bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2022: HIGH NOON OF POLITICAL TURBULANCE IN SLOVAKIA
Authors:   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vedernikov Mikhail
Published: March 2023

The article examines the political processes in Slovakia in 2022. It is noted that the past year has demonstrated the fragility and weakness of the ruling coalition, which, following a lengthy debate, was forced to resign. The author notes that the central reason for the collapse of the Cabinet was the personal hostility of the country’s leading politicians – I. Matovič and R. Sulik. However, they demonstrated a keen desire to delay the collapse of the coalition, aggravating the internal political situation in the country as much as possible, since they realized the impossibility of participating in the formation of the next government following the results of early elections. The paper notes significant electoral changes in Slovakia since 2020: there has been a total decline in the popularity of the parties that formed the Cabinet, and an increase in the authority of the forces in opposition and promising the return of stable times. Meanwhile, early elections scheduled for September 30, 2023 do not yet guarantee the opposition a victory. The Slovak political tradition and the experience of neighboring Central European countries point to the possibility of liberal politicians uniting in various political alliances to prevent their ideological opponents from gaining power.
THE ARCTIC IN 2022: RESULTS AND PERSPECTIVES
Authors:   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences, Zhuravel Valery
Published: March 2023

The Arctic has always been in a focus of close attention for the Russian leadership. The article examines the international aspects of the Arctic, analyzes the updated Arctic strategies and policies of countries (India, USA, Finland, the Faroe Islands, the European Union) and their improvements, and the withdrawal of several large European and Asian multinational companies from Arctic projects in the Russian Arctic after the start of a special military operation (SMO). It is emphasized that foreign states continue to increase their military presence in the Arctic, especially in its western part. The situation in the Arctic region was greatly complicated by the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO, which strengthened the Arctic capabilities of the alliance and created real military threats to Russia in the Arctic direction. Using the examples of the decisions of the Government of the Russian Federation in 2022, the authors analyze the problems of the development of the Russian Arctic, especially those related to the development of the Northern Sea Route and of some of the territories of the Russian Arctic zone for the next 15 years. The article focuses on the nature of the activities of the country's leadership, ministries and departments, legislative authorities, representatives of business and public organizations for the integrational development and assimilation of the Arctic, in light of the unfavorable international events of 2020–2022. It is noted that the real impact of the SMO on the Arctic region can be only determined by its final results.
T-cell engineering strategies for tumors with low antigen density, and T-cell survival in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Luan Rong , Deng Biping
Published: March 2023

Refractory and/or relapsed (r/r) diffuse large B-cell lymphomas after treatment with two lines of systemic chemoimmunotherapy exhibit diversity in genetics, tissue biology, and pathology, as well as poor prognosis. Patient TCRαβ cells engineered with a CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) have shown promising clinical outcomes in r/r diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The ZUMA-1 study, the JULIET study, and the TRANSCEND NHL 001 study of three prototype 19CAR-T cells have indicated an overall response rate of 52–82%, a complete response rate of 40–58%, and a 12-month progression-free survival of 33.2%–46.6%, with clinically manageable treatment related toxicity. At the 5-year follow-up, relapse was observed in approximately 57% of patients within 1 year. Understanding of the risk factors for non-response remains insufficient. In addition to intrinsic tumor resistance, such as aberrant apoptotic signaling, downregulation or loss of tumor-associated antigens (TAA), an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and CAR-T cell exhaustion in vivo have been suggested to be important risk factors. Mechanisms underlying 19CAR-T cell exhaustion under chronic TAA exposure, and limited 19CAR-T cell trafficking and infiltration into the tumor mass have been reported. Moreover, tumor escape in the presence of low TAA density remains a challenge in 1928ζ CAR-T cell treatment. In this review, we provide an overview of modified modular CAR elements and their synergistic effects in controlling T-cell function. We then briefly discuss novel strategies against tumors with low TAA density, such as bispecific tandem or loop CAR recognition domains, the development of human leukocyte antigen-independent synthetic TCRαβ double-chain receptors integrated into the constant region of the TCRα chain, and armored CAR-T cells targeting the tumor microenvironment.
Deciding While Acting—Mid-Movement Decisions Are More Strongly Affected by Action Probability than Reward Amount
Authors: Ulbrich Philipp , Gail Alexander
Published: March 2023

When deciding while acting, such as sequentially selecting targets during naturalistic foraging, movement trajectories reveal the dynamics of the unfolding decision process. Ongoing and planned actions may impact decisions in these situations in addition to expected reward outcomes. Here, we test how strongly humans weigh and how fast they integrate individual constituents of expected value, namely the prior probability (PROB) of an action and the prior expected reward amount (AMNT) associated with an action, when deciding based on the combination of both together during an ongoing movement. Unlike other decision-making studies, we focus on PROB and AMNT priors, and not final evidence, in that correct actions were either instructed or could be chosen freely. This means, there was no decision-making under risk. We show that both priors gradually influence movement trajectories already before mid-movement instructions of the correct target and bias free-choice behavior. These effects were consistently stronger for PROB compared with AMNT priors. Participants biased their movements toward a high-PROB target, committed to it faster when instructed or freely chosen, and chose it more frequently even when it was associated with a lower AMNT prior than the alternative option. Despite these differences in effect magnitude, the time course of the effect of both priors on movement direction was highly similar. We conclude that prior action probability, and hence the associated possibility to plan actions accordingly, has higher behavioral relevance than prior action value for decisions that are expressed by adjusting already ongoing movements.
Alternative brain connectivity underscores age-related differences in the processing of interactive biological motion
Authors: Walbrin Jon , Almeida Jorge , Koldewyn Kami
Published: March 2023

