bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of microstructure and magnetic properties of 3D printed bonded magnets made by fused deposition modeling
Authors: Brunčko M. , Kneissl A. C. , Gorše L. , Anžel I.
Published: February 2024

Bonded magnets are composite materials consisting of polymer matrix and magnetic powders, prepared by rapid solidification processes from Nd-Fe-B alloys. They are synthesised by the compounding process on a twin-screw extruder, whereby, the finished products of complex shapes can be made from bonded magnets using injection moulding or 3D printing by fused deposition modelling method (FDM). The main advantages of 3D printing are the possibility to produce parts with complex geometries that are not possible with traditional manufacturing techniques and low-cost production of small batches.

The aim of the research work was to identify the optimum processing parameters, which would give 3D printed bonded magnets characteristics similar to those produced by injection moulding. The characterization of the microstructure of bonded magnets was made on cryo-fractured, conventionally mechanically prepared and ion beam polished samples. The microstructures of bonded magnets were analysed by stereo, optical and scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, the influence of the 3D printing parameters on the magnetic properties has been examined.

The results of the research work have shown that desired magnetic properties of 3D printed bonded magnets can be obtained by optimizing the thickness of the printed layer, printing speed and flowrate. In addition, it was revealed that selection of the materialographic preparation method plays a crucial step for correct microstructural characterization. Namely, the impropriate sample preparation results in artifacts that are mostly misinterpreted as microstructural defects (pores, cracks, non-adherent layers, etc.) accidently caused during 3d printing.
Des outils d’évaluation aux trajets de la rétroaction écrite : la dimension formative de l’évaluation en stage
Authors: Malo Annie , Monfette Olivia
Published: February 2024

Dans la foulée de la deuxième édition du référentiel de compétences au Québec, une démarche d’analyse en trois étapes a permis de faire le bilan d’outils d’évaluation et de leurs usages lors des stages en enseignement. Elle a conduit à dégager quatre profils d’écriture des commentaires dans la grille d’évaluation, appelés « trajets de la rétroaction ». Le but de l’article est de rendre compte des résultats obtenus à l’aide de la démarche et de les mettre en discussion avec les principes promus dans le domaine de l’évaluation des compétences, notamment au regard de la dimension formative et de la rétroaction écrite.
Crkva i samostan Sv. Marije od Anđela u Osoru
Authors: Marušić Matko Matija
Published: February 2024

O samostanu Sv. Marije od Anđela u Osoru, ukinutom 1743. godine i razrušenom sredinom 19. stoljeća, gotovo da nije pisano. Rijetki navodi u literaturi prenose podatke iz dvaju kompendija crkvenih povijesti iz 18. stoljeća, Kamaldoljanskih anala i Svetog Ilirika, koji govore o osnutku ženske redovničke zajednice u 11. stoljeću i njezinu kontinuitetu do ukidanja. Tako rani postanak nije vjerojatan, a usporednim čitanjem ranijih pisanih izvora moguće je rasvijetliti okolnosti osnivanja samostana u 16. stoljeću, ali i etape njegova daljnjeg života. U radu se također razmatraju unutrašnje uređenje nekadašnje samostanske crkve, njezini izgubljeni oltari s drvenim skulpturama i kasniji, mramorni inventar, dijelom sačuvan ponovnom upotrebom. Na lokalitetu u zapadnom dijelu grada na kojem je samostan podignut sredinom 16. stoljeća, međutim, razlikuje se nekoliko ranijih faza koje – iako nisu povezane sa samostanom – zavređuju posebnu obradu. U svojstvu prolegomene za buduća arheološka istraživanja, u radu se upozorava na zid s lezenama (dio pročelja crkve iz 16. stoljeća, a danas ogradni zid dvorišta), u kojem se prepoznaju ostatci neke ranije crkve nepoznatog titulara.
Studije Božidara Gagre u katalozima „decenijskih izložaba” Muzeja savremene umetnosti u Beogradu
Authors: Prelog Petar
Published: February 2024

U ovom radu analizirat će se tri studije hrvatskog povjesničara umjetnosti Božidara Gagre objavljene u katalozima „decenijskih izložaba” Muzeja savremene umetnosti u Beogradu. Prva (1972.) predstavlja početke hrvatskog modernog slikarstva kao niz spram neposrednoj  prošlosti kritički usmjerenih iskaza, obilježenih individualizmom i u uskoj vezi s društvenom situacijom. Druga (1975.) pak obrađuje hrvatsku skulpturu u dugačkom razdoblju od osam desetljeća (1870. – 1950.): analizira se njezina uloga u modernom građanskom društvu te se detektiraju kiparski naraštaji i njihovi nositelji. U trećoj studiji (1977.) Gagro pruža sintezni pregled hrvatske grafike u prvoj polovini 20. stoljeća, raspravljajući prije svega o njezinu društvenom položaju. U autorovu pristupu prepoznat će se tako utjecaji one metodološke struje povijesti umjetnosti koja je umjetničku produkciju promatrala kao jasan odraz društvenih okolnosti. Ocijenit će se zatim povijesnoumjetnički prinosi tih studija, a zaključno istaknuti i obilježja Gagrine valorizacijske paradigme koja je europskim kanonskim vrijednostima pridavala značenje važne orijentacijske točke, a ne nedostižnog cilja.
Crkva, pustinja, bunker
Authors: Glavaš Ivo
Published: February 2024

