bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Thermoplastic Polyurethane on the Properties of Asphalt Cement and the Elastic Behavior of Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Talledo Baila Gustavo Alonso , Ruiz Pico Ángel Antonio
Published: April 2024

The useful life of pavements determines the design of asphalt mixtures. However, premature structural failures and low durability are one of the main problems in pavement engineering today. The action of loads produced by traffic, exposure to environmental factors and the inadequacy of conventional designs of asphalt pavements are some of the main problems associated with the durability of the pavement. The modification of asphalt binders is an alternative that has been used for some years to improve the properties of bituminous material. Among the modifying materials are elastomers, a class of polymers with elastic properties that can be heat-treated. In this study, the asphalt was modified by wet means by adding 5, 10 and 15% of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) by weight of the binder. Subsequently, standard samples were prepared with the characterized constituents and mixtures with the modified asphalt cement. Consequently, tests were carried out to obtain the optimal mixture that improves the properties of conventional pavement. The results show that the optimal TPU addition content is 5%. With this percentage, the modified binder presented a greater elastic recovery of up to 5.60% and a reduction of up to 42.6% in penetration compared to conventional asphalt. In addition, using the Marshall method, it was determined that the stability of the modified mixtures was much higher than that of standard mixtures for light, medium and heavy traffic; so, they will have a higher resistance to deformation and better fatigue behavior.
Dôre Michelut: Voicing One’s Linguistic and Existential Hybridity Through Multilingual Writing and Self-Translating
Authors: Spagnuolo Elena
Published: April 2024

This article investigates the practice of self-translation in the context of migration by examining the literary production of Dôre Michelut, a Canadian author of Italian origins. It specifically illustrates how Michelut’s writing and translating are rooted in her migrant experience and operate as instruments through which the author can voice her hybrid identity and bridge Italian and Canadian worlds. Michelut’s experience of living in-between multiple linguistic and cultural spaces is recreated on the written page, which becomes the site where these multiple spaces are connected and interwoven. The act of writing and translating are thus interrelated in a continuous process of creation that leads to the production of a “hybrid text” and to the enactment of a “hybrid process.” In the first case, hybridity emerges through multilingual writing. In the second case, it is articulated around a specific form of self-translation that is in-between writing and translating.
Preparation and characterization of biomimetic heterogeneous catalysts with Cu(II) and Mn(III) complexes
Authors:   University of Craiova, Calea Bucuresti 107I, Craiova, Roumania, MUREŞEANU Mihaela , PARVULESCU Viorica ,   “Ilie Murgulescu”Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Roumanian Academy, Spl. Independentei 202, Bucharest, Roumania, PETCU Gabriela ,   “Ilie Murgulescu”Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Roumanian Academy, Spl. Independentei 202, Bucharest, Roumania, NASTASE Silviu ,   University of Bucharest, Faculty of Chemistry, Bd. Elisabeta nr. 4-12, Bucharest, Roumania, PASATOIU Traian D. ,   University of Bucharest, Faculty of Chemistry, Bd. Elisabeta nr. 4-12, Bucharest, Roumania, ANDRUH Marius ,   „Costin D. Nenitescu” Institute of Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry of the Roumanian Academy, Spl. Independentei 202 B, Bucharest, Roumania
Published: April 2024

New catalysts were synthesized by immobilization of Cu(II) and Mn(III) biomimetic complexes onto mesoporous SBA-15 silica, amino-functionalized SBA-15, montmorillonite and Al-pillared montmorillonite supports. [Cu(acac)(phen)(OH2)](ClO4) and [Cu(acac)(Me2bipy)](ClO4) copper complexes and [Mn(III)(valen)(H2O)(CH3CN)](ClO4)∙CH3CN manganese complex supported on silica pore surface or intercalated into the interlayer spaces of clays, were characterized by X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption-desorption, TGA-DTA analysis, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. These results have confirmed the structural stability of the mesoporous hosts and successful anchoring of the metal complexes over the supports. In order to verify the biomimetic comportment, catalytic activities of the free and immobilized complexes and that of Trametes versicolor laccase, immobilized on the same supports, were tested by oxidation with air of 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), the most used substrate for estimation of specific activity of laccases. The supported complexes were more active than the free ones. Furthermore, the stability tests for the most active heterogeneous catalyst confirmed that the best support was NH2-SBA-15.
Strategies of hyaluronan chemical modifications for biomedical applications
Authors:   “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Romanian Academy, Aleea Grigore Ghica Voda 41-A, RO-700487 Iaşi, Romania, TRIFAN Sabina Ioana , IVANOV Daniela ,   “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Romanian Academy, Aleea Grigore Ghica Voda 41-A, RO-700487 Iaşi, Romania
Published: April 2024

