bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BIOCHAR ABSORBS HEAVY METALS FROM THE COMPOSTS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE COMPOSTING PROCESS
Authors: Karamova Kamalya , Galieva Gulnaz , Galitskaya Polina
Published: April 2023

Chicken manure is a source of biogenic elements and therefore can be used as a nonconventional fertilizer after composting. However, chicken manure can contain different hazardous substances including antibiotic resistant bacteria and corresponding genes of antibiotic resistance that can be transmitted to human and livestock trough soils and plants even after composting. Besides chicken manure composts can contain heavy metals that not only harm soils and yields directly but also stimulate the process of antibiotic resistance genes transfer and therethrough harm soils and plant consumers indirectly.
The purpose of the present study was to reveal the potential of the chicken manure biochar, the type of biochar that is not fully studied yet, as a tool to reduce the level of available heavy metals content in the chicken manure composts. For this purpose, chicken manure was composted with straw (control), and with addition of heavy metals mixture (M) as well as with addition of those with 15% chicken manure biochar (BM). Ni, Fe, Cd and Cu were added to the compost mixtures M and BM to reach concentrations of 70, 1500, 130, and 1000 mg/kg, respectively. Composting lasted for 120 days, in all three cases � C, M and BM - the thermophilic stage phase lasted from days 2 to 5, and the temperature values were 44-53 ?�. It was found that chicken manure biochar is an effective way to reduce the content of available forms of Cd, Fe and Ni at the early stages of composting and reduces the concentration of those metals by 47, 17 and 45 % on the first day, respectively.
CHARACTERISATION OF THE ANTIMICROBIAL BEHAVIOUR OF ESCHERICHIA COLI AND SALMONELLA SPP. STRAINS ISOLATED FROM PIGS IN THE WESTERN PART OF ROMANIA
Authors: Hulea Calin Ioan , Obistioiu Diana , Hulea Anca , Herman Viorel
Published: April 2023

The present study investigated the antimicrobial behaviour of E. coli and Salmonella spp. strains, isolated from pigs after their weaning age. Antimicrobial testing susceptibility by the Kirby-Bauer method allowed the identification of bacterial strains with multiple antibiotic resistance (58.02% for E. coli isolated strains and 47.27% for Salmonella isolated strains). Thus, it was noted that all 54 strains of E. coli showed resistance to trimethoprim; sulfathiazole with sulfacetamide and sulfabenzamide; sulphametoxazol with trimethoprim; ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid; more than 95% of the strains were resistant to streptomycin, ampicillin and kanamycin. Over 60% of Salmonella spp. strains were resistant to lincomycin, streptomycin, tetracycline, and flumequine. The lowest bactericidal activity was attributed to lincomycin, 90.90% of the Salmonella isolates being reistant to this antimicrobial. Regarding the sensitivity of E. coli isolated strains, over 85% showed sensitivity to ceftazidime, aztreonam and imipenem. Between 50% - 60% of Salmonella strains were sensitive to gentamicin, cefotaxime, and amikacin, while less than 50% of the isolates were susceptible to the rest of the studied antibiotics.
COMPARISON OF TWO METHODS OF PURIFICATION OF LIPOPEPTIDES PRODUCED BY BACILLUS SUBTILIS HZMJW 1-10 ISOLATED FROM OIL-CONTAMINATED SOIL
Authors: Kamalova Alina , Gordeev Alexander , Chalenko Alexey , Biktasheva Lilya , Kuryntseva Polina
Published: April 2023

Biosurfactants produced by soil microorganisms are now widely used in various industries and are able to compete with synthetic detergents. However, in contrast with chemical surfactants, biological ones have disadvantage: it is difficult to obtain the product of high purity since the microbes usually produce a complex mixture of compounds, besides the cultural medium itself contains a lot of various components. Thus, the conventional scheme of lipopeptide isolation involves acid precipitation, extraction with the solvent, filtration and drying. However, it is reported that often the biosurfactants obtained still contain a lot of impurities, and new methods are required to obtain the compounds of higher quality.
This work presents the application of a new method for purifying of lipopeptides produced by Bacillus subtilis strain HZMJW 1-10 to obtain highly pure product. It was compared with the conventional method, which yielded up to 100 mg l-1, while the yield of the new product was only 9 mg l-1. However, the product was completely colorless, did not contain foreign impurity phases, that can influence biological and physical properties. Emulsifying activity (E24) with crude oil at 100 ppm was estimated to be 60% and 85% for the conventional and new products, respectively. FTIR spectrum of the new product contained less peaks in the non-specific regions as compared with that of the conventional one.
DEVELOPING OF INNOVATIVE VALUE-ADDED CHOCOLATE FORMULAS BY ROSEHIP AND CAROB POWDER INCORPORATION
Authors: Moigradean Diana , Poiana Mariana-Atena , Gruiescu Roxana-Diadora , Alda Liana Maria , Bordean Despina Maria
Published: April 2023