U knjizi Crkva, pustinja, bunker / Špilja sv. Ante u kanalu pred Šibenikom, autora Emila Podruga, Josipa Pavića, Ivane Prijatelj Pavičić, Željke Bedić, Vlaste Vyroubal, Marija Šlausa, Sarah McClure i Željka Krnčevića, na cjelovit način obrađuje se važni kulturno-povijesni i arheološki lokalitet špilja sv. Ante, prirodni speleološki objekt na istočnom dijelu šibenskog Kanala sv. Ante, koji je u srednjem vijeku pretvoren u sakralni prostor posvećen sv. Antunu Opatu (Pustinjaku).
Vinko Srhoj, Crno na bijelo i vice versa
Authors: Vuković Vesna
Published: February 2024

Tekst predstavlja i analizira knjigu Vinka Srhoja Crno na bijelo i vice versa, koja obuhvaća njegove izabrane napise o umjetnosti iz posljednjih četiriju desetljeća, i to iz nekoliko registara, od znanstvenih radova i izlaganja na znanstvenim skupovima, preko kritika u stručnim časopisima i dnevnim novinama, sve do polemika i političkih intervencija u javnoj sferi. Pristupa joj se iz rakursa transformacija umjetničkog polja i krize kritike koje su uokvirile i kritičarov „radni staž” da bi se u tom svjetlu sagledala važnost njegova zahvata. Srhoj je kritičar „staroga kova”, ali njegov kritičarski postupak nipošto nije modernistički distanciran, on utopijski aspekt kritike nužan za modernistički projekt spaja s postmodernom kritikom (modernističkih) stubova institucije umjetnosti. Zbirka skladno uvezuje autorove preokupacije, tematske, estetske i teorijske, te predstavlja i svojevrsni pregled domaćeg modernog i suvremenog kiparstva i slikarstva, u kontekstu umjetničkog razvoja na lokalnoj i međunarodnoj umjetničkoj sceni te u svojem društvenopolitičkom kontekstu.
Epidemiology, prognosis, and challenges in the management of hyperthyroidism-related atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kostopoulos Georgios , Effraimidis Grigoris
Published: February 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common condition with a global estimated prevalence of 60 million cases, and the most common cardiac complication of hyperthyroidism, occurring in 5–15% of overtly hyperthyroid patients. Additionally, subclinical hyperthyroidism and high-normal free T4 have been associated with an increased risk in the development of AF. Hyperthyroidism-related AF is a reversible cause of AF, and the majority of patients spontaneously revert to sinus rhythm in 4–6 months during or after restoration of euthyroidism. Therefore, restoring thyroid function is an indispensable element in hyperthyroidism-related AF management. Rate control with beta-blockers consists another first-line therapy, reserving rhythm control in cases of persistent hyperthyroidism-related AF. It is still controversial whether hyperthyroidism is an independent risk factor of stroke in nonvalvular AF. As a result, initiating anticoagulation should be guided by the clinical thromboembolic risk score CHA2DS2-VASc score in the same way it is applied in patients with non-hyperthyroidism-related AF. Treatment with the novel direct oral anticoagulants appears to be as beneficial and may be safer than warfarin in patients with hyperthyroidism-related AF. In this review, we address the epidemiology, prognosis, and diagnosis of hyperthyroidism-related AF, and we discuss the management strategies and controversies in patients with hyperthyroidism-related AF.
À la Mémoire de Michel Millodot
Authors: Sivak Jacob
Published: February 2024

Obituary for Michel Millodot written by J Sivak
Porous Structure of Never-Dried Pulp Fibers Analyzed by Nitrogen Adsorption Method
Authors:   Department of Biomaterial Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo- ku, Tokyo 113- 8657, Japan, Kimura Minoru , Kimura Satoshi ,   Department of Biomaterial Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo- ku, Tokyo 113- 8657, Japan, Qi Zi-Dong ,   Department of Biomaterial Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo- ku, Tokyo 113- 8657, Japan, Kuga Shigenori ,   Department of Biomaterial Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo- ku, Tokyo 113- 8657, Japan, Isogai Akira ,   Department of Biomaterial Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo- ku, Tokyo 113- 8657, Japan
Published: February 2024

