bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidative instability of ionomers in hydroxide-exchange-membrane electrolyzers
Authors: Lindquist Grace , Gaitor Jamie , Thompson Willow , Brogden Valerie , Noonan Kevin , Boettcher Shannon
Published: April 2023

Hydroxide exchange membrane (HEM) electrolyzers can produce green H2 with only earth-abundant catalysts and electrolyte-free (nominally pure) water feed, significantly decreasing system cost and complexity. However, HEM technology suffers from short lifetimes, attributed in part to poor stability of anion-exchange polymers used in the membrane and catalyst layers. Here, we use electrochemical analysis and ex-situ characterization techniques to study anion exchange polymer degradation in electrolyzers. Using multiple ionomers, catalyst layer additives, and electrolyte feed, we show anode ionomer oxidation is the dominant degradation mechanism for all HEM-based electrolyzers tested. We show improved device stability using oxidation-resistant catalyst layer binders and offer new design strategies for advanced ionomer and catalyst layer development.
A comparison among bio-derived acids as selective eco-friendly leaching agents for cobalt: the case study of hard metals waste enhancement
Authors: Oumarou Amadou Amadou , Cera Martina , Trudu Stefano , Piredda Martina , Cara Stefano , De Gaudenzi Gian Pietro , Matharu Avtar Singh , Marchiò Luciano , Tegoni Matteo , Muntoni Aldo , De Gioannis Giorgia , SERPE ANGELA
Published: April 2023

Peculiar chemical, mechanical and magnetic properties make cobalt a key metal for a variety of “hot” applications like cathode production of Li-ion batteries. Cobalt is also the preferred metallic binder for tungsten carbide tools manufacturing. The recent increasing criticality of cobalt and tungsten is driving the interest of manufacturers and researchers towards high-rate recycling of Hard Metals (HMs) waste for limiting the demand of raw materials. A simple and environmentally friendly hydrometallurgical route for Co selective dissolution from HM wastes was developed by using weak, bio-derived and biodegradable organic acids (OAs). In this study OAs, namely acetic (HAc), citric (H3Cit), maleic (H2Mal), lactic (HLac), succinic (H2Suc), lactobionic (HLB), and itaconic (H2It) acids, were selected for their pKa1 values spanning from 1.8 to 4.7 and systematically tested as selective cobalt leaching agents from WC-Co-based wastes in water, isolating the formed complexes at the solid state. Thereby, all of them seemed to be efficient in selective Co-leaching, achieving almost quantitative Co dissolution from HM by-products still at low concentration level and room conditions in a short time, leaving the residual WC unreacted and ready to be re-employed for industrial purposes. Nevertheless, two main categories of organic acids were distinguished depending on their oxidizing/complexing behavior: Class 1 OAs, where the metal oxidation is carried out by H+; Class 2 OAs where oxidation is played by an external oxidant like O2. A combined experimental/theoretical investigation is here described to show the reasons behind this peculiar behavior and laid the foundation for a wider discussion on the leaching capabilities of OAs towards elemental metals. Due to the demonstrated effectiveness, low cost, eco-friendliness and large availability through biotechnological fermentative processes, particular attention is here devoted to the use of HLac in hydrometallurgy as an example of Class 2 OA. WC-Co materials recovered by HLac mild hydrometallurgy demonstrated a metallurgical quality suitable for re-employment in the HM manufacturing process.
Phase segregation and nanoconfined fluid O2 in a lithium-rich oxide cathode
Authors: McColl Kit , Coles Samuel W. , Zarabadi–Poor Pezhman , Morgan Benjamin J. , Islam M. Saiful
Published: April 2023

Lithium-rich oxide cathodes lose energy density during cycling due to atomic disordering and nanoscale structural rearrangements, both of which are challenging to characterise. Here we use a combined approach of ab initio molecular dynamics and cluster-expansion-based Monte Carlo simulations to resolve the kinetics and thermodynamics of these processes in an exemplar layered Li-rich cathode, Li1.2–xMn0.8O2. We identify a kinetically accessible and thermodynamically favoured mechanism to form O2 molecules in the bulk, involving Mn migration and driven by interlayer oxygen dimerisation. At the top of charge the bulk structure locally phase-segregates into MnO2-rich regions and Mn-deficient nanovoids, which contain O2 molecules as a nanoconfined fluid. These nanovoids are connected in a percolating network, potentially allowing long-ranged oxygen transport, and linking bulk O2 formation to surface O2 loss. These insights highlight the importance of future strategies to kinetically stabilise the bulk structure of Li-rich O-redox cathodes to maintain their high energy densities.
Predicting nearest neighbor free energies of modified RNA with LIE: Results for pseudouridine and N1-methylpseudouridine within RNA duplexes
Authors: Dutta Nivedita , Sarzynska Joanna , Deb Indrajit , Lahiri Ansuman
Published: April 2023

