bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecocide in National and International Criminal Law: current challenges and prospects for legal regulation
Authors: Veresha R. , Kuchinska O. , Kovtun O.
Published: September 2023

The article examines the current challenges and prospects of legal regulation of ecocide in national and international criminal law. The author analyzes the problems of prosecution for ecocide in national criminal law and the prospects for such liability in international criminal law. The authors emphasize that the armed aggression of the terrorist state of the Russian Federation against Ukraine has had a devastating impact on the environment, which will take decades to restore. Russian attacks on Ukrainian oil depots, strikes on the territory of the Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology with its nuclear facility, the death of several million chickens at the Chornobaiv poultry farm, and the mass death of dolphins in the Black Sea are qualified as ecocide. The destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant dam is qualified as ecocide and a violation of the laws and customs of war. The evolution, concept, and composition of ecocide are analyzed.

Having found its legislative consolidation in the national criminal law (Article 441 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), ecocide has not been enshrined in international criminal law. It is not recognized as a crime either in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court or in any other international legal act. As of today, Russian crimes against the environment can be investigated by the International Criminal Court as war crimes. The authors of the article emphasize the need to include the crime of ecocide in the Rome Statute, since serious damage to the environment during armed conflicts is still to some extent covered by the provisions of the Rome Statute, but such damage caused in peacetime falls outside the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.

The authors of the article note that it is important not only to punish the racists for all crimes of ecocide committed in Ukraine since 2014, but also to force the aggressor state to compensate for all environmental damage caused. When creating a compensation mechanism, we must take into account the international practice of compensation for environmental damage caused by military actions, in particular the practice of the International Court of Justice and the historical experience of creating special compensation bodies (in particular, the experience of the United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC), 1991-2022). The future compensation mechanism should be based on the «ecosystem services approach», which will significantly increase the amount of reparations to be paid by the Russian Federation to Ukraine. To ensure legal regulation of the concept of ecosystem services, it is necessary to develop and adopt the Law of Ukraine «On Ecosystem Services» and regulations aimed at its implementation (primarily, methods of inventory and assessment of ecosystem services).
Whether the decision of the investigating judge on the cancellation of the attachment of property or on the refusal of such cancellation is subject to appeal
Authors: Basysta I. , Shchur B.
Published: September 2023

Once again, the Supreme Court and scientists were asked the question of which of the decisions of the investigating judge are subject to an appeal, and which are not subject to such an appeal in the course of the pre-trial investigation. Today, the immediate object of our research, as well as that of the joint chamber of the Criminal Court of Cassation as part of the Supreme Court, is the decision of the investigating judge to cancel the seizure of property or to refuse it. The positions of the chambers of the Supreme Court are not the same, which is illustrated by the decision of the joint chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice dated February 19, 2019. in case No. 569/17036/18 (proceedings No. 51-598kmo19) and the panel of judges of the First Judicial Chamber of the CCS of the Supreme Court dated March 14, 2023. in case No. 760/5570/22 (proceedings No. 51-3149km22), etc. The research aims to find out whether in this particular case it is an implicit interpretation of the provisions of Art. Art. 174, 309 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine, which gives grounds for the statement that the decision of the investigating judge to cancel the seizure of property is subject to appeal or that the list of parts 1 and 2 of Article 309 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine is exhaustive and is not subject to extended interpretation. The applied formal-logical method, deductive reasoning and discursive thinking resulted in a scientific conclusion that, during the pre-trial investigation, the decision of the investigating judge to cancel the seizure of property is not subject to appeal, as it is clearly provided for by criminal procedural norms and is not included by the legislator in the exhaustive list parts 1 and 2 of article 309 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. The article substantiates that in such a procedural situation, during the preparatory proceedings in court, the participants have the right to use the procedural opportunities provided for in Part 3 of Article 309 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. With the considered legislative state of affairs, aware of the complexity of those procedural challenges that take place in the pre-trial investigation and follow from the need to ensure and respect the rights of its participants, the legislator is once again called upon to hear the voice of those colleagues-proceduralists who, for ten years, stating a wrong legislative approach in constructing Article 309 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine and other similar norms, call to change it or at least expand the list, which is regulated by parts 1 and 2 of Article 309 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine.
Civil service as a social and legal institution and professional service activity
Authors: Hryshyna N.
Published: September 2023