Porous structures of never- dried pulp fibers were investigated by nitrogen adsorption method. A distinct bent-point in the desorption isotherms was observed at a 45% relative vapor pressure for both softwood and hardwood never- dried pulp fibers. The singular reduction in nitrogen adsorption volume was likely attributed to the presence of mesopores formed via lignin removal in wood cell walls during pulping, which was indicated from the results of nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms for partially delignified wood powders. The specific surface area of a sufficiently delignified softwood powder was ~150 m2/g, slightly lower than 200 m2/g. These results indicate that 4×4=16 individual cellulose microfibrils (each of which is 3–4 nm wide) form one unit of cellulose fibril bundle and each bundle is surrounded by lignin thin layer in softwood cell walls. On the contrary, partially delignified hardwood powders had extremely small specific surface areas, whereas a hardwood pulp fiber showed a fairly large surface area. The specific surface areas of delignified hardwood powders were drastically increased after extraction with alkali to remove xylan. Thus, not only lignin but also xylan plays a significant role in the formation of pore structures for the hardwood pulp fiber and the delignified wood powders. The results of pore size distribution analysis using BJH and NLDFT techniques showed that the sizes of principal mesopores present in unbeaten pulp fibers were 3.2–3.7 nm and were increased by disintegration process.
Beneﬁts of Foam Forming Technology and Its Application in High MFC Addition Structures
Authors:   VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, FI-40101, Finland, Kinnunen Karita , Lehmonen Jani ,   VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, FI-40101, Finland, Beletski Nikolai ,   VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, FI-40101, Finland, Jetsu Petri ,   VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, FI-40101, Finland, Hjelt Tuomo ,   VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, FI-40101, Finland
Published: February 2024

In paper and board industry there is a strong need for a radically more resource-efficient production technologies, which would also enable the manufacture of sustainable and value- added fibre products. In this paper we introduce foam forming method, where foam is used as a transporting media of furnishes. The technology enables to make structures with excellent formation in higher headbox consistencies and a very high bulk. When this is combined with the good water drainage properties, which allows the high addition levels of strengthening agents as micro fibrillar cellulose (MFC), one can make products with very big bulk and still have an adequate strength value. We studied different MFC grades and they seem to behave rather similarly in bulk vs. strength comparisons. However, some difference is obtained leaving room for optimization of best MFC grade on certain product.
Role of belief in miracles in clinical settings – a literature review
Authors: Martins Leal Miriam , Marinho Bezerra Evellyn Cristiny Pereira , Helena de Freitas Marta
Published: February 2024

Health professionals, in their daily clinical practice, are often faced with the verbalization of belief in miracles by patients and surrogates, in cases of serious diseases. Many of them consider the content of this belief in decision-making in terminal stages of the disease. However, this topic is little discussed in academic and scientific circles, together with a large gap in health training. The objective of this study is to understand the research scenario for the topic in question, how it has been approached in contemporary times, what perspectives and methodologies have been adopted in published studies, what results they have achieved, and to what extent they are or are not convergent or divergent each other in terms of implications for clinical practice. A literature review was carried out, using the descriptors: faith healing, delivery of health care, belief, miracle, clinical practice and divine cure, in Portuguese and English, in the VHL, PubMed, SciELO, PsycInfo databases. From a total of 2,369 articles initially found, 32 were selected, 14 of which resulted from empirical research, 13 were theoretical in nature and five were opinion-based. Twenty-three articles focused on the professional's perspective on the topic. In addition to the onesided nature of the studies, which tend to present only the perspectives of health professionals and neglect the experiences of patients and caregivers themselves in relation to the phenomenon of belief in miracles, it was observed that it tends to be stigmatized and interpreted as a mere denial of reality, with the potential to trigger conflicts between patients/surrogates and health professionals. It may be concluded that there is a need for more studies focusing on the genuine experiences of patients and surrogates, in order to support an epistemologically qualified clinical practice, for an understanding of the phenomenon of belief in miracles and its subjective and intersubjective impacts in clinical contexts and, consequently, consistent with a more comprehensive conception of physical and mental health
Characteristics of Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths on Shared and Nonshared Sleep Surfaces
Authors: Erck Lambert Alexa B. , Shapiro-Mendoza Carrie K. , Parks Sharyn E. , Cottengim Carri , Faulkner Meghan , Hauck Fern R.
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVES

Describe characteristics of sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) occurring on shared or nonshared sleep surfaces.

METHODS

We examined SUID among residents of 23 US jurisdictions who died during 2011 to 2020. We calculated frequencies and percentages of demographic, sleep environment, and other characteristics by sleep surface sharing status and reported differences of at least 5% between surface sharing and nonsharing infants.

RESULTS

Of 7595 SUID cases, 59.5% were sleep surface sharing when they died. Compared with nonsharing infants, sharing infants were more often aged 0 to 3 months, non-Hispanic Black, publicly insured, found supine, found in an adult bed or chair/couch, had a higher number of unsafe sleep factors present, were exposed to maternal cigarette smoking prenatally, were supervised by a parent at the time of death, or had a supervisor who was impaired by drugs or alcohol at the time of death. At least 76% of all SUID had multiple unsafe sleep factors present. Among surface-sharing SUID, most were sharing with adults only (68.2%), in an adult bed (75.9%), and with 1 other person (51.6%). Surface sharing was more common among multiples than singletons.