Hyaluronan (HA), a non-branched and multifunctional glycosaminoglycan, attracted interest by its breadth of biological roles, despite its structural simplicity. HA was considered a versatile building block to develop new biomaterials for more and more diverse and ingenious biomedical applications, such as scaffolds for tissue engineering, including cell and bioactive molecules, regenerative medicine, coatings and carriers used in imagistic investigations or therapy. The challenge of selective chemical reactions comes from HA limited solubility in organic solvents and sensitivity to enzymatic, mechanic and thermal degradation. All functional groups of HA can be modified by conjugation or covalent crosslinking with synthetic or natural compounds. All these modifications intent to improve the mechanical, rheological, swelling and controlled degradation properties of native HA in related biomaterials.
Synthesis and crystal structures of yttrium and dysprosium tetrakis(hexafluoroacetylacetonato) complex anions with tetramethylammonium counterions
Authors:   Costin D. Nenițescu Institute of Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry of the Romanian Academy, 202B Splaiul Independenței, 060023 Bucharest, Romania, RĂDUCĂ Mihai , ZAHARIA Marius-Mihai ,   Petru Poni Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Aleea Grigore Ghica Voda 41A, 700487 Iasi, Romania, ANDRUH Marius ,   Costin D. Nenițescu Institute of Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry of the Romanian Academy, 202B Splaiul Independenței, 060023 Bucharest, Romania
Published: April 2024

The isostructural mononuclear complexes (Et3NH)[M(hfac)4], where M = Y (1) and Dy (2), Hhfac = hexafluoroacetylacetone, have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The two compounds crystalize in monoclinic crystal system (P21/n space group). The purity of the crystalline phases was investigated by X-ray powder diffraction. The analysis of the packing diagram reveals the segregation of the fluorine atoms from the CF3 groups.
Polyimide precursor/functionalized carbon nanotubes: molecular modeling and physical properties theoretical evaluation
Authors:   “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iaşi, Romania, BARZIC Andreea Irina , STOICA Iuliana ,   “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iaşi, Romania, SOROCEANU Marius ,   “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iaşi, Romania, NICA Simona Luminita ,   “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iaşi, Romania, ALBU Raluca Marinica ,   “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iaşi, Romania
Published: April 2024

This article explains the influence of –OH, –COOH, and –NH2 functional groups, bounded to carbon nanotubes, on the interactions occurring in composites having as matrix a polyimide precursor. The molecular modeling is used to visually reveal the optimized conformation of the polyimide precursor structural unit, carbon nanotubes with or without functional groups and corresponding composites where hydrogen bonding interactions is formed. Also, based on molecular modeling, quantitative structure activity relationship parameters and binding energies are calculated, indicating that the interaction energy between the matrix and the filler is greater as the functional group polarizability is higher. The theoretically estimated electrical conductivity of the composites increases by the addition of the filler and it is the highest for the ones containing carbon nanotubes functionalized with –OH. The theoretical analysis of the thermal conductivity of the composites reveals a better heat conduction for the same mentioned filler, being increased during the temperature rise. This kind of study is necessary to predict certain properties of the composites before synthesis, thus avoiding the wasting of raw compounds.
Synthesis and spectroscopic properties of novel indolizines and azaindolizines
Authors:   “Costin D. Nenitescu” Institute of Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry, Roumanian Academy, Spl. Independenței 202B, Bucharest RO-060023, Romania, NICOLESCU Alina , AIRINEI Anton ,   “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Roumanian Academy, Aleea Grigore Ghica Vodă 41-A, RO-700487 Iaşi, Romania, GEORGESCU Emilian ,   “Costin D. Nenitescu” Institute of Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry, Roumanian Academy, Spl. Independenței 202B, Bucharest RO-060023, Romania, GEORGESCU Florentina ,   Enpro Soctech Com srl, Str. Elefterie 51, 050524 Bucharest, Romania, TIGOIANU Radu ,   “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Roumanian Academy, Aleea Grigore Ghica Vodă 41-A, RO-700487 Iaşi, Romania, DUMITRASCU Florea ,   “Costin D. Nenitescu” Institute of Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry, Roumanian Academy, Spl. Independenței 202B, Bucharest RO-060023, Romania, POPA Marcel Mirel ,   “Costin D. Nenitescu” Institute of Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry, Roumanian Academy, Spl. Independenței 202B, Bucharest RO-060023, Romania, MARINOIU Adriana T. ,   National Research & Development Institute for Cryogenic and Isotopic Technologies (ICSI), Str. Uzinei 4, RO-240050 Râmnicu Valcea, Romania, DELEANU Calin ,   “Costin D. Nenitescu” Institute of Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry, Roumanian Academy, Spl. Independenței 202B, Bucharest RO-060023, Romania
Published: April 2024

Novel indolizines and pyrrolo[1,2-c]pyrimidines bearing a 3-carbonylchromen-2-one moiety on the pyrrole rings were synthesized and spectroscopic properties of some of synthesized compounds were investigated. Synthetic procedures started from 4-substituted pyrimidines, 3-(2-bromoacetyl)-2H-chromen-2-one and electron-deficient alkynes via 3+2 dipolar cycloaddition of cycloimmonium-ylides, generated in situ from their corresponding quaternary salts, in the presence of an epoxide playing the role of acid scavenger and reaction solvent. The structures of novel compounds were confirmed by chemical analyses, IR and NMR spectroscopy. Spectroscopic properties of some of the synthesized compounds were investigated.
Relationship between tetrahedral and dihedral on hypersphere coordinates
Authors:   “C.D. Nenitescu” Institute of Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry, Splaiul Independentei 202B, Bucharest, Roumania, MITAN Carmen-Irena , BARTHA Emerich ,   “C.D. Nenitescu” Institute of Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry, Splaiul Independentei 202B, Bucharest, Roumania, FILIP Petru ,   “C.D. Nenitescu” Institute of Organic and Supramolecular Chemistry, Splaiul Independentei 202B, Bucharest, Roumania
Published: April 2024

