bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpretation of the landscape by the method of visuality
Authors: Bubics Benedek
Published: November 2023

This study focuses on the means of interpreting the landscape is a visually supported summary based on the experiences of surveying special landscape values in the Hungarian settlements belonging to the Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve (MDDBR). This work is an attempt to define and provide a holistic landscape architectural perspective, which serves to present and comprehend the landscape consisting of elements, while by highlighting the details it reveals the values of landscape, their importance and the necessity of their preservation. Landscape environment is often hard to define for a person who desires to move out of the city and comes from urban conditions, however theoretic and legal definitions do not make it much more understandable either. Therefore the primary target audience of the study is the individual looking into the natural landscape either on purpose of investment or just pleasure or relaxation. After reviewing the building blocks of landscape in general, the research focuses on describing the natural vegetation of the Mura region and the graveyards in detail, eventually it ends with an abstract of a brief description of landscape values.
The Role of Trust in the Criminal Procedure
Authors: Gjoka Albi , Xhuvani Evangjeli
Published: November 2023

Trust and the feeling of being protected is the core value of the legal process. Trust should not be confused with the idea of goodwill. Goodwill is not normative of the criminal law, but it is a concept of the private law. A similar principle of trust in criminal law is the intent, which terminologically has a better connotation with criminal law than goodwill. Nevertheless, there is still a part that this definition does not include and leaves gaps in which the word trust is better used as a definition. The principles of legality and lex stricta are values in criminal law and also have their interpretations widely used. Main topic of this paper is the usage of the word trust and the need to trust the criminal law and have faith in it. A faith which is built in centuries and cases after cases which have led to a general conclusion. The conclusion is not to question the criminal process, the lawyers or judges and its paragraphs but to accept it as it is and follow its directions. Examples, case studies and other central topics can lead to a better understanding of the good faith in criminal law.
Comparative Analysis of Usual and Incidental Contractual Conditions in the Albanian and English Contract Law
Authors: Hasneziri Luan
Published: November 2023

The contract concluded by the parties, in addition to the essential conditions, which must necessarily exist in every contract; otherwise, it is invalid, also contains the usual conditions and the incidental conditions. This paper consists of two main issues. In the first case, the usual conditions and the incidental conditions will be treated according to contractual law in Albania. In the second case, these conditions will be addressed in accordance with English contract law, which is commonly referred to as “conditions negotiated by the parties”. The issues to be addressed in the first case pertain to the fundamental features that characterize the usual and incidental conditions under Albanian contract law, their content, and the consequences of their omission in the contract.

In the second part of this paper, we will delve into the interpretation of miscellaneous clauses, both ordinary and incidental, under English contract law. We will explore the evolution in their interpretation within English judicial practice and examine the consequences of parties anticipating these terms. Particular attention will be paid to the challenges that have arisen in English judicial practice when resolving disputes between parties. In this manuscript, we will not only discuss the various positions held by different authors on this matter but also reference select decisions from English courts.

In conclusion, we will provide a summary of results, focusing on the disparities between contractual law in Albania and UK concerning typical and incidental contract conditions. We will also address the issues that have arisen in the judicial practices of both countries, emphasizing the need for a fair and accurate interpretation of such conditions.
Information and Material Support to Environmental Education in Slovakia in the Times of Crisis
Authors: Bilčík Alexander , Bilčíková Jana , Lajčin Daniel , Barnová Silvia
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The undergoing globalization brings epidemiological, economical, energetical, and environmental security risks. The current task in the field of improving the quality of the environment is educating students in schools for adaptation to the climate change and mitigating its impact on the life and health of living organisms.

Methods: The authors carried out a research study on the sample of teachers in 57 schools in the Slovak Republic focusing on particular themes of environmental security, teachers’ knowledge in the field and the availability of material didactic means.

Results: Particular themes of environmental security were identified and teachers’ knowledge in the field was examined. Special attention was paid to the availability of material didactic means to be used for the purposes of environmental education. Statistically significant differences were found between their availability in towns and villages.

Discussion:Human activities have significantly changed the quality of the environment and now, the necessary to start applying a more environmentally responsible approach is clear. In the Slovak school system, the cross-cutting theme environmental education provides space for it.

Limitations:Limitations are given by the size and the composition of the sample, which do not allow to generalize the obtained findings to the entire population.

Conclusions:In education, it is important to introduce measures and to prepare graduates for the future as a reaction to the climate emergency situation and the planetary crisis. So, teachers should have expertise, possess objective information, as well as appropriate didactic means for educating students.
Opinions of Music Education Department Students on Web 2.0 Tools: The Case of Bursa Uludag University
Authors: Sakin Ajda Şenol
Published: November 2023

Introduction:Today, thanks to information technologies including Web 2.0 technology, educators can make their lessons more efficient and understandable. In addition, they can encourage active participation of students in this way. With the increase of online education applications during the Covid-19 epidemic in the world, the use of Web 2.0 tools in education has also increased.

