bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial and fungal assemblages of the gut and carapace of loggerhead sea turtles
Authors: Filek Klara , Vuković Borna Branimir , Žižek Marta , Kanjer Lucija , Trotta Adriana , Bello Antonio , Corrente Marialaura , Bosak Sunčica
Published: November 2023

Background
The research on microbial communities of marine megafauna species represents a valuable source of knowledge that could be used for species conservation programs. Loggerhead sea turtles are marine flagship species with a currently thriving population in the Mediterranean Sea due to strong conservation efforts. In our study we aimed to further understand their biology in relation to their associated microorganisms. We investigated bacterial and fungal community structure of cloacal, oral swabs and carapace biofilm samples obtained from 18 juvenile, subadult and adult turtles as well as 8 respective enclosures, during a period of 3 years, by amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA gene and ITS2 region of nuclear ribosomal gene.
Results
Our results reveal a trend of decreasing diversity of distal gut bacterial communities with the age of turtles. Notably, Tenacibaculum genus shows higher relative abundance in juveniles than in adults. Differential abundance of genera like Tenacibaculum, Moraxellaceae, Cardiobacteriaceae, and Campylobacter was observed in both cloacal and oral samples in addition to having distinct microbial compositions such as Halioglobus genera in oral samples. Fungal communities in loggerheads' cloaca were diverse and varied significantly among individuals, differing from those of tank water. However, we could not identify discernible patterns related to age, sex, or clinical status due to study limitations.
Conclusion
This study provides a comprehensive view of the loggerhead sea turtle bacterial microbiota and marks the first report of distal gut fungal communities studied via amplicon sequencing. Our findings expand the known microbial diversity repertoire of loggerheads, highlighting interesting taxa specific to individual body sites. This contributes to establishing a baseline understanding of the loggerhead bacterial and fungal microbiome.
Enhancing Deep Learning Models for Image Classification using Hybrid Activation Functions
Authors: Zhang Zhiqiang , Li Xiaoming , Yang Yihe , Shi Zhiyong
Published: November 2023

In the era of big data, efficient data processing has become a crucial issue for scientific development. Image classification, as one of the core tasks in the field of computer vision, holds great significance for achieving automated and intelligent applications. Nonlinear activation functions play a crucial role in neural networks, as they can introduce nonlinear properties and improve the representation and learning ability of the model. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the performance of different nonlinear activation functions on image classification tasks to optimize model performance and improve data processing efficiency. This paper is based on three nonlinear activation functions, namely, the cosine linear unit (CosLU), derivative exponential linear unit (DELU), and rectified linear unit with nonnegative slope (ReLUN), proposed by E. Pishchik in 2023, to study their performance on image classification tasks. We selected two datasets, CIFAR-10 and CIFAR-100, and employed these three activation functions to train five progressively deepening network models. By comparing them with the ReLU activation function and between the two datasets, we expanded the number of classes in the dataset to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of these activation functions. The experimental results demonstrate that when trained on the CIFAR-10 dataset, the cosine linear unit (CosLU) activation function outperforms ReLU, while the derivative exponential linear unit (DELU) activation function exhibits poor performance, and the rectified linear unit with nonnegative slope (ReLUN) activation function performs similarly to ReLU. However, when trained on the CIFAR-100 dataset, the effectiveness of these activation functions significantly decreases. Additionally, we observed that activation functions with trainable parameters tend to exhibit an overall performance trend that improves as the model size increases. Furthermore, we identified a characteristic shared by most activation functions with trainable parameters, indicating that the larger the model is, the better the overall performance trend may become.
Machine Learning Applications in Studying Mental Health Among Immigrants and Racial and Ethnic Minorities: An Exploratory Review
Authors: Park Khushbu , Ahmed Abdulaziz , Al-Garadi Mohammed Ali
Published: November 2023

Background
The use of machine learning (ML) in mental health (MH) research is increasing, especially as new, more complex data types become available to analyze. By examining the published literature, this review aims to explore potential gaps in the current use of ML to study MH in vulnerable populations of immigrants, refugees, migrants, and racial and ethnic minorities.
Methods
From October 2022 to June 2023, Google Scholar, EMBASE and PubMed were queried. ML-related terms, MH-related terms, and population-of-focus search terms were strung together with Boolean operators. Backward reference searching was also conducted. Included peer-reviewed studies reported using a method or application of ML in an MH context and focused on the populations of interest. We did not have date cutoffs. Publications were excluded if they were narrative or did not exclusively focus on a minority population from the respective country. Data including study context, the focus of mental healthcare, sample, data type, type of ML algorithm used, and algorithm performance was extracted from each.
Results
Ultimately, 13 peer-reviewed publications were included. All the articles were published within the last 6 years, and over half of them studied populations within the US. Most reviewed studies used supervised learning to explain or predict MH outcomes. Some publications used up to 16 models to determine the best predictive power. Almost half of the included publications did not discuss their cross-validation method.
Conclusions
The included studies provide proof-of-concept for the potential use of ML algorithms to address MH concerns in these special populations, few as they may be. Our review finds that the clinical application of these models for classifying and predicting MH disorders is still under development.
Cutting oneself off from difficult emotions in the face of danger. The role of self- compassion and experiential avoidance in the link between the perceived threat of Covid-19 and the severity of adjustment disorder symptoms
Authors: Holas Paweł , Juszczyk Aleksandra , Ciarrochi Joseph , Hayes Steven
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a major health crisis associated with adverse mental health consequences. The present study evaluated the link between the perceived threat of COVID-19 pandemic and adjustment disorder (AjD) severity and assessed if self-compassion (SC) and experiential avoidance (EA), previously indicated as protective factors for mental health, function as moderators of this relationship. Participants (N = 308) with the symptoms of AjD filled out questionnaires assessing the severity of depression, anxiety, and AjD, and scales evaluating experiential avoidance (EA), self-compassion (SC), and perceived health and life risk of COVID-19. We found a moderating effect of SC and EA on the association between the perceived threat of COVID-19 and AjD severity. Participants scoring high in EA showed a lack of the link between those variables, similar to those who were low in SC. Cluster analysis, however, revealed that individuals characterized by a high level of EA and a low level of SC had higher AjD, depression, and anxiety symptoms compared with those in the cluster with the opposite pattern. Current results point to the importance of being compassionate toward one's own psychological experiences, in spite of the tendency to shut from the emotional meaning of worrying.
Temporal evolution of suicide by levels of rurality and deprivation in Japan between 2009 and 2022
Authors: Yoshioka Eiji , Hanley Sharon J.B. , Sato Yukihiro , Saijo Yasuaki
Published: November 2023

