bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A blending of construction and demolition and agricultural wastes for efficient circularity: A sustainable approach for ceramic tile coarse aggregates and rice husk ash in M20 concrete
Authors: Gowrinathan S. , Yatawara M.
Published: April 2024

The present study evaluates a sustainable approach of blending ceramic tile coarse aggregates (CTCA) and rice husk ash (RHA) to produce M20 concrete. In the first step, CTCA was used to replace natural gravel stones by weight with the percentage replacements of 0% (C00 and control), 10% (C10), 20% (C20), 25% (C25) and 30% (C30) in M20 concrete. The best CTCA replacement result was used as the control for the second step. In the second step, ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was replaced by RHA in the range of 0% (C00R = C20 = control), 5% (C05R), 10% (C10R), 15% (C15R) and 20% (C20R). The replacements in each step were done at a constant water/cement ratio of 0.64 and without a plasticizer. The workability of fresh concrete, compressive strength at 7, 14 and 28 days, bulk density and water absorption were tested for each step. When blending CTCA in concrete, 20% CTCA replacement showed the maximum compressive strength of 22.43 ± 0.01 MPa on the 28th day. An increased compressive strength of 23.30 ± 0.02 MPa and relatively low water absorption (3.13%) resulted when blending C20 and C05R. This was a 9.9% increase of strength when compared with M20 concrete. The bulk density of concrete increased gradually as curing age increased, while showing an inverse relationship with RHA. The study recommends the replacement of 20% natural gravel stones and 5% OPC with CTCA and RHA, respectively, in M20 concrete for efficient circularity.
Robust Control with Optimal Integral Sliding Mode Controller for the Uncertain Flexible Joint Robot
Authors: Ali Irfan , Hassan Mohsan , Bano Zarqa
Published: April 2024

This study introduces a novel robust optimal control design for a flexible joint robot manipulator. The proposed control design combines robust optimal control (ROC) and robust optimal integral sliding mode control (ROISMC), transforming the robust control problem into an optimal control problem for both matched and mismatched unknown functions, as demonstrated through the Lyapunov function. The validity of both schemes is established through comparison with the desired results of flexible joint angle and rotor joint angle and velocity. It is found that their results are accurately alignment with the desired trajectory, even in the presence of mismatched functions.
Effects of photo-biomodulation on Gut Microbiota: A Meta-analysis Based on 16S rRNA Sequencing Data
Authors: Chen Letian , Wang Shijing , Lu Yueying , Cui Jingjing , Fu Yuming , Liu Hong
Published: April 2024

Photo-biomodulation (PBM) can affect the gut microbiome, which may be one of the important mechanisms by which such therapy exerts its effects. However, with the burgeoning interest in the gut microbiome, differences in research methods and conditions among independent studies make it a challenge to fully understand the impact of the gut microbiome on the health of organisms. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of 16S rRNA gene datasets generated by 8 published studies about the effects of PBM on the gut microbiome to investigate how the gut microbiome is altered across wave bands (infrared [IR], ultraviolet [UV] and visible light [VIS]), species (human, rat and mouse), and physique (healthy and unhealthy). Our results show that PBM can significantly affect the community diversity, species composition, and overall expression of metabolic pathways of the gut microbiome. VIS and UV can enrich key probiotics, such as Akkermansia muciniphila, in the gut microbiome while IR leads to a decrease of probiotics and an increase in harmful bacteria. In summary, we systematically analyzed the changes in the gut microbiome under different light conditions, providing a theoretical basis for the clinical application of PBM to regulate human health.
Ultrasound pretreatment of oat and barley bran contributes to the β-glucans content and technological properties of flatbread with or without sourdough
Authors: Grgić Tomislava , Bleha Roman , Smrčková Petra , Synytsya Andriy , Voučko Bojana , Mustač Nikolina Čukelj , Sluková Marcela , Novotni Dubravka
Published: April 2024

Sourdough fermentation of bran can overcome the technological problems encountered in bread making but favors the activity of endogenous β-glucanase leading to a degradation of β-glucans. This study investigated the effects of high-intensity ultrasound (US) pretreatment of oat (OB) and barley (BB) bran on its β-glucans content, properties, and preservation in processing, as well as the on the acidification kinetics of bran sourdough fermentation and on its application in flatbread. To reduce β-glucanase activity, OB and BB (15 % water suspensions) were US-pretreated prior to sourdough fermentation. The acidification kinetics, the microbial viable cell count, and the total titratable acidity (TTA) of the sourdough were determined. The total β-glucans content of bran, sourdough, and bread, as well as water solubility and the molecular weight (Mw) of control and US-pretreated bran were investigated. The physical properties of control wheat and composite flatbreads were compared. The US-pretreatment increased the acidification rate (30%) and TTA (51%) of OB sourdough, however decreased the acidification rate of BB (18%). After the US-pretreatment of OB and BB, the total (11.5-12.3 %) and water-soluble β-glucans (31-40 %) increased while their Mw decreased (7-21.7 %). In sourdough and flatbread prepared with US-pretreated OB/BB, 93-95 % and 90-98 % of β-glucans were retained, respectively, compared to 64-72 % and 82-92 % in control samples. The US-pretreatment and/or sourdough fermentation of OB and BB resulted in flatbreads of higher specific volume (8-22 %) and cohesiveness (11-20%) while reduced hardness (40-55 %) and chewiness (51-73 %) compared to their control bread.
Parenting Styles and Psychological Effects on Children with Alopecia Areata: Exploring Family Dynamics, Anxiety, and Depression
Authors: Kilimci Özge Selçukoğlu , Yücesoy Sera Nur , Turan Şenol , Uzunçakmak Tuğba Kevser , Kara Beril , Serdengeçti Nihal , Tarakçıoğlu Mahmut Cem , Serdaroğlu Server
Published: April 2024