Methods:Explanatory design, one of the mixed research methods, was used in this research. Within the scope of this research, a questionnaire was applied to the participants to determine their perceptions about Web 2.0 tools, and then interviews were conducted with interview questions created in line with the analysis of quantitative data. 69 pre-service teachers from a large Turkish state university participated in the quantitative stage of the research and five students participated in the qualitative stage.

Results: In line with the data obtained, it was concluded that the music teacher candidates’ perceptions of Web 2.0 tools were high.

Discussion: In the survey application, which forms the basis of the quantitative step of the research, it is seen that the majority of students gave the answer “I agree” or “strongly agree” to survey items. Especially in 2020, with the Covid-19 pandemic worldwide, distance education been implemented for a while thanks to technology, and this situation brought teachers and students closer to technology and improved their usage skills. In addition, these skills are supported by the use of Web 2.0 tools and it is seen that teacher candidates also have a perception towards this.

Limitations: The research was limited to 69 students who voluntarily accepted.

Conclusions: Although Web 2.0 tools have not yet been used effectively by music students, the importance of these tools in terms of the active role of students in the course has been understood.
Conversion of Potato Fields into Small Tea Plantations at Bhotepatty, Mainaguri: Consequences of This Shifting Agriculture Through Survey and Soil Analysis
Authors: Das Dipankar , Majumder Soumya , Sarkar Sahadeb , Ghosh Arindam , Nandi Sudeshna , Subba Preeti , Saha Sumedha , Acharyya Sukanya , Ghosh Baishakhi , Chakraborty Sourav , Bhattacharya Malay
Published: November 2023

Over the past years, the tea industry in India has started to suffer from various drawbacks, i.e. issues regarding low productivity and rising input costs (namely the uneconomic age profile of tea bushes across the tea estates of North Bengal), leading to a decline in the industry and dramatic expansion of small tea growers. Accordingly, the vast expansion of small tea plantations in North Bengal prompted this study to examine the purpose and outcome of such an expansion concept. In the present study, Bhotepatty, Maynaguri (the Jalpaiguri district), was considered due to an immense conversion of agricultural land into numerous small tea plantations in the region. The study focuses on the agricultural shift from potato fields to small tea gardens. Initially, a cumulative approach encompassing the preliminary survey work and analysis of soil physicochemical characteristics was adopted to assess the adequacy of this agricultural shift. The survey conducted revealed the lack of proper land preparation, land rehabilitation before planting, sound soil nutrient management, and soil testing programs after shifting (responsible for the depletion of major nutrients such as potassium and phosphorus in the tea soil, which can be resolved with proper and timely manuring practices). Sulphur and the organic matter, organic carbon and available nitrogen of the top soil were detected in huge amounts compared to the optimum values suggested by the Tea Board of India.
Alleviation of Salinity Stress in Garden PEA Using Hydro- and Osmopriming
Authors: Tamindžić Gordana , Červenski Janko , Milošević Dragana , Nikolić Zorica , Vlajić Slobodan , Jovičić Dušica , Ignjatov Maja
Published: November 2023

Salinity is one of the greatest challenges of successful agricultural production worldwide. However, seed priming might be efficient practice for enhancing seed germination and initial plant growth and development. This experiment was undertaken with the aim of assessing the impact of different priming methods on seed quality parameters and early growth of garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivars under salinity stress. Pea seeds of three different cultivars were primed with water (hydropriming), KNO3 solution (0.5%), and PEG 6000 solution (-0.5 MPa) for 24h in the dark. Unprimed and primed seeds were germinated between filter papers saturated with 120 mM NaCl using the germination test. The results clearly showed that the examined parameters of primed pea seeds were substantially greater than the parameters of unprimed seeds under saline stress. Moreover, seed priming with KNO3 and PEG solutions were more effective in improving seed quality and initial growth in garden peas than hydropriming.
Non-Destructive Assessment of Leaf Chlorophyll and Epidermal Flavonoids in Two Tomato Cultivars (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Grown Under Different Trichoderma Spp. Treatments
Authors: Bojović Mirjana , Mrkonjić Zorica , Srećkov Zorana , Racić Gordana , Prorok Vedrana , Radić Danka , Panković Dejana
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of different Trichoderma spp. treatments (T1: Trichoderma harzianum, T2: Trichoderma brevicompactum, and T3: T1 + T2) on two tomato cultivars (‘Narvik’ and ‘Gružanski zlatni’) by the non-destructive monitoring of chlorophyll (Chl) and epidermal flavonol (Flav) indices and nitrogen balance index (NBI) in their leaves. The main objectives were to compare the responses of tomato cultivars considered (grown in a greenhouse) to different Trichoderma strains and a combination of Trichoderma strains. Variations in the Chl, Flav, and NBI values obtained were significantly influenced by nearly all the factors examined (namely the tomato cultivar, experimental week, and treatment), the interaction of which was found significant for all the parameters analyzed. The results obtained indicate that the combinations of strains in the T3 treatment markedly enhanced the Chl content in the ‘Narvik’ cultivar in some experimental weeks. Moreover, reduced NBI values were determined in the Trichoderma-treated ‘Narvik’ plants due to the increased flavonol content, which indicates a shift from primary to secondary metabolism. Further research, including the same cultivars and treatments, is warranted under field conditions to evaluate the physiological responses of the ‘Narvik’ and ‘Gružanski zlatni’ tomato cultivars in a multiple-stressor environment.
Status of Agricultural Farmers in the Republic of Serbia in Relation to Banking Institutions
Authors: Mirč Dejan , Milić Dragan , Tica Nedeljko
Published: November 2023

