bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualification and optimisation of a gas mixing apparatus for complex trace gas mixtures
Authors: Arendes Dennis , Amann Johannes , Tessier Cyril , Brieger Oliver , Schütze Andreas , Bur Christian
Published: October 2023

A gas mixing apparatus (GMA) can provide well-defined gas mixtures, which are necessary to calibrate gas sensors for quantitative measurements. This article presents a novel modular GMA and especially the representative measurements carried out to qualify and quantify its performance. New methods were developed to optimise the GMA’s settling speed and to enable self-monitoring. The GMA is able to provide up to 14 individual test gases, each in a large concentration range from sub-parts-per-billion to hundreds of parts-per-million. Additionally, the relative humidity can be set. The system is able to provide stable gas mixtures in approximately 6 min. The entire control software is realised in Python, which determines the control setpoints of all relevant system components based on the concentration input of the user. A major focus was placed on minimising the time of a gas mixture exchange to confirm design and additional software optimisation. Also, a number of techniques are shown for the analytical quantification of the system, including analysis of thermal desorption tubes by an accredited laboratory, showing maximal contaminations of e.g. only 4.18 ppb ethanol. Finally, self-monitoring of the system using photoionization detectors (PID) is demonstrated as an addition to flow readback for internal leakage detection.
The goddess’ new clothes: the carving and polychromy of the Parthenon Sculptures
Authors: Verri Giovanni , Granger-Taylor Hero , Jenkins Ian , Sweek Tracey , Weglowska Katarzyna , Wootton William Thomas
Published: October 2023

White marble sculpture is a cornerstone of Western art history. Archaeological inquiry, however, has demonstrated that Classical sculpture and its associated architecture were once coloured. The authors examine the Parthenon Sculptures at the British Museum to identify traces of colour and carving on their surfaces. Using close examination and archaeometric techniques, the study shows that the sculptors finished surfaces with textures that reflected specific elements (e.g. skin, wool, linen) and these were then enhanced through the application of colour, including a purple colourant and Egyptian blue. The latter was used extensively to paint elaborate figurative designs on the carved textiles. Despite the complexity of the carved drapery, elaborate ornament was applied to the finish. The findings encourage a reconsideration of the appearance of the Parthenon in the fifth century BC.
Mixed ancestry of Europeans who settled Iceland and Greenland: 3D geometric-morphometric analyses of cranial base shape
Authors: Plomp Kimberly A. , Dobney Keith , Gestsdóttir Hildur , Collard Mark
Published: October 2023

Debate surrounds the identity of the Europeans who settled Iceland and Greenland in the early medieval period. Historical sources record settlers travelling from Norway to Iceland and then Greenland, but recent analyses of biological data suggest that some settlers had British and Irish ancestry. Here, the authors test these hypotheses with 3D-shape analyses of human crania from Scandinavia, Britain and Ireland, and one of the Norse colonies in Greenland. Results suggest that some 63 per cent of the ancestry of the Greenlandic individuals can be traced to Britain and Ireland and 37 per cent to Scandinavia. These findings add further weight to the idea that the European settlers who colonised Iceland and later Greenland were of mixed ancestry.
De-polymerisation and hydrolysis of seed storage protein is involved in the freezing tolerance of hydrated Brassica oleracea seeds
Authors: Han Yingying , Li Liangbo , Li Weijie , Wang Xiuli , Liu Baolin
Published: October 2023

Hydrolysis of globulins might be involved in the freezing tolerance of hydrated lettuce seeds. The mechanism was further explored in hydrated brassica (Brassica oleracea) seeds, by application of 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitro- benzoicacid) (DTNB), the Ellman's reagent, which can bind
to the free sulphydryl side chain of cysteine. DTNB increased the viability of hydrated brassica seeds after slow cooling (-3°C hour-1 ) to -17°C. Two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectra analysis indicated the accumulation of small peptides derived from 12S globulins (cruciferin)
in DTNB-treated seeds after slow cooling. The seed storage peptides with different molecular weight were cooled and the ice formation during cooling observed by cryomicroscopy, which proved that peptides of smaller molecular size produced smaller and rounder crystals. The smallest peptide
in DTNB- treated seeds produced the smallest and roundest crystals during cooling. The levels of ASA, DHA and GSH were specifically up-regulated after DTNB treatment and following slow cooling, which indicates that DTNB enhanced the circulation of ASA and GSH to resist the oxidative stress.
Consistent with this finding, RNA-seq and real time PCR indicated that glutathione reductase (GR) was up-regulated after DTNB treatment.
Optimizing the Dutch newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism by incorporating amino acids and acylcarnitines in a machine learning-based model
Authors: Jansen Heleen I , van Haeringen Marije , Bouva Marelle J , den Elzen Wendy P J , Bruinstroop Eveline , van der Ploeg Catharina P B , van Trotsenburg A S Paul , Zwaveling-Soonawala Nitash , Heijboer Annemieke C , Bosch Annet M , de Jonge Robert , Hoogendoorn Mark , Boelen Anita
Published: October 2023

Objective

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is an inborn thyroid hormone (TH) deficiency mostly caused by thyroidal (primary CH) or hypothalamic/pituitary (central CH) disturbances. Most CH newborn screening (NBS) programs are thyroid-stimulating-hormone (TSH) based, thereby only detecting primary CH. The Dutch NBS is based on measuring total thyroxine (T4) from dried blood spots, aiming to detect primary and central CH at the cost of more false-positive referrals (FPRs) (positive predictive value (PPV) of 21% in 2007–2017). An artificial PPV of 26% was yielded when using a machine learning-based model on the adjusted dataset described based on the Dutch CH NBS. Recently, amino acids (AAs) and acylcarnitines (ACs) have been shown to be associated with TH concentration. We therefore aimed to investigate whether AAs and ACs measured during NBS can contribute to better performance of the CH screening in the Netherlands by using a revised machine learning-based model.