The wave character of the NMR data (chemical shift ΔδCn[ppm] – vicinal coupling constant 3JHH[Hz]) enable calculation the tandem dihedral-vicinal or tetrahedral-internal angles with 3-sphere approach. Golden ratio, invers of Fibonacci number, and manifold inversion torus to Dupin cyclide under 3-sphere units ensure the calculation of the tetrahedral angles of five membered ring in opposite with dihedral angles sin versus tan functions. The transformation from space/time to space under electric and magnetic rule gives dodecahedron and icosahedron values for calculation tetrahedral angles from polyhedron and hypersphere equations. Tetrahedral angles of five membered ring can be calculated from carbon chemical shift ΔδCn[ppm] with Java Script program and hypersphere equations.
Mass spectrometric characterization of some gel-forming peptides
Authors:   Al. I. Cuza University of Iasi, 11 Carol I, RO-6600, Iasi, Roumania, JITARU Ştefania-Claudia , DROCHIOIU Gabi ,   Al. I. Cuza University of Iasi, 11 Carol I, RO-6600, Iasi, Roumania
Published: April 2024

Peptide-based hydrogels have become an area of intense investigation due to their easy design, possibility to make a large range of hierarchical nanostructures and their high biocompatibility and biodegradability. Here, we investigated by mass spectrometry (MS) a few synthetic gel-forming peptides having different amino acid sequences. Four different peptides were selected for MS measurements: EEE-OH, FFFFF-OH, FESNF-NH2, and LWMRFA-OH. Our data show that mass spectrometry can be used to get detailed information on structure, molecular weight, and chemical bond energies of gel-forming peptides as well as to assess their purity and stability. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and theoretical studies carried out using GPMAW and ChemDraw Ultra computer programs confirmed the MS data. The peptide tendency to aggregate, a process observed by MS in the case of peptide EEE in a polar environment, was also theoretically investigated by molecular modeling.
Not all central nervous system lymphomas are created equal
Authors: Alencar Alvaro J. , Alderuccio Juan Pablo
Published: April 2024

Not available.
Pregnancy, Kidneys, Hypertension
Authors:   International Office, State Research Center – Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, Russiа, Posokhov I.N.
Published: April 2024

Preeclampsia, often presenting as new-onset hypertension and proteinuria in the third trimester of pregnancy, can rapidly progress to serious complications and therefore presents a unique challenge, simultaneously affecting both mother and fetus, sometimes putting their well-being at odds with each other. This condition may require fairly high competencies not only from obstetricians-gynecologists, but also from doctors of other specialties, including internists and general practitioners, cardiologists, nephrologists, laboratory and functional diagnostics doctors. This literature review was prepared with the aim of summarizing and briefly presenting modern ideas about theoretical and practical issues about the relationship between pregnancy, kidney function, and blood pressure that are important for these specialists.
Comprehensive Treatment of Hepatic Sarcomatoid Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Shi Shixiong , Liu Rengeng , Xiang Hua , Long Lin
Published: April 2024

Hepatic Sarcomatoid Carcinoma (HSC), a rare subtype of liver cancer, contains a mixture of cancerous and sarcomatous components. The disease is prone to metastasis and has a poor prognosis. This study reports the case of a 67-year-old male patient admitted to our hospital because of a right liver mass found on a physical ultrasound examination. There was no abdominal tenderness or rebound tenderness; Laboratory tests on admission showed increased HBV and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP); Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) showed a mass in the SV segment of the liver, suggesting Hepatic Cell Carcinoma (HCC) with multiple hilar and retroperitoneal lymph node metastases, and multiple lung metastases. The patient underwent a liver tumour biopsy, and immunohistochemical detection of cytokeratin (CK) and vimentin (Vim) was positive. The pathological diagnosis was HSC. The preferred treatment for HSC is surgical resection; however, considering the presence of systemic metastases in this patient, systemic treatment (Targeted therapy + Immunotherapy + Chemotherapy) is the primary treatment supplemented by local interventional treatment. At 1-year follow-up, mRECIST evaluated as PR, and PFS was not achieved. For patients with advanced hepatic Sarcomatoid carcinoma, local treatment should be combined with systemic treatment, and individualized management should be implemented to prolong the survival period of patients as much as possible and improve the quality of life of patients.
Impact of Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation on Post-Stroke Patients with Upper Limb Spasticity - A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Aleksandrovich Lomovtsev Ilya , Mikhailovna Tsvetkova Evgenia , Viktorovna Gusakova Elena
Published: April 2024