This paper examines the registered agricultural holdings (RAHs) in the Republic of Serbia. The present research aims to assess the current condition of RAHs in Serbia and highlight the considerable opportunities that banks and insurance companies possess to promote loans and insurance to small-scale farms. The data on Serbian RAHs were collected for the period 2018–2021. Descriptive statistics served as the primary tool for data analysis. The findings obtained indicate that the small-scale producers in Serbia face restricted access to financial services from banks, which in turn hampers their operational and investment capacities.
Analysis of Hexagon Fraud Model, the S.C.C.O.R.E Model Influencing Fraudulent Financial Reporting on State-Owned Companies of Indonesia
Authors: Indriaty Lely , Thomas Gen Norman
Published: November 2023

This research aims to analyze the influence of each Hexagon Fraud factor that causes fraudulent financial reporting, namely Pressure, Opportunity, Rationalization, Arrogance, Capability and Collusion based on respondents’ perceptions of the content. The research methodology used is a quantitative method, sample determination was carried out using a purposive sampling method with certain criteria. The questionnaire was distributed to 3 leaders and 3 officials based on the selected sample. Primary data was obtained to test 6 research hypotheses based on the answers of 96 respondents from 16 State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) from the selected sample. Data processing uses Smart PLS version 3.00 to test validity and reliability and test research hypotheses. The results of research on hexagon fraud theory show that Opportunity, Arrogance and Capability have a positive and significant effect on Fraudulent Financial Reporting, while Pressure, Rationalization and Collusion do not have a significant effect on Fraudulent Financial Reporting. Research findings reveal that fraud perpetrators are parties who have a deep understanding of the company’s internal control policies, especially knowledge about the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of internal controls, both from within and from outside SOEs. Fraud perpetrators may come from leaders or officials who are knowledgeable about the organizational structure and governance of officials in strategic positions.
A Brief Analysis of Logistics Customer Service Management
Authors: Chen Wei , Perez Candido
Published: November 2023

The quality of customer service determines the survival and development of logistics enterprises. In the highly competitive e-commerce field, it is necessary to continuously improve the customer service management level of logistics enterprises, and the application of big data can optimize customer service management of logistics enterprises in e-commerce. This paper analyzes the reasons for the low customer service satisfaction with domestic logistics enterprises in China, and then puts forward how to optimize customer service management of logistics enterprises in ecommerce based on big data in order to effectively promote the service quality of logistics enterprises. This study is contributing to the body of knowledge by developing a comprehensive framework to solve various e-logistics problems. Hence, the current study is helpful for e-logistics companies to mitigate e-logistic customer satisfaction problems.
New Measurement Method of Oil-Water Two-Phase Flow with High Water Holdup and Low Rate by Phase State Regulation
Authors: Han Lianfu , Chen Ming , Liu Xingbin , Fu Changfeng
Published: November 2023

Flow rate and holdup are two essential parameters to describe oil-water two-phase flow. The distribution of oil-water two-phase flow in the pipeline is very uneven, and there is a significant slippage between the phases. This makes it difficult to measure these two flow parameters. In this paper, a new measurement method of flow rate and holdup based on phase state regulation is proposed. The oil-water two-phase flow is adjusted to oil or water single-phase flow according to the time sequence by the phase state regulation, and the oil-water phase interface is measured with a conductance sensor. A wavelet transform based phase inflection point detection model is proposed to detect the oil-water phase change point. The experimental results show that the maximum measurement error of the flow rate of water is 3.73%, the maximum measurement error of the flow rate of oil is 3.68%, and the flow rate measurement repeatability is 0.0002. The accuracy of the measurement holdup is better than 3.23%, and the repeatability of the measurement holdup is 0.0003. The prototype designed based on this method has two advantages. One is that it is small in size, the other is that it does not depend on the accuracy of the sensor. Therefore, it can be widely used in oilfield ground measurement.
Motherhood Gap and Employer Discrimination. A Qualitative Investigation in the German Context
Authors: Ziegler Yvonne , Graml Regine , Uli Vincenzo , Khachatryan Kristine
Published: November 2023

Background

Motherhood penalty has often been considered the base for the wage gap and the glass ceiling phenomena. It represents a delicate topic in gender equality since its effects tend to persist over medium to long time periods and its validity holds in most countries. The study has been designed to investigate the specific contribution of employer discrimination to the overall motherhood penalty in socioeconomic contexts characterized by the archetype of the “male breadwinner model”, which has been further exacerbated by the recent Covid-19 pandemic.

