bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraocular lens simulator using computational holographic display for cataract patients
Authors: Akyazi Deniz , Aygun Ugur , Sahin Afsun , Urey Hakan
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To develop and validate a holography based vision simulator for the demonstration of expected postoperative vision corresponding to monofocal and multifocal intraocular lenses (IOL) to cataract patients before surgery.

Methods

An artificial eye model is used to measure the optical performance of different IOL types. The resultant aberrations and degradations are then modeled using phase holograms and shown to subjects on a holographic display. We measure the contrast and resolution loss, halos around the light sources, and point spread function (PSF) corresponding to three different IOLs. We tested the holography based vision simulator on 13 healthy subjects and 6 cataract patients.

Results

Monofocal, bifocal, and trifocal IOLs exhibited a contrast decrease of 5%, 42%, and 45% and a resolution limit of 4.49, 4.00, and 4.00 lp/mm (using 0.05 MTF criteria), respectively. Monofocal IOLs have the best resolution and contrast at the optimal focus distance, and multifocal lenses offer extended depth-of-field but exhibit prominent halos and reduced contrast/resolution.

Conclusion

We confirmed that the visual functions of IOLs could be successfully modeled using phase holograms and simulated using a holographic display without using a physical IOL. Patients can experience the effects of different IOL options prior to surgery, which helps with IOL selection, expectation management, and patient satisfaction.
The influence of spider news on online information-seeking
Authors: Drapeau Picard André-Philippe , Scott Catherine , Chuang Angela , Mammola Stefano
Published: October 2024

Fear of spiders is a widespread condition often disproportionate to the actual danger spiders pose to humans. Likely rooted in evolutionary history, fear of spiders might also have a cultural component. Recent studies have shown that a significant fraction of spider-related media reports are misleading and sensationalistic. Information-seeking behaviours serve as common coping mechanisms for our fears and anxieties, yet the link between spider-related news stories and such behaviors remains unexplored.

We hypothesize that media reports foster concern about spiders, resulting in an increased awareness of spiders and health issues associated with them. We extracted 1486 reports in English from a public database providing a content-analysis of spider-related online traditional media reports published between 2010–2020. We examined whether the volume of spider-related queries in Google Trends, Wikipedia, and iNaturalist increased in the week following the publication of each news story.

Sensationalistic news stories were associated with a small, significant increase in search volumes, compared to non-sensationalistic ones. The search volume for “brown recluse” (Loxosceles reclusa), which are potentially dangerous spiders, was higher after the publication date of news related to human-spider encounters. There was a significant positive relationship between the number of spider-related news stories published in a given month and the traffic on target spider-related Wikipedia pages, especially so for the page on brown recluse spiders.

Our results suggest that traditional media have a detectable impact on the behaviour of the general public towards spiders, supporting the hypothesis that the fear of spiders is perpetuated by culture. Additionally, our findings indicate that information-seeking behaviour is a common response to learn about spiders and potentially fact-check spurious claims found in sensationalised news. By recognizing the role of media in shaping attitudes towards spiders and acknowledging the benefits of accurate representation, we can lay the foundation for a more informed and harmonious relationship between humans and spiders.
Resuming work roles after injury in a low-income context: Multiple factors influencing the return to work outcomes
Authors: Ahmed Ansha Nega , Finlayson Marcia , Addissie Adamu , Zewdie Ayalew , Lysaght Rosemary
Published: October 2024

Background

Return to work (RTW) is an important outcome indicator for the effectiveness of rehabilitation services, and the functional status and overall recovery among individuals who have experienced injury. Despite the rising incidence of traumatic injury among economically productive citizens in Ethiopia, there is a paucity of evidence about the RTW status of injury survivors. This study examined factors associated with RTW success and determinants of time to RTW after injury in Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data retrospectively one year after patients arrived at the study setting due to traumatic injuries. Medical records of all patients who visited the emergency room of a large public hospital in Addis Ababa were reviewed. Data were collected from survivors of traumatic injury, interviewed by telephone one year post-injury. Multivariable logistic regression and survival analysis were carried out to explore factors.

Results

Of the 251 participants, 75% were young adults (age </ = 39 years), 78% were male, 78% were urban residents, 41% were injured by road traffic collisions, and 59% returned to work within one year. The logistic regression model revealed short inpatient admission (AOR = 4.20; 95% CI: 2.10–8.50; p ≤ 0.001), no disability (AOR = 4.44; 95% CI: 2.10–9.60; p ≤ 0.001), motivation to RTW (AOR = 3.50; 95% CI: 1.61–7.50; p = 0.002), no chronic illness (AOR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.14–4.70; p = 0.020), being in an administrative position (AOR = 5.32; 95% CI: 1.11–25.78; p = 0.038) and receiving injury compensation (AOR = 3.10; 95% CI: 1.22–7.73; p = 0.017) as factors for successful RTW within a year after injury. Further, the Cox regression analysis identified immediate access to healthcare after injury (AHR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.05–2.25; p ≤ 0.026) and having injury of penetrative to internal organ, strain, sprain, dislocation or soft tissue (AHR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.20–2.80; p = 0.007) as determinants of early RTW after traumatic injury.