Background: Spasticity is a common consequence of stroke and in many cases leads to the patient's full dependence on the caregiver. Early treatment can significantly reduce the impairments and health limitations and thus enable the patient to manage daily activities. Botulinum toxin injections only eliminate undesirable manifestations of spasticity without leading to an improvement in the mobility of the limbs while conventional physiotherapy did not prove a direct effect in spasticity reduction. Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation represents a promising method for post-stroke spasticity reduction and the simultaneous enhancement of the patient's movement limitations. Aim: The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the impact of peripheral magnetic stimulation in patients with spasticity of the upper limb after a cerebral stroke in the early recovery period. Methods: Patients suffering from post-stroke spasticity were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Both groups underwent 10 sessions of a conventional physiotherapy program including gymnastics, massage, low-intensity magnets, whirlpool baths, limb development using the Amadeo stimulator, and biofeedback. The participants in the experimental group also underwent repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation within each session. Before the first and after the last treatment session, the Modified Ashworth scale, angles of spasticity defined by the Modified Tardieu scale, and the Arm Activity Measure questionnaire were obtained. Results: Non-parametric Wilcoxon sign rank test confirmed a significant improvement in the Modified Ashworth scale, Arm Activity Measure, and angles of spasticity for both groups. The experimental group reported improvements of 36%, 15%, 24%, 6.6%, and 6.8% higher than the control group in terms of Modified Ashworth scale, Arm Activity Measure - section A, Arm Activity Measure - section B, angles of spasticity R1 and R2, respectively. Conclusion: Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation proved to be effective in upper limb spasticity reduction, enhancement in functionality during daily activities, and increase in range of motion in post-stroke patients in the early recovery phase.
How Has South Africa’s Membership of BRICS Intensified Uneven and Combined Development in the Country and Beyond?
Authors: Baran Sinan
Published: April 2024

The recent African scramble has resulted in uneven and combined development (UCD) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) throughout the 21st century due to unequal exchange. South Africa plays a sub-imperial role in this scramble in SSA. It both exploits and is exploited. The mining industry in South Africa has attracted interest from colonial powers, English-speaking businesses, and foreign investors, making it a highly lucrative sector. Furthermore, most black South Africans have been employed in the mining industry since the late 19th century. Over the past 25 years, the African National Congress government has utilised the mining industry to achieve economic transformation through black economic empowerment policies. This study proposes that the mining sector in South Africa is responsible for the ongoing UCD, despite receiving new investments and empowerment policies. South Africa’s inclusion in BRICS has broadened its range of international partners beyond its traditional Western or African counterparts. However, South Africa’s decision to join the BRICS group in 2011 has not yet yielded the expected transformation in the country’s economy and growth. As a result, it is uncertain whether South Africa’s BRICS membership has addressed the country’s persistent problem of UCD. This study argues that South Africa’s BRICS membership has exacerbated UCD in the country. This study proposes that Trotsky’s UCD analytical framework is useful for analysing South Africa’s policy choice to join BRICS, which strengthens its sub-imperial role.
Internal waves and fine-scale zooplankton sampling: Comment on Dewar-Fowler et al. (2023)
Authors: Kaartvedt S , Christiansen S , Titelman J
Published: April 2024

Dewar-Fowler et al. (2023; Mar Ecol Prog Ser 715:27-39) report on zooplankton carrying out short-term, unsynchronized migrations—or forays—into the surface layers. They used a motion-compensated zooplankton sampler consisting of an upward- and a downward-facing net. The sampler was deployed at a fixed depth, intending that individuals swimming into the nets are captured. We argue that it is warranted to account for internal waves when using this approach to address vertical swimming in zooplankton with weak swimming capacities.
Trends in the Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Far Eastern Federal District Based on the Dynamics of Bank Lending
Authors: Gorodkova S. , Nikolenko P.
Published: April 2024

The development of small and medium-sized businesses in Russia is one of the priorities in the regional and federal economic growth policy. It is the subjects of small and medium-sized enterprises that play a huge role in the formation of gross domestic product, as well as are more adaptive to external shocks and can support the country’s economy in times of crisis. Thanks to small businesses, more and more new types of goods and services appear on the market, which contributes to the development of scientific and technological progress. In addition, representatives of this business segment create many jobs, thereby providing employment for a significant part of the population. It is also worth considering the fact that small and medium-sized businesses are tax agents for all their employees, therefore, by withholding tax from their salaries, it allows them to form a base for the revenue side of regional and federal budgets. Therefore, the state is interested in increasing their share in the economy and for this purpose creates a number of preferential lending programs for starting a business and scaling it up. For example, the Federal Corporation for Development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME Corporation) umbrella guarantee program, organized jointly with several partner banks, through which enterprises can receive funds for investment purposes, replenishment of working capital, business development or refinancing of previously taken loans. This article provides a dynamic and structural analysis of bank lending to small and medium-sized businesses in the Far Eastern Federal District for 2022-2023. According to the results of the study, trends in the development of small and medium-sized businesses in the Far East were identified based on the dynamics of bank lending.
Psychological Features of the Development of Emotional Intelligence of Students
Authors: Umarov T. , Koshonova S.
Published: April 2024

