bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Anti-interference Management of Cold Fresh Food Distribution Based on Prospect Theory and Adaptive PSO Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Yanhu , Yan Lijuan
Published: December 2023

This paper addresses the challenges faced by fresh frozen product supply enterprises, where the original distribution plans become infeasible due to disturbances such as refrigeration equipment failures during the product delivery process. These disturbances may lead to potential damage to the enterprise's brand reputation, a decrease in customer satisfaction, and economic losses. The research delves into these issues and proposes solutions. Firstly, concerning the supplier delivery mode, a mathematical model is proposed based on the Prospective Theory, suitable for evaluating multiple factors such as supplier brand, customer satisfaction, and supplier economic benefits. Secondly, building upon this model, a combined function model is generated by integrating supplier brand reputation and supplier economic benefits. This model simultaneously considers the relationships between supplier brand reputation, customer satisfaction, and supplier economic benefits in order of priority. Thirdly, to find the optimal solution for this model, a corresponding PSO (Particle Swarm Optimization) particle model is designed, aligning the delivery plan with the particle's position coordinates. Fourthly, by enhancing the PSO algorithm, the iteration count of the algorithm is significantly optimized, enabling intelligent termination of the iterative loop exploring the optimal solution, thereby improving the efficiency of solving the problem. Validation on multiple Solomon instance datasets demonstrates the superior performance of the proposed algorithm. The solutions it provides in the event of frozen equipment failures are more conducive to maintaining the supplier's corporate brand image, enhancing customer satisfaction, and boosting economic profits for the enterprise.
Collaboration Cognizance: Development of a self-assessment instrument to measure Intra-Professional Collaborative Practices (IPCP) in postgraduate medical residents at tertiary care hospitals
Authors: Anwar Ayesha , Yasmeen Rahila , Khan Rehan Ahmed
Published: December 2023

Background
The ever-evolving healthcare system of today demands physicians who steer their roles as treatment providers, managers and collaborators. Professionals are highly interdependent due to increased complexity of health problems and risk of errors increases with transitions in care. In hospitals, the main workforce is postgraduate residents; therefore, intraprofessional collaboration amongst residents is essential. Several instruments are available to evaluate interprofessional collaboration amongst physicians, nurses and hospital teams but none specifically assessed intra-professional collaborative practices amongst residents working in tertiary care hospitals in multi-disciplinary teams. This study intends to develop and validate an instrument to self-assess intraprofessional collaborative practices in postgraduate residents undergoing residency in multiple specialties at tertiary care hospitals.
Approach:
This study on Instrument Development employed mixed method study design executed in two phases. In phase 1, six domains of intraprofessional collaborative practices were identified from literature and 35 items were developed. Fifteen experts participated in qualitative content validation and provided comments. To establish content validity in phase 2, content validity index (CVI) and content clarity average (CCA) were assessed by seventeen experts. Response process validity was established by cognitive interviewing of 5 postgraduate residents. Pilot testing was done on a sample of 407 residents. Cronbach’s alpha was determined, and confirmatory factor analysis established construct validity.
Results
During phase 1, items were modified based on qualitative feedback from 15 experts. In round 2, CVI and CCA were determined based on responses of 17 experts. The items having an I-CVI greater than 0.90 were accepted and six items underwent modifications as their I-CVI fell between 0.78–0.90. Similarly, four items with a CCA of less than 2.4 were modified to increase clarity. Cognitive interviews of participants on 30 items resulted in the deletion of 1 item and changes in 5 items. The final instrument had 29 items categorized under six constructs. All items had good factor loadings during CFA, so none was deleted. Cronbach’s Alpha α was 0.937.
Conclusion
Intraprofessional collaborative practices in residents is a valid and reliable self-assessment instrument comprising 29 items measuring six constructs. It may be used by residents to assess their collaborative practices and incorporated in curricula to help develop collaborative practices and their assessment during training of postgraduate residents.
An inside out journey: Biogenesis, ultrastructure and proteomic characterisation of the monogenean Sparicotyle chrysophrii extracellular vesicles
Authors: Riera-Ferrer Enrique , Mazanec Hynek , Mladineo Ivona , Konik Peter , Piazzon M. Carla , Kuchta Roman , Palenzuela Oswaldo , Estensoro Itziar , Sotillo Javier , Sitjà-Bobadilla Ariadna
Published: December 2023