Pseudouridine and N1-methylpseudouridine are the key modifications in the field of mRNA therapeutics and vaccine research. The accuracy of the design and development of therapeutic RNAs containing such modifications requires the accuracy of the secondary structure prediction, that depends on the nearest neighbor (NN) thermodynamic parameters for the standard and modified residues. The development of such NN thermodynamic parameters requires expensive and time-consuming experimental studies. There were some earlier attempts to predict the NN free energies of modified RNA using computational methods but those are either computationally expensive or not accurate enough. Here, we propose a new protocol based on MD simulations, which is able to predict the NN free energy parameters (ΔG◦37) for U-A, Ψ-A and m1Ψ-A pairs in general agreement with the recent experimental reports. We report the NN thermodynamic parameters for different U, Ψ and m1Ψ base pairs, which might be helpful for a deeper understanding of the effect of these modifications in RNA. The presence of m1Ψ resulted in more stable NN pairs compared to those containing U or Ψ. The predicted NN free energy parameters in this study are able to closely reproduce the folding free energies of duplexes containing internal Ψ for which the thermodynamic data were available. Additionally, we report the predicted folding free energies for the duplexes containing internal m1Ψ.
Comparing Mulligan Mobilization and Neural Mobilization Effects in Patients with Cervical Radiculopathy
Authors: M Srinivasulu , Chunduri Divya
Published: April 2023

Background Mulligan mobilization and neural mobilization have already made a mark and have been found effective in reducing pain disability and in improving range of motion in patients with cervical radiculopathy. Objective The present study was intended to compare the effects of Mulligan mobilization versus neural mobilization in cervical radiculopathy.Methods Thirty patients with cervical radiculopathy were conveniently assigned to two groups ndash Group A n15 were treated with Mulligan mobilization while Group B n15 were treated with neural mobilization. Intermittent cervical traction was used as a common treatment for both the groups. Treatment dosage for both groups was seven sessions or one week. Neck disability functional level and range of motion before and after the treatment program were evaluated by using Neck Disability Index questionnaire Patient Specific Functional Scale questionnaire and Goniometer respectively.Results In Group A amp Group B significant improvement in condition existed within the groups. There was a significant reduction in neck disability increase in functional level and increase in ROM following Mulligan and neural mobilizations. Though patients who received neural mobilization did better than patients who received Mulligan there was no significant difference between the groups. PSFS p0.572NS NDI p0.269NS ROM Flexion p0.776NS extension p0.302NS lateral flexion ndash right p0.282NS lateral flexion ndash left p0.877NS side rotation ndash left p0.72NS were noted.Conclusion Neural mobilization showed better results than Mulligan mobilization in the management of cervical radiculopathy. However there was no significant difference between the groups.Keywords Cervical radiculopathy Mulligan mobilization Neural mobilization Neck disability Functional level.
The histone H4K20 methyltransferase SUV4-20H1/KMT5B is required for multiciliated cell differentiation in Xenopus
Authors: Angerilli Alessandro , Tait Janet , Berges Julian , Shcherbakova Irina , Pokrovsky Daniil , Schauer Tamas , Smialowski Pawel , Hsam Ohnmar , Mentele Edith , Nicetto Dario , Rupp Ralph AW
Published: April 2023

H4 lysine 20 dimethylation (H4K20me2) is the most abundant histone modification in vertebrate chromatin. It arises from sequential methylation of unmodified histone H4 proteins by the mono-methylating enzyme PR-SET7/KMT5A, followed by conversion to the dimethylated state by SUV4-20H (KMT5B/C) enzymes. We have blocked the deposition of this mark by depleting Xenopus embryos of SUV4-20H1/H2 methyltransferases. In the larval epidermis, this results in a severe loss of cilia in multiciliated cells (MCC), a key component of mucociliary epithelia. MCC precursor cells are correctly specified, amplify centrioles, but ultimately fail in ciliogenesis because of the perturbation of cytoplasmic processes. Genome-wide transcriptome profiling reveals that SUV4-20H1/H2-depleted ectodermal explants preferentially down-regulate the expression of several hundred ciliogenic genes. Further analysis demonstrated that knockdown of SUV4-20H1 alone is sufficient to generate the MCC phenotype and that its catalytic activity is needed for axoneme formation. Overexpression of the H4K20me1-specific histone demethylase PHF8/KDM7B also rescues the ciliogenic defect in a significant manner. Taken together, this indicates that the conversion of H4K20me1 to H4K20me2 by SUV4-20H1 is critical for the formation of cilia tufts.
Formation of digital competence of future doctors in the study of the educational component «Medical informatics»
Authors: Batyuk Liliya , Zhernovnykova Oksana
Published: April 2023

