bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Price, Brand Image, and Product Quality on Purchasing Intention in Indomie Consumers in The City of Surabaya
Authors: Putri Helvy Novia
Published: December 2023

This research is focused primarily on the relationship between price, brand image, and product quality and purchase intention "The Effect of Price, Brand Image, and Product Quality on Purchase Intention in Indomie Consumers in Surabaya City".  The main point that is the background for this problem to be discussed is Indomie, which is the top leader in the sale of packaged instant noodles in Indonesia. This happens because of the high consumer buying intention in these products. To be able to attract and increase consumer buying intention, there are various factors that influence, including price, brand image, and the quality of the product itself. The objectives of this study are to: 1) determine the significant relationship between price and purchase intention of Indomie consumers in Surabaya; 2) determine the significant relationship between brand image and purchase intention of Indomie consumers in Surabaya city; 3) determine the significant relationship between product quality and purchase intention of Indomie consumers in Surabaya city; and 4) ensure a significant relationship between price, brand image, and product quality simultaneously. The sample applied in this study was 100 respondents with predetermined criteria. This research applies quantitative methods with multiple regression analysis techniques, and data analysis tools apply SPSS version 22.0 and Microsoft Excel 2007. The conclusion of this study is that there is a significant partial and simultaneous influence between price, brand image, and product quality on buying intention in Indomie consumers in Surabaya city.
AUDIÊNCIA DE CUSTÓDIA COMO MEIO DE ENFRENTAMENTO À TORTURA E AOS MAUS-TRATOS: ANÁLISE SOCIOJURÍDICA DO ESTADO DE GOIÁS (2015 – 2022)
Authors: Veloso Magalhães Ana Cláudia
Published: December 2023

A proposta deste artigo é analisar os aspectos de enfrentamento à tortura e aos maus-tratos (exame pericial cautelar, relatos de tortura/maus-tratos e encaminhamentos dos casos para investigação) presentes nas audiências de custódia realizadas no estado de Goiás no período de 2015 a 2021. Para tanto, efetivamos um estudo estatístico do banco de dados das audiências de custódia do estado de Goiás registrado no Sistema de Audiência de Custódia (SISTAC).
SISTEMA PRISIONAL E A APROXIMAÇÃO COM A SOCIEDADE: FUNDAMENTOS DO CONSELHO DA COMUNIDADE
Authors: Bodanese Rodegheri Letícia
Published: December 2023

A prisão, como forma de punição pela prática do crime, é fruto da própria evolução da sociedade. Nos primórdios, as penas eram corporais, incluindo a tortura e a morte. No decorrer dos anos, centralizou-se em estabelecimentos prisionais, os quais, na atualidade, denotam espaços marginalizados e excluídos da sociedade. Vige a noção de que o criminoso deve receber o pior tratamento possível. Ao lado da punição, a pena também tem as importantes funções de prevenir a reincidência e a prática de novos crimes, bem como de ressocializar. Para tanto, tem-se questionado a respeito da atuação da população no sistema prisional e como aproximá-los. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar o Conselho da Comunidade, sua constituição, funções, objetivos, perspectivas e desafios. Utiliza-se o método de abordagem dedutivo e os métodos de pesquisa bibliográfico e documental. Conclui-se ser um importante e necessário espaço na organização prisional, que deve ser fortalecido para melhor garantir os direitos dos apenados e, também, para permitir um repensar sobre o próprio sistema punitivo vigente.
MUDANÇA DE PARADIGMA PARA A JURISDIÇÃO PENAL
Authors: Leite Fabiana , Lacerda Pimenta Izabella
Published: December 2023

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Developing agency capability: a new agency capability review framework
Authors: Speagle Donald , Goldfinch Shaun , Dufficy Rory
Published: December 2023

This paper, based on a report commissioned from ANZSOG by the WA Public Service Commission looks at the process for developing agency capability reviews and provides a recommended capability review framework for Australian jurisdictions, for use in developing the capability of individual departments and other large agencies.
Flexible working in the Australian Capital Territory (ACTPS)
Authors: Buick Fiona , Glennie Miriam , Dickinson Helen , Blackman Deborah , Williamson Sue , Weeratunga Vindhya , Tani Massimiliano
Published: December 2023

This report, undertaken by the University of NSW’s Wales’s Public Service Research Group and funded by ANZSOG in partnership with the ACTPS, examines the impact of flexible working on productivity, wellbeing and effectiveness, and identifies factors that can lead to more effective flexible working. The report contains detailed insights for any agency trying to develop optimal ways of managing a flexible workforce. It finds there are four essential elements needed for effective flexible working: an outcomes-oriented approach to working, a purposeful approach to working from the office, a team-based approach to working, and improved managerial support and development.
Collagen10a1 GEN EXPRESSION AND BONE MINERALIZATION IN THE col10a1:nlGFP TRANSGENTIC MEDAKA FISH LARVAE
Authors: Tô Thúy , Dinh Thi Huong , Pham Thị Bich , Tran Đuc Long
Published: December 2023