Methods

Dutch NBS data between 2007 and 2017 (CH screening results, AAs and ACs) from 1079 FPRs, 515 newborns with primary (431) and central CH (84) and data from 1842 healthy controls were used. A random forest model including these data was developed.

Results

The random forest model with an artificial sensitivity of 100% yielded a PPV of 48% and AUROC of 0.99. Besides T4 and TSH, tyrosine, and succinylacetone were the main parameters contributing to the model’s performance.

Conclusions

The PPV improved significantly (26–48%) by adding several AAs and ACs to our machine learning-based model, suggesting that adding these parameters benefits the current algorithm.
Hypothyroid women have persistently higher oxidative stress compared to healthy controls
Authors: Riis Kamilla Ryom , Larsen Camilla , Medici Bjarke Røssner , Jensen Christian Zinck , Winther Kristian H , Larsen Emil List , Ellervik Christina , la Cour Jeppe Lerche , Hegedus Laszlo , Brix Thomas Heiberg , Poulsen Henrik Enghusen , Knop Filip K , Nygaard Birte , Bonnema Steen Joop
Published: October 2023

Objective:

Some studies suggest that hypothyroidism is associated with increased oxidative stress. Urinary excretion of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxoGuo) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) represent whole-body RNA and DNA oxidation, respectively. These biomarkers have only been explored sparsely in patients with thyroid disorders.

Methods:

In forty-five Danish women with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism, we compared 8-oxoGuo and 8-oxodG before or shortly after initiating levothyroxine with the excretion rates at euthyroidism. Also, we compared the excretion of 8-oxoGuo and 8-oxodG in the patients after restored euthyroidism with eighteen healthy control subjects.

Results:

Compared with baseline, none of the biomarkers changed significantly in the patients after becoming euthyroid. The geometric mean of 8-oxoGuo was 1.63 (95%CI:1.49-1.78) nmol/mmol creatinine at baseline and 1.67 nmol/mmol (95%CI:1.53-1.83) at euthyroidism (p=0.39), while 8-oxodG was 1.28 nmol/mmol creatinine (95%CI:1.14-1.44) and 1.32 nmol/mmol (95%CI:1.18-1.48), respectively (p=0.47). The relative mean differences were 0.97 (95%CI:0.91-1.04) for 8-oxoGuo and 0.97 (95%CI:0.88-1.06) for 8-oxodG. At baseline, multiple linear regression revealed a positive association between free thyroxine and both biomarkers (8-oxoGuo, p<0.001; 8-oxodG, p=0.04). Furthermore, 8-oxoGuo was positively associated with age (p=0.04) and negatively associated with thyrotropin (p=0.02). In the control group, the geometric mean of 8-oxoGuo was 1.23 nmol/mmol creatinine (95%CI:1.07-1.42), while 8-oxodG was 1.04 nmol/mmol creatinine (95%CI:0.88-1.23). Thus, compared with control subjects, euthyroid patients showed a significantly higher level of both 8-oxoGuo (p<0.001) and 8-oxodG (p=0.03).

Conclusion:

In hypothyroid women, no significant effect of levothyroxine treatment on the oxidative stress biomarkers 8-oxoGuo and 8-oxodG could be demonstrated. However, the excretion of these biomarkers was significantly higher than in healthy controls.
Heavy Metal Pollution in the Aquatic System and Their Toxicological Effects on Clarias Batrachus
Authors: Singh Shivani , Singh Abaidya Nath , Singh Rahul , Sharma Neeta Raj
Published: October 2023

Heavy metal pollution has emerged as a prominent environmental concern, particularly in aquatic ecosystems. This study delves deep into the impact of such pollutants on Clarias batrachus, a species intrinsic to the health and balance of freshwater habitats. By assessing variations in behaviour, physiology, and survival rates, the research underscores the peril these pollutants pose to C. batrachus. Furthermore, the study elucidates various mitigation strategies, emphasizing their significance in not just salvaging the populations of this species but also in reinstating the holistic well-being of our aquatic ecosystems. The findings underscore the urgent need for interdisciplinary interventions to combat the looming threat of heavy metal pollution.
Advancing Ethical and Sustainable Economy: Islamic Finance Solutions for Environmental, Social, & Economic Challenges in the Digital Age
Authors: Elamin Mustafa Osman, I.
Published: October 2023