Rapidly recognizing and understanding others’ social interactions is an important ability that relies on deciphering multiple sources of information; for example, perceiving body information and inferring others’ intentions. Despite recent advances in characterizing the brain basis of this ability in adults, its developmental underpinnings are virtually unknown. Here, we used fMRI to investigate which sources of social information support superior temporal sulcus (STS) responses to interactive biological motion (i.e. 2 interacting point-light human figures) at different developmental intervals in human participants (of either sex): Children show supportive functional connectivity with key nodes of the mentalizing network, while adults show stronger reliance on regions associated with body- and dynamic social interaction/biological motion processing. We suggest that adults employ efficient action-intention understanding via body and biological motion information, while children show a stronger reliance on hidden mental-state inferences as a potential means of learning to better understand others’ interactive behavior.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT:

Recognizing others’ interactive behavior is a critical human skill that depends on different sources of social information (e.g. observable body-action information, inferring others’ hidden mental-states etc.). Understanding the brain-basis of this ability, and characterizing how it emerges across development are important goals in social neuroscience. Here, we used fMRI to investigate which sources of social information support interactive biological motion processing in children (6-12 years) and adults. These results reveal a striking developmental difference in terms of how wider-brain connectivity shapes functional responses to interactive biological motion that suggests a reliance on distinct neuro-cognitive strategies in service of interaction understanding (i.e. children and adults show a greater reliance on explicit and implicit intentional inference, respectively).
The Values of Struggle in the Tragedy of "Rengat Berdarah" as Strengthening History Learning in Indragiri Hulu
Authors: Pernantah Piki Setri , Hasibuan Rizki Ananda , Aprilia Miranda , Putri Meliyani , Renaldi Renaldi , Wulandari Wingga
Published: March 2023

Strengthening character education is something that is still very much needed in the midst of a crisis of morals and cultural values in the era of society 5.0. The essence of character education in the context of Indonesian education is education based on the noble values of the Indonesian nation, including historical events that are locality. In this regard, history learning has a considerable contribution in the formation of the nation's character, because historical material is full of meaning and / or character values that can be exemplified, preserved, and used as a guide for life. This paper aims to examine how the reconstruction of the values of the struggle for the Bloody Rengat tragedy can be used as learning material for local history in Indragiri Hulu Regency to internalize values to strengthen character education. The research method used in writing is qualitative with descriptive analysis. Data collection techniques through literature studies. The findings of the values of struggle contained in the tragedy of the Bloody Rengat show the high spirit of patriotism of the Rengat people by willingly sacrificing the body soul regardless of age and gender, the value of a sense of harmony and teaching students to maintain self-esteem for the benefit of the nation. These values can be internalized in learners through locally charged history learning.
The Spirit of the Anti-Corruption Movement in the Campus Environment Through Various Community Creativity Social Media Movements
Authors: Hasoloan Rudolf Johanes , Larasati Maria Genoveva Dian , Yusuf Fiki Elfanda , Imantria Destha Birul , Sulistyawati Novita
Published: March 2023

The causes of corruption include weak religious teachings, ethics, knowledge, education, and the imposition of sanctions and a weak government structure. Eradication of corruption can be done through education, because education has a very strategic position in an effort to build an anti-corruption attitude, especially to the younger generation. In this case, students have a role to not be permissive of corruption and together rise up against corruption. The research method in this paper uses qualitative research methods from individual and institutional journalistic sources, and the research uses empirical methods with a discussion technology-based approach, namely the Zoom Meeting application/web to find data from lighters and respondents. The purpose of this paper is to understand the causes of corruption and to find out why students should build the spirit of the anti-corruption movement in the campus environment. With the conclusion that someone commits acts of corruption because of factors both from within and from outside. so that students have a role in encouraging and inviting the public to act to create justice so that corruption does not occur.
Extraction of pharmaceutical composition from Chinese eaglewood and its therapeutic efficacy
Authors: Pan Zhihong , Qiu Jian , He Haishan , Li Qingde , Shen Huajie
Published: March 2023