Objective: To assess the expression level of the osteoblast-specific collagen10a1 gene and the degree of bone mineralization during the early larval stages of col10a1:nlGFP transgenic medaka fish to identify a specific developmental time window suitable for conducting bone anabolic effect evaluations of bioactive substances. Methods: Homozygous and hemizygous col10a1:nlGFP fish larval groups at 7, 9, 10, 11, and 14 days post fertilization (dpf) were used in the study (n=…/group). The fish were subjected to live staining with alizarin red S (ARS) dye to visualize their mineralized bone structures. Fluorescent images were captured using a fluorescent stereoscope to document both the GFP and ARS signals in the fish. The density of the GFP signal was utilized to assess the expression level of the collagen10a1 gene in osteoblasts, while the density of the ARS signal was used to evaluate the extent of bone mineralization. ImageJ software was employed for this analysis. Results: The intensity of GFP signal exhibited an upward trend as the fish grew from 7 to 9 dpf, followed by a gradual decline from 9 to 14 dpf. Along with that, the intensity of ARS signal increased as the fish grew from 7 to 10 dpf, followed by a gradual decrease from 10 to 14 dpf. These findings indicate that the optimal developmental window for conducting tests on the fish with bioactive compounds, utilizing a stereo fluorescence microscope, is between 7 and 9 dpf.
Estimación del consumo del ensilado de cebada forrajera con niveles de follaje de papa (Solanum tuberosum) y afrecho de trigo a partir de la fibra detergente neutra
Authors: Gomez E Edita , Contreras Paco Jose L , Curasma Ccente James , Soto R Jonatan Uver , Ramos E Yola Victoria , Duran M Maria del Carmen
Published: December 2023

Esta investigación serializo en el Laboratorio de Nutrición Animal y Evaluación de alimentos (LUNEA) de la Escuela Profesional de Zootecnia de la Universidad Nacional de Huancavelica, Perú, con el objetivo de estimar el consumo de ensilado de cebada forrajera con niveles de follaje de papa (Solanum tuberosum) y afrecho de trigo a partir de la fibra detergente neutra. Se utilizaron muestras de cebada forrajera con un tamaño de picado de 4 a 6 cm, donde se agregó follaje de papa y afrecho de trigo en diferentes niveles 0, 10, 20 y 30%. El material picado se ensiló en mini-silos tipo bolsa con capacidad de 5 kg durante 30 días, finalizado el tiempo de fermentación se aperturo los mini silos y se tomaron muestras para poder evaluar la fibra detergente neutra y aplicar la ecuación de predicción para el consumo de materia seca (CMS). Se utilizó un análisis de varianza para las variables en estudio. El %FND fue en el rango de 47.29±4.03% a 42.80±6.63%, dentro de los niveles de 0 a 30% de follaje de papa y afrecho de trigo. Además, se estimó valores 2.86% de CMS respecto a peso vivo al utilizar el nivel de 30% de follaje de papa y afrecho de trigo. Finalmente, el uso del ensilado de cebada con niveles de follaje de papa y afrecho de trigo permite tener valores cercanos en %FDN para un mejor aprovechamiento en los rumiantes, así como consumo de materia seca adecuados a su utilización.
Efectividad de la educación demostrativa de productos andinos en la disminución de anemia en niños menores de 36 meses en una comunidad rural de la región de Huancayo, Perú.
Authors: Camposano Córdova Yda F , De la Calle Robles Silvia E , Millán Camposano Hector , Villa Barrios Ronald , De la Calle Castro Anahí I
Published: December 2023

Objetivos. Comprobar la efectividad de la educación-demostrativa en dialecto Wanka de las bondades de productos andinos en la disminución de la anemia en niños menores de 36 meses en el Centro Poblado Menor de Santa Cruz De Laria-Colca-Huancayo, Perú. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio pre-experimental, no aleatorizado, se consideró a niños/as menores de 36 meses con diagnóstico de anemia en sus distintos niveles entre leve, moderado y severo; de 7 niños/as, 3 fueron considerados para el estudio previo asentimiento informado. Se emplearon el instrumento de lista de cotejo y análisis de hemoglobina (Hb) y hematocrito (Hto) donde se detectó a los niños con anemia y, en las madres de los niños/as se realizó la demostración de los productos su preparación y consumo de las mismas durante 4 meses y lograr hábitos sostenibles, para mejorar las actuales y futuras generaciones. Resultados. Se encontró 3 niños con anemia haciendo un 43%, y luego del tratamiento donde se utilizó productos de la zona como el yuyo, atajo yerbas aromáticas, pasteles de sangrecita, adicionando harina de coca en diferentes tipos de pasteles que se brindó, y concientizando en idioma Wuanka para el uso de los mismos se logró que el 100% de los niños salieran de la anemia como consta en la tabla que se presenta y también se adjunta anexos; este resultado es luego de 4 meses de tratamiento ininterrumpidos. Conclusiones: La educación demostrativa fue efectiva al lograr aumentar significativamente el nivel de concentración de hemoglobina como indicador básico de la anemia.
Interactive Hand Gesture Control System for Augmented Reality-based Games
Authors:   Department of Computer Science and Design, New Horizon Institute of Technology and Management,  University of Mumbai, Badgujar Prof. Priyadarshini
Published: December 2023