Background: Helminth extracellular vesicles (EVs) are known to have a three-way communication role among parasitic helminths, their host and host-associated microbiota. They are considered biological containers carrying virulence factors, being therefore appealing as therapeutic and prophylactic target candidates. This study aims to describe and characterise EVs secreted by the monogenean Sparicotyle chrysophrii (Microcotylidae), a blood-feeding gill parasite of the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) inflicting significant economic losses in Mediterranean aquaculture.
Methods: To identify proteins involved in extracellular vesicle biogenesis, genomic datasets from S. chrysophrii were mined in silico using known protein sequences from Clonorchis spp., Echinococcus spp., Fasciola spp., Fasciolopsis spp., Opisthorchis spp., Paragonimus spp., and Schistosoma spp. The EV location and ultrastructure was studied using transmission electron microscopy in high-pressure frozen adult S. chrysophrii specimens. Moreover, EVs were isolated and purified from adult S. chrysophrii (N=200) using a newly developed ultracentrifugation-size-exclusion chromatography protocol for Monogenea, and EVs were characterised via nanoparticle tracking analysis and tandem mass spectrometry.
Results: Fifty-nine proteins involved in EV biogenesis were identified in S. chrysophrii and EVs compatible with microvesicles were observed in the parasite’s haptoral region syncytial layer lining the clamps. Moreover, isolated and purified nanoparticles presented a mean size of 251.8 ± 2.2 nm (± SD), and yielded 1.71×108 ± 4.55×107 particles·mL-1 (mean ± SD).
The protein composition analysis identified proteins related to peptide hydrolases, GTPases, EF-hand domain proteins, aerobic energy metabolism, anticoagulant/ lipid-binding, haem detoxification, iron transport, EV biogenesis-related, vesicle-trafficking and other cytoskeletal-related proteins. From the identified proteins, leucyl and alanyl aminopeptidases, calpain, ferritin, dynein light chain, 14-3-3, heat shock protein 70, annexin, tubulin, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, enolase and fructose-bisphosphate aldolase have already been proposed as target candidates for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes in helminths.
Conclusions: We have unambiguously demonstrated the secretion of EVs by S. chrysophrii inferring their biogenesis machinery at a genomic and transcriptomic level, ultrastructural location in the parasite, and analysing their protein composition. The identification of several candidate therapeutic targets among EV’s protein repertoire, offers opportunities for target-based drug discovery and vaccine development approaches, for the first time in Monogenea and a fish-ectoparasite model.
Conceptualization and teaching health advocacy in undergraduate medical education: a document analysis
Authors: de Bok Femke E. , Hermans Jessie , Duvivier Robbert J. , Wolff Djoeke , Reijneveld Sijmen. A.
Published: December 2023

Background and aim: Health advocacy is considered to be a core competence for physicians, but it remains unclear how the health advocacy role, despite being described in overarching competency frameworks, is operationalized in undergraduate medical education (UME). This study aimed to identify how health advocacy is conceptualized and taught in undergraduate medical curricula.
Methods: We performed a qualitative analysis of curriculum documents from all eight medical schools in the Netherlands, all of which offered competency-based UME. Thematic analysis was used to code all the documents and generate themes on health advocacy conceptualization and teaching. To categorize the emerging themes, we used the framework of Van Melle et al for evaluating the implementation of competency-based medical educational programs.
Results: Health advocacy was mostly conceptualized in mission statements about social responsibility of future physicians, related to prevention and promoting health. We found key concepts of health advocacy to be taught mainly in public health and social medicine courses in the bachelor stage and in community-based clerkships in the master stage. Specific knowledge, skills and attitudes related to health advocacy were taught mostly in distinct longitudinal learning pathways in three curricula.
Conclusion: Health advocacy is conceptualized mostly as related to social responsibility for future physicians. Its teaching is mostly embedded in public health and social medicine courses and community-based settings. A wider implementation is warranted, extending its teaching to the full width of medical teaching, with longitudinal learning pathways providing a promising route for more integrative health advocacy teaching.
Edge modes in 1D microwave photonic crystal
Authors: Ivzhenko Liubov , Girich Aleksey , Kharchenko Ganna , Polevoy Sergey , Tarapov Sergey , Krawczyk Maciej , Kłos Jarosław W.
Published: December 2023

The microstrip of modulated width is a realization of a one-dimensional photonic crystal operating in the microwave regime. Like any photonic crystal, the periodic microstrip is characterised by the presence of frequency bands and band gaps that enable and prohibit wave propagation, respectively. The frequency bands for microstrip of symmetric unit cell can be distinguished by 0 or pi Zak phase. The sum of these topological parameters for all bands below a given frequency gap determines the value of the surface impedance and whether or not edge modes are present at the end of the microstrip. We demonstrate that edge modes are absent in a finite microstrip terminated at both ends in the centres of unit cells, but they can be induced by adding the defected cells. Edge modes present at both ends of the microstrip enable microwave tunneling with high transitivity in the frequency gap with or without a change in phase. This has been demonstrated experimentally and developed in detail using numerical simulations and model calculations. The investigated system, with a doublet of edge modes in the frequency gap, can be considered as a narrow passband filter of high selectivity.
The involvement of cytokines in the prophylactic effect of duloxetine on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer
Authors: Ding Hongwan , Wang Ying , Gao Yinge , Ye Fan , Yao Kai , Cao Linyu , Liu Zix , 王 贵彬 , Zhang Jianjun
Published: December 2023

Gastric ulcer is a common and global disease with high recurrence rate. It has been shown that selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor duloxetine had protective effect on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer, which was escorted by inflammation in the gastric mucosa. Cytokines, small-molecule peptides secreted from a variety of cells, are the principal mediators of inflammation. By screening the differential expression of cytokines in the gastric mucosa using cytokine array, we found that indomethacin induced increase in cytokines which promoted inflammation responses, whereas the protective effect of duloxetine was mediated through correcting the imbalance between pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines in gastric mucosa. Among them, RANTES was a key mediator in the prophylactic effect of duloxetine against indomethacin. We further identified that the protection was mediated by RANTES-chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) axis and inhibition of the axis by Met-Rantes or a CCR5 antagonist maraviroc suppressed the protection of duloxetine. Considering the pharmacologic action of duloxetine on reuptake of monoamine neurotransmitters, we examined the serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine contents in the blood and discovered 20 mg/kg duloxetine increased serotonin levels in platelet-poor plasma, thus promoting expression of RANTES in gastric mucosa. Furthermore, increased RANTES activated PI3K-AKT-VEGF signaling pathway, which may be attributed to the protective effect of VEGF on endothelial cells and vessels in gastric mucosa. Together, our results identified the role of cytokines, particularly RANTES, and the underlying mechanisms in protection of duloxetine against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer, which advanced our understanding in inflammatory modulation by monoamine-based antidepressant.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among caregivers of children with epilepsy in outpatient pediatric neurology clinic: a cross-sectional study at Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Negussie Absalat Serawit , Dehan Mansour Fayz , Mekonnen Samuel Ayalew , Zelleke Tesfaye Getaneh
Published: December 2023

