bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity of Grass (Poaceae) Flora at Nagarkot, Bhaktapur, Nepal
Authors: Kharbuja Anjana
Published: October 2024

The term “flora” describes all plant life in a specific area, habitat, or time period. The main purpose of this research was to compile floral data on grasses growing along an elevational gradient in the Nagarkot forest, Bhaktapur. The highest hill in Bhaktapur, Nagarkot (1330-2175 m), offered a rare chance to examine the variety of grass along the altitude. A total of 43 species of grasses, representing 4 subfamilies, 11 tribes, 32 genera, were identified during this research. Majority of grasses, accounting for 83% of the species were terrestrial, while 11% were lithophyte, and only 6% were aquatic which is expected for the terrain. Some of the species, such as terrestrial and aquatic or terrestrial and lithophyte, have been observed to coexist. With 24 species, the lowest elevation band (1330-1610 m) has the highest diversity, while the highest band (1890-2170 m) has the lowest diversity with only 7 species.
ज्योतिष विज्ञानको दार्शनिक आयामः एक अन्वेषण
Authors: सुवेदी Subedi श्यामराज Shyamraj
Published: October 2024

यो लेखले वैदिक ज्योतिषविज्ञानको दार्शनिक आयामहरूको अन्वेषण गर्दै वास्तविकता, मानव अस्तित्व, र ब्रह्माण्डको प्रकृतिमा प्रदान गर्ने गहन अन्तर्दृष्टि अन्वेषण गर्दछ. । वेद पुराण, उपनिषद् जस्ता पुरातन धर्मशास्त्रमा आधारित ज्योषि विज्ञानले आकाशीय घटनाहरूको वैज्ञानिक अन्वेषणमात्र गर्दैन ज्ञान र ब्रह्माण्डको क्षेत्रहरूको समेत अध्ययन  गर्दछ । ब्रह्माण्डिक सद्भाव, जन्म र पुनर्जन्मको चक्र, र आध्यात्मिक प्रतीकवाद जस्ता अवधारणाहरू मार्फत, वैदिक खगोल विज्ञानले सबै विधाहरूको आपसी सम्बन्धका बारेमा समग्र जानकारी प्रदान गर्दछ र अन्तरिक्षको विशालता बुझ्नको लागि अनन्त खोजका उपायहरु अन्वेषण गर्दछ ।
Weekly short assessment and individual feedback: a strategy for deeper learning in blended learning environment
Authors: Mohammad Zadeh Maryam
Published: October 2024

Assessment and feedback methods have important role in motivating students to take deep or surface approaches in their learning. Designing assessments with clear link to the teaching content and intended learning outcomes (ILOs), supports students’ approach toward deep learning. This study explored impact of the weekly short assessments with individual feedback in blended classes, on motivating students to take a deep learning approach in their studies. Constructive alignment framework was used to prepare the teaching content, in-class learning activities and assessment tasks. Series of short formative questions prepared with each question evolving around one teaching topic and its ILOs. Students’ responses to each question were followed by individual feedback and an opportunity to reflect on the received feedback to improve their work. Students’ perception towards the short formative assessment with individual feedback was collected using the Revised Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F). Using quantitative methodology responses of the 90 Year 2 chemical and environmental engineering students were analysed. Results showed that there are significantly higher deep approach scores (Mean=2.92, SD=1.14) compared to surface approach (Mean=2.41, SD=1.15), with p-value=0.001. Students’ motives and strategies in taking either deep or surface approach is also explored. While factors of “self-satisfaction” and “interest in the course content” were the main motives for students to take deep learning approach, surface strategies such as “learning the examinable content” were remaining high. This research aims to contribute to development of an assessment method in engineering education to foster students’ deep learning, by developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Lessons learnt from Degree Apprenticeship’s Design and Development Practice at WMG
Authors: Seyedebrahimi Mir , Yang Jianhua , Azmat Freeha
Published: October 2024

Degree apprenticeships (DAs) are a new educational route that combine work-based learning with academic study. They offer the opportunity to gain an undergraduate or postgraduate degree while working towards a professional qualification. This paper shares the lessons we learnt during the course conception, design, and delivery of Undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) Degree Apprenticeship (DA) programmes at WMG. The focus will be on the aspects of quality assurance and student experience. The quality of the learning and teaching process is essential for the success of DA programmes.
This practice report explores the development and implementation of DA programmes at WMG, focusing on quality assurance and student experience. It discusses the unique challenges and considerations in designing apprenticeship curricula that meet both academic and industry standards. The report emphasises the importance of putting students at the centre of education, establishing policies for teaching quality, and maintaining effective processes to ensure programmes success and continuous improvement.
Teaching Numerical Problem-Solving Methods to Undergraduate Engineering Students Using Specially Designed Finite Element Codes
Authors: Khajehsaeid Hesam , Riazifar Negar
Published: October 2024