This research paper presents the development of an innovative 2D augmented reality (AR) car game utilizing Python, OpenCV, and Pygame. The primary objective of the game is to provide an interactive platform for individuals with motor skill challenges, such as Parkinson’s disease, to enhance their hand and gesture control abilities. The game involves controlling a virtual car superimposed onto the real-world environment using an AR marker. Hand gestures captured by a webcam control the car's movements, creating a novel and accessible gaming experience. The implementation incorporates computer vision techniques from the OpenCV library to detect an AR marker, interpret hand gestures, and map them to specific actions within the game. The Pygame library facilitates the creation of an engaging gaming environment, where users can employ intuitive hand movements to navigate the virtual car. The system's performance is evaluated in varying lighting conditions, and the results demonstrate a promising accuracy rate in gesture detection. The limitations and potential improvements are discussed, emphasizing the system's application in assisting individuals with motor impairments and its broader implications for human-computer interaction. This research provides insights into the intersection of augmented reality, computer vision, and assistive technology, offering a foundation for further advancements in accessible gaming experiences. Keywords: Augmented Reality, Hand Gesture Control, Computer Vision, Game Interaction, Assistive Technology
Salvataje de megafístula con técnica de Nezakatgoo
Authors: Pinto Diego , Climente Juan , Climente Carlos , Absi Daniel , Lapadula Mirna
Published: December 2023

Introducción: Se entiende por megafístula a una fístula arteriovenosa que se encuentra muy dilatada en todo su recorrido, tortuosa, en ocasiones aneurismática, y que presenta flujos por encima de 2L/min; esto conlleva el riesgo de generar múltiples complicaciones (desde rotura aneurismática, recirculación e insuficiencia cardíaca por sobrecarga, entre otras). Su tratamiento habitual es la ligadura o el reemplazo protésico. Material y métodos: Se realiza la técnica descripta por Nezakatgoo y cols. en tres pacientes con megafístulas (operados entre 2020 y 2023) en quienes se realizó una cirugía de salvataje y recuperación de todo el recorrido de la fístula. Se realiza la disección completa de esta desde su anastomosis hasta el cayado de la vena cefálica, se calibra la vena con un tubo de tórax 24-34 Fr, y se resecan los sobrantes de la megafístula y aneurismas. En el caso de áreas estenóticas, estas se amplían o se confeccionan anastomosis nuevas y, en caso de estenosis del cayado, se confecciona una anastomosis nueva en la vena axilar. Resultados: El primer caso describe una fístula humerocefálica izquierda confeccionada en el 2011 que, luego de la plástica realizada, requirió dos angioplastias por estenosis en el tercio medio (a los 125 y 236 días posterior a la plástica). Continúa permeable hasta la fecha, con una permeabilidad total de 156 meses desde su confección inicial y 36 meses desde la plástica. El segundo paciente presenta una megafístula realizada en abril del 2019 que, luego de la cirugía plástica, requirió angioplastia por estenosis en una oportunidad a los 509 días y continúa permeable hasta la fecha, con una permeabilidad total de 56 meses y de 30 meses desde la plástica. La tercera fístula se operó en un contexto de trombosis total de la misma, y requirió, en primera instancia, una trombectomía previa a la reconstrucción. Evolucionó en dos episodios (a los meses 2 y 5) con robo de estadio IIb tratados mediante banding (técnica de Miller) en las dos oportunidades. Presenta una permeabilidad total de 57 y de 18 meses desde la plástica. Todos los pacientes continúan en diálisis hasta la fecha por la fístula reconstruida. Conclusión: El salvataje de megafístula es un procedimiento válido para continuar la vida útil de fístulas nativas en el corto y el mediano plazo; de ser necesario, se requieren procedimientos complementarios para resolver problemas similares a los de otras fístulas.
Understanding the difficulties of leadership in the context of social entrepreneurship
Authors: Oliveira Zaila Maria , Holanda Tatiana Monteiro , Teixeira Sandrina , Teixeira Sara
Published: December 2023

Female leadership is a new perspective on leadership, as they seek to bring their intrinsic characteristics to the organizational environment. This research aims to verify the difficulties of female leadership, based on the theoretical assumptions that women face in the context of social entrepreneurship. The research is descriptive with a qualitative approach and field research strategy. The data was collected through interviews with representatives of two Brazilian companies based in the state of Ceará. The results reveal that the discrimination faced by women when they are in strategic positions is a recurring fact in the job market, even more so as they are part of a patriarchal society, particularly in Brazil. It is concluded that women still find themselves in an unfavorable environment, which is unaware of their potential, as well as the ability to overcome already exhausted business and organizational models.
Microplastics: Environmental Impacts, Detection Techniques and Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Akinsemolu Adenike
Published: December 2023

Since the development of the first synthetic plastic with the potential for mass production in 1907, plastic has gone from a wonder solution in the packaging, building and construction, electrical and electronics, consumer products, and transportation industries to an environmental and sustainability hazard. Over the past decade, global concern over the impact of plastic pollution has extended to microplastics. Though small in size (1mm-5mm), microplastics are causing extensive damage to the natural environment. They have been isolated as contaminants in soil, tap water, oceans and their ecosystems, plants, animals, and human beings. As microplastics continue to accumulate in different ecosystems, research and studies on their impact on the environment, ways of detecting them, and strategies to prevent their accumulation in the environment are on the rise in efforts to understand their biological and ecological implications. This paper reviews existing knowledge on the environmental impacts of microplastics, their detection techniques, and mitigation strategies. The occurrence of microplastics in marine environments, on land, and in plant, animal, and human cells will be elucidated. Different analytical methods used for the sampling and characterization of microplastics in the environment will be highlighted and current and potential methods for the mitigation of the threat the element poses to the environment discussed. The synthesis of existing knowledge will be used to derive recommendations for future studies to fill knowledge gaps on microplastics
The Effect of Default Options on Choice of Electricity Utility at Grid Parity: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Burbach Mark E. , Moncure Shannon L. , Kennedy Stephanie M. , Smith Jacob M.
Published: December 2023