This article explores the convergence of Islamic Finance principles and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations in investment strategies. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the significance of ethical and sustainable economic practices in the digital age and offers practical solutions for a more inclusive, responsible, and sustainable economic ecosystem. The article covers the foundational principles of Islamic Finance, its exponential growth in the digital age, and the global challenges of environmental degradation, social inequality, and economic instability. It delves into the pivotal role of Islamic Finance in addressing sustainability and ethics and the transformative impact of digital technology on the industry. The article also investigates the potential of ESG investments in Islamic Finance and their alignment with ethical principles, social welfare, and corporate social responsibility. Additionally, it explores innovative financial products for underserved populations, empowering women, and fostering financial literacy. The article concludes with policy recommendations and future trends for advancing ethical and sustainable Islamic Finance.
Valid Requirements for Cessie Under Indonesian Civil Law
Authors: . Hamler , Mirwati Yulia , . Yulfasni , Nurdin Zefrizal
Published: October 2023

Cessie is a fundamental concept in Indonesian civil law that governs the transfer of rights to receivables or intangible assets. Understanding this concept is essential for conducting cassie transactions legally and effectively within the Indonesian civil law system. Cessie plays a crucial role in supporting commercial and financial activities in Indonesia by providing a clear legal framework for transferring rights. Several requirements must be met to ensure the validity of cassie under Indonesian civil law. Firstly, there must be a clear receivable as the subject of the proper transfer, including comprehensive details regarding the amount, the debtor, and the payment terms. Secondly, notification to the debtor or written consent from the debtor is a vital requirement that ensures transparency in the change of creditor status. Without such notification or consent, Jessie will not have legal validity. In addition to these requirements, the process of executing an authentic deed or a private document also impacts the validity of the cessie. Using an authentic deed provides a higher level of enforceability and creates more substantial evidence in legal proceedings. Meanwhile, a private document is a simpler alternative that remains valid under Indonesian civil law. Cessie also plays a significant role in extending credit and other financial transactions. It allows parties involved to manage risks and ensure timely debt repayment. Cessie also creates flexibility in managing receivables and intangible assets. Understanding the requirements of cassie and its pivotal role in Indonesian civil law is crucial in maintaining legal validity and certainty in commercial and financial transactions. Cessie is a legal concept and a vital tool for facilitating economic activities in Indonesia.
La actitud investigativa en estudiantes de música
Authors: Machuca Cabanillas Allin
Published: October 2023

La presente investigación llevó por objetivo analizar las actitudes investigativas en estudiantes de música. Para tal efecto, se llevó a cabo un estudio cualitativo de revisión bibliográfica, donde se analizaron escritos relacionados al tema; se buscó tal información en las bases de datos de Scopus, Dialnet, Redalyc, Scielo y en el espacio de Google Académico. Se encontraron 37 estudios sobre el tema, los cuales fueron seleccionados mediante criterios previamente establecidos, quedando 23 estudios que se valoraron como importantes para el objetivo propuesto. Se halló que en las universidades no se incentiva fervientemente la capacidad investigativa y es por ello que algunos estudiantes son aversos a la investigación, mientras que otros tienen una actitud natural para ello. Se concluyó que es importante el estudio del tiempo histórico de la música, el cual servirá como conocimiento previo para su interpretación; asimismo, la actitud investigativa es una capacidad necesaria en el estudiante de música, la cual debe estimularse permanentemente por los docentes, quienes deben contar con dichas competencias y emplear estrategias que motiven al estudiante al desarrollo de dicha capacidad.
Validación del cuestionario de aprendizaje autorregulado [CAA] en estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Rocha-Durand Juan Pablo , Mamani-Ramos Angel Anibal , Damian-Nuñez Edgar Froilan
Published: October 2023

El aprendizaje autorregulado es útil para toda la vida, ya que garantiza el éxito. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas del “cuestionario de aprendizaje autorregulado” (CAA) en estudiantes universitarios de pregrado. Se realizó un estudio de tipo descriptivo con corte transversal, cuya muestra fue seleccionada mediante un muestreo de tipo probabilístico. Se aplicó el instrumento CAA en 215 estudiantes universitarios de la especialidad de enfermería (39 hombres y 176 mujeres) de Lima, Perú, con edades comprendidas entre 15 y 47 años (M = 24.00; DT = 7.19). Se procedió con un análisis factorial confirmatorio para analizar los índices de ajuste y cargas factoriales, y un análisis de consistencia interna en el que se empleó el coeficiente Omega (ω). Los resultados muestran índices de ajuste adecuados (χ2/gl=1.37; RMSEA=.042; SRMR=.061; GFI=.994; CFI=.987; TLI=.993); además, las cargas factoriales resultantes también fueron adecuadas (.45 y .80). En cuanto al análisis de consistencia interna, el cuestionario mostró una adecuada fiabilidad a nivel general (ω = .92). Estos resultados evidencian validez y confiabilidad del CAA; en consecuencia, el cuestionario puede ser utilizado en estudiantes universitarios de pregrado.
Ecological experimentations
Authors: Murari Lucas
Published: October 2023

The goal of this paper is to highlight the ecological aspect in the works of fi lmmaker Rose Lowder. Her fi lms are shot outdoors, in nature, and aim to modify visual perception and image-based representation, foregrounding the materiality of the fi lmic medium. Her fi lmography, characterized by its use of unique shooting and editing techniques, is remarkable for its calculation regarding creative possibilities. The parameters of investigation outlined in this study are the fi lmic procedures that stress the aesthetic and ecological qualities of this artist’s work
Tail bifurcation in Chinese blue-tailed skink Plestiodon chinensis (Gray, 1839)
Authors: Xu Wannan , Zhu Wenrui
Published: October 2023

