bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transition to a circular economy as part of integrated water resources management. Review of assessment methods
Authors:   Central Economics and Mathematics Institute of RAS, Fontana Karine A. , Yerznkyan Bagrat H. ,   Central Economics and Mathematics Institute of RAS
Published: May 2024

The transition from a linear water use model to a circular economy (CE) is an urgent task in the context of growing freshwater shortages, pollution of natural water bodies and climate change. It is important to integrate «grey» (engineered) infrastructure with «green» (in particular, with nature-based solutions) infrastructure, which will connect water systems managed by humans and nature. Addressing these issues requires developing approaches to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the economic impact of CE in the water sector from a systems perspective, to develop a circular policy. The object of study are linear and circular models of water resources (WR) management. The subject of the study is the prospects for the transition to integrated WR management, considering alternative types of water supply, supported by assessments. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the relevance of the transition to integrated WR management, including solutions aimed at the transition to closed circular cycle water systems; consideration of circular strategies inherent in WR; review of approaches for assessing circular solutions in the water sector. The authors proceed from the following: the generally accepted definition of a CE in the water sector is one of the decisive factors for the successful transition to circular systems; the concept of a CE appears to be one of the key approaches to achieving sustainable development of the water sector; nature-based solutions are seen as an important tool for environmental conservation, providing additional benefits (improving urban microclimate, water quality, preserving biodiversity, reducing the impact of anthropogenic factors on water bodies); integration impact assessment approaches for CE in the water sector contributes to comprehensive assessment of circular solutions. Conclusions: integrated water resources management must consider alternative water supplies; systemic changes caused by the transition to a CE in the water sector should be given priority attention, giving preference to solutions integrating traditional and «green» infrastructure; the transition to CE requires the development of approaches (with the ability to adapt and scale them to specific conditions) for the economic assessment of the systemic impact of circular water systems. The study is aimed at researchers and decision makers in the field of WR management. The conclusions drawn can be used in developing strategies for the development of water management and making decisions at various levels. A systematic literature review methodology was used, based on tracking keywords in articles posted in scientific electronic libraries; scientometric analysis; analytical and logical methods for process analysis in the context of CE and water management.
Economic growth in Russia: structure, investment and «knowledge economy»
Authors:   Institute of Economics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Sukharev Oleg S.
Published: May 2024

Subject/topic. The study is devoted to a structural analysis of the growth of the Russian economy by components of GDP and the structure of investments – financial and non-financial. The article presents the results of an assessment of the structural model of growth of the Russian economy in the period from 2003 to 2023. The purpose of the study is to identify the structural characteristics of Russia’s economic growth according to the basic parameter – the country’s gross domestic product, which differ for different time intervals, and have specificity relative to 2022 and 2023, when external conditions and factors of economic growth have changed dramatically. The methodology is based on the theory of economic growth and macroeconomic policy, structural analysis. The information base of the study is formed by statistical data from Rosstat. Their use makes it possible to identify the features of economic growth in Russia, highlighting its structural composition according to the dynamics of GDP components by expenditure and basic sectors: raw materials, manufacturing and transaction, which together give the total value of GDP. In addition, an assessment is made of the structure of «financial-non-financial» investments and their impact on economic growth, taking into account the institutional shift of the financial market, as well as the connection between the «knowledge economy» and growth. The result of the study is the identified inhibitory role of financial investments in the implementation of the policy of lowering interest rates, as well as the low level of determination of the «knowledge economy» by expenses on scientific research and development, which for the Russian economic system creates further problems with providing technological growth factors in the field of achieving technological sovereignty. Conclusions/significance The conducted structural analysis of the growth of the Russian economy shows the absence of significant changes in the structural dynamics of GDP in 2022-2023, confirming the value of its own application of such analysis in justifying macroeconomic and structural policy measures in Russia, as well as the intensification of efforts in the field of growth policy. The prospect of the study comes down to modeling the influence of external and internal growth factors on its structural parameters and, on this basis, to justify measures of structural and general macroeconomic policy of economic changes that ensure the growth of Russia's GDP.
Differences in the innovative behavior of small and large businesses
Authors:   Vologda Research Center of The Russian Academy of Sciences, Ivanov Semyon L. , Terebova Svetlana V. ,   Vologda Research Center of The Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: May 2024

The authors of the article studied the specifics of innovative behavior of enterprises depending on their size. This specificity was determined in accordance with the following areas of the company’s activities: personnel policy, search for sources of financing, search for market niches, production of innovative products (determined by the nature of the innovations produced and the level of innovative mobility), search for partners and contractors, placement of financial responsibility centers. In preparing the article, a system analysis methodology was used, based on a set of theoretical and empirical research methods, the key of which is the case-study method, based on the results of content analysis, as well as expert interviews and a questionnaire survey. The analysis showed that the qualitative results of the activities of small and medium-sized innovative businesses often have a greater impact on the economic development of the region than large ones. The results obtained during the study have both scientific and practical significance. At the level of regional authorities, understanding the specifics of the innovative behavior of entrepreneurial firms is important from the point of view of determining measures of state support for innovatively active enterprises.
Юбилей В. И. Вернадского: проект ГПНТБ России
Authors:   Russian National Public Library for Science and Technology, Бычкова Елена Феликсовна
Published: May 2024