Conclusion

The study uncovers factors crucial to RTW planning and interventions, and provides insights to minimize barriers, foster a smooth transition to employment, and optimize survivors’ lives after injury.
The protective effect of carbamazepine on acute lung injury induced by hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation in rats
Authors: Li Yaqiang , Shimizu Hiroko , Nakamura Ryu , Lu Yifu , Sakamoto Risa , Omori Emiko , Takahashi Toru , Morimatsu Hiroshi
Published: October 2024

Hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation (HSR) enhances the risk of acute lung injury (ALI). This study investigated the protective effect of carbamazepine (CBZ) on HSR-induced ALI in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into five distinct groups through randomization: control (SHAM), saline + HSR (HSR), CBZ + HSR (CBZ/HSR), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) + HSR (DMSO/HSR), and CBZ + chloroquine (CQ) + HSR (CBZ/CQ/HSR). Subsequently, HSR models were established. To detect tissue damage, we measured lung histological changes, lung injury scores, and wet/dry weight ratios. We measured neutrophil counts as well as assessed the expression of inflammatory factors using RT-PCR to determine the inflammatory response. We detected autophagy-related proteins LC3II/LC3I, P62, Beclin-1, and Atg12-Atg5 using western blotting. Pretreatment with CBZ improved histopathological changes in the lungs and reduced lung injury scores. The CBZ pretreatment group exhibited significantly reduced lung wet/dry weight ratio, neutrophil aggregation and number, and inflammation factor (TNF-α and iNOS) expression. CBZ changed the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins (LC3II/LC3I, beclin-1, Atg12-Atg5, and P62), suggesting autophagy activation. However, after injecting CQ, an autophagy inhibitor, the beneficial effects of CBZ were reversed. Taken together, CBZ pretreatment improved HSR-induced ALI by suppressing inflammation, at least in part, through activating autophagy. Thus, our study offers a novel perspective for treating HSR-induced ALI.
Enhanced detection of chronic wasting disease in muscle tissue harvested from infected white-tailed deer employing combined prion amplification assays
Authors: Kraft Caitlyn N. , Bissinger David W. , McNulty Erin E. , Denkers Nathaniel D. , Mathiason Candace K.
Published: October 2024

Zoonotic transmission of bovine spongiform encephalopathy or mad cow disease, by presumed consumption of infected beef, has increased awareness of the public health risk associated with prion diseases. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) affects moose, elk, and deer, all of which are frequently consumed by humans. Clear evidence of CWD transmission to humans has not been demonstrated, yet, establishing whether CWD prions are present in muscle tissue preferentially consumed by humans is of increasing interest. Conventional assays including immunohistochemistry (IHC) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) lack the sensitivity to detect low concentrations of prions presumed to be present outside neural or lymphatic tissues. Here we combined two prion amplification assays, the product of protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) applied directly into real-time quaking induced conversion (RT-QuIC) [denoted now as PQ] to demonstrate the presence of prion seeding activity (i.e. prions) in ~55% of hamstring muscles harvested from CWD-positive white-tailed deer. This compares to prion detection in only 10% of the same samples employing standard RT-QuIC. To determine the extent of CWD dissemination within muscle tissues commonly consumed we tested 7 additional muscles from a subset of deer by PQ. Tongue demonstrated the highest level of prions with ~92% positive. All negative controls remained negative in all PMCA and RT-QuIC assays. We conclude that the combination of PMCA with RT-QuIC readout permits detection of low prion concentrations present in muscle tissue of CWD-infected deer. These findings further demonstrate the utility of amplification assays as tools to detect very low levels of prion burden and supports their use to fill knowledge gaps in our understanding of CWD pathogenesis and zoonotic potential.
Dynamical behaviors of a stochastic SIVS epidemic model with the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process and vaccination of newborns
Authors: Li Shenxing , Li Wenhe
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we study a stochastic SIVS infectious disease model with the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process and newborns with vaccination. First, we demonstrate the theoretical existence of a unique global positive solution in accordance with this model. Second, adequate conditions are inferred for the infectious disease to die out and persist. Then, by classic Lynapunov function method, the stochastic model is allowed to obtain the sufficient condition so that the stochastic model has a stationary distribution represents illness persistence in the absence of endemic equilibrium. Calculating the associated Fokker-Planck equations yields the precise expression of the probability density function for the linearized system surrounding the quasi-endemic equilibrium. In the end, the theoretical findings are shown by numerical simulations.
Examination of yield, bacteriolytic activity and cold storage of linker deletion mutants based on endolysin S6_ORF93 derived from Staphylococcus giant bacteriophage S6
Authors: Munetomo Sosuke , Uchiyama Jumpei , Takemura-Uchiyama Iyo , Wanganuttara Thamonwan , Yamamoto Yumiko , Tsukui Toshihiro , Hagiya Hideharu , Kanamaru Shuji , Kanda Hideyuki , Matsushita Osamu
Published: October 2024