Computer-Aided Engineering is an essential solution in many engineering problems in today’s industry. Modules looking into this area in the engineering courses aim to further enhance both the theoretical and practical appreciation of the numerical problem-solving methods. In such modules, students are expected to appreciate how mathematics, numerical analysis and computational technology are combined to model and simulate the behaviour of physical systems. However, when it comes to teaching, there is a significant difference between how the background theory looks and what students experience as they work with a commercial software package as they cannot see what is going on in the background of software packages and how the outputs have been achieved. In this work, the authors have proposed a method to help students comprehend how the theory is related to software packages. This is done by providing students with specially designed Finite Element codes asking them to investigate, and tailor the codes for some basic but real-life applications. The method starts with 2D problems for elementary Finite Elements, and through a few steps helps students extend the codes to 3D cases to enable them to solve real-life applications by the FE codes they have tailored themselves. This approach enables engineering students make meaningful links between the background math and the target numerical problem-solving methods. According to student surveys taken over three academic years, 85% of students believe “User FE-codes helped understand how theory translates to problem-solving tools and FE software”. There was also significant enhancement in student performance on the associated assessments.
Towards Skillful Engineers: A Competence Framework for Engineering Education
Authors: Jaberi Ali , Ciriello Francesco , Lucas Claire
Published: October 2024

This research explores the definition of soft skills in engineering education literature and suggests a new framework for understanding the components of soft skills. The study reveals that there is a lack of consensus on what constitutes soft skills and how best to define the term in an engineering education context. The work also highlights the importance of a mutual understanding of the concepts shaping engineering soft skills to ensure meaningful measurement and attainment of competencies. The study aims to pave the way to develop relevant pedagogical interventions and assessment tools for engineering soft skills. The research methodology used in this work is a content analysis on reviewed citations, which extracts explicit definitions and components of soft skills in 93 reviewed publications. We conclude that a precise distinction between knowledge, attitude, personality traits, and skills is necessary to develop engineering soft skills further and align the expectations of the profession and engineering higher education institutions.
Supporting Degree Apprentices through the school/work/university transition: a social capital lens
Authors: Knowles Graeme , Andrews Jane , Robin Clark
Published: October 2024

This paper reports on the early stages of a PhD study into supporting Engineering Degree Apprentices in a UK University through their contemporaneous transition into work and study.  After briefly setting the context and rationale for the study it considers the development of the research design and integrates this with the corpus of literature to develop a framework for the primary research developed from Laurillard’s Conversational Framework work and the ideas of social capital and habitus.  The contributions of the overall research are noted under the Aims and Objectives section, work reported herein contributes by developing a unique framework for understanding the experience of Degree Apprentices in the UK.
The Nature of Diasporic Indian Fiction and the Various Dimensions of Indian Life
Authors: Koli Munshi Ram
Published: October 2024

In overseas fiction, the image of one's own state is reflected in the creation of literature along with language and craft. The maturity in the thoughts of the writer is the result of his life values and when that writer gives his thoughts the form of fiction or story, then his values influence his literature. When India was under the hegemony of the British rule, a large number of Indians went to other European countries as immigrants, but when the work of writing stories was done by the immigrants, they mentioned various dimensions of Indian life and worked to spread the values of Indian life to different countries. Indian expatriate writer Suman Vedi, who lives in New York, has presented a beautiful depiction of Indian life and culture.
Abstract in Hindi Language: प्रवासी कथा साहित्य में भाषा व शिल्प के साथ साहित्य की रचना में अपने राज्य की छवि प्रकट होती है। लेखक के विचारों में परिपक्वता अपने जीवन मूल्यों की देन होती है और जब वह लेखक अपने विचारों को कथा साहित्य या कहानी का रूप देता है तो उसके मूल्य उसके साहित्य पर अपना प्रभाव डालते है। जब भारत पर ब्रिटिष शासन का आधिपत्य था तो बहुत संख्या में भारतीय दूसरे यूरोपीय देशों में प्रवासी के रूप में गये परंतु जब प्रवासीयों के द्वारा कथा लेखन का कार्य किया गया तो उनके द्वारा भारतीय जीवन के विविध आयामों का उल्लेख किया तथा भारतीय जीवन के मूल्यों के अलग-2 देशों में पहुंचाने का कार्य किया। न्यूयार्क में रहने वाली भारतीय प्रवासी लेखिका सुमन वेदी ने भारतीय जीवन और संस्कृति का सुन्दर चित्रण प्रस्तुत किया है।
Keywords: प्रवासी, शिल्प, जीवन, सुमन वेदी, आधिपत्य, यूरोप, न्यूयार्क, संस्कृति, आयाम।
Blue Thinking. Notas sobre um programa de formação avançada para a valorização dos recursos hídricos e a promoção da sustentabilidade social e ambiental através do design.
Authors: Cardoso Ana , Santos Joana , Bártolo José , Simão José , Simões José , Vilar Maria
Published: October 2024

Blue Thinking is the concept and methodology behind the Blue Design Alliance. A new advanced higher education programme focused on the enhancement of water, ocean and river resources, as well as social and environmental sustainability through the application of design tools and methodologies.
ESAD - Escola Superior de Artes e Design is promoting the Blue Design Alliance - an alliance between four higher education institutions dedicated to one of our planet's most precious resources: water. This programme presents a funded and innovative training offer, using design as a driver for a more sustainable life.
The proximity of the sea, the growing concern about climate change and the urgent need to adopt more sustainable and responsible practices were the main reasons for the creation of the Blue Design Alliance, whose mission is to contribute to the training of skills linked to the blue economy.
In this article, we describe its practical-orientated methodology, geared towards the professional career of trainees, with a clear concern for the sustainability of ecosystems.
DEVELOPMENT OF INTERACTIVE SCIENCE LEARNING E-MODULES BASED ON PROJECT BASED LEARNING TO IMPROVE SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS AT ISLAMIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Authors: Yuniarti Elma , Sutiah Sutiah , Astuti Rini Nafsiati
Published: October 2024