The chocolate is one of the most popular foods all over the world, representing a highly nutritious source of energy. In this paper is proposed a way to improve the antioxidant function of chocolate by rosehip powder incorporation in the recipe. Additionally, a part of cocoa from its manufacturing recipe was replaced by carob powder. Rosehip powder brings along a high intake of vitamin C, B1, B2, K, carotenoids, pectin, carbohydrates, and also organic acids. Due to the high level of vitamin content, it is recommended the rosehips consumption in various forms. Carob flour has shown nutritional properties much better than those of cocoa, being an alternative ingredient mainly recommended in the children�s nourishment because the carob powder does not stimulate gastric acidity, has a very high antioxidant and contains no gluten or lactose. Thus, in this study were developed chocolate formulas with improved functionality versus the control prepared without any addition of rosehip and carob powder. Eight chocolate formulations were prepared in laboratory conditions. The antioxidant activity was evaluated on the base of spectrophotometric ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The total phenolics (TP) content was spectrophotometrically evaluated using the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method. The vitamin C (VC) content has been measured by titration with 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol sodium salt solution. Our results are useful for food technologists to develop new value-added chocolate formulas by incorporation in the recipe of different functional ingredients.
PATHOGENIC POLLUTION OF CROPS CAUSING BY CHIKEN MANURE BASED FERTILIZERS
Authors: Galieva Gulnaz , Karamova Kamalya , Galitskaya Polina , Selivanovskaya Svetlana
Published: April 2023

Chicken manure is one of the most wide spread waste worldwide. One of its hazardous properties is contamination with live pathogens or pathogens� spores. Being introduced into soil for fertilization, fresh, cured or treated manure can cause soil contamination with those pathogens. Further, transmission of the pathogens through soil and plant tissues to human or animal food is possible. The objective of the present work was to reveal the level of pathogenic contamination of wheat grains cultivated on soil that was previously treated with cured chicken manure. Two types of manures M1 and M2 sampled from the large poultry farms situated in Russia were used to fertilize soil and obtain wheat grains (samples G1 and G2, respectively). Grains obtained with mineral fertilizers were used as a control (G0). Among 10 pathogenic bacterial species investigated, 6 were detected in both M1 and M2 samples - Listeria monocytogenes, Mycobacterium paratuberculosis,, Enterococus spp,, Campylobacter jejuni,, Bacillus anthracis,, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, the gene copy numbers for those bacteria revealed using RT-PCR was found to range between 2.22*104 and 1.19*108 gene copies per g manure. 5 of those species, except of C. jejuni, were also detected in both types of grains, while the gene copies number were found to be lower, thus they ranged between 1.45*103 and 8.81*103 copies per g grain. No bacterial pathogens were detected in G0 sample. Viral particles of bursal disease virus and avian orthoreovirus were not found either in manures nor in grains. It can be concluded that the risk of pathogenic transmission from the manures to grains exists, and that higher attention should be paid on their treatment to avoid the secondary infection of livestock and human.
PHYSIOLOGICAL FEATURES AND QUALITATIVE INDICATORS OF ORIGANUM VULGARE
Authors: Kacharava Tamar , Epitashvili Tinatin , Koiava Liana , Lobjanidze Mzia
Published: April 2023

Georgia is distinguished by diverse of ecosystem parameters. Accordingly, unique phylogenetic resource is the richest and most interesting in its composition, the unique species of medicinal, aromatic, dye, spicy and poisonous or useful plants are spread here, which are not found anywhere else. At the same time, ethnobotanical skills of their sustainable use are interesting. Origanum vulgare, one of the widely used of medicinal, aromatic, spicy and dye plants, is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Labiatae family, which is the object of our research. In Georgia, it is spread almost everywhere, under the different ecosystem conditions.
Experimental research was conducted using the following proven methods: Biological control of environment; Geographical-information programs; It has been collected Origanum vulgare wild forms and cultivated varieties in the different ecosystem conditions using the International crop descriptors and International crop collecting descriptors; It has been enriched and updated seed gene bank; It has been enriched and updated ethno botanical skills of sustainable use; Physiological processes were carried out by classical methods during the ontogenesis; It has been studied biologically active substances by the appropriated methods.
Accordingly, while making cultivated plantations of Origanum vulgare in farming conditions, it should be selected optimal technologies of reproduction for the relevant region, in case of right management of the processes, to get ecologically pure raw product with high productivity and standard content of pharmacologically active substances and production are obtained and genetic resource of this unique plant is maintained.
SENSORY AND PHYSICO-CHEMICAL EVALUATION OF GLUTEN-FREE CRUFFINS OBTAINED FROM ALMOND FLOUR AND RICE FLOUR
Authors: Stoin Daniela , Poiana Mariana-Atena , Jianu Calin , Cocan Ileana , Negrea Monica
Published: April 2023