Caudal autotomy is a strategy widely used in lizards to avoid predation. In some cases, tail breaks but it does not detach completely from the body, leading to a regenerated tail with multiple tips. In this note, we reported two tail bifurcation individuals of Plestiodon chinensis found on a farm. The X-rays showed that the branches of these two individuals are not ossified, but form cartilage behind the fracture surface of the tail. The present findings will provide information for studying tail regeneration abnormalities in lizards.
Hygienic behavioural response of honey bees (Apis mellifera and Apis cerana) against pin-killed brood as trait evaluation in Kashmir
Authors: Sofi Muneer Ahmad , Hussain Zewar , Hakeem Shafeeq , Dar Showket , Dar Nadeem Ahmad
Published: October 2023

In Apis mellifera and Apis cerana hygienic behavior involves recognition and removal of sick, damaged or dead brood from capped cells. We investigated whether bees react in the same way to grouped versus isolated damaged capped brood cells. Ten colonies of Apis mellifera honey bees and ten colonies of Apis cerana honey bees were used for this investigation. Capped worker brood cells aged 12 to 14 days old were perforated with the pin-killing method. After making holes in the brood cells, the combs were placed back into the hives; 24 h later the number of cleaned cells was recorded in areas with pin-killed and control brood cells. Four repetitions were made in each colony. Isolated cells were more frequently cleaned than grouped cells, though variance analysis showed no significant difference. Apis cerana bees also were somewhat, though not significantly more hygienic than Apis mellifera honey bees with mean removal of pin killed brood 97.46+/-1.37% and 83.83+/1.13% respectively. We conclude that honey bees can detect and remove both isolated and grouped dead brood. The tendency towards greater hygienic efficiency directed towards grouped Hygienic behaviour in honey bees was studied for first time with the aim of understanding mechanisms of pathogen resistance and colony health. It shows how honey bees confer colony level resistance and remove dead and diseased brood from the colony. This hygienic behavioural study can potentially increase the procedure of screening colonies for hygiene and breeding.
Performance evaluation of tractor operated trailed type power sprayer
Authors: Vala V.S. , Yadav R.
Published: October 2023

Effective spraying technologies and spraying equipment should be innovated for proper and optimum usage of chemicals. Tractor operated power sprayer is less time consuming, feasible for marginal and larger farms and also it provides more effective spraying. Tractor operated sprayer was tested and evaluated for its performance. Short run test deals with discharge rate determination that was found 44.59 l.min-1 (at minimum pressure 500 kPa), 44.68, 43.00 and 44.51 l.min-1 (at maximum pressure 20000 kPa), volumetric efficiency of piston pump was found 84.15%. In laboratory nozzle can target up to 6.5 m length. Field test was done for prediction of average working speed, theoretical and actual field capacity, field efficiency and time losses. On an average man can spray a field at a speed of 3.0 km.h-1 at covering length from gun was 3.65 m in field conditions. Theoretical field capacity was found 1.27 ha.h-1whereas actual field capacity was found 0.93 ha.h-1. Field efficiency was predicted as 73.20%. Average time required for filling the tank of 500 l capacity was 10 min. Field capacity of sprayer was found 1.40 ha.h-1.
Some aspects of hydrogen oxidation in solid oxide fuel cell: A brief historical overview
Authors:   Institute of High–Temperature Electrochemistry UB RAS, Osinkin Denis A.
Published: October 2023

Environmentally friendly and resource-efficient ways to generate, convert, store and transport electricity are important areas of scientific and technological development. Fuel cells are direct converters of chemical energy into electricity with low emissions of harmful components. One of the most promising types of fuel cells is the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). The electrical power generated by the SOFC is mainly limited by the ohmic resistance of the electrolyte and the polarization of the electrodes. The ohmic resistance can be reduced by reducing the thickness of the electrolyte. To reduce the polarization resistance, other approaches are needed, namely a detailed study of the mechanisms of electrode reactions and the determination of the nature of rate-determining stages. Until now, fuel oxidation at the anode of the SOFC, as opposed to oxygen reduction at the cathode, has not been well understood. Even for conventional nickel-ceramic anodes, there is no clear understanding of the nature of the rate-determining steps of hydrogen oxidation. This review provides a brief historical background on the development of SOFCs, some insights into the oxygen reduction mechanisms, and a more detailed review of the kinetics of hydrogen oxidation at SOFC anodes.
Corporate information market: structure and functioning problems
Authors: Ksenia Alekseevna , Trubetskaya Olga
Published: October 2023