CONCLUSIONS

Among SUID, surface sharing and nonsharing infants varied by age at death, race and ethnicity, insurance type, presence of unsafe sleep factors, prenatal smoke exposure, and supervisor impairment. Most SUID, regardless of sleep location, had multiple unsafe sleep factors present, demonstrating the need for comprehensive safe sleep counseling for every family at every encounter.
Estudio de caracterización socioeconómica y demográfica de los afiliados al régimen subsidiado de salud, Colombia 2019-2020
Authors: Urdinola Piedad , Bejarano Salcedo Valeria , Espinosa Oscar , Silva Pedro Luis Do Nascimento
Published: February 2024

Este artículo presenta una caracterización socioeconómica y demográfica de las personas afiliadas al régimen subsidiado en el Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud en Colombia, representativa a nivel nacional a partir de las Encuestas de Calidad de Vida de 2019 y 2020. Luego de realizar análisis de correspondencias múltiples y mapas factoriales, se logra identificar el perfil estándar que corresponde a las personas más vulnerables en términos socioeconómicos, pero que difieren a través de variables demográficas como la edad, el sexo y el lugar de residencia, entre otras. Asimismo, al estimar un modelo logit se encuentra una mayor probabilidad de pertenecer al régimen subsidiado, frente al contributivo, para quienes están en condiciones de pobreza multidimensional, pertenecen a las minorías étnicas y residen en zonas rurales.
Violencia y perdón colectivo: Deudas imprescriptibles en el mundo contemporáneo
Authors: Baquero Rafael Pérez
Published: February 2024

El propósito de este artículo es el de indagar en los presupuestos conceptuales e históricos subyacentes al perdón colectivo. Dada la naturaleza híbrida – entre lo ético y lo político - de esta noción, diversos autores la han conceptualizado integrándola o bien en las prácticas de legitimación de la soberanía o, al contrario, en un espacio ético incompatible con las relaciones políticas. Ambas interpretaciones niegan la posibilidad de un perdón colectivo auténtico en el espacio público. Frente a ambas aproximaciones, reconstruiremos diferentes argumentos para defender la fertilidad de dicha práctica ética en el interior de los procesos recientes de justicia transicional.
‘Is he a barrister or not?’
Authors: Braber Natalie , Ching Jane , Jarman Jane , Stevens Olivia , Robson Jeremy , Pautz Nikolas
Published: February 2024

Barristers present formalised legal arguments before courts and tribunals. As a result, considerable focus is placed on their oral skills. However, people are frequently judged by the accent they use. Those with a more standard accent – ‘Received Pronunciation’ (RP) in the UK – can be perceived as more intelligent and eloquent. This creates a barrier to social mobility because accent-based bias can discriminate against those with non-standard accents. This article examines how the public perceives barristers in England and Wales with different accents and investigates experiences of barristers to establish whether accent discrimination disadvantages certain speakers. It includes an online survey of the general public which found that RP and South-East English accents are still seen as more prestigious. In addition, interviews with barristers illustrate how accent discrimination is widespread and affects career progression.
Research of the Influence of Agrophytotehnical Works on Rapeseed Production Parameters
Authors: HORGA Vasile-Adrian , ȘTER Vlăduț-Ionuț , SUCIU Dan-Laurențiu , HULUJAN Ionuț-Bogdan , FLORIAN Teodora , COSTIN Alexandru-Daniel , RUSU Teodor
Published: February 2024

Two tillage systems were studied between 2022 and 2023 in Grebenișu de Câmpie and near Ungheni city (Mureș County, Romania) and their impact at growth and production parameters of rapeseed crop. Also, for each tillage system, the growth plant parameters have been monitorized. One of the studied tillage systems was conventional, including stubble cultivation followed by ploughing at 25 cm depth. The second tillage system was minimum tillage, using a trailed field cultivator for soil preparation, at a depth of 20-25 cm, one day before seeding. In both tillage systems, power harrow was used before seeding. During the growth stages of rapeseed, the plants were analyzed and compared for each tillage system and for each field from Ungheni area and from Grebenișu de Câmpie. The morphological characters were analyzed in laboratory. All colected data were statistycal represented in tables by location and by tillage system. In the variant with conventional plough, average height, number of branches, stem thickness and root development were smaller than in the fileds with minimum tillage. Regarding the morphological characters of plants, a significant difference was determined in the height and the number of plant branches, the values were higher at minimum tillage system.
A Research - Civil Society Joint Approach for Soil Conservation in High Natural Value Areas
Authors: DUMITRAȘCU Monica , ȘTEFĂNESCU Sorin Liviu , VIDICAN Roxana , UNTEȘU Alexandru Andrei
Published: February 2024

Since the existing information on soils level of fertility in the High Natural Value (HNV) eligible area is scarce, a partnership was concluded between a mixed team of soil scientists and civil society environmentalists within the frame of a research project aiming to: (i) appraise the stakeholders perception and views on the importance of soil conservation and environmental friendly land management, (ii) assess the level of fertility in HNV eligible areas and start building-up the first national HNV soil data base and (iii) identify the most relevant soil indicators for designing an expeditious HNV soil monitoring system. The results revealed the strong agreement of the civil society on the recently issued agricultural policies supporting practices under agri-environment measures and a fair existing level of the soil conservation under HNV practices, as long as land and soil careful administration and resource-efficient management are constantly pursued.
Plant Growth and Development in Relation to Phosphorus: A review
Authors: FATHI Amin , MEHDINIYA AFRA Jaber
Published: February 2024