The development of the Ukrainian state after the declaration of Ukraine’s independence, the processes of integration into the world community pose new challenges to Ukraine, one of which can be considered the need to optimize the state’s performance of its unctions, in particular with the help of the state apparatus. There is a need to consider the issue of further ways to improve the civil service institute in view of a number of essential points that are currently not covered, or partially covered. The article focuses attention on the social and legal aspects of public service, defining general features. The social nature of the functioning of the civil service is determined by democratic procedures and the management style of civil servants: collectivity in making administrative decisions; reporting and control over the implementation of decisions; presence of direct connection with society and others. The social tasks of the civil service include the protection and implementation of the interests, rights, and freedoms of citizens; effective solution of social tasks and obligations of the state to society; provision of social state obligations such as health care, education, security; solving social conflictsin society; elimination of unemployment; ensuring equal access of citizens to public service. It can be argued that in the eyes of the country’s population, a civil servant represents the state, and his official behavior is of great importance to citizens. In everyday consciousness, it is often the psychological and moral, rather than the professional and business, qualities of civil service representatives that most determine the attitude of the public to the evaluation of the work of the state authority and management. The civil service continues and completes the organization of the state mechanism, makes it ready and suitable for the practical implementation of state tasks and functions. In the process of formation and development of statehood of any kind, it is the civil service that acts as the first organizational means for the state to fulfill its goals.
The essence of the institute for the protection of cultural values in the aspect of armed conflicts
Authors: Kotlyar O.
Published: September 2023

This article examines and analyzes the issue of the essence of the institution of protection of cultural values in international law in the aspect of armed conflicts. It is said that the situation with cultural heritage in the 21st century is extremely difficult due to the spread of armed conflicts and wars, which forces scientists from all over the world, as well as Ukrainian researchers, to regularly study this problem and find out new and relevant aspects based on the latest events in the country .

It is emphasized that the full-scale invasion of Russian troops into Ukraine, which took place on February 24, 2022, can also be considered a war against culture, since the occupiers pay special attention to the cultural heritage of Ukraine. It is noted that one of the most important international treaties regulating the protection of cultural values in the event of an armed conflict is the Hague Convention of 1954.

In conclusion, it is stated that the protection of cultural heritage during armed conflicts is becoming more and more relevant and important in our time, and this is confirmed by recent events. This mission is contemporary and supported by moral, strategic and legal imperatives. Modern theory and practice agree that the international community has a fundamental interest in the protection of cultural heritage, which must be guaranteed by all means, even in times of war.

For this, it is important to use the most significant doctrines of international law and universalize the norms of customary law, which prohibit attacks and destruction of cultural values, and include them in the body of the main international legal documents. These norms establish erga omnes obligations, which equalize all members of the international community in their rights and responsibilities.
The Use of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and The Use of Technology (UTAUT) to Analyze the Implementation of the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) at the Indonesian Financial and Development Supervisory Agency
Authors: Irianto Jusuf , Rodiyah Isnaini , Omar Khatidjah
Published: September 2023

The training and development program for the State Civil Apparatus in the public sector is very important because it is related to public performance and services. This study aims to analyze the implementation of the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) for financial supervision training. The basic concept of this study uses an integrated Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). This qualitative research was conducted at the Center for Education and Training of Auditors of the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (Pusdiklatwas BPKP), which is responsible for training financial and development auditors. The subjects of this study were twelve informants who were selected using purposive sampling. Research data collected during the Covid-19 pandemic used electronic correspondence. The results of this study showed that training conducted using the massive open online course (MOOC) model is very effective and efficient because learning can be done flexibly and easily. Through MOOC, teachers and participants get physical facilities and troubleshooting services so that the learning process runs well without experiencing significant obstacles. This ICT-integrating training program has also positively contributed to the discipline of human resource management, especially concerning human development in organizations.
Financial literacy for farmers – the case of vineyard farmers in Kosovo
Authors: Hoxha Aurora , Mulliri Jona , Shahu Edmira , Imami Drini , Zhllima Edvin , Gjokaj Ekrem
Published: September 2023

One of the key factors influencing agricultural development and farm performance is access to finance. There are several factors that influence access to finance, including financial management capacity, which is linked to financial literacy. The paper analyzes the factors which determine farmers’ financial management behavior, in the case of Kosovo, based on a structured farm survey focusing on the vineyard sector. The findings suggest that half of the interviewed farmers did not keep records regarding costs and incomes. The likelihood to keep financial records is linked to several household and farm attributes. Market-oriented farmers who had contracts were more likely to keep financial records than those who did not. Policymakers through public advisory services as well as financial institutions should address the need to improve financial literacy among farmers.
Rendimientos y eficiencia en el uso del agua de lechuga y tomate cherry en jardines urbanos
Authors:   Posgrado en Ingeniería Agrícola y Uso Integral del Agua, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Chapingo, Estado de México, México, Fernández Hugo Antonio , Salazar-Moreno Raquel ,   Posgrado en Ingeniería Agrícola y Uso Integral del Agua, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Chapingo, Estado de México, México, Fitz-Rodríguez Efrén ,   Posgrado en Ingeniería Agrícola y Uso Integral del Agua, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Chapingo, Estado de México, México, López-Cruz Irineo L. ,   Posgrado en Ingeniería Agrícola y Uso Integral del Agua, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Chapingo, Estado de México, México, Schmidt Uwe ,   Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Faculty of Life Sciences, Albrecht-Daniel-Thaer Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Division Biosystems Engineering, Berlin, Germany, Dannehl Dennis ,   Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Faculty of Life Sciences, Albrecht-Daniel-Thaer Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Division Biosystems Engineering, Berlin, Germany
Published: September 2023