Methods

The employer discrimination phenomenon has often been treated as a black box, since longitudinal data and panel regression modelling were unsuitable to assess the magnitude of the effect of this variable on the overall motherhood penalty. For this study, we addressed this gap by focusing on employer discrimination in the specific context of Germany. The work is based on data generated from a survey conducted among 2,130 working mothers and it is presented as a qualitative content analysis.

Results

Our qualitative angle on the employer discrimination phenomenon confirmed previous quantitative investigations. Firstly, the employer attitude toward working mothers conformed to the “second shift” hypothesis, with highly skilled mothers in managerial roles in particular experiencing the largest motherhood gap in our sample. Secondly, we found confirmation for the theory of human capital, with working mothers seeing their career progression come to a halt or temporary slowdown, and pending salary increases not implemented as originally planned. Finally, we found employer discrimination taking various forms, the most frequent being a mismatch between skills level of the working mothers and the suggested new role post parental leave.

Conclusion

Our study confirms the previous academic investigations on the topic discussing the antecedents of the motherhood gap, namely the “second shift” hypothesis and the work-effort hypothesis. Ultimately, employers seem to trigger, voluntarily or not, certain career choices for working mothers (e.g., “mother-friendly” arrangements) which cause the motherhood gap to increase, and thus further reinforce the traditional male breadwinner model.
Relationship Between Environmental Reports and Environmental Performance: A case of the Processing Industry in the Republic of Slovenia
Authors: Fink Babič Sonja , Biloslavo Roberto , Kodrič Borut
Published: November 2023

Background/Purpose

Environmental protection issues faced by companies constitute a challenging research topic. The main objective of the study was to research if companies’ environmental performance relates to the quality of information contained in the environmental reports.

Methods

In order to assess the environmental performance of companies involved we develop the Environmental Performance Index based on the Slovenian Environment Agency’s data on emissions in air, water and waste. We measured the correlation between the Environmental Performance Index and quality of environmental reporting using Spearman’s correlation coefficient.

Results and Conclusion

The results of our analyses revealed that there is no significant correlation between companies’ environmental performance and the quality of their environmental reporting. However, the reasons for the obtained result can be at least partially attributed to the low quality level of analysed environmental reports. This is a reason why the calculated correlation is not as tangible as it would be if company reports would provide more information and therefore more data for analysis. Our findings suggest that voluntary environmental reporting should be complemented by legally defined mandatory elements for such reporting.
Role of Hotel Management Crisis in Covid-19 and Post-Covid-19 Period: A Case Study of Opatija Riviera Micro-Region in Croatia
Authors: Alkier Romina , Milojica Vedran , Roblek Vasja
Published: November 2023

Background/Purpose

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in studying crisis influences grew in the last three years since it significantly impacted tourism and hospitality. Observing adaptations and transformations in hotel business models is necessary for tourism and hospitality firms to remain successful and competitive. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to critically analyse crisis management processes and management decisions regarding changes and adaptations in strategies and business model innovations to facilitate recovery, resilience, and sustained growth of hotels in the Croatian micro-region Opatija Riviera in Covid-19 and post-Covid-19 period.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with hotel managers and tourism and hospitality consultants. The transcriptions were checked, and collected data was interpreted based on the narrative analysis. Thematic content analysis (TCA) was applied in the study.

Results

Hotels in Opatija Riviera adapt their crisis business models to ensure long-term and sustainable growth and development of hotels and the destination itself. The primary focus is increasing the quality of services and guest satisfaction, achieving competitiveness in the tourist market.

Conclusion

The paper includes an exploratory qualitative research study on the impact and consequences of Covid-19 on business and organisational changes in the hotel industry in the Opatija Riviera area, which will have a medium- and long-term impact on the design of resilience and sustainable growth policies. The disruption caused by the pandemic is also important for hotel managers and management from the point of view of introducing crisis management processes, the results of which can be seen in the protection of the well-being of guests, employees and the general reputation of hotels. Therefore, hotel management needs to emphasise the importance of identifying business strategies and practices in business strategies and thus form the basis for effective crisis management.
Narcissistic Leadership and Project Success: The Role of Knowledge Sharing and Collectivism in IT Firms
Authors: Tahir Hina , Paracha Osman Sadiq , Mukarram Syed Shafqat
Published: November 2023

Purpose

In the quest of exploring specific developments in contemporary management research, this study highlights the prevalence of narcissistic leadership in IT firms. We employed the upper-echelon framework to analyze the impact of narcissistic leadership on project success. This study considered the dark side of a leader’s narcissism while analyzing how narcissistic leadership affects a project’s success through knowledge sharing and collectivism.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling is employed to investigate this proposition. Using convenience sampling, approximately 370 questionnaires were dispensed out of which 272 completed questionnaires were utilized for performing the analysis of IT firms.