В 2023 г., объявленном в России Годом педагога и наставника, исполнилось 160 лет со дня рождения В. И. Вернадского. В ГПНТБ России реализован масштабный проект, направленный на популяризацию и продвижение идей В. И. Вернадского. На сайте библиотеки создан информационный ресурс, посвященный ученому, содержащий информацию о его личности, научном наследии, друзьях и сподвижниках. Материалы, представленные в данном ресурсе, могут быть использованы при проведении тематических мероприятий.
Цикл вебинаров ГПНТБ России, посвященных жизни, деятельности, научному наследию В. И. Вернадского, – в год 160-летия со дня рождения
Authors:   Russian National Public Library for Science and Technology, Климова М. А.
Published: May 2024

В рамках празднования 160-летия со дня рождения выдающегося отечественного ученого В. И. Вернадского в 2023 г. в ГПНТБ России прошёл цикл юбилейных мероприятий. Целью было привлечение внимания к личности академика В. И. Вернадского, его трудам, а также созданной им научной школе, к которой причисляли и причисляют себя многие выдающиеся советские и российские ученые. В том числе был организован цикл вебинаров, в ходе которых приглашенные лекторы рассказали о различных аспектах жизни и научной деятельности В. И. Вернадского, оказавших влияние на развитие мировой науки. Сотрудники группы развития проектов в области экологии и устойчивого развития ГПНТБ России представили на вебинарах тематические проекты библиотеки, воплощённые в год юбилея ученого.
«Жизнь, сохраненная в веках»
Authors:   Калужская областная научная библиотека им. В. Г. Белинского, Кузнецова Е. В.
Published: May 2024

Деятельность В. И. Вернадского оставила глубокий след в развитии научных идей ХХ века. Через труды и научные публикации она наиболее полно отражена в собраниях крупных библиотек, которые популяризируют наследие выдающегося ученого-естествоиспытателя. Этому был посвящен цикл мероприятий, организованных и проведенных библиотекой в юбилейном году 160-летия Вернадского, совпавшим с Годом педагога и наставника. Как удалось библиотеке сочетать одно с другим, объединив в одно направление и представив в едином электронном ресурсе, вы узнаете из статьи.
«Вернадский: жизнь, мысль, бессмертие»: к 160-летию со дня рождения ученого, мыслителя и философа В. И. Вернадского. Из опыта работы
Authors:   Национальная библиотека им. А. С. Пушкина Республики Мордовия, Аношкина А. И.
Published: May 2024

В статье отражен опыт работы с научным наследием В. И. Вернадского отдела естественно-научной и производственной литературы Национальной библиотеки им. А. С. Пушкина Республики Мордовия. К юбилею ученого приурочены мероприятия: книжно-иллюстративная выставка и познавательный лекторий.
Penyuluhan Kesehatan Makanan Bergizi Pada Siswa SD Negeri 07 Lenteng Agung Jakarta Selatan
Authors: Rizqi Pratiwi Retno Inten , Rahmawati Alma
Published: May 2024

Usia sekolah merupakan usia yang tepat untuk mengajarkan pola asupan makanan yang sesuai dengan pedoman gizi seimbang. Gizi seimbang meliputi (1) Syukuri dan nikmati anekaragam makanan, (2) Banyak makan sayuran dan cukup buah-buahan, (3) Biasakan mengonsumsi lauk pauk yang mengandung protein tinggi, (4) Biasakan mengonsumsi anekaragamanan makanan pokok, (5) Batasi konsumsi makanan pangan manis, asin dan berlemak dalam sehari konsumsi gula 50g (4 sdm/ sendok makan), natrium/garam 2000mg (1 sdt/sendok teh), lemak/minyak 67 gr (5 sdm), (6) Biasakan sarapan, (7) Biasakan minum air putih cukup dan aman (8 gelas sehari), (8) Biasakan membaca label pada kemasan pangan, (9) Cuci tangan pakai sabun dengan air bersih. Metode : a) Penilaian Status Gizi, melakukan pengukuran antropometri (berat badan dan tinggi badan) pada siswa/i SD Negeri 07 Lenteng Agung untuk mengetahui status gizi siswa/i. Pengukuran dilakukan menggunakan timbangan berat badan dan microtoise. b) Pendidikan, melakukan penuluhan yang bertujuan meningkatkan pemahaman siswa/i terhadap makanan sehat. Peningkatan dilihat dengan melakukan pre dan post test pada siswa SD.Pada pelaksanaan kegiatan penyuluhan gizi anak sekolah terdapat 32 siswa/i SDN 07 Lenteng Agung Jakarta Selatan yang ikut berpartisipasi dan antusiasi mengikuti kegiatan penyuluhan ini yang dimulai dari pemaparan materi, pengukuran status gizi dengan antropometri, sampai dengan pembagian dorprize serta penutupan. Setelah dilakukan pengukuran status gizi pada siswa/i dengan pengukuran antropometri terdapat siswa yang memiliki status gizi kurang sebanyak 3 siswa/i (9.3%) dan status gizi normal 19 siswa siswa/i (90.7%).  Adanya peningkatan pengetahuan pada siswa/i SDN 07 Lenteng Agung setelah dilakukan penyuluhan pada siswa/i.
Optimalisasi Metode Pembelajaran: Upaya Peningkatan Pengetahuan Pembelajaran Nutrasetikal pada Penyakit Kardiovaskular
Authors: Pijaryani Indri , Taufiqurrahman Muh
Published: May 2024