Background: Caregivers' knowledge and attitudes significantly impact epilepsy care, influencing help-seeking behavior and treatment decisions. In Ethiopia, epilepsy is often misunderstood, associated with misconceptions, and accompanied by persistent negative attitudes. The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of caregivers of children with epilepsy
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 120 caregivers were interviewed using a pretested structured questioner. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive and analytical statistical procedures, with 95% confidence interval were employed and significance level was determined at p-value < 0.05.
Results: A significant proportion of the caregivers were familiar with the term 'epilepsy', with more than half having heard or read about it (62; 51.7%) or knowing someone other than the child with epilepsy (61; 50.8%). The identified causes of epilepsy varied, with birth injury 44 (36.7%) being the most common cause reported by caregivers. Notably, there were associations between caregiver sex, awareness of epilepsy through hearing or reading, knowing someone with epilepsy, and their level of knowledge about epilepsy. The study also revealed negative attitudes toward epilepsy. More than half of the participants (56.7%) believed that a child with epilepsy cannot have a high level of intelligence, the majority (76.7%) would not allow their child to play with a child who has epilepsy, and 39.1% believed that a child with epilepsy should never attend school. Additionally, a significant number of caregivers resorted to traditional treatments 35 (29%). A considerable percentage of children with epilepsy received alternative treatments (85 [70%] along with antiepileptic medications). The majority of caregivers recognized the importance of seeking medical attention for individuals with epilepsy.
Conclusions: A significant knowledge gap was identified among caregivers of children with epilepsy, revealing prevalent misconceptions and negative attitudes. Improving the epilepsy knowledge, attitude, and practice gap in caregivers will potentially contribute to overall improved awareness, as caregivers can serve as resources and advocates for people with epilepsy.
The Impact of Customer Service Quality on Customer Satisfaction: A study on Bangladeshi Banks
Authors: Anika Afrin , Islam Mahia , Ahmed Farhad
Published: December 2023

This research study examines the impact of customer service quality on customer satisfaction at Bangladeshi Banks. The study aimed to fill existing gaps in understanding the correlation between customer service quality and customer satisfaction in the banking sector, specifically within the context of this bank. The research design adopted for this study was qualitative, allowing for an in-depth exploration of participants' perspectives and experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key bank representatives and customers to gather rich and contextualized data. The findings from the study shed light on the critical factors influencing customer satisfaction. Responsive service, efficiency in service delivery, and personalization emerged as key drivers of customer satisfaction. Customers highly value prompt and effective responses to their inquiries and seek quick and hassle-free transactions. Personalized services that cater to individual needs and preferences were found to enhance customer perceptions and foster stronger relationships. Additionally, the study highlighted the importance of effective complaint resolution in influencing customer satisfaction. Respondents emphasized the significance of handling complaints with empathy and efficiency to turn dissatisfied customers into loyal advocates. Communication also played a vital role in customer interactions. Clear and prompt communication of information regarding banking products, services, and policies positively impacted customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the study identified a strong link between customer service quality and overall customer satisfaction with Bangladeshi Banks. Positive customer service experiences contributed to higher levels of satisfaction, while negative experiences had the potential to lead to dissatisfaction and affect the bank's reputation. Based on the findings, several recommendations were provided to enhance customer service quality and improve overall customer satisfaction. These recommendations included strengthening responsiveness, investing in customer service training, streamlining processes, leveraging technology, offering personalized services, acting on customer feedback, and fostering a customer-centric culture. This study underscores the critical role of customer service quality in shaping customer satisfaction and loyalty in the banking sector. By prioritizing customer service excellence and implementing the provided recommendations, Bangladeshi Banks can enhance customer relationships, drive loyalty, and establish itself as a customer-centric institution in the competitive banking market. The insights from this study have implications for the bank's strategic decision-making processes and long-term success in delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Optimizing Segmentation Strategies: Self-Supervised Methods for COVID-19 Imaging
Authors: Gao Yuan , Geng Dehua , Xu Longwei , Hua Qianqian , Wang Pengwei
Published: December 2023

The segmentation of COVID-19 lesions can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. Due to the lack of rich labelled datasets and a comprehensive analysis of representation learning for COVID-19, few studies exist in this field. In order to address the aforementioned issues, we propose a self-supervised learning scheme for COVID-19 using unlabeled COVID-19 data in order to investigate the significance of pre-training for this task. We have significantly improved the pre-training performance of the model by effectively leveraging unlabeled data and implementing a variety of pretraining strategies. In addition, the performance of the self-supervised model has been enhanced by the integration of the channel-wise attention mechanism module, the Squeeze-and-Excitation (SE) block, into the network architecture. Experiments demonstrate that our model performs better than other SOTA models on the publicly available COVID-19 medical image segmentation dataset.
Electric Vehicle Accidents Attitude Scale (EVAAS) for Healthcare Professionals: Reliability and Validity Study
Authors: KAYHAN Uğur , LİMAN Zafer , ÖZDİNÇ Şerife , KILIÇ İbrahim
Published: December 2023