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. present challenges in clinical and veterinary settings because effective antimicrobial agents are limited. Phage-encoded peptidoglycan-degrading enzyme, endolysin, is expected to be a novel antimicrobial agent. The enzymatic activity has recently been shown to be influenced by the linker between functional domains in the enzyme. S6_ORF93 (ORF93) is one of the endolysins derived from previously isolated Staphylococcus giant phage S6. The ORF93 was speculated to have a catalytic and peptidoglycan-binding domain with a long linker. In this study, we examined the influence of linker shortening on the characteristics of ORF93. We produce wild-type ORF93 and the linker deletion mutants using an Escherichia coli expression system. These mutants were designated as ORF93-Δ05, ORF93-Δ10, ORF93-Δ15, and ORF93-Δ20, from which 5, 10, 15, and 20 amino acids were removed from the linker, respectively. Except for the ORF93-Δ20, ORF93 and its mutants were expressed as soluble proteins. Moreover, ORF93-Δ15 showed the highest yield and bacteriolytic activity, while the antimicrobial spectrum was homologous. The cold storage experiment showed a slight effect by the linker deletion. According to our results and other studies, linker investigations are crucial in endolysin development.
Climatic and environmental changes of ~100 thousand years: The mammals from the early Middle Pleistocene sequence of Notarchirico (southern Italy)
Authors: Mecozzi Beniamino , Iannucci Alessio , Carpentieri Marco , Pineda Antonio , Rabinovich Rivka , Sardella Raffaele , Moncel Marie-Hélène
Published: October 2024

Here we revise all the paleontological sample of Notarchirico, including historical collections and new findings collected during 2016–2023 excavations. Notarchirico is one of the most significant sites for the study of human evolution and terrestrial ecosystem dynamics during the Early-Middle Pleistocene Transition, preserving nearly 100.000 years of environmental and climatic changes constrained between 695 ± 6 ka and 614 ± 12 ka. The deposit yielded the oldest human fossil of the Italian Peninsula, and one of the oldest European evidence ofHomo heidelbergensis, as well as one of the earliest evidence of bifacial tools in western Europe, commonly associated with the Acheulean techno-complex. Our paleontological results revealed the presence of three different mammal complexes, documenting faunal dynamics in response of climatic driven-changes recognized during the early Middle Pleistocene. The lower complex (levels I2-G) indicates the dominance of wooded spaces, sparse steppes, and the existence of water bodies (lakes or ponds), indicating a deterioration of the fully interglacial conditions recorded during the end of MIS 17; the middle complex (levels G-C) with a low number of mammal remains can be attributed to the glacial conditions of MIS 16; the upper complex (levels B-above α) indicates an improvement in climate, transitioning towards the full interglacial conditions of the of MIS 15. The faunal sample of Notarchirico, based on its firm chronological setting, offers important data for the Biochronological Scheme of European Land Mammals, including one of the oldest records ofPalaeoloxodon antiquusandCervus elaphusin Europe,Panthera spelaeain southwestern Europe,Damacf.robertiin Italian Peninsula, and one of the latest occurrences ofBison schoetensackiin Europe.
Transcriptomic signatures of WNT-driven pathways and granulosa cell-oocyte interactions during primordial follicle activation
Authors: Takase Hinako M. , Mishina Tappei , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Yoshimura Mika , Kuse Mariko , Nikaido Itoshi , Kitajima Tomoya S.
Published: October 2024

Primordial follicle activation (PFA) is a pivotal event in female reproductive biology, coordinating the transition from quiescent to growing follicles. This study employed comprehensive single-cell RNA sequencing to gain insights into the detailed regulatory mechanisms governing the synchronized dormancy and activation between granulosa cells (GCs) and oocytes with the progression of the PFA process. Wntless (Wls) conditional knockout (cKO) mice served as a unique model, suppressing the transition from pre-GCs to GCs, and disrupting somatic cell-derived WNT signaling in the ovary. Our data revealed immediate transcriptomic changes in GCs post-PFA in Wls cKO mice, leading to a divergent trajectory, while oocytes exhibited modest transcriptomic alterations. Subpopulation analysis identified the molecular pathways affected by WNT signaling on GC maturation, along with specific gene signatures linked to dormant and activated oocytes. Despite minimal evidence of continuous up-regulation of dormancy-related genes in oocytes, the loss of WNT signaling in (pre-)GCs impacted gene expression in oocytes even before PFA, subsequently influencing them globally. The infertility observed in Wls cKO mice was attributed to compromised GC-oocyte molecular crosstalk and the microenvironment for oocytes. Our study highlights the pivotal role of the WNT-signaling pathway and its molecular signature, emphasizing the importance of intercellular crosstalk between (pre-)GCs and oocytes in orchestrating folliculogenesis.
Detection of circulating tumor cells in non-metastatic prostate cancer through integration of a microfluidic CTC enrichment system and multiparametric flow cytometry
Authors: Kilercik Meltem , Özgür Ebru , Şahin Şebnem , Şen Doğan Begüm , Mutlu Ege , Cihan Cenay , Kolay Murat , Erkal Nilüfer , Zorlu Özge , Doğanca Tünkut Salim , Kural Ali Rıza , Tüfek İlter , Külah Haluk
Published: October 2024