Pelaksanaan pembelajaran menjadi tantangan bagi Dosen dan Mahasiswa. Dosen harus mengintegrasikan pendekatan pembelajaran baru dan secara aktif melibatkan Mahasiswa untuk menegakkan standar pendidikan yang tinggi. Namun demikian, peserta didik harus memiliki kemampuan untuk beradaptasi dengan metode pelatihan baru. Penting untuk mempertimbangkan minat dan ciri khas inovasi pembelajaran, serta kemajuan yang dicapai dalam ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi, karena elemen-elemen ini terus berkembang. Pada proses pelaksanaan pengabdian, metode dilaksanakan dengan model Problem-Based Learning (PBL), yaitu model pembelajaran yang terdiri dari lima tahap: mengorientasikan Mahasiswa pada masalah, mengorganisasikan mahasiswa dalam pembelajaran, membimbing mahasiswa, mengembangkan dan menyajikan produk karya, serta menganalisis dan mengevaluasi proses pemecahan masalah. Tujuan pembelajaran yang dapat diukur terkait dengan aspek kognitif, dan penilaian pemahaman digunakan sebagai komponen pendekatan penilaian. Tujuan utama media pembelajaran adalah berfungsi sebagai alat pembelajaran yang mengubah suasana, lingkungan sekitar, dan lingkungan belajar.. Media berpotensi merangsang pemikiran Mahasiswa dan meningkatkan pembelajarannya. Mahasiswa cenderung tidak bosan jika menggunakan media dalam pembelajaran. Media pembelajaran memiliki beberapa jenis yaitu, audio, visual, dan audiovisual. Dari ketiga jenis media pembelajaran tersebut, visual melaluai E-modul banyak diminati oleh mahasiwa diikuti oleh audio-visual untuk meningkatkan motivasi Mahasiswa karena tidak membuat Mahasiswa merasakan bosan.
Identification of Edible Mushroom Species in the City of Lodja and Its Surrounding (Sankuru Province) in Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Junior-Gauthier N. Wembodinga  , Benoit O. Djanya  , Irène Y. Ambale  , Jean-Malabar D. Shokesole  , Jean Bernard Z. Bosanza  , Jean Paul Koto-Te-Nyiwa Ngbolua
Published: May 2024

The study was carried out in order to constitute a database necessary for the valorization of edible mushroom in the city of Lodja and it’s surrounding by the identification of the different species of mushrooms, the types of substrates on which grow as well as their natural habitats. The result obtained show that 20 species of edible mushrooms have been identified, 70% of which grow during the rainy season compared to 30% in the dry season. Concerning the habitat, 60% of mushrooms are harvested in forests, 25% are multipurpose and 15% are harvested on grassy formations. Regarding the specificity of substrates, 40% of species grow on land, 30% colonize dead palm trees, 15% use either dead palm tree and trees or dead wood, 10% grow on dead wood and only 4% evolve on plant detritus. In terms of abundance, 50% are abundant, 30% are less abundant and 20% are rare in the environment.  Finally, 4 species (20%) namely: Ntelia amanitalosis, Lentinus tigrinus, Cantharellus rufopunetatus and Marasmius oreades, present potential for mushroom cultivation. Hence, the need to domesticate them in order to study their performance and diversify local production.
Influencia de la motivación intrínseca y extrínseca en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje: Una Revisión Sistemática
Authors: Mora Velasco Víctor Emilio , López Proaño Natalia Alejandra , Larrea López Evelyn Nathaly , Pérez Frías Hilda Leonor , Aldáz Mejía Orlando Bladimir , Criollo Yucailla Ricardo Daniel
Published: May 2024

La motivación es esencial en el proceso educativo debido a que impulsa la participación y persistencia de los estudiantes. Se divide en intrínseca, basada en el interés personal, y extrínseca, influenciada por factores externos como recompensas o castigos. Sin embargo, su complejidad y diversidad plantean desafíos considerables para los educadores. La interacción de diversos factores, tanto internos como externos, genera interrogantes sobre cómo abordarla de manera efectiva en el ámbito educativo. El objetivo de este estudio es revisar a fondo la literatura existente sobre el impacto de la motivación intrínseca y extrínseca en la enseñanza y el aprendizaje. Se busca identificar y analizar investigaciones relevantes que examinen cómo diferentes tipos de motivación influyen en el compromiso, la participación y el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes. Para esto se realizó una revisión sistemática de 99 documentos seleccionados en una búsqueda en las bases de datos de Scielo, Redalyc y Scopus, utilizando criterios de exclusión e inclusión. Para lograrlo, se emplea una metodología PRISMA, con enfoque sistemático. Los resultados señalan que el genuino interés y la automotivación desempeñan un papel esencial en el compromiso activo, la participación entusiasta y el destacado rendimiento de los estudiantes durante el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Se concluye que la motivación intrínseca específicamente juega un rol fundamental en el compromiso y la participación de los estudiantes en el proceso educativo. Por lo tanto, se recomienda diseñar actividades educativas que promuevan la autonomía, la relevancia personal y el disfrute por aprender es fundamental.
KLASTERISASI TINGKAT PENJUALAN OBAT PADA APOTEK JAKA WIJAYA DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN METODE K-MEANS
Authors: Hidayanti Deni Andria , Kurnia Fitri , Rahmawati Rahmawati , Handoko Wiwin
Published: May 2024