Alternative energy, or green energy, has the potential to mitigate carbon dioxide emitted from conventional power sources, particularly at grid parity – the point at which alternative energy reaches a levelized electricity cost that is less than or equal to purchasing grid-supplied electricity. This mixed methods study examined the effect of defaults on electricity utility selection at grid parity by young people who may be choosing a utility for the first time or may have recently experienced choosing a utility. Additionally, we investigate the justification of participants’ choice of electricity utility. A chi-squared test determined that the gray electricity utility was chosen significantly more often in the gray default condition than in either the no default or green default conditions confirming the influence of defaults even at grid parity. Those who selected green energy regardless of the default scenario expressed that they did so because the alternative energy option was the same price, but cleaner. Those who chose the conventional energy source regardless of default conveyed doubt that green energy would remain at grid parity and held a belief that conventional energy is more reliable along with feeling manipulated by the green utility’s informational message. Results from this study indicate that continuing to offer gray energy as the default and green energy as the alternative could adversely impact the predicted large-scale shift in generation from gray energy sources to green energy sources when grid parity is prevalent.
Kunnen bijzondere bancaire zorgplichten worden weggecontracteerd?
Authors: van Wechem T.H.M. , Hellegers D.P.C.M.
Published: December 2023

Kunnen bijzondere bancaire zorgplichten worden weggecontracteerd?

In deze bijdrage geven de auteurs hun visie op de houdbaarheid van de contractuele invulling van de (bancaire) zorgplicht in contractuele verhoudingen. Meer in het bijzonder geven zij kort gezegd een antwoord op de vraag of de gevolgen van een schending van de ‘bijzondere bancaire zorgplicht’ door een bank, door middel van een exoneratie, kan worden gereguleerd of zelfs geneutraliseerd? Dit antwoord luidt dat de auteurs de kans substantieel achten dat een dergelijke exoneratie door de bank niet jegens een consument zal kunnen worden ingeroepen in het geval van een schending door de bank van een bijzondere bancaire zorgplicht. Het is volgens de auteurs raadzaam voor banken om te overwegen om dat in hun exoneratieclausules te expliciteren om daarmee te voorkomen dat de exoneraties ook zullen sneuvelen wanneer er niet sprake is van een schending van een bancaire zorgplicht, maar de rechter tot het oordeel zou kunnen komen dat vanwege de latent (te) ruime strekking van de exoneratie deze om die reden vernietigbaar is.
Privaatrechtelijke handhaving van de Digital Markets Act
Authors: de Korte Laurens , Elshof Lois
Published: December 2023

Privaatrechtelijke handhaving van de Digital Markets Act

Dit artikel bespreekt de positie van private partijen in de procedures ter handhaving van de Digital Markets Act (DMA). Hiertoe worden de participatierechten van private partijen in publiekrechtelijke handhavingsprocedures kort besproken. De focus van dit artikel ligt echter op de privaatrechtelijke handhavingspraktijk onder de DMA en met name op de vraag of deze praktijk private partijen een doeltreffende bescherming van hun belangen biedt.
Pengaruh Penampilan Dan Fitur Robot Quality Check Apilastik Terhadap Tingkat Kepuasan Pengguna
Authors: Adelia Tri Aprilian  , Hikmah Rahmah  , Nur Aziezah  , Walidatush Sholihah  , Ridwan Siskandar  , Aep Setiawan
Published: December 2023

Rapid advances in technology, particularly in the Internet of Things (IoT), are enabling the development of devices and robots that can be operated remotely. This research explores the effects of APILASTIK Quality Check Robot Appearance and Features on User Satisfaction Level. This tool, developed by Computer Engineering Technology students at IPB University's Vocational School, aims to detect defects in production products. The robot attracted great attention when it was presented at IT FEST 2023, showing the potential for wide use. Evaluations of the robot's appearance and features showed a positive and significant influence on the level of user satisfaction, with each variable contributing 66.4% and 25.4%, respectively. Hypothesis testing confirmed the overall positive and significant impact, with the coefficient of determination (R2) reaching 82.7%. The results of multiple linear regression analysis and t-test show that the robot's appearance and features individually contribute significantly to user satisfaction. With these findings, we can understand the factors that influence user satisfaction with damage-scanning robots. The recommendation is to focus on feature development or appearance enhancement to improve overall user satisfaction.
El Gobierno francés y las defecciones en el ejército constitucional español en 1823
Authors: La Parra López Emilio
Published: December 2023