Objective
Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease that develops due to inflammation and causes sudden hair loss. It has been observed that family circumstances may contribute to the development of AA. This study aims to assess the relationship between the development of alopecia areata in children, family functions, and depression and anxiety levels in their parents.
Methods
Thirty-nine participants diagnosed with AA and 41 healthy controls (HC), aged between 8 and 18 years, and their parents participated in the study. The assessment of the children included the completion of a socio-demographic data form, the Parenting Style Scale (PSS), and the Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS). The parents provided information on a sociodemographic form, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI).
Results
The children in the control group scored significantly higher on the PSS acceptance/ involvement subscale than those with AA. In the AA group, the number of authoritative and indulgent (PSS) families was statistically significantly lower than that of the families in the HC, and the number of neglectful families was statistically significantly higher than those of the control group. Total anxiety and depression t scores (RCADS) were statistically significantly higher in the AA children than in the HC.
Conclusion
Our study demonstrates the importance of considering familial factors and parental mental health to understand and address alopecia areata in children. Our findings support the psychosomatic component of AA. Implementing comprehensive treatment strategies that target psychological well-being and family dynamics could prove crucial.
Microhabitat segregation, foraging behavior, and elevation enable coexistence of new world warblers (Aves: Parulidae) in agroforestry systems
Authors: Yepes-Arcila Natalia A. , Z. Gabriel J. Colorado
Published: April 2024

The way in which closely related species segregate by habitat, and the mechanisms that allow their coexistence, are of interest in community ecology. When ranges of several species overlap (i.e., they are sympatric), those that use the same food resources should differ in other niche dimensions due to niche complementarity or resource partitioning. In bird communities, this primarily occurs through differences in foraging behavior, diet specialization or composition, and habitat use. In this paper, we evaluated how six species of new world warblers (Canada Warbler Cardellina canadensis, Tennessee Warbler Leiothlypis peregrina, Bay-breasted Warbler Setophaga castanea, Cerulean Warbler Setophaga cerulea, Blackburnian Warbler Setophaga fusca, and Tropical Parula Setophaga pitiayumi) segregate their ecological niches across an elevational gradient of agroforestry systems in the Western Andes of Colombia. We found evidence of microhabitat (vertical forest stratum use, foraging height and substrate) and elevational segregation for the six warbler species, suggesting patterns of multidimensional niche partitioning. High levels of niche overlap among microhabitat variables could indicate that interspecific interactions are key for structuring this co-occurring parulid community. In particular, the warblers exhibited a clear distributional pattern across the elevational gradient. Our analysis of multiple niche dimensions (i.e., elevational and microhabitat parameters) revealed differential patterns of habitat use that can suggest niche partitioning in ecologically similar species.
Feasibility study for the use of gene electrotransfer and cell electrofusion as a single-step technique for the generation of activated cancer cell vaccines
Authors: Ušaj Marko , Pavlin Mojca , Kandušer Maša
Published: April 2024

In the search for safe induction of cellular and humoral cancer immunity dendritic cell-based therapies hold great potential. This approach is based on manipulation of dendritic cells to activate immune system against specific cancer antigens. For the development of an effective cell vaccine platform, gene transfer, and cell fusion have been used for modification of dendritic or tumor cells to express immune (co)stimulatory signals and to load dendritic cells with tumor antigens. Both, gene transfer and cell fusion can be achieved by single technique, a cell membrane electroporation. The cell membrane exposed to external electric field becomes temporarily permeable, enabling introduction of genetic material, and also fusogenic, enabling the fusion of cells in the close contact. We tested the feasibility of combining gene electrotransfer and electrofusion into a single-step technique. We evaluated the effects of electroporation buffer, pulse parameters, and cell membrane fluidity on the efficacy of the combined method. We determined the percentage of fused cells expressing green fluorescence protein GFP in a murine cell model of melanoma B16F1, an often-used cell line in pre-clinical studies. Our results suggest that gene electrotransfer and cell electrofusion can be applied in a single procedure. The percentage of viable hybrid cells expressing GFP depends on electric pulse parameters and the composition of the electroporation buffer. Cell membrane fluidity cannot be related to the efficiency of this technique. Further optimization of electric pulse parameters and buffers has to be accomplished before this technique can be used for preparation of effective dendritic cell-based vaccines.
Unraveling the Role of Water in Mechanism Changes for Economically Viable Catalytic Plastic Upcycling
Authors: Ro Insoo , Kwon Taeeun , Ahn Byeongchan , Kang Ki Hyuk , Won Wangyun
Published: April 2024