Abstrak: A pharmacy is a health service facility to help improve the health of the community, a pharmacy is also a place for professional pharmacists to practice their work. To determine the amount of stock inventory, Jaka Wijaya Pharmacy requires a clusterization of sales stock data. The method that can be used is the K-Means algorithm. This algorithm is based on a simple idea. K-Means is a distance-based clustering method that divides data into a number of clusters and this algorithm only works on numeric attributes. The data processed in this research is a sample taken from the Jaka Wijaya Pharmacy data in 2022. The Jaka Wijaya Pharmacy dataset consists of the attributes No, Drug Item, Type, Packaging, Initial Stock, Cost Price, Unit Conversion, Selling Price, Number of Transactions, Ending Stock, Shelf, Warehouse-Office Codes. With the K-Means Clustering method, it is possible to group drug sales data with stock that is not selling well as cluster 0, stock that is selling well as cluster 1, and stock that is selling very well as cluster 2. The sample data to be tested consists of 170 data from the Jaka Wijaya Pharmacy. Where the cluster results show that there are several results, namely cluster 0 totaling 102, cluster 1 totaling 34, and cluster 2 totaling 34 decisions, where the decisions include very in demand, in demand, not in demand.Keywords: Data Mining; Jaka Wijaya Pharmacy; K-means ClusterAbstrak: Apotek  merupakan  sarana  pelayanan  kesehatan  untuk  membantu meningkatkan kesehatan  bagi  masyarakat, apotek juga sebagai tempat praktik tenaga profesi apoteker dalam melakukan  pekerjaan. Untuk menentukan jumlah persediaan stok, Apotek Jaka Wijaya membutuhkan suatu clusterisasi data stok penjualan. Metode yang dapat digunakan yaitu algoritma K-Means. Algoritma ini didasarkan pada ide sederhana. K-Means adalah  metode Clustering berbasis jarak yang membagi data ke dalam sejumlah cluster dan algoritma ini hanya bekerja pada atribut numeric. Data yang diolah dalam penelitian ini merupakan sampel yang diambil dari data Apotek Jaka Wijaya pada tahun 2022. Dataset Apotek Jaka Wijaya terdiri dari atribut No, Item Obat, Jenis, Kemasan, Stok Awal, Harga Pokok, Konversi Satuan, Harga Jual, Jumlah Transaksi, Stok Akhir, Rak, Kode Gudang-Kantor. Dengan metode K-Means Clustering maka dapat mengelompokkan data penjualan obat dengan stok kurang laris sebagai cluster 0, stok laris sebagai cluster 1, dan stok sangat laris sebagai cluster 2. Data sampel yang akan diuji terdiri dari 170 data dari Apotek Jaka Wijaya. Yang dimana hasil cluster menunjukkan terdapat beberapa hasil yaitu cluster 0 berjumlah 102, cluster 1 berjumlah 34, dan cluster 2 berjumlah 34 keputusan yang dimana keputusan itu meliputi sangat laris, laris, kurang laris. Kata kunci: Apotek Jaka Wijaya; Data Mining;  K-means Cluster
Augmenting Academic Efficiency: The Integration of Assessments Within the Addie Model for Pedagogical Development
Authors: Boateng Samuel , Kalonde Gilbert Gilbert , Duedu Claudia
Published: May 2024

This paper explores the integration of assessments within the ADDIE model for pedagogical development, emphasizing its crucial role in enhancing learning experiences. Through a meticulous literature review, theoretical frameworks, practical implementations, and outcomes of assessment integration are examined. Assessments, spanning formative, summative, and authentic types, are shown to be integral to each phase of the ADDIE model, promoting customized interventions, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making. While challenges such as resource constraints and expertise gaps exist, strategies including professional development and technology integration offer pathways to overcome them. Furthermore, actively involving learners in the assessment process, providing timely feedback, and aligning assessments with learner interests can enhance motivation and engagement, fostering intrinsic motivation and self-directed learning. This study underscores the importance of integrating assessments into the ADDIE Model, advocating for learner-centered approaches and instructional design practices.
Conceptual Model of Cross-Boundary Learning in Adventure Tourism
Authors: Akaho Yuma
Published: May 2024

This theoretical study aims to provide a learning model for adventure tour guides to become effective learning facilitators for adventure tourists, who have increasingly sought self-transformation through soft-adventure activities. This objective is drowned by the increasing interest in learning from different cultures among adventure tourists and also the attention to self-transformation through pedagogy, adventure tourism, outdoor adventure education (OAE), and pedagogy are becoming increasingly capable of sharing their theories under the concept of cross-boundary learning. This paper therefore organizes this sharing by considering the applicability of OAE theories to soft adventure tourist based on literature review. It then centers on the community of practice created from interaction between guides and tourists and between tourists as a way of learning, which can lead adventure tourists towards self-transformation, and discusses how guides can create opportunities for such cooperative learning community during their service. As a result, taking a cue from the SECI model, which underlies cross-boundary learning, a conceptual model was presented to implement the facilitator role of the guide in cross-boundary learning effectively. In this conceptual model, the guide’s role extends beyond knowledge transfer. Rather, the results of the study imply that guides are required to be co-creators of knowledge to accompany adventure tourists in their cross-boundary learning. The findings also suggest that guides need to become cross-boundary learners who may also learn from their customers.
Identification of the changes in the platelet proteomic profile of elderly individuals
Authors: Chen Hui-Lian , Wang Qing-Yu , Qi Ruo-Mei , Cai Jian-Ping
Published: May 2024

Background

Platelet hyperreactivity is a risk factor for thrombosis in elderly patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanism of platelet hyperactivation has not been elucidated. This study aims to investigate alterations in the proteomes of platelets and their correlation with platelet hyperreactivity among elderly individuals.