Findings

Narcissistic leadership affects project’s success through knowledge sharing and collectivism. The results indicate that narcissistic leadership negatively predicts project success. Moreover, knowledge sharing fully mediated the relationship between narcissistic leadership and project success. Whereas, collectivism moderates the relationship between knowledge-sharing and narcissistic leadership.

Originality

Our assumptions are based on the upper-echelon theory indicating that narcissistic leadership affects project success through knowledge-sharing and collectivism. This has been proved by the empirical analysis carried out in Pakistan’s IT sector.
Isolated coronary artery ectasia presenting as inferior-posterior STEMI—a case-based state-of-the-art review of the current literature
Authors: Giucă Adrian , Rocsoreanu Alexandru , Şerban Marilena , Roşca Monica , Iancu Maria , Carp Andrei , Deleanu Dan , Postu Marin
Published: November 2023

Background

This review is based on the case of a 71-year-old female patient, with cardiovascular risk factors, who was referred for emergency cardiological evaluation after experiencing severe anterior chest pain that had lasted for more than 5 hours at the time of admission.

A diagnosis of inferior-posterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction was established, and emergency coronary angiography was performed. It revealed severe, diffuse dilation of the entire arterial coronary tree with slow flow and the presence of a large quantity of thrombotic material in the right coronary artery. Thromboaspiration was deemed unfit since the operator believed that there was a high risk of distal embolization with subsequent no-reflow, when passing with the catheter. As such, the patient started receiving anticoagulant therapy, and after one month she was scheduled for a control angiogram. The follow-up coronary angiography identified complete dissolution of the thrombus from the right coronary artery and a moderate stenosis in the distal segment, so no stent implantation was required.

Rationale for review

After performing a complete and comprehensive differential diagnosis, presence of isolated coronary artery ectasia was established.

Coronary artery ectasia is a rare disease, usually found incidentally during coronary angiograms performed for other indications (chronic and acute coronary syndromes) with a vast etiology and complex pathophysiology. Because there are common morphopathologic pathways between coronary artery ectasia and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, the clinical presentation of the former might have similar characteristics with the latter, but the management and prognosis of these patients is much less studied compared to the patients suffering from different phenotypes of coronary atherosclerosis. This review aims to summarize the etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, and different management pathways of coronary artery ectasia.
A Few Variants of Quasi-Continuity in Bitopological Spaces
Authors: Matejdes Milan
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a few variants of generalized quasi-continuity of functions defined on a bitopological space and to study their mutual relationship. Moreover, some characterization of sectional quasi-continuous function and its continuity points are investigated.
A Unified Treatment of Generalized Closed Sets in Topological Spaces
Authors: Przemska Emilia
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a general unified approach to the notions of generalized closedness in topological spaces. The research concerning the notion of generalized closed sets in topological spaces was initiated by Norman Levine in 1970. In the succeeding years, the concepts of this type of generalizations have been investigated in many versions using the standard generalizations of topologies which has resulted in a large body of literature. However, the methods and results in the past years have become standard and lacking in innovation.

The basic notion used in this conception is the closure operator designated by a family ℬ ⊆ 𝒫(X), which need not be a Kuratowski operator. Here, we introduce a general conception of natural extensions of families ℬ ⊆ 𝒫 (X), denoted by ℬ ᐊ 𝒦, which are determined by other families 𝒦 ⊆ 𝒫(X). Precisely,

ℬ
⊲
𝒦
=

{

A
⊆
X
:

A
¯

ℬ

⊆

A
¯

𝒦

}

,

\mathcal{B} \triangleleft \mathcal{K} = \left\{ {A \subseteq X:{{\bar A}^\mathcal{B}} \subseteq {{\bar A}^\mathcal{K}}} \right\},

where

(
…
)

¯

𝒜

{\overline {\left( \ldots \right)} ^\mathcal{A}}

denotes the closure operator designated by 𝒜 ⊆ 𝒫(X).

We prove that the collection of all generalizations ℬ ᐊ 𝒦, where ℬ, 𝒦 ⊆ 𝒫 (X), forms a Boolean algebra. In this theory, the family of all generalized closed sets in a topological space X(𝒯 )is equal to 𝒞 ᐊ 𝒯, where 𝒞 is the family of all closed subsets of X. This concept gives tools that enable the systemizing and developing of the current research area of this topic. The results obtained in this general conception easily extend and imply well-known theorems as obvious corollaries. Moreover, they also give many new results concerning relationships between various types of generalized closedness studied so far in a topological space. In particular, we prove and demonstrate in a graph that in a topological space X(𝒯) there exist only nine different generalizations determined by the standard generalizations of topologies. The tools introduced in this paper enabled us to show that many generalizations studied in the literature are improper.
Laguerre-Bessel Transform and Generalized Lipschitz Classes
Authors: Rakhimi Larbi , Khadari Abdelmajid , Daher Radouan
Published: November 2023