The article considers and analyzes the problem of students’ acquisition of digital competencies in the study of the educational component «Medical Informatics» in the institution of higher education. The purpose of the article is to analyze the theoretical essence and content of the concept of digital competence and the competence of future doctors in the field of digital health care. Consider digital medical education and the acquisition of digital competence by students of higher medical educational institutions of Ukraine, using as an example the acquisition of digital competence in the study of the educational component «Medical Informatics». To achieve this goal, the analysis and synthesis of search results in information systems to determine the concepts of research, methods of expert evaluation, testing, questionnaires, observation, modeling, forecasting. The process of implementation of information processes in the field of health care, which involves the use of digital technologies, and determines the priority need for future health professionals to acquire relevant practical skills vital to medical records, medical and social data, patient morbidity analysis, etc., was considered. The program of the educational component «Medical Informatics» is based on practical experience of applied medical and biological specialties and works in the context of systems and organizations of clinical and public health for the development of experiments, interventions and approaches. This depth of methods of medical informatics determines the basis of the discipline and ensures its consistency with the definition of a common set of basic digital competencies. Acquisition of basic digital competencies in the study of the educational component «Medical Informatics», which is both medical and scientific and technological areas, makes teaching medical students the basics of problems and tasks aimed at using authentic digital data and systems aimed at building future competencies of doctors in the field of medical informatics are important and necessary for a student with one basic type of education that meets the needs and career goals of the future doctor. In accordance with the requirements of the Standard, the educational component «Medical Informatics» provides students with key digital competecies, which assume that future physicians will be creative, ask the right questions, demonstrate scientific skepticism, question past approaches, and strictly apply planning methods of experiments, data analysis and assessment theory. It is established that the integrative learning outcomes, the formation of which is facilitated by the educational component «Medical Informatics» is the formation of the future doctor’s competence in the field of digital technologies.
Modification of the program «Young tourists-local historians» as a means of meeting the educational needs of schoolchildren with intellectual disorders
Authors: Syniov Viktor , Kovalenko Viktoriia
Published: April 2023

The article considers the problem of modification of the curriculum «Young tourists-local historians» of the tourist-local history direction of out-of-school education of primary level for primary schoolchildren with intellectual disabilities. The aim of the article is to reveal the content of the modification of the program «Young tourists-local historians» as a means of meeting the educational needs of students with intellectual disabilities. Modification is seen as a strategy to simplify the content of the curriculum, teaching and, as a result, the level of knowledge and skills that a child must acquire during learning. The theoretical basis for the modification of the curriculum was the conditions of quality education of children with intellectual disabilities, defined by V. M. Sinyov. Modification of the program was carried out taking into account the modal-specific patterns of physical, intellectual development and the level of socialization of primary school students with intellectual disabilities. The purpose of the training program «Young tourists-local historians» is to promote the development and socialization of children with intellectual disabilities by involving them in tourism, sports and local history activities and the formation of educational, cognitive, life-practical, civic and social; environmental and health competencies. Structural and substantive sections of the modified curriculum are: general propaedeutic; tourist and sports training; local lore; physical culture and safety of life. The content of these sections is studied by children for four years. The content of the program takes into account the requirements of the State standard of basic and complete general secondary education in the fields of «Social Sciences», «Health and Physical Culture», «Natural Sciences». The program contains information that deepens and complements the content of disciplines studied in general secondary education, including special schools, such as: «Science», «Fundamentals of Health», «I am in the world» and correctional and developmental program «Social and household orientation». The presented program was implemented in the activities of the Municipal Institution «Kharkiv Regional Station of Young Tourists» of the Kharkiv Regional Council, Volyn Center for National and Patriotic Education, Tourism and Local History and its effectiveness was proved.
Organization of the educational process of music education in secondary schools of China
Authors: Tingting Zhou
Published: April 2023

The relevance of the study is due to the policy of China, which is implemented in social and economic aspects. It was noted that the country's competitiveness will become more stable if its development is carried out by conscious and educated citizens who are ready to help the state in implementing reforms. This article presents a digression into the history of the organization of the educational process of music education in secondary schools in China: considers the main stages of music education in China, noted specific national features, as well as Western European influence on its formation. The purpose of the study is to analyze the state of music education, as well as the features of its organization in schools in China. To solve the purpose of our study were used: research methods: analysis, comparison, generalization to study the scientific literature on the outlined problem, which allowed to determine the nature and features of the educational process of music education in secondary schools in China. It is noted that the changes that have taken place in the country have become an important stimulus for the development of the Chinese school system in general and music education as part of it. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China until the period of reforms and openness, the goals and objectives of general music education have changed, approaching those approved in the best world practice. Modern aesthetic thought of China has been formed since the beginning of the XX century. Knowledge of European aesthetic education at the state level penetrates the country in the first years after the formation of China. Since then, aesthetic education is perceived as an important element of general education. Children had the opportunity to expand their musical worldview by studying the best works of Chinese folk music, outstanding foreign works, learn basic musical knowledge and simple music skills. Thus, since the era of «reforms and openness», the changes taking place due to access to the achievements of world pedagogical theory and practice are an impetus for creative renewal of the pedagogical process and its intensification in secondary schools in China.
Formation of valeological competence in conditions of classroom and distance learning
Authors: Shevchenko Alexander , Kucherenko Serhii , Komyshan Anatolii , Shevchenko Valentina , Kucherenko Nataliia
Published: April 2023