There are few reports on the effect of Chinese eaglewood extractions on the relationship between a stroke-induced nerve and the motor dysfunction caused by the nerve dysfunction. In this study, lipids were successfully induced from white eaglewood, and the cause of extraction were analyzed. Controlled clinical experiments were conducted to study the effects of Chinese eaglewood extracts as a drug therapy on the recovery of nerve and motor function of stroke patients. Such effects were further analyzed using the electroencephalograms (EEGs) test, the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity scale, and the Fugl-Meyer lower extremity scale. The results of the study showed that the nerve function recovery of stroke patients through compensatory effects was promoted by using Chinese eaglewood extracts, and the motor function recovery of patients was further improved. Thus, from the results of the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity and lower extremity scales, the motor functions of the stroke patients were gradually recovered during the clinical experiments, which indicated nerve function recovery. The RNA extraction results showed high RNA purity without the presence of proteins and that interfering substances can be obtained by using the mixed inducer agent. This study demonstrated the feasibility for the application of Chinese eaglewood extracts and its therapeutic efficacy.
The feasibility of shortening the pretreatment time for improvement of the biogas production rate from rice straw with three chemical agents
Authors: Du Jing , Qian Yu-ting , Xi Yong-lan , Jin Hong-mei , Kong Xiang-ping , Zhu Ning , Lv Xi-wu , Zhang Ying-peng , Ye Xiao-mei
Published: March 2023

Solid-state chemical pretreatment at room temperature was adopted to evaluate the methane production potential of rice straw. Dried rice straw was homogenized with distilled water at a 1:3 ratio and pretreated for 6 h, 24 h, 72 h, 120 h, and 168 h. The effects of the pretreatment time with three chemicals (H2O2, Ca(OH)2, and NH3·H2O) on the methane yield were investigated. The results showed that the anaerobic digestion performance was improved for solid-state chemical pretreatment of room temperature-treated rice straw. The biogas yields from the treatments with H2O2 for 168 h, Ca(OH)2 for 72 h, and NH3·H2O for 120 h were 386.6 mL/g VS, 413.5 mL/g VS, and 390.5 mL/g VS, which were 35.8%, 45.2%, and 37.2% higher than that from the untreated rice straw, respectively. Therefore, it is feasible to shorten the pretreatment time of rice straw for these three chemical solutions.
Compression and stress relaxation characteristics of alfalfa during rotary compression
Authors: Fang Jiajia , Li Haijun , Wang Jian , Yang Mingshao , Zong Zeying , Zhang Yong
Published: March 2023

In order to reduce the power consumption of the round baler and improve the quality of the bale, the compression and relaxation characteristics of alfalfa were investigated with respect to moisture content, feeding speed, and steel roll speed. Experimental trials were performed by using a steel-roll fixed chamber round baler rotary compression test platform. Three moisture contents were prepared, 18%, 21%, and 24%. The feeding speeds were set at 1.11 m·s-1, 1.39 m·s-1, and 1.67 m·s-1, and the steel roll speeds were 106 r·min-1, 126 r·min-1, and 146r·min-1, respectively. The experimental data for these trails were collected and three compression models and a generalized Maxwell model were fitted to the pressure, density, or time data. The maximum compression pressure decreased with the increase of moisture content and increased with the increase of feeding speed, while the steel roll speed had no significant effect on the maximum compression pressure. The stress relaxation time decreased with the increase of moisture content, feeding speed and steel roll speed. The equilibrium stress decreased with the increase of the steel roll speed and moisture content and increased with the increase of the feeding speed. All compression models had a good fit for the experimental data.
Using novel Lactobacillus plantarum to produce lactic acid from lignocellulosic biomass in an integrated simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process
Authors: Tu Wei-Lin , Hsu Teng-Chieh , Wang Chun-An , Guo Gia-Luen , Chao Yu
Published: March 2023

The isolated bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum is strongly tolerant of lignocellulose-derived inhibitory compounds and possesses the ability to produce lactic acid in the presence of 8.0 g/L furfural, 6.0 g/L hydroxymethylfurfural, 4.0 g/L vanillin, and 4.0 g/L syringaldehyde. This bacterium was used in an integrated simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process for the production of lactic acid using whole rice straw slurry (with a high solids content of 17%) that had been pretreated with dilute sulfuric acid. This method achieved a lactic acid concentration of 65.6 g/L, which corresponded to a cellulose-to-lactic acid conversion yield of 69%. These results demonstrated that isolated bacterium and the proposed integrated SSF process are able to produce high concentrations of lactic acid. Furthermore, this proposed process does not require detoxification and had a conversion efficiency that is comparable to that obtained using the conventional SSF process, which requires the addition of fresh water. Therefore, it was concluded that the proposed process is promising for commercial lactic acid production and could make the production of lactic acid from lignocellulosic biomass more practical in the future.
Sustainable Nepenthes mirabilis facilitated recovery of reducing sugars from grape pomace
Authors: Angadam Justine O. , Dlangamandla Nkosikho , Ntwampe Seteno K. O. , Itoba-Tombo Elie F. , Chidi Boredi S.
Published: March 2023