The aim of this paper is to give necessary and sufficient conditions in terms of the Fourier Laguerre-Bessel transform 𝒲
LB

f of the function f to ensure that f belongs to the generalized Lipschitz classes H

α

k
(X) and h

k
α
(X), where X =[0, +∞) × [0, +∞).
A PERSONALIZED APPROACH TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF THE ANTITUMOR IMMUNOTHERAPY BASED ON METABOLIC IMAGING OF IMMUNE CELLS
Authors:   Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Yuzhakova D.V. , Izosimova A.V. , Sachkova D.A. , Vantseva O.A. , Sazhina M.M. , Kondratieva A.R. , Mozherov A.M. , Yashin K.S. , Shirmanova M.V. ,   Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod
Published: November 2023

A key problem in tumor immunotherapy is the lack of reliable biomarkers to determine the responsiveness of individual patients to treatment. We have shown the potential of metabolic FLIM imaging of immune cells to both monitor early response to checkpoint therapy during treatment and to predict response to checkpoint therapy for individual patients prior to treatment.
ON PROTECTION OF RESERVED PLANTS AND MUSHROOMS IN THE CONTEXT OF CHANGES IN CRIMINAL LEGISLATION IN 2023
Authors: Мезенцева М.В.
Published: November 2023

В статье рассмотрены изменения в уголовном законодательстве РФ в 2023 г. относительно защиты особо ценных объектов растительного мира, в частности криминализации незаконной добычи, сбора и оборота особо ценных растений и грибов. Автором проанализированы дискуссионные вопросы о целесообразности введения ст. 2601 Уголовного кодекса (УК) РФ, в том числе при сопоставлении конструкции состава со ст. 2581 УК РФ. Приведены примеры противоправных действий в отношении растений, относящихся к видам, занесенным в Красную книгу РФ.

We consider the changes in the criminal legislation of the Russian Federation in 2023 regarding the protection of reserved plants as far as the criminalization of collection and turnover of reserved plants and mushrooms is concerned. We analyze certain controversial issues connected with the appropriateness of introducing article 2601 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, particularly in comparison with article 2581 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. We give examples of unlawful acts against red book plants.
Clusterization of Regions as Method for Analysis of Law Enforcement Bodies Anticorruption Activities
Authors: Быков В.Н.
Published: November 2023

В статье представлена методика оценки деятельности правоохранительных органов по противодействию коррупции, основанная на кластерном анализе. Определены новые показатели и способы их расчёта. Выделены и описаны кластеры регионов по особенностям деятельности правоохранительных органов в области противодействия коррупции.

The article presents based on a cluster analysis technique for the assessment of law enforcement bodies anti-corruption activities. There have been defined new indicators and methods of calculation thereof. The paper highlights and describes regions by specifics of law enforcement bodies activities in the field of combating corruption.
Country-related risk of chemicals producers-exporters when entering partners’ markets: analysis, assessment, management
Authors: Ван Д.
Published: November 2023

Управление рисками экспортной деятельности является актуальной проблемой в современных условиях трансформации мировых систем хозяйствования. В статье отражен подход к анализу, оценке и управлению страновым риском такой деятельности химических предприятий при реализации своей продукции на партнерские рынки. Для анализа и оценки страновых рисков взяты данные по странам-членам БРИКС. С использованием регрессионного анализа оценено влияние на показатель экспорта химической продукции общего экспорта, индексов качества государственного управления и легкости ведения бизнеса (прямое влияние), индекса странового риска и человеческого капитала (обратное влияние). Таким образом, подтверждено влияние политического и финансово-экономического внешних рисков, что позволило сформулировать общие рекомендации по их нивелированию на примере двух стран-членов БРИКС – России и Китая.

Risk management in exports is a topical problem under the transformation of world economic systems. We describe the approach to the analysis, assessment and management of country-related risks concerning the work of chemical companies when selling their products to partners’ markets. To analyze and assess country-related risks we use the data of BRICS countries. Relying on regression analysis we assess the impact of total export, the indices of state administration quality and ease of doing business (direct influence), the index of country-related risk and human capital (reverse influence). Thus, we confirm the impact of political and financial-economic external risks, which resulted in general guidelines to level them off by the example of Russia and China, two members of BRICS.
FACTOR ANALYSIS OF GRAIN PRODUCTION IN REPUBLIC OF BURYATIA
Authors: Цыденова Э.Ч. , Батудаев А.П. , Цыдыпов Б.С.
Published: November 2023

Значительный удельный вес в производстве продукции растениеводства в Республике Бурятия занимает зерно. В регионе на протяжении ряда лет отмечается рост показателей урожайности и валового сбора зерновых культур. В статье представлен факторный анализ валового сбора зерна, позволяющий выявить и оценить влияние разных факторов на его уровень. В заключении авторы раскрывают перспективы развития зерновой отрасли республики.