The surge in global plastic production, reaching to 390.7 million tons in 2021, exacerbates environmental pollution, with only 11% of plastic being recycled. Catalytic recycling, particularly through hydrogenolysis and hydrocracking, offers a promising avenue for upcycling polyolefin plastic, comprising 55% of global plastic waste. This study investigates the influence of water on polyolefin depolymerization using Ru catalysts, revealing a promotional effect only when both metal and acid sites, particularly Brønsted acid, are present. Findings highlight the impact of Ru content, metal-acid balance, and their proximity on this interaction, as well as their role in modulating the isomerization process, affecting product selectivity. Additionally, the interaction facilitates the suppression of coke formation, ultimately enhancing catalyst stability. A comprehensive techno-economic and life cycle assessment underscores the viability and environmental benefits of the process, particularly in the presence of water. These insights advance understanding and offer strategies for optimizing polyolefin plastic recycling processes.
The Effect of Whitening Toothpastes on the Surface Properties and Color Stability of Different Ceramic Materials
Authors: Geduk Şükriye Ece , Sağlam Gaye
Published: April 2024

Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of whitening toothpastes on the surface roughness and colour change of CAD-CAM materials.
Materials and methods
A total of 96 samples (2x10x12 mm3) were prepared from Cerasmart (CS) and Celtra Duo blocks. Celtra Duo samples were divided into two groups. One group was fired with glaze paste (CDC) and the other was not treated (CD). All groups were then divided into 4 subgroups (n = 8). The groups were brushed with conventional (Colgate™ Max Fresh), silica (Opalescence™), charcoal (Curaprox™ Black in White) and blue covarin (Signal™ White Now) toothpastes for 30,000 brushing cycles. The initial and final surface roughness values were measured with contact profilometer and a dental spectrophotometer used for obtaining colour values. One sample from each brushed group analyzed using a surface electron microscope. Data analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. (p = 0.05)
Results
The surface roughness of CS samples brushed with Opalescence™ and Curaprox™ was significantly higher than CD and CDC. Surface roughness change values of CS samples brushed with Curaprox™ were significantly higher than the CD and CDC. Curaprox™ brushed samples showed significant difference in colour change values for all materials.
Conclusions
Brushing increases the surface roughness of CAD-CAM ceramic materials. The roughness of resin-based materials is higher than zirconia-reinforced lithium silicates. Silica-contained toothpastes may cause discoloration of nanoceramic and zirconia reinforced glass ceramic restorations.
Clinical relevance
It should be clinically considered that whitening toothpastes may cause roughness in ceramic materials and change the desired color.
Predicting Suicide Among US Veterans Using Natural Language Processing-enriched Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health
Authors: Mitra Avijit , Chen Kun , Liu Weisong , Kessler Ronald C. , Yu Hong
Published: April 2024

Despite recognizing the critical association between social and behavioral determinants of health (SBDH) and suicide risk, SBDHs from unstructured electronic health record (EHR) notes for suicide predictive modeling remain underutilized. This study investigates the impact of SBDH, identified from both structured and unstructured data utilizing a natural language processing (NLP) system, on suicide prediction within 7, 30, 90, and 180 days of discharge. Using EHR data of 2,987,006 Veterans between October 1, 2009, and September 30, 2015, from the US Veterans Health Administration (VHA), we designed a case-control study that demonstrates that incorporating structured and NLP-extracted SBDH significantly enhances the performance of three architecturally distinct suicide predictive models - elastic-net logistic regression, random forest (RF), and multilayer perceptron. For example, RF achieved notable improvements in suicide prediction within 180 days of discharge, with an increase in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve from 83.57–84.25% (95% CI = 0.63%-0.98%, p-val < 0.001) and the area under the precision recall curve from 57.38–59.87% (95% CI = 3.86%-4.82%, p-val < 0.001) after integrating NLP-extracted SBDH. These findings underscore the potential of NLP-extracted SBDH in enhancing suicide prediction across various prediction timeframes, offering valuable insights for healthcare practitioners and policymakers.
Agricultural Irrigation Water Requirement and Its Response to Climatic Factors Based on Remote Sensing and Single Crop Coefficient Method
Authors: Sun Jiaxin , Chen Liwen , Qi Peng , Zhang Guangxin
Published: April 2024

Precise calculation of the water required for agricultural irrigation is important for efficient use of water resources and maintenance of food security. However, the amount of water required for agricultural irrigation is significantly uncertain at different time scales under the influence of climate change. In this study, one of major grain producing area, Youyi Farm in the Sanjiang Plain, was selected to simulate the agricultural irrigation water requirement for the Rice, Maize, and Soybean based on remote sensing data on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform sensing and single crop coefficient method. Meanwhile, their response to climatic factors was analyzed by the method of generalized additive model (GAM). The results showed that the multi-year average irrigation water requirement of Rice, Maize, and Soybean during 2010 ~ 2019 was 2.98×108m3, 0.25×108m3, and 0.04×108m3, respectively. A fluctuating decreasing trend was shown for each crops’ water requirement. The requirement for irrigation water at different stages of crop growth varies significantly due to different climatic conditions in different years. For Rice, the initial growth period accounts for the largest proportion of irrigation water requirement (34%). For Maize and Soybean, the middle growth period has the highest proportion of irrigation water requirement (45% and 52%). In addition, from 2000 to 2019, the three main climatic factors with the greatest impact on irrigation water requirement were precipitation, vapor pressure deficit, and photoperiod, in that order. Irrigation water requirement was positively correlated with wind speed, photoperiod, maximum temperature and vapor pressure deficit. Precipitation is negatively correlated with irrigation water requirement, and minimum temperature is non-linearly correlated with irrigation water requirement, first positively and then negatively.
Bio efficacy of calotropis procera leaf extract against Aedes vittatus (Ditera:culicidae)
Authors: ANJAIAH CHANDRA
Published: April 2024