Background/aim: Although traffic accidents are an important public health problem, reducing mortality and morbidity is directly related to the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of healthcare professionals. Investigating the causes of injury and death in vehicle accidents has gained importance with the development of electric vehicle technology in recent years. These issues are directly or indirectly under the responsibility of forensic medicine. The aim of this study is to develop an Electric Vehicle Accidents Attitude Scale (EVAAS) regarding cognitive, affective and behavioral dimensions to determine the attitudes of healthcare professionals towards electric vehicle accidents.
Materials and methods: The sample group of the study consisted of 386 physicians, paramedics, emergency medicine technicians and ambulance drivers working in the emergency services and 112 units of public state and university hospitals in Türkiye. The Delphi technique including expert opinions was utilized in the development of EVAAS and validity and reliability analyses were carried out after a focus group study and pilot application process were completed.
Results: The 27-item EVAAS was grouped under 3 dimensions-factor- (cognitive, affective, and behavioral) explaining 65.257% of the total variance. Cronbach's Alpha coefficient for EVAAS was 0.859, retest reliability was 0.781, and the test-retest reliability was calculated as 0.766 (Table 2).
Conclusion: A valid and reliable EVAAS consisting of 27 items in three dimensions: cognitive, affective and behavioral was developed in the study.
Investigation of Colistin Utilization in the Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Nosocomial Bloodstream Infections in Children and Literature Review
Authors: Geniş Cankat , Kaman Ayşe , Öztürk Betül , Tanır Gönül
Published: December 2023

Objective: This retrospective study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of combined colistin therapy in treating nosocomial infections caused by multi-drug resistant gram-negative pathogens in pediatric patients.
Materials and Methods: 45 pediatric patients who received intravenous colistin for healthcare-associated infections at Dr. Sami Ulus Training and Research Hospital between January 2015 to 2020 were included. Patient-specific detailed clinical information, prognoses, and laboratory findings on days 1, 3, and 7 of colistin treatment were obtained from medical records
Results: Among the patients, 26 [57.8%] were male and 19 [42.2%] were female, with a median age of 18 months. Clinical and microbiological responses were observed in 37 patients [82.2%], while two patients [4.4%] discontinued colistin due to side effects without assessing treatment response. Six patients [13.3%] did not achieve clinical and microbiological response and succumbed to the infection. Nephrotoxicity was the most common side effect, occurring in eight patients on the third day of treatment. One patient with nephrotoxicity had underlying chronic renal failure.
Conclusion: Combined colistin therapy is effective and safe for treating nosocomial infections caused by multi-drug resistant gram-negative bacteria in pediatric patients, which often have high mortality rates and limited treatment options.
Synergistic effect of Fe-amorphous and bionic microtexture in enhancing high-temperature tribological properties of Al-12Si piston materials
Authors: Wang Yingdong , Lin Zuxiang , Yin Chengbin , Kong Detong , Zhao Deyong , Wang Zhijun , Ma Beibei , Xu Zehua , Wang Yuan
Published: December 2023

The objective of this study is to enhance the friction properties of piston materials under high temperatures. To achieve this, we developed a novel piston composite material (Fe-amorphous/Al-12Si) by incorporating Fe-amorphous. Additionally, we employed bionic micro-textured laser surface treatment technology to improve its wear resistance. The influence of Fe-amorphous content on the frictional properties of the composite material was investigated, together with the synergistic mechanism of Fe-amorphous addition and biomimetic texture on Al-12Si under the lubrication conditions of B30 biodiesel diluted engine oil. The results indicate that the frictional properties of the untextured surface of the Fe-amorphous/Al-12Si composite material depend primarily on the amount of Fe-amorphous added. The 10 wt% Fe-amorphous/Al-12Si composite exhibits a dense, void-free microstructure with optimum anti-friction and anti-wear performance. It is noteworthy that the interaction between the "anchoring effect" caused by the Fe-amorphous addition and the "fluid-dynamic lubrication effect" induced by the biomimetic texture further enhances the high-temperature friction properties of Al-12Si. Therefore, this study provides a novel approach for the development of piston materials for biodiesel engines.
Nonlinear Analysis and Control with Nonlinear Driving Terms for Small-Emittance Storage Ring
Authors: Oh Bonghoon , Ko Jinjoo , Shin Seunghwan , Kim Jaehyun , Lee Jaeyu , Jang Gyeongsu
Published: December 2023

Storage rings that use the hybrid multi-bend achromat (MBA) lattice concept [1] have been realized. ESRF-EBS was the first hybrid MBA machine to be built and is now in operation. Main characteristics of hybrid MBA as a typical lattice for 4th generation storage ring are to adopt two large dispersion bumps in cell, and to make a -I-transformation between two dispersion bumps to cancel nonlinear effects. To increase the effectiveness of nonlinear control, analytical investigation of nonlinear phenomenon is essential. In this paper, we describe the result of analytical investigation with a nonlinear driving term and simple model. We obtained similar results to the existing time-consuming MOGA optimization using a simplex optimizer with a small number of nonlinear control knobs.
Derivation of two human induced pluripotent stem cell lines carrying a missense mutation in FHL1 (c.377G>A, p.C126Y) linked to familial muscular dystrophy
Authors: Zabalegui Federico , Castañeda Sheila Lucia , Amin Guadalupe , Belli Carolina , Miriuka Santiago Gabriel , Moro Lucía Natalia
Published: December 2023