Grape pomace (GP) generated from the winery industry is one of the abundant agro-waste in the Western Cape, South Africa and other regions globally. GP contains a significant quantity of holocelluloses that can be converted into fermentable total reducing sugars (TRS). This study reports on the recovery of TRS from GP treated Nepenthes mirabilis digestive fluids for mediated biovalorisation in comparison to a combination of conventional pretreatment methods (hot water pretreatment, dilute acid pretreatment, and cellulase pretreatment) in a single pot system. The recovery of TRS was facilitated while also reducing total residual phenolics (TRPCs) in the samples. Furthermore, powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD) was used to measure the crystallinity index and the functional groups of pre- and post-pre-treated GP were determined using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to ascertain the efficiency of the pre-treatment methods, with quantification of lignin, holocellulose and ash being conducted. Overall, the TRS yield for N. mirabilis pre-treated agro-waste was 951±4.7 mg/L, with biomass having a lower CrI of 33%, and 62% residual lignin content. Furthermore, reduced TRPCs were observed in hydrolysate, suggesting limited inhibitory by-product formation during N. mirabilis pre-treatment.
ФІНАНСОВЕ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ПУБЛІЧНИХ ВИТРАТ У ПЕРІОД ВІЙНИ
Authors: КУДРЯШОВ Василь
Published: March 2023

Широкомасштабна агресія РФ проти України завдала таких уражень фінансовій системі, що забезпечення критичних потреб опинилося під загрозою. Постала необхідність у перегляді підходів до управління державними видатками, а також їх фінансовим забезпеченням. У період війни обсяги публічних витрат різко збільшилися, а доходи зменшилися. Такі зміни потребували впровадження принципово нових підходів до управління витратами і мобілізації ресурсів за умови дотримання принципів фіскальної стійкості.
Проведено аналіз особливостей фінансового забезпечення публічних витрат в Україні в період війни і застосування заходів його покращення з використанням таких методів дослідження, як історичний, логічний, абстракції, опису, узагальнення, порівняння, групування, аналізу, синтезу. Відзначено збільшення бюджетного дефіциту далеко за межі, встановлені фіскальними правилами, що діяли до війни. Для його покриття було розширено розміщення запозичень на внутрішньому ринку. Через ускладнення доступу до міжнародного ринку ресурси стали надходити в рамках допомоги від зарубіжних партнерів.
Внесення змін до управління державними фінансами в період війни дозволило утримати їх критичний рівень і фінансову стійкість. Державні боргові зобов’язання розміщувалися переважно на довгострокові терміни, не було допущено різкого зростання їх дохідності. Зовнішні запозичення залучалися від іноземних партнерів на пільгових умовах. Визначено заходи щодо покращення фінансового забезпечення публічних витрат у період війни і подолання її наслідків: зниження показників дефіциту державного бюджету шляхом збільшення покриття видатків доходами; регламентування застосування фіскальних правил у період війни; обмеження монетарного фінансування; зменшення обсягів державного ресурсу для фінансування дефіциту бюджету; зміцнення контролю з боку громадських організацій за використанням мобілізованого з усіх джерел ресурсу для фінансового забезпечення публічних витрат.
THE MAIN DIRECTIONS OF PALEOGEOGRAPHIC RESEARCH OF THE INSTITUTE OF GEOGRAPHY OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF UKRAINE
Authors:   Institute of Geography of National Academy of Science of Ukraine, Kyiv, Matviishyna Zh.M.
Published: March 2023

Study of the history of nature in the past are in the main directions of modern world scientific trends. In the sector of paleogeography of the Institute of Geography of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine traditionally develop fundamental and applied aspects related to the study of late Cenozoic sediments. The subject of the works is related to the research of the history and stages of development of nature and its components on the territory of Ukraine in the Pliocene, Pleistocene and Holocene, as well as the reproduction of natural living conditions of ancient man. The publication focuses on the main directions and scientific results, achieved by the scientists of the Sector Paleogeography of the Institute of Geography of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in recent years. In particular, the issue of the impact of global Pleistocene events on the state and evolution of the main components of nature of the territory of Ukraine has been studied; paleogeographic preconditions that contributed to the formation of certain types of sedimentary Cenozoic minerals in Ukraine are outlined; the main natural factors of the paleogeographic environment that influenced changes in human living conditions in Ukraine in the Pleistocene and Holocene are considered; changes in Pleistocene and Holocene soils in key areas of modern Ukraine have been reconstructed. Promising areas of investigation have been identified and an assessment of the possible applied use of the results of paleogeographic research has been made. Thus, the results of paleogeographic research, as well as professional services of paleogeographers can be used: to assess current climate change based on paleogeographic data; for geological additional research and rational use of the subsoil of Ukraine; to develop popular scientific and educational information on the paleogeographical features of the development of nature reserves and geological sites with tourist and recreational potential; to assess the current state and dynamics of spatio-temporal changes in environmental conditions based on paleogeographic analysis of the content of various substances in soils; during geoarchaeological, paleontological, soil research, etc.
Bridging the hiatus: Dramatic and poetic elements in Malalo’s kirari
Authors: Bello Shamsuddeen
Published: March 2023