Interactive Science Learning E-Module teaching materials are developed with science process skills. The interactive science learning e-module has the form of software that can be used with the help of a laptop, computer and cellphone. Interactive e-Modules are presented in PDF form, making them easier for educators and students to use, and can be used offline, but there are several menus such as quizzes, learning videos and evaluations that cannot be accessed if you are not connected to the internet. This research is Research and Development (R&D), by applying five ADDIE model stages (analyze, design, develop, implement, and evaluate). Stage analyze includes analysis of educators and students.  The design stage includes preparing the e-module outline in the form of selecting media and e-module formats as well as designing the learning content in the e-module. The development stage includes the development of data collection instruments. The data collection instruments in this research are eligibility sheets for validators and science learning practitioners, as well as pretest and posttest questions for science process skills. This instrument was developed based on review by supervisors, assessments by validator lecturers, science teacher learning practitioners, and trials on students. The implementation stage includes the application of the e-module that has been developed for class IV students at MI Tarbiyatussibyan Banyuwangi. The experimental design used at this stage is one group pretest-posttest. The evaluation stage includes the form of evaluation carried out at each ADDIE stage. The data analysis technique used is the normality test and t test.The research results show that the interactive science learning e-module based on project based learning that was developed is very effective and interesting to use in science learning. The science e-module is effective in improving science process skills because the results of field trials show students' enthusiasm in learning science and students who easily understand science material with the stages of science process skills. Science process skills can also provide innovation to educators in creating enjoyable science learning.
PRAKTIKALITAS E-LKPD BERBASIS STEM-PjBL DALAM PEMBELAJARAN IPA FASE B
Authors: Martatiyana Diana Rossa , Nasbey Hadi , Utami Nidya Chandra Muji
Published: October 2024

The presentation of LKPD, especially in science learning, needs to experience innovation, including the use of technology to improve the quality of learning, namely by developing E-LKPD. Previous research has developed a STEM-PjBL based Science E-LKPD, but the response of class IV students to the E-LKPD is not yet known. This research aims to determine students' responses to STEM-PjBL-based Science E-LKPD. This research uses qualitative data and quantitative data. The research results were obtained based on the results of the student and teacher response instruments to the STEM-PjBL based Science E-LKPD which got an average percentage of 83% on the one to one test UI and the students' response results got an average percentage of 95% with very good category in small group trials, and teacher responses were 93%, all of which reflect suitability and excellence in various important aspects of learning.
PENGGUNAAN MEDIA APEL HURUF DALAM MENGATASI KESULITAN MEMBACA TERHADAP SISWA KELAS RENDAH SEKOLAH DASAR
Authors: Sari Fitriana Anggun , Minsih Minsih
Published: October 2024

This research was motivated by several elementary school students who had difficulty reading and that learning media could act as a tool to aid these learning delays. The aim of this research is to describe the importance of effective learning media on apple letters to improve reading fluency in lowed class elementary school student. This method used qualitative research metods. The type of qualitative research used in this research is a case study type of research by means of observation, interviews, and documentation to obtain accurate research final data. The final data can be ascertained to be accurate because it has been proven by face to face observation activities on lower grade elementary school students who have difficulty reading, apart from that, observations were also made on teachers who used the letter apple teaching media as a teaching aid supported by documentation. The teacher’s importance to improving the reading fluency of lowed class student is by using learning media in the form of letters as a tool to convey the material. Form of student reading difficulties include difficulty distinguishing letter shapes and difficulty spelling letters and words. This research obtained results thar the apple letter media is very important to help teachers improve the reading fluency of lowed class elementary school students. Apple letter media can also improve student achievement, train critical thinking, and can increase student activity in learning because when students have difficulty reaing it will disrupt their learning activities. The impact or consequence of using letter apple media or other learning media in helping overcoming reading difficulties for lowed grade elementary school students is the creation of more advance education because using teaching media aims to help students achieve their learning goals so that students will get better achievement result good.
PERAN GURU DALAM IMPLEMENTASI KURIKULUM MERDEKA DI SEKOLAH DASAR
Authors: Putri Nur Amelia , Nukman Muhamad
Published: October 2024

The Merdeka Curriculum demands a significant and comprehensive role for teachers, starting from planners, designers, managers, evaluators, researchers, decision makers, to learning administrators. The aim of this research is to describe in detail the conditions related to the role of teachers in implementing the Independent Curriculum at SDN 017 Mayang Pongkai. The method used in this research is a qualitative approach with case studies. Researchers used various data collection techniques, such as observation, interviews and document analysis, involving research subjects, namely the class V homeroom teacher at SDN 017 Mayang Pongkai. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that the independent curriculum has been implemented well according to its role. The role of teachers in implementing the Independent Curriculum includes teacher, educator, facilitator, guide, servant, designer, manager, innovator and assesor.
Architectural Organization of Ecological Tourist Complexes (The South Russia Case Studies)
Authors: Dovbnya Ya. V. , Astakhova E. S.
Published: October 2024