La horticultura urbana y periurbana (HUP) presenta grandes desafíos, como la poca disponibilidad en el suministro del agua y de tierra. No existen datos sobre la cantidad de agua que se utiliza para la producción de hortalizas en la Ciudad de México (CDMX). Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente estudio fue la estimación de los rendimientos y la productividad del agua para dos hortalizas representativas en jardines urbanos: lechuga romana y tomate cherry en 13 huertos urbanos de la CDMX. Asimismo, se estimó el volumen de agua de lluvia que se puede almacenar en cada huerto, utilizando la estación meteorológica más cercana. El rendimiento y la eficiencia del uso del agua para la producción de lechuga oscilaron entre 0.10 y 1.20 kg m-2, así como de 0.21 a 2.93 kg m-3 de agua, respectivamente. Estos indicadores, para el caso de tomate cherry, estuvieron entre 0.25 y 3.40 kg m-2 y entre 0.32 y 5.52 kg m-3 de agua, respectivamente. El riego en los huertos se hace de manera empírica y utilizando agua potable; el exceso en el suministro de agua puede ir de 0.27 a 0.4 m3 m-2 para un ciclo completo de lechuga y tomate cherry, respectivamente. Utilizando una probabilidad de excedencia del 80 %, se estimó la captación de agua de lluvia para todo el año, generando un almacenamiento acumulado entre 0.261 y 0.5215 m3 m-2 en los huertos urbanos. Esta cantidad de agua podría suplir los requerimientos hídricos de lechuga (de 0.128 a 0.389 m3 m-2) o tomate cherry (de 0.145 a 0.569 m3 m-2) para un ciclo completo.
Sowing Management and Plant Population in Organic Quinoa Production for Food and Nutrition Security
Authors: Da Rosa Juliana Aozane , Da Silva José Antonio Gonzalez , Carvalho Ivan Ricardo , Magano Deivid Araújo , Peter Cibele Luisa , Babeski Cristhian Milbradt , Diel Pedro , Heusner Lisa Brönstrup
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the population density of quinoa plants sown by broadcasting or in rows to improve agronomic indicators of an organic farming system focused on increasing food and nutrition security of the population.
 
Method/design/approach: The study was conducted in 2020, in Augusto Pestana, RS, Brazil, using a randomized block experimental design with four replications, in a 2×4 factorial arrangement consisted of 2 sowing methods (sowing in rows spaced 0.20 m apart and by hand broadcasting) and 4 plant population densities (10, 40, 80, and 120 plants m-2). Thinning was performed in the plots of both sowing methods approximately 20 days after emergence for achieving the desired plant densities. Grain yield and other traits of agronomic interest were evaluated under an organic cropping system.
 
Results and conclusion: The arrangement of 70 quinoa plants m-2 through sowing in rows or by broadcasting ensures satisfactory crop yields without using pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. The incorporation of these more sustainable practices into quinoa production systems contributes to the promotion of agroecological and organic agriculture, resulting in a high-quality nutraceutical food.
 
Originality/value: This study provides significant contribution to the advancement of research on quinoa in Brazil, bringing new information benefiting farmers, technical assistance agents, and the food industry and improving the production system efficiency to ensure food and nutrition security and care for the environment and society.
DENSIDADES AMOSTRAIS DE SOLO COMBINADAS COM PONTOS ADICIONAIS NA VARIABILIDADE DE ATRIBUTOS QUÍMICOS DO SOLO
Authors: Comparin Pedro José de Souza , Cortez Jorge Wilson
Published: September 2023

A variabilidade espacial dos atributos químicos do solo, como teores de K (potássio) e P (fósforo) são utilizadas a técnica de amostragem georreferenciada de solo guiada por produtos do sensoriamento remoto, como o índice de vegetação por diferença normalizada (NDVI) que possui relação dependência com a produtividade das culturas do milho. Para permitir conhecer a distribuição espacial desses elementos respeitando as bases da AP.Avaliar malhas amostrais regulares e a alocação de pontos adicionais de coleta baseados nas regiões de transições dos mapas de NDVI da cultura anterior na determinação da variabilidade espacial de atributos químicos como o fósforo e o potássio.O experimento foi realizado no talhão de 224 ha de uma fazenda comercial localizada no município de Maracaju – MS, Latossolo Vermelho Distroférrico (Lvdf). Os arranjos amostrais foram gerados por uma grade regular de uma amostra por hectare (1:1), com adição de até 50% de pontos adicionais alocados pelo mapa de NDVI, compondo assim 336 pontos amostrais e as demais grades pela retirada de 10% dos pontos adicionais até 0% e assim como para a grade (1:4). Foram avaliados os teores de P e K, estatística descritiva, geoestatística, krigagem ordinária, avaliação dos mapas pelos coeficientes de desvio relativo (CRD) e Kappa.Para o P, não houve melhorias estatísticas na grade 1:4 com acréscimo de pontos adicionais e na grade 1:1 com 30% da pontos adicionais se atinge resultado satisfatório. Para o K, como apresentou valores elevados em toda área, porém foi possível obter  uma grade ideal 1:1 + 40%.Não foi possível obter uma malha amostral menos adensada com alocação de pontos baseada no NDVI da cultura do milho para as grades 1:4. Realizar futuras pesquisas com o uso de outros índices de vegetação, classes de solo bem como outros métodos de interpolação.
La sangre de la aurora: reconstrucción del trauma como parte de la memoria colectiva
Authors: Hildenbrand Adriana
Published: September 2023