Se abordan en este texto las defecciones de cuatro de los cinco generales en jefe de los cuerpos de ejército organizados en 1823 por las autoridades constitucionales para hacer frente a la invasión del ejército francés. Además de examinar las circunstancias de las defecciones -o traiciones, como también son calificadas en la época- se insiste en la actividad del Gobierno francés y del duque de Angulema para provocarlas, ya que las consideraron elemento fundamental de la táctica empleada en esta campaña militar.  Se alude asimismo a la incidencia que tales defecciones pudieron tener en el derrumbe del impulso revolucionario iniciado en 1820.
Instructional Leadership Practices and Students' Academic Achievement
Authors: Parveen Nazia , Rubab Um E , Rahman Farah , Yousuf M. Imran
Published: December 2023

Instructional leadership practices are essential components to promote a healthy environment and to get students' good performance, abilities, and satisfactory academic results within the classroom. The purpose of this study is to seek the learner's achievement with the help of motivation, teacher competency, self-efficacy, and teachers handling specific corporate challenges through the instructional practices rendered by school heads. A quantitative research design was used to target the data from the participants. The target population of the study was instructional heads of federal public secondary schools in Islamabad. The study sample comprised instructional heads of twenty secondary schools. The survey method was used to get the responses of the participants. A statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used to enter the participants' responses. Mean and correlation tests were used to get the participants' results. The study results showed that leadership practices have a positive impact on students' academic achievement. Teachers should encourage the students to promote a healthy environment for learning. Teachers' desires, reward systems, high expectations for students, an organization, and students, as well as teachers' commitment and engagement in classroom activities, are essential practices for student achievement. Curriculum designers must promote productive, continuous motivational & managerial teaching methods in textbooks for learners and teachers.
Toxic Behaviour of Employees and Performance of Private Sector Organizations in Pakistan: A Mixed Method Study
Authors: Muqeet Muhammad , Hussain Syed Kashif , Shaikh Gul Muhammad , Sheikh Salman Masood
Published: December 2023

This research article is based on a mixed-method study to find out the effect of toxic employees on the performance of private education sector organizations in Pakistan. The present study was focused on evaluating the impact of toxic employee behaviour (TE) on organizational performance (OP) in Pakistani private Education sector organizations as part of a quantitative Study, whereas interviews were conducted for the qualitative part through snowball sampling techniques and thematic analysis was done to verify the results as a sequential matrix of research design. A total of 348 responses were collected through convenience sampling. Data was processed and analysed by employing confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. The findings represented that TE negatively impacted OP in private-sector companies in Pakistan. Ten employees and leaders were interviewed for the qualitative part of the study. Furthermore, team harmony and OP had a significant association. TE was found to negatively impact TH. As for the indirect effects, the mediating role of TH was significant in the linkage between TE and OP, whereas it was revealed that managerial competence did not significantly moderate the association between TH and TE. The study provides significant theoretical and practical implications along with recommendations for future research.
Auxin originated from Actinobacteria participates in abiotic stress mitigation and sustainable crop production
Authors: ALLOUN Wiem , KECIS Hadjer , CHAOUA Samah , CORNU Bertrand , DJELID Hadjer , GARES Maroua , KACEM CHAOUCHE Noreddine
Published: December 2023

Plants activate their defence mechanisms to prevent damage caused by environmental stimuli through signaling pathways controlled by growth regulators. These stresses adversely affect plants' growth, disrupting the genetic control of cellular pathways and altering their metabolism, physiology and morphology. Auxin influences phenotypic plasticity under optimal and unfavourable growth conditions. This review discusses the progress in the research on auxin-mediated stress alleviation in response to abiotic stresses in plants. Then, a brief presentation of studies emphasizing the significance of auxin-producing actinobacteria and how microbial auxin promotes plant development and stress tolerance. Then, the review probes the importance of actinobacteria strains as auxin metabolic engineers and their use as natural auxin suppliers in agriculture. Finally, the review explores future biotechnology possibilities through small-scale, large-scale production and agriculture's gradual banishment of chemical phytosanitary inputs.
Characterization of lipases and preliminary purification of tributyrinesterases from lactic acid bacteria strains belonging to the Enterococcus and Lactococcus genera
Authors: DELLALI Amina , BOUBLENZA Faiza , ZADI-KARAM Halima , KARAM Nour-Eddine
Published: December 2023

The objective of this study is to characterize and attempt to purify lipolytic enzymes derived from strains of Enterococcus and Lactococcus genera isolated from various environments. For this purpose, ten strains of lactic acid bacteria were studied for their lipolytic and esterasic activities on an MRS (Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe) medium containing natural and/or artificial lipid substrates. Among them, two strains: Lactococcus lactis subsp lactis and Lactococcus lactis subsp cremoris showed maximum extracellular lipolytic activity in the presence of 1% olive oil. It was observed that both strains exhibited higher lipolytic activity at pH 7 and 8, with an optimal temperature of 30 °C and 37 °C, respectively. Glucose was found to be the best carbon source for both tested strains. The study of growth kinetics and fatty acid production over time revealed that fatty acid production begins during the exponential phase and reaches its maximum during the stationary phase. The purification of tributyrinesterases was carried out on two strains of Enterococcus genus: Enterococcus feacium and Enterococcus durans through ammonium sulfate precipitation and Sephadex G-100 gel filtration chromatography allowed the estimation of the molecular weight of the tributyrinesterases as 32.09 kDa and 38.49 kDa for both strains, respectively.
Metabolite profiling of wild underutilized raspberry (Rubus pyrifolius)
Authors: ISMAINI Lily , SURYA Muhammad Iman
Published: December 2023