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a primal limiting factor for crop yields, particularly during the early developmental phase. This nutritious element plays a key role in several physiological mechanisms such as seed and fruit formation, respiration, photosynthesis, energy storage, and transfer, cell division, cell enlargement, and many other processes in the plant. Part of P applied to soil as fertilizer is could be into insoluble forms, rendering it unavailable to plants and causing environmental pollution. Therefore, increasing p absorption ability by plants appears to be critical for increasing agricultural productivity and decreasing pollution. Improving the crops P use efficiency (PUE) could be an effective method to increase P uptake. The maximum PUE is observed where nutrient supply via chemical fertilizer is the lowest level. This review discussed the significance of plant growth, yield quality, and PUE.
Influence of Soil Tillage Systems on Rapeseed Production Parameters and on the Numerical Density of Pest Complex
Authors: HORGA Vasile-Adrian , ȘTER Vlăduț-Ionuț , SUCIU Dan-Laurențiu , HULUJAN Ionuț-Bogdan , FLORIAN Teodora , RUSU Teodor
Published: February 2024

Brassica rapa L. is one of the most common plant cultivated in Europe. The farmers from Ungheni area (Mureș, Romania) reported the attack of pest complex in rapeseed culture in the 2021 year. For that, two soil tillage systems  were estabilished to reduce the pests complex and to increase the rapeseed production. The results  indicated that is recommanded to apply two different tillage sistems at 5 parcels. First ot them was the conventional tillage, with plough and the other one was reduced tillage, with cultivator. For monitoring the growth stage and the pests percentage, 20 rapeseed plants were selected from each parcel. The pests idenification taked place at the Entomology Discipline and the plants grown stage and production parameters were analyzed at Agrotehnical Discipline, at University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca. In the conventional tillage the average of plants reported with pests was about 55% and the maximum number of adults/plant was 7 (field 2). In the minimum tillage, the average of plants reported with pests was about 15 % and the maximum number of adults/plant was 2. In the fields with plough, the production was about 3200 kg/ha and in those with cultivator, the production was about 4400 kg/ha.
Consumer awareness and search trends for agrifood products certified with European Quality Schemes: PDO, PGI, and TSG - An analysis through Google Trends
Authors: GLOGOVEȚAN Alexandra-Ioana , DABIJA Dan-Cristian , POCOL Cristina Bianca
Published: February 2024

This groundbreaking study leverages Google Trends to probe into consumer awareness of Romanian food products certified under European quality schemes, Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), and Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG), delivering prompt insights and addressing an existing research void. By adopting an innovative methodology through big data analytics - Google Trends and analyzing 12 sets of search terms, this study brings fresh insights to academic discourse and provides valuable information for marketers and policymakers. Prominent search interest was detected for 'Salam de Sibiu', ‘Plăcintă dobrogeană', and 'Magiun de prune Topoloveni', pointing to significant consumer familiarity. The study also unveiled regional search patterns, signifying location-based preferences, and potential marketing prospects. However, a marked contrast was found between the high interest in the products and the relatively low awareness of their European quality labels, highlighting a need for enhanced communication initiatives around these certifications. The study could be limited by its focus on Romanian certified food products, which may not be applicable to other geographical contexts. Future research endeavours may also seek to integrate data from Google Trends data with additional indicators of consumer behaviour.
The Behaviour of some Recommended Grapevine Cultivars in a Sustainable Crop System to the Eriophyid Mites Attack
Authors: RĂCOARE Horia-Silviu , TOMOIAGĂ Liliana Lucia , SÎRBU Alexandra-Doina , CHEDEA Veronica Sanda
Published: February 2024

The behaviour of some vine cultivars when attacked by the eriophyid mites,Colomerus vitis Pagenstecher which causes grapevine erinose and Calepitrimerus vitis Nalepa, the agent that causes acariosis, is extremely divers, and inconsistent. Some cultivars are resistant under certain conditions (locations), while others are more sensitive. The purpose of this study is to establish the resistance/tolerance of some cultivars to the attack of eryophyid mites, the main pests in the vineyards of Transylvania. The experiments were placed in the experimental plantations of SCDVV Blaj located in the Tarnave vineyard plantated with cultivars: Brumăriu, Fetească regală, Pinot gris, Traminer roz, Muscat Ottonel, Sauvignon blanc, Riesling italian, Blasius, Selena. By analysing the symptoms on the before mentioned cultivars, the attack degree (AD%) varied form 1% for Selena to 47% for Blasius. Among the cultivars, in 2020 Brumăriu has the highest AD% caused by Colomerus vitis with 18.82 %, compared with Pinot gris who had the lowest attack rate 0.08%. All the cultivars were midresistant and resistant against the eriophyid mites, with one exception, Brumăriu has an Attack Degree (AD %) of 18.82%, at the attack of Colomerus vitis.
Preliminary Results Regarding the Behaviour of Two Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa Michx.) Cultivars in Environmental Conditions of Northern Transylvania
Authors: CHIOREAN Anca Maria , ROȘU-MAREȘ Smaranda , JAKAB- ILYEFALVI Zsolt , BUTA Erzsebet , MITRE Viorel
Published: February 2024