Purpose
Previous studies have reported that levels of rurality and deprivation are factors associated with suicide risk. Reports on the associations between rurality, deprivation and suicide incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic are scarce. The study aims to investigate how suicide rates evolved in areas with different levels of rurality and deprivation in Japan between 2009 and 2022.
Methods
Suicide data were obtained from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. This study used population density in 2020 as an indicator of rurality and per capita prefectural income in 2019 as a proxy for deprivation in Japan’s 47 prefectures. Joinpoint regression analysis was performed to analyze secular trends in suicide rates by rurality and deprivation.
Results
Suicide rates for both men and women at different levels of rurality and deprivation remained roughly parallel during the research period. Suicide rates for men and women at all levels of rurality and deprivation were on a downward trend until around 2019, just before the onset of the pandemic. And then, suicide rates in women showed a clear upward trend, while the trend in suicide rates for men also changed around 2019, with a slightly increasing or flat trend thereafter.
Conclusions
In Japan, time trends in suicide rates for both men and women have changed before and after the pandemic, but levels of rurality and deprivation across the 47 prefectures do not appear to have contributed much to these changes.
Evaluating Similarity between Characters Printed with Ancient Movable Metal Types using Skeletonization
Authors: Ahmed Maaz , Choi Kang-Sun
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a novel computational approach for character recognition and grouping of ancient Korean movable metal types printed during the Joseon dynasty. Existing comparative analysis methods lack consistent discrimination between typeface variations in digitized images of characters from historical printed works. The proposed approach applies a three-step process: skeletonization extracts structural features, registration aligns images, and similarity metric computation assesses matching between typefaces. Various preprocessing techniques and metrics are experimentally evaluated. The Dice coefficient emerges as the most reliable discriminative metric. An algorithm is developed employing binarization, skeletonization, iterative closest point registration, and distance computation. Compared to conventional methods, the approach achieves 45 times faster computation while improving character grouping accuracy, enabling more accurate reconstruction of the scale and types of metal letters produced. This methodology provides new insights into historic printing technologies and cultural developments through movable type.
Neuromanagement of the Metaverse: Direction based on happiness and health could offer a competitive edge in the Metaverse
Authors: González-Morales Antonio , Martín-López Milagro , Barroso Alejandro Talaminos
Published: November 2023

The study of the metaverse and its possibilities as a workplace is proposed as a very promising future reality for companies and organisations. It was carried out in a cross-sectional study with a qualitative approach, analysing more than 100 studies found in various major databases under the terms "metaverse", "metaverse management", "metaverse neuromanagement", "management", "metaverse I/O psychology", "neuro-IE" and "neuromanagement". It is now well known that the way in which the work environment, the relationships within it and the emotions generated within it, influence the happiness, health and performance of employees. But what happens in the metaverse with these issues? Emotions and well-being affect decision-making, engagement, health and performance, but this has not yet been explored in the metaverse. While studies exploring these effects in the metaverse are lacking, neuromanagement should not be overlooked as a means of enhancing labour relations, organization, workplaces and possibly providing competitive advantage. Neuroscience can help with workplace design, task organisation, tracking emotional states and other workplace-related issues, including relaxation time, motivational state and many other issues.
JEL Classification: M10, M30
in den letzten 50 Jahren im Altkreis Salzwedel ausgestorbenen autochthonen Pflanzenarten
Authors: Brennenstuhl Günter
Published: November 2023

Die während der letzten 50 Jahre registrierten Verluste an autochthonen Pflanzenarten werden mitgeteilt. Neben den Fundortangaben wird auch auf die Individuenzahl und Populationsentwicklung sowie die Ursachen und den Zeitpunkt des Aussterbens eingegangen.
Flora der Mauerkronen der Kirchenruine von St. Nicolai in Zerbst
Authors: Krumbiegel Anselm
Published: November 2023

