in the other regions of Ukraine, especially among those who have lost their homes and jobs in the Kharkiv region. This will objectively negatively affect the already difficult demographic situation in Kharkiv region in the near future.
Art Historians about the Works of Anna Myronova: Impressions and Contradictions
Authors: Lamonova Oksana
Published: June 2023

The reaction of Ukrainian art critics on the works of Anna Myronova as one of the leading representatives of modern Ukrainian art is analyzed in the article. Anna Myronova is one of the most active (about twenty personal exhibitions and more than a hundred group exhibitions) and the most honored contemporary Ukrainian young artists. In particular, her name is stated in the Forbes rating (among 25 personalities) The Most Successful Representatives of Modern Ukrainian Art under the Age of Forty (2016). The press attention to the artist’s works is a separate phenomenon. Starting with Shadows of the Grass (2012), each new project of A. Myronova arouses permanently the keen interest of art critics and journalists. Articles about her are published regularly in the official edition of the National Union of the Artists of Ukraine Fine Arts, the Science and Society edition of the Knowledge of Ukraine Association, the Museum Lane magazine, on serious Internet portals, and leading researchers of contemporary art write about her. But the number of texts, their emotionality and sincerity, cannot hide some kind of confusion of the authors. After all, comments and explanations to the artist’s works are given not even different, but opposite in content. Thus, the haiku and sonnets of C. Baudelaire, the philosophy of I. Kant and M. Heidegger are used, A. Huxley and the names of great artists of the past (Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Claude Monet) are mentioned for a better understanding of her projects (such as Drought (2012–2013), Disorientations (2013), Heat (2014), Heraldry of the Poor (2014), Arms of Reminiscences (2014), Still Project (2015), Simple Actions, Simple Things (2015), Fragments? (2016), Between Touches (2017), Space (2018), Along the Current (2018), CUT (2019), Against the Light (2020), Geotexts (2021), etc.). She is considered to be free from social issues or prejudiced to them, one of the brightest representatives of eco-art in Ukraine, a peculiar but unquestionable urbanist. After all, in her projects they see a deep spiritual meaning, an original artistic meditation, a way of connecting with the forces and energies of the universe. The main ways and methods of researching A. Myronova’s works are revealed in the article, and its purpose is to confirm or refute the fruitfulness and expediency of these methods.
Ukrainian Porcelain in the Porcelain Collection of the Dresden State Art Collections
Authors: Korus Olena
Published: June 2023

During the current russian-Ukrainian war, which has been going on since 2014, the progressive circles of Ukrainian society, in particular scholars, have been faced with the question of decolonizing and de-imperializing Ukrainian history and culture. The task of returning to the orbit of the national cultural heritage is especially acute concerning works of Ukrainian origin that are stored in museum collections abroad. It should be noted that this cultural heritage is generally labelled as «russian» in the world, regardless of the cultural and artistic environment, as well as of where and when (during the russian empire or the USSR), it was created. After February 24, 2022, when russia launched a large-scale offensive on the territory of Ukraine, many Ukrainian museum workers and scholars fled the war and began working under support programmes at Western European cultural institutions. Their primary task was to search local museum collections for detecting works by Ukrainian artists and correcting their attribution. The article’s authoress, while the military operations in Ukraine are ongoing, got the opportunity to work at the Porcelain Collection of the Dresden State Art Collections (Die Staatlichen Kunstsammlungen Dresden, SKD). In the context of mentioned factors, she drew attention to the attribution of two porcelain plates from the Porcelain Collection of the Dresden State Art Collections, which were listed in the database as russian-made. Furthermore, one of the plates was listed as having been made in Moscow Region, whereas in fact both plates were created at Ukrainian factories in Korets and Baranivka (now Rivne and Zhytomyr regions, respectively). The article’s authoress corrected the attribution and dating, whereupon the items were posted in the online collection on the museum’s website of the Dresden State Art Collections. In the article, these items are presented in the context of these manufactories’ production. A comparative analysis of principles of their decoration with the ornamentation of porcelain items of the Meissen manufactory from the Porcelain Collection of the Dresden State Art Collections has also been done.
Assessment of the prospectiveness of operating coal mining enterprises
Authors:   General Energy Institute of NAS of Ukraine, 172, Antonovycha St., Kyiv, 03150, Ukraine, Makarov Vitalii , Perov Mykola ,   General Energy Institute of NAS of Ukraine, 172, Antonovycha St., Kyiv, 03150, Ukraine
Published: June 2023