Rubus pyrifolius J.E. Smith, one of the Rubus species, has been found in Indonesia and collected in the Cibodas Botanical Garden. Rubus species are known for their diverse triterpenes, each with unique biological functions. This research aimed to analyse the metabolite profiles of R. pyrifolius using n-hexane and methanol solvents. GC-MS analysis was used to identify volatile and semi-volatile compounds in the R. pyrifolius extracts, with compound identification based on NIST 17 through GC/MS mass spectra analysis. The results showed that the total number of identified phytochemical compounds in methanol and n-hexane extracts of R. pyrifolius were 115 and 174, respectively. Methanol extracts from R. pyrifolius flower, young leaf, mature leaf, and young stem exhibited 46, 20, 15, and 34 compounds, respectively. In contrast, n-hexane extracts from R. pyrifolius flower, young leaf, mature leaf, and young stem contained 35, 47, 29, and 63 compounds, respectively. These compounds were classified into seven phytochemical groups: alkanes, alkenes, cyclic ethers, diterpenes, fatty acids, triterpenes, and vitamin E. Furthermore, only carboxylic esters, ergosterols, esters, fatty alcohols, and phenols were found in n-hexane extracts. The methanol extract showed seven significant phytochemical groups, including linolenic acid, phthalate esters, phytol, phytosterol, sterol lipids, terpenoids, and triterpenoids. R. pyrifolius possesses a variety of bioactive phytochemical profiles that are relevant in the field of phytopharmaceuticals. Nevertheless, further research is essential to determine their biological activity.
Unrevalling phenotypic diversity of root system architecture in ancient wheat species versus modern wheat cultivars
Authors: AKMAN Hayati , YILDIRIM Emine , BAĞCI Seydi Ahmet
Published: December 2023

Understanding the phenotypic variability in root system architecture and root-shoot relationships across different growth stages of wheat is of utmost importance for the improvement of genotypes with enhanced nutrient uptake and resource-use efficiency. This study focused on identifying variations and relationships in the root and shoot characteristics of seven modern cultivars and twelve ancient wheat accessions of different species, including T. monococcum, T. turanicum, T. polonicum, T. mirabile, T. durum, and T. aestivum, during the early vegetative growth and stem elongation stages. The results demonstrated significant phenotypic variation among the genotypes for shoot traits, root biomass, rooting depth, R/S ratio, and seminal and nodal root numbers. When considering both growth stages, the dry land-adapted cultivar ‘Taner’ and ancient wheat species, such as T. turanicum (2) and T. monococcum (1) accessions, exhibited deeper roots, which can enhance access to water in drought-prone areas. Furthermore, it was observed that modern wheat cultivars and T. turanicum accessions exhibited increased root biomass, suggesting a higher allocation of resources towards root growth, which could potentially enhance nutrient uptake. Conversely, T. monococcum accessions and T. mirabile revealed lower root biomass compared to other ancient species and modern cultivars. Additionally, the unrooted cluster analysis based on root biomass, rooting depth, and root to shoot ratio at both growth stages indicated a distinct separation of T. monococcum accessions and T. mirabile from other genotypes. Overall, these findings underscore the importance of phenotypic diversity in root traits for crop improvement and adaptation to varying environments. Identifying genotypes with desirable root characteristics can enhance nutrient and water uptake efficiencies, leading to increased crop productivity and sustainability.
Conditioning of fear and conditioning of safety in rats
Authors: Walasek Grażyna , Węsierska Małgorzata , Zieliński Kazimierz
Published: December 2023

In separate groups of rats forward and backward procedures for classical defensive conditioning were superimposed on on-going bar pressing for food. The forward conditioned stimulus elicited suppression of bar presses, indicating acquisition of fear. The backward stimulus paired with identical shock elicited behaviour typical for rats in a condition of safety and caused an increase of bar press rate. Enhancement of bar presses acquired in the course of backward conditioning was stable, immune to influences from unsignalled shocks presented in the same experimental context, and resistant to extinction when all shocks were discontinued. Properties of the employed variety of the backward conditioning procedure are discussed. When a brief shock overshadowed the onset of a backward stimulus, the remaining portion of the stimulus became a signal of safety.
Sensory conditioning and sensory stimulation do not affect GABAA receptor binding in the barrel field of mice
Authors: Jablońska Beata , Skangiel-Kramska Jolanta
Published: December 2023

The whisker-to-barrel system of adult mice was used in a study on the effects of short-lasting tactile stimulation and sensory conditioning training on GABAA receptor binding in the barrel field of somatosensory cortex. In vitro receptor binding autoradiography was used to examine the pattern and intensity of [3H]muscimol binding to GABAA receptors. A well-defined pattern of GABAA receptors in the barrel field remained unaffected after both procedures used. Also, no differences in intensity of GABAA receptor binding were observed. These results suggest that GABAA receptors are not involved in the plastic changes developing during sensory conditioning training.
PC based EEG mapping system
Authors: Walerjan Piotr , Tarnecki Remigiusz
Published: December 2023

