bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical performance of date palm fiber-reinforced concrete modified with nano-activated carbon
Authors: Adamu Musa , Ibrahim Yasser E. , Ahmed Omar Shabbir , Drmosh Qasem A.
Published: July 2023

Date palm fiber (DPF) is an easily processed, low cost, and accessible natural fiber. It has mostly been used in composites for non-structural applications. For DPF to be utilized in cementitious composites for structural applications, ways to reduce its harmful effect on compressive strength must be devised. Therefore, in this study, nano-activated carbon (NAC), due to its filler effects, was used as an additive to produce the DPF-reinforced concrete (DPFRC). To produce the DPFRC, 0, 1, 2, and 3% by cement weight of DPF and NAC were added. The fresh properties, strength, and microstructure of the concrete were examined. The findings revealed that DPF decreased the consistency, density, and compressive strength. Additionally, it increases the porosity in the concrete microstructure. The addition of up to 1% NAC significantly improved the compressive, flexural, and split tensile strengths of the concrete, while it decreased the harmful impact of up to 2% DPF on the DPFRC’s strength. The split tensile and flexural strengths of the concrete were enhanced with the addition of up to 2% DPF without any NAC. The addition of up to 2% NAC densified the DPFRC’s microstructure by refining and filling the pores generated by the DPF. The multivariable statistical models developed to estimate the mechanical properties of the DPFRC containing DPF and NAC were very significant with a very high degree of precision.
Factors determining cassava farmers’ accessibility to loan sources: Evidence from Lampung, Indonesia
Authors: Suryani Ani , Masyhuri  , Rahayu Waluyati Lestari
Published: July 2023

Credit accessibility is crucial for sustainable agricultural development. However, the difficulty in accessing credit has caused farmers to take many considerations when taking a loan. This research aims to determine the factors determining access and credit sources for cassava farmers in Lampung Province, Indonesia. Central Lampung was chosen as the research location because it had a total cassava production share of 36%. This study used Isaac’s and Michael’s formulae to determine the total samples. The data were collected by interviewing 263 respondents. Of 263 farmers, only 109 (41.4%) had access to loans. Data were analysed using the Multinomial Logit Regression Model to examine the factors determining access and credit sources for cassava farmers. Marginal effect analysis was also used to determine the probability of changes in independent variables. Regression results showed that the type of credit sources chosen by the farmers was determined by age, income, agribusiness experience, land size, education, organisation membership, and credit experience (R
2 = 89.1%). Partially, age, income, land size, education, credit experience, and business experience significantly influence the funding source. The results indicate that age, agribusiness experience, and land size are the main factors in choosing the types of credit. Land size has the biggest positive influence on farmers’ access to formal banks (11.49%).
Innovative Analytical and Statistical Technology in Election Forensics
Authors: Yatsyna Yuliia , Kudinov Igor
Published: July 2023

The article examines the crucial role of innovative analytical and statistical technology in electoral forensics, which are increasingly used for detecting and preventing electoral corruption and fraud. By analysing vast amounts of data and detecting anomalies, electoral forensic investigations can contribute to fair and transparent democratic processes. The research aims to explore the effectiveness of these technologies and their potential impact on improving the transparency and fairness of electoral processes, using a multi-method approach that includes analysing relevant documents, media coverage, public opinion, and recent fraud cases. The authors divide the implementation of innovative analytical and statistical technologies for combating election corruption into four groups. The first is the analysis of statistical data and research on corruption, including election processes, which can be called secondary data analysis. The second is the analysis of documentary data containing information on corrupt actions and offences, including election processes. The third is the development of mathematical methods and algorithms using cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning for detecting anomalies and hidden patterns. The fourth is experimental developments in information technologies as a means of ensuring proper governance and combating corruption. While the use of algorithms for detecting anomalies in electoral statistics data can be an important tool, it should be used with caution, and in combination with other sources of information, to avoid the consequences of delegitimising the election results.
The Influence of Educational Level on Income as an Important Aspect of Quality of Life in Latvia
Authors: Liepina Kristine , Sloka Biruta
Published: July 2023

One of the most important aspects influencing the quality of life is education. The paper includes the research results from an analysis of how the level of education affects quality of life, and the development of different initiatives and values. An analysis of scientific literature is performed, with a more detailed analysis of data from Latvia, taking into account the level of household income and satisfaction with life. Research methods applied: analysis of scientific findings, analysis of time-series on several indicators of development related to different education indicators, and income indicators depending on educational level, with a calculation of income confidence interval with a probability of 0.95 for households with different educational levels. Data used in the research: data from databases of the Official Statistics Portal of the Republic of Latvia, Household Finance and Consumption Survey. The research results indicate that households in Latvia with a higher education have a significantly higher income than households with primary or no education.
The Role of Green Marketing in Creating a Sustainable Competitive Advantage
Authors: Pacevičiūtė Aušra , Razbadauskaitė-Venskė Indrė
Published: July 2023