Background:
The present study was conducted to know the larvicidal effects of native plant, Calotropis procera (Giant milk weed). Leaves and flowers of the plant were used to check the larvicidal activity.
Methods:
Microwave assisted extraction was used for material extraction. Different concentrations (20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%) of the leaf and flower extract were used. Mortality of the larvae was observed after 24hrs.
Results:
Results showed the effectively of higher concentrations was greater as compared to lower concentrations. Leaf extract was found to be more significant in killing the larvae. Results showed that 100% and 75% mortality of larvae. Was observed in beakers containing 100 ml concentration leaf and flower extract respectively.
Conclusions:
It is concluded that all parts of this plant can be used for the prevention and control of Ae. vittatus mosquitoes due to its pesticide properties and bioactive chemicals.
Phytochemical composition, antioxidant and cytotoxicity of the aqueous extracts of Dracaena arborea andBridelia ferruginea: in vitro and in silico studies.
Authors: Deeh Patrick Brice Defo , Kim Moonhae , Sathiyaseelan Anbazhagan , Naveen Kumar Vishven , Wang Myeong-Hyeon
Published: April 2024

This study was undertaken to determine the phytochemical profile, antioxidant and cytotoxicity of the aqueous extracts of Dracaena arborea (DA) and Bridelia ferruginea (BF). The phytochemical composition, total phenolic (TP) and flavonoid (TF) contents of the extracts were determined by GC-MS, Folin Ciocalteu and AlCl3 methods, respectively. The antioxidant power was estimated using DPPH and ABTS+ radicals scavenging method, and cupric and ferric reducing capacity assay. The effect of extracts on hemolysis was also determined using red blood cells. Selected phytocompounds were docked against some oxidative stress (Keap1 and GST) and cytotoxicity (PARP10 and p90 RSK) proteins. The TP and TF content of BF was significantly (p < 0.001) higher than that of DA. The DPPH, ABTS+, cupric and ferric reducing activity of BF were significantly (p < 0.05 − 0.001) higher than those of DA. DA decreased the viability of PC3, NIH3T3 and BT474 cells in a dose-dependent manner, while BF tended to feed the cells. Drug-Likeness and toxicity prediction of selected compounds found in the plant extracts were within the acceptable standards, according to Lipinski’s rule. BF has the possibility to be exploited in the prevention/treatment of oxidative stress-related diseases, while DA could be a potential anticancer agent.
Determination of the state of artificial plantings of the green belt of Astana using remote sensing data of the earth
Authors: Кабанов А.Н. , Бекбаева А.М. , Кабанова С.А. , Кочегаров И.С. , Данченко М.А. , Скотт С.А.
Published: April 2024

Для определения дальнейшей стратегии сохранения и содержания искусственных насаждений зеленого пояса г. Астаны было необходимо оценить жизненное состояние древесных и кустарниковых растений, что стало первоочередной задачей наших исследований. Для этого проводились наземные таксационные наблюдения, использовались мультиспектральные данные дистанционного зондирования Земли (ДЗЗ) и инструменты GIS. Целью исследований являлось определение площадей ослабленных и погибающих лесных культур в зеленом поясе г. Астаны с помощью данных ДЗЗ. Методика исследований заключалась в закладке эталонных участков в лесных культурах различного породного состава и возраста, в которых проводилось таксация деревьев и определение их жизненного состояния. На основе дешифрирования мультиспектральных снимков эталонных участков производилась идентификация породного состава и жизненного состояния искусственных насаждений всей зеленой зоны г. Астаны. В результате проведения наземных исследований и обработки данных ДЗЗ выявлено, что в зеленом поясе г. Астаны основную площадь занимают лесные культуры, относящиеся к жизненному состоянию «ослабленные» - 40,3%. «Здоровые» лесные культуры занимают 31,4% площади, «погибающие» - 28,3%.