Die Mauerkronen der Nicolai-Kirche in Zerbst wurden im Jahr 2001 mit unterschiedlichen Methoden begrünt. Das Ziel dieser Maßnahmen war die Pufferung extremer Temperaturunterschiede, die häufig zu starken Schäden am Mauerwerk führen. In Vorbereitung von anstehenden Sanierungsmaßnahmen wurde der Artenbestand auf repräsentativen Abschnitten der Mauern erfasst. Auf diese Weise konnte ermittelt werden, welche Arten mit den extremen Standortbedingungen, wie Hitze, Trockenheit und große Temperaturunterschiede gut zurechtkommen und daher bei der Sanierung an Fehlstellen erfolgversprechend angesiedelt werden können.
Aktuelle Nachweise von Pflanzenarten im südlichen Sachsen-Anhalt 2011 bis 2013
Authors: John Heino
Published: November 2023

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Aktuelle Nachweise von Farn- und Blütenpflanzen im südlichen Sachsen-Anhalt
Authors: John Heino , Stolle Jens
Published: November 2023

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Großröhricht des Arendsees (Altmarkkreis Salzwedel, Sachsen-Anhalt)
Authors: Brennenstuhl Günter
Published: November 2023

Der Arendsee, an der nördlichen Grenze von Sachsen-Anhalt gelegen, ist ein Einbruchsee, der auf mehrere Erdfälle, zuletzt in den Jahren 822 und 1685, zurückzuführen ist. Den geologischen Besonderheiten entsprechend besitzt er steil abfallende Ufer und nur eine schmale Flachwasserzone. Diese präsentiert sich sehr unterschiedlich, im Norden besitzt sie die größte Ausdehnung. Das Großröhricht der Uferregion besteht aus Phragmites australis (Cav.) Steud., Schoenoplectus lacustris (L.) Palla und Typha angustifolia L., die sowohl in Rein- als auch in Mischbeständen auftreten. Die Verbreitung der einzelnen Arten wird grob skizziert, wobei auch der frühere, jetzt bewaldete Verlandungsbereich Berücksichtigung findet. Außerdem werden die Auswirkungen der anthropogenen Aktivitäten im Uferbereich und des ab 2018 zu verzeichnenden Wasserdefizits auf die Röhrichtzone erörtert.
Bemerkenswerte Pflanzenarten im ehemaligen Grenzgebiet des Altmarkkreises Salzwedel
Authors: Brennenstuhl Günter
Published: November 2023

Nach der Öffnung der innerdeutschen Grenze ist ab 1990 der grenznahe Raum im Altmarkkreis Salzwedel (Altmark, Sachsen-Anhalt) floristisch erforscht worden. Für 39 ausgewählte Arten werden die Fundorte und Angaben zum Populationsumfang mitgeteilt. Da die meisten Vorkommen mehrfach aufgesucht wurden, können Aussagen zu deren Entwicklung unter den veränderten Bedingungen getroffen werden.
Beobachtungen zur Einbürgerung von Gartenflüchtlingen im Raum Salzwedel (Altmark)
Authors: Brennenstuhl Günter
Published: November 2023

Das Verhalten ausgewählter hortifuger Taxa in der freien Landschaft ist über mehrere Jahre verfolgt worden. Die Beobachtungsergebnisse lassen den Schluss zu, dass die untersuchten Gartenflüchtlinge ausgeprägte Einbürgerungstendenzen aufweisen, die zu einer dauerhaften Etablierung in unserer Flora, wenn vorerst auch nur lokal begrenzt, führen können.
Moosvegetation des Naturschutzgebietes „Muschelkalkhänge zwischen Lieskau, Köllme und Bennstedt“ bei Halle (Sachsen-Anhalt)
Authors: Marstaller Rolf
Published: November 2023

In dem bei Halle (Saale) gelegenen Naturschutzgebiet „Muschelkalkhänge zwischen Lieskau, Köllme und Bennstedt“ wurden die Moosgesellschaften und die Moosflora erfasst. Bedeutungsvolle Gesellschaften sind die basiphytischen, epigäischen Assoziationen Tortelletum inclinatae, Barbuletum convolutae, Astometum crispi, Aloinetum rigidae und Dicranelletum rubrae, die epilithischen Assoziationen Orthotricho anomali-Grimmietum pulvinatae und Homomallietum incurvati sowie die epixylen Assoziationen Orthotrichetum fallacis, Ulotetum crispae, Pylaisietum polyanthae und Brachythecio rutabuli-Hypnetum cupressiformis. Alle Gesellschaften sind durch zahlreiche Aufnahmen in 14 Tabellen dargestellt. Insgesamt konnten 20 Moosgesellschaften, 2 Flechtengesellschaften und 108 Moosarten (3 Lebermoose, 105 Laubmoose) nachgewiesen werden.
Bemerkenswerte Moosfunde aus Sachsen-Anhalt
Authors: Müller Frank
Published: November 2023

Es werden Funde von gefährdeten und bemerkenswerten Moosarten aus dem Harz und der Umgebung von Halle/S. mitgeteilt. Neu für Sachsen-Anhalt sind Schistidium pruinosum und Schistidium trichodon. Für Gymnostomum calcareum wird die erste gesicherte Angabe aus Sachsen-Anhalt mitgeteilt. Wiederfunde verschollener Arten konnten von Asterella gracilis, Encalypta trachymitria, Frullania fragilifolia, Hypnum pratense und Pterogonium gracile gemacht werden.
Aktuelle Nachweise von Samenpflanzen in der Umgebung von Halle (Saale)
Authors: John Heino , Stolle Jens
Published: November 2023