Desde una aproximación transdisciplinaria, el artículo parte de los conceptos psicológicos memoria colectiva y trauma, para analizar la novela La sangre de la aurora (2013) de Claudia Salazar Jiménez. Partiendo de la hipótesis de que la novela logra expresar lo impensable en un contexto de guerra, que ubica la vida y el cuerpo de la mujer como campo de batalla, el presente trabajo identifica la forma en que estrategias narrativas como la estructura fragmentada, el repentino abandono de la sintaxis, los cambios en la focalización y en el manejo del tiempo narrativo permiten tejer memorias individuales del horror y de los afectos, y desde ahí construir una narrativa colectiva, una ruptura del silencio a pesar de la vigencia de los aspectos nucleares del trauma psicosocial.
Arqueología informática y procesos escriturales en la obra de Daniel Moyano. El archivo epistolar como laboratorio de ficciones
Authors: Vigna Diego Germán
Published: September 2023

Este artículo nace del trabajo realizado con la obra del escritor argentino Daniel Moyano. Luego de varias experiencias vinculadas a su archivo, aquí abordo su escritura epistolar a partir de un proceso de recuperación de archivos de texto almacenados en un dispositivo informático obsoleto. Parto de una perspectiva teórica y metodológica basada en premisas crítico-genéticas para plantear dos preguntas eje: ¿qué registros testimoniales pueden considerarse “borradores” en el proceso de escritura de una obra narrativa?, y ¿qué injerencia pueden tener los avances técnicos en la mutación de ese proceso? El objetivo es analizar cómo la correspondencia “exhumada” de Daniel Moyano da cuenta, por un lado, de un uso consciente del almacenamiento informático como nuevo terreno de archivo y, por otro, del uso específico del archivo epistolar como instancia redaccional de sus ficciones.
Authors: Hafidah Rahmatul , Amna Zaujatul , Dahlia Dahlia , Faradina Syarifah
Published: September 2023

Kecemasan kematian adalah keadaan emosional yang tidak menyenangkan yang dialami seseorang saat memikirkan tentang kematian. Kecemasan dapat berpengaruh buruk pada kesehatan mental, terutama pada usia dewasa madya. Tahapan usia ini lebih sering mengalami kecemasan kematian. Salah satu cara efektif yang dapat dilakukan dalam menghadapi kecemasan kematian adalah dengan memiliki mindfulness. Konsep mindfulness dapat membantu dewasa madya untuk tetap fokus mengerjakan dan memaknai setiap kegiatan ataupun keadaan yang dijalaninya tanpa memikirkan sesuatu yang abstrak seperti kematian. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui hubungan antara mindfulness dengan kecemasan akan kematian pada dewasa madya. Partisipan penelitian berjumlah 275 individu dewasa yang dipilih dengan teknik accidental sampling. Pengumpulan data penelitian dengan menggunakan Mindful Atttention Awareness Scale (MAAS) dan Death Anxiety Scale-Extended (DAS-Extended). Hasil analisis data dengan menggunakan Spearman-Brown Formula menunjukkan hubungan negatif antara mindfulness dengan kecemasan akan kematian pada dewasa madya. Dengan demikian, semakin tinggi keadaan mindfulness yang dimiliki individu dewasa madya, maka semakin rendah kecemasan akan kematiannya, begitupun sebaliknya. Oleh karena itu, mindfulness berkaitan dengan penurunan kecemasan akan kematian pada dewasa madya.