Formulation of the problem. The article considers the problem of valeological (health saving) competence formation in non-medical students. Health saving competencies are based on a healthy lifestyle, safe behavior practices and the ability to provide emergency pre-hospital care to victims in critical situations. The formation of valeological competence in non-medical takes place during the study of valeological disciplines (including "Fundamentals of Medical Knowledge", "Health Pedagogy" and others) in higher education institutions (HEI). Since the spring of 2019, the teaching of these disciplines is forced to take place in distance form.

The purpose of the article. To compare the formation of valeological competence in students of the same educational level who were trained in a standardized valeological program in conditions of classroom and distance learning.

Research methods. The study used methods: qualimetric and expert assessments – to form a factor-criterion model of valeological competence, pedagogical experiment and mathematical statistics – to calculate and compare the results of the formation of valeological competence, randomization – to form comparison groups.

The main results of the study. It is established that valeological competence and the vast majority of its components (13/14) are better formed during classroom training. Thus, a high level of competence (75–100%) was reached by 14.4% of students who studied in the classroom form (offline), and only 10.1% of students who studied in the distance form (online). Possible reasons for this difference are the need to conduct classroom classes (trainings, role-playing games, emergency training) and higher initial level of knowledge of human anatomy and physiology in students who have undergone classroom training.

Conclusions. It is concluded that it is necessary to return to classroom learning after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic in the world and the war in Ukraine for more successful formation of valeological competence in non-medical students.
Resettlement features of population of Ternopil oblast in the context of new administrative and territorial system
Authors: Zablotovska Natalia , Danilova Olha , Salii Mykhailo
Published: April 2023

The study is devoted to the study of territorial differences in the resettlement of the population of Ternopil oblast after the introduction of changes in the administrative-territorial structure of the oblast, as one of the oblast regions where the boundaries and centers of the new administrative raions practically coincided with their eponymous inter-district resettlement systems. After all, as a result of the change in the administrative-territorial system, we received a certain redistribution of the population within the basic units of resettlement systems, and they are the beginning of those irreversible changes in resettlement systems that we will observe in the coming years. The article calculates and analyzes indicators-characteristics of population placement at the level of territorial communities of the oblast. The author uses the indicators of area of administrative units and their population, population density, the average distance between settlements, the coefficient of urbanization and the share of the urban population, the population concentration index and the degree of development of connections between the centers of territorial communities, as an indicator of the future prospects of cooperation between newly formed administrative centers.

According to all the analyzed characteristics, at the raion level, Ternopil raion takes the leading position, and it was formed on the basis of the inter-district resettlement system of the same name. While Kremenets acts as an outsider. Which is expected, taking into account the peculiarities of the development of the Ternopil subregional resettlement system. But studies at the level of territorial communities, which actually have become the basis of new resettlement systems at the local level, have shown qualitative advantages in the resettlement characteristics of communities that form the supporting framework of resettlement in Ternopil oblast. The obtained results showed that the existing disproportions in the resettlement of the population of the study region, with the implementation of the new administrative-territorial system, have not only remained, but will intensify in the future. As a result of the analysis of all the above-mentioned indicators-characteristics of resettlement, the determining role of centers former inter-raion resettlement systems and separate centers of bush-level resettlement systems can be traced.
Financial and infrastructure centers of the Western region of Ukraine
Authors: Lohin Zlata
Published: April 2023

The article analyses the financial and infrastructural hubs, centres and points that are the point forms of geospatial organization of the financial infrastructure of the Western region of Ukraine. The definition of the concepts "financial and infrastructural hub", "financial and infrastructural centre" and "financial and infrastructural point" is offered. Specific point forms of geospatial organization at three levels are considered. A feature of the financial infrastructure is its ability to make rapid changes that can be caused at the local, regional, national and global levels, so its transformation occurs simultaneously through two multifunctional processes – globalization and regionalization.