FHL1 gene locates in the Xq26 region and encodes for four and half LIM domain protein 1. It plays a crucial role in muscle cells and mutations in FHL1 are related to muscular dystrophy (MD). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from 2 family patients with MD that carry a pathogenic missense mutation in FHL1 (c.377G > A, p.C126Y). Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were generated by PBMCs reprogramming using the lentiviral-hSTEMCCA-loxP vector, obtaining FHL1-T and FHL1-V iPSCs lines from patients. FHL1 genotype was maintained, and stemness and pluripotency were confirmed in both iPSCs lines.
Experimental and finite element study of the application of ferro cement composite on runway rigid pavement
Authors: samra Hassan Abdel elrahman Abo
Published: December 2023

Aircraft with different weights and gear configurations are landing on airport runways. It is clear that this difference in airplanes causes different quantities of damage to rigid and flexible pavements [1]. The main objective of this research is to study the impact resistance and energy absorption properties of reinforced ferrocement concrete slabs. Ferrocement is a composite material in which the inherent properties of two constituent materials are optimally utilized. The filler material is reinforced with layers of reinforcing mesh in both principal directions. However, the subdivision and distribution of ductile material (wire mesh) throughout the matrix increase its elasticity [2, 3, 4]. For this study, 18 different ferrocement slabs of dimensions 400mm X 400mm X 50mm and reinforced with 1Ø5.5 every 100 mm were casted with alteration in the combinations of mesh layers, and test results were analyzed. The impact load testing has been performed after the slabs have been heated in the oven for 24 hours at a temperature of 50°C and 100°C. The impact loading was applied to the specimens by dropping a 5-kg steel ball from a height of 1 m at the center of the slabs. The impact energy at the initial cracking stage and at failure was determined for all the slabs. Experimental results are then compared to analytical models using (ABAQUS) programs. The results indicated that higher energy absorption, maximum numbers of blows, and maximum displacement at the last blow are achieved in slabs of a combination of 2 layers of woven mesh and 4 layers of welded mesh at a temperature of 50°C as they are effective in controlling the developed cracks. It was observed that slabs of a combination of 2 layers of woven mesh and 4 layers of welded mesh at a temperature of 50°C had maximum numbers of blows, higher energy absorption, and maximum displacement at the last blow. In addition, a slab of a combination of 1 layer of welded mesh at a temperature of 100°C showed lower numbers of blows, energy absorption, and displacement.
Strategic Management: Factors Influencing (De) Centralization in Multinational Corporations Operating in Slovakia
Authors: Fitala Patrik , Kozakova Jana , Skypalova Renata , Srbova Alena
Published: December 2023

In the field of (de)centralization of companies, there is a need to explore the factors that influence decision-making processes and organizational structures. However, limited research has focused specifically on the Slovakian business environment, warranting further investigation. This article aims to examine the relationships between ownership structure, the establishment of direct foreign equity participation (DFEP) and company size in relation to aspects of (de)centralization in a select group of companies in Slovakia. The aim is to highlight the importance of the (de)centralization problem. The researchers employed statistical methods to analyse the data, including the nonparametric Kruskal‒Wallis test and post hoc analysis using the pairwise comparison post hoc test. These tests were applied to identify statistically significant differences between the chosen factors and individual variables relating to (de)centralization. The findings indicate that the establishment of DFEP significantly influences (de)centralization in areas such as the purchase of materials/goods, production/planning/provision, marketing planning, sales to the end customer and the filling of managerial positions. Ownership structure was also found to significantly influence (de)centralization with regard to the purchase of materials/goods, production/planning/provision and marketing planning. Similarly, company size seems to play a role in strategic management and production/planning/provision decisions. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering insights into the specific context of (de)centralization in the Slovakian business environment. The use of statistical analysis methods enhances the rigor of the findings. The findings provide practical implications for decision-making processes, resource allocation strategies and organizational design. This research fills a gap in the literature by focusing on the relationships between ownership structure, the establishment of DFEP and company size within the context of (de)centralization. This study serves as a foundation for future research in this field, guiding further exploration and understanding of the factors affecting (de)centralization in Slovakia.
Synthesis and antinociceptive activity of 2,2’-(1,4-phenylene)bis[3-aryl-2-azaspiro[3.5]nonan-1-ones]
Authors: Makhmudov R. R. , Nikiforova E. A. , Zverev D. P. , Balyukina L. A. , Skachkov A. Р.
Published: December 2023