Kata kunci: Mindfulness, Kecemasan Kematian, Dewasa Madya
The Manifestive Image in Women's Poetry in the Islamic Period
Authors: Mar’i Mohammed Said , Thamer Hadeel
Published: September 2023

This paper deals with one of the many aspects of manifestive image which is considered as the spirit and the foundation of poetry, thereby sending suggestive image that has powerful intrinsic meaning in language, by making the manifestive image a catalyst for the flow of the stream of utterances, to depict their meaning by clarifying their implications and their ability to affect the listener.
Lexical Chunks between Investigation and Application: A Case Study of a BBC Radio 4 Interview
Authors: Dahaam Ziyad Ahmed
Published: September 2023

This study represents an approach to easily extract lexical chunks which are considered to be the essence of gaining a communicative skill similar to that of any native language speaker. Lexical approaches are very important in this respect; far from grammar rules, they concentrate on learning language in use. Therefore, it aims to investigate this field and its effect on the process of learning a language. It is hypothesized that lexical approaches have their direct effect on raising the students’ performance regarding L2 language fluency and production by means of lexical chunks. It is also hypothesized that it is difficult for the students to easily identify and extract lexical chunks in their natural contexts. Therefore, this study adopts Boers and Lindstromberg’s (2009) model as a way to facilitate the identification of lexical chunks and to open a way to easily identify them. A transcript of a BBC radio 4 interview (see the appendix) is chosen as the source of the data analysis in this study. The working procedures are thought to be beneficial for L2 learners future identification and extraction of lexical chunks.
TheVerb in Semitic Languages / Brueckelman's Philology of the Semitic Languages as Example
Authors: Saleem Maymona Awni
Published: September 2023

Arabic is the language of the Holy Quran, a branch of a group of languages known to Orientalists as Semitic languages, and Orientalists have spent considerable efforts to study these languages, and wrote many books and researches about. The Semites are the languages that the orientalist Schulzer called the Hebrew, Abyssinian and Syriac languages. Naturally, every language that has moved away from its native country has been subject to changes, including Arabic and other Semitic languages. There are similarities and differences between Arabic and other Semitic languages. The researcher chooses the German Orientalist Karl Brucklmann, who spent considerable efforts in studying and balancing the Semitic and Arabic languages. His book Verbs,
"Warada" Between linguistic Rooting and the Qur'anic Context
Authors: Khalaf Abdulaziz Saleh
Published: September 2023

"Warada" recurs in the Arabic dictionary to denote two things: The first is to provide something, including access, access, attainment, supervision and vision.The second, one the colors, which is the most well-known rose plant, the Persians roses and black roses, either their color or to describe their work of progress and speed.The Qur'an used this word in nine verses, in a variety of contexts, i.e. to get to water, and to go to hell-fire, in the context of proximity, science and in the afterlife.The importance of this article in Quranic contexts with similar meanings: entry, attendance, puberty, demand, thirst and color.
The Use of Dictionaries in Teaching Arabic language: A Descriptive Analytical Research paper on the Procedures of using Dictionaries in the Islamic Institutions in Aceh- Indonesia
Authors: Yahya Dhiauddin
Published: September 2023

This paper aims at: 1- Knowing the types of dictionaries in Arabic language, 2- Knowing the mostly used dictionarie at the Islamic institution in Aceh, and 3- showing how to use dictionaries in teaching Arabic language at the Islamic institutions in Aceh. The applied is the qualitative descriptive analytical approach is adopted.The paper concludes that dictionaries are divided according to subjects into three categories: linguistic, encyclopedic and historic dictionaries. According to the languages used, dictionaries are classified into Unilingual, bilingual and multilingual dictionaries. According to their subjects, dictionaries are classified into General, and special dictionaries and according to arrangement they are classified into alphabetic and subject dictionaries. As for form, they are classified into paper dictionaries and digital dictionaries.
Perspectives on Male Involvement in Maternity Care among Male Postgraduate Students at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Akintola Titilope Adedayo , Akinwaare Margaret Omowaleola , Akingbade Oluwadamilare
Published: September 2023

Background: Maternal mortality rate is still a major problem in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Nigeria. In Nigeria, the lack of male involvement in maternity care has been indicated as one of the factors aggravating maternal mortality. Therefore, this study examined the perception of male involvement in maternity care among male postgraduate students at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Methodology: This quantitative study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design. The data were generated using structured, self-administered questionnaires to gather data from 155 male postgraduate students at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Data were analysed using SPSS version 22.0. Inferential statistics were used for hypotheses testing at a 0.05% level of significance.
Results: The findings of the research revealed that 69% of the respondents had a positive perception of male involvement in maternity care. Also, there was no significant relationship between men’s age, occupational status, marital status, and their perception of involvement in maternal health care services. Recommendations: Health professionals should be actively involved in the continuous education of men of marriageable age on the roles and responsibilities of men during pregnancy, labour, and childbirth to promote male involvement in maternal health services, thereby reducing the maternal mortality rate.
The fate of a century-old partnership between humans and dolphins
Authors: Cantor Mauricio
Published: September 2023

Aligning human interests and wildlife protection requires a deep understanding of human-wildlife interactions. Behavioral tracking and demographic surveys show that foraging synchrony is key to generate short- and long-term benefits for human fishers and wild dolphins. We used simulations to describe the conditions under which this cooperation can turn into another human-wildlife conflict.
Low and Mighty: How Low-Affinity Antibodies Boost Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Orr Christian , Norman Chelsea , Cragg Mark
Published: September 2023