Dieser Beitrag ergänzt die von JOHN & STOLLE (2006) veröffentlichten Nachweise.
Characeen Wiederfunde im Bereich Teutschental - Röblingen - ein Nachtrag zur Roten Liste der Algen des Landes Sachsen-Anhalt
Authors: Schubert Hendrik , Schneider Susanne , Bögle Michael , Schaible Ralf
Published: November 2023

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Bemerkenswerte Pflanzenfunde im Landkreis Sangerhausen und Umgebung (Teil 2)
Authors: Hoch Armin
Published: November 2023

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Bemerkenswerte Gefäßpflanzenfunde in der Bergbaufolgelandschaft um Zeitz-Weißenfels im Zeitraum 1991-2001
Authors: Unruh Michael
Published: November 2023

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Neufunde von Arten und Unterarten des Festuca-ovina-Aggregates in Trockenrasen an der Mittleren Elbe und im angrenzenden Gebiet
Authors: Fischer Petra , Stohr Gerrit
Published: November 2023

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Zum Stand der aktuellen floristischen Kartierung in Sachsen-Anhalt
Authors: Frank Dieter
Published: November 2023

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Konzeption für die Erarbeitung einer Flora Sachsen-Anhalts
Authors: Frank Dieter
Published: November 2023

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Hinweise zum Anfertigen von Belegen bestimmungskritischer Sippen
Authors: Korsch Heiko
Published: November 2023

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Wiesenkuhschelle Pulsatilla pratensis (L.) MILL. im Nordharzvorland - ihre Förderung durch Pflegemaßnahmen
Authors: Wegener Uwe , Eberspach Wolfgang
Published: November 2023

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Bibliographie botanischer Literatur über Sachsen-Anhalt 2009/2010
Authors: Krumbiegel Anselm
Published: November 2023

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Myrica gale L. im Altmarkkreis Salzwedel – eine stark gefährdete Art in Sachsen-Anhalt
Authors: Brennenstuhl Günter
Published: November 2023

Als atlantisches Florenelement erreicht der Gagelstrauch (Myrica gale L., Myricaceae) in der Altmark die Südost-Grenze seiner natürlichen Verbreitung. Es wird auf die seit Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts in der Literatur erwähnten Fundorte an der Westgrenze des heutigen Altmarkkreises Salzwedel eingegangen und deren geographische Lokalisierung angestrebt. Außerdem wird die aktuelle Situation, die aus Beobachtungen seit 1992 resultiert, dargestellt. Wegen seiner Seltenheit und aktuellen Gefährdung ist der Gagelstrauch als stark gefährdete Art in die Rote Liste der Farn- und Blütenpflanzen des Landes aufgenommen worden. Kulturhistorische Anmerkungen ergänzen die Ausführungen.
Bestandsentwicklung von Helosciadium inundatum (L.) W. D. J. Koch im Jeggauer Moor zwischen 2000 und 2019
Authors: Krumbiegel Anselm
Published: November 2023

Der einzige Fundort von Helosciadium inundatum (L.) W. D. J. Koch in Sachsen-Anhalt wurde zwischen 2000 und 2019 mehrfach dokumentiert. Der bis 2016 in zumindest einem Graben reichliche Bestand konnte seither infolge einer grundhaften Grabenräumung nicht mehr nachgewiesen werden. Dafür ist er in einem anderen Graben mit vergleichsweise wenigen Individuen 2019 nach längerer Zeit erstmals wieder aufgetreten. Der Bestandseinbruch muss als Folge eines nicht angepassten Managements trotz Vorliegens fundort-konkreter Kartierungen im Rahmen eines Pflege- und Entwicklungsplanes gesehen werden.
Geschichte und Artengarnitur der Salzstelle Hoyersburg bei Salzwedel (Sachsen-Anhalt)
Authors: Brennenstuhl Günter
Published: November 2023

Über die Salzstelle Hoyersburg liegen nur wenige historische Angaben vor. Aus diesen wurde die einstige Artengarnitur rekonstruiert und in tabellarischer Form dem aktuellen Stand gegenübergestellt. Dagegen fehlen den älteren Beschreibungen Hinweise auf die Lage der Solequelle und weitere Details, sodass diesbezüglich noch Klärungsbedarf besteht. Neben dem geschichtlichen Exkurs werden die die Salzstelle und ihrer Randbereiche betreffenden Ereignisse ab 1990 aus eigener Anschauung beschrieben und deren Auswirkungen auf das Artenspektrum und die Populationsentwicklung einzelner Taxa dargestellt.
A STUDY TO ASSESS THE AWARENESS AND ATTITUDE REGARDING COPPER-T INSERTION AMONG POSTNATAL MOTHER WITH A VIEW TO DEVELOP INFORMATION BOOKLET IN SELECTED HOSPITAL OF DEHRADUN, UTTRAKHAND
Authors:   Doon Institute Of Medical Sciences, Faculty Of Nursing, Shankarpur, Sahaspur, Dehradun In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirement Of Diploma Of Gnm Batch (2019-2022) Endorsement Certificate By The Principal Of the Institute., Joshi Gunjan
Published: November 2023