A new methodology for ranking coal mines by the integral coefficient of prospects has been developed. Unlike the known ones, the developed methodology uses a system of volumetric, technological, financial, economic, safety, environmental and social criteria for the functioning of coal industry enterprises that are accessible to the general public. These criteria have been brought to a comparable form. The methodology also takes into account the degree of importance of each criterion in terms of its impact on the technical and economic level of the mine. The system of criteria for the prospects of coal mining enterprises includes the following: installed production capacity of mines, coal production volumes, coal production volumes using new technologies, the cost of coal products, the category of mines by sudden coal and gas emissions, the number of employees and the number of residents of the community where the mine is located, and methane emissions. Mine ratings were calculated to identify unpromising mines that will be considered for further operation or closure. The calculations took into account the WTO requirements for the prospects of coal mining enterprises, as well as the consequences of military operations in Ukraine. The mines were analyzed for two areas of coal product use, namely for energy and coke production. The developed methodology allowed us to form a list of promising coal mining enterprises for steam and coking coal production. The research results provide an opportunity to make managerial decisions on further operation or closure of unpromising coal mining enterprises when developing forecasts of coal fuel supply for thermal power and the country's economy as a whole. The decision on the feasibility of further operation will be made for mines of the lower group. Keywords: coal industry, methodology, ranking, criteria, perspective.
Enhanced phase method of signal detection for ultrasonic magnetostriction defectoscopy of power equipment
Authors:   General Energy Institute of NAS of Ukraine, 172, Antonovycha St., 03150, Kyiv, Ukraine, Bohachev Ihor , Kovtun Svitlana ,   General Energy Institute of NAS of Ukraine, 172, Antonovycha St., 03150, Kyiv, Ukraine, Kuts Yurii ,   General Energy Institute of NAS of Ukraine, 172, Antonovycha St., 03150, Kyiv, Ukraine, Sozonov Stanislav ,   General Energy Institute of NAS of Ukraine, 172, Antonovycha St., 03150, Kyiv, Ukraine, Khaidurov Vladyslav ,   General Energy Institute of NAS of Ukraine, 172, Antonovycha St., 03150, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: June 2023

The magnetostrictive method of ultrasonic flaw detection has certain advantages, in particular, the ability to control objects with complex geometry, at their high temperature, the ability to control dry contact between the transducer and the object, difficult access to the controlled area, etc. The peculiarities of the generation of ultrasonic waves by magnetostrictive transducers and their distribution in control objects determine the low level of the signal/noise ratio, which limits the possibilities of practical application of this method. The aim of the paper is to improve the phase method for detecting signals of magnetostrictive receivers with a low signal/noise ratio and to check the effectiveness of the proposed technical solution for solving problems of non-destructive testing of energy equipment elements using magnetostrictive defectoscopes. The paper discusses the phase method of detecting radio pulse signals of magnetostrictive converters against the background of additive noise, which is based on a combination of the capabilities of the discrete Hilbert transformation, which makes it possible to determine the envelope and phase of signals, and methods of statistical processing of the results of phase measurements. The proposed signal processing algorithm was studied both in a model experiment and when processing real magnetostrictive defectoscope signals. The proposed method makes it possible to detect radio pulse signals with a signal/noise ratio close to 1. The reliability of the obtained data is confirmed by the results of computer simulation. The considered method of detecting signals can be used in ultrasonic magnetostrictive defectoscopes and other diagnostic systems operating in conditions of reduced signal/noise ratio. Keywords: magnetostrictive defectoscope, ultrasonic defectoscopy, phase methods of signal processing, Hilbert transform, envelope, phase, sample resulting length of the vector.
World experience in legal support for the use of consumers-regulators in power systems
Authors:   General Energy Institute of NAS of Ukraine, 172, Antonovycha St., Kyiv, 03150, Ukraine, Sokolovska Irina
Published: June 2023