Antibodies, nature’s guided missiles, are designed to bind to their targets with high precision. The tighter they bind, the better they’re thought to perform. But what if we’ve been wrong all this time? Our research suggests that antibodies with a looser grip can sometimes be more effective. This unexpected finding could open new avenues for improved antibody-based therapies.
Primary central nervous system lymphoma in elderly: An illustrative case of the new role of surgery and integrative medical management
Authors: Fiedler Augusto Müller , Filho Paulo Moacir Mesquita , Morassutti Alessandra Loureiro , Rottenfusser Robson , Varela Daniel Lima
Published: September 2023

Background:

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare, aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoproliferative neoplasm. Surgery is traditionally limited to biopsy due to past studies, but recent strong evidence continues to challenge this status quo in selected patients. Here, the authors characterize a case to illustrate the potential role of surgery and foster research on integrative medical management approaches for this disease.

Case Description:

A 73-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with aphasia and confusion. Neuroimaging suggested a lymphoproliferative process. The patient underwent cytoreductive surgery to resect the lesion. Microscopically, large infiltrating lymphoid cells that induced brain tissue damage were observed, and a diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was made based on immunohistochemistry. The patient evolved clinically post surgery. A complete response to further chemotherapy maintained the patient’s clinical recovery.

Conclusion:

This rare case highlights the potential of surgical intervention in the management of selected patients with PCNSL. The authors also underscore the recent, meta-analytic evidence on surgery followed by combined chemotherapy for the management of specific cases. The reported recovery in an elderly patient is noteworthy and adds to the literature on this rare subtype of brain tumors. Future research should consider investigating a potential profile of candidates for resection and combined chemotherapy in PCNSL.
“Critical pedicle wall” breaches analysis in complex spinal deformity using O-arm navigation
Authors: Kothari Ajay Ramesh , Katkade Siddharth Manik , Bhilare Pramod Dashrath , Aiyer Siddharth , Situt Nishad Vipul , Hadgaonkar Shailesh Ramakant , Shyam Ashok , Sancheti Parag Kantilal
Published: September 2023

Background:

Free-hand and fluoroscopic-guided pedicle screw placement has been associated with higher rates of pedicle breaches (frequency range 15–40% especially in deformed pedicles). Neurological complications are more “critical” (i.e., frequent and significant) with medial and inferior pedicle-wall breaches due to the proximity of the neural elements. Here, we analyzed the effectiveness of O-arm navigation in minimizing “critical” pedicle wall breaches and their complications in 21 complex spinal deformity cases.

Methods:

Twenty-one complex spinal deformity cases were prospectively managed with O-arm-navigated posterior-instrumented fusions. Preoperative assessment included; evaluation of the type of scoliosis, the magnitude of the deformity, and the anatomy of the pedicles – (i.e., classified using Watanabe et al.). The O-arm was used to confirm and grade both the intraoperative and postoperative location of screws. Other variables analyzed included; duration of surgery, estimated blood loss, complications, and radiation exposure.

Results:

In 21 patients, 259 (63.45%) of 384 pedicles were instrumented; we observed 22 of 259 pedicle screw breaches. Significant (>2 mm) breaches were observed in two medial and one inferior wall cases that required revision; the overall biomechanically significant screw breach rate was (3/259) 1.2% with an accuracy rate of 98.8%. Pedicle screw placement resulted in another 14 nonsignificant (<2 mm) breaches; ten were medial and four involved the inferior wall. As anterior, lateral, and “in-out-in” trajectory pedicle screws beaches were nonsignificant, they were not included in our analysis.

Conclusion:

O-arm navigation decreased the incidence of medial and inferior (i.e., >2 mm “critical”) pedicle screw breaches applied in 21 patients with deformed pedicles due to scoliosis. Further, the O-arm minimized the operating time, decreased the estimated blood loss, and reduced the incidence of complications.
Formation of professional skills of speaking a foreign language among students of economic specialties
Authors: Усманов Т.И. , Амирханов Н.У.
Published: September 2023

В статье рассмотрена необходимость разработки системы упражнений для обучения навыкам говорения студентов экономических специальностей, основные принципы и критерии их укладки. Данная статья исследует процесс формирования профессиональных навыков говорения на иностранном языке у студентов экономических специальностей. В ней рассматриваются различные методы и подходы к обучению устной речи, особенности преподавания иностранного языка с учетом специфики экономического образования. Авторы обращают внимание на значимость практической коммуникации, использование аутентичных материалов и ситуаций, а также активное вовлечение студентов в диалогическое общение. Результаты исследования позволяют определить оптимальные подходы к развитию навыков говорения, способствующие формированию коммуникативной компетенции у студентов экономических специальностей. Эта статья может быть полезна преподавателям, исследователям и специалистам в области образования и языковой подготовки студентов экономических специальностей.