Methods

This study included 10 young (28.1 ± 1.9 years), 10 middle-aged (60.4 ± 2.2 years), and 10 old (74.2 ± 3.0 years) subjects. Washed platelets were used in the present study. Platelet samples were analysed by using data-independent acquisition (DIA) quantitative mass spectrometry (MS).

Results

The results showed that the platelet proteomic profile exhibited high similarity between the young and middle-aged groups. However, there were significant differences in protein expression profiles between the old group and the young group. By exploring the dynamic changes in the platelet proteome with ageing, clusters of proteins that changed significantly with ageing were selected for further investigation. These clusters were related to the initial triggering of complement, phagosome and haemostasis based on enrichment analysis. We found that platelet degranulation was the major characteristic of the differentially expressed proteins between the old and young populations. Moreover, complement activation, the calcium signalling pathway and the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signalling pathway were enriched in differentially expressed proteins.

Conclusions

The present study showed that there are obvious differences in the protein profiles of the elderly compared with young and middle-aged populations. The results provide novel evidence showing changes in platelet hyperactivity and susceptibility to thrombosis in the elderly population.
Associations between tobacco inhalation and semen parameters in men with primary and secondary infertility: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Fan ShiWei , Zhang Zeling , Wang HuiRu , Luo Lei , Xu Bo
Published: May 2024

Objective

To examine the impact of tobacco smoking on seminal parameters in men with both primary and secondary infertility.

Methods

This cross-sectional study analyzed 1938 infertile men from China who were categorized as nonsmokers (n=1,067) and smokers (n=871), with the latter group further divided into moderate smokers (1-10 cigarettes per day) (n=568) and heavy smokers (>10 cigarettes per day) (n=303). We assessed semen volume, concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility, and normal morphology following World Health Organization (WHO 2010) guidelines. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationships between smoking and seminal parameters while also controlling for lifestyle factors.

Results

The analysis demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between smoking and adverse seminal parameters in both primary and secondary infertility patients. Specifically, primary infertile men who smoked had a lower semen concentration, with heavy smokers showing a median sperm concentration of 59.2×10^6/ml compared to 68.6×10^6/ml in nonsmokers (P=0.01). The secondary infertile men who smoked exhibited reduced forward sperm motility, with heavy smokers demonstrating a median progressive motility of 44.7%, which was significantly lower than the 48.1% observed in nonsmokers (P=0.04).

Conclusion

Smoking is significantly associated with detrimental effects on seminal parameters in infertile men, thus highlighting the need for cessation programs as part of fertility treatment protocols. Encouraging smoking cessation could substantially improve semen quality and fertility outcomes in this population.
The role of financial inclusion, urbanization, and energy efficiency on environmental performance in belt and roads initiative (BRI) economies
Authors: Rizwanullah Muhammad , Nasrullah Muhammad , Alnafissa Mohamad , Alamri Yosef
Published: May 2024

The primary objective of the study is to determine how environmental performance is affected by several factors, including trade freedom, industrial production, urbanization, financial inclusion, and energy efficiency. This research provides a novel perspective on the environmental performance of Belt and Roads Initiatives (BRI) member states by employing panel data from 1991 to 2021. It contributes to our understanding of the role of several factors in improving environmental performance. Panel data analysis also incorporates the CD, CIPS, FMOLS, DOLS, and PMG-ARDL tests. This research possesses substantial theoretical ramifications, as it might enable the expansion and refinement of current economic and environmental theories. As per the findings of this research, each factor significantly affects environmental performance (ecological foot-point). This contributes to short-term environmental issues by conserving resources and lowering emissions, creating the framework for long-term environmentally friendly procedures and innovation. Strong environmental policies that may cause effective environmental performance in Belt and Roads Initiatives (BRI) countries.
Free sugar intake is associated with reduced proportion of circulating invariant natural killer T cells among women experiencing overweight and obesity
Authors: Alhamawi Renad M. , Almutawif Yahya A. , Aloufi Bushra H. , Alotaibi Jory F. , Alharbi Manar F. , Alsrani Nura M. , Alinizy Razan M. , Almutairi Waad S. , Alaswad Wed A. , Eid Hamza M. A. , Mumena Walaa A.
Published: May 2024

Background

Higher prevalence of obesity has been observed among women compared to men, which can be explained partly by the higher consumption of sweets and physical inactivity. Obesity can alter immune cell infiltration, and therefore increase the susceptibility to develop chronic inflammation and metabolic disorders. In this study, we aimed to explore the association between free sugar intake and other unhealthy lifestyle habits in relation to the proportion of circulating iNKT cells among women with healthy weight and women experiencing overweight and obesity.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 51 Saudi women > 18 years, wherein their daily free sugar intake was assessed using the validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. Data on smoking status, physical activity, and supplement use were also collected. Anthropometric data including height, weight, waist circumference were objectively measured from each participants. The proportion of circulating iNKT cells was determined using flow cytometry.