The theme of this paper is farautar jarumta ‘heroic hunting’ in the north-western part of Nigeria. The paper pays particular attention to the kirari ‘praise-epithets’, also called koɗa kai ‘adulation of the self’, of the mafarauta ‘hunters’ as one of the cardinal features of this kind of hunting. It traces certain dramatic elements, such as stage/space, costume and props, dramatis personae, plot, impersonation, and the spectacle as well as the singing and drumming that are an important part of performance of kirari. It further examines poetic elements in Ummaru Usman Malalo’s famous kirari Saka-cira; these elements are grouped into genealogy-based, action-based, and metaphorical yabo ‘praise’. The paper shows that, although the delivery of kirari has, in some studies, been analysed as a song text, it requires performance along with the dramatic elements which belong in a performance. The analysis of Saka-cira – which has never previously been studied – shows that in their kirari, mafarauta utilise poetic devices to portray, embellish, and exaggerate events, comparing themselves with, or even declaring themselves to be an animal or a natural phenomenon. The analysis in the paper relies on the Hausa version of the kirari. It utilises a transcribed version of Saka-cira, interviews, observations, and secondary literature.
L’empereur d’orient et l’empereur d’occident à Buda (1424) •
Authors: Schreiner Peter
Published: March 2023

The Byzantine emperors had never left their country until the second half of the 14th century, when John V Palaiologos undertook, with two of his sons, a journey to the court of Louis I to seek military aid against the Turks. Despite the failure of this first mission, from then on, contacts with the kings of Hungary determined Byzantine policy. They came to a head when John V’s grandson, John VIII, who replaced his father Manuel II, unable to govern because of an apoplexy, met Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund at Ofen (Buda) in 1424. This had been the first meeting between the rulers of the two empires since the coronation of Charlemagne in 800, and it was recorded by an eyewitness, Eberhard Windecke, who accompanied the Hungarian king during his travels.
Gondolatok az épületkutatásról
Authors: Mezős Tamás
Published: March 2023

ÖSSZEFOGLALÓ

A dolgozat összefoglalja az épületkutatás történetének legfontosabb korszakait Magyarországon, kezdve Schulek Frigyes és Möller István meghatározó munkásságától Dávid Ferenc és Tóth Sándor kutatói tevékenysége elméleti alapjainak a bemutatásáig. Elemzi a kutatás tartalmi komponenseit és bemutatja a speciális szakmai ismereteket, amelyeket szükségesnek tartunk a szakszerű eredményeket produkáló feladat végrehajtásához.
Cader Phenomena as a Determining Group for the Success of Sustainable Development in Rural Areas
Authors: Dulkiah Moh.
Published: March 2023

This research examines how the cadre phenomenon as a group determines the success of a sustainable development program in rural areas. This research uses a qualitative approach with descriptive methods. Research data collection was carried out through observation and in-depth interviews with development cadres, government apparatus, community leaders, youth leaders, religious leaders, and the community in the 3 (three) research villages, namely Cidenok Village, Sumberjaya Village, and Garawangi Village, which all three are part of Sumberjaya District, Majalengka Regency, West Java Indonesia. This study found that cadres are one of the determining groups for the success of sustainable development programs in rural areas. The participation of cadres is seen not only in aspects of the government but also in community activities. Cadres who have fast, active, and good adaptation and apply core values can be trusted by the community in disseminating development information and inviting active participation. The success of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in rural areas requires the role of stakeholders both horizontally and vertically between the community and the government. This study concludes that the involvement of cadre groups has a significant role in the successful implementation of the sustainable development program in rural areas.
Study of consolidation chemotherapy after definitive chemoradiation in locally advanced carcinoma esophagus in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Ahmad Wajahat , Najmi Arshad Manzoor , Wani Nahida , Wani Shaqul Qamar , Banday Saquib Zaffar , Nasreen Shahida
Published: March 2023

Concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) is considered the standard of care in locally advanced and inoperable carcinoma oesophagus patients. However, the majority of these patients have residual disease after completion of CCRT, and there are no definitive treatment guidelines for the management of the residual disease. Reports on consolidation chemotherapy for patients with oesophagal cancer after definitive CCRT are rare and have shown mixed results.
The aim of this study was to see the effects of consolidation chemotherapy in patients of CCRT who had residual disease and were not surgical candidates and also monitor its side effects.
Material and methods: It was a prospective interventional protocol over 2 years where patients received 4 cycles of consolidation chemotherapy post-CCRT. These patients were followed after completion of chemotherapy for response, toxicity and survival.
Results: 45 patients were initially enrolled for the study, histopathologically proven carcinoma of the oesophagus, out of which 30 patients finally received the full course of treatment and were available for final assessment. After consolidation chemotherapy, 23 (76.7 %) patients had a complete response, 3 (10 %) had a partial response, and 4 (13.3 %) had stable disease. There was no progression of the disease during treatment. The overall treatment protocol was well tolerated by all the patients. There were no grade IV toxicities. On follow-up till the compilation of this data, 23 (76.6 %) of the patients were alive, and 7 (23.3 %) died (disease-related events). Out of these 7 patients, 4 patients had a local failure, and 3 patients developed distant metastasis in the form of brain and liver metastasis.
Conclusion: Consolidation chemotherapy after concurrent chemoradiation in locally advanced, inoperable carcinoma oesophagus is a well-tolerable protocol with high chances of complete response rates
Theoretical and methodological basis of the use of digital technologies in the formation of environmental competence of applicants for education
Authors: Mironets Liudmyla , Tolochko Svitlana
Published: March 2023