There are four main provisions that are provided by the geospatial organization, namely: a) the relative location of objects; b) the existence of relationships of different types (spatial information, human, etc.); c) the existence of territorial social formations (structures, entities, systems); d) their ability to continue to operate (availability of conditions for transformation). The influence of demographic and socio-economic factors was revealed on the selection of specific point forms of financial infrastructure, the social potential of settlements in the study region was taken into account. Particular attention is paid to financial and infrastructure centres, as more requirements are placed on their allocation. Financial and infrastructural centers are also formed under the influence of historical and geographical factors. Attention is drawn to the problem of transforming specific point-type objects from point to centre to hub and vice versa. The impact of decentralization reform and the new administrative-territorial structure, which led to an increase in the number of financial and infrastructural points but reduced the number of financial and infrastructural centres, are taken into account.
The place of South Asia in the world economy: human-geographical, geo-economic and geopolitical aspects
Authors: Mamchur Olha , Vanda Iryna
Published: April 2023

The article deals with the positioning of South Asia in the world economy in the XXI century as its place in the flows of goods and services, finances, humans and technologies. The information base of the research is newest available statistical data of the UN institutions and the World Bank. Intraregional diversity as disparities between countries is shown. The entrenchment in the world economy is proved by GDP growth, dynamics of foreign trade and foreign direct investments. The main human-geographical features of the region are substantiated: asymmetricity with India as extremum, contrasts, and rather low transnationalization. Demographical and social, economic contrasts and geopolitical tensions of South Asia, that has deep historical and cultural roots, are distinguished. The structure of South Asia's foreign trade is characterized by groups of goods and technological classification. The typical feature for the developing countries regions is the predominance in exports of low technologies and resources-based manufactures. The unique for South Asia is the high share of primary products in imports, that reflects food and raw material dependence. Based on the technological classification The last one applied for regarding the differentiation by countries in its ties with geographical factors.

Geo-economic aspects are determined by the position among other macro-regions of the world, the degree of ties with geo-economic leaders, geographical features of international trade and investment flows. Economic integration is considered in the context of the functioning of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, which includes all countries of the region. The potential growth of the role of interstate economic association for intensification of intra-regional ties is noted, which will also strengthen the position of South Asia in the world economy as a consequence. Conflicts between countries, political and ideological differences often do not contribute to the consolidation of efforts of the countries in the region. Staying in the sphere of influence of different global geopolitical players, as well as the interpretation of India as one of such actors, in particular its opposition to China, bring difficulties in strengthening the place of the region and, in particular, India, in the world economy.
The Roundalay
Authors: Hunter Eirlys
Published: April 2023

An extract from Finn's Quest, a children's novel
Contributors.
Authors: Smythe Luke
Published: April 2023

Information on contributors.
Anthropometric Characteristics and Specific Functional Swimming Capacities in Youth U12 Water Polo Players
Authors:   Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Split, Croatia, Kovačević Neven ,   Croatian Water Polo Federation, Zagreb, Croatia, Mihanović Frane ,   University Department of Health Studies University of Split, Split, Croatia, Hrbić Kristian ,   Croatian Water Polo Federation, Zagreb, Croatia, Mirović Miodrag ,   Water Polo and Swimming Federation of Montenegro, Kotor, Montenegro, Galić Tea ,   Department of Prosthodontics, Study of Dental Medicine, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia,   Department of Neuroscience, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Water polo is a physically high-demanding team sport, therefore players’ physical abilities and anthropometric characteristics are important factors to achieve a good level of quality in technical-tactical actions. The aim of this study was to determine the association of the chronological age with the anthropometric characteristics and specific functional swimming capacities in youth U12 male water polo players. Methods: There were 170 youth U12 water polo players who attended the Croatian Water Polo Federation training camps included in this cross-sectional study. Measurements included anthropometric characteristics and specific functional swimming capacities. Results: Players were divided according to their chronological age: Q1 (January- March) – 59 players (34.7%), Q2 (April-June) – 35 players (20.6%), Q3 (July-September) – 46 players (27.1%) and Q4 (October-December) – 30 players (17.6%). Older players born in Q1 presented higher values of body height and weight than their younger peers born in Q4 (Q1 165.96±7.88 cm vs. Q4 159.46±5.44 cm, P=0.001; Q1 60.14±13.99 kg vs. Q4 51.35±7.09 kg, P=0.023), while there were no statistically significant differences in specific functional swimming tests between different age groups. Discussion: Contrary to what was hypothesized, older water polo players presented only better anthropometric characteristics than their younger peers, probably due to the biological maturity influence on functional skills, as well as small range of chronological age differences. Conclusion: Such data might provide an understanding of the general and specific water polo player’s development process, which should be considered by coaches of youth players to improve their skills as a result of developing better training programs.
Reintegration Program for Professional Football Players after Grade 2 Hamstring Injuries
Authors:   Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki, Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, Bourogiannis Georgios , Hatzimanouil Dimitris ,   Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki, Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, Semanltianou Eleni ,   Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki, Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, Georgiadis Ioannis ,   Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki, Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, Sykaras Evaggelos ,   Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki, Department of Physical Education & Sport Science
Published: April 2023