A PC based program has been designed for analysis of EEG data using brain electrical activity mapping technique. It operates under control of MS-DOS operating system and can be used as a stand alone program or incorporated into a digital EEG system. The program can apply different map interpolation algorithms from nearest neighbours methods to spherical spline functions. It performs analyses in the time and frequency domain. It applies different mapping parameters like amplitude, spectral values and a new one - first time derivative of amplitude. The program is being successfully used in clinical tests of epilepsy and Parkinson disease in our laboratory.
Gene expression and induced ischemic tolerance following brief insults
Authors: Abe Hiroshi , Nowak Thaddeus
Published: December 2023

Striking changes in gene expression occur after transient ischemic insults, including the induction of heat shock proteins that are believed to play a central role in cellular defense mechanisms, and proto-oncogene (immediate-early gene) transcription factors that regulate the expression of diverse target genes. Such effects potentially contribute to a wide range of pathophysiological responses. A number of studies have characterized models of induced ischemic tolerance in which brief priming insults are demonstrated to result in reduced vulnerability to subsequent challenges. In the present study we have optimized a model of induced ischemic tolerance in the gerbil by carefully monitoring the duration of ischemic depolarization during each insult. Using this model we demonstrate that the threshold depolarization required to induce tolerance is comparable to those for induction of several transcription factor mRNAs, while mRNA encoding the heat shock protein, hsp72, is strongly induced only after more severe insults that approach the threshold for ischemic neuronal injury.
Effects of cervical sympathetic nerve stimulation on the cerebral microcirculation: possible clinical implications
Authors: Deriu Magda , Roatta Silvestro , Grassi Claudio , Micieli Giuseppe
Published: December 2023

The action of bilateral cervical sympathetic nerve (CSN) stimulation on mean cerebral blood flow (CBF) and on its rhythmical fluctuations was studied in normotensive rabbits by using laser-Doppler flowmetry (LDF). A reduction in mean CBF, mediated by alpha-adrenoceptors, was the predominant effect; it was more often present and larger in size in the vascular beds supplied by the carotid than in those supplied by the vertebro-basilar system. This suggests that the sympathetic action facilitates a redistribution of blood flow to the brain stem. The effect induced by CSN stimulation on CBF spontaneous oscillations was a consistent decrease in amplitude and an increase in frequency, irrespective of the changes produced on the mean level of CBF. The possible implications of the sympathetic action on the state of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are discussed. Experimental and clinical data dealing with the influence of sympathetic activation on the cerebrovascular system have been compared. As a result the possibility of analysing the spontaneous oscillations of CBF for clinical purposes is suggested.
Cholinergic/GABAergic interaction in the production of EEG theta oscillations in rat hippocampal formation in vitro
Authors: Gołębiewski Henryk , Eckersdorf Barbara , Konopacki Jan
Published: December 2023

The generation of EEG theta rhythm (RSA) in the hippocampal formation is a prime example of rhythmic activity involving central mechanisms of oscillation and synchrony. Cholinergic nature of the in vitro and in vivo induced RSA has been undoubtedly established. Recently, we have demonstrated in vitro that the hippocampal formation theta rhythm resulted from interaction between the cholinergic and GABAergic systems. In the present study we have provided additional in vitro evidence that the hippocampal GABA-A receptors are actively involved in the mechanism of theta production. Specifically, we demonstrated that bicuculline - GAB A-A antagonist significantly augmented carbachol induced theta response increasing amplitude and power of rhythmical slow waves. In separate experiments the carbachol+bicuculline induced RSA were studied in the presence of muscarinic M1 and M2 antagonists - pirenzepine and gallamine (respectively) and GABA-A agonist - muscimol. Both pirenzepine and muscimol antagonized induced theta oscillations and gallamine was found to be completely ineffective in blocking this EEG response. The results provided evidence for M1 cholinergic/GABA-Aergic interaction in mechanisms responsible for theta production.
Effect of acute and chronic lead exposure on the level of sulfhydryl groups in rat brain
Authors: Dąbrowska-Bouta Beata , Strużyńska Lidia , Rafałowska Urszula
Published: December 2023

Lead is known to be a potent neurotoxic agent. The interactions of lead with proteins are considered to be at least one of the mechanisms due to which lead exerts its toxicity. In the present work we demonstrate that acute and chronic models of exposure to lead affected the level of total and protein-bound SH groups in homogenates and synaptosomes obtained from rat brains. The concentrations of SH groups were lowered significantly (P
Disturbances in time limited storage of sensory information after right temporal lobectomy
Authors: Szatkowska Iwona , Szymańska Olga , Bednarek Dorota , Skowrońska Renata , Grabowska Anna
Published: December 2023