A study to assess the awareness and attitude regarding copper-T insertion among post-natal mothers with a view to develop a information booklet in selected hospital of Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Objective: 1) To assess the awareness and attitude of copper-T insertion among postnatal mothers. 2) To find out the association between awareness of copper-T insertion with their demographic variables. Methodology: Quantitative research approach with descriptive research design was used in the study.The study was conducted in Coronation Hospital Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Total enumeration sampling was used to collect data from 100 subjects by using Demographic profile and rating scale. Result: Majority (45%) of the study participants were between 26-30 years of age, remaining (25%) are of the age 31-35 years, (22%) are of the age group 20-25 years and (8%) are of the age group 36-45 years.The majority of the women i.e, 74% of women had moderate awareness and 78% of the women had a neutral attitude.And there is no significant association between the score level and demographic variables. Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is a need to focus on the postnatal mothers to motivate for copper-T insertion and majority of the women had moderate awareness and neutral attitude.
INFLUENCE OF INTENTIONAL GOVERNANCE MECHANISMS ON THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE OF ASSOCIATIONS IN MOROCCO EXPLORATORY STUDY
Authors:   Doctor in Education Sciences, Faculty of Education Sciences, Mohamed V University Rabat., I. Tourabi
Published: November 2023

Moroccan youth is currently in a situation of failure their supervision remains a crucial challenge for all actors including associations. Moreover, the 2011 constitution has allowed the recognition of the latter as a strategic actor by granting new missions. These important advances have challenged associations to improve their performance by integrating governance in an optimal way. This study examines the influence of intentional governance mechanisms on the overall performance of Moroccan associations, particularly those working in the youth field. The literature review focused on two aspects: the intentional mechanisms of governance and its organizational determinants, and the overall performance of associations and its dimensions. The epistemological choice that was made in the context of this research work is positivism adapted to a hypothetico-deductive reasoning. An initial exploratory qualitative study with Moroccan associative actors allowed us to frame the different variables in relation to the two concepts studied in the Moroccan context and to make them consistent in a conceptual model.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY TO KNOW THE EFFECT OF POSITION DURING SPINAL ANESTHESIA ON POSTDURAL PUNCTURE HEADACHE IN LOWER ABDOMINAL SURGERIES
Authors:   Junior Resident, Department of Anaesthesiology, MRMC Kalaburagi., Muralidhar Harshita
Published: November 2023

Background: Pain is pathologic entity, noxious stimulus and a most common problem challenging the anaesthetists. Spinal anaesthesia is a commonly used technique for providing surgical anaesthesia to patients undergoing urological, gynecological, abdominal and lower limb surgeries (1). PDPH was first described by August Bier in 1898. The incidence of PDPH after spinal anaesthesia in obstetric anaesthesia is 1% - 6%. The risk factors of PDPH after spinal anaesthesia are needle size, direction of bevel, needle design, number of lumbar puncture attempts, age, sex, pregnancy, and previous history of PDPH(4). Objectives: To evaluate the effect of position during spinal anaesthesia on PDPH in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgeries and to study complications associated with spinal anaesthesia. Methods: After approval from the ethical committee and informed written consent from the patient. A prospective randomised study was conducted with hundred ASA grade I and II patients aged between 18-60 years undergoing lower abdominal surgeries and were divided into two groups of 50 each .Group A and Group B, where first group were given spinal in lateral position and latter group in sitting position. The intensity of PDPH was assessed postoperatively using a Numeric Rating Scale immediately on either postoperative day (POD) one, two, or three as described to the patient during the preoperative visit. Results: There was a significant decrease in incidence and severity of PDPH when the subarachnoid block was given in the lateral recumbent position as compared to that given in the sitting position. Conclusion: Hence, lateral position is preferred for spinal anaesthesia for patients undergoing lower abdominal surgeries.
SLOW RELEASE DRUG BASED ON HYDROXYUREA/CHITOSAN CROSS-LINKED MATRIX
Authors: Azad Seta , Abbas Layla
Published: November 2023

Hydroxyurea (HU), also known as hydroxycarbamide, is an effective anticancer drug. The present work is based on partially crosslinked chitosan with glutaraldehyde in the presence of hydroxyurea. The obtained embedded HU in the cross-linked matrix was evaluated as a controlled-release drug based on the swelling mechanism. The swelling study was carried out in simulated gastric fluid (SGF), simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), and deionised water. The % of swelling at equilibrium for the 0.25% crosslinking density after 24 h of immersion was: 200, 150, and 100% in SGF, H2O and SIF medium, respectively. The concentration of the released drug HU from the chitosan matrix in the different media was determined by UV spectroscopy at λmax at 208.5 nm as a function of time. The release rate of HU from the matrix increases with the swelling rate of the partially cross-linked chitosan. The loading capacity of the prepared gel was 33.3% by weight. The loading capacity and the rate of HU release were found to be inversely affected by the high degrees of crosslinking and increased with increasing the degree of hydrogel swelling. In addition, the rate of HU release was higher at lower pH levels. The study showed that the HU released from the hydrogel matrices in SGF reached 75 and 88.3% of the loaded HU within 8 and 24 h, respectively. This is almost twice the reported value in the literature based on polyphosphate‐anion‐crosslinked chitosan microspheres.
Water quantity–quality assessment in the transboundary river basin under climate change: a case study
Authors: Nazari Mejdar Hasan , Moridi Ali , Najjar-Ghabel Saeid
Published: November 2023