The positive experience of using various technologies in power systems as consumers-regulators for energy management is shown, which helps to increase the reliability and stability of power systems, and also reduces the need for new generating capacities, including expensive peak ones. The world experience of legal support for the use of consumers-regulators in power systems at the international, national, and regional levels is considered, namely: directives and regulations of the 4th European EU Energy Package; laws of the USA about independence and national security, energy efficiency improvements, research and development for grid modernization, and the results of the programs developed based on them; laws and regulations of the U.S.A. states and Canada to promote energy savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased use of renewable energy sources (RES) and other new technologies; the effectiveness of the system of measures DSM (Demand Side Management). In these documents, an important role is assigned to both the use of technologies such as RES, energy storage, Smart Grid, etc., and the possibility to combine consumers of different categories and the rules for their participation in the electricity market in a non-discriminatory way. An increase step by step in support for the use of consumers-regulators in power systems in the legislative and other national documents of Ukraine, in particular, in the new law on the development of energy storage installations, the National Action Plan for Renewable Energy for the period up to 2030, the National Transport Strategy of Ukraine for the period up to 2030, etc., which meet the main provisions of European directives, and it is also shown the need to take into account the wide introduction of new technologies such as Smart Grid, building consumption regulation, the use of electric vehicle charging stations, etc. Keywords: consumers-regulators, legal support, power system.
Choline derivatives as natural ligands of mitochondrial nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors:   Department of Molecular Immunology, Palladin Institute of Biochemistry,National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Lykhmus O. , Izmailov M. ,   Department of Molecular Immunology, Palladin Institute of Biochemistry,National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;, Skok M. ,   Department of Molecular Immunology, Palladin Institute of Biochemistry,National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv;
Published: June 2023

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) regulate mitochondria-driven apoptosis; however, their intracellular ligands are unknown. In the present paper, we show that choline and its derivatives (phosphocholine (PC), L-α-glycerophosphocholine (G-PC) and 1-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (P-GPC)) dose-dependently influence cytochrome c release from isolated mouse liver mitochondria. Choline inhibited Ca2+-stimulated cytochrome c release, while PC attenuated wortmannin-induced cytochrome c release. Small doses of G-PC and P-GPC (up to 0.1 µM) were protective against either Ca2+ or wortmannin, while larger doses (up to 1 µM) stimulated cytochrome c release by themselves. Choline and PC disrupted interaction of VDAC1, Bax and Bcl-2 with mitochondrial α7 nAChRs and favored their interaction with α9 nAChR subunits. It is concluded that choline metabolites can regulate apoptosis by affecting mitochondrial nAChRs. Keywords: apoptosis, choline, choline derivatives, cytochrome c, mitochondria, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Characterization of lectins from wheat seedlings infected with Fusarium graminearum and treated by jasmonic acid
Authors:   Plant Breeding and Genetics Institute – National Center of Seed and Cultivar Investigation, Laboratory of Plant Biochemistry, Odesa, Ukraine, Molodchenkova O. О. , Ryshchakova O. V. ,   Plant Breeding and Genetics Institute – National Center of Seed and Cultivar Investigation, Laboratory of Plant Biochemistry, Odesa, Ukraine;, Kartuzova T. V. ,   Plant Breeding and Genetics Institute – National Center of Seed and Cultivar Investigation, Laboratory of Plant Biochemistry, Odesa, Ukraine;, Mishchenko L. T. ,   ESC “Institute of Biology and Medicine”, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine;
Published: June 2023

Fusarium head blight is one of the most serious diseases of wheat caused by a range of Fusarium fungi, which infects the heads of the crop, reducing grain yield. Lectins that specifically bind carbohydrate ligands of various chemical nature and Jasmonic acid (JA) as a key regulator of plant development play an important role in plant protective responses to biotic factors. The goal of the study was to determine the activity and biochemical characteristics of soluble lectins in wheat seedlings of varieties. ‘Lastivka odeska’ with a high resiliency to Fusarium graminearum and ‘Nikonia odeska’ susceptible to Fusarium graminearum. Wheat seedlings were grown on the media containing pathogenic infection or JA solution. Lectins were purified by affinity chromatography and separated by electrophoresis in 15% PAGE. Lectin activity was determined by the method of trypsinized blood erythrocytes hemagglutination. Molecular mass of the main components of lectins from ‘Lastivka odeska’ seedlings was determined to be 67, 60, 45 kDa, and of the main component of lectins from ‘Nikonia odeska’ seedlings – 45 kDa. Lectins isolated from the control untreated seedlings had preferential affinity for N-acetylglucosamine, D-galactosamine and D-fructose-6-phosphate. It was shown that both at pathogen action or JA treatment lectin activity in the seedlings of resistant ‘Lastivka odeska’ variety was increased while in the seedlings of susceptible ‘Nikonia odeska’ variety it was decreased as compared to control. At the joint action of pathogen and JA lectin activity in the seedlings of susceptible variety increased compared with the infected seedlings. The results obtained can be used for development of biochemical methods for assessing the degree of wheat varieties resiliency to fusariose. Keywords: affinity to carbohydrates, Fusarium graminearum, jasmonic acid, resiliency to fusariose, soluble lectins, wheat variety
Cyclic RGD-containing peptides: in silico exploration against BCL-X(L)
Authors:   Industrial Chemistry Programme, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria, Oyebamiji A. K. , Akintayo E. T. ,   Industrial Chemistry Programme, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria;,   Department of Chemistry, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria;, Akintayo C. O. ,   Industrial Chemistry Programme, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria;,   Department of Chemistry, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria;, Aworinde H. O. ,   College of Computing and Communication Studies, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria;, Adekunle O. D. ,   ndustrial Chemistry Programme, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria;, Akintelu S. A. ,   School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering,Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China;,   Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
Published: June 2023