Gluten is present in a variety of foods consumed in everyday life, and due to its dominant presence in the diet, over the years an increasing number of people have started to develop intolerance to it, often causing allergies, sensitivity or coeliac disease. The main objective of this study was to develop a gluten-free product that meets high quality standards to satisfy the consumer. In order to achieve the objective, a product based on almond flour, rice flour with added cranberry powder with high nutritional value and superior technological characteristics was developed. Three Cruffin samples were prepared from rice flour (RF), almond flour (AF) and enriched with cranberry powder, added in different proportions P1(75:25), P2(50:50), P3(25:75), mixed with other ingredients and compared to control cruffins CC (100:0% based on rice flour). Sensory (appearance, aroma, texture, taste, general acceptability) and physico-chemical (weight, volume, specific volume, height, moisture, protein, fat, ash, carbohydrate and energy value) properties of the samples were determined. The products analysed showed changes in sensory characteristics depending on the proportion of almond flour added. Following the sensory analysis, the Cruffin sample obtained from 50% rice flour and 50% almond flour and enriched with cranberry powder, was the most appreciated by the evaluators, obtaining for texture (8.200 points), flavor (8.100 points) and taste (8.50 points) a score close to the maximum score, 8.400 for overall acceptability. The physico-chemical characteristics of the analyzed Cruffins varied according to the percentage of added almond flour. The results obtained in this study indicate that the sample with addition of 50% rice flour and 50% almond flour is the best in terms of overall acceptance (8.400 points) and nutritional value (mineral substances � 3.160%, protein � 20.180%, fat � 17.240%) for studied gluten-free cruffins and can be recommended to pastry products manufacturers.
SITUATION OF PROTECTED NATURAL AREAS IN THE ALPINE BIOGEOGRAPHICAL REGION (ROMANIA)
Authors: Bostan Cristian , Copacean Loredana , Cojocariu Luminita , Horablaga Marinel Nicolae , Agapie Alina
Published: April 2023

Romania�s physical-geographical and lithological complexity creates a great diversity of climatic and pedological conditions, which determines the richness of the types of ecosystems and habitats, as well as the presence of five biogeographical regions, including the Alpine bioregion. In Romania this biogeographical region includes both Carpathians peaks and coniferous and mixed forests of the Carpathians, but also the intermountain depressions and higher hills along the mountain chain. Various mountains are home to endemic and relic species, virgin and quasi-virgin natural forests, virtually extinct from the rest of the European Union with a special biological diversity. The purpose of this paper is to present a study on the number and distribution of protected natural areas, their area and share in the Alpine biogeographical region of Romania in relation to the entire EU bioregion. The Digital Elevation with spatial resolution model at 25 m and geospatial data were used to develop this study. In Romania, the Alpine bioregion occupies an area of 5.005.266.03 ha, of which 3.726.354.88 ha, respectively 74,42% is included in different categories of protected natural areas: SPA�s = 1.133.419,10 ha; SCI�s = 1.760.940,84 ha; wetland of international importance = 695,93 ha; scientific reservations = 5,77 ha; natural reservations = 137.503,29 ha; biosphere reservations = 85.518,26 ha; national parks = 202.741,98 ha; natural parks = 405.520,97 ha; natural monuments = 8,73 ha. Due to a partial or total overlap of the protected areas, the range of protected areas in the territory (soil footprint) is 2.147.431.78 ha.
THE BIOCATALYTIC INFLUENCE OF ALFA-AMYLASE AND BETA-AMYLASE ENZYMES ON WHITE FLOUR USED IN BAKERY INDUSTRY
Authors: David Ioan
Published: April 2023

This article presents the biocatalytic influence of alfa-amylase and beta-amylase enzymes on the rheological parameters of the dough obtained from white flour used in bakery industry. Using alveographic and consistographic methods we were able to determine the rheological characteristics of the dough and make a comparison between alfa-amylase and beta-amylase taking into account different dosages and monitoring the effects in the flour and finished product. Amylase hydrolyzes starch to soluble dextrins and can affect the starch compact granules which are damaged during milling or the granules are gelatinized by the action of water and heat. The alveo-consitograph tests provide results that offer common specifications for using amylase enzymes on white flour to ensure a more consistent process and product. Using a small dose of alfa-amylase or beta-amylase shows small improvement effects on the quality of the dough, using an excessive dosage leads to a reduction of dough elasticity and an overproduction of dextrins that causes a sticky content that makes the dough very hard to handle and manipulate during the manufacturing process. The correct dosage of alfa-amylase and beta-amylase in dough improves the growth in the oven, the extensibility characteristics, enhances browning by increasing the quantity of fermentation sugars that can make products with a more pronounced color of crust. Also extends the shelf life and freshness of the finished product which shows a better porosity of the core, an increased volume and a structure improvement.
VALORISATION OF GRAPE MARC BY-PRODUCTS IN BEVERAGE INDUSTRY: THE CASE OF FORTIFIED GRAPE JUICE
Authors: Padureanu Cristina , Maier Alina , Canja Cristina Maria , Padureanu Vasile , Bujor Oana-Crina
Published: April 2023