Grain production dominates the crop production in the Republic of Buryatia. The region has seen the growth in the grain yield and gross harvest for several years. We introduce a factor analysis of gross harvest enabling to reveal and assess the impact of various factors on its level. In conclusion we describe the prospects of developing grain production in the republic.
Certain Relevant Issues of Warrant Proceedings
Authors: Карпина Н.Н.
Published: November 2023

В статье утверждается, что исследование вопросов, связанных с приказным производством, является актуальным ввиду необходимости обеспечения эффективности и правильности действий государственных органов, организаций и предприятий в рамках исполнения служебных обязанностей. В статье представлен проведенный автором исторический анализ применения норм материального и процессуального права при вынесении судебных приказов по гражданским делам, рассмотрены основания возвращения и отказа в принятии заявлений о вынесении судебного приказа.

The article argues that the study of warrant proceedings related issues is quite relevant in view of the need for ensuring both efficiency and accuracy of the performance of public authorities, organizations and enterprises with regard to the performance of official duties. The article provides the author’s own historical analysis of application of substantive and procedural law while issuing civil court orders. In addition it reviews grounds for return and refusal to accept applications for court order.
Automatic extraction of FAIR data from publications using LLM
Authors: patiny luc , Godin Guillaume
Published: November 2023

Since the beginning of modern science, researchers have used a specific format to communicate their findings in a standardized language. Such formats help to ensure that results can be replicated and published. With the rise of digitalization, artificial intelligence has become increasingly important in combination with the scientific literature sources of data. This synergy serves as a foundation of robust models following central principles of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data. By having access to more precise data, it is reasonable to anticipate the development of improved models. Specifically, large neural networks have demonstrated a high level of responsiveness to the quality of the data used. Therefore, enhancing the data quality can potentially lead to a reduction in the size of neural networks. Large Language Models (LLMs) have proven to be incredibly effective at replicating human tasks. This is a significant improvement that not only automatizes process but also leads to better results. By combining human and LLM assistance, we can produce higher-quality content and solve repetitive tasks that would otherwise take years to complete. Those generative AI assistants can follow instructions to transform and extrapolate existing text. Our contribution outlines a method for automatically extracting experimental data of molecules from literature. Essentially by our prompt engineering, we demonstrate that this process can be made more cost-effective. Secondly, we use automated fact checking principles to ensure the original data quality as well as the data retrieval by LLM. Ultimately, our aim is to provide guidance for the publication of organic chemical experimental data to assist researchers and enhance FAIR data.
Vanadium Alkylidyne Initiated Cyclic Polymer Synthesis: The importance of a Deprotiovanadacyclobutadiene Moiety.
Authors: Jafari Mehrafshan , Russell John Benedict , Lee Hanna , Pal Digvijayee , Miao Zhihiu , Gau Michael , Carroll Patrick , Sumerlin Brent , Veige Adam , Baik Mu-Hyun , Mindiola Daniel
Published: November 2023

Reported is the catalytic cyclic polymer synthesis by a 3d transition metal complex: a [VV] alkylidyne, [(dBDI)V≡CtBu(OEt2)] (1−OEt2), supported by the deprotonated β-diketiminate dBDI2− (dBDI2− = ArNC(CH3)CHC(CH2)NAr). Complex 1−OEt2 is a pre-catalyst for the polymerization of phenylacetylene to give cyclic pol-yphenylacetylene, whereas its precursor, complex [(BDI)V≡CtBu(OTf)] (2−OTf; BDI− = [ArNC(CH3)]2CH, Ar = 2,6-iPr2C6H3) and the zwitterion [((C6F5)3B−dBDI)V≡CtBu(OEt2)] (3−OEt2) exhibit low catalyst activity despite having the same alkyli-dyne ligand. Cyclic polymer topologies were verified by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and intrinsic viscosity studies. A component of the mechanism of the cyclic polymerization reaction was probed by isolation and full character-ization of 4- and 6-membered metallacycles as model intermediates. Metallacyclobutadiene (MCBD) and deprotio-metallacyclobutadiene (dMCBD) complexes, (dBDI)V[C(tBu)C(H)C(tBu)] (4−tBu) and (BDI)V[C(tBu)CC(Mes)] (5−Mes), respectively, were synthesized upon reaction with bulkier alkynes, tBu− and Mes−acetylene, with 1−OEt2. Furthermore, the reaction of the conjugate acid of 1−OEt2, (BDI)V≡CtBu(OTf) (2−OTf), with the conjugated base of phenylacetylene, LiC≡CPh, yields the doubly deprotio-metallabenzene complex, [Li(THF)4]{(BDI)V[C(Ph)CC(tBu)CC(Ph)]} (6). Protonation of the anionic 6-membered metallacycle 6, yields 6−H+, a catalytically active species towards the polymerization of phe-nylacetylene, for which the polymers were also confirmed to be cyclic by SEC studies. Computational mechanistic stud-ies complement the experimental observations and provide insight into the mechanism of cyclic polymer growth. The non-innocence of the supporting dBDI2− ligand and its role in proton shuttling to generate deprotio-metallacyclobutadiene (dMCBD) complexes that proposedly culminate in the formation of catalytically active [VIII] species is also discussed. This work demonstrates how a dMCBD moiety can react with terminal alkynes to form cyclic polymers.
Reconfigurable droplet-droplet communication mediated by photo-chemical Marangoni flows.
Authors: Nguindjel Anne-Déborah C. , Franssen Stan C. M. , Korevaar Peter A.
Published: November 2023