Results

Smoking, physical activity, supplement use, and weight status were not associated with proportion of circulating iNKT cells. Significant association was found between proportion of circulating iNKT cells and total free sugar intake and free sugar intake coming from solid food sources only among women experiencing overweight and obesity (Beta: -0.10: Standard Error: 0.04 [95% Confidence Interval: -0.18 to -0.01], p= 0.034) and (Beta: -0.15: Standard Error: 0.05 [95% Confidence Interval: -0.25 to -0.05], p= 0.005), respectively.

Conclusion

Excessive free sugar consumption may alter iNKT cells and consequently increase the risk for chronic inflammation and metabolic disorders.
Progress in research on the role of fluoride in immune damage
Authors: Zhu Siqi , Wei Wei
Published: May 2024

Excessive fluoride intake from residential environments may affect multiple tissues and organs; however, the specific pathogenic mechanisms are unclear. Researchers have recently focused on the damaging effects of fluoride on the immune system. Damage to immune function seriously affects the quality of life of fluoride-exposed populations and increases the incidence of infections and malignant tumors. Probing the mechanism of damage to immune function caused by fluoride helps identify effective drugs and methods to prevent and treat fluorosis and improve people’s living standards in fluorosis-affected areas. Here, the recent literature on the effects of fluoride on the immune system is reviewed, and research on fluoride damage to the immune system is summarized in terms of three perspectives: immune organs, immune cells, and immune-active substances. We reviewed that excessive fluoride can damage immune organs, lead to immune cells dysfunction and interfere with the expression of immune-active substances. This review aimed to provide a potential direction for future fluorosis research from the perspective of fluoride-induced immune function impairment. In order to seek the key regulatory indicators of fluoride on immune homeostasis in the future.
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens attenuates the intestinal permeability, oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress: transcriptome and microbiome analyses in weaned piglets
Authors: Yuan Junmeng , Meng Hongling , Liu Yu , Wang Li , Zhu Qizhen , Wang Zhengyu , Liu Huawei , Zhang Kai , Zhao Jinshan , Li Weifen , Wang Yang
Published: May 2024

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is related to oxidative stress (OS) and leads to intestinal injury. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SC06 (SC06) can regulate OS, but its roles in intestinal ER stress remains unclear. Using a 2 × 2 factorial design, 32 weaned piglets were treated by two SC06 levels (0 or 1 × 108 CFU/g), either with or without diquat (DQ) injection. We found that SC06 increased growth performance, decreased ileal permeability, OS and ER stress in DQ-treated piglets. Transcriptome showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) induced by DQ were enriched in NF-κB signaling pathway. DEGs between DQ- and SC06 + DQ-treated piglets were enriched in glutathione metabolism pathway. Ileal microbiome revealed that the SC06 + DQ treatment decreased Clostridium and increased Actinobacillus. Correlations were found between microbiota and ER stress genes. In conclusion, dietary SC06 supplementation increased the performance, decreased the permeability, OS and ER stress in weaned piglets by regulating ileal genes and microbiota.
Hedgehog signaling is a promising target for the treatment of hepatic fibrogenesis: a new management strategy using itraconazole-loaded nanoparticles
Authors: Elmorsy Elsayed A. , Saber Sameh , Kira Ahmed Y. , Alghasham Abdullah , Abdel-Hamed Mohamed R. , Amer Maha M. , Mohamed Enas A. , AlSalloom A. A , Alkhamiss Abdullah S. , Hamad Rabab S. , Abdel-Reheim Mustafa Ahmed , Ellethy Abousree T. , Elsisi Hossam A. , Alsharidah Mansour , Elghandour Sahar R. , Elnawawy Tayseer , Abdelhady Rasha
Published: May 2024

Liver fibrosis is a disease with a great global health and economic burden. Existing data highlights itraconazole (ITRCZ) as a potentially effective anti-fibrotic therapy. However, ITRCZ effect is hindered by several limitations, such as poor solubility and bioavailability. This study aimed to formulate and optimize chitosan nanoparticles (Cht NPs) loaded with ITRCZ as a new strategy for managing liver fibrosis. ITRCZ-Cht NPs were optimized utilizing a developed 22 full factorial design. The optimized formula (F3) underwent comprehensive in vitro and in vivo characterization. In vitro assessments revealed that F3 exhibited an entrapment efficiency of 89.65% ± 0.57%, a 169.6 ± 1.77 nm particle size, and a zeta potential of +15.93 ± 0.21 mV. Furthermore, in vitro release studies indicated that the release of ITRCZ from F3 adhered closely to the first-order model, demonstrating a significant enhancement (p-value < 0.05) in cumulative release compared to plain ITRCZ suspension. This formula increased primary hepatocyte survival and decreased LDH activity in vitro. The in vivo evaluation of F3 in a rat model of liver fibrosis revealed improved liver function and structure. ITRCZ-Cht NPs displayed potent antifibrotic effects as revealed by the downregulation of TGF-β, PDGF-BB, and TIMP-1 as well as decreased hydroxyproline content and α-SMA immunoexpression. Anti-inflammatory potential was evident by reduced TNF-α and p65 nuclear translocation. These effects were likely ascribed to the modulation of Hedgehog components SMO, GLI1, and GLI2. These findings theorize ITRCZ-Cht NPs as a promising formulation for treating liver fibrosis. However, further investigations are deemed necessary.
IAA-producing plant growth promoting rhizobacteria from Ceanothus velutinus enhance cutting propagation efficiency and Arabidopsis biomass
Authors: Ganesh Jyothsna , Hewitt Katherine , Devkota Ananta Raj , Wilson Ty , Kaundal Amita
Published: May 2024