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer among men and the fifth leading cause of cancer death. Circulating tumor cell (CTC) enumeration and characterisation in PCa has been shown to provide valuable information on prognosis of disease, therapy management and detection of resistance. Here, Cellsway’s microfluidic platform for high-throughput enrichment of intact CTC populations was used to isolate CTCs from the blood of 20 localised PCa patients and 10 healthy donor samples to evaluate the clinical performance of the technology. To enumerate and characterise CTCs, a multi-parameter flow cytometry analysis was performed on the enriched CTC suspension using CTC-specific biomarkers. CTCs were detected in 17 of 20 patient samples, which corresponds to 85% CTC positivity. The median CTC count per 7.5 ml blood was 2 (1–9). In 80% of patients (n = 16), the number of CTCs ranged from 1 to 5, and in 5% of patients (n = 1) the number of CTCs was above 5. No CTCs were observed in the blood samples of 10 healthy volunteers, demonstrating the high specificity and low risk of false positives of the technology.
El arte francés del siglo XVIII y la problemática del realismo: ruptura estética o continuidad retórica. La pintura de Jean Baptiste Greuze y las ideas poéticas de su época
Authors: Blanco Aparicio Jaime
Published: October 2024

La pintura del siglo XVIII en Francia ha sido interpretada frecuentemente en relación con las problemáticas del realismo. El objetivo del presente artículo es mostrar cómo estas escenas cotidianas que proliferan en estos instantes son la consecuencia no tanto de una ruptura estética, sino el resultado de una transformación de la poética clásica a finales del siglo XVII. La cual se extenderá en el siglo XVIII a las diversas artes, como reflejará la obra de Greuze, quien trasladará a su pintura estas ideas poéticas que exploran los nuevos géneros literarios como el roman, la comedia larmoyante o en el drama. Estos géneros nos descubren el triunfo de un régimen literario descriptivo y doxológico, frente al régimen prescriptivo y axiológico anterior, que se interesa por la recepción y por las reacciones emocionales a la hora de enjuiciar una obra, lo que favorecerá las escenas cotidianas y familiares, patéticas, etc.
La evolución de las tasas de suicidio en México (1998-2021): Un análisis del sexo y la depresión
Authors: Sepúlveda Moreno César Omar
Published: October 2024

México tiene alarmantes tasas de suicidios de adolescentes y jóvenes. Por ello, el objetivo de la investigación fue explicar cómo la depresión influye en la manifestación de pensamientos e intentos suicidas en jóvenes y, además, conocer si los suicidios en el país varían de manera significativa según el sexo de estos. Los métodos utilizados para probar dichos supuestos fueron el método de clasificación denominado CHAID, índices simples y diferencia de medias. Los resultados para Sonora demuestran que existe conexión entre depresión y la manifestación de pensamientos e intentos suicidas en adolescentes (X2 Ideación suicida >200, P-Valor < 0.01; X2 Intento suicida >77, P-Valor < 0.01). Además, el número de suicidios de jóvenes en el país, de 1998 a 2021, en promedio son diferentes entre la mujer y el hombre (T-Student = 15.32, P-Valor < 0.05; Media de suicidios en hombres = 1150, Media de suicidios en mujeres = 357). Se concluye una marcada prevalencia de depresión en jóvenes, vinculada al aumento de suicidios en México, especialmente en mujeres. Esto resalta la urgencia de implementar estrategias preventivas específicas por sexo y promover la concienciación temprana.
Validación de la Escala de Actitud hacia la Estadística en estudiantes mexicanos de psicología
Authors: Juárez Lugo Carlos Saúl , Robles Acosta Carlos , Cervantes Luna Brenda Sarahi
Published: October 2024

El modelo de cinco factores de la Escala de Actitud hacia la Estadística (EAE-25) propuesta por Auzmendi (1992) para medir la predisposición de los alumnos hacia los contenidos estadísticos ha sido cuestionada en distintas investigaciones. El propósito de este estudio fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la EAE-25 en una muestra de 291 estudiantes mexicanos de la licenciatura en Psicología. La validez y confiabilidad de la escala fueron examinadas mediante Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio (AFC) y el alfa de Cronbach. Los resultados del AFC muestran indicios parciales de estabilidad, cinco ítems fueron eliminados, pero permanecen los cinco factores originales. La escala así configurada muestra una consistencia interna aceptable, los ítems se relacionan positivamente entre sí en cada factor y cada ítem discrimina a los universitarios de acuerdo con su actitud favorable y desfavorable hacia la estadística, así como a los de rendimiento alto de los de rendimiento bajo.
Prácticas pedagógicas, conocimientos y condiciones institucionales en las que laboran docentes colombianos. Un estudio sobre educación inclusiva y discapacidad
Authors: Marulanda Elena , Collazos Aldana Jaime
Published: October 2024

En 2017 se expidió en Colombia el decreto 1421, según el cual todas las escuelas del país debían acoger estudiantes con discapacidad y ofrecerles oportunidades de calidad para su ingreso, permanencia y egreso. El Ministerio de Educación dio un plazo de cinco años, contados a partir de su aprobación, para que esta política se implementara en todo el territorio nacional. El objetivo de esta investigación es caracterizar las prácticas pedagógicas, los conocimientos y las condiciones institucionales en las que labora una muestra de docentes colombianos, seis años después de expedido el decreto. Para ello, se utilizó un diseño cuantitativo no experimental transeccional y la aplicación de una escala a 249 maestros y maestras de distintos niveles educativos. Con base en los hallazgos obtenidos, puede concluirse que hay un cambio positivo en las prácticas pedagógicas y los conocimientos de aquellos docentes que cuentan con formación en inclusión y que laboran en colegios que acogen alumnado con estas trayectorias de vida. Aun así, las condiciones institucionales del profesorado encuestado todavía no responden a proyectos inclusivos. Estos resultados se discuten a la luz de los retos que enfrenta el sistema educativo colombiano en pro de atender alumnado con discapacidad.
Идентификация параметров модели конвекции-диффузии-реакции и неизвестных граничных условий при наличии случайных помех в измерениях
Authors: Tsyganova Julia Vladimirovna , Tsyganov Andrey Vladimirovich , Kuvshinova Anastasia Nikolaevna , Galushkina Darya Valeryevna
Published: October 2024