This article analyzes the domestic and foreign experience in design of ecological tourist complexes, their architectural organization, three architectural models of ecological tourist complexes, and identifies the main design techniques. The relevance is determined by the growing interest of society in ecology; an increase in the tourist potential of the territories of southern Russia due to changing conditions; the emergence of a new type of tourist architecture, as well as an insufficient amount of design experience.Purpose: To identify the architecture of ecological tourist complexes and develop design proposals for such complexes in the south of Russia.Methodology/approach: The analysis of formative factors: urban planning, architectural planning, functional, environmental, affecting the architecture of ecological tourist complexes, their classification by organizational structure, functional content, accessibility, social efficiency and environmental factors. The concept of an ecological tourist complex in Krasnodar is proposed.Research findings: The organization of ecological tourism in the natural environment, environmental education of the population in the process of recreation are considered. Architectural models of ecological tourist complexes are proposed: adventure, scientific and recreational elements of environmental education, their comparative analysis, and selection of the effective model for Krasnodar.
Methods of Diversion Road Improvement of Overpasses Under Repair
Authors: Aleksikov S. V. , Kandalov A. A.
Published: October 2024

During the repair of motorway junctions, it is important to minimize transportation losses by urban vehicles for the period of road works.Methodology: Factor analysis.Purpose: The aim of research is to substantiate the best diversion road of the motorway junction under repair in the streets network adjacent to the object.Research findings: The dependence is shown of the average speed of cars and transportation cost on the distance between signalized intersections and traffic load.Value: An algorithm is developed for substantiation of the diversion road for construction site. Justification for the diversion road along the streets network adjacent to the object, is developed using the factor analysis and based on the traffic load, of roadway conditions, traffic lights, route length.
The Role of Social Media in Enhancing Religious Tolerance and Interfaith Harmony in Pakistan
Authors: Hameed Muhammad Basharat , Adnan Malik
Published: October 2024

This study examines how social media promotes religious tolerance. Religious tolerance and interfaith harmony in Pakistani social media were examined. Education and social media affect religious tolerance, according to research. In a quantitative study, 417 religiously diverse respondents completed a structured questionnaire. We used descriptive statistics, SEM, and moderation analysis to study social media use, religious tolerance, and interfaith harmony. SEM analysis showed a strong positive correlation between social media use and religious tolerance and interfaith harmony. Tolerance fosters interfaith harmony. Education moderated religious tolerance and social media use. With high education, respondents had the strongest relationship, while low education had a weaker but not statistically significant relationship. Social media promotes religious tolerance and interfaith harmony, especially among educated people, this study found. Education and digital literacy boost social media's interfaith benefits. This study encourages constructive social media communication between diverse religious communities to promote social harmony.
Analisis Kinerja Cooling Fan Terhadap Temperatur Air Untuk Meningkatkan Kinerja Generator Di PLTG Balai Pungut
Authors: Amin Tengku muhammad , Situmeang Usaha , Tanjung Abrar
Published: October 2024

Temperatur kerja generator tinggi, sehingga tekanannya tinggi sehingga diperlukan pendinginan untuk menghindari pemanasan yang berlebihan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis kinerja generator akibat pendinginan oleh kipas pendingin yang digunakan oleh PT. PLN (Persero) PLTG Balai Pungut, serta untuk. Dimana mendapatkan hasil penelitian, nilai efektifitas tertinggi terjadi pada 5 desember 2021 jam 04.00 WIB. Dengan nilai 97,370 % sedangkan nilai terendah adalah 89,822 % pada tanggal 2 desember 2021 jam 03.00 WIB. Dari keseluruhan data juga di dapatkan nilai rata - rata efektifitas sekitar 95,545 %, nilai Approach rata - rata memilki nilai di bawah 2 °C dan kapasitas pendinginan tertinggi terjadi pada 5 desember 2021 jam 04.00 WIB. Dengan nilai 0,404 m3°C/jam sedangkan nilai terendah adalah 0,175 m3°C/jam pada tanggal 7 desember 2021 jam 10.00 WIB. Dari keseluruhan data di dapatkan nilai rata - rata kapasitas pendinginan sekitar 0,287 m3°C/jam. Maka dapat disimpulkan bahwasanya daya aktif dari generator sangat berhubungan dengan temperatur air pendingin atau cooling water temperature ketika suhu air masuk tinggi maka performa dari generator naik dan sebaliknya.
Analisa Sistem Kelistrikan Gedung RSUD Arifin Achmad Pekanbaru
Authors: Aulia Zarni Fajri , Situmeang Usaha , Halilintar Masnur Putra
Published: October 2024