This study combined hydrological and water quality simulation models with a water resources planning model to project future water supply conditions under the dam construction in the Harirud River, located at the Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and the Iran border. The sustainability requirements and possible conflicts among riparian countries were assessed under climate change and future development in Afghanistan's upstream. The water quantity and quality of the Doosti Dam Basin on the Harirud River were investigated based on a contemporary time (1955–2015) to predict the future condition (2020–2099). The representative concentration pathway scenarios were applied based on five bias-corrected climate models. Results showed that most areas of the study area experienced an increase in temperature (1.5–3.8°C) and a decrease in precipitation (19–24%). The Doosti Dam inflow decreased by about 70% after the Salma Dam construction, and the reliability and sustainability of agricultural water supply in Iran and Turkmenistan will reduce to less than 3% under the representative concentration pathways 8.5 climate change scenario. The results show that the Doosti Dam is not a reliable source to supply the domestic water demand of Mashhad, the second most important city in Iran.
E. coli contamination of drinking water sources in rural and urban settings: an analysis of 38 nationally representative household surveys (2014–2021)
Authors: Santos Thiago M. , Wendt Andrea , Coll Carolina V. N. , Bohren Meghan A. , Barros Aluisio J. D.
Published: November 2023

The world is not on track to achieve universal access to safely managed water by 2030, and access is substantially lower in rural areas. This Sustainable Development Goal target and many other global indicators rely on the classification of improved water sources for monitoring access. We aimed to investigate contamination in drinking water sources, comparing improved and unimproved sources in urban and rural settings. We used data from Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys, which tested samples from the household water source and a glass of water for Escherichia coli contamination across 38 countries. Contamination was widespread and alarmingly high in almost all countries, settings, and water sources, with substantial inequalities between and within countries. Water contamination was found in 51.7% of households at the source and 70.8% in the glass of water. Some improved sources (e.g., protected wells and rainwater) were as likely to be contaminated as unimproved sources. Some sources, like piped water, were considerably more likely to be contaminated in rural than urban areas, while no difference was observed for others. Monitoring water contamination along with further investigation in water collection, storage, and source classification is essential and must be expanded to achieve universal access to safely managed water.
Chemical pretreatment of Lagenaria breviflora seeds used as biosorbents for the removal of aqueous-bound Ni2+
Authors: Abugu Hillary Onyeka , Eze Samson Ifeanyi , Ezugwu Arinze Longinus , Ali Ibeabuchi Jude , Ihedioha Janefrances Ngozi
Published: November 2023

Lagenaria breviflora (LB) seeds were modified with acid (AMLB) and base (BMLB) for the sorption of Ni2+ from an aqueous solution. It was characterized by Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET). Kinetic, isotherm, thermodynamic, and effects of pH were also studied. The FTIR revealed a shift and formation of new functional groups on the pretreated biosorbent surface which could be attributed to the adsorption of Ni2+ onto the modified LB. SEM analysis under different magnifications revealed that the external surface of the modified LB exhibited several cracked surfaces and different pore structures which could be involved in the adsorption of Ni2+. The XRD showed an amorphous structure, while the BET revealed a large surface area (BMLB-360.430 and AMLB-322.965 m2/g). The experimental conditions – contact time, pH, and initial metal ion concentration indicated that the maximum adsorption was attained at 30 min at pH 6, while the adsorption efficiency increased as the concentration of the biosorbents increased. Kinetic studies indicated that the sorption process correlates with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model suggesting a chemosorption mechanism. The isotherm data obtained obeyed a Langmuir model suggesting monolayer adsorption of Ni2+. The calculated sorption thermodynamic factors showed the adsorption of Ni2+ to be exothermic and spontaneous.
Assessment of risks to the quality of water supplied in Bushenyi-Uganda using the water safety plan approach
Authors: Kanyesigye Christopher , Twesigye Innocent , Marks Sara J. , Niwagaba Charles B. , Kulabako Robinah N. , Ferrero Giuliana , Kansiime Frank
Published: November 2023

This study assessed the effects of environmental and operational hazardous events on the Bushenyi water supply system over the period 2017–2020. Monthly secondary water quality data for the period July 2013–December 2017 were analyzed together with data from field samples collected monthly from January 2018 to November 2020. The parameters analyzed were pH, turbidity, total iron, free chlorine and faecal coliforms. Hazardous events and risks affecting the water supply at the source, treatment and distribution system were identified and assessed during the field visits. Control measures were determined during water safety plan development effective July 2017 and implemented effective August 2018. Quality of water in the distribution system met the national standards for turbidity (93%), total iron (99%), residual free chlorine (90%) and faecal coliforms (96%). pH in the storage and distribution system was below the national standard (annual mean range, 5.5–6.7). Water quality was negatively influenced by extreme seasonal weather variations at the source, source protection gaps, treatment deficiencies related to clarifier, filter and chemical dose management as well as distribution management and maintenance gaps. Improved source protection, treatment and distribution network management and maintenance are recommended for sustainable system and water quality standards.
Radical Scavenging, Anti-Inflammatory, and Hepatoprotective Activities
of Pentacyclic Triterpene isolated from Rosa webbiana
Authors: Abdullah  , Khan Mir Azam , Adhikari Achyut
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

Rosa webbiana (RW) Wall Ex. Royle is used in traditional medicine in
Pakistan for the treatment of several diseases including jaundice. To date, only neuroprotective potential
of the plant has been evaluated.