The corporate information market is a sphere of economic activity related to the production, processing, transmission and use of information within and between companies. This market provides services for the collection, analysis, storage and provision of information for business processes, management decision-making, competitive analysis and other corporate purposes.
There are various participants in the corporate information market, including news agencies, consulting firms, software and cloud service providers, as well as information consumer companies themselves.
The main products and services in the corporate information market include financial and economic information, reporting on the activities of companies, forecasts and analytical reports, market research, information about competitors and customers, as well as tools for data analysis and processing. The authors have highlighted the weaknesses and strengths of the idea of the corporate information market.
The development of the corporate information market is an evolutionary process, while it is worth noting that the idea of the business information flow has changed over time, so the category of «corporate information» is mobile. The authors present the structure of the corporate information market in the conditions of variability and transformation of the main economic processes in the conditions of digital challenges of our time.
The question of the relevance of the study lies in the versatility of the category «corporate information market». However, there are a number of problems in the market, in connection with this, a number of fundamental questions arise: «Is the corporate information market an independent unit of the economy? What are the prospects and problems of the corporate information market? What elements does the structure of the corporate information market consist of?»
Technological sovereignty as a tool for ensuring the sustainable development of the region's economy under sanctions
Authors: Khmeleva Galina
Published: October 2023

Achieving technological sovereignty is the most important strategic task to ensure the sustainability of the Russian economy at the present stage. The sanctions imposed against Russia significantly affect the possibility of replenishing fixed assets with the best samples of foreign equipment. The federal structure of the country determines the high importance of the regions in achieving the technological sovereignty of the country. Therefore, the topic of ensuring technological sovereignty seems very timely. The article examines technological sovereignty as a tool for ensuring the sustainable development of the region's economy under sanctions. To do this, an analysis of imports was carried out on the example of the Samara region, showing the «bottlenecks» of fixed assets in the sectoral context. The author shows the expediency of a differentiated approach to the policy of ensuring technological sovereignty. Two types of technological sovereignty policy are proposed. The first type has an adaptive character and is aimed at ensuring economic security and maintaining the technological level of production. The second type of technological sovereignty policy is designed to create promising foundations for international competitiveness in the production of equipment and products. It is shown that the Russian Government, by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 603 dated 04/15/2023, lays an important organizational and preferential basis for the practical implementation of projects to ensure technological sovereignty in the Russian regions. It is concluded that innovation clusters are an important advantage for regions in ensuring technological sovereignty. It is noted that world-class scientific and educational centers can be of strategic importance, since a powerful potential of competencies in key branches of science, technology, and economics has been created on their basis.
Biología: narraciones hechas cine. Posibilidades para su enseñanza en relación con el séptimo arte
Authors: Sosa Vargas Dayana Paola
Published: October 2023

Desde la descripción de las particularidades del contexto escolar, sobre los presupuestos de la imagen en movimiento, sus potenciaciones y el tipo de escenario al que se adscribe el cine en el que se encuentra inmersa la ciencia, el presente trabajo crea un puente de problematización sobre el lugar del maestro y el vínculo entre el cine y la enseñanza de la biología con estudiantes del curso 9- G en el colegio Cafam de Bogotá. El proyecto se desarrolló desde una metodología expuesta a modo de analogía con el guion cinematográfico. Esto permitió la presentación de los hallazgos y el análisis en acápites que problematizan cómo el estudiante construye su saber biológico a partir de la creación de cortometrajes y la observación de filmes o fragmentos de películas relacionadas con el contenido académico. Así se destaca que del pensar la relación del cine con la enseñanza dela biología se encuentra la posibilidad de transformación del maestro en biofilico (bio ‘vida’ o ‘vivo’ y bio del sueco ‘cine’ o ‘cinema’, filia ‘amor’), es decir, un maestro que piensa sus prácticas pedagógicas desde el cine. Por último se hace referencia a la importancia de diferenciar entre lo que muestra la pantalla y la biología del afuera para complementar el cine con otro tipo de experiencias sensoriales escolares.
La biodiversidad de la Reserva Ecológica El Macío: sus potencialidades educativas
Authors: García Vázquez Omar
Published: October 2023

El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar las potencialidades de la Reserva Ecológica El Macío, perteneciente al municipio Pilón, provincia Granma, Cuba, a fin de que puedan ser consideradas con fines docentes para educar en la conservación de la biodiversidad a los/as estudiantes de los niveles educativos secundaria básica y preuniversitario. Para ello, se realizó una investigación cualitativa, a partir de la combinación de diversos métodos teóricos como: histórico-lógico, analítico-sintético, inductivo-deductivo, el análisis crítico de documentos y el enfoque de sistema; como parte de los métodos empíricos la encuesta y entrevista. Finalmente, se demuestra que la relación estudiante-escuela-biodiversidad puede contribuir significativamente en íntima relación con la familia y la comunidad, a la adquisición de conocimientos contextualizados, al desarrollo de habilidades, valores, sentimientos, actitudes y capacidades; asimismo a la conexión interdisciplinar entre las asignaturas ciencias naturales y de otras como Historia, a través del contenido abordado por los programas de enseñanza.
Parques urbanos como locais de ensino: experiências de cursos de Ecologia de Campo
Authors: Do Nascimento Lima Tatiane , Rodrigues Faria Rogério , Ibanez Martins Fernando , Aoki Camila
Published: October 2023