Hamstring strains are among the most common injuries in soccer, with an increased risk of recurrence. There are three stages in injuries: 1 Diagnosis, 2 Physiotherapy – Rehabilitation, 3 Reintegration. The present study investigated the reintegration actions (return to play – RTP) for eight professional footballers (Super League 1) after hamstring strain. Eight professional soccer players who had hamstring injuries with Grade 2 strain were measured and evaluated. Two measurements were taken before and after injury. The first measurement involved maximum effort field tests of 30, 40, 50 and 60 meters in a straight line without a ball, using global positioning system (GPS) devices placed on the athletes for the interpretation and evaluation of their results. The second measurement aimed to evaluate the maximum strength of the eight players before and after their injury, using squats, bench presses and leg curl exercises on the machine. The statistical analysis included descriptive and inductive statistics (paired t-test). Analysis of the data collected showed that all soccer players had higher performance in the measurements taken after injury, both in speed and in maximal strength. In conclusion, following the appropriate rehabilitation and reintegration, the eight athletes were not affected by their injury and managed to return to competitive action (RTP) without recurrence and maximizing their performance.
Clinical Efficacy of Near-Infrared Reflectance Imaging and Optical Coherence Tomography in Identifying Ocular Manifestations of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 in Korean Children
Authors: Park Ji Min , Oh Won Hyuk , Choi Jin
Published: April 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of near-infrared reflectance (NIR) imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in identifying ocular manifestations of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) in Korean children. Methods: This retrospective chart review study included five Korean children with NF1 aged under 18 years who had undergone ophthalmic procedures, including slit-lamp examinations, NIR imaging, and OCT scanning.Results: Multiple patchy bright lesions were observed on NIR imaging in all eyes (10 eyes in five patients). Further NIR imaging and OCT scans showed that these lesions, confined to the choroid, were choroidal nodules. Lisch nodules, contrastingly, were found in only four of 10 eyes by slit-lamp examinations on the same day as the NIR imaging. One of those four eyes had only one Lisch nodule, which did not meet the NF1 diagnostic criteria.Conclusion: NIR imaging enabled the detection of choroidal nodules in Korean children with NF1. Moreover, for Korean children with NF1, choroidal nodules were earlier-detected ocular manifestations relative to Lisch nodules. NIR imaging, along with OCT, is a useful protocol for localizing NF1 nodules in children.
No Irish, No Behavior Analysts, No Dogs
Authors: Dillenburger Karola , Keenan Mickey
Published: April 2023

Questions about human behavior and diversity have captured the attention of scientists from a wide range of philosophical stances for centuries. While behavior analysts would argue that natural science is an enlightening perspective when applied to the understanding of human behavior, at times visceral arguments within anti-ABA campaigns are reminiscent of discrimination practices experienced by immigrant communities in Britain after World War Two. In this paper we discuss the root cause of this discrimination and suggest a way forward based on what are basically complementary views on the goals enshrined in evidence-based practice.
Leading with Compassion: A Discussion and Steps Forward for Behavior Analysts
Authors: Melton Britany , Marchese Nancy , Weiss Mary Jane
Published: April 2023

The provision of applied behavior analytic (ABA) services is a highly efficacious intervention approach most often used to improve the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)/Autistics. Given the advancement of the field, more nuanced skill sets of behavior analysts, such as compassionate care skills, are emerging as the focus of intervention as measurable, observable, and essential. As the field progresses, the identification, refinement, and assessment of more nuanced skills become crucial to the success of our interventions. Leading with a compassionate approach that balances habilitation with client happiness, assent, and engagement is of the utmost importance. This paper discusses the current trend in existing compassionate care literature and how those evaluations may potentially be extended to direct interventionists and Registered Behavior Technicians. In this paper, we argue that a behavioral framework should be used to conceptualize, train, and evaluate the demonstration of these skills in front line ABA practitioners.
A Summary of the Recommendations to Increase Cultural Responsiveness in the Field of Applied Behavior Analysis
Authors: Kristiansen Sarah V.
Published: April 2023

Cultural contingencies help shape the development of an individual’s behavioral repertoire. Researchers within field of behavior analysis have, within the past decade, reiterated the importance of connecting behavioral principles to a client's cultural practices. The incorporation of cultural preferences within behavioral services is paramount to the effectiveness and sustainability of those services. The present paper summarizes the guidance of researchers for practitioners beginning to develop this repertoire and apply it to their clinical practice. This paper begins by acknowledging that the foundation of the field of applied behavior analysis set the stage for understating how cultural considerations make the field applied. Different themes related to increasing the cultural responsiveness of the field are summarized by reviewing the supporting literature. The research is further summarized into guiding principles for practitioners as they begin to sharpen this skill. The paper ends with a call for scientist practitioners and researchers to capture data related to culturally responsive service provision to inspire efforts in empirical evaluation of the recommendations provided.
Fiber reinforcement effectiveness in two different sand specimens
Authors: Conceição Murilo , Pinto Camilla , Carvalho Miriam , Machado Sandro
Published: April 2023