The article considers the need to develop a system of exercises for teaching speaking skills to students of economic specialties, the basic principles and criteria for their installation. This article explores the process of formation of professional skills of speaking a foreign language among students of economic specialties. It examines various methods and approaches to teaching oral speech, the peculiarities of teaching a foreign language, taking into account the specifics of economic education. The authors draw attention to the importance of practical communication, the use of authentic materials and situations, as well as the active involvement of students in dialogical communication. The results of the study allow us to determine the optimal approaches to the development of speaking skills that contribute to the formation of communicative competence among students of economic specialties. This article may be useful for teachers, researchers and specialists in the field of education and language training of students of economic specialties.
Features of the formation of tolerant relationships among students in the process of multicultural education when teaching a foreign language
Authors: Абдукадырова Т.Т. , Гациева Т.И.
Published: September 2023

В статье рассмотрены особенности формирования толерантных взаимоотношений студентов в процессе поликультурного воспитания при изучении иностранного языка в высших учебных заведениях. Основой формирования межкультурной толерантности студентов является многоязычие. В связи с этим понимание роли иностранных языков в воспитании толерантной личности ставит перед нами вопрос повышения уровня языковой подготовки. Данная статья исследует особенности формирования толерантных взаимоотношений среди студенческой молодежи в процессе поликультурного воспитания при обучении иностранному языку. Авторы рассматривают роль поликультурного подхода в образовании, анализируют важность формирования толерантности и межкультурного взаимопонимания среди студентов. Статья основана на исследованиях, которые позволяют выявить основные факторы, способствующие развитию толерантности, и предлагает методы и приемы, которые помогают студентам преодолевать культурные различия, повышать уровень взаимопонимания и развивать толерантные отношения в многонациональной студенческой среде. Результаты исследования могут быть полезны для педагогов, работающих в области поликультурного образования и обучения иностранному языку.

The article discusses the features of the formation of tolerant relationships of students in the process of multicultural education when learning a foreign language in higher educational institutions. The basis for the formation of intercultural tolerance of students is multilingualism. In this regard, understanding the role of foreign languages in the education of a tolerant personality raises the question of improving the level of language training. This article explores the features of the formation of tolerant relationships among students in the process of multicultural education when teaching a foreign language. The authors consider the role of the multicultural approach in education, analyze the importance of the formation of tolerance and intercultural understanding among students. The article is based on research that allows us to identify the main factors contributing to the development of tolerance, and offers methods and techniques that help students overcome cultural differences, increase mutual understanding and develop tolerant relationships in a multinational student environment. The results of the study can be useful for teachers working in the field of multicultural education and foreign language teaching.
The possibilities of augmented reality tools for studying physiological material in school biology
Authors: Куфтинова Д.А. , Киселева А.И.
Published: September 2023

В настоящее время имеется необходимость в повышении качества предметной подготовки обучающихся. Информационные технологии на современном этапе играют в обозначенном вопросе ключевую роль. Использование информации в разных сферах деятельности подразумевает под собой всеобщую информатизацию современного общества, что приводит к постепенному становлению новой системы образования. Следствием этого выступает существенное изменение педагогической теории и практики, т.к. учителя начинают применять разные технологии обучения и использовать актуальные на данный момент времени технические возможности. Ставшие неотъемлемой составляющей частью образовательного процесса компьютерные и информационные технологии значительно повышают продуктивность занятий. В противовес обычным техническим средствам обучения, компьютерные технологии дают возможность обучающимся изучить большее количество учебного материала, а также собственными силами получать новые знания. Современные компьютерные технологии помогают развивать и мотивировать творческие и интеллектуальные способности, работая при этом с разнообразными источниками информации. Совместная деятельность учителя и обучающихся составляет основу образовательной технологии. Использование текущих информационных технологий предоставляет возможность обучающимся формировать мотивацию к познавательной деятельности.

Currently, there is a need to improve the quality of subject training of students. Information technologies at the present stage play a key role in this issue. The use of information in various fields of activity implies the universal informatization of modern society, which leads to the gradual formation of a new education system. The consequence of this is a significant change in pedagogical theory and practice, because teachers are beginning to apply different teaching technologies and use current technical capabilities at the moment. Computer and information technologies, which have become an integral part of the educational process, significantly increase the productivity of classes. In contrast to the usual technical means of teaching, computer technologies enable students to study a larger amount of educational material, as well as to gain new knowledge on their own. Modern computer technologies help to develop and motivate creative and intellectual abilities, while working with a variety of information sources. The joint activity of teachers and students forms the basis of educational technology. The use of current information technologies provides an opportunity for students to form motivation for cognitive activity.
Methodology for the development of QA engineers in the concept of the competence matrix
Authors: Леухин Е.В.
Published: September 2023