Climate-induced drought impacts plant growth and development. Recurring droughts increase the demand for water for food production and landscaping. Native plants in the Intermountain West region of the US are of keen interest in low water use landscaping as they are acclimatized to dry and cold environments. These native plants do very well at their native locations but are difficult to propagate in landscape. One of the possible reasons is the lack of associated microbiome in the landscaping. Microbiome in the soil contributes to soil health and impacts plant growth and development. Here, we used the bulk soil from the native plant Ceanothus velutinus (snowbrush ceanothus) as inoculant to enhance its propagation. Snowbrush ceanothus is an ornamental plant for low-water landscaping that is hard to propagate asexually. Using 50% native bulk soil as inoculant in the potting mix significantly improved the survival rate of the cuttings compared to no-treated cuttings. Twenty-four plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) producing indole acetic acid (IAA) were isolated from the rhizosphere and roots of the survived snowbrush. Seventeen isolates had more than 10µg/mL of IAA were shortlisted and tested for seven different plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits; 76% showed nitrogen-fixing ability on Norris Glucose Nitrogen free media,70% showed phosphate solubilization activity, 76% showed siderophore production, 36% showed protease activity, 94% showed ACC deaminase activity on DF-ACC media, 76% produced catalase and all of isolates produced ammonia. Eight of seventeen isolates, CK-6, CK-22, CK-41, CK-44, CK-47, CK-50, CK-53, and CK-55, showed an increase in shoot biomass in Arabidopsis thaliana. Seven out of eight isolates were identified as Pseudomonas, except CK-55, identified as Sphingobium based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The shortlisted isolates are being tested on different grain and vegetable crops to mitigate drought stress and promote plant growth.
Spatial and temporal variation of net primary productivity of herbaceous marshes and its climatic drivers in China
Authors: Wu Liyuan , Shen Xiangjin , Zhang Jiaqi , Liu Yiwen , Ding Chen , Ma Rong , Lu Xianguo , Jiang Ming
Published: May 2024

Herbaceous marshes are widely distributed in China and are vital to regional ecological security and sustainable development. Vegetation net primary productivity (NPP) is a vital indicator of vegetation growth. Climatic change can significantly affect NPP, but variations in NPP of herbaceous marsh and their responses to climate change in China remain unclear. Using meteorological data and MODIS NPP data during 2000-2020, this study analyzed the spatial and temporal variations of NPP and their responses to climate change in Chinese herbaceous marshes. We found that the annual NPP of herbaceous marshes in China increased significantly at a rate of 3.34 g C/m2/a from 2000 to 2020, with an average value of 336.60 g C/m2. The increased annual total precipitation enhanced the national average NPP, whereas annual mean temperature had no significant effect on the national average NPP. Regionally, precipitation had a significant positive effect on the NPP in temperate semi-arid and arid and temperate semi-humid and humid marsh regions. For the first time, we discovered asymmetry effects of daytime and nighttime temperatures on NPP in herbaceous marshes of China. In temperate humid and semi-humid marsh regions, increased summer daytime temperature decreased the NPP while increased summer nighttime temperature increased the NPP. In the Tibetan Plateau, increased autumn daytime temperature, as well as summer daytime and nighttime temperatures could increase the NPP of herbaceous marshes. This study highlights the different influences of seasonal climate change on the NPP of herbaceous marshes in China and indicates that the differential effects of daytime and nighttime temperatures should be considering in simulating the NPP of herbaceous marshes in terrestrial ecosystem models, especially under the background of global asymmetric diurnal warming.
The imbalance of self-reported wanting and liking is associated with the degree of attentional bias toward smoking-related stimuli in low nicotine dependence smokers
Authors: File Domonkos , Petro Bela , Kojouharova Petia , Kővári Lili , Gaál Zsófia Anna , Demetrovics Zsolt , Czigler István
Published: May 2024

Background and aims

The Incentive Sensitization Theory (IST) offers a comprehensive framework that explains how attentional mechanisms contribute to the maintenance and relapse of addictive behavior. However, the extent to which the underlying neuropsychological mechanisms are consciously accessible for report remains unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between self-reported wanting and liking among smokers and its relationship with detecting changes in smoking-related stimuli.

Design

An online experiment was designed deploying a flicker paradigm with neutral and smoking-related changes, completed by 422 individuals (mean age = 29.1 years, 214 non-smokers, 123 current smokers, and 85 former smokers). Additionally, the Fagerström Test for Cigarette Dependence and the Imaginative Wanting and Liking Questionnaire were administered.