Objective:

The current study was designed to isolate bioactive compound(s) and investigate its
possible radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities.

Methods:

Column chromatography was done to isolate compounds from the chloroform fraction
of RW. The compound was characterized by mass spectrometry, 1H-NMR, and 2D-NMR spectroscopy.
Radical scavenging activity was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen
peroxide (H2O2) assays, while anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated via xylene-induced
ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema models. For hepatoprotection, CCl4-induced
model in mice was used.

Results:

A triterpene compound (3α, 21β-dihydroxy-olean-12-ene) was isolated from RW fruits
(ARW1). The compound exhibited DPPH and H2O2 scavenging activities 61 ± 1.31% and 66 ±
0.48% respectively at 500 μg/ml. ARW1 (at 50 mg/kg) exhibited 62.9 ± 0.15% inhibition of
xylene-induced ear edema and 66.6 ± 0.17% carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. In CCl4-induced
hepatotoxic mice, ARW1 significantly countered elevation in alanine transaminase (ALT),
alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (T.B), and reduction in total protein (T.P) levels. Liver
histomorphological study supported the serum biochemical profile for hepatoprotection. Moreover,
ARW1 significantly attenuated the toxic changes in body and liver weight induced by CCl4.

Conclusion:

The compound ARW1 exhibited anti-radical, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective
effects. The anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities may be attributed to anti-oxidant
potential of the compound.
The missing link in the bottom-up theory of mechanical properties of calcium silicate hydrate
Authors: Geng Guoqing , Zhang Zhe
Published: November 2023

Calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) is the primary binding phase in modern concrete. While significant progress has been made in understanding the structure and behavior of C-S-H at atomistic scale and macro scale, there lacks a theory that links them. This review paper focuses on identifying the key challenges in bridging the gap between the atomic-scale characteristics of C-S-H and its larger scale mechanical behaviors. Recent experimental and simulation work on the multiscale mechanical properties of C-S-H is summarized. The need for integrating experimental observations, theoretical models, and computational simulations to establish a comprehensive and predictive bottom-up theory of the mechanical properties of C-S-H is highlighted. Such a theory will enable a deeper understanding of C-S-H behavior and pave the way for the design and optimization of cementitious materials with tailored mechanical performance.
FAMILIA MALPIGHIACEAE
Authors:   ENCB, IPN, Patiño Siciliano Alfredo , Hernández Ledesma Patricia
Published: November 2023

Familia de 76 géneros y ca. de 1300 especies. Mayormente diversa en el Nuevo Mundo (Las Antillas, sur de Estados Unidos de América a Argentina) en donde se concentran cerca de 80% de los géneros y 90% de las especies (Anderson et al., 2006). En México se registran 169 especies pertenecientes a 24 géneros (Villaseñor, 2016); en la región de estudio, 10 géneros y 18 especies. Otras especies que aparentemente tienen presencia en la región de estudio son Malpighia mexicana A. Juss., en el municipio de Zinapécuaro, Callaeum macropterum (Moc. & Sessé ex DC.) D. M. Johnson, en el municipio de Morelia, ambos en Michoacán, y Galphimia gracilis Bartl. en el municipio de Arroyo Seco en Querétaro. Supuestamente los ejemplares están resguardados en el herbario IEB; sin embargo, no fueron localizados, así como ninguna otra evidencia de su presencia en la región.
The Implementation of the Idea of Nationality in the Educational Process of SPO (to the 200th  Anniversary of K. D. Ushinsky)
Authors: Konovalova L. I. , Semenova L. A.
Published: November 2023

All the creativity of the great Russian teacher K.D. Ushinsky is permeated through and through with the idea of creating a national pedagogical system, the basis of which is "nationality". In his opinion, "nationality" is possible and should be brought up in a child primarily by means of the native language and native literature.

   The relevance of the presented work lies in the refraction of the idea of nationality to the modern literature lesson.

   The authors presented methodological techniques used in the analysis of works of art, which make it possible to form not only subject-figurative thinking, but also the empathy of the student, a sense of empathy, to introduce him to national traditions.

   The purpose of the article is to correlate the idea of the nationality of education and upbringing, formulated by K. D. Ushinsky, with traditional and new approaches to the study of literature.