В реалиях быстро растущего рынка цифровых продуктов, цифровизации оказания услуг, импортозамещения и задач связанных с ростом собственных цифровых реализаций инструментов. Существует большая потребность в ИТ специалистах, большое количество бизнес идей и задач ставятся перед ИТ департаментами компаний. Множество школ работают над переобучением и подготовкой специалистов в ИТ отрасли, в связи с запросом общества на переобучение и освоение новых специальностей в области ИТ. Цифровизация и развитие социума двигает людей к изучению новых профессий в ИТ. Наряду с этим, первичное обучение и получение позиций входного уровня в технологичные компании не завершает жизненный цикл инженера. Следующими этапами становятся развитие навыков, получение новых и углубление текущих технических скилов, развитие софт скилов и продвижение по грейдам. Технологичные компании стоят перед необходимостью, управления этими процессами, выделяя и улучшая лучшие качества, необходимые для решения поставленных целей и задач. Важным является и формирование четкой дорожной карты развития экспертности технической команды для управления бюджетом продуктов и проектов, реализуемых в компании.

In the realities of a rapidly growing market of digital products, digitalization of services, import substitution and tasks related to the growth of their own digital implementations of tools. There is a great need for IT specialists, a large number of business ideas and tasks are put before IT departments of companies. Many schools are working on retraining and training specialists in the IT industry, in connection with the public's request for retraining and mastering new specialties in the field of IT. Digitalization and the development of society moves people to study new professions in IT. Along with this, initial training and obtaining entry-level positions in technology companies does not complete the life cycle of an engineer. The next stages are the development of skills, the acquisition of new and deepening of current technical skills, the development of soft skills and the promotion of grades. Technology companies face the need to manage these processes, highlighting and improving the best qualities necessary to achieve their goals and objectives. It is also important to form a clear roadmap for the development of the expertise of the technical team to manage the budget of products and projects implemented in the company.
Modular solar-to-fuels electrolysis at low cell potentials enabled by glycerol electrooxidation and a bipolar membrane separator
Authors: Mehrabi Hamed , Schichtl Zebulon , Conlin Samuel , Coridan Robert
Published: September 2023

Solar fuel generation through water electrolysis or electrochemical CO2 reduction is thermodynamically limited when paired with the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The glycerol electrooxidation reaction (GEOR) is an alternative anodic reaction with lower anodic electrochemical potential that utilizes a renewable coproduct produced during biodiesel synthesis. We show that GEOR on a Au-Pt-Bi ternary metal electrocatalyst in a model alkaline crude glycerol solution can provide significant cell potential reductions even when paired to reduction reactions in seawater and acidic catholytes via a bipolar membrane (BPM). We showed that the combination of GEOR electrooxidation and a BPM separator lowers the total cell potential by 1 V at an electrolysis current of 10.0 mA cm-2 versus to an anode performing OER when paired with hydrogen evolution and CO2 reduction cathodes. The observed voltage reduction was steady for periods of up to 80 hours, with minimal glycerol crossover observed through the membrane. These results motivate new, high-performance cell designs for photoelectrochemical solar fuels integrated systems based on glycerol electrooxidation.
Non-native Radical Cyclization Catalyzed by a B12-Dependent Enzyme
Authors: Li Jianbin , Kumar Amardeep , Lewis Jared C.
Published: September 2023

Despite the unique reactivity of vitamin B12 and its derivatives, B12-dependent enzymes remain underutilized in biocatalysis. In this study, we repurpose the B12-dependent transcription factor CarH to enable non-native radical cyclization reactions. An engineered variant of this enzyme, CarH*, catalyzes the formation γ- and δ-lactams via either redox-neutral or reductive ring closure with marked enhancement of reactivity and selectivity relative to the free B12 cofactor. CarH* also catalyzes an unusual spirocyclization via dearomatization of pendant arenes to produce bicyclic 1,3-diene products instead of 1,4-dienes provided by existing methods. These results and associated mechanistic studies highlight the importance of protein scaffolds for controlling the reactivity of B12 and expanding the synthetic utility of B12-dependent enzymes.
Virtual Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Prelabs Improve Student Understanding of Analytical Chemistry Concepts and Instrumentation
Authors: Flesch Madison , Humphrey Nicholas , Mang Stephen
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic forced instructors of chemistry lab classes to develop a variety of alternative materials for remote delivery of traditionally hands-on content. One solution to this challenge was virtual choose-your-own-adventure (CYOA) laboratories that allowed students to practice realistic decision-making and collect authentic data. With the return to in-person instruction, these CYOA labs can be modified into prelab exercises to support and supplement in-person experiments. Four virtual CYOA labs were adapted into prelab exercises for an upper-division instrumental analysis course to prepare students for experiments in chromatography method development and electronic circuit design. Students were surveyed to gauge their opinions on the prelabs and their comfort in the laboratory overall. Survey results indicated that students enjoyed the CYOA prelab activities and found them helpful in feeling prepared for experiments and understanding the source and quality of their experimental data. Virtual CYOA prelabs may be a good way for instructors to expand the depth of their lab curriculum and reduce the anxiety their students feel before complex experiments.