The article contains the results of scientific research on the theoretical and methodological foundations of the use of digital technologies in the formation of environmental competence of applicants for education. The purpose of the study is to conduct an analysis of theoretical and methodological foundations of the use of digital technologies in the formation of environmental competence of applicants for education in order to create methodological recommendations for teachers to carry out distance and blended learning. Peculiarities of the use of digital technologies in the formation of environmental competence of applicants for education are analyzed (intensification of learning due to the use of attractive and rapidly changing forms of information presentation, promotion of learning individualization; interrelation of portions of information and tests; strict logical sequence, structural and logical schemes; doing tests and solving tasks; having several attempts, learning the material anew or reperforming tasks). Characteristics of online platforms for use in the process of forming environmental competence of applicants for education according to their features, advantages and disadvantages, including Google Apps Education Edition, Google Classroom, Google Meets, Teams, Moodle, Zoom, Classtools, LearningApps, Edmodo, etc., were studied. A method of using mobile applications with ecological content in the formation of environmental competence of applicants for education has been developed through the determination of ways of their integration into educational and cognitive activities, locations (autonomous work in the educational building or remotely); frequency of their application (a prepared educational course, a project with usage of mobile technologies or a one-time integration into an educational session in the process of exploring a certain topic); creation and use of existing mobile applications; use of personal mobile devices or devices of educational institutions.
Distance learning technologies in a higher educational institution: experience in using and implementing e-learning courses in the educational process
Authors: Kovalenko Oksana
Published: March 2023

Distance learning technologies occupy a strong position in the higher education system: they can serve as an instrumental basis for organizing distance learning, they can be actively used in combination with traditional forms and methods of teaching, and they can be used to build networking between universities and employer organizations. There is much experience in using distance learning technologies by university teachers when working with students, which needs to be rethought.

The purpose of this study was to show how an educational platform, such as the S. Kuznets KNEU Personal Learning Systems, can be used to provide educational services in the face of unpredictable barriers in the current circumstances in Ukraine to substantiate the importance and feasibility of developing and implementing distance learning courses on this platform to increase the efficiency of distance learning.

The study reveals the importance of using distance learning technologies in the educational process. Distance learning offers many advantages, such as geographical diversity, efficiency, continuity, individual approach and personalized program. The article analyzes the experience of using distance learning technologies on the example of Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics. The existing difficulties of using distance learning technologies are specified. The algorithm for using the Moodle distance learning system as a tool environment for developing online courses by teachers, distinguished by its functionality, flexibility, reliability and ease of use, is prescribed.

However, Ukraine's education system must catch up with the fundamentals underlying distance learning courses. It is necessary to train highly qualified teaching staff capable of working with students remotely to ensure the effectiveness of distance learning, provide students with updated learning materials, and make courses comprehensive, engaging, and easy to understand. However, the prospects in this area of education in Ukraine are prominent
Sectoral growth dynamics of country groups: a country grouping suggestion
Authors: Alp Selcuk , Alp Elcin Aykac , Ozkan Tugba Kiral , Erdogan Mefule Findikci
Published: March 2023

Purpose- In the study, the effects of sectors on the growth of OECD member countries were determined by using the Fuzzy Goal Programming method. These findings may help policymakers see sector impacts that help countries in their growth targets. The study aims to contribute to the literature in two ways. The first of these analyses are based on long-term economic growth and primary sector analysis. The second contribution is to propose an alternative empirical methodology with clustering analysis which is not used to obtain the basic assumption of homogeneity in the application of panel data analysis.
Methodology- The effects of sectors on the growth of OECD member countries were determined by using the Fuzzy Goal Programming method. In the second step, countries were divided into groups using K-means clustering analysis according to these impact values. With the help of these weights, the growth dynamics of similar countries and the contributions of sectors to this dynamic were obtained.
Findings- Countries analyzed in terms of the contribution of sectoral growth rates to the growth rate of the country were divided into groups by cluster analysis. It is determined that the countries grouped in terms of the contribution of sectors to growth are divided into 5 groups. The first group has 10 member countries. The second group has 12 countries and the third group it has 7 countries, the fourth group has 4 countries and only 1 country belongs to the fifth group. The countries in group 1 are Estonia, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovakia, and Slovenia. The countries in group 2 are Australia, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Hungary, Ireland, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and New Zealand. The countries in group 3 are Austria, Spain, Finland, France, the Republic of Korea, Luxembourg, Switzerland, the USA, Israel, Costa Rica, the United Kingdom, and Japan.
Conclusion- Countries that have similar sectoral structures can analyze growth with panel data analysis, but it is important to form homogeneous groups while doing this analysis. For this reason, another critical suggestion it is offered based on the study is the use of FGP methodology in the analysis method.