Over the years, azetidin-2-ones, or β-lactams, have received a lot of attention from scientists as potential drug candidates due to their diverse biological activity. Spiro-β-lactams also exhibit biological activity; therefore, it is of interest to synthesize and study the properties of new compounds belonging to this class. The study aims to examine the antinociceptive activity of several synthesized bis(spirolactams), specifically 2,2’-(1,4-phenylene)bis[3-aryl-2azaspiro[3.5]nonan-1-ones]. These bis(spiroazetidine-2-ones) were obtained in the interaction of a twofold excess of the Reformatsky reagent, derived from methyl 1-bromocyclohexane carboxylate and zinc, with N,N-(1,4-phenyle- ne)bis(1-arylmethanimines) by means of boiling them in a 10:1 mixture of toluene and hexamethylphosphorictriamide for four hours. Bis(spiro-β-lactams) on the basis of diimines derived from p-phenylenediamine, 2-methoxybenzaldehyde, p-tolualdehyde, and 3-bromobenzoic aldehyde were synthesized for the first time. The composition and structure of the previously undescribed products were established using IR, [1]H, and 13C NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The antinociceptive activity of the obtained compounds was studied on outbred white mice of both sexes via the hot plate test with an intraperitoneal injection. The effect was estimated two hours after administration. Several synthesized compounds were found to exhibit antinociceptive activity at or above the level of the comparator product – metamizole sodium. Nerve endings can be considered the target of the antinociceptive activity of examined substances since under the effect of these substances, no signs of central action are observed in the behavior of animals. Thus, the conducted studies showed the promise of further search for biologically active substances among the compounds of this series.
Effect of protatranes on the biosynthesis of extracellular enzymes of Candida ethanolica BKM Y-2300 T
Authors: Kiryukhina A. S. , Lozovaya T. S. , Adamovich S. N.
Published: December 2023

The study aims to explore the possibility of using synthetic biologically active compounds (protatranes) to increase the lipolytic and proteolytic activity of Candida ethanolica. Protatrane 1 (tris(2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium-4chlorophenyl-sulfanyl acetate) and protatrane 2 (tris(2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium-4-chlorophenyl-sulfonyl acetate) were added to the growth medium at trace concentrations of 1×10−6–1×10−8wt% separately and together. It was established that with the introduction to the growth medium, protatranes had a multidirectional effect on the biosynthesis of enzymes by Candida ethanolica yeast. This effect was dependent on the concentrations of these compounds, as well as on their separate or combined introduction. All the studied concentrations were found to be effective for lipase synthesis, as they improved enzyme synthesis by 1.7–8.6 times. The combined use of protatranes increased enzyme synthesis by 3.4–11.7 times. For protease formation, the combined introduction of the studied protatranes at a concentration of 10−6wt% was found to be the most effective, with enzyme synthesis reaching 184.8±7.02 U/mL in the culture broth. When co-introduced, the studied protatranes tris(2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium-4-chlorophenylsulfanyl acetate and tris(2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium-4-chlorophenyl-sulfonyl acetate can be used to increase the production efficiency of extracellular lipases and proteases by Candida ethanolica. The specific effect of protatranes was revealed to be the uneven dynamics of extracellular enzyme accumulation, manifested in the presence of sharp peaks during yeast cultivation. The reasons for this unevenness require further research.
Effect of the overexpression of external alternative NADH dehydrogenase gene in Arabidopsis on the resistance of transformed tobacco plants to negative temperatures
Authors: Borovskii G B. , Gorbyleva E. L. , Katyshev A. I. , Korotaeva N. E. , Polyakova E. A. , Pyatrikas D. V. , Fedoseeva I. V. , Shigarova A. M.
Published: December 2023

The study aims to confirm the functional activity and localization of the At_NDB2 transgenic protein of Arabidopsis in tobacco cells and to evaluate the effect produced by the permanent expression of external alternative NADH dehydrogenase on the resistance of a heat-loving plant to low temperatures. Proteins and mitochondria were isolated from the leaves of tobacco plants grown at 25 °С (day/night) at the 7-leaf stage. At_NDB2 protein localization in mitochondria was determined via electrophoresis and immunoblotting. The functional activity of At_NDB2 was confirmed through the polarography of isolated mitochondria and the specific mitochondrial complex I inhibitor (rotenone). It was also found that the cyanide-resistant respiration rate and the activity of an alternative oxidase enzyme were significantly higher in transgenic plants than in wild-type plants. In order to determine the resistance to low temperatures, the parent and transgenic tobacco plants were grown in soil until the 2–3 and 6–7 leaf stages, after which they were kept at 3 to -3 °С for a day in the dark and left to regrow at 25 °С for seven days. Although it was previously shown that oxidative stress is reduced in transgenic plants at low temperatures as compared to wild-type plants, it was established that the tolerance of transgenic and nontransformed plants does not differ. Thus, alternative NADH dehydrogenase activity was found to reduce oxidative stress and increase alternative oxidase activity, without enhancing the resistance of Nicotiana tabacum to negative temperatures.
Response of the rhizosphere microbial community of phytoremediation plants to oil pollution and the application of biopreparations
Authors: Grigoriadi A. S. , Zobkova N. V. , Sotnikova Yu. M. , Yamaleeva A. A. , Farkhutdinov R. G.
Published: December 2023