Kapasitas daya listrik  di Gedung Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah Arifin Achmad PLN ada tiga yaitu dengan ID No. 181101059392 dengan daya semu 1.730 kVA, daya aktif 1.384 kW, daya reaktif 1.038 kVAr, ID No. 181100147829 dengan daya semu 555 kVA, daya aktif 444 kW, daya reaktif 333 kVAr, ID No. 1811000945963 dengan daya semu 1.385 kVA, daya aktif 1.108 kW sehingga total daya semu 3.670 kVA, daya aktif 2.936 kW, dan daya reaktif 2.202 kVAr. Untuk suplai cadangan dari Diesel Generator ada lima yaitu pada lokasi gedung Utama Perkins 1 daya semu 1.360 kVA, daya aktif 1.088 kW, daya reaktif 816 kVAr, lokasi gedung Central Operation Theatre (COT) Perkins 2 daya semu 1.250 kVA daya aktif 1.000 kW, daya reaktif 750 kVAr, lokasi kantor Instalasi Pemeliharaan Sarana & Prasarana (IPSPRS) Mercy dengan daya semu 800 kVA, daya aktif 640 kW, dara reaktif 480 kVAr, dan lokasi halaman gedung Instalasi Pemulasaran Jenazah (IPJ) Caterpillar 1 dengan daya semu 455 kVA, 364 kW, daya reaktif 273 kVAr dan Caterpillar 2 dengan daya semu 500 kVA, daya aktif 400 kW, daya reaktif 300 kVAr, sehingga total daya  semu Diesel Generator 4.255 kVA, daya aktif 3.492 kW dan daya reaktif 2.619 kVAr.  Hasil analisa aliran daya pada ETAP adalah total arus 3981 A, total daya aktif 1993,98 KW, total daya reaktif j1495,32 dan total daya semu 2432,36 KVA. Selisih hasil perhitungan daya aktif dan hasil simulasi Software ETAP sebesar 75,864 kW atau 3,66%. Setelah dilakukan analisa besar pemakaian daya listrik pada gedung RSUD Arifin Achmad Pekanbaru besar kapasitas daya listrik yang tersedia sangat cukup untuk melayani pemakaian daya listrik tersebut.
Analisis Kinerja Motor Induksi Tiga Phasa 2,2 kW Di PT. Max Power Indonesia
Authors: Joko Sigit Fadila , Zondra Elvira , Arlenny Arlenny
Published: October 2024

Motor induksi tiga phasa adalah motor yang mengubah energi listrik menjadi energi gerak yang sangat dibutuhkan di dunia industri yang mencakup motor induksi. Ini karena motor induksi memiliki banyak kelebihan bila dibandingkan dengan motor listrik lainnya. Keuntungannya adalah harga yang relatif murah dengan konstruksi yang sederhana dan kuat. Pemanfaatan energi gerak ini yang kemudian banyak digunakan oleh beberapa perusahaan seperti di pembangkit listrik tenaga mesin gas (PLTMG) yang menggunakan 12 motor sebagai pendingin radiator mesin pembangkit memiliki kapasitas daya motor 2,2 kW. Untuk mengetahui efisiensi kinerja motor dapat dilakukan perhitungan arus stator, arus rotor, torka beban dan torka induksi. Dari hasil perhitungan motor dengan tegangan motor 395 volt, arus motor 4,6 amper dan putaran 943 rpm didapatlah arus stator 4,786 Amper, arus rotor 3,446 Amper, torka beban 18,414 N.m, torka induksi 19,599 N.m dan efisiensi 77,6%.
Nikolai Bulganin and Nikita Khrushchev in Burma in 1955: thaw, decolonization, and ambivalences of the Soviet official language
Authors: Savitsky Evgeny E.
Published: October 2024

In the article, the author examines the function of ambiguity and contradiction in the Soviet official political language of the Thaw period in the context of internal and external political transformations. The two-volume publication, entitled “Mission of Friendship: N.A. Bulganin and N.S. Khrushchev’s Visit to India, Burma, Afghanistan”, published in 1956 and dedicated to the journey undertaken a year prior, serves as the principal source. Recent historiography has devoted significant attention to the internal contradictions and inconsistency of Soviet policy, particularly the clash between domestic and foreign policy objectives in the context of decolonisation processes from the 1950s to the 1970s. This shift in focus has marked a notable departure from the dominant theoretical perspective of totalitarianism. In examining the case of Bulganin and Khrushchev’s visit to Burma, the author seeks to discern the underlying contradictions, their degree of explicitness in the official Soviet text, and their impact on foreign and domestic policy. The analysis reveals that the ambivalence evident in the official narrative was, in large part, a strategic maneuver, though in many instances, it was the product of ad hoc improvisation aimed at harmonizing disparate political objectives. The existence of contradictions and ambivalences enabled the emergence of disparate political discourses, which undermined the rigidity of the official Soviet rhetoric while simultaneously rendering it more adaptable and malleable.
Scorpion Neurotoxin BeM9 Derivative Uncovers Unique Interaction Mode with Nav1.5 Sodium Channel Isoform
Authors: Chernykh M. A. , Duzheva M. A. , Kuldyushev N. A. , Peigneur S. , Berkut A. A. , Tytgat J. , Vassilevski A. A. , Chugunov A. O.
Published: October 2024

Scorpion α-neurotoxins are classical ligands of voltage-gated sodium channels that inhibit their inactivation. The strength of this effect depends on the organism and channel isoform, and the precise mechanisms explaining the differences in activity are still unknown. Previously, we have shown that scorpion α-toxins are characterized by a modular structure. They consist of a conserved and structurally stable core module and a variable and mobile specificity module, which determines the selectivity for different channels. We noted a higher mobility of the specificity module in toxins active against mammals compared to insect-active toxins. We then hypothesized that the enhanced mobility in mammal toxins was provided by two conserved glycine residues that enclose the N-terminal loop of the specificity module. To test this assumption, we obtained a derivative of the neurotoxin BeM9 from the venom of the scorpion Mesobuthus eupeus with two replacements of amino acid residues in the corresponding positions with glycine (A4G and Y17G). Unexpectedly, it turned out that BeM9GG lost its activity against Nav1.5 channel isoform, characteristic of mammalian cardiac muscle. A comparison of two known structures of voltage-gated sodium channel complexes with scorpion toxins made it possible to explain the observed effect. We hypothesize an essential role of the membrane in the interaction of toxins with the Nav1.5 isoform.
Experiencing the stress of abandonment and helplessness in adolescence3
Authors: Kharlamenkova N. E. , Nikitina D. A. , Shatalova N. E. , Dymova E. N.
Published: October 2024