Сyclic peptides attract attention for possible applications in cancer treatment. We examined the abili­ty of six cyclic RGD-containing peptides-based compounds to inhibit B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-XL) (PDB ID: 3zk6) using the in silico method. We observed that the addition of electron withdrawing group (–Cl) to cyclic RGD-containing peptides-based compound induced a radical improvement in the hydrogen bond strength with Arg139 in Bcl-XL. Compound F with -9.2 kcal/mol was observed to be positioned at the best-docked site in the binding pocket of Bcl-XL and therefore suggested to have greater potential anticancer abili­ty than other studied compounds as well as the referenced compound (Doxorubicin). The ADMET properties of compound F and Doxorubicin were investigated and reported. Our findings may open door for the design and development of library of efficient cyclic RGD-containing peptides-based drug-like compounds as potential anti- cancer agents. Keywords: Bcl-X(L), carcinogesis, cyclic RGD peptides, in silico study, modeling­, peptide-protein interaction
Raman Scattering Spectra and DFT Computational Analyzes of Intermolecular Interactions in Trifluoroacetic and Its Solutions
Authors: Jumabaev A. , Absanov A. , Hushvaktov H. , Bulavin L.
Published: June 2023

In this work, the mechanisms of molecular clusters formation in liquid trifluoroacetic acid were studied using Raman scattering spectra in different solutions. The polarized components of Raman scattering spectra corresponding of the C=O, O–H stretching bands of pure trifluoroacetic acid consist of three broad bands at 1734, 1754, and 1800 cm−1 with different depolarization ratios. When the acid is strongly dissolved in acetonitrile, the 1800 cm−1 spectral band belonging to the C=O band remains. The intermolecular interactions in the formation of trifluoroacetic acid monomer, dimer, and trimer, as well as clusters with water [CF3COOH + (H2O)n, n = 1–7] and acetonitrile [CF3COOH + (CH3CN)n, n = 1–2] molecules, were analysed using the density functional theory (DFT) method.
Use of Clinical Practice Guideline to Improve Management of Osteoarticular Infections in Children
Authors: Dimo Joana , Hahn Danita , Schlidt Kevin , Mobayed Nisreen , Dasgupta Mahua , Barbeau Jody , Simpson Pippa M. , Soung Paula , Huppler Anna R
Published: June 2023

OBJECTIVES

Osteoarticular infections (OAIs) in children pose significant risks if incorrectly managed. We introduced a clinical practice guideline (CPG) to decrease use of broad-spectrum and intravenous (IV) antibiotics for OAI treatment. The primary aims of our project were to decrease the percent of patients with empirical broad cephalosporin use to 10% and decrease IV antibiotic therapy on discharge to 20% while increasing narrow-spectrum oral antibiotic use to 80% within 24 months.

METHODS

We used quality improvement methodology to study patients diagnosed with OAIs. Interventions included multidisciplinary workgroup planning, CPG implementation, education, information technology, and stakeholder feedback. Outcome measures were the percentage of patients prescribed empirical broad-spectrum cephalosporins, percent discharged on IV antibiotics, and percent discharged on narrow-spectrum oral antibiotics. Process measures included percent of patients hospitalized on medicine service and infectious diseases consultation. Balancing measures included rates of adverse drug reactions, disease complications, length of stay, and readmission within 90 days. The impact of the interventions was assessed with run and control charts.