Due to growing environmental concerns, green marketing has become increasingly important in meeting consumer demand and improving a brand’s image and reputation. Green marketing follows the same principles as traditional marketing, but focuses on using eco-friendly materials, production methods, packaging, pricing, distribution channels, and promotion. By incorporating green marketing into a branding strategy, companies can benefit by creating a solid brand image and strengthening their position in a highly competitive market. This paper is based on a review of literature, and aims to summarise and classify extant research on green marketing. The paper reviews green marketing as a new way of creating a sustainable competitive advantage. The literature review establishes the difference between traditional competitive advantage and sustainable competitive advantage. Finally, it introduces a conceptual framework for the development of sustainable competitive advantage, including relationship marketing, green marketing, and the components of traditional competitive advantage.
Local Economic Development: Practical Workshops Connecting Local Government and Organisations, with Reference to the Example of the Otwock District
Authors: Sitek Bronisław , Sitek Magdalena , Florek Iwona
Published: July 2023

In the world of the globalised economy, local socio-economic structures are gaining importance again. The economies of European countries, including Poland, are mostly based on SMEs, which constitute the majority of all enterprises, employing more than half of the employees in the national economy. In this context, local initiatives that bring together entrepreneurs operating in the area, local government bodies and scientific centres, should be considered, which, by working together, influence local development. The aim of the article is to show the importance of the SME sector against the background of trends in global entrepreneurship. The authors ask whether local government can stimulate local entrepreneurship in the SME sector, and consider the effectiveness of Local Economic Development workshops, referring to the example of the Otwock district. Workshops in Local Economic Development based on the model of the American workshops have developed practical results in the form of ready-to-implement projects. Moreover, they have revived the network of local contacts that is vital for regional entrepreneurship.
COVID-19 and Pregnancy
Authors:   Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Chowdhury Selia , Bappy Mehedi Hasan ,   University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA, Desai Shreeya ,   Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, India, Chowdhury Samia ,   Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College, Sylhet, Bangladesh, Patel Vraj ,   Smt. NHL Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad, India, Chowdhury Md. Shahraj ,   DSHE, Education Ministry, Sylhet, Bangladesh, Fonseca Ayesha ,   AUIS School of Medicine, Barbados, Sekzer Catalina ,   University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Zahid Samina ,   Khyber Girls Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan, Patousis Athanasios ,   Georgios Papanikolaou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece, Gerothanasi Anna ,   Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece, Masenga Matias Juan ,   University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Published: July 2023

It is of greatest concern how COVID-19 is affecting pregnancy, mothers, and babies. Scientists are studying the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant women and babies and are understanding a little more every day. Reports show that there is an increased risk in pregnant women compared to nonpregnant women to get more serious illness due to COVID-19. Researchers are also investigating COVID-19 and its potential impact on a fetus. There are exceedingly rare cases of COVID-19 transmission to the fetus, and newborns can pick up COVID-19 when exposed. Vaccines are proved to be safe for pregnant women and help prevent both mother and the fetus from getting COVID-19 and are also highly effective to prevent COVID-19 infection, critical sickness, and fatalities in general. There are specific guidelines for labor and delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic which are to be imposed and followed to achieve safer and healthier childbirth. In this article, the overall influence of COVID-19 in pregnancy, its pathophysiology, effects on placenta and neonates, maternal and perinatal features and outcomes, the role of vaccination, available treatment options, and the guidelines to be followed during the pandemic are discussed based on the available scientific evidence.
Entrevista com Vanilton Lakka
Authors: Bellini Magda Amabile Biazus Carpeggiani
Published: July 2023

Entrevista realizada com Vanilton Lakka, artista da dança brasileira sobre dramaturgia nos processos compositivos.
Gut microbiota regulates blood‐cerebrospinal fluid barrier function and Aβ pathology
Authors: Xie Junhua , Bruggeman Arnout , De Nolf Clint , Vandendriessche Charysse , Van Imschoot Griet , Van Wonterghem Elien , Vereecke Lars , Vandenbroucke Roosmarijn E
Published: July 2023