The results of comparing the experience of different types of stressful situations, including situations of abandonment and helplessness, and ways of coping with them in adolescence are presented. The study involved schoolchildren aged 12–14 years (x = 12.5; med = 12; sd = 0.7). Participants were 80 adolescents (39 girls and 41 boys). Methods: Color test of relationships; Adolescent Coping Scale E. Frydenberg, R. Lewis; Perceived Stress Scale for Children. The most difficult for adolescents is stressful situation of abandonment as a situation of experiencing emotional, informational and social deprivation. It was found that in terms of the level of perceived stress, the group indicated the abandonment as a more stressful situation for them is closest to the group indicated the extreme stressful situation (U = 69.0; p = 0.44) and differs from the groups indicated assessment situation (U = 51.5; p = 0.02) and helplessness (U = 82.5; p = 0.019). It was revealed that in the assessments of the projective situation, in which parents leave child alone at home for a period of time, the groups “Abandonment” and “Extremity” also turn out to be similar (mostly negative assessments on the situation were found). It was determined that the “Helplessness” group is characterized by coping strategies that indicate the relevance of applying to the social support, and for the “Abandonment” group, unlike all other groups, the ignoring strategy is more typical (p 0.05).
Development of a questionnaire for assessing the functions informal subgroups perform in relation to the work group
Authors: Sidorenkov A. V. , Ignatov D. S. , Obukhova Y. V. , Eribekyan A. A.
Published: October 2024

The paper presents the results of assessing validity and reliability of a questionnaire designed to measure three key functions of informal subgroups in relation to a small work group, namely: (1) implementing group tasks; (2) within group positioning and influence; and (3) organizing group activity. The questionnaire contains three subscales to assess the corresponding functions of informal subgroups. Three experienced psychologists assessed content validity of the questionnaire. In addition, 290 employees from 49 working groups (departments, sectors, production units, etc.) of various organizations took part in the pilot testing and validation study of the developed questionnaire and of the associated tool for identifying informal subgroups — within the software package “Group Profile — Universal. Descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) and Cronbach’s alpha α were calculated, and confirmatory factor analysis was performed. The questionnaire evaluation procedure was carried out separately for the data obtained: (a) among those sample participants who were included in informal subgroups and (b) for the entire sample. The study shows that in both cases the questionnaire has adequate content validity and confirms a three-factor structure of the questionnaire with every subscale being internally consistent. The questionnaire can be used to solve research and applied problem alike. Its application will allow researchers to expand their understanding of the role of informal subgroups in the life and functioning of work groups. Practitioners (psychologists and human resource professionals) will be able to assess the prevalence of the functions of each subgroup or of a set of subgroups and, based on outcomes of such assessment, purposefully build their work with subgroups in order to improve joint activities and increase performance effectiveness of work groups.
Changes in Histone Code Regulation during the Initiation of Paraptosis-Like Death of HEp-2 Tumor Cells by Oxidized Disulfiram Derivatives
Authors: Solovieva M. E. , Shatalin Yu. V. , Akatov V. S.
Published: October 2024

Disulfiram (DSF) and its oxidized derivatives (DSFoxy) are currently being investigated as possible anticancer agents. We previously found that DSFoxy initiate paraptosis-like death of tumor cells, which is of potential interest for the treatment of tumors resistant to the initiation of apoptosis. Based on bioinformatics analysis of mass spectrometric data on protein ubiquitination, we formulated a conception about the important role of disruption of the retrograde transport of damaged proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol in the mechanism of initiation of paraptosis-like cell death. In the present work, it was found that DSFoxy, in the process of initiating paraptosis-like death of human adenocarcinoma HEp-2 cells, also enhances the ubiquitination of histones and histone code enzymes. In particular, this applies to the ubiquitination of histone H2BC12, histone methyltransferases responsible for transcription and repair of damaged DNA, as well as acetylating and ubiquitin-conjugating proteins. Bioinformatics analysis of changes in ubiquitination of cell nuclear proteins using the STRING database revealed during this process an increase in the occurrence of ubiquitinated proteins (functional enrichment) of cell cycle regulation, cell response to DNA damage and DNA repair, the regulation of which also depends on the histone code. This directly indicates damage to the cell nucleus and is consistent with confocal microscopy data. These results indicate that when paraptosis-like death is initiated by DSFoxy, along with impairment of retrograde transport and ER stress, there is also a change in the regulation of the histone code, which points to a pleotropic mechanism of cell death induction.
On the Feasibility of Using an Acedane-Based Fluorescent Probe to Monitor Hydrogen Sulfide in Primary Neuronal Cultures
Authors: Sharipov R. R. , Tarzhanov I. A. , Zgodova A. A. , Bakaeva Z. V. , Surin A. M.
Published: October 2024