As áreas verdes urbanas (parques, praças e jardins) são importantes na manutenção na biodiversidade, como áreas de lazer, esporte, contemplação da natureza e espaços para desenvolvimento de ensino e pesquisa. No município de Aquidauana, Brasil está inserido o Parque Natural Municipal da Lagoa Comprida (PNMLC), uma unidade de conservação em área urbana. O objetivo deste trabalho é fazer um relato de experiência sobre o uso do PNMLC como ambiente não formal de ensino. Este relato refere-se as atividades desenvolvidas em dois cursos de Ecologia de Campo realizados na Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS). O público-alvo foram acadêmicos do curso de Ciências Biológicas Licenciatura da UFMS, os quais realizaram atividades de observação, coleta, análise e interpretação de dados ecológicos no Parque. A utilização do PNMLC como área de práticas educativas propiciou e reforçou a compreensão de fenômenos conhecidos pelos estudantes apenas no contexto teórico. Além disso, a vivência na área verde também promoveu uma relação de pertencimento com aquele ambiente, permitindo um maior entendimento quanto a sua função socioambiental.
Views of Pre-Service Science Teachers on Sustainable Development Awareness
Authors: Gündüz Talha , Zorluoğlu Seraceddin Levent , Şahintürk Ayşe
Published: October 2023

In the study, it was aimed to determine the awareness of 81 pre-service science teachers studying in different classes about sustainable development. Phenomenology design was used to determine the views of science teaching department students about sustainable development. Since the concept of sustainability is related to the field of science and science teachers have a role in providing the students with the achievements related to sustainability in the science program, the study was conducted with the students of the faculty of education science teaching department. A semi-structured interview form was used to collect data. The data collected within the scope of the study were analyzed using content analysis. While analyzing the data, codes were created according to the answers given by each student. Similar codes were categorized taking into account the dimensions of sustainable development, the objectives of the United Nations development program, and the answers given by the students. As a result of the analysis of the data, it was concluded that the students of science teaching department had average knowledge about sustainable development, but they did not have sufficient knowledge about sustainable development. Considering the results, studies can be conducted on the sustainable development awareness of pre-service teachers in different branches. In addition, it is recommended to organize activities and conferences that will positively affect the sustainable development awareness of pre-service teachers.
Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) in Bosnia and Herzegovina - state and perspectives
Authors: HODŽİĆ Mirzeta Memišević , BALLİAN Dalibor
Published: October 2023

Bosnia and Herzegovina is located in Southeast Europe, and more than half its area of 51.129 km² belongs to forests and forest lands. 93% of the forests of Bosnia and Herzegovina are natural forests and have many plant species, many of which are endemic. There are eight oak species growing in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The most important ones are Quercus robur (despite being almost extinct due to over-exploitation during the late XIX and early XX century), and Quercus petraea. Pedunculate oak in Bosnia and Herzegovina is found in mixed stands with common hornbeam and in pure stands under exceptional conditions, with a total area of about 30,000 ha. In this paper, the data of the studies carried out in the pedunculate oak forests of Bosnia and Herzegovina were compiled and a general evaluation was made. The results of phenological observation in pedunculate oak provenance test in Bosnia and Herzegovina through the years showed statistically significant differences among provenances in the beginning, end and duration of individual phenological phases. Researches on growth showed overtaking of provenances through the years, and best results in provenance Jelah for the most of investigated years. The research results on showed a significant positive correlation between the height and root collar diameter in provenance test and most of the investigated .The remaining pedunculate oak populations in Bosnia and Herzegovina have a good genetic structure and can be used as a seed stands for collecting seed material and producing seedlings for afforestation with this species.
Adolescents’ Augmented Reality Filter Usage on Social Media, Developmental Process, and Well-Being
Authors: Szambolics Julia , Malos Sonia , Balaban Delia Cristina
Published: October 2023

Social media platforms are relevant for the media diet of adolescents. Augmented reality (AR) filters on social media are prevalent within the media consumption of this age group. Recent studies have unveiled the negative impact of beautifying AR filters and digitally enhanced pictures on adolescents’ well-being. However, there is a need for an in-depth understanding of how adolescents use AR filters beyond aesthetic reasons. Therefore, the present study aims to contribute to the existing scholarship by focusing on various AR filters and their relation to adolescents’ well-being. We investigate different ways of using AR filters (e.g., public posts versus ephemeral settings or direct messages to online friends) inspired by peers and social media influencers. Thus, we conducted four focus groups with N = 40 adolescent participants aged 14 to 18 from a European country. Our findings align with previous research on adults, showing that adolescents use AR filters for fun, entertainment, creativity, interaction, and self-expression. Besides, adolescents’ well-being determined using AR filters can be tied to crucial elements of the developmental process, such as connections, identity, learning, and emotions. Results showed that using AR filters on social media can facilitate socializing and increase self-esteem. Conversely, their use is time-consuming and can cause adolescents frustration and enhance social pressure. This study provides new insights into adolescents’ AR-filter-related interactions. Furthermore, it contributes to the literature on AR filter usage, well-being, and the developmental process of adolescents.
Continuous ultraviolet irradiation induces the development of irreversible resistance of melanoma cells to anticancer drugs
Authors: Shchegolev Yu. Yu. , Karpukhina M. A. , Sorokin D. V. , Scherbakov A. M. , Andreeva O. E. , Razuvaeva V. E. , Bogush T. A. , Mikhaylova I. N. , Demidov L. V. , Gudkova M. V. , Krasil’nikov M. A.
Published: October 2023

Introduction. Melanoma belongs to the group of the most malignant tumors characterized by aggressive growth and active metastasis. At the same time, the effectiveness of therapy, primarily targeted therapy, is largely limited by the rapid development of drug resistance.