The article presents a theoretical analysis of modern research on the problems of emotional intelligence in general, cognitive and social psychology, and defines the concepts of ‘emotion’, ‘intelligence’, ‘emotional intelligence’. Analyzing the models of emotional intelligence proposed by scientists, the representation of the structure of emotional intelligence of future teachers, the psychological features of the development of personal professional qualities of future teachers, including their emotional intelligence, are considered. To form a model of the emotional intelligence of a future teacher, a program has been developed that includes: a target block, a course “Development of Emotional Intelligence”, forms of organizing the educational process, methods for the development of emotional intelligence, stages of development of emotional intelligence, and a predicted result. It is proposed to develop emotional intelligence using a specialized program based on active learning methods. In developing the emotional intelligence of future teachers, the use of the course “Development of Emotional Intelligence” is effective, an important part of which is conducting group classes using active teaching methods. Based on the results obtained, the effectiveness of the proposed program was proven during the experiment. During the work, statistical data showed an increase in future teachers' empathy, communicative competence, control and management of emotions, and the general level of emotional intelligence.
Formation of Professional Skills of Future Physical Education Teachers
Authors: Uson-uulu Zh. , Momunaliev S.
Published: April 2024

Discusses the issue of developing professional skills of future physical education teachers. The following skills have been identified as some of the most important in the modern profession of a physical education teacher: communication skills, methodological skills (the ability to differentiate using various means). physical education, the ability to rationally use lesson time, the ability to develop a lesson structure and adhere to it), the ability to predict possible dangers. Based on a study of existing physical education teachers, methods for determining and a scale for assessing these professional skills have been developed. Particular attention is paid to the substantiation of pedagogical conditions aimed at developing these skills within the framework of professional training. Two pedagogical conditions were identified as the most important: updating the content of professional training of future physical education teachers on the basis of an integration approach and the orientation of teaching practice towards solving complex educational, recreational and educational tasks. A pedagogical experiment was conducted, during which the effectiveness of the implementation of pedagogical conditions in the field of developing professional skills of future physical education teachers was proven. The participants of the pedagogical experiment were junior and senior students of higher educational institutions preparing to become physical education teachers. For all professional skills, there was a positive trend in their improvement. The greatest improvement was achieved in the formation of methodological skills and the ability to predict potential dangers (at the p ≤ 0.01 level). At a level of p ≤ 0.05, an improvement in communication skills was achieved in the experimental group. Reforming higher and secondary education, integration processes, and the introduction of new information technologies into the educational process require trained, highly qualified teachers with a new type of thinking, capable of generating original ideas, making bold and non-standard decisions, and solving complex problems. specialized tasks and practical issues in the field of education.
Development of Forming Environment in Different Age Groups in Preschool Educational Institutions of Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Koichumanova N. , Mailykova K.
Published: April 2024

In the Kyrgyz Republic, a number of regulatory documents were developed and approved by the Ministry of Education and Science in order to create favorable, safe conditions for the full and comprehensive development of mental and physical qualities in accordance with age, gender and individual developmental characteristics, the formation of the foundations of basic culture personality, prerequisites for educational activities that ensure social success. A modern child is a small citizen, focused on the future, on understanding the world, man and nature. He is ready to evaluate the phenomena and events of life from different points of view: interest, usefulness, aesthetics, cognition. The internal reserves of a modern child are revealed in different types of activities: gaming, musical, labor, visual arts, research. The purpose of the study is to theoretically substantiate and practically test the conditions for organizing a developmental environment in different age groups of a preschool educational institution. The object of the study is the developmental environment in a preschool educational institution. The subject of the study is the organization of a developmental environment in different age groups of the preschool educational institution “Busurman uulu Shaabai” in the village of Ak-Zhar, Kochkor district of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Metafiction and Its Elements in The French Lieutenant’s Woman Novel by John Fowles
Authors: Jurayeva M. , Tursunova M.
Published: April 2024

Discusses metafiction, its influence and usage in postmodern literature. In the research the theoretical basis of metafiction and its practical functions are analyzed by bringing examples from The French Lieutenant’s Woman novel by John Fowles. The analysis of the novel assists in the conceptual understanding of metafiction, its effective meaning, structures, the purpose and a widespread application.
Transcending Justice, Transcending Human Control: Overarching Providence in Shakespeare's Comedies and Romances
Authors: Urban David V.
Published: April 2024

This essay discusses how in Much Ado About Nothing, Measure for Measure, The Winter's Tale, and The Tempest, providential events that work over and above those plays' benevolent manipulators serve to help bring about these plays' comic endings in ways that transcend human control, both its well-intended aspects as well as its problematic aspects. These providential events also offer grace and mercy toward the plays' various transgressors who, demonstrating repentance, are freed from the justice their transgressions merit and are consequently granted hopeful futures. By contrast, in the tragedies Romeo and Juliet, Othello, and King Lear, acts of misfortune help aid the malevolent machinations of those characters that manipulate others for their own wicked ends. But these incidents of bad fortune are not sufficient to bring about tragedy, but rather act in conjunction with the stubborn and violent decisions of the tragedy's protagonists, whose poor choices coincide with unfortunate developments to bring about tragedy for the protagonists and those whom they love. This essay maintains that the workings of Providence in these comedies and romances is in keeping with the Christian grounding evident throughout Shakespeare's dramas, concluding that in a fallen world, tragedy is normative, whereas providential intervention is necessary for the happy endings of the discussed comedies and romances.
Pengaruh Metode Pembelajaran Bermain Peran terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif Siswa pada Materi Koloid
Authors: Rahayu Putri , Nanda Saridewi  , Aini Nadhokhotani Herpi
Published: April 2024