RESULTS

A total of 330 patients were included over 96 months. The percentage of patients with empirical broad cephalosporin coverage decreased from 47% to 10%, percent discharged on IV antibiotics decreased from 75% to 11%, and percent discharged on narrow-spectrum oral antibiotics increased from 24% to 84%. Adverse drug reactions decreased from 31% to 10%. Rates of complications, readmissions, and length of stay were unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

Through development and implementation of a CPG for OAI management, we demonstrated decreased use of empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics and improved definitive antibiotic management.
Age-dependent distribution and size of lymphatic nodules as components of extrahepatic bile duct-associated lymphatic tissue in domestic swine - a micromorphometric study
Authors: Stefanov I. S.
Published: June 2023

Due to the biological and immunological similarity between pigs and humans, pigs are used in medical research. Many morphological studies regarding the structure of the components of mucosal associated lymphatic tissue have been performed in animals including pigs as well as in humans. However, no any information about the existence of extrahepatic bile duct-associated lymphoid tissue (EHBDALT) is available in pigs. The aim of this work was to study the distribution and size of lymphatic nodules in the wall of extrahepatic bile ducts of immature and mature pigs in order to describe the structure of EHBDALT as component of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. It was found out that EHBDALT consisted of diffuse lymphatic tissue, solitary and aggregated lymphatic nodules. In 2-month-old pigs, diffuse lymphatic tissue predominated but single lymphatic nodules were found as inactive homogenous encapsulated aggregates of lymphocytes. In mature animals, diffuse lymphatic tissue, primary and secondary nodules were observed. The present micromorphometric study allowed evaluating the age-dependent distribution and size of lymphatic nodules in porcine extrahepatic bile ducts. It provides original data on the presence and age-dependent structure of bile duct MALT in domestic pigs.
The Effectiveness of Medical Record Software to Improve Administrative Service Ability and Student Motivation
Authors: Ismana Mokhamad Firman , Iis Iis , Hidayat Abas
Published: June 2023

Technology can improve the learning process more quickly and effectively to improve students' cognitive skills. Technology-based learning media is not only for prospective teachers but can be helpful for prospective health workers. One indicator that shows prospective health workers' quality is the health services' ability. Therefore, preparing prospective health worker students who are technologically literate and highly motivated is necessary. This study aims to determine and analyze the effectiveness of Medical Information System software to improve the ability of health administration services and student motivation. The quantitative method with pre-experimental design. Pre-experimental design with one group through pre-test, intervention (treatment), and post-test. This research was conducted at STIKes Cirebon with a total sample of 110 students. The results showed that after implementing the medical record software, descriptively, there was an increase in the percentages of responsiveness, reliability, assurance, empathy, and administrative service quality. In addition, each indicator of student motivation increases. Based on hypothesis testing, it can be concluded that Medical Information System medical record software can significantly improve the ability of health administration services and student motivation. This research contributes to providing information to students and lecturers about health administration learning technology.
Niceliğe Verilen Önemin Önlenemez Yükselişi
Authors: Al Umut
Published: June 2023

Bu yazı birden çok amaca hizmet edebilmesi niyetiyle kaleme alınmıştır. Yazıda, temelde Taşra Üniversiteleri: AK Parti’nin Arka Kampüsü adlı kitabın eleştirisi yapılıyor olsa da, ilgili kesimlerin konunun farklı boyutlarını ciddi şekilde ele alması için küçük de olsa bir katkı sunmak hedeflenmekledir. Öte yandan kitap tanıtımlarının sadece kitapların içindekilerinin okuyucuya aktarıldığı bir yayın türü olmadığını da göstermek niyeti bu metnin ortaya çıkmasına vesile olmuştur. Bu bağlamda oldukça uç bir amaç olarak lisans ve lisansüstü düzeylerde uzun yıllardır verilmekte olan Bilimsel İletişim adlı ders için kitap tanıtımları konusunda ders malzemesi yaratmak da yazının motivasyonları arasında yer almaktadır. Dergi olarak Bilgi Dünyası’nın seçilmiş olması hem bu dergi özelinde kitap tanıtımlarına ilişkin genel görüntüyü sunmak hem de üniversite ve araştırma olgusunun zaman içerisinde içinin nasıl boşaltıldığını potansiyel ilgililere gösterebilmek niyetinin bir parçası olarak kabul edilmelidir. Yazıda kitabın ele aldığı çerçeve ile sınırlı kalmak suretiyle, üniversite kütüphaneleri ile ilgili kısımlar da paylaşılmaktadır.
Google Haritalarda Halk Kütüphanelerine İlişkin Değerlendirmelerin İçerik Analizi: Türkiye’deki İl Halk Kütüphaneleri Örneği
Authors: Polat Özgür , Akkaya Mehmet Ali
Published: June 2023