Рассматриваются математические модели конвекции-диффузии-реакции, которые относятся к моделям тепломассопереноса и применяются при исследовании природных и техногенных процессов.
Для данного класса моделей актуальной является задача идентификации как параметров самой модели, так и входящих в нее граничных условий по результатам измерений значений искомой функции в отдельных точках рассматриваемой области. Задачу усложняет наличие неполных измерений, искаженных случайными помехами.
Решение заключается в разработке комбинированного двухэтапного метода идентификации, основанного на последовательном применении метода минимизации критерия идентификации безградиентного типа и рекуррентного метода оценивания неизвестных входных сигналов.
Для применения указанных методов выполняется переход от исходной модели, описываемой уравнениями в частных производных, к дискретной линейной стохастической модели в пространстве состояний, в которой неизвестные граничные условия рассматриваются как неизвестные входные сигналы.
В результате построены новые дискретные линейные стохастические модели конвекции-диффузии-реакции для трех разных типов граничных условий.
Предложена общая схема процесса параметрической идентификации, включающая двухэтапную идентификацию неизвестных параметров математической модели и идентификацию неизвестных граничных условий.
Для проверки работоспособности предложенного метода построены компьютерные модели конвекции-диффузии-реакции и выполнена реализация всех алгоритмов на языке MATLAB. Проведена серия вычислительных экспериментов, результаты которых показали, что разработанная двухэтапная комбинированная схема позволяет идентифицировать параметры исходной модели, значения функций, входящих в граничные условия, а также вычислить по неполным зашумленным измерениям оценки функции, описывающей процесс конвекции-диффузии-реакции.
Полученные результаты могут быть использованы не только при исследовании процессов тепломассопереноса, но также при решении задач идентификации параметров моделей дискретных стохастических систем с неизвестными входными сигналами и при наличии случайных помех.
Income and Expenses of the Population of the Far Eastern Federal District in the First Half of 2024
Authors:   Economic Research Institute FEB RAS, Naiden Svetlana
Published: October 2024

Based on statistical, analytical and expert information, the article presents monitoring of population income, wages, pensions, the cost of a fixed set of goods and services, purchasing power, available resources, expenses and consumption of households in the Far Eastern Federal District (FEFD) as a whole and in the context of its eleven constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The study period: the first half of 2024, including the first and second quarters depending on the availability of officially published statistical information as of August 2024. It is shown that the nominal increase in population income, formed mainly due to the growth of wages, is gradually decreasing against the background of inflation, and consumer behavior of the population demonstrates inflationary expectations, increasing spending on food and decreasing spending on non-food goods and services, refusing to borrow funds and use savings
Principles of Long-Term Development of the Far East
Authors: Minakir Pavel
Published: October 2024

Material written by the outstanding Russian economist, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Economics, Professor Pavel Aleksandrovich Minakir (1947–2023) in 1990 and used in the preparation of the Concept of Long-Term Development of the Far East, is published. The strategic directions for the development of the productive forces of the Far Eastern economic region are considered, taking into account probable changes in general economic policy and the economic situation in the short and long term. Approaches to building a new economic policy in this region have not lost their relevance at the present stage of development
EUROPEAN DAIRY MARKETS - TRENDS AND PROSPECTS
Authors: KROSTITZ W.
Published: October 2024

Europe is the world’ s largest milk producing region, although its share in the global total is decreasing. Up to the 1980s output was well above effective demand which requiered huge subsidies on domestic consumption and exports. However, in the early 1990s, demand and production contracted sharply in the former socialist contries. Adjustment in West Evrope has been slower. Further reductions in milk output and prices will, therefore, be required to restore equilibrium between supply and demand. But the average size of dairy farms and milk plants is likely to continue to increase. In the Eastern part of the continent, demand and production are expected to recover during the second half of the 1990s, accompained by modernization and rationalisation of farming and marketing. Yet, average levels of consumption will probably remain much lower then in the past, with widening differences within the population.
GENI PROTEINOV MLEKA: MOLEKULARNI PRISTOP
Authors: DOVČ P. , MEDRANO J.F.
Published: October 2024