The present study aims to evaluate microbiological activity in the rhizosphere of plants growing under oil pollution conditions and in the presence of biopreparations having a different spectrum of action. Common sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum L.) were selected as phytoremediation plants. The soil was treated with the hydrocarbon-oxidizing preparation “Lenoil” and two preparations of nonspecific action having a growth-stimulating effect: “Elena” and “Azolen”. A soil pollutant concentration of 4% was selected for conducting plant-based bioremediation. The study showed a slight increase in the total microbial count and the microscopic fungi count in the rhizosphere of plants due to pollution, while indicating a decrease in the count of amino-autotrophs and cellulolytics. The introduction of non-specific biopreparations into the soil promoted the growth of destructive microorganisms despite the fact that microorganisms in the preparations are not designed for soil detoxification and decontamination. Under the effect of biopreparations, the rhizosphere of sunflower and wheatgrass plants exhibited an increase or stabilization of microbiological activity, which may indicate their positive effect on microbiological processes occurring in contaminated soil. The rhizosphere of Agropyron cristatum L. plants generally provided a more favorable environment for the development of such groups of bacteria as amino-autotrophs, cellulolytics, micromycetes, and hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteria. Of the studied variants of soil treatment with biopreparations for phytoremediation purposes, it is recommended to combine the application of the “Lenoil” biopreparation and the planting of phytoremediation plants in oil-contaminated soil.
Germination specifics and introduction into in vitro culture of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz. ex Ledeb.) Schischk.
Authors: Elisafenko T V. , Zheleznichenko T. V. , Yugrina P. N. , Zhigmittsyrenova B. M. , Kazakov M. V. , Taraskin V. V.
Published: December 2023

The article examines the effect of storage conditions, mericarp processing, and germination conditions of the endemic Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz. ex Ledeb.) Schischk. on germination. The technological process of obtaining aseptic in vitro culture was perfected. Mericarps collected from introduced species in 2022 were examined. Explants were sterilized once or twice with 0.1% AgNO3 or 0.1% AgNO3, followed by the use of 10% Н2О2. The pericarp was removed from the sterilized mericarps, and seeds were germinated on a solid 1/2 Murashige and Skoog medium. Callus genesis was induced by culturing the true leaves of seedlings on a Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (10 μM) and 6-benzylaminopurine (0–5 μM) in the dark. The seeds of S. divaricata exhibit shallow dormancy, and the most favorable conditions for their germination are stratification for 30 days at 4 °С or the scarification of mericarps and germination in an environmental chamber (photoperiod of 16.5 h and a daytime temperature of 27 °С with its slight decrease at night). Laboratory germination capacity reaches 94%. The absence of whole seeds at the end of the experiment suggests a small soil seed bank, which accounts for the vulnerability of natural populations along with monocarpy. The in vitro culture of S. divaricata was obtained. Pericarp removal from mericarps was shown to accelerate germination and improve germination capacity while significantly reducing contamination. A callus was formed on leaf petioles in 66% of explants on an auxin medium, while on a medium with auxin and cytokinin, it was formed across the entire surface of the leaf blade in 72% of explants. Further callus development occurred only on the auxin medium.
Biochemical composition of fruit must from small-fruit apple varieties grown in the Southern Baikal Region
Authors: Suprun N. P. , Gusakova G. S. , Anikina N. S. , Slastya E. A.
Published: December 2023

Most climatic zones of the Russian Federation include vast apple plantations that serve as the primary source of raw materials for the production of cider and fruit alcoholic beverages. The technological potential of new apple varieties in the production of fruit alcoholic beverages is understudied. The present study aims to examine the chemical composition (including the fractional composition of sugars and organic acids) of fruit must from small-fruit apple varieties grown in the Southern Baikal region and to identify the most suitable varieties for cider production.

The biochemical composition of must was determined via conventional methods as per state standards. Smallfruit semi-cultivars grown in the Southern Baikal Region are characterized by variability in the content of extractive substances. In different years, the fruit of the same variety accumulates different amounts of dissolved solids (12.5–14.5%), primarily sugars (109.3–135.3 g/dm3). Among sugars, fructose is the most abundant (over 50%), followed by glucose. The proportion of disaccharides in the composition of sugars in the fruits of different varieties ranges from 9.1 to 21.5%. The concentration of organic acids in the studied varieties ranges from 7.2 to 13.0 g/dm3. The detected organic acids include malic acid (up to 83.4%), citric acid (up to 6.7%), lactic acid (up to 6.4%), succinic acid (up to 2.5%), as well as trace amounts of tartaric and acetic acids. The amount of phenolic compounds in the specimens varies from 522.5 to 1704.6 mg/dm3. The studied semi-cultivars were classified as sharp and bittersharp cider apple varieties.
STAFNE KEMİK KAVİTESİNİN PANORAMİK RADYOGRAFİ İLE DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ : RETROSPEKTİF BİR ÇALIŞMA
Authors: YÜKSEL KAYA Ebru , GEDUK Gediz , ŞEKER Çiğdem
Published: December 2023

Amaç: Stafne kemik kavitesi (SKK) terimi, çoğunlukla mandibular kemiği etkileyen lokalize bir kemik defektini tanımlar. Bu çalışmanın amacı, kliniğimize başvuran hastalarda SKK prevelansını belirlemek, SKK’nin panoramik radyografilerdeki özelliklerini tanımlamak ve olası karakteristik özelliklerini belirlemektir.

Gereç ve Yöntemler: Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit Üniversitesi’ne 2019-2022 yılları arasında çeşitli nedenlerle başvuran 17.258 hastanın panoramik radyografileri retrospektif olarak tarandı. Çalışmaya dahil edilen 16.115 panoramik radyografi içinden SKK tespit edilen hastaların yaşı, cinsiyeti kayıt altına alındı ve defektin bulunduğu taraf , defektin şekli, marjin sklerozu, internal radyolusensi derecesi, lokularitesi, mandibular kanalla olan ilişkisi, mandibula inferior korteksiyle ilişkisi değerlendirildi, yatay ve dikey boyut ölçümleri kaydedildi.