The paper presents preliminary results of the behaviour of two Aronia cultivars grown conventionally and organically. Aronia melanocarpa Michx. Elliott is a versatile, deciduous ultistems shrub, which belongs to Rosaceae family. It is considered a rustic shrub due to its high capacity to adapt to different geographic areas, climatic conditions (temperature, rainfall, humidity) and various soil types.  It originates from North America and Canada, chokeberry fruits have the highest antioxidant, polyphenols, anthocyans and vitamins content among many shrub species. ‘Nero’ and ‘Melrom’ chokeberry cultivars, found favourable environmental conditions for growth and fruit production in Northern Transylvania, with an average bush volume between 0.46m³- 0.84m³ and yield between 1.018t/ha- 1.674t/ha, in the first 3 years after planting.
Effect of Topping on Growth Development and CBD Content of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) in Pot Culture
Authors: ROUSSIS Ioannis , BILALIS Dimitrios , PAPASTYLIANOU Panayiota , KAKABOUKI Ioanna , MAVROEIDIS Antonios , STAVROPOULOS Panteleimon
Published: February 2024

In hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivation, an important management factor is apical cut (topping) as this modulates plant architecture, plant biomass allocation as well as the yield of inflorescences and cannabinoids per plant and area. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of topping treatment on agronomical and quality characteristics of two monoecious hemp varieties, ‘Fedora 17’ and ‘Felina’, A greenhouse pot experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD), with two topping treatments (untreated and topped). The results revealed that plant height of both varieties was negatively affected by topping treatment and the higher values were recorded in the untreated (137.02 and 134.56 cm for Fedora 17 and Felina, respectively). The highest values of dry weight per plant and bud dry weight per plant were noticed for topped plants. In conclusion, the findings of the present study implied that the hemp had a positive response to applied topping for all studied cultivars and the CBD content was higher in topped plants as topping stress increased cannabidiol (CBD) content.
The Influence of Salt Stress on the Content of Vitamin C in the Leaves of some Varieties and Lines of Bitter Cucumber (Momordica charantia)
Authors: OSTACI Ștefănica , SLABU Cristina , MARTA Alina Elena , COVAȘĂ Mihaela , MINIAȚĂ Iulia , JITĂREANU Carmen Doina
Published: February 2024

Bitter cucumber is a tropical and subtropical plant with a long history of medicinal use. Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress that affects the morphology and physiology of plants leading to reduced growth, production yield or in some cases their death. Salt stress increases the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in plants. They developed adaptation mechanisms by increasing the level of antioxidants, including vitamin C. The aim was to estimate the amount of vitamin C in the studied plants to determine the ability to adapt to salinity and improve nutritional properties. To carry out the experiment, two varieties and three experimental lines of bitter cucumber subjected to saline stress through treatments with saline solutions of different concentrations were used. The estimation of vitamin C content was carried out by UV-Vis spectrophotometry using the calibration curve method with standard L-ascorbic acid and KMnO4. After performing the analysis of variance on the varieties and lines of bitter cucumber, subjected to salt stress by applying the two treatments, it was found that the accumulation of vitamin C was insignificantly influenced by the factor a-the number of the treatment, but it was significantly influenced by the factor b-the concentration saline solution.
The Prevalence and Molecular Distinguishing of Brucella melitensis Rev1 Strain among Field Isolates the Brucella from Sheep and Goat Milk through PCR-RFLP Analysis of omp2 Gene Polymorphism
Authors: AWWAD Elena , AWWAD Osama , BĂRĂITĂREANU Stelian , GURĂU Maria Rodica , FARRAJ Mohammad , ESSAWI Tamer , SABRI Israr , ADWAN Kamel , MANASRA Asad , DANEȘ Doina
Published: February 2024

The present study was undertaken to characterize the prevalence and molecular distinguishing of Brucella melitensis field and vaccine Rev1 strains isolated from milk among the sheep and goat population. The study was carried out on flocks of sheep and goats suffering from Brucella infection outbreaks. A total of 171 milk samples were collected from different districts of the West Bank, part of Palestine, and isolated on Brucella agar. 86 cultures were confirmed by standard biochemical methods and screened for Brucella melitensis 16M of IS711 element by a conventional PCR technique. All these samples were also amplified for the omp2 gene to identify differences between field and Rev 1 strains in an infected flock. The results obtained from the PstI restriction enzyme pattern revealed that only 2 (4.5%) samples have specific polymorphism accomplished with the Brucella melitensis Rev1 strain. All other samples were restricted according to the Brucella melitensis 16M polymorphism pattern and originated from nonvaccinated flocks. Despite the adverse side effects of the Brucella melitensis vaccine, only a well-organized whole-flock vaccination and awareness campaign may inhibit the virulence of the field strain and, subsequently, reduce the prevalence of brucellosis infection among animals and humans in Palestine.
Composition for Complementary Feeding and Deworming of Wild Boars
Authors: RUSU Ștefan , ERHAN Dumitru , TODERAȘ Ion , ZAMORNEA Maria , CHIHAI Oleg , GLIGA Olesea , GOLOGAN Ion , RUSU Viorelia , BONDARI Lidia
Published: February 2024