Ker se delež mleka, ki ga v svetu porabijo v tekoči obliki, stalno zmanjšuje, težijo sodobni trendi v selekciji mlečnega goveda k višji vsebnosti suhe snovi v mleku in izboljšanju tehnoloških lastnosti mleka. Vsebnost beljakovin v mleku je kvantitativna lastnost s kompleksnim genetskim ozadjem, ki uravnava kakovost in količino mlečnih beljakovin. Sklop štirih kazeinskih genov in genov za dva najpomembnejša proteina sirotke (a -laktalbumin in b -laktoglobulin) predstavljajo regije genoma, ki kodirajo najpomembnejše beljakovine mleka. Vseh šest genov nastopa v večih alelnih variantah, ki vplivajo tako na kvaliteto, kot tudi na količino beljakovin v mleku. Alelne variante laktoproteinskih genov se med seboj razlikujejo v kodogenih in regulatornih predelih, kar vpliva na uravnavanje genske ekspresije na transkripcijski in post-transkripcijski ravni. Do sedaj je uspelo dokazati kvantitativno različno ekspresijo alelnih variant genov, ki kodirajo k -kazein in b -laktoglobulin. Študij promoterskih regij genov za proteine mleka nam omogoča razumevanje molekularnih mehanizmov, ki uravnavajo sintezo proteinov mleka. Plod iskanja najpomembnejših lokusov, ki kvantitativno vplivajo na proizvodnjo mleka so ozko omejeni deli genoma, ki imajo vpliv na to lastnost. Tovrstne informacije lahko uporabimo za selekcijo s pomočjo genetskih markerjev in za biotehnološke modifikacije komponent mleka.
AUTOMATION IN DAIRYING: NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Authors: ROSSING W. , DEVIR S. , HOGERWERF P.H. , IPEMA A.H. , METZ J.H.M.
Published: October 2024

The development of systems for the detection and monitoring of sick cows and cows in oestrus are important features for improving the farm management. Sensors are available now for the in-line detection of mastitis and cows in oestrus. The in-line monitoring of milk quality and milk composition allows the farmer to optimize the individual feeding of high-yielding cows and to separate milk with a certain protein content. In-line measuring of the fat and protein contents can replace the time-consuming sampling done by the milk recording organizations. Equipment for automatically attaching milking units has been developed in various countries. In the Netherlands, IMAG-DLO has been conducting experiments on its experimental farm since 1990, to investigate the potential of a fully automated milking system. These experiments have ascertained the technical performance of the system, the efficacy of a selection unit for controlling the cow traffic, the impact of the selection units and AMS on cow behaviour and welfare, as well as the effects of more frequent milking on milk production and milk composition. Three Dutch firms have developed automatic milking systes and two (Prolion and Lely) have currently about 30 installations actually working on farms. In England, France and Germany similar sytems are being tested under laboratory conditions.
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE MILKING QUALITY WITH DIFFERENT TYPE OF MILKING DEVICES
Authors: TÓTH L. , SEMBERY P. , BAK J.
Published: October 2024

In laboratory conditions several parameters of the milking apparatus were determined. Those parameters are fundamental regarding the milk quality. The laboratory investigations revealed that a quite simple structured milking unit can be assembled and that can be used to milk intensive milk producing cow herds. It is not inevitable to use different complicated and expensive electric automatic units. It is practicable to continue investigations the effect of the modified parameters in laboratory, first of all in relation with cleanability.
THE INFLUENCE OF RAW MATERIAL ON THE MICROSTRUCTURE OF PROCESSED CHEESE
Authors: STOJANOVIĆ Emilija , MIJAČEVIĆ Zora , BOKOROV M.
Published: October 2024

Processed cheese is produced from different kinds of cheese mixture. Cheeses of different quality and ripeness are put into the mass for melting. The purpose of this study was to state whether cheese with the increased acidity has any influence on the processed cheese microstructure. The masses for melting were prepared with addition of cheese with the increased acidity of 15%, 25% and 45%. On the photos taken by electronic microscope (SEM), it is seen that there is difference in the microstructure of the processed cheese produced with different percentage of increased acidity cheese addition. The processed cheese with greater quantity of the cheese with the increased acidity has rougher structure, greater ² empty² spaces and sharper edges of these ² empty² spaces. The quantity of cheese with increased acidity added into the mass for melting influenced the microstructure of the processed cheese produced both in continual and discontinue production process.
PRIMERJAVA DOLOČANJA VSEBNOSTI SEČNINE V MLEKU PO DVEH METODAH
Authors: KLOPČIČ Marija , PENCA-HABJAN Vanja , POGAČAR J.
Published: October 2024

V obdobju devetih mesecev, to je od aprila do konec decembra smo enkrat tedensko na 11 kmetijah na Gorenjskem jemali vzorce mleka iz bazena, ki smo jih nato analizirali na vsebnost sečnine v mleku. Vsakič smo odvzeli dva paralelna vzorca, ki sta bila analizirana v dveh različnih laboratorijih in po dveh različnih metodah. V času naše raziskave je bilo skupno odvzeto in analizirano 368 parov vzorcev. V laboratoriju A so vsebnost sečnine določali fotometrično na aparaturi COBAS-MIRA, v laboratoriju B pa so določali sečnino z encimsko metodo – test kombinacijo Boehringer-Mannheim. Povprečna vsebnost uree v mleku je bila v laboratoriju A statistično višja kot v laboratoriju B. Izračunana korelacija med meritvami obeh laboratorijev je visoka (r = 0,75) in statistično značilno različna od nič. Tudi izračunani regresijski koeficinti so statistično visoko signifikantni. Koeficient determinacije v našem primeru znaša 56,3 %.
STANDARDI S PODROČJA MLEKA IN MLEČNIH PROIZVODOV
Authors: KOS-ZUPANC Mira
Published: October 2024