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), which, under physiological conditions, exists in cells mainly in the form of anion HS–, is considered as a gaseous transmitter of inter- and intracellular signals along with nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide. Analysis of the dynamics of H₂S content in living cells is impossible without creating sensitive and specific probes. Several acedan-based compounds have been synthesized in the group of K.H. Ahn (Singha et al., 2015. Anal. Chem. 87 (2), 1188–1195). In the presence of H₂S these probes attach to the sulfhydrilic group and form fluorescent carbocyclic compounds. The carbocyclic derivative of P3, compound csP3, was found to be optimal for fluorescence-microscopic studies in terms of spectral characteristics and response time to H₂S. In this work, we tested the suitability of csP3 to record H₂S changes in buffers mimicking the salt composition of the intracellular environment and in primary neuronal culture cells from rat cerebral cortex. It was found that reducing the polarity of the solution by adding dimethyl sulfoxide (30% by volume) caused a blue shift of the emission by ~10 nm and a twofold increase in fluorescence intensity. The csP3 fluorescence depends on the salt composition and increases in the presence of bicarbonate (NaHCO₃, 10 mM). Addition of P3 or csP3 to the neuronal culture caused a rapid increase in fluorescence, which was followed by a slow increase in fluorescence signal after 3–5 min. Glutamate (10 μM, in the presence of 10 μM glycine, 0 Mg2+) increased probe fluorescence, but only in those neurons in which delayed deregulation of calcium homeostasis did not occur. We conclude that the product of the reaction of P3 with H₂S is sensitive to a change in the salt composition of the intracellular medium and can be redistributed in cells between water and more hydrophobic environment. This means that an increase in P3 fluorescence in cells, especially after the addition of glutamate to neurons, does not necessarily indicate an increase in H₂S concentration. To confirm the feasibility of using P3 and structurally related probes as quantitative indicators of H₂S presence, additional studies of the properties of these compounds are needed.
Comparative Investigation of the Mechanisms of Calcium Response in Human and Murine Spermatozoa
Authors: Korobkina J. D. , Panteleev M. A. , Sveshnikova A. N.
Published: October 2024

Calcium signaling is a principal method of signal transduction in cells of non-excitable tissues. In both mouse and human sperm, it can be induced in response to progesterone, manifesting as oscillations or single peaks and followed by the acrosomal reaction. However, the molecular mechanisms of progesterone activation may vary between species. In this study, we aim to compare the calcium signaling mechanisms in human and mouse spermatozoa. We investigated the calcium response in mouse sperm activated by progesterone. We employed spectrofluorometry to quantify the rise in calcium concentration in response to progesterone in Fura-2 loaded mouse sperm cells in suspension. Our experiments demonstrated that mouse sperm cells respond to 50 μM progesterone with a peak 120 ± 35 s wide and 0.8 ± 0.3 μM high. Based on literature data, a scheme for the induction of calcium signaling was constructed, suggesting an intermediate stage with the synthesis of a certain prostanoid (possibly PGE2) and activation of mouse sperm by this prostanoid through a G-protein-coupled receptor. Based on the obtained reaction scheme, two computational models were developed: a point model and a three-dimensional model. As with human sperm, the point model provided only a qualitative description of calcium responses, whereas the three-dimensional model produced the shape of the calcium peak and the frequency of calcium oscillations in response to progesterone that were similar to the experimentally obtained values. Using in silico analysis, it was shown that in mouse sperm, the spatial distribution of signaling enzymes regulates the type and form of the calcium response. We conclude that the presence of time delays due to the diffusion and spatial distribution of calcium signaling enzymes regulates the calcium response in both human and mouse sperm.
Abnormal uterine bleeding and postmenopausal bleeding with menopausal hormone therapy: current evidence
Authors:   Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Dobrokhotova Yu.E. , l'ina I.Yu. ,   Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Safarli S.E. ,   Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: October 2024

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is prescribed to postmenopausal women to improve menopausal symptoms and prevent osteoporosis. However, MHT is often associated with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), the rate of which depends on the type and dosage of MHT drugs. It is known that the greatest incidence of cumulative amenorrhea is seen in women taking MHT at lower doses. The causes and specific biological mechanisms that contribute to breakthrough bleeding on MHT are not fully understood. Although there are relatively few studies on the possible mechanisms of breakthrough bleeding with MHT, potential pathophysiologic mechanisms are recognized. A number of studies suggest that MHT, particularly the progestin component, affects the vascular, stromal, and endothelial components of the endometrium, thereby activating abnormal angiogenesis and disrupting endometrial vascular integrity, which subsequently leads to AUB. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying AUB secondary to MHT may lead to the need for targeted therapy to limit or prevent this common phenomenon. KEYWORDS: abnormal uterine bleeding, menopausal hormone therapy, menopause, angiogenesis, leukocytes, progestogens. FOR CITATION: Dobrokhotova Yu.E., Il'ina I.Yu., Safarli S.E. Abnormal uterine bleeding and postmenopausal bleeding with menopausal hormone therapy: current evidence. Russian Journal of Woman and Child Health. 2024;7(3):241–247 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2618-8430- 2024-7-3-9.
Why should the dilemma exist in a pharmacist's practice?
Authors: Siek Paweł
Published: October 2024