The difficulty facing the food industry in the future is sustainability, a topic that has received a lot of attention in recent years. The recovery, recycling, and valuing of food by-products is one of the many methods suggested to encourage the development of a sustainable food system. The most abundant sources of bioactive chemicals and byproducts that can be used to create new functional ingredients for foods are found in fruits and vegetables. In this paper, the possibility of using by-products of wine industry was evaluated. Grape marc, one of the wastes produced during wine-making process is typically not utilized. In particular, the red grape marc flour (15% and 20% w/w) was employed to enrich white grape juice following a sufficient drying and grinding procedure. Then, the grape juice fortified with red grape marc flour was subjected to ultrasound treatment with amplitude of 50 and 70% for 3 and 6 minutes. In comparison to control samples, the enriched products bioactive compounds and chromatic attributes, as well as acidity, soluble content and pH were assessed. Overall, the findings indicate that fortification of grape juice with by-products improved nutritional quality and chromatic attributes without compromising product acceptability. It is possible to conclude that these examples might serve as a starting point for utilizing industrial byproducts and developing viable food with beneficial properties in a more sustainable manner.
VALORIZATION OF CHICKPEAS AS A PLANT-BASED PROTEIN IN OBTAINING PORK SAUSAGES
Authors: Cocan Ileana , Negrea Monica , Alexa Ersilia , Obistioiu Diana , Stoin Daniela
Published: April 2023

In the context of the current trend for a healthy life, more and more emphasis is placed on the partial replacement of meat-based foods with plant-based foods. This is difficult due to the need for more consumer awareness of the benefits of rebalancing diets in favor of vegetable proteins, thereby explaining the low consumption rate of these alternative products. This work aimed to demonstrate that partially replacing meat with vegetable proteins can improve nutritional properties while maintaining high sensory properties. The use of vegetable proteins in processed meat systems is regulated in most countries, but regulations differ considerably from country to country. Vegetable proteins with a low-fat content are ideal for use in meat products. The objective of this study was to partially replace the meat with vegetable proteins from chickpeas (10%, 20% and 30%, respectively) in the formulation of a new type of sausage and to compare the characteristics of these new formulations with the complete meat sample. The products obtained were characterized from a physico-chemical and sensory point of view. The physico-chemical characteristics followed were emulsion stability and cooking loss, determination of the content of moisture %, lipids %, proteins %, chloride content %, calculation of carbohydrate content and energy value. In addition to the physico-chemical evaluation, a sensory analysis was carried out to assess consumer acceptability of substituting animal raw materials with vegetable proteins.
GAINING KNOWLEDGE FROM BIG DATA: ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATE AS A SOURCE OF INFORMATION TO DECARBONIZE THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Re Cecconi Fulvio , Rampini Luca
Published: April 2023

The decarbonization strategies for the built environment that policy-makers face today from the EU mandate risk being made with incomplete or insufficient information. The consequence of this could be ineffective choices, thus slowing down the ongoing ecological transition, or their high cost, whether borne by the state or citizens.
The progressive and unstoppable digitization of the built environment offers information collection and previously unthinkable management opportunities. The construction sector, traditionally lagging behind other industrial sectors, is beginning to produce large quantities of data that can be exploited thanks to the most modern techniques derived from the information technology sector.
Among the most promising data sources are energy performance certificates for buildings, which provide a snapshot of the characteristics of buildings, their fabric and plant components, and design forecasts of their energy performances. Analyzing the energy performance certificates through Artificial Intelligence techniques proves the effectiveness of using big data in the construction sector. In particular, in this study, unsupervised machine learning techniques led to an in-depth knowledge of a stock of buildings approaching two hundred thousand units distributed over an almost twenty-four thousand square kilometers area in northern Italy.
METHODOLOGY FOR EVALUATING COMPONENTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF GREEN CONCRETE
Authors: Abele Lilita , Muhina Anna
Published: April 2023

The construction sector generates more than a quarter of all carbon dioxide emissions, which contributes to the deterioration of the environmental situation in the world. This article describes one of the ways to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from construction by changing the type of concrete components. In this research, a comparison analysis of various criteria of Portland cement and Ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) was carried out. The main method for solving the problem of this study is the Multicriteria analysis. This tool makes it possible to compare various alternatives, make a rating and determine the best of them.
Purpose: a method of reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the construction sector by changing the type of concrete components. Result: determination of the optimal component for concrete production. Target audience: factories for the production of concrete and products from it, contractors, developers. Object of the research: tables for comparing materials. Subject of the research: decarburization of concrete by determining the best component.
CRISIS MANAGEMENT AND CARTOGRAPHY
Authors: Zupan Robert , Franges Stanislav , Kljajic Ivka , Stanic Marta
Published: April 2023

In the last two years, given the frequent occurrence of crisis situations, we are becoming more aware of them and the need for proper management of emerging crisis situations and prediction of possible crises in the near future is becoming a necessity [1].
Crisis management is a complex process consisting of several phases that will be explained in this paper. Within each phase there is room for the use of cartographic support. It speeds up communication and provides an indispensable source of information for predicting risks and dangers and analyzing the impact of the crisis on a particular area [2].
Nowadays, the basic source of information is the Internet, so people first look for solutions and instructions on the Internet during crisis situations. It emphasizes the role of online cartographic bases that can be a visualization tool to direct people to safe places and shelters and a source of communication to seek help and mark endangered sites immediately after a crisis situation occurs [3].
After studying the available online views for the Republic of Croatia, a web map and cartographic application for the Republic of Croatia and crisis situations relevant to its area were created as an example of cartographic representations in crisis situations that are missing, which would enable a comprehensive analysis of crisis situations in Croatia by counties.
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IN URBAN PLANNING IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Authors: Moravcova Vendula , Moravcova Jana , Kosova Petra , Slama Jiri
Published: April 2023