To determine the further strategy of conservation and maintenance of artificial plantings of the green belt of Astana, it was necessary to assess the vital condition of woody and shrubby plants, which became the primary task of our research. For this purpose, ground-based taxational observations were carried out, multispectral data of remote sensing of the Earth (remote sensing) and GIS tools were used. The purpose of the research was to determine the areas of weakened and dying forest crops in the green belt of Astana using remote sensing data. The research methodology consisted in laying reference plots in forest crops of various species composition and age, in which trees were taxed and their vital condition was determined. Based on the decoding of multispectral images of reference sites, the identification of the rock composition and the living condition of artificial plantings of the entire green zone of Astana was carried out. As a result of ground-based research and remote sensing data processing, it was revealed that in the green belt of Astana, the main area is occupied by forest crops related to the «weakened» state of life - 40.3%. «Healthy» forest crops occupy 31.5% of the area, «dying» - 28.3%.
Exercise Intensity Assessment of Care Farming Activities in Adults
Authors: Kim Seon-Ok , Yoo Na-Yeon , Kim Yun-Jin , Park Sin-Ae
Published: April 2024

We aimed to determine the energy expenditure, oxygen uptake, and exercise intensity of 10 care farming activities performed by adults. The study had a crossover experimental design. Participants performed 10 care farming activities for 5 minutes, including four plant- and three animal-mediated activities, and three other activities. Each participant wore a portable telemetric calorimeter during the activities, and oxygen uptake, heart rate, and exercise intensity were measured. Twenty-one adults (aged 31.5 ± 10.2 years) participated in our study. Energy expenditure, oxygen uptake, and exercise intensity differed significantly for each activity. The 10 care farming activities were regarded as light- to moderate-intensity activities. The exercise intensity, energy expenditure, and oxygen uptake for organizing a garden plot were significantly higher than those for other care farming activities. Cooking using harvests, interacting with dogs, and feeding rabbits had the lowest exercise intensity, energy expenditure, and oxygen uptake. Other activities, such as transplanting plants, harvesting, creating art, maintaining a garden, walking with a dog, and cleaning the farm, had moderate exercise intensity, energy expenditure, and oxygen uptake. Energy expenditure, oxygen uptake, and exercise intensity data could be useful when developing a care farming program suitable for the physical condition of participants in care farming interventions.
Use of turbidimetry for determination of heat treatment intensity applied at pasteurization of milk
Authors: Myagkonosov D. S. , Topnikova E. V. , Abramov D. V. , Kashnikova O. G.
Published: April 2024

Express methods for estimating the intensity of heat treatment of milk are necessary in industry and in research work. For this reason, there are many ways to measure this parameter, which are based on different physical principles, including turbidimetric methods. The Harland & Ashworth turbidimetric method has been developed for a long time, however, due to its high reliability and ease of implementation, it is still used in practice. However, this method has a drawback: it takes a long time to perform the analysis. In this regard, the aim of the work is to develop an express method for evaluating the thermal class of milk based on the principle of measuring the concentration of soluble whey proteins. The result is achieved through the use of a turbidimetric measurement method with optimized sample preparation parameters and parameters for measuring the optical density of a suspension of protein aggregates. The method is implemented as follows. The milk sample is mixed with 0.1 N acetate buffer (pH 4.6) in a ratio that allows to obtain a concentration of soluble milk whey proteins from 0.05% to 0.1%. Recommended dilution coefficients: 1:3 for samples of ultra-pasteurized milk and pasteurized milk with high heat treatment intensity; 1:7 for samples of pasteurized milk with low heat treatment intensity and 1:14 for raw milk samples. The solution is filtered on a membrane filter with a pore size of 0.45 microns. The resulting filtrate is mixed with 24% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in a 1:1 ratio to coagulate soluble whey proteins and form protein aggregates. After holding for 5–10 minutes, the optical density of the suspension of protein aggregates is measured at a wavelength of 650 nm. The content of water-soluble whey proteins in the sample can be calculated according to the calibration curve. The developed method allows to obtain the measurement result in less time than the Harland & Ashworth turbidimetric method.
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry characterization of the aroma of Ossetian cheeses
Authors: Gutnov A. V. , Kachmazov G. S. , Chalikidi P. N. , Tuaeva A. Yu.
Published: April 2024

The aim of the study was the qualitative and quantitative determination of volatile aroma compounds and their formation pathways in brine Ossetian cheeses. Volatile components of cheeses were isolated by steam distillation and extraction with dichloromethane, with their subsequent determination and quantification by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results of the analysis are presented according to the structural classes of the main chemical components and the corresponding microbial metabolic processes. Four processes were found to be the main contributors to flavor formation: lipolysis, proteolysis, glycolysis, and a number of oxidative enzymatic transformations. Lipolysis of the fatty fraction of cheeses is a source of formation of volatile carboxylic acids and their esters. Proteolysis of the casein fraction yields branched alcohols, aldehydes, and a number of aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds. Glycolysis of the carbohydrate fraction is a source of ethanol formation, which is the main cause of the dominance of ethyl esters in the ester fraction. Redox enzymatic transformations mainly determine the biosynthesis of unbranched aldehydes, ketones and lactones. A clear distinction between retail and homemade cheeses was observed, due to the different technological approaches to the cheese preparation. The structuralchemical and quantitative evolution of the volatile composition of the studied cheese samples during ripening is tentatively shown. From the authors’ point of view, the aromatic composition of the Tib cheese sort is the most consistent with the Ossetian cheese standard. This study represents the first gas chromatographic study of Ossetian cheeses and aims to create objective criteria for controlling technological processes and product quality during production and storage in the food industry.
Investigation of metabolic processes of alcohol yeast during the fermentation of buckwheat-corn wort
Authors: Serba E. M. , Kryuchkova E. R. , Rimareva L. V. , Overchenko M. B. , Ignatova N. I. , Pavlenko S. V.
Published: April 2024