Keywords: Economic growth, sectoral growth, Fuzzy Goal Programming, Cluster Analysis, Panel VAR
JEL Codes: N10, C61, C38, C33
Do Locals’ Perception of Bushfire Impact on Rubber Trees Match or Mismatch with Empirical Data? Evidence from Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: OROBATOR Paul Orobosa , ODJUGO Peter Akpodiogaga-a
Published: March 2023

Aim of study: This study determined whether locals’ perception of bushfire impact on rubber trees matched or mismatched with empirical data.
Area of study: This investigation was conducted in Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN) and six neighboring communities (Uhie, Iyanomo, Obaretin, Obayantor I, Ogbekpen and Obagie) in Edo State, Nigeria.
Material and methods: Quantitative data on tree height, canopy, diameter at breast height (DBH) and bark were obtained by direct measurements and field observation in burnt and unburnt rubber plantations. Locals’ perceptive data were obtained through the administration of questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to examine data on perception of locals’ while Student-t test was adopted to determine significant differences of tree parameters in burnt and unburnt rubber plantations.
Main results: There were significant differences in height, canopy and DBH of rubber trees. Besides incidences of fissured tree bark; reduction in height, canopy and DBH of trees were detected in burnt rubber plantation. Majority of the local’s agreed that bushfire negatively impacted rubber tree parameters and natives’ perception aligned with the experiential results.
Highlights: Locals’ perception of bushfire effect on rubber trees accessed through the Likert-type format of questionnaire matched with empirical data.
Phytoextraction of Heavy Metal (Cu, Zn, Pb) from Mining Area by Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Authors: AYBAR Mustafa , SAĞLAM Bülent , DAĞHAN Hatice , TÜFEKÇIOĞLU Aydın , KÖLELI Nurcan , YILMAZ Fatma Nur
Published: March 2023

Aim of study: The aim of this study was to determine the phytoremediation capacity of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), which can also be used as a bioenergy plant, in soils contaminated with copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) from the waste dumping sites during the mining operations.
Area of study: Phytoremediation study was carried out in Artvin Coruh University Research greenhouse environment.
Material and Methods: Plants were grown by mixing clean and contaminated soil at the rates of 0%, 50% and 100%. Bioaccumulation (BAF) and translocation (TF) factors were calculated by measuring heavy metal concentrations in soil and plant samples. The bioaccumulation factor is calculated by dividing the metal concentration in the shoots with the metal concentration in the soil. The translocation factor expresses the ratio of the metal concentration in the plant green parts to the root metal concentration.
Main results: The sunflower plant has accumulated the highest Zn in the shoots, while Cu and Pb have accumulated the highest in the roots. The mean BAF values of the plants were determined as 0.72 for Zn, 0.5 for Pb and 0.28 for Cu, while the mean TF values were determined as 1.25 for Zn, 0.97 for Pb and 0.52 for Cu.
Highlights: The findings show that the sunflower plant can be used in the phytostabilization of Cu metal and in the phytoextraction of Zn and Pb metal to reclaim heavy metal contaminated soils.
Selection of Stationary Phase of HPLC for Posaconazole Estimation v1
Authors: not provided annamalai.rama
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Posaconazole is a widely used antifungal drug, and its accurate quantification is essential for quality control and assessment of its pharmaceutical products. This study aimed to develop and validate a reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analytical method for quantifying Posaconazole in bulk and dosage form. Methods: The HPLC method was developed and validated based on International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines. The developed method was then applied to quantify Posaconazole in a marketed tablet formulation. The method's specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, robustness, and stability were evaluated. Results: The developed HPLC method showed good linearity over a 2-20 μg/mL concentration range. The percentage recovery of Posaconazole from the bulk and marketed formulations was found to be 99.01% and 99.05%, respectively. The intra-day and inter-day precisions were less than 1%, and the method was stable under different conditions. The HPLC method was successfully applied to quantify Posaconazole in the marketed formulation. Conclusion: The developed and validated HPLC method is reliable and efficient for analyzing Posaconazole in bulk and dosage forms. The method's accuracy, precision, specificity, linearity, robustness, and stability demonstrate its effectiveness. The method can be used for the quality control and assessment of Posaconazole-containing pharmaceutical products.
Recovering Plasmid DNA from Bacterial Culture v1
Authors: The Nonprofit Plasmid Repository Addgene
Published: March 2023

This protocol is for recovering plasmid DNA from Bacterial Culture. To see the full abstract and other resources, visit https://www.addgene.org/protocols/purify-plasmid-dna/.
Indonesian EFL Learners’ Responses To Extensive Reading: Benefits and Challenges
Authors: Mardiyana Lina , Setyarini Sri , Amalia Lulu Laela
Published: March 2023