Aim. To study the effect of chronic ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on the formation of a population of radiation-resistant melanoma cells; to study the features of cell signaling and the sensitivity of UV-resistant melanoma cells to the antitumor drugs.

Materials and methods. The experiments were carried out on in vitro cultured A375 melanoma cells. Cells were cultured in a standard DMEM + 10 % FBS medium; cell growth rate was analyzed using the MTT assay; cell survival after irradiation was analyzed using a colony-forming test. Determination of the transcriptional activity of the estrogen receptor (ER) was performed by reporter analysis upon transfection into cells of a plasmid containing the luciferase reporter gene controlled by estrogen responsive element. The immunoblotting method was used to analyze the expression of cellular proteins; comparative analysis of ERα and ERβ expression was performed by immunofluorescent method.

Results. Long-term UV irradiation leads to the formation of a UV-resistant subpopulation of A375 melanoma cells, which is characterized by decreased sensitivity to targeted (vemurafenib) and hormonal (tamoxifen) drugs, increased expression of Snail, an activator of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and in the absence of noticeable changes in the expression of PI3K / mTOR signaling. Metformin reduces Snail expression in both parental and UV-resistant A375 cells and enhances the cytostatic effect in combination with vemurafenib or tamoxifen.

Conclusion. The data obtained demonstrate a decrease in the sensitivity of melanoma cells to targeted drugs under the long-term exposure to UV. The ability of metformin to potentiate the action of targeted drugs and inhibit Snail allows us to consider metformin not only as an antitumor agent, but also as a potential inhibitor of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
Mechanisms of cytotoxic activity of pyrrole-carboxamides against multidrug-resistant tumor cell sublines
Authors: Galembikova A. R. , Dunaev P. D. , Bikinieva F. F. , Mustafin I. G. , Kopnin P. B. , Zykova S. S. , Mukhutdinova F. I. , Sarbazyan E. A. , Boichuk S. V.
Published: October 2023

Introduction. Mitotic poisoning agents (MPAs) affecting the dynamic state of the microtubules, are the well-known and effective chemotherapeutic agents. Mitotic poisoning agents are binding to the microtubules, and thereby interfere with tubulin polymerization or depolymerization dynamic state, resulting in the cell cycle arrest in M-phase (mitotic catastrophe) and subsequent apoptotic cell death. We reported previously about potent cytotoxic activities against the pyrrole-carboxamides (PCs) (PC-61 and PC-84) against broad spectrum of cancer cell lines, including triple negative breast cancer, lung and prostate cancer.

Aim. To examine the cytotoxic activities of PC-61 and PC-84 against multidrug-resistant cancer cell lines indicated above.

Materials and methods. Studу was performed on the triple-negative paclitaxel-resistant breast cancer cell line HCC1806 Tx-R and doxorubicin-resistant osteosarcoma SaOS-2 Dox-R cell line.

Results. The cytotoxic activity of PCs was due to the inhibition of tubulin polymerization. Immunofluorescence staining data revealed PC’s ability to interfere with tubulin’s assembly in multidrug-resistant cancer cell lines. As an outcome of inhibition of tubulin polymerization, PCs induced cell cycle arrest in M-phase, and further led to apoptotic cell death of cancer cells.

Conclusion. Collectively, we demonstrated potent cytotoxic activity of PCs against cancer cell lines with multidrug-resistant phenotype, which arising the possibilities to develop novel and effective anti-tumor agents that belongs to mitotic poisoning agents
Synthesizing Strontium Cobaltite-based Oxyfluoride Heterostructures
Authors:   , Yang Zongmin , May Steven J.
Published: October 2023

Thin films have been utilized in numerous applications, such as solar cells and semiconductors. Motivated by the aim of realizing more complex materials in thin film form, the reductive fluorination of SrCoO_[2.5] was investigated in this thesis. Its fluorination conditions were identified by varying the reaction temperature and time to enable fluorine incorporation throughout the film. Moreover, initial fluorination results from a superlattice of SrCoO_[2.5] and SrFeO_[2.5] are presented, confirming fluoride incorporation within both constituent materials at a reaction temperature of 200 °C carried out for 3 hours. The chemical composition in the thin films was measured by x-ray photoemission spectroscopy. The crystal structures of the thin films were determined by x-ray diffraction, with the c-axis parameters calculated from the diffraction data. Resistivity measurements carried out as a function of temperature confirm that the films are semiconductors. The optical properties of the thin films were evaluated by ellipsometry, and the absorption coefficient and bandgap energies of the thin films were extracted from the thin films' optical spectra. A blue shift of the bandgap energy of SrCoO_[2.5] occurs upon fluorine incorporation. This work demonstrates the feasibility of synthesizing epitaxial cobaltite oxyfluoride films and superlattices.
Median-Joining Networks and Bayesian Phylogenies Often Do Not Tell the Same Story
Authors: Kong Sungsik , Sánchez-Pacheco Santiago J. , Murphy Robert
Published: October 2023