To expand the range of competitive alcoholic beverages with original organoleptic properties, it is promising to study the use of new types of plant raw materials in grain distillate technologies. The purpose of this work was to establish the influence of the characteristics of the composition of grain wort prepared with the joint use of an alternative raw material source — buck- wheat and corn, which is widely used in alcohol production, on the metabolic processes of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae 985-T and alcoholic fermentation. The objects of the study were buckwheat and corn; enzyme preparations — sources of amylases, xylanases, β-glucanases and proteases; samples of grain wort, mash and mash distillates. The prospects of introducing mixed grain media prepared using non-traditional buckwheat raw materials into the technology of original alcoholic bever- ages are substantiated. It was shown that the use of buckwheat as a source of biocomplete protein, essential amino acids and minerals together with corn containing a high level of starch and a low level of non-starch polysaccharides contributed both to an increase in the yield of alcohol and a change in the quantitative content of secondary metabolites in the composition of volatile impurities. It was found that an increase in the concentration of soluble carbohydrates in the wort and a decrease in its viscosity by 15.5–40.3% occurred due to the inclusion of corn in the composition of the grain mixture, and the enrichment of the wort with nitrogen assimilated by yeast by 19.0–41.8% — as a result adding buckwheat. The optimal ratio of corn and buckwheat in the composition of the grain mixture (7:3) was selected, which made it possible to improve the biochemical and technological parameters of grain must, increase the efficiency of the vital processes of yeast and alcoholic fermentation, ensure an increase in the yield of alcohol by 1.8%, reduce the formation of side metabolites, especially higher alcohols, and change their composition in the direction of increasing the proportion of aldehydes and esters, which can have a positive effect on the organoleptic characteristics of the distillate.
Måleegenskaper ved den norske versjonen av Infant-Toddler Social Emotional Assessment – 2. versjon (ITSEA)
Authors: Kornør Hege , Olafsen Kåre Sten
Published: April 2024

Beskrivelse: ITSEA er et spørreskjema som skal besvares av omsorgspersoner for å identifisere sosiale og følelsesmessige problemer og kompetanse hos småbarn i alderen 12 – 35 måneder. Spørreskjemaet har 166 ledd fordelt på fire skalaer, og tar 20-30 minutter å fylle ut. ITSEA kan administreres av pedagoger og helsepersonell med testspesifikk opplæring. Originalversjonen ble utgitt av Margaret J. Briggs-Gowan og Alice S. Carter i 2003. Norske oversettere og rettighetshavere er ukjente.
Litteratursøk: Vårt systematiske litteratursøk identifiserte ingen publikasjoner om den norske versjonen av ITSEA.
Konklusjon: De psykometriske egenskapene til den norske versjonen av ITSEA er ikke dokumentert. Testen må derfor brukes med stor forsiktighet.
Måleegenskaper ved den norske versjonen av Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI)
Authors: Reedtz Charlotte , Martinussen Monica
Published: April 2024

Beskrivelse: Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) ble utviklet på 70-tallet i USA (Eyberg & Ross, 1978) som et kartleggingsverktøy for å avdekke atferdsproblemer hos barn og unge i alderen 2 til 16 år. ECBI ble oversatt til norsk i 1999 av Willy-Tore Mørch, Universitetet i Tromsø. Psychological Assessment Resources (PAR) i USA forvalter lisenser for bruk av ECBI. ECBI kan anvendes til screening , til klinisk virksomhet, samt til forskningsformål. ECBI inneholder 36 ledd som skåres på en intensitetsskala og en problemskala. Intensitetsskalaen måler frekvensen av utfordrende atferd hos barnet på en Likert skala fra 1 (aldri) til 7 (alltid). I ECBI problemskalaen testes om de samme 36 formene for atferd representerer et problem. Skårene på intensitetsskalaen bidrar til å vurdere barnets atferd, mens skårene på problemskalaen bidrar til å vurdere hvilke utfordringer barnets atferd representerer for foreldre eller andre primære omsorgsgivere. Det tar 10-15 minutter å fylle ut ECBI for den voksne, og det stilles ikke særskilte kompetansekrav til de som administrerer og skårer ECBI utover testspesifikk kompetanse.
Litteratursøk: Til sammen 12 studier ble lagt til grunn i denne oversikten; 11 norske og en svensk, og disse var gjennomført med barn i alderen 4-9 år i både kliniske og ikke-kliniske utvalg.
Psykometri: Psykometriske data omfattet gjennomsnittsverdier, standardavvik i representative normgrupper, subgrupper og kliniske utvalg, samt beregninger av indre konsistens og eksplorerende faktoranalyser.
Konklusjon: Konklusjonen er at testen har svært god reliabilitet og har norske normer fra et representativt utvalg. Noe evidens støtter testens begrepsvaliditet.
Antimicrobial, antioxidant and essential oil studies on Veratrum album L. (Melanthiaceae)
Authors: Yılmaz Sancar Pelin , İnci Şule , Demirpolat Azize , Kırbağ Sevda , Civelek Şemsettin
Published: April 2024