The study of the parasite fauna in wild boars from various natural biotopes of the Republic of Moldova allowed revealing that wild boars have a vast parasitic load, most frequently represented by polyparasitic associations. According to the invention, the supplementary feeding and deworming of the wild boars is envisaged during the cold winter period, coinciding with their reproduction period (December-February) when they face nutritional deficiency and need supplementary feeding. To deworm and compensate physiological needs of the boars during the cold period of the year (December-February) with vitamins, trace elements, and assimilable concentrated minerals will determine a new qualitative effect and allow them to survive, increase their reproductive potential in naturally conditions, and reduce the risk of their capture by predators. To accomplish this need, complementary briquette food is provided for each wild boar in two seasonal installments: December and February, and 1600 g (4 briquettes of 400 g each). A precisely defined dose per specimen in the form of briquettes (4 pieces of 400.0g), a total of 1600.0g/boar/day, has been administered in two halves of 14 days by use of the feeders.
Comparative Effects of Vitamin A and E Dietary Supplements on Semen Traits, Reproductive System Morphology and Vitamin Storage in Rooster
Authors: ȘIPOTENU Diana Andreea , MOGOȘ George , CIOBOTARU Emilia , CIOARIC Mădălina , BĂLĂCEANU Rosalie , DOJANĂ Nicolae
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of long-term vitamin A and E dietary supplements on the semen traits and morphology of the reproductive system in older roosters to prolong their reproductive contributions to the flock. The research revealed that long-term dietary supplementation of both vitamins A and E maintained the traits of the semen at levels significantly higher than in the control roosters. Vitamin A especially maintained ejaculate volume and semen density, while vitamin E protected semen motility and viability. Vitamin A treatment maintained the uniformity of the epididymal epithelium. No eroded areas were identified in this epithelium. Most epithelial cells were principal cells with uniform stereocilia. The connective tissue which lines the epididymal tubule of the vitamin A treated rooster was thinner than those of the roosters from the control. Vitamin E predominantly protected the structure of the spermatogenesis line. Liver tissue concentrations of vitamins A and E were two times and four times higher respectively than the control. The two vitamins were eliminated in increased quantities through the seminal plasma in supplemented roosters. No mutual inhibition or potentiating effects were found between the two vitamins, suggesting that their combined administration should be further analyzed.
Effect of washing method on the reduction of insecticide residues and quality characteristics of sweet cherry fruits
Authors: HAZARHUN Gülden , KUMRAL Nabi Alper , GÜMÜL Burcu , KOLCU Ayşenur , ÖZKAN Simge
Published: February 2024

Sweet cherry trees were sprayed with 5 insecticides (acetamiprid, dimethoate, lambda-cyhalothrin, malathion, tau-fluvalinate) at the recommended field doses in this study. Fruits were harvested after the pre-harvested interval for each pesticide completed and then they were immersed into tap water and three different washing solutions (with three different concentrations) for 3 minutes (at 20ºC). Insecticide concentrations were detected with a multi-residual analysis method using LC-MS/MS in Bursa Uludağ University in 2022. Following the treatments, changes in the quality characteristics of fruits were also investigated by quality (colour, texture and fruit cracking rate, water-soluble dry matter) and sensory analysis (fruit and stem colour, firmness, appearance, general acceptability). The results revealed that washing method with tap water during 3 min decreased insecticide residue level by 7-45% depending on insecticide active compound. Higher reduction rates were observed by washing with citric acid (10%), sodium bicarbonate (2.5%) and sodium hydroxide (0.5%). But significant reductions were detected only in lambda-cyhalothrin and malathion residues when compared with the newly harvested fruit samples. Processing factors (PF) of all washing methods were generally lower than 1 except for three treatments. PF values showed variations depending on the type of washing solution and the active compound of insecticides. Although washing with citric acid (10%), sodium bicarbonate (2.5%) and sodium hydroxide (0.5%) solutions caused reduction in residue levels, their negative effects on the quality and sensory characteristics of the fruits cannot be ruled out.
The Colour of Shame: The Lack of Ethnically Diverse University Senior Academics and Professors – Can, and Should We, Expect the Law to Provide Equality?
Authors: Bourne Judith
Published: February 2024

The UK’s university sector has a reputation for excellence, which enables it to attract some of the world’s finest academics and students; its system is steeped in a rich history and almost 1,000 years of tradition. At the heart of university culture lies the pursuit of objective inquiry and transformative education. Universities need diversity of thought, which can only be achieved by a diversity of academics. It appears that academics in universities are ethnically diverse, as statistics evidence that, save for black academics, almost all other ethnic groups are well represented at a ‘junior’ academic level when compared to the general population. However, these figures are inconsistent with the disproportionate numbers of ethnically diverse students entering university when compared to white students, and meaningless in light of the statistics that show 88% of university professors, and 86% of senior academics, are white. These statistics matter, professors and senior academics are the people who lead universities and who are ultimately responsible for the management, education, curriculum design and research direction of those institutions. This chapter will examine whether the law can effect equality in relation to ethnic diversity in professorial and senior academic positions, and whether it is a fair expectation.
Stop and Search: Past Problems, Current Concerns
Authors: Kandelia Seema
Published: February 2024