Inferring phylogenies among intraspecific individuals often yields unresolved relationships (i.e., polytomies). Consequently, methods that compute distance-based abstract networks, like Median-Joining Networks (MJNs), are thought to be more appropriate tools for reconstructing such relationships than traditional trees. Median-Joining Networks visualize all routes of relationships in the form of cycles, if needed, when traditional approaches cannot resolve them. However, the MJN method is a distance-based phenetic approach that does not involve character transformations and makes no reference to ancestor–descendant relationships. Although philosophical and theoretical arguments challenging the implication that MJNs reflect phylogenetic signal in the traditional sense have been presented elsewhere, an empirical comparison with a character-based approach is needed given the increasing popularity of MJN analysis in evolutionary biology. Here, we use the conservative Approximately Unbiased (AU) test to compare 85 cases of branching patterns of cycle-free MJNs and Bayesian Inference (BI) phylogenies using datasets from 55 empirical studies. By rooting the MJN analyses to provide directionality, we report substantial disagreement between computed MJNs and posterior distributions on BI phylogenies. The branching patterns in MJNs and BI phylogenies show significantly different relationships in 37.6% of cases. Among the relationships that do not significantly differ, 96.2% show alternative sets of relationships. Our results indicate that the two methods provide different measures of relatedness in a phylogenetic sense. Finally, our analyses also support previous observations of the statistical hypothesis testing by reconfirming the over-conservativeness of the Shimodaira-Hasegawa test versus the AU test.
THE TRANSFORMATION PROCESS OF TURKISH SMES IN TERMS OF DIGITALIZATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
Authors: İNCEKARA Mustafa , ÇOBAN KUMBALI Hatice , SARIKAYA Mehtap
Published: October 2023

Digitalization and sustainability are no longer contentious topics in today's world. Digital innovation and ecological actions constantly evolve, affecting a company's strategy, structure, operations, and performance. These developments are particularly important for growing economies such as Türkiye. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are essential to the Turkish economy, providing 72 % of employment. The utilization of digital innovations and sustainability approaches is having an increasingly positive impact on the growth of SMEs in today's business environment. This article focuses on the transformative process of Turkish SMEs toward sustainability and digitalization. The data were from the Flash Eurobarometer 486, which compares the average of 27 EU countries to Türkiye. As a result of the study, it is understood that sustainability and digitalization continue to be underused in Turkish SMEs, primarily due to high investment requirements and a scarcity of financial resources.
Extended experimental investigation of a double-effect active solar still with a paraffin wax, in Owerri, Nigeria
Authors: C. NWOSU Ernest , NSOFOR Kelechi , N. NWAJI Godswill , ONONOGBO Chibuike , OFONG Ikechi , V. OGUEKE Nnamdi , E. ANYANWU Emmanuel
Published: October 2023

In this work, an experiment-based study of a double-effect, single-slope active solar still (SSASS) is presented. The system comprises an upper and a lower basin incorporated with a paraffin wax acting as a phase change material (PCM). The use of phase change materials is very important due to their high storage density and the isothermal nature of the storage pro-cess. Paraffin wax was selected based on its attractive thermo-physical properties. The thermal behaviours of the system during the diurnal and nocturnal phases in both compartments were explored. Experimental results showed that the upper basin’s yield contributed more to the overall distillate production over a 24-hour cycle while that of the lower basin predominated the diurnal production. Though the PCM served as an energy source during the nocturnal phase, it did not translate to significant improvement in the yield of the lower basin. The heat retention ability of the lower glazing retarded the condensation of the humid air in the lower compartment during the off-sunshine period. Thus, the nocturnal yield of the system was largely driven by the improved temperature difference between the upper saline water and the upper glazing, as well as the stored thermal energy in the saline water mass before sunset. The system achieved a maximum yield of 2,450 ml/day and a yield rate of 232.5 ml/h. A maximum monthly average yield of 1,787 ml/day was realized in May and a minimum of 692 ml/day in July. Nocturnal distillate production accounted for an average of 55% of the total distillate recovered from the still daily. The system achieved an efficiency range of 12.20 - 32.21%. The cost of freshwater production from the system is estimated at 0.0508 $/L with a payback period of 267 days. Thus, this system is economically viable and suitable particularly, for low-income earners.
Public Trust: Indonesian Policy in Developing a New Capital City (IKN)
Authors: Rifaid Rifaid , Rachman M. Taufik , Baharuddin Tawakkal , Gohwong Srirath
Published: October 2023

Many researchers have studied public trust to assess a government policy. Trust is the key to synergizing or connecting the state, government, and society. It is an essential foundation for the state in implementing a policy. That prompted this study to research current policies on developing new capital cities (IKN) by relating them to the level of public trust. This study used a qualitative approach with descriptive content analysis. The research object was seen from Twitter users in discussing policies regarding the development of a new capital city. Sources of data obtained from the overall results of discussions about IKN. The analysis tool relied on Nvivo 12 Plus. The findings indicated that the public trusted government policies to develop IKN. Positive trust was influenced by the idea of developing IKN, which was predicted to become an example of a world city; IKN could influence economic equality, promote well-being or prosperity, and other influential factors, such as Joko Widodo's leadership as President of Indonesia. Some factors influenced the decline in public trust, concerns about environmental damage and budget problems. It is considered that the urgency of public trust in policy issues related to IKN will affect the sustainability of the IKN development plan in the future.