In this study, essential oil components of the Veratrum album L. and the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of these components were determined. The chemical composition of the essential oils of dried aerial parts of V. album was analyzed using GC and GC-MS. Antimicrobial activity was determined with the disk diffusion method. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity were detected for the antioxidant activity of the plant. According to the analysis results, the major essential oil components of the V. album were determined as hexacosane (39.5%), myristic (tetradecanoic) acid (22.8%), heptane (6.5%), anethole (4.9%) and 1,8- cineole (4.8%). The findings showed that the methanol extracts of the stem and leaf parts of the plant inhibited the growth of pathogenic microorganisms at different rates (14±0.1 - 34±0.3 mm). The TAS values of methanol extracts of stem and leaf parts of V. album were calculated as 3.75±0.07 and 3.91±0.01 mmol, while TOS values were calculated as 6.14±0.13 and 6.54±0.05 μmol. The scavenging activity of the DPPH radical increased depending on increasing concentrations of the plant extract.
Epigenetic factors of the effect of UV-C and X-ray presowing seeds radiation exposure in Matricaria chamomilla L. genotypes
Authors: Sokolova Daryna , Kravets Alexandra , Zhuk Vladyslav , Hlushchenko Ludmila
Published: April 2024

In a series of experiments using both X-ray and UV-C radiation exposure a parallel study of several pharmacological characteristics of the Matricaria chamomilla L. genotype group was carried out. The data concerning the changes in the productivity of pharmacological raw materials and stimulation of the synthesis of low molecular weight antioxidants as markers of secondary metabolism induction have been published earlier. In this study, the data on the relationship between the stimulation of the synthesis of secondary metabolites under different types of irradiation and the epigenetic changes in the plant organism are presented. It was shown that DNA methylation was switched to the de novo mode in plants of all studied genotypes of M. chamomilla under both types of irradiation. That indicates changes in the epigenetic program of the plant organism. Comparison of the epigenetic pattern between control and irradiated samples, based on the difference in DNA methylation patterns in terms of a statistical indicator, shows that there is no unambiguous relationship between the epigenetic changes and increasing yield of antioxidant synthesis. This is additional evidence of the diversity of metabolic rearrangements and adaptive strategies of the plant organism under radiation exposure even within one species.
Digital transformation to enhance Indonesian SME performance: Exploring the impact of market competition and digital strategy
Authors: Prihandono Dorojatun , Pandu Wijaya Angga , Wiratama Bayu , Prananta Widya , Widia Syam
Published: April 2024

In the current era, the challenges faced by SMEs in Indonesia are becoming increasingly complex. Previously, the primary challenge for SMEs has been to enhance performance. However, with the emergence of information technology, SMEs are now required to compete fiercely. SMEs in Indonesia are still in the process of digital transformation to improve their business strategies, thus limiting research focused on digital transformation in SMEs. Research also considers market complexity and digital strategy as crucial factors for SMEs. The aim of this study is to analyze the role of digital transformation in influencing SME performance. The research approach is quantitative, involving 171 SMEs owners as respondents. The instrument utilized is a Likert scale questionnaire, focusing on the majority of SMEs in Indonesia, particularly those in Java, the most populous island and business center of the country. This includes SMEs operating within various sectors, such as culinary, fashion, retail, and creative industries. The results indicate that digital strategy and market complexity influence digital transformation and SMEs performance. The research findings suggest that digital transformation mediates the influence of digital strategy and market complexity on SME performance. The novelty of this study lies in its focus on the current SMEs digitalization strategy area. This study indicates that digital transformation is an essential aspect affecting current SME performance. The results suggest that SMEs require focused strategies to strengthen resources and gain competitive advantage in complex markets.
Online Compulsive Buying and Brand Addiction in Indonesia: The Importance of Using Fear of Missing Out and Social Commerce Interactivity
Authors: Ardyan Elia , Sanapang Gracela Marisa
Published: April 2024

The research aimed to investigate the impact of fear of missing out and interactivity on online compulsive buying and brand addiction, drawing upon the theoretical framework of compensating the internet use method. The data were obtained through an online questionnaire, which was satisfactorily filled out by 133 participants. The participants were individuals who had engaged in online compulsive buying behavior and exhibited addiction to purchasing specific brands. The statistical data analysis involved utilizing structural equation modeling with partial least squares (SEM-PLS). The findings indicate that the presence of fear of missing out and interactivity have the potential to enhance consumers’ propensity to engage in online compulsive buying and develop brand addiction. Individuals who exhibit a proclivity for engaging in obsessive online purchasing behavior might have been incentivized to develop brand addiction. The researchcontributes to the existing literature on the theory of compensating internet use. It proposes that individuals may be motivated to participate in online activities to alleviate negative feelings from challenging situations.
Assessing the applicability of a special model of plutonium behavior in presence of chelates in cases of wound intake of industrial compounds of plutonium in the FSUE Mayak PA workers
Authors: Sokolova A. B. , Efimov A. V. , Dzhunushaliev A. B.
Published: April 2024