W świecie XXI w. człowiek coraz częściej sprowadzany jest do funkcji klienta. Wymiar ekonomiczny określa kim człowiek jest oraz wskazuje mu miejsce i rolę. Szczególnie problematyczne staje się to zjawisko w ogólnie ujmowanej służbie zdrowia. Wymiar ekonomiczny to wyznacznik sukcesu życiowego, pożądanego statusu społecznego. Pomimo takiej perspektywy, poszukiwane i proklamowane są wymiary człowieczeństwa, które nie są określane poprzez zasobność konta bankowego. Etyczny aspekt działania, ugruntowany poprzez namysł wraz z odniesieniem do sumienia stanowią trzon osoby ludzkiej. Od tysiącleci społeczności ludzkie kształtowały własne istnienie poprzez odniesienie do konkretnych kodeksów. Określały one, w jaki sposób mają żyć i postępować członkowie danych grup. Przez stulecia w kulturze europejskiej Dekalog wskazywał pewną drogę życia. Nowoczesny świat, ukształtowany na gloryfikacji wolności, nie tyle odrzucił „boskie przykazania”, lecz poszukuje innych założeń. W obrębie nauk to filozofia wskazuje właściwy sposób życia i działania. Interesujące są dwa kierunki, które zarówno widzą wieloaspektowość osoby ludzkiej oraz akcentują jej wartość nadrzędną. Fenomenologia i personalizm to szczytowe osiągnięcia XX-wiecznej myśli filozoficznej. Husserl, Scheler, Mounier czy Stein to przykłady myślicieli, których założenia są warte przedstawienie – również w procesie edukacyjnym farmaceutów.
W niniejszym artkule przedstawiono założenia, dzięki którym praca farmaceuty może być wykonywana w sposób godny i wartościowy. Sumienie, intelektualny namysł nad działaniem wraz z indywidualnym systemem wartości, bazującym na człowieku–osobie, to środki do przywrócenia pracy farmaceuty należytego statusu i wartości. Praca farmaceuty to praca relacyjna, w której „bycie-z-innymi” jest niezaprzeczalną zasadą. Zasadniczym problemem jest kwestia „dylematu”. Zjawisko to jest obecne w wielu dziedzinach życia. Konflikt wartości, pytanie, co wybrać, jest zjawiskiem powszechnym, istniejącym w wielu obszarach. W zakresie nauk medycznych problem ten może sprowadzać się nawet do kwestii ostatecznych.
Przyjętą metodą badawczą jest wybór i przegląd literatury z zakresu nauk filozoficznych traktujących kwestię dylematu oraz kondycji człowieka jako osoby funkcjonującej w odniesieniu do wartości. Celem artykułu jest ukazanie fenomenu dylematu etycznego jako istotnej części kondycji ludzkiej. Osoba jest bytem etycznym, a pojawienie się dylematu wskazuje, że nie funkcjonuje jedynie jako bierny mechanizm biologiczno-psychologiczny.
German in International Politics
Authors: Řezanková Ivona
Published: October 2024

Gerd Langguth: Německo v mezinárodní politice. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Praha 1994, 60 stran, ISBN 80-85913-21-6.
A Review of Fresh Market Sweet Corn Production and Price Trends from 2010 to 2022
Authors: Amon Kelvin , Wade Tara , Mészáros Anna , Rumenik Tori
Published: October 2024

This publication provides information on conventional fresh market sweet corn acreage, volume, and pricing for the top four producing states: California, Florida, Georgia, and New York. (Other states produce a substantial amount of processed market sweet corn but are not the focus here.) This is one in a series of Ask IFAS publications focused on trends in Florida’s five most economically important specialty crops (excluding citrus): fresh market sweet corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, watermelons, and strawberries. This information will be useful to producers, Extension agents, and others interested in trends concerning specialty crop commodities. This publication serves as a unique source summarizing important information about the specialty crop market and production trends.
Introduction to Economic Analysis of Pest Management: Concepts of Partial Budgeting Analysis
Authors: Cai Yetian , Li Yi , Weng Weizhe , Guan Zhengfei
Published: October 2024

Pests have long posed a serious challenge in agricultural ecosystems, inflicting substantial economic losses on a global scale. In agricultural production, pests are often associated with crop yield losses, leading to a reduction in farm profits. This initial publication in the An Introduction to Economic Analysis of Pest Management series aims to educate agricultural producers, Extension agents, and researchers in other disciplines about partial budgeting analysis. Partial budgeting analysis is a fundamental tool widely used to analyze the economic viability of adopting various pest-management strategies.
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' Dwarf Fountain Grass, Australian Fountain Grass
Authors: Gilman Edward
Published: October 2024

This document provides an overview of the dwarf cultivar of fountain grass, Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’. It describes the plant’s characteristics, including its height, spread, and growth rate, as well as its ornamental features such as its white, bottle brush-like inflorescence and bright green foliage that turns golden brown in the fall. The document also covers the plant’s preferred growing conditions, including full sun and well-drained soils, and its high drought tolerance. Additionally, it highlights the plant’s uses in landscaping, its non-invasive nature, and its pest resistance. The propagation method by division every 5 to 10 years is also mentioned. Original publication date October 1999.
Pentas lanceolata Pentas, Egyptian Starcluster
Authors: Gilman Edward , Shiffit Suzanne
Published: October 2024

This document provides a detailed overview of Pentas lanceolata, commonly known as pentas or Egyptian starcluster. It describes the plant’s characteristics, including its height, spread, growth rate, and flowering habits. The document highlights the plant’s adaptability to various soil types and its moderate drought tolerance. It also notes the plant’s popularity with butterflies and hummingbirds, and its use in containers, hanging baskets, and as an accent in gardens. Additionally, it covers planting guidelines, maintenance tips, and propagation methods, emphasizing the plant’s suitability for hardiness zones 8B through 11. Original publication date October 1999.