Our previous study performed on subjects with no brain damage suggested that processes involved in the storage of sensory information are lateralized to the right hemisphere. The present research aimed at verifying this hypothesis by studying the effect of unilateral temporal lobe lesion on performance in a sensory information storage test. Seventeen patients who had undergone a unilateral temporal lobectomy for the relief of intractable epilepsy (8 subjects – left hemisphere damage, 9 subjects – right hemisphere damage) and 11 normal control subjects with no brain damage were tested. The subjects were presented with geometrical Vanderplas type figures exposed in pairs, each for 100 ms, one after another, with short (50 ms and 500 ms) and long (3,000 ms) interstimulus intervals (ISI). The task of the subjects was to judge whether the second stimulus was the same as, smaller or bigger than the first one. The first stimulus in each pair was exposed unilaterally, randomly in the left (LVF) or right (RVF) visual field, and the second one in the centre of the screen. In short ISI condition the RH-damaged group performed worse than both the control group and the LH-damaged group. In long ISI condition the RH-damaged group did not differ from the controls. On the contrary the LH-damaged group did not differ significantly from the controls in any ISI condition. The results show that temporal lobe structures are involved in time limited storage of sensory information. Moreover, they provide further evidence for the right-hemispheric locus of this storage.
Sex differences in the processing of odd and even numbers
Authors: Hines Terence , Herman-Jeglińska Anna , Bednarek Dorota , Grabowska Anna
Published: December 2023

Previous research has shown that decisions about odd numbers take longer than decisions about even numbers (the "odd effect"). It has also been shown that females are better at processing linguistic stimuli and males are better at processing spatial stimuli. In the present experiment, male and female subjects made odd versus even classification judgments on numbers presented visually in three different formats: digits, number words, and dot patterns. Males showed longer decision times for odd numbers only when the numbers were presented in the dot pattern format. Females showed this effect only when the stimuli were presented in the word format. These results suggest that a differential speed of response to odd and even numbers is found most strongly when the stimuli are presented in a format which is processed more efficiently by the subjects. This finding may imply that the effect is being produced by some higher order cognitive process, based on higher order representations that do not necessarily involve linguistic or verbal coding.
Use of melatonin in circadian rhythm disorders and following phase shifts
Authors: Skene Debra , Deacon Stephen , Arendt Josephine
Published: December 2023

melatonin, circadian rhythm disorders, phase shifts, blindness, jet lag
Long-term potentiation and long-term depression of horizontal connections in rat motor cortex
Authors: Hess Grzegorz , Donoghue John
Published: December 2023

This paper reviews studies that investigated conditions resulting in long-lasting modifications of synaptic efficacy in horizontal connections within layers II/III of adult rat motor cortex using the in vitro slice preparation. Long-term potentiation (LTP) was induced by high frequency theta burst stimulation (TBS) when local synaptic inhibition was transiently suppressed by bicuculline methiodide application at the recording site immediately prior to TBS of the horizontal pathway. Without bicuculline, TBS failed to produce LTP. LTP could also be induced without Bic application by conjoint TBS of horizontal and vertical (ascending) inputs. By contrast, long-term depression (LTD) of horizontal transmission was induced by 10 min of 2 Hz stimulation. Depressed horizontal connections nevertheless retained the capability for synaptic strength increases. These studies indicate that synaptic modification across horizontally connected neurones is regulated both by the arrangement of their intrinsic circuits and by the availability of mechanisms for modification at individual synapses. Activity dependent forms of synaptic plasticity operating within horizontal connections may form a spatial substrate and mechanism for experience-dependent regulation of cortical representations.
ATP a potent regulator of inositol phospholipids-phospholipase C and lipid mediators in brain cortex
Authors: Strosznajder Joanna , Strosznajder Robert
Published: December 2023

Adenosine-5'trisphosphate (ATP) is stored and co-released with various neurotransmitters but it may also act as a fast excitatory neurotransmitter trough the activation of purinoreceptor(s). In this study the effect of ATP on phospholipase C (PLC) degrading labelled PtdIns(4,5)P2 and PtdIns in brain cortex slices, brain homogenate and subcellular fractions was investigated. It was found that A TP added into brain slices activated significantly and specifically PtdIns(4,5)P2 degradation and this process was inhibited by theophylline. Moreover, ATP maintained a higher level of inositol(1,4,5)P3 radioactivity in total water-soluble inositol metabolites. However, ATP added directly for the assay of PLC into brain homogenate or subcellular fractions inhibits phosphoinositide degradation in a receptor-independent manner and suppresses conversion of Ins(l,4,5)P3 into Ins(1,4)P2. Our results indicate that ATP acting extracellularly through a purinergic receptor(s) activates PtdIns(4,5)P2 degradation and release of Ins(l,4,5)P3. ATP acting directly on PLC inhibits in a receptor-independent manner phosphoinositide degradation, and protects against liberation of lipid-derived second messengers.
Is lead toxicosis a reflection of altered energy metabolism in brain synaptosomes?
Authors: Rafałowska Urszula , Strużyńska Lidia , Dąbrowska-Bouta Beata , Lenkiewicz Aleksandra
Published: December 2023

The aim of the experiments presented here was to discern whether prolonged consumption of leaden water, that imitates environmental exposure, affects some energetic parameters in nerve endings of adult rat brains. Our results indicated that during chronic lead intoxication the oxidation chain of synaptic mitochondria remains intact. The oxygen consumption by synaptosomes and activity of cytochrom oxidase in synaptic and pericarionic mitochondria obtained from intoxicated rats did not change in comparison to those from the control samples. Compared with the control samples, the concentration of ATP decreased and the concentration of creatine phosphate (CrP) increased drastically in fractions obtained from Pb2+ intoxicated animals with simultaneously increased activity of creatine kinase (CK). It seems likely that, the CrP/Cr/CK system constitutes a satisfactory regulatory mechanism for chronic Pb2+ toxicity effects on energy metabolism in nerve endings of the adult rats.