İnternet dünyasının eriştiği yaygınlık ve yarattığı cazibenin bir yansıması olarak, günümüzde yaşamın bütün alanları ve hemen tüm disiplinler bu mecrayı ve beraberinde getirdiklerini çok daha fazla dikkate almaktadır. Bu noktada ilk akla gelen aktörler ise sosyal medya araçları ve etkileşimli çevrimiçi uygulamalardır. Söz konusu yakınsama, şüphesiz bilgi merkezleri dünyasını da etki ağına almaktadır. Farklı nitelik ve içeriklerle ortaya konan bilimsel çalışmalar da bir yandan bu yakınsamayı doğrularken, diğer yandan da değişim hızına dikkat çekmektedir. Bu çalışmada, Google Haritalar uygulaması üzerinden il halk kütüphaneleri hakkında yapılan değerlendirmelerin farklı açılardan analizleri yapılarak, uygulamanın kütüphaneler için önemine dikkat çekilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Böylelikle, özellikle muhataba yönelik değerlendirme ve görüşlerin özgürce ifade edilebilmesi, etkileşim düzey ve tatmininin yüksek olması ve haritaya bağlı farklı ilişkilendirmeleri içermesi nedeniyle kullanım yaygınlığı sürekli artan Google Haritalar uygulamasının, kütüphaneler tarafından daha çok referans alınarak, elde edilecek verilerin, hizmet yeterliliği ve kullanıcı memnuniyetine dönüşmesine katkı sağlayabilmek hedeflenmiştir. Çalışmada, yazılı doküman ve belge analiz yönteminin yanı sıra, metnin kurgulanmasında betimleme yönteminden yararlanılmıştır. Çalışmanın evrenini Türkiye’deki 81 il halk kütüphanesi oluşturmaktadır. Araştırma kapsamında Google Haritalar uygulaması üzerinden il halk kütüphaneleri ile ilgili yapılmış 6.314 değerlendirme, MAXQDA programı kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Elde edilen bulgular, il halk kütüphanelerinin yanı sıra, Türkiye’deki diğer bilgi merkezleri için de Google Haritalar uygulamasının hizmet performansını arttırma, kullanıcı etkileşimi, toplumsal algı ve kabul açısından son derece özgün ve referans alınması gereken verilere sahip olduğunu ortaya koymuştur. Farklı disiplinlerde bilimsel yaklaşımla sıklıkla ele alınan Google Haritalar uygulamasının kütüphanecilik alanı ile ilişkilendirildiği ulusal literatürdeki ilk çalışma olan araştırmanın, tıpkı sosyal medya araçlarında olduğu gibi, Google Haritaların da kütüphaneler tarafından daha ciddiye alınmasına, uygulama aracılığı ile elde edilecek verilerin ve sağlanacak etkileşimin her açıdan daha “iyi” kütüphaneye dönüşmesine katkı sağlayacağı değerlendirilmektedir.
Modern possibilities of upper extremity regional anesthesia
Authors: Khmyzov Andrij , Voloshyn Mykyta
Published: June 2023

Today, regional anesthesia is widely used during surgical interventions in orthopedic surgery. Blockades of individual nerves and plexuses are used. Objective. To introduce readers: surgeons, orthopedists-traumatologists with the possibilities of regional anesthesia like an adequate method of analgesia during upper limb interventions. Methods. Relevant literature from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar databases and own experience of regional anesthesia were analyzed. The results. The work describes the effect of regional anesthesia on the nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular and coagulation systems. Information about blocks of peripheral nerves of the upper extremities: interscalene, supraclavicular, subclavian, axillary. Their advantages and disadvantages were analyzed. Interscalene block is not recommended for patients with severe lung disease due to the risk of respiratory failure. Complications of this analgesia include: phrenic nerve block (up to 100 %), sympathetic chain block and Horner's syndrome. Also, possible accidental injection into the vertebral artery. Indications for the supraclavicular block are operations on the hand, forearm, elbow and shoulder. Complications — phrenic nerve block (17‒50 %), recurrent laryngeal blockade (22 %), pneumothorax (0.6‒6.1 %). When planning anesthesia, the accompanying pathology of the patient and his general condition should be taken into account. Particular care is required when the patient is taking anticoagulants. Risk of bleeding and thrombosis should be carefully assessed. Special attention should be paid to the toxicity of local anesthetics and ways to eliminate it. Conclusions. Regional anesthesia can be used in the pre-, intra- and postoperative periods. Sometimes it’s the only method that permit surgical intervention. It is necessary to understand all the advantages and limitations to ensure high quality of patient care.