Findings

Consistent with prior research findings, smokers exhibited faster detection of smoking-related changes compared to non-smokers, while former smokers displayed an intermediate level of attentional bias, falling between the levels observed in smokers and non-smokers. Further, higher levels of nicotine dependence were associated with a greater discrepancy between self-reported wanting and liking, which was associated with better change detection performance for high salience smoking-related stimuli in smokers.

Conclusion

These findings support the predictions of IST and support the notion that attentional bias might develops early in the course of nicotine addiction. Furthermore, the results indicate that the underlying cognitive mechanisms might be partially within conscious awareness, which opens up potential avenues for research design, treatment, and interventions.
Relationships between job satisfaction, occupational burnout and rationing of care among intensive care unit nurses
Authors: Tomaszewska Katarzyna , Kowalczuk Krystyna , Majchrowicz Bożena
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Rationing of nursing care is referred to as overlooking aspects of required patient care. Its result is incomplete or delayed services provided to the patient. Anesthesia nurses employed in an intensive care unit are exposed to a significant workload. Particularly heavy is the psychological burden leading in many cases to the onset of burnout syndrome and a decrease in job satisfaction.

The aim of this paper

Was to determine the relationship between occupational burnout, job satisfaction and rationing of care among anesthesia nurses employed in intensive care units.

Materials and methods

The study group consisted of 477 anesthesia nurses employed in intensive care units in Poland. The study was conducted between December 2022 and January 2023. The research tools were BERNCA-R questionnaire, Job Satisfaction Scale questionnaire and Maslach Burnout Inventory questionnaire, which were distributed to selected hospitals with a request to be forwarded to intensive care units and completed. In the statistical analysis, correlations were calculated using Spearman’s rho coefficient, reporting the intensity of the relationship and its positive or negative direction. The analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS 26.0 package with the Exact Tests module.

Results

The mean score of the BERNCA questionnaire was 1.65 ± 0.82. The mean score of occupational burnout was 60.82 ± 10.46. The level of emotional exhaustion, which significantly affects occupational burnout, was 26.39 ± 6.07, depersonalization was 14.14 ± 3.21 and lack of personal achievement was 20.29 ± 4.70. All the scores obtained exceeded the threshold of 50% of total points, which indicates the presence of occupational burnout at a significant level. The job satisfaction of the nurses surveyed was above mean at 23.00 ± 5.2 out of 35 total points.

Conclusion

The results proved that there is a statistically significant, although with a weak strength of association, correlation between occupational burnout and rationing of care by anesthesia nurses. As the limitation of anesthesia nurses’ ability to perform certain activities increases, their job satisfaction decreases. In a work environment that is conducive to nurses, there are fewer job responsibilities that are unfulfilled. Therefore, it is essential to create a friendly work environment for nursing staff that will promote the provision of services at the highest possible level.
Experiences of Food Insecurity Among Pregnant Adolescents and Adolescent Mothers in Ghana: A Photovoice Method
Authors: Posey Isabelle , Nsiah-Asamoah Christiana , Fergusson Russell Nicholas , Darkwa Entwi Esther , Okronipa Harriet
Published: May 2024

Objectives: Food insecurity (FI) remains a major public health problem globally. However, there is limited information about adolescents’ experiences. The current study explored FI experiences of pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers in Cape Coast, Ghana using a Photovoice method.

Methods: This study recruited 34 pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers from communities in Cape Coast, Ghana. Each participated in a training session then was provided prompts to take photos that portrayed food access barriers, facilitators and coping strategies. In a debrief session, each participant selected two pictures they took and explained the image, followed by a group discussion of the selected photos. Debrief sessions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim to develop themes using a theory-driven approach.

Results: Most participants reported several or many experiences with FI (64.7%) in the previous month. Participants discussed money, unwanted pregnancy, and unstable work as barriers to obtaining food and working, selling goods, and family support as facilitators to obtaining food. Coping strategies mentioned include providing services to others, borrowing food and goods, meal stretching, pawning personal items and trading.

Conclusion: The FI experience of this population is complex; interventions, including trade training or school retention, should be multifaceted.
A General Statistical Physics Framework for Assignment Problems
Authors: Koehl Patrice , Orland Henri
Published: May 2024

Linear assignment problems hold a pivotal role in combinatorial optimization, offering a broad spectrum of applications within the field of data sciences. They consist of assigning “agents” to “tasks” in a way that leads to a minimum total cost associated with the assignment. The assignment is balanced when the number of agents equals the number of tasks, with a one-to-one correspondence between agents and tasks, and it is and unbalanced otherwise. Additional options and constraints may be imposed, such as allowing agents to perform multiple tasks or allowing tasks to be performed by multiple agents. In this paper, we propose a novel framework that can solve all these assignment problems employing methodologies derived from the field of statistical physics. We describe this formalism in detail and validate all its assertions. A major part of this framework is the definition of a concave effective free energy function that encapsulates the constraints of the assignment problem within a finite temperature context. We demonstrate that this free energy monotonically decreases as a function of a parameter β representing the inverse of temperature. As β increases, the free energy converges to the optimal assignment cost. Furthermore, we demonstrate that when β values are sufficiently large, the exact solution to the assignment problem can be derived by rounding off the elements of the computed assignment matrix to the nearest integer. We describe a computer implementation of our framework and illustrate its application to multi-task assignment problems for which the Hungarian algorithm is not applicable.