Fiber Reinforced Soils (FRS) are mixtures of discrete fibers with the soil to create a composite with improved mechanical properties compared to unreinforced material that depends on several soil and fiber properties. Therefore, comparative studies are needed to better understand their influence on FRS mechanical response. This paper analyzes the results of a comprehensive triaxial testing program performed on specimens of two different sands at the same relative density focusing on how the grain size distribution affects the composite behavior in terms of shear strength and dilatancy. It is shown that the grain size curve’s uniformity coefficient (Cu) is one of the critical variables controlling FRS’s dilatancy. Dune sand specimens (Cu = 1.79) presented dilatancy even for confining stresses as high as 300 kPa. The shear gains due to reinforcement were controlled by fiber length (L) and percentage (Pf), and size and shape of soil particles. River sand specimens with L = 51 mm and 1% fiber addition (dry mass) presented increments of 47.7 kPa in soil cohesion and a 5.2o increase in the soil friction angle compared to unreinforced material.
Ali Şeriati’de Diyalektik Yöntem: İnsan, Toplum Ve Tarih Felsefesi
Authors: TEKİN Ferhat , KARAARSLAN Faruk
Published: April 2023

İranlı aydın Ali Şeriati, çözümlemeye çalıştığı meselelerin büyük bir kısmında diyalektik yaklaşımı esas almıştır. Şeriati’ye dair yapılmış çalışmalara bakıldığında onun diyalektik anlayışını doğrudan ele alan çalışmaların olmadığı görülmektedir. Dolayısıyla bu çalışma, literatürdeki bu eksikliği gidermeye yönelik bir katkıda bulunmak amacıyla Şeriati’nin diyalektik anlayışına odaklanmaktadır. Metinde öncelikle diyalektik yöntemin ne olduğu ve özellikle Şeriati’nin diyalektik anlayışı üzerinde etkisi olmuş başlıca düşünürlerin (Hegel, Marks, Sartre, Gurvitch vs.) diyalektiği nasıl ele aldıkları incelenmiştir. Ardından Şeriati’nin toplum felsefesinde öne çıkan üç temel konu olan insan, toplum ve tarih felsefesinin diyalektik açıdan nasıl ele alındığı irdelenmiştir. Onun tasavvurunda insan, diyalektik ilişkinin en somut halini gözler önüne sermektedir. Zira insan, birbirine zıt olan Allah’ın ruhu ile balçığın bir sentezidir. Ayrıca ona göre insan sadece ontolojik açıdan değil, yapıp ettikleri, ürettikleri ve kuruduğu ilişkiler itibariyle de diyalektik bir özelliğe sahiptir. Şeriati toplumsal yapı ve diyalektik bağlamında da sosyal teorideki tartışmalara katılarak özellikle Marksçı ve Weberci yaklaşımlara karşı eleştirel yaklaşımlar ortaya koymuş ve özgün değerlendirmelerde bulunmuştur. Tarih felsefesi bağlamında ise Şeriati diyalektiği, geçmişi ve geleceği tasvir eden düşünsel ve yorumsal bir yöntem olarak kullanmıştır. Bu anlamda tarihin nasıl şekillendiğini ve nasıl tamamlanacağını tasvir etmiştir. Ancak onun Habilci ve Kabilci kutup temelinde kurguladığı tarih felsefesinin, toplumsal gerçeklikten ve insani pratikten aşırı uzaklaşarak ütopik bir yöne kaymış olması nedeniyle diyalektik ilişkiden ziyade düalizme dayandığını söylemek mümkündür. Sonuç olarak Şeriati’nin diyalektik yöntem temelinde yaptığı analizlerin bazılarını (kısmen insanla ve toplumsal yapı ve değişmeyle ilgili) özgün ve kıymetli, ancak tarih felsefesine ve “olması gereken”e dair olanlarının ise diyalektik dışı ve ütopik olduğu belirtilebilir.
Prenatal Methamphetamine Exposure, Postnatal Maternal Depression, Perceived Child Behaviors and Academic Achievement
Authors: Edwards-Benton Kyleah
Published: April 2023

Background: Prenatal methamphetamine exposure and postnatal depression have significant impacts on child health outcomes and parenting skills. Postnatal depression increases health risks of the mother, that impacts herself and her child. Prenatal exposure to methamphetamine and postnatal depression may influence problematic behaviors in the child.
Methods: The data analyzed was from a longitudinal research study that consisted of four sites within the United States. Four hundred twelve mother-children pairs were enrolled in the study. At the 7.5-year follow-up, 290 children with complete data were available for analysis. Measures included the Child Behavior Checklist, the Woodcock Johnson, and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children.
Results: Mothers of methamphetamine exposed children, with diagnosed postnatal depression, had children with increased problematic behaviors and lower academic achievement. They were more likely to exhibit externalizing and internalizing behaviors and had decreased scores for reading fluency and passage comprehension.
Conclusion: Thorough and increased qualitative interventional and support services are critical in the development of the child and the mother-child relationship. Such services may reduce maternal depression and lead to improved child behavior and academic achievement.
Dynamics of growth and accumulation of heavy metals of Pisum Sativum L. grown on polluted soil (vegetative experience)
Authors: Puhalsky Jan Viktorovich , Loskutov Svyatoslav Igorevich , Vorobyov Nikolay Ivanovich , Chukaeva Maria Alekseevna , Nagornov Dmitry Olegovich , Kozhemyakov Andrey Petrovich
Published: April 2023