Berpikir kreatif merupakan kemampuan yang harus dimiliki oleh siswa terutama dalam pembelajaran kimia, namun pembelajaran yang pasif dengan metode konvensional tidak dapat mendorong siswa untuk mengembangkan kemampuan berpikir kreatifnya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh metode pembelajaran bermain peran terhadap kemampuan berpikir kreatif siswa pada materi koloid. Metode penelitian yang digunakan yaitu quasi experiment dengan desain penelitian non-equivalent control group design. Sampel yang digunakan pada penelitian ini berjumlah 72 siswa, yaitu siswa pada dua kelas XI IPA SMA Negeri 6 Depok dengan menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Instrumen penelitian yang digunakan adalah instrumen tes keterampilan berpikir kreatif sebanyak 15 soal uraian. Hasil uji hipotesis N-Gain menggunakan uji Mann-Whitney menghasilkan nilai Signifikansi (2-tailed) sebesar 0,000 (0,000 < 0,05), sehingga H0 ditolak dan Ha diterima. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh metode pembelajaran bermain peran terhadap kemampuan berpikir kreatif siswa pada materi koloid.
Kompletterande, kompenserande och komplicerande
Authors: Grell Pär
Published: April 2024

Complementing, compensating and complicating – informal organisation in Swedish child fare work
The child welfare work within the Swedish personal social services (PSS) is clearly marked by formalisation and specialisation. It is guided by a diversity of national and local guidelines, while different units assume responsibility for specific tasks (e.g., intake, investigation and decision, or care and treatment). A risk of service fragmentation has been identified as a substantial downside to these organisational settings. However, prior research has mainly focused on formal organisational structures and how work is ‘supposed to’ be carried out. Less attention is paid to informal organisation, namely how work is ‘actually performed’ on day-to-day basis, which has been identified as an important but often overlooked aspect for understanding organisational performance.
Therefore, the aim was to describe and analyse the influence of informal organisation in child welfare cases. Non-participating observations and group interviews were conducted in 11 Swedish municipalities. The findings show that informal organisation can ‘grease the wheels’ in child welfare cases: firstly, by complementing formal structures and offering alternative channels for collaboration and information exchange; and secondly, by compensating for gaps in areas of responsibility within the formal organisation, such as when staff offer informal care and support, even though their work is supposed to specifically focus on investigation and decision making, or individual social workers assume an informal case management role. Nevertheless, informal organisation was also found to complicate work, as unregulated and informal areas of work also allow the conflicting interests and work logics among different units and their staff to unfold. The findings are finally discussed in relation to the future organisation of social services.
Ny avhandling: Kjellberg, Josefin (2023)
Authors: Lauri Marcus
Published: April 2024

Trots insatser från både civilsamhälle och myndigheter är mäns våld mot kvinnor i en nära relation alltjämt ett problem som någon gång drabbar ungefär en tredjedel av alla kvinnor. Med denna utgångspunkt undersöker Josefin Kjellbergs avhandling omgivningens stöd och dess betydelse i frigörelsen från sådant våld. Utifrån ett rikt empiriskt material, främst kvalitativa djupintervjuer med utsatta och stödpersonal, analyseras utsattas motstånd, våldet efter separation och framför allt hur professionella ser på våldsutsatthet och våldsutsattas stödbehov samt hur våldsutsatta upplever det stöd de (inte) fått av professionella.

Analysen visar att med en bred förståelse av motstånd i våldsutsatta kvinnors berättelser kan motstånd och underkastelse ske samtidigt och Kjellberg pekar därmed på behovet att inte betrakta offerskap och aktörskap som uteslutande motsatser. Med denna tolkning av kvinnornas berättelse ifrågasätter Kjellberg tidigare forskning som menat att våldsutsatta kvinnor saknar insikt i vad de utsätts för, och att sådana insikter kommer först efter att våldet upphört. En sådan insikt visar sig enligt studien påverkas av omgivningens gensvar.