Bulgular: İncelenen 16.115 görüntü arasından 15’inde (% 0.09) SKK belirlendi. En fazla gördüğümüz radyografik özellikler; oval şekil (% 73.3), kalın sklerotik sınır (% 53.3), homojen olmayan radyolusent içerikti (% 53.3). Defektlerin sadece 1 tanesi multiloküleydi. Defektlerin mandibular kanalla olan ilişkisinde ise defektlerin çoğu mandibular kanalın alt duvarının altında bulunuyordu (% 53.3).

Sonuç: Bu çalışma, rutin diş hekimliği pratiğinde önemli radyografik incelemeler olan panoramik radyografilerde SKK’nın temel görüntüleme özelliklerini açıkladığı için önemlidir.

Anahtar Kelimeler: Mandibula, Panoramik Radyografi, Prevalans, Retrospektif çalışmalar
Elazığ da Gastronomi Turizminin Geliştirilmesine Yönelik Bir Araştırma (A Research on the Development of Gastronomy Tourism in Elazig)
Authors: ARPACI Suat
Published: December 2023

Gastronomi turizmi, değişik bir mutfak kültüründeki yiyeceklerin hazırlanması, sunulması, tüketilmesi; mutfağı, öğün sistemlerini, yeme tarzlarını tespit etmek amacıyla gerçekleştirilen turizm türüdür. Gastronomi turizmi, yeni bir kültürel miras ve kültür turizmi konseptine dâhil edilen unsurlardan biridir. Gastronomi turizmi tüm dünyada ve Türkiye’de turizm türleri arasında önemi her geçen gün artmaya devam eden bir olgu olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Gastronomi turizmi ile yerel lezzetlerin önemi daha da artmıştır. Bu bakımdan bu çalışmanın amacı Elazığ’da gastronomi turizminin geliştirilmesinde öne çıkabilecek yiyeceklerin belirlenmesidir. Elazığ’ın zengin mutfak kültürüne rağmen bunu turizm amaçlı yeterince kullanılmadığı görülmektedir. Bu amaç doğrultusunda Elazığ’da yaşan kişilere yönelik bir anket çalışması gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışmadaki veriler 466 kişiden toplanmıştır. Keşifsel bir araştırma olması ve anket sorularının açık uçlu olması nedeniyle elde edilen verilerin analizinde sıklık temelinde (frequency analysis) yapılmıştır. Analiz sonucunda Elazığ’da gastronomi turizminin geliştirilmesinde öne çıkabilecek yiyecekler tespit edilmiştir. Elazığ’ın yerel yemeklerinden olan Harput köfte, içli köfte ve sırın ilk üç sırada yer almaktadır. Çalışmada ayrıca yerel halkın Elazığ gastronomisi hakkında yeterli bilgiye sahip olmadığı, sadece bilinir yemekler üzerinden değerlendirme yaptığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda gastronomi turizminin önemine vurgu yapılarak Elazığ’da gastronomi turizminin geliştirilmesine yönelik olarak önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
COVID-19 Sürecinde Ev Dışı Gıda Tüketiminin Değişimi (Change in Consumption of Food Away from Home During the Covid-19)
Authors: HASEKİ Murat İsmet , OĞUZ Sibel , BUZCU Zafer , ÖZÇİÇEK DÖLEKOĞLU Celile
Published: December 2023

Ekonomik gelişmeyle birlikte birçok ülkede değişen tüketici istekleri ve ihtiyaçları ev dışında gıda tüketim yapılarını da değiştirmiştir. Tüketicilerin hangi nedenlerle ev dışında gıda tüketim yaptığının bilinmesi pazarın bölümlendirilmesi, işletmelerin kendini konumlandırması dolayısıyla varlıklarının sürdürülmesi için önemlidir. Dinamik olan pazar içinde özellikle olağanüstü durumlarda tüketicilerin davranışlarının belirlenmesi daha da önemli olmaktadır. 2020 yılında tüm dünyayı etkisi altına alan COVID-19 pandemisi, tüm endüstrilerde köklü değişikliklere yol açmıştır hizmet sektörü ve yeni bir yola evrilmiştir. Bu çalışma Türkiye’de COVID-19 pandemi sürecinde ev dışı gıda tüketiminde meydana gelen değişime odaklanmıştır. Çalışmanın amacı, tüketici düzeyinde değişiklikleri ortaya koymak ve COVID-19’un ev dışı gıda tüketimine etkisini belirlemektir. Bu amaçla Edirne, Iğdır, Sinop, Muş Adana, Gaziantep, Diyarbakır ve Kayseri illerinde basit tesadüfi yöntemle seçilen 800 kişiyle çevrimiçi anket yapılmıştır. Ev dışı gıda tüketiminde COVID-19 öncesine göre yaklaşık 8 puan düşme yaşanmıştır. Tüketiciler en fazla sosyal ve psikolojik, tasarruf, hedonik nedenlerle ev dışı gıda tüketimi (FAFH) yapmaya devam ederken, öncelikle sağlık ve besleyicilik nedenleri ile tüketim yapmamaktadır.