The inclusion of greenery in spatial planning has an irreplaceable function. Not only do these areas fulfill an aesthetic function in otherwise monotonous areas of villages and towns, but they also significantly affect the quality of life of local citizens. These are primarily areas that provide a space for people to meet in a pleasant green environment and, thus, an opportunity to relax and recharge their batteries as a result of the positive effect of greenery on the human psyche. At the same time, green areas supplemented by water features provide the necessary shade and a more pleasant climate on hot summer days, when city centers tend to be hot and expose citizens to excessive temperatures and high thermal stress. For this reason, studies on thermal comfort analyses are still being carried out, especially in large cities, to determine the impact of green spaces and accompanying water features on thermal comfort and the health and psyche of residents. In addition to the role of greenery itself on public life in communities and its aesthetic function, blue-green infrastructure has a significant impact on the enrichment of local biodiversity, serving as an interactive element with the surrounding nature and thus providing a refuge for various species, from insects to songbirds and small mammals.
IMPROVEMENT OF CYCLE TRACKS � A NECESSITY FOR A GREEN CITY
Authors: Ienciu Ioan , Oprea Luciana
Published: April 2023

Along with pedestrian traffic, urban cycling is an ecological, social way of moving that does not generate pollution or noise and is good for health. In this context, more attention should be paid to the design of cycling infrastructure � because if we want more cyclists on city streets, then we need to provide them with adequate, fast and safe infrastructure. Infrastructure works for cycles must not affect spaces intended for pedestrians but must be located in the space used by motorized means of transport, aiming in this way to balance all relevant modes of travel, while promoting major changes towards more efficient models and in close relationship with the protection of the environment.
Within the planning and design activities of the streets, the national and local objectives regarding the viability of the cities must be considered, thus aiming for a more balanced analysis of the whole necessary regarding the division of the street space. In this situation, it will be necessary, especially in urban areas, to implement a prioritization of individual traffic in favor of pedestrians, cyclists or public transport. Thus, the main objective for the construction of road is to balance the different modes of transport and to ensure the safety of traffic participants, especially members of vulnerable groups.
Impact of Vitamin B12 on outcome of Early Stage Luminal A and B Breast Cancer, single center experience
Authors: Shaaban Saeed M. , Gaber Zeinab , Semary Samah , Dewidar Ahmad M.
Published: April 2023

Abstract Background: Despite the fact that many studies have shown that vitamin B12 has no benefit in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, many doctors describe vitamin B12 for chemotherapy or hormonal treatment. Some studies have shown that it is effective in cancer treatment-related fatigue, especially with B12 deficiency anaemia. Vitamin B12 has anti-oxidant properties through a variety of mechanisms. Many clinical recommendations are against using antioxidants during cancer treatment; there is concern that using dietary supplements, particularly antioxidants, during treatment may reduce treatment efficacy. Methods: This is a retrospective study as part of Zeinab Gaber's thesis that reviewed the electronic records of 129 female breast cancer patients with stage I and II luminal (A&B) who were treated at the clinical oncology department, faculty of medicine, Beni-Suef University, Egypt, from the beginning of January 2015 to the end of December 2019. Results: There was no disease-free survival (DFS) difference in luminal A breast cancer that received or did not receive vitamin B12, with median DFS 80 months versus 81 months for received and not received Vitamin B12, respectively (SE 2.55-3.54, 95% CI, 0.74 to 0.88; P 0.843), and there was no DFS difference in luminal B breast cancer that received or did not receive Vitamin B12, with median DFS 76 months versus 73 months for received and not received Vitamin. There was no overall survival (OS) difference in luminal A breast cancer that received or did not receive vitamin B12, with median OS 83 months versus 82 months for received and not received Vitamin B12, respectively (SE 2.16-2.73, 95% CI, 0.78 to 0.89; P 0.865), and there was no OS difference in luminal B breast cancer that received or did not receive Vitamin B12, with median OS 81 months versus 80 months for received and not received Vitamin B12, respectively (SE 1.78-2.68, 95% CI, 0.75 to 0.85; P 0.572). Conclusion: Vitamin B12 had no effect on DFS or OS in luminal A or B early breast cancer patients and can be used safely when indicated.
Idiopathic Recurrent Pregnancy Loss related toGPIagenein Iraqi patient women
Authors: Jawad Shuhala'J. M. , Taima Raghad Kamel
Published: April 2023

Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a major concern in the field of reproductive medicine. In particular, idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss (iRPL) is a condition in which recurrent pregnancy loss occurs without a known cause. Recent studies have shown that genetic factors may contribute to iRPL, and the presence of the 807C/T silent polymorphisms in the GPIa gene has been associated with a higher risk of thrombosis and recurrent abortion.Aim: to determine the allelic frequency of GPIa 807C/T in patients with iRPL and healthy controls in Iraq.Material and Method: A T-ARMS PCR-based method was used to analyze the allelic frequency of GPIa 807C/T in 25 patients with iRPL and 25 healthy controls. The genotypic and allelic frequencies were calculated, and a statistical analysis was performed.Result: The results of this study showed that the allelic frequency for 807C was 48% and 46% in the patient and control groups, respectively. The allelic frequency of 807T was recorded as 52% in the patient group, whereas the control group showed 54%. The patient group's genotypic frequencies were distributed as 16% for 807TT, 12% for 807CC, and 72% for 807CT. On the other hand, the control group reported genotypic frequencies of 32% for 807TT, 24% for 807CC, and 44% for 807CT. Interestingly, the TC heterozygous genotype of the GPIa gene's 807C\T showed a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) with a risk (OR=3.27) in the patient group against the control.Conclusion: the results of this study suggest that the presence of the GPIa 807C/T polymorphism is associated with a higher risk of iRPL in Iraqi patient women. The findings of this study could be used to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for iRPL.
Unveiling the Thematic Landscape of Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) Through Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Gómez Cano Carlos Alberto , Sánchez Castillo Verenice , Clavijo Gallego Tulio Andrés
Published: April 2023

Introduction: the Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) is a deep learning language model architecture developed by OpenAI.
Aim: to describe the knowledge networks (both at the theoretical and country levels) of the Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) as an emerging technology.
Results: 222 Documents were identified, of which 69 were articles, 50 were conference papers, 36 were editorials, 29 were notes, 19 were letters, 14 were reviews, 3 were conference reviews, and 2 were short surveys. In terms of the number of documents per year, 2 were found in 2019, 10 in 2020, 22 in 2021, 44 in 2022, and 144 in 2023. The year-on-year growth rate was over 100 % in all years. The subject area with the highest number of documents was Computer Science with 90 documents. The most productive countries in relation to GPT were the United States with 60 documents, followed by China with 19, the United Kingdom with 18, India with 15, and Australia with 12. Co-occurrence illustrated the centrality of Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing, Deep Learning, and the term Human around ChatGPT and GPT.
Conclusions: this bibliometric study aimed to describe the knowledge networks of the Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) as an emerging technology. Although only 222 documents were found, this study revealed a high level of international scientific collaboration in the field. The results suggest that GPT is a highly relevant technology with a wide range of potential applications in natural language processing, artificial intelligence, and deep learning.
Moreover, the study was able to qualitatively characterize the main thematic areas surrounding GPT, including its applications in chatbots, text generation, machine translation, sentiment analysis, and more.
Real-Time Evaluation of Humanitarian Assistance Revisited: Lessons Learned and the Way Forward
Authors: Krueger Susanna , Sagmeister Elias
Published: April 2023

Background: The real-time evaluation (RTE) approach has been applied in humanitarian assistance for two decades. Its spread seems to be as much a result of entrepreneurial evaluators who aim to demonstrate expertise to potential clients as it is a response to actual demand for immediate feedback of results to decision makers. Purpose: As RTE has come under scrutiny recently, this study demystifies the concept of RTE and looks beyond textbook descriptions of its advantages in order to understand its practical application in humanitarian action. Setting: NA Intervention: NA Research Design: NA Data Collection and Analysis: NA Findings: It then suggests lessons for how to improve the application of real-time evaluations and related concepts in practice.
Utilization Focused Developmental Evaluation: Learning Through Practice
Authors: Ramirez Ricardo , Kora Galin , Shephard Daniel
Published: April 2023

Background: Utilization-focused evaluation provides an overall decision-making framework with the intention of ensuring evaluation products and processes are actually used.  Developmental evaluation provides a structure to learn from an experiment or pilot in the making and provide feedback to course-correct and improve the ongoing effort.  In this paper we report on a project where we combined both into a utilization-focused developmental evaluation (UFDE).Purpose: To determine the theoretical complementarities and the practical advantages of combining UFE with DE, by reflecting on a practical experience.  We include a synopsis of the methodology along with a sample of findings, followed by a reflection of the overall process. We emphasize the conditions that enabled this experience to evolve to guide other practitioners interested in this learning approach to evaluation.Setting: The context was the piloting of a social and financial education curriculum for youth called Aflateen that was developed by Aflatoun Child Savings International in Amsterdam and test-driven by over forty partners around the World.  Intervention: The evaluation experience took place during a ten-month period between December 2012 and October 2013. This paper provides a summary of the context and a justification for the approach.Research Design: Not applicable.Data Collection and Analysis: In additional to conventional data collection instruments, we applied participatory inquiry tools from Social Analysis Systems (www.sas2.net) as a means of engaging stakeholders in real-time data collection and analysis.Findings: Examples are provided to demonstrate how some developmental evaluation findings informed organizational strategic and operational decisions during the life of the evaluation.
Relating Outputs, Outcomes and Impact in the Evaluation of International Development Projects
Authors: Walker Robert Kenyon
Published: April 2023