Accumulating evidence indicates that gut microbiota dysbiosis is associated with increased blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability and contributes to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. In contrast, the influence of gut microbiota on the blood‐cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier has not yet been studied. Here, we report that mice lacking gut microbiota display increased blood‐CSF barrier permeability associated with disorganized tight junctions (TJs), which can be rescued by recolonization with gut microbiota or supplementation with short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Our data reveal that gut microbiota is important not only for the establishment but also for the maintenance of a tight barrier. Also, we report that the vagus nerve plays an important role in this process and that SCFAs can independently tighten the barrier. Administration of SCFAs in AppNL‐G‐F mice improved the subcellular localization of TJs at the blood‐CSF barrier, reduced the β‐amyloid (Aβ) burden, and affected microglial phenotype. Altogether, our results suggest that modulating the microbiota and administering SCFAs might have therapeutic potential in AD via blood‐CSF barrier tightening and maintaining microglial activity and Aβ clearance.
Large‐scale across species transcriptomic analysis identifies genetic selection signatures associated with longevity in mammals
Authors: Liu Weiqiang , Zhu Pingfen , Li Meng , Li Zihao , Yu Yang , Liu Gaoming , Du Juan , Wang Xiao , Yang Jing , Tian Ran , Seim Inge , Kaya Alaattin , Li Mingzhou , Li Ming , Gladyshev Vadim N , Zhou Xuming
Published: July 2023

Lifespan varies significantly among mammals, with more than 100‐fold difference between the shortest and longest living species. This natural difference may uncover the evolutionary forces and molecular features that define longevity. To understand the relationship between gene expression variation and longevity, we conducted a comparative transcriptomics analysis of liver, kidney, and brain tissues of 103 mammalian species. We found that few genes exhibit common expression patterns with longevity in the three organs analyzed. However, pathways related to translation fidelity, such as nonsense‐mediated decay and eukaryotic translation elongation, correlated with longevity across mammals. Analyses of selection pressure found that selection intensity related to the direction of longevity‐correlated genes is inconsistent across organs. Furthermore, expression of methionine restriction‐related genes correlated with longevity and was under strong selection in long‐lived mammals, suggesting that a common strategy is utilized by natural selection and artificial intervention to control lifespan. Our results indicate that lifespan regulation via gene expression is driven through polygenic and indirect natural selection.
Cell fragmentation in mouse preimplantation embryos induced by ectopic activation of the polar body extrusion pathway
Authors: Pelzer Diane , de Plater Ludmilla , Bradbury Peta , Eichmuller Adrien , Bourdais Anne , Halet Guillaume , Maître Jean‐Léon
Published: July 2023

Cell fragmentation is commonly observed in human preimplantation embryos and is associated with poor prognosis during assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. However, the mechanisms leading to cell fragmentation remain largely unknown. Here, light sheet microscopy imaging of mouse embryos reveals that inefficient chromosome separation due to spindle defects, caused by dysfunctional molecular motors Myo1c or dynein, leads to fragmentation during mitosis. Extended exposure of the cell cortex to chromosomes locally triggers actomyosin contractility and pinches off cell fragments. This process is reminiscent of meiosis, during which small GTPase‐mediated signals from chromosomes coordinate polar body extrusion (PBE) by actomyosin contraction. By interfering with the signals driving PBE, we find that this meiotic signaling pathway remains active during cleavage stages and is both required and sufficient to trigger fragmentation. Together, we find that fragmentation happens in mitosis after ectopic activation of actomyosin contractility by signals emanating from DNA, similar to those observed during meiosis. Our study uncovers the mechanisms underlying fragmentation in preimplantation embryos and, more generally, offers insight into the regulation of mitosis during the maternal‐zygotic transition.
ОСТАННІ ТЕНДЕНЦІЇ РИНКУ МОЛОКОПРОДУКТІВ УКРАЇНИ
Authors: Bochko O.Yu. , Kuziak V.V.
Published: July 2023

В статті розкрито останні тенденції ринку молокопродуктів України. Для написання статті використано різні загальнонаукові та спеціальні методи дослідження. Дедуктивний та індуктивний, методи застосовано для аналізування динаміки поголів’я корів в усіх категоріях господарств України. За допомогою економічного аналізу та порівняння здійснено аналізування динаміку поголів'я корів в сільськогосподарських підприємства та підприємствах населення за 2011-2021рр. та розраховано прогноз до 2025р. Графічний метод використано для наочного відображення результатів дослідження. Для теоретичних узагальнень і формування висновків застосовано абстрактно-логічний метод. Обгрунтовано динаміку виробництва молока в Україні та доведено