V okviru Urada za standardizacijo in meroslovje Republike Slovenije deluje tehnični odbor TCKŽP Kmetijski pridelki in živilski proizvodi, ki pokriva mednarodni tehnični odbor ISO TC 34 Agriculture food products. V okviru omenjenega tehničnega odbora deluje tudi delovna skupina WG 5 Mleko in mlečni proizvodi, ki pokriva mednarodni pododbor SC 5 Milk and milk products. V omenjenem prispevku bom podala sestavo standardov, njihov pomen pri uporabi v analiznih kemičnih laboratorijih in potek dosedanjega dela v naši delovni skupini.
Kontrowersje wokół instynktu macierzyńskiego wobec spadającej dzietności i aktywności seksualnej
Authors: Majcherek Janusz A.
Published: October 2024

The decline in fertility and sexual activity in many modern countries and societies creates a new perspective for considering the controversy over the concept of maternal instinct. Extensive data shows that many young people prefer other forms of life activity than sexual and parenting. This does not mean that the maternal instinct does not exist and is merely a social construct, but it does indicate that its influence on women’s behavior is not as significant as is claimed by the proponents of the naturalized approach, who treat sexual needs and reproductive goals as the main human motivations. This means that the socio-cultural evolution produces and offers many different forms of human actualization, in the face of which the natural forms of humanity, including sexual and parental, lose their importance. Culture turns out to be stronger than nature in this respect, but in a different way than critics of paternalism, masculinism, and misogyny claim.
Reflections on Inclusion. An Essay on Ideological Contradiction, Expectations and a Search for Meaning
Authors: Braumová Zdeňka , Kliment Pavel
Published: October 2024

Is it widely known what inclusion is? Is there a difference between inclusion and integration? There are many opinions and answers that reveal a low level of understanding. The certain elusiveness of inclusion is both an advantage and a pitfall. The ambiguity of interpretation allows for greater reflection and exploration. However, it also hinders society-wide understanding since meaning is only given to inclusion by individuals through a unique understanding tied to individual experience and context of meaning. We present here our take on the issue, deliberately raising questions without requiring strict answers, as an inspiration for welcome discussion and reflection.
Greek Cypriot and immigrant students’ attitudes and perceptions of acculturation, ethnic identity and self-esteem in the Republic of Cyprus
Authors: Taxitari Loukia , Papamichael Androula , Argyrides Marios
Published: October 2024

The multicultural Cypriot society is called upon to face its increasing diversity and manage the relations between its inhabitants (locals and immigrants) for peaceful coexistence. The present study compared acculturation processes of Ιmmigrant students to those of local primary school students aged 11–12 years regarding social adjustment, ethnic identity and self-esteem. Results showed a stronger orientation toward their Country of Origin for both Cypriot and Ιmmigrant students regardless of the nationality of immigrants’. Furthermore, Cypriots and Ιmmigrant students had more group contact with their compatriots than children from other countries. Lastly, the strategies of acculturation and the stages of forming ethnic identity were correlated to Ιmmigrants’ self-esteem levels. The findings highlight the need for new directions in educational policies in the country. The educational system must become flexible and effectively adaptable to the recent changes to form the foundation of cultural coexistence of all the island’s inhabitants, ensuring social cohesion.
A review on the mechanical and biocorrosion behaviour of iron and zinc-based biodegradable materials fabricated using powder metallurgy routes
Authors: Das Priyabrata , Pathak Dayanidhi Krishana , Sharma Pawan , Pandey Pulak Mohan
Published: October 2024

Over the past two decades, research on alloys and composites based on Mg, Fe, and Zn has focused on biodegradable orthopaedic implants. Mg-based materials face issues like excessive corrosion rates and hydrogen gas evolution, while Fe and Zn-based materials show lower corrosion rates. However, these rates are slower than the optimal rate, which can be modified using powder metallurgy (PM) manufacturing. The PM process offers precise control over porosity distribution which in turn affects the mechanical and corrosion properties of the fabricated specimen. The highest rate of corrosion i.e. 0.944 mmpy was observed with the alloying of 2 wt% Pd in Fe and by using conventional sintering technique. Similarly, Zn-based samples fabricated by conventional sintering was found to exhibit higher corrosion rate as compared to microwave and spark plasma sintered specimen. PM-fabricated Fe and Zn-based bone scaffolds have been investigated for in-vitro corrosion and osseointegration. A higher porosity in the Fe and Zn scaffolds (>60 %) resulted in high corrosion rate which adversely impacted the cell proliferation. This timely review critically assessed PM-fabricated Fe and Zn-based materials that have the potential to transform regenerative medicine and patient care by redefining the field of biodegradable implants.
‘And I am more than this man can comprehend’: Contemporary Arthurian Texts & Resistance to White Supremacy
Authors: Sheble Margaret , Quigley Logan
Published: October 2024