Background: The recent controversies on the pages of the JMDE regarding UNDP evaluations, as well as the DAC criteria, are discussed in the light of two UNDP/GEF evaluations in Latin America for which the author was primarily responsible.Purpose: The author defends the utilization of all five evaluation criteria of the Development Assistance Committee of the OECD (the DAC criteria), and their integration via Theories of Change.Setting: The pine/oak forest of Honduras and the mangrove regions along the coast of Brazil.Intervention: Two projects of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with the respective governments.Research Design: Mid-term evaluations with site visits and interviews.Data Collection and Analysis: In the Brazilian case, longitudinal analysis of available data was conducted and related to the findings of the interviews and observation, as well as published reports and studies. A Theory of Change (action model) of the Honduran project was structured and graphically portrayed based on desk review of the project document and other documentation, adapted following initial interviews, and field tested.Findings: In Brazil, preliminary evidence derived in part from Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) questions with reference to results indicates a relative lack of project effectiveness and of preliminary signs of impact. The state of Pará offers one possible exception, related in part to the fact that a certain momentum had already been built up in that state prior to project start-up and in part to the early adoption through the project of a new method of transportation of the fiddler crab (Ucides cordatus), in baskets covered with wet sponges rather than in sacks. The Honduran project, with the strong support of the national government and the UNDP field office as well as GEF, successfully adapted the provisions of the project document to pursue a more community- and community organization-centered approach, rather than relying on the outside consultants originally specified. Project-supported gathering of impact data raised environmental awareness, strengthened the local university and established a baseline for future ex-post impact evaluation.  Keywords: Theory of Change; DAC criteria; capacity development; displacement of goals; UNDP/GEF.
How Good are Our Measures? Investigating the Appropriate Use of Factor Analysis for Survey Instruments
Authors: Sanders Megan , Gugiu P. Cristian , Enciso Patricia
Published: April 2023

Background: Evaluation work frequently utilizes factor analysis to establish the dimensionality, reliability, and stability of surveys. However, survey data is typically ordinal, violating the assumptions of most statistical methods, and thus is often factor-analyzed inappropriately. Purpose: This study illustrates the salient analytical decisions for factor-analyzing ordinal survey data appropriately and demonstrates the repercussions of inappropriate analyses. Setting: The data used for this study are drawn from an evaluation of the efficacy of a drama-based approach to teaching Shakespeare in elementary and middle school.  Intervention: Not applicable. Research Design: Survey research. Data Collection and Analysis: Four factor analytic methods were compared: a traditional exploratory factor analysis (EFA), a full-information EFA, and two EFAs within the confirmatory factor analysis framework (E/CFA) conducted according to the Jöreskog method and the Gugiu method. Findings: Methods appropriate for ordinal data produce better models, the E/CFAs outperform the EFAs, and the Gugiu method demonstrates greater model interpretability and stability than the Jöreskog method. These results suggest that the Gugiu E/CFA may be the preferable factor analytic method for use with ordinal data. Practical applications of these findings are discussed. Keywords: factor analysis; ordinal data; E/CFA; survey research.
A Mechanism-Centred Approach to Evaluating Complex Aid Interventions: The Case of Accompanying Measures to Budget Support
Authors: Schmitt Johannes , Krisch Franziska
Published: April 2023

Background: Current methodological debates related to theory-based evaluations (TBE) centre around questions how to improve the explanatory strength of these approaches and how to integrate mechanisms as analytic concept. Particularly in complex aid interventions, when multiple elements are expected to interact and thus create an added value, exploring mechanisms as an analytical tool can be promising.
Purpose: This paper seeks to contribute to the discussion on the use of TBE for evaluating complex aid interventions by sharing experiences from a recent evaluation of accompanying measures to general budget support.
Setting: Nine countries of sub-Saharan Africa which have received German budget support, namely Burkina Faso, Ghana, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia.
Intervention: Accompanying measures (mainly in the form of technical assistance and capacity development) are one element of the budget support package, which further encompasses financial contributions, policy dialogue, and conditionalities.
Research Design: We focus on interrelations between different elements of budget support and apply a mechanism-centred approach to programme theory building,
Data Collection and Analysis: After defining accompanying measures and integrating them into the intervention logic of budget support used in recent multi-donor evaluations, key mechanisms were identified on an explorative mission to Mozambique, validated in an online survey, and further discussed in expert interviews and during field research in Tanzania.
Findings: For the specific example relating to two elements of budget support (policy dialogue and accompanying measures), some of the hypothesized mechanisms were found to create an added value and thus increase the effectiveness of budget support as a package. The applied approach helped generate a more comprehensive implementation theory and provided insights into potential benefits and challenges of combining different elements in one programme. Beyond its use for future evaluations in the field of budget support, we argue that TBE of complex interventions can benefit from adopting such a mechanism-centred approach to create a better understanding of how different elements of the programme interact. Moreover, the focus on mechanisms when analysing programme implementation enables evaluators to improve their empirical inquiry on the identified mechanisms and to draw valid conclusions on the programme’s contribution to the observed outcomes.
Theories of Change: Making Value Explicit
Authors: Powell Steve
Published: April 2023

Background: This article addresses two problems. The first is the Flexibility Problem: If we are to use a more flexible format for theories of change than for traditional logic models, one in which we can no longer assume that we only value things which are at the end of causal chains, nor that we intervene on all the things at the beginning of causal chains, how then can we show which things we value, and which things we intervene on? The second is the Definition Problem: What is the difference between a theory showing the causal influences within and around a project and, more specifically, a theory of change for the project?