AbstrakKarena manfaatnya terhadap banyak keterampilan spesifik, ER telah dipercaya sebagai salah satu solusi terbaik dalam merangsang penguasaan bahasa siswa. Namun, terlepas dari manfaat yang ditawarkan, beberapa kendala dan masalah juga dilaporkan muncul baik dari guru maupun siswa. Studi saat ini mencoba untuk menggali (1) manfaat ER pada keterampilan spesifik yang diakui oleh mahasiswa dan (2) hambatan yang mereka hadapi dalam menerapkan ER. Penelitian ini melibatkan 4 mahasiswa Program Studi Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris di salah satu universitas di Riau, Indonesia yang telah menerapkan ER sebelum mereka masuk Universitas. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui angket terbuka dan wawancara. Temuan dan diskusi tentang tanggapan peserta terhadap ER kemudian disajikan dan saran untuk penelitian lebih lanjut juga diberikan.Kata kunci: Manfaat, Tantangan, Membaca Ekstensif AbstractDue to its many benefits for specific skills, extensive reading (ER) has been trusted as one of the best solutions in stimulating student language acquisition. However, apart from the benefits it offers, some constraints and issues were also reported that arise from both teachers and students. The current study attempted to investigate (1) the benefits of ER on specific skills recognized by university students and (2) the obstacles they face in implementing ER. This study involved four students of an English Education Study Program at a university in Riau, Indonesia, who implemented ER before they entered the university. The data were collected through open-ended questionnaires adapted from Arai (2019) and interviews. Findings and discussions about the participants’ responses to ER are then presented, and suggestions for further research are also given.Keywords: Benefit, Challenges, Extensive Reading.
Art of Therapy melalui proses kreatif menggambar untuk meningkatkan rasa tanggung jawab pada anak usia 4-5 tahun
Authors: Ningrum Nina Nursetia , Pamela Apsari Wiba
Published: March 2023

Kemampuan anak-anak dalam bertanggung jawab dan meningkatkan kepercayaan diri di Yayasan An-Nur Bandung masih belum berkembang secara optimal oleh karena itu peneliti menerapkan metode Art Of Therapy (AOT) melalui pembelajaran menggambar. Masalah dalam penelitian ini yaitu tidak sedikit anak-anak usia dini dapat mengerjakan tugas hingga selesai sebagai bentuk pertanggung jawabannya. konsep AOT dalam program seni rupa dalam penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat bagaimana anak dapat merespon dan bertanggung jawab saat kegiatan pembelajaran, Metode yang digunakan adalah netode kualitatif dengan memberikan stimulus selama 1 tahun pengajaran, wawancara, data penelitian di analisis secara deskriptif. Hasil data dari penelitian yaitu a) perencanaan kegiatan AOT b) pelaksanaan AOT meningkatkan kreatifitas, mengembangkan imajinasi anak dan kepercayaan dri bagi anak c) hasil yang diperoleh dari AOT menjadikan anak yang bertanggung jawab dan berkepribadian percaya diri. berdasarkan data tersebut maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa didalam AOT dapat meningkatkan kreativitas, ide pada anak dan kepercayaan dirinya untuk menunjukan pribadinya di lingkungan sekitarnya. Berdasarkan data tersebut anak dapat merespon lawan bicara ketika anak diminta untuk membereskan tempat bermain, anak langsung sigap untuk membereskannya, serta bertanggung jawab dalam kegiatan yang ia mulai hingga selesai, ketika anak membuat kolase, ia akan menyelesaikannya hingga selesai dan menjadi suatu karya yang dapat ia pamerkan.
Menerapkan Model Discovery Learning Untuk Meningkatkan Aktivitas Belajar Matematika Pada Materi Transformasi Dalam PTM Terbatas
Authors: Herlina Lina
Published: March 2023

Kurangnya aktivitas belajar siswa kelas IX-A di SMPN 2 Jatinangor dalam pembelajaran tatap muka terbatas menyebabkan hasil belajar siswa pada materi transformasi kurang maksimal. berdasarkan data awal diketahui bahwa dari seluruh siswa yang berjumlah 36 orang hanya 19 orang siswa atau 52% saja yang tuntas dalam belajarnya. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah meningkatnya aktivitas belajar matematika siswa pada materi transformasi pada pembelajaran tatap muka terbatas dengan menerapkan model discovery learning. Penelitian ini dilakukan melalui tindakan kelas yang terdiri dari dua siklus masing masing siklus dilaksanakan dalam dua kali pertemuan, Instrumen yang digunakan adalah instrumen observasi kegiatan siswa dan kegiatan guru. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa aktivitas belajar setelah menerapkan model discovery learning meningkat, hal ini diindikasikan oleh terlampauinya indikator keberhasilan dalam penelitian ini. Data tersebut didukung dengan kegiatan siswa yang telah sesuai dengan sintak pembelajaran. Tindakan tersebut juga juga telah dapat meningkatkan kegiatan belajar siswa pada siklus I dengan rerata skor yang diperoleh mencapai 2.5 kemudian pada siklus II menjadi 3.3. Oleh sebab itu dapat disimpulkan bahwa penerapan model pembelajaran discovery learning dalam pembelajaran matematika dengan materi transformasi telah dapat meningkatkan aktivitas belajar siswa sehingga hasil belajarnya menjadi lebih baik.