Beginning with the appropriation of medieval iconography by alt-right movements, particularly in the contexts of Brexit and the January 6 2021 American insurrection, this article highlights how modern adaptations of the Arthurian legend (in particular, Tracy Deonn’s Legendborn, Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Buried Giant, and the video game We Happy Few) resist white nationalist rhetorics. These texts remix figures and symbols from the Arthurian oeuvre to offer stories wherein characters come to recognize and thus resist systematic forgetting, or a societal attempt to overlook uncomfortable facts from the past, thus offering alternative visions of identity and belonging. The ethical implications of historical representation and the power of narrative in contemporary political discourse make these texts powerful works of art that speak to and counter white supremacist attempts to claim and revise medieval iconography to serve their own ends.
Le mot carien pour ‘chef’, une nouvelle racine anatolienne et un changement phonétique carien-grec
Authors: Bianconi Michele
Published: October 2024

In this paper, I analyse the Carian gloss σουαγγελα, attested in Stephen of Byzantium. I propose that possible cognates of γελα ‘king’, the second element of the gloss, may be identified in Hittite, Hieroglyphic Luwian, Lycian, and possibly cuneiform Luwian. This analysis incidentally provides viable etymologies for certain Armenian lexemes, which can now be considered as loanwords from Anatolian languages (specifically Luwian). The new Carian etymology enables the reconstruction of an Anatolian root meaning ‘head’ (vel sim.), accounting for most Anatolian lexical material through conservation or trivial semantic shifts. Additionally, it offers evidence for a sound change that likely occurred during borrowing of words from Carian into Greek. In the final section, I tentatively propose that the first element of the compound σουαγγελα also reflects an authentic Carian word. Through this contribution, I aim to demonstrate that even a seemingly uncertain item like a gloss can prompt a reevaluation of a set of words and uncover previously unnoticed etymological connections.
Spin-bearing molecules as optically addressable platforms for quantum technologies
Authors: Kuppusamy Senthil Kumar , Hunger David , Ruben Mario , Goldner Philippe , Serrano Diana
Published: October 2024

Efforts to harness quantum hardware relying on quantum mechanical principles have been steadily progressing. The search for novel material platforms that could spur the progress by providing new functionalities for solving the outstanding technological problems is however still active. Any physical property presenting two distinct energy states that can be found in a long-lived superposition state can serve as a quantum bit (qubit), the basic information processing unit in quantum technologies. Molecular systems that can feature electron and/or nuclear spin states together with optical transitions are one of the material platforms that can serve as optically addressable qubits. The attractiveness of molecular systems for quantum technologies relies on the fact that molecular structures of atomically defined nature can be obtained in endless diversity of chemical compositions. Crucially, by harnessing the molecular design protocols, the optical and spin (electronic and nuclear) properties of molecules can be tailored, aiding the design of optically addressable spin qubits and quantum sensors. In this contribution, we present a concise and collective discussion of optically addressable spin-bearing molecules – namely, organic molecules, transition metal (TM) and rare-earth ion (REI) complexes – and highlight recent results such as chemical tuning of optical and electron spin quantum coherence, optical spin initialization and readout, intramolecular quantum teleportation, optical coherent storage, and photonic-enhanced optical addressing. We envision that optically addressable spin-carrying molecules could become a scalable building block of quantum hardware for applications in the fields of quantum sensing, quantum communication and quantum computing.
Changes in Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Efficacy
Authors: Nadile Erika M. , Vaughan Gregory , Wernick Naomi LB
Published: October 2024

Grades in introductory STEM courses can impact intrinsic motivation (IM) and self-efficacy (SE). We used an exploratory approach to examine trends in grades and how IM and SE impact students’ grades. It is known that most first-generation (FG) college students are from underrepresented backgrounds (URM), and that these students are least likely to persist in STEM fields. Therefore, gaining a better understanding of motivation in our most underserved students could be critical to improving their success in introductory biology courses and ultimately future persistence in STEM. We found that, on average, URM FG students received the lowest final grades and experienced the greatest declines in IM and SE. This research informs the way we may think about changes in motivation and self-efficacy in our introductory biology courses as these lay the foundation for future learning and success.
Combining Three Well-Known Laboratory Exercises to Better Model Kidney Function
Authors: Penney Brian K.
Published: October 2024

Students often find kidney function confusing and somewhat counterintuitive, yet existing lab demonstrations often incompletely explain the process (e.g., by misrepresenting the role of filtration). I show how three easy exercises can be combined to demonstrate water recovery and reuptake of ions, as well as ultrafiltration. Materials are generally inexpensive, available through online resellers, and many are recoverable after lab. I then discuss extensions and limitations to this model.
Letters to Scientists About Their Papers
Authors: Herstoff Emily M. , Tessler Michael
Published: October 2024

While scientific publications are key to communicating research findings to other scientists, students face barriers reading scientific literature, understanding the literature’s importance, and thinking about the implications of research findings. To help students overcome these barriers, and to further hone their communication skills, we created and provide here a project to have students find a recent scientific paper of interest, carefully read the paper, and then write a letter with relevant questions to one of the authors. This work not only helps engage students with class concepts and increases scientific engagement, but is also important because students realize that scientists are people too, who can (and often do!) write back to interested students to answer their questions. We suggest that this project is a great way for students to form meaningful connections to a scientific topic of interest, regardless of whether they hear back from their scientist, and is a good way for students to further learn about campus resources and develop their writing and communication skills.