 

Purpose: To solve the Flexibility Problem and the Definition Problem.

 

Setting: N/A

 

Intervention: N/A

 

Research Design:  N/A

 

Data Collection and Analysis: N/A

 

Findings: A definition of “Theory of Change” is introduced, based upon a definition of “Theory” together with two symbols to mark variables we value (“♥”, or any suitable alternative symbol) and variables we intervene on (“▶”, or any suitable alternative symbol). These two definitions and the two symbols together answer both the Flexibility Problem and the Definition Problem, and have some interesting side-effects as follows. Firstly, they suggest that it is the task of evaluators to model how stakeholders value aspects of a project just as much as it is to model the causal chains within a project. Secondly, evaluators are able to model the fact that stakeholders may value variables which are not at the end of a causal chain, throwing a new light on the debate between results-based and principles-based programming. Thirdly, they provide a way to understand the behaviour of stakeholders and stakeholder groups in terms of their own theories of change – the way they view the world and how they can get what they want – rather than from the traditional behaviourist perspective more familiar to most evaluators.
Education Update
Authors: Persaud Nadini
Published: April 2023

Education update including websites and notable journal articles.
Measurement: Interdisciplinary Research and Perspectives, Volume 1(1), 2003
Authors: Coryn Chris L. S.
Published: April 2023

Measurement: Interdisciplinary Research and Perspectives is a relatively new journal devoted to the interdisciplinary study of measurement in the human sciences and is intended to represent a broad range of disciplines and perspectives including psychometrics, ethnography, social theory, psychology, economics, education, linguistics, sociology, policy studies, history, and law. Each issue is devoted to a single, provocative focus article followed by commentaries and arejoinder article. Further information can be found at http://bearcenter.berkeley.edu/measurement/. Presently eight issues are available covering objectivity and trust, standards-based testing, and certification testing, for example. The inaugural issue—Volume 1(1), 2003—was sent to us by the editors (Mark Wilson at the University of California, Berkeley; Paul De Boeck at K. U. Leuven, Belgium; and Pamela Moss at the University of Michigan) to encourage becoming involved in for example, debating a “focus paper” or participating in a commentary.
Evaluation in the People's Republic of China
Authors: Lu Xuejin , Xie Donhai
Published: April 2023

In the past two decades, China has seen rapid growth of a significant number of government-sponsored evaluation organizations established and a lot of evaluation activities conducted, suggesting that the important role of evaluation in national development has been highly recognized.
Evaluation in Japan
Authors: Sasaki Ryo
Published: April 2023

Two years have passed since the “Government Policy Evaluations Act” (GPEA) became effective in Japan on April 1, 2002. In that time, evaluation has been well accepted as an essential part of the policy management cycle at each ministry of the Japanese government. It is reported that evaluation results have been utilized for budget formulation by governmental ministries, and it is also observed that policies have been prioritized and, conversely, abolished based on the evaluation results. Other merits of introducing evaluation are that the so-called ‘policydiagram’ has been frequently developed at ministries, and policy goals havebecome more outcome-oriented with more quantitative measures. Now the Act is under discussion for amendment with some major points proposed for change.
New Directions for Evaluation
Authors: Coryn Chris L. S.
Published: April 2023

The Spring 2005 issue of New Directions for Evaluation, Teaching Evaluation Using the Case Method, edited by Michael Q. Patton and Patricia Patrizi is intended to advance the practice of evaluation teaching using the case method by “providing specially developed cases for teaching and teaching guidelines and discussion points to use in conjunction with the cases” (p. 3). In this issue, chapters2-4 conclude with “Teaching Guidelines and Questions,” which are intended to provide general case teaching guidance by providing case teaching questions and evaluation points to elicit through questioning.
Evaluation: The International Journal of Theory, Research and Practice
Authors: Schröter Daniela C.
Published: April 2023

The first 2005 issue of Evaluation (Volume 11(1), January 2005) begins with two contributions to A Visit to the World of Practice, both of which focus on results-based evaluation and impact assessment within the context of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Please visit http://ddp-ext.worldbank.org/ext/MDG/-home.do for information on the MDGs.
The Evaluation of Disasters
Authors: Scriven Michael
Published: April 2023

In the last few years, we have seen some mighty catastrophes on the face of the earth, some wrought by human hands directly and others from great national disasters. We must ask, what has evaluation contributed to aiding humankind cope with these events, and what could it contribute that it has not so far provided?