Samhällets snäva föreställningar om vad partnervåld är utgör ett hinder för insikten om att vara utsatt för våld och söka stöd: att det ska handla om fysiskt våld, finnas i familjer med invandrarbakgrund eller med missbruksproblematik och att den våldsutsatta kvinnan är svag och passiv. En aspekt som visar sig viktig för att bryta med denna föreställning är omgivningens gensvar, det vill säga hur kvinnor bemöts av stödverksamheter och andra i sin omgivning. Att få ett giltiggörande gensvar, till exempel hjälp att definiera våldet som våld, ökar möjligheten att skydda sig och på sikt få våldet att upphöra, medan ett ogiltiggörande gensvar, till exempel att bli bemött med tystnad, ifrågasättande eller förnekelse från grannar, vänner eller den våldsutövande mannens familj försvårar ett uppbrott.
Engineering of Co3O4 electrode via Ni and Cu-doping for supercapacitor application
Authors: Worku Ababay Ketema , Asfaw Alemu , Ayele Delele Worku
Published: April 2024

Although cobalt oxides show great promise as supercapacitor electrode materials, their slow kinetics and low conductivity make them unsuitable for widespread application. We developed Ni and Cu-doped Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) via a simple chemical co-precipitation method without the aid of a surfactant. The samples were analyzed for their composition, function group, band gap, structure/morphology, thermal property, surface area and electrochemical property using X-ray diffraction (XRD), ICP-OES, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and/or Differential thermal analysis (DTA), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Cyclic voltammetry (CV), respectively. Notably, for the prepared sample, the addition of Cu to Co3O4 NPs results in a 11.5-fold increase in specific surface area (573.78 m2 g−1) and a decrease in charge transfer resistance. As a result, the Ni doped Co3O4 electrode exhibits a high specific capacitance of 749 F g−1, 1.75 times greater than the pristine Co3O4 electrode’s 426 F g−1. The electrode’s enhanced surface area and electronic conductivity are credited with the significant improvement in electrochemical performance. The produced Ni doped Co3O4 electrode has the potential to be employed in supercapacitor systems, as the obtained findings amply demonstrated.
Lab-on-a-molecule and multi-analyte sensing
Authors: Magri David C.
Published: April 2024

The concept of a lab-on-a-molecule, which was proposed just short of two decades ago, has captured the imagination of scientists. From originally being proposed as an AND logic gate driven by three chemical inputs as a direct way of detecting congregations of chemical species, the definition of what constitutes a lab-on-a-molecule has broadened over the years. In this review, molecules that can detect multiple analytes by fluorescence, among other techniques, are reviewed and discussed, in the context of molecular logic and multi-analyte sensing. The review highlights challenges and suggestions for moving the frontiers of research in this field to the next dimension.
Tissue-specific localization of tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from camels in Kenya: insights into vector competence
Authors: Khogali Rua , Bastos Armanda , Bargul Joel L. , Getange Dennis , Kabii James , Masiga Daniel , Villinger Jandouwe
Published: April 2024

Background

Tick-borne pathogen (TBP) surveillance studies often use whole-tick homogenates when inferring tick-pathogen associations. However, localized TBP infections within tick tissues (saliva, hemolymph, salivary glands, and midgut) can inform pathogen transmission mechanisms and are key to disentangling pathogen detection from vector competence.

Methods

We screened 278 camel blood samples and 504 tick tissue samples derived from 126 camel ticks sampled in two Kenyan counties (Laikipia and Marsabit) for Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Coxiella, Rickettsia, Theileria, and Babesia by PCR-HRM analysis.

Results

Candidatus Anaplasma camelii infections were common in camels (91%), but absent in all samples from Rhipicephalus pulchellus, Amblyomma gemma, Hyalomma dromedarii, and Hyalomma rufipes ticks. We detected Ehrlichia ruminantium in all tissues of the four tick species, but Rickettsia aeschlimannii was only found in Hy. rufipes (all tissues). Rickettsia africae was highest in Am. gemma (62.5%), mainly in the hemolymph (45%) and less frequently in the midgut (27.5%) and lowest in Rh. pulchellus (29.4%), where midgut and hemolymph detection rates were 17.6% and 11.8%, respectively. Similarly, in Hy. dromedarii, R. africae was mainly detected in the midgut (41.7%) but was absent in the hemolymph. Rickettsia africae was not detected in Hy. rufipes. No Coxiella, Theileria, or Babesia spp. were detected in this study.

Conclusions

The tissue-specific localization of R. africae, found mainly in the hemolymph of Am. gemma, is congruent with the role of this tick species as its transmission vector. Thus, occurrence of TBPs in the hemolymph could serve as a predictor of vector competence of TBP transmission, especially in comparison to detection rates in the midgut, from which they must cross tissue barriers to effectively replicate and disseminate across tick tissues. Further studies should focus on exploring the distribution of TBPs within tick tissues to enhance knowledge of TBP epidemiology and to distinguish competent vectors from dead-end hosts.
Global research trends and emerging opportunities for integrin adhesion complexes in cardiac repair: a scientometric analysis
Authors: Lv Jiayu , Fu Zhenyue , Zheng Haoran , Song Qingqiao
Published: April 2024

Objective

Cardiac regenerative medicine has gained significant attention in recent years, and integrins are known to play a critical role in mediating cardiac development and repair, especially after an injury from the myocardial infarction (MI). Given the extensive research history and interdisciplinary nature of this field, a quantitative retrospective analysis and visualization of related topics is necessary.

Materials and methods

We performed a scientometric analysis of published papers on cardiac integrin adhesion complexes (IACs), including analysis of annual publications, disciplinary evolution, keyword co-occurrence, and literature co-citation.