   The paper presents specific methods of work on the analysis of a literary text, allowing to achieve the goal, the approbation of methods and techniques of work took place at literature lessons in the OBPOU SPO "Zheleznogorsk Mining and Metallurgical College". The authors consider the proposed system of questions and tasks to be the result of the work, which can be used as a sample in the analysis of works of art in order to refract the historical heritage of K.D. Ushinsky and his ideas of "nationality" into a modern literature lesson. The authors consider it necessary to continue correlating the idea of nationality with the methods of work used today to analyze the literary text.
Regional Aspects of State Support for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses: Assessment of the Results Achieved and Prospects for Development
Authors: Sogacheva O. V. , Devyatylova A. I.
Published: November 2023

Relevance. Small and medium-sized enterprises play a significant economic and social role in the development of the regional economy. In the case of real state support, prerequisites are created for the growth of business activity of small and medium-sized businesses. All the above circumstances actualize the topic of scientific publication.The purposeof the study is to assess the achieved results of state support for small and medium-sized enterprises, which will serve as a basis for the formation of promising areas for improving the mechanism of this support.Objectives: to evaluate the results of the achieved results of state support for small and medium-sized enterprises in the subject of the Russian Federation; to differentiate and correlate the types of state support for small and medium-sized businesses to organizations that form the infrastructure of this support; to identify promising areas for improving the mechanism of state support for small and medium-sized enterprises in the subject of the Russian Federation.Methodology. The research used general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis; specific methods: monographic, abstract-logical and content analysis, methods of socio-economic forecasting and program-target planning.Results. The authors evaluated the results of state support for small and medium-sized enterprises in the subject of the Russian Federation. According to the results of the assessment, an increase in interest on the part of the state in supporting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises has been established, which is expressed both in quantitative and qualitative terms. The authors differentiated and correlated the existing types of support to organizations that form the support infrastructure for small and medium-sized business entities in the selected subject of the Russian Federation.Conclusions. There is an increase in interest on the part of the state in supporting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, which gives grounds to continue working in this direction. A promising area of support for the development of small and medium-sized businesses should be the creation of regional models of the university of entrepreneurs, which will allow implementing an educational component into the current mechanism of state support that can form business competencies for future technological entrepreneurs.
Acceleration or Multiplication? Examples of the Oryol, Kursk, Bryansk, Voronezh, Belgorod, Tambov and Lipetsk Regions
Authors: Okorokov V. M. , Shleenko A. V. , Rashidova I. A. , Rashidov O. I. , Klikunov N. D.
Published: November 2023

Relevance. The article presents a statistical analysis between gross regional products and investments in fixed capital for the Orel, Kursk, Bryansk, Voronezh, Belgorod, Tambov and Lipetsk regions of the Russian Federation. Animation effects and acceleration effects are calculated with a yearly time lag. The gradation of areas was carried out according to the importance of accelerators and multipliers The purpose Investigation the statistical significance of the acceleration and multiplier approaches to the interaction between investment and GRP in seven regions of the Central Federal District. Objectives: calculate the Fisher index for 1995-2020; carry out a correlation analysis for the "long" time range; determine the statistical significance of the acceleration and multiplication hypotheses. Methodology. The article was prepared within the framework of the Keynesian macroeconomic paradigm, taking into account the temporary annual lag. Results. The statistical significance of the correlation analysis is greatest in the absence of any assumptions about the presence of a time lag in the effects of determining exogenous and endogenous parameters. Conclusions. In the Russian Federation, the regions of the Central Federal District, the Voronezh and Tambov regions, there is a stable multiplier effect of the direct impact of investments on economic growth. The highest degree of determination is observed in larger regions and agglomerations, including at the expense of the city of Moscow. Assuming the presence of a time lag, the multiplier effect in all analyzed subjects decreases, but remains statistically significant. This conclusion is somewhat different from the results obtained earlier on the data of a shorter time series. The effect of acceleration over the analyzed period, from 1999 to 2020, was observed to the greatest extent in the Kursk and Lipetsk regions.
"The Authenticity of Friendship" by Simone de Beauvoir: A Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Volokhova N. V. , Filippovich M. S.
Published: November 2023

Relevance. The authors of the article make an attempt to fill a gap in the study of Simone de Beauvoir's work, associated with a weak study and analysis of the feminist theory of the French thinker. The study of the concept of friendship and trust as an implicit part of it seems necessary to deepen the understanding of its theory. In the feminist theory of Simone de Beauvoir, friendship is seen as an authentic phenomenon that allows you to penetrate into your own essence, as well as to realize its vulnerability. The purpose of the article is a phenomenological analysis of the concept of “authenticity of friendship” by Simone de Beauvoir as an epistemological study of trust in others. Objectives include the following: to determine the content component of the concepts of “friendship”, “authenticity of friendship” in the feminist theory of Simone de Beauvoir; to study the criteria for the concept of “authenticity of friendship” by Simone de Beauvoir at a philosophical level; to reveal the connection between the “authenticity” of friendship and trust in another. Methodology. The process of considering the concept of “authenticity of friendship”, introduced by Simone de Beauvoir, involves the use of the following approaches: hermeneutic (J. Habermas and others) to reveal the communication system in the structure of friendship between two individuals; phenomenological (E. Husserl, O. Fink, J.-P. Sartre, J. Habermas and others) for the interpretation of the theoretical material of Simone de Beauvoir. Results. In the process of research, we tried to explain the concept of “authenticity of friendship” in the feminist theory of the French thinker, as well as the influence of freedom and the place of trust in the concept under consideration from a phenomenological position. The authenticity of friendship involves certain conditions that call for an ethic of freedom and, directly, trust in the chosen position of the other. Conclusions. The attempt to consider the influence of external factors on the authenticity of friendship emphasizes the vulnerability within relationships between individuals and at the same time notes the potential that allows us to comprehend the value and significance of events on the social and psychological background of the subjects of friendship.