Communication amongst droplets via reconfigurable connections enables next generations of “smart” matter. In analogy to the self-organization of slime mold Physarum polycephalum, exchange of chemical signals through a network of wires allows decentralized units to collectively emerge into functional structures. Here, we present a combination of surfactants, self-assembly and photochemistry to establish chemical signal transfer amongst droplets. Surfactant C12E3 is used for its ability to spontaneously generate wire-like structures called myelins when deposited at the air/water interface. Next, we demonstrate photo-controlled drain droplets that deplete surfactants from the air-water interface and thereby generate surface tension gradients that drive Marangoni flows, which in turn attract the myelins towards the drain. At the core of our design is a liquid crystalline coating that is formed at the drain droplet surface by oleic acid (OA) and sodium oleate (NaO) when placed on water. This coating inhibits the depletion of surfactant by the droplet. UV exposure activates photo-acid generator 2-nitrobenzaldehyde in the droplet, which protonates NaO, disintegrates the coating, and increases the Marangoni flow. Thereby, localized UV exposure of selected OA/NaO droplets results in attraction of the myelins, such that they establish connections amongst the droplets. Varying the photo-acid generator concentration, NaO content and UV exposure allows for re-configurability of these connections. As an example of communication, we demonstrate how the myelins enable a photo-controlled transfer of fluorescent dyes, which are selectively delivered in the droplet interior upon photo-chemical regulation of the liquid crystalline coating.
SWERN Oxidation. Transition State Theory is OK
Authors: Braddock D. Christopher , Lee Siwoo , Rzepa Henry S.
Published: November 2023

We investigate the model originally used to compare deuterium kinetic isotope effects (KIE) computed for the intramolecular hydrogen transfer step in the mechanism of the Swern oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes with those measured. Whereas the replication of the original computed values reported in 2010 for the gas-phase proved entirely successful, several issues were discovered when a continuum solvent model was used. These included uncertainty regarding the parameters and methods used for the calculations and coordinates for the original reactant and transition states, via their provision as data in the electronic supporting information (ESI). The original conclusions, in which a numerical mis-match between the magnitude of the computed and experimentally measured KIE was attributed to significant deviations from transition state theory, are here instead rationalised as a manifestation of basis-set effects in the computation. Transition state theory appears to be operating successfully. We now recommend the use of basis sets of triple- or quadruple-ζ quality, rather than the split-valence level previously employed, that dispersion energy corrections be included and that a continuum solvent model using smoothed reaction cavities is essential for effective geometry optimisation and hence accurate normal coordinate analysis. An outlying experimental KIE obtained for chloroform as solvent is attributed to a small level of an explicit hydrogen bonded interaction with the substrate. A temperature outlier for the measured KIE at 195K is suggested for further experimental investigation, although it may also be an indication of an unusually abrupt incursion of hydrogen tunnelling, which would need non-Born-Oppenheimer methods in which nuclear quantum effects are included to be more accurately modelled. We predict KIE for new substituents, of which those for R=NMe2 are significantly larger than for R=H. This approach could be useful in designing variations of the Swern reagent that could lead to synthesis of aldehydes incorporating much higher levels of deuterium. The use of FAIR data rather than the traditional model of its inclusion in electronic supporting information (ESI) is discussed.
Federal Reserve Structure and the Production of Monetary Policy Ideas
Authors: Bordo Michael D. , Prescott Edward S.
Published: November 2023

We evaluate the decentralized structure of the Federal Reserve System as a mechanism for generating and processing new ideas on monetary policy over the 1960 - 2000 period. We document the introduction of monetarism, rational expectations, credibility, transparency, and other monetary policy ideas by Reserve Banks into the Federal Reserve System. We argue that the Reserve Banks were willing to support and develop new ideas due to internal reforms to the FOMC that Chairman William McChesney Martin implemented in the 1950s and the increased ties with academia that developed in this period. Furthermore, the Reserve Banks were able to succeed at this because of their private-public governance structure. We illustrate this with a time-consistency model in which a decentralized organization is better at producing new ideas than a centralized one. We argue that this role of the Reserve Banks is an important benefit of the Federal Reserve’s decentralized structure by allowing for more competition in formulating ideas and by reducing groupthink.