The paper presents the results of studies of the effect of heavy metal salts (15 mg/kg CdCl2 and/or 50 mg/kg CoCl2) contamination of soddy-podzolic soil on the adaptive potential and phytoremediation activity of two pea genotypes contrasting in resistance: the cadmium-resistant mutant SGECDt and its wild line SGE. The experiment was carried out under laboratory conditions while maintaining a stable internal microclimate and an optimal degree of insolation in the room. The duration of the experiment was 85 days. A study of the dynamics of morphometric parameters, using the example of shoot and root biomass, showed that the SGECDt mutant demonstrated better resistance to toxicants: on average, the decrease in shoot biomass compared to control was 28.2%, and 5.5% for roots. Whereas on wild lines, the rates were 31.8% on shoots and 21.8% on roots, respectively. As expected, the tolerance of the mutant was best manifested in the variant with the introduction of cadmium ions. Thanks to mass spectrometric analysis, it was found that the content of cadmium in dry biomass of shoots increased with an increase in biomass in both genotypes. Moreover, in the mutant, it significantly exceeded the concentration of pollutant accumulation in the wild type, and practically did not change, starting from 30 days with separate or combined introduction of metals, and until the end of the growing season - 20-25 µg of dry biomass per gram of shoot. The content of cobalt, on the contrary, decreased in ontogenesis phases, with a slight superiority in metal fixation by the mutant, starting from 45 days after inoculation. With the simultaneous entry of both metals into the soil solution, synergism of action was not observed. The content of cobalt decreased even more in plants, while cadmium, on the contrary, increased. It can be concluded that the ion-exchange reactions between these pollutants differed in interactions in the "soil-plant" system by the type of antagonism. Among the optimal period for harvesting contaminated products for its further processing (phytomining), one can single out the budding phase - the beginning of flowering (45 days). During this period, the mutant plants simultaneously perform well detoxification (phytosanation) and active accumulation of atmospheric nitrogen in the soil.
Sacralization of the Portrait of the Empress Elizabeth Petrovna in the Orenburg Gubernia in the 1760s
Authors:   St. Petersburg Theological Academy, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, Petrov Nikolai I.
Published: April 2023

An interesting example of the Russian phenomenon of monarch sacralization is reflected in the “lowest report” (1767) sent to the Most Holy Governing Synod by the retired secretary of the Bugulma voivodeship chancellery Ivan Nikiforovich Kurcheev (see appendix). In 1762 I. N. Kurcheev was an eyewitness to a miraculous phenomenon connected with the portrait of the Russian Empress Elizabeth Petrovna: “... And from the aforesaid image of the Most Radiant Monarchess there emanated an effulgence which attained the image of the Savior stationed in my house ...” Later I. N. Kurcheev began to revere this portrait as an icon: “... I began to put candles before this image ...” This was known to the local clergy and I. N. Kurcheev himself was convinced of the permissibility of such veneration of the Empress Elizabeth’s portrait, to whose intercession he ascribed the healing of his mother, children, and ward. I. N. Kurcheev formed a local cult of the deceased Empress, convinced of her holiness and of imperishability of her “relics” (when writing of Elizabeth’s death he used the word “dormition”). This conviction was based on the connection between the icon of the Savior and the portrait of Empress Elizabeth, miraculously shown to I. N. Kurcheev. The mentioned service of supplication (moleben) to Empress Elizabeth, which was done “under the name” of her saint patroness-namesake, as she was not canonized by the Church, correlates with the image of St. Elisabeth bearing likeness of Empress Elizabeth in the original Russian worship service to Sts. Zachariah the Prophet and Elisabeth the Righteous (the 5th of September) in the late 19th century. The later archival caption of I. N. Kurcheev’s report was supplemented by a laconic note that some “stucco image” of the Empress Elizabeth was attached to the document. Apparently, this refers to the said portrait, from which, according to I. N. Kurcheev, “emanated an effulgence” in 1762. There is no any additional information on this “stucco image.” One can assume that it was a painted bas-relief plaster portrait of the Empress Elizabeth, probably similar to mid-18th century reproductions of the lead portrait of the Empress Elizabeth by B. C. Rastrelli (1743), which are now stored in the museum collections. The published document is a peculiar and striking source on the Russian tradition of monarch’s portrait sacralization. This phenomenon of Russian folk piety developed in the 19th – 20th centuries.