In cases of intake of higher levels of plutonium, a chelate diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid is used to enhance the elimination and reduce deposition rate in the organs of major deposit in the form of calcium compound Ca-DTPA (pentacinum). To interpret the results of the nuclide measurements in excreta while estimating the doses of internal exposure to plutonium, the biokinetic and dosimetry models recommended by ICRP are applied; and in case of the actinide intake through damaged skin it is recommended to use the models of NCRP of the USA. Since the application of chelates significantly changes the picture of plutonium urinary excretion, special models of complex Pu-DTPA behavior are developed to describe the plutonium biokinetics in presence of chelates. The purpose of this work is to assess the suitability of a special model of plutonium behavior in presence of chelates elaborated by K. Konzen to describe the plutonium biokinetics in the body by the cases of wound intake of industrial plutonium compounds in the FSUE Mayak PA workers. This study used the measurements of plutonium activity in daily amount of urine for three cases with the actinide intake through damaged skin and Ca-DTPA treatment, the duration of pentacinum application and observation periods for workers depending on the levels of intake. For each case, the most likely type of an entered compound was selected using Akaike information criterion, then the daily urinary activity of plutonium was calculated by the model (estimated value) on the same days when it was determined actually (actual values). The analysis of the compliance of calculated data with actual data was conducted using the statistic tests of Foster-Stewart,Breusch-Godfrey, Mann-Whitney, Shapiro-Wilk, and the determination coefficient. It was found that for all cases considered, the adjusted determination coefficient and Foster-Stewart test indicated the compliance of actual data with calculated ones. The statistical analysis of the compliance of calculated data with actual measurements of plutonium urinary activity showed that the special model of plutonium behavior proposed by K. Konzen was able to predict the urinary activity of plutonium during both the radionuclide decorporation measures and the period of pentacinum aftereffect.
Using disability-adjusted life years measure for characterization of radiation risk from fluoroscopy
Authors: Repin L. V. , Akhmatdinov R. R. , Biblin A. M. , Vodovatov A. V. , Shatskiy I. G.
Published: April 2024

Medical diagnostics procedures involving the use of ionising radiation is one of the most intensively developing areas in medical diagnostics. At the same time, medical exposure of patients has a number of fundamental differences from other routine situations of planned exposure. As a rule, medical exposure is acute, and radiation doses in some types of examinations exceed the level of natural and man-made exposure associated with normal operation of radiation facilities. In such a situation, risk differentiation is of great importance, taking into account the different radiosensitivity of individual sex and age groups of patients. Radiation risks should be taken into account both when prescribing examinations involving the use of ionising radiation and when analysing the benefit-harm ratio associated with their application to specific patients. Another reason why risk assessment is an urgent task is the need to inform patients and/or their legal representatives about the health risks associated with the carrying out of examinations, including radiation risks. Within the framework of the present work, the risks associated with fluoroscopic examinations were assessed. To characterise the risk we used the DALY indicator, which is more and more frequently used in risk assessment, reflecting the possible number of lost years of healthy life as a result of radiation exposure during the study. The aim of the work was to calculate DALY values for different sex and age groups of patients from the Russian population  during fluoroscopic examinations. To achieve this aim, the method of estimating the number of healthy life years lost due to exposure to ionising radiation, which was developed in the course of the research work, was used. The paper presents the results of calculating DALY values for three types of fluoroscopic examinations. This work represents the next step in the direction of harmonisation of radiation risk assessment methodology with the methodologies of risk assessment of other nature. One of the directions of using the calculation results is the development of methodological approaches to the calculation of sex- and age-dependent risk coefficients associated with medical exposure of patients. The analysis of the obtained results showed that the contribution of oncological diseases to the total radiation harm in older men was significantly higher than in women.
Solid cancer mortality risk in the cohort of Urals population exposed to radiation for up the age of 20
Authors: Silkin S. S. , Krestinina L. Yu.
Published: April 2024

The objective of the current study is the direct assessment of the excess relative risk of solid cancer mortality in people affected by low dose-rate chronic exposure mainly in low-to medium dose range (up to 1 Gy) at the age of <20. The study cohort consists of the population exposed at the age of <20 as a result of two large radiation accidents at the “Mayak” Production Association. The size of the cohort is 32,762 persons, follow-up period – 71 years (from 1950 through 2020), the number of person-years at risk is – 1 218 855. For this cohort the mortality catchment area includes Chelyabinsk and Kurgan Oblasts. Over a 71-year follow-up period 1,788 solid cancer deaths were registered in the cohort. Mean dose accumulated in the stomach walls over the whole follow-up period was 0.04 Gy, maximum dose was 1.1 Gy. Statistical processing of data was performed using Amfit and Datab software packages (Epicure statistics software package). Solid cancer mortality risk was analyzed with the Poisson regression using simple parametric excess relative risk model. Statistical significance of the results was estimated using the maximum likelihood method with 95% probability. For the first time the direct assessments of the excess relative risk of solid cancer mortality have been obtained in the Urals Cohort of population exposed at age <20 for a 71-year period (Excess Relative Risk was 0.84/Gy, 95% confidence interval: 0.24-1.55 for 10-years minimal latency period and 0.83 (0.24-1.55) for 5-year minimal latency period). Statistically significant estimates of the excess relative risk have been obtained for specific groups within the cohort selected according to the sex, age at the onset of exposure, and Oblast of residence at the time of exposure.