The power to stop and search is viewed as essential in helping the police prevent and investigate crime. However, statistics continue to show that people from BAME communities are disproportionately stopped and searched, leading to criticism that these powers operate in an unfair and discriminatory manner. This criticism is not new. One of the contributing factors to the Brixton Riots in 1981 was the misuse of stop and search powers on black people (Scarman 1981). Almost two decades later, the unfair use of stop and search was once again the subject of debate (Macpherson 1999). There have been several reforms to stop and search powers over the years; however, research indicates that these reforms have failed to address the perceived racial bias surrounding their use. This chapter explores the racial disparities behind the use of stop and search, focussing on the current legal provisions and police practice. In particular, it will consider the occupational culture within the police force and unconscious or implicit biases that could impact on the police’s use of stop and search powers.
Socio-Economic Differentiation of the Regions of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Khugaev Timur , Fartyshev Arseniy
Published: February 2024

Socio-economic differentiation of regions is one of the most acute problems of modern developed and developing countries, the solution of which requires considerable resources. For a more comprehensive understanding of the problems of interregional inequality, it seems necessary to conduct a comparative analysis of the differentiation of regions in different states. As part of this research, comparisons were made of the socio-economic differentiation of the regions of the Russian Federation and China. These countries were selected for comparison due to the presence of a number of common features. A comparative analysis was carried out using the Zipf rule, which is a method for accurately quantifying spatial disparities, as well as the Granberg method, in which the ratio of the n-th number of the most “successful” regions in terms of any indicator is compared with the same number of“ the least successful”. High inter-regional differentiation of both in both states is demonstrated in such indicators as the number of population, GRP, GRP per capita, average salary, and causal relationships of this phenomenon are revealed. The regions of Russia and China are categorized according to the derived indicators. In the Russian Federation, inequality is high even against the background of China, which, by the standards of developed countries, has one of the highest interregional inequalities.
Socio-Economic Development of Tibet in the 9th Five-Year Plan (1996–2000). Part 7
Authors: Selishchev Aleksander
Published: February 2024

The results of the realization of the 9th Five-Year Plan of the PRC turned out to be the closest to those planned since the beginning of the economic reform. China successfully overcame the inflationary processes of the late 1980s and early 1990s. There was a smooth transition from extensive to intensive economic growth. China's average annual GDP growth has exceeded 8 %. The Asian crisis of 1997 was overcome successfully and painlessly. Just then 3 years earlier than planned, there was a 4-fold increase in GDP per capita compared to 1980. The country has taken second place in the world after Japan in terms of gold and foreign exchange reserves. Instead of destructive inflation, signs of deflation appeared in the economy. Trade deficit has gone to the irretrievable past. The transport infrastructure has been noticeably improved. The standard of living has risen significantly. Science and education developed rapidly. The socialist market economy progressed harmoniously. Great success has been made in the cultural sphere. Hong Kong and Macau returned to the bosom of the Motherland. The TAR economy developed at a faster pace than the country. However, Tibet remained an underdeveloped region of China, despite major achievements in all areas.
Extraction and LC-MS/MS analysis of four steroids from mouse plasma and bone marrow v1
Authors: Lovdel Andrea , G Denham Scott , P Cawthorn William , ZM Homer Natalie
Published: February 2024

Steroid hormones, including progesterone, testosterone and corticosterone, play a critical role ingrowth, development, reproductive function and sexual differentiation. Steroid production is controlled in the adrenals via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and in the gonads by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, but steroids are also produced and metabolised in peripheral tissues such as adipose tissue. Circulating steroids (blood levels) do not always reflect local steroid tissue levels. In studies of caloric restriction there are observed changes in steroids and there is interest in the role that bone marrow adipose tissue plays1. Thus, to understand mechanisms of caloric restriction it is valuable to measure tissue levels of steroids as well as circulating levels of steroids. Immunoassays can be used to measure steroids but they lack specificity, limited to one or two steroids, and suffer from cross-reactivity at low concentrations. Tandem mass spectrometry methods coupled with chromatographic separation are considered the gold standard analytical technique for steroid analysis, such as LC-MS/MS, with the added benefit of enabling simultaneous analysis of multiple steroids. Here we have improved upon existing murine steroid liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods2 for the quantitation of four steroids in small samples to investigate the role of steroids in caloric restriction - specifically corticosterone, 11-dehydrocorticosterone, testosterone and progesterone - in bone marrow and plasma. Bone marrow is homogenised and then homogenate samples and plasma samples (~50 µL) were extracted by automated 96-well supported liquid extraction (SLE), using dichloromethane and isopropanol as an organic solvent, carried out on a Biotage Extrahera automated sample handler. Extracted steroids were separated on a Shimadzu Nexera uHPLC with gradient elution on a Kinetex C18 column (150 x 3 mm; 2.6 µm) and a mobile phase of methanol and water (0.1% formic acid). The run time was 16 minutes, followed by mass spectral analysis on an AB Sciex 6500+ tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer operated in positive ionisation mode. This automated SLE-LC-MS/MS method has been used to analyse 4 steroids - corticosterone, progesterone and testosterone - in mouse plasma and bone marrow. Validation demonstrates that this method is sensitive, specific, and suitable for steroid measurement in mouse bone marrow (4-8 bones) and a low volume of mouse plasma (50 µL), enabling investigation into tissue specific steroid levels and corresponding assessment of circulating steroid levels.