Results

A total of 2,664 publications were finally included in the past 20 years. The United States is the largest contributor to the study and is leading this area of research globally. The journal Circulation Research attracts the largest number of high-quality publications. The study of IACs in cardiac repair/regenerative therapies involves multiple disciplines, particularly in materials science and developmental biology. Keywords of research frontiers were represented by Tenasin-C (2019–2023) and inflammation (2020–2023).

Conclusion

Integrins are topics with ongoing enthusiasm in biological development and tissue regeneration. The rapidly emerging role of matricellular proteins and non-protein components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in regulating matrix structure and function may be a further breakthrough point in the future; the emerging role of IACs and their downstream molecular signaling in cardiac repair are also of great interest, such as induction of cardiac proliferation, differentiation, maturation, and metabolism, fibroblast activation, and inflammatory modulation.
Peer mentoring for students with learning disabilities: the importance of shared experience on students’ social and emotional development
Authors: Williams Charles J. , Chen Jacqueline M. , Quirion Allison , Hoeft Fumiko
Published: April 2024

Students with Learning Disabilities (LDs) can experience classroom challenges that may negatively impact their social and emotional development, and these struggles can put them at risk for mental health issues and lower quality of life. Programs designed to support students with LDs need to consider not only academic skills and accommodations, but also the broader well-being of these students. Among interventions that address holistic student development are mentoring programs that utilize peer mentors (older students who also have LDs). The purpose of this article was to review key literature on the potential benefits of peer mentoring for students with LDs. According to reviewed articles, peer mentoring programs have been implemented in both school and university settings. In addition to conferring academic benefits to mentees, participation in these programs is associated with increased emotional well-being, higher self-esteem, and better communication skills among mentees. These programs may also benefit mentors, but these benefits have been understudied. More research is needed to determine the positive benefits of mentoring for mentors and mentees with similar learning characteristics, above and beyond positive benefits of mentorship in general.
Effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate dose in progestin-primed ovarian stimulation on pregnancy outcomes in poor ovarian response patients with different body mass index levels
Authors: Zhang Qianjie , He Shaojing , Meng Yicen , Yin Tailang , Ming Lei , Yang Jing , Li Saijiao
Published: April 2024

Background

For the poor ovarian response (POR) population, the relationship between medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) dose in progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) and clinical outcome is still unclear. This study aims to explore the effect of MPA dose in PPOS on clinical outcomes in POSEIDON group 3 and 4 patients with different body mass index (BMI) levels, hoping to provide clinical doctors with better options for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) programs.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of 253 oocyte retrieval cycles of POSEIDON group 3 and 4 patients who underwent PPOS protocol in IVF/ICSI treatment at the Reproductive Medical Center of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from March 2019 to April 2022. The effects of different MPA doses (8 mg/d or 10 mg/d) on pregnancy outcomes were compared in normal BMI (18.5–24 kg/m2) and high BMI (≥24 kg/m2) patients, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the factors affecting pregnancy outcomes.

Results

For normal BMI patients, the 8-mg/d MPA group had a higher embryo implantation rate (33.78% vs. 18.97%, P = 0.012). For high BMI patients, the 10-mg/d MPA group had a higher HCG positive rate (55.00% vs. 25.00%, P = 0.028), clinical pregnancy rate (50.00% vs. 20.00%, P = 0.025), and cumulative pregnancy rate (37.74% vs. 13.79%, P = 0.023) compared with the 8-mg/d MPA group. There was no significant difference in cumulative live birth rate between the 8-mg/d and 10-mg/d MPA groups in patients with normal or high BMI. The results of multivariate logistic regression showed a significant correlation between MPA dose and cumulative pregnancy in the high BMI population (OR = 0.199, 95% CI: 0.046~0.861, P = 0.031).

Conclusions

For POR patients with high BMI, 10 mg/d of MPA in the PPOS protocol had a higher cumulative pregnancy rate than 8 mg/d of MPA, but it had no significant effect on the cumulative live birth rate.
Case report: Development of central precocious puberty in a girl with late-diagnosed simple virilizing congenital adrenal hyperplasia complicated with Williams syndrome
Authors: Joo Eun Young , Yoo Myung Ji , Kim Su Jin , Jang Woori , Lee Ji-Eun
Published: April 2024

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and Williams Syndrome (WS; MIM # 194050) are distinct genetic conditions characterized by unique clinical features. 21-Hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD; MIM #201910), the most common form of CAH, arises from mutations in the CYP21A2 gene, resulting in virilization of the external genitalia in affected females, early puberty in males, and short stature. Williams syndrome, caused by a microdeletion of 7q11.23, presents with distinctive facial features, intellectual disability, unique personality traits, early puberty, and short stature. This case report describe the clinical features of a 4-year-old girl referred due to progressive virilization and developmental delay. Genetic analysis confirmed concurrent CAH and WS, identifying a novel mutation in the CYP21A2 gene (c.1442T>C). Following corticosteroid therapy initiation, the patient developed central precocious puberty. This case report delves into the pubertal change patterns in a patient affected by overlapping genetic conditions, providing valuable insights in to the intricate clinical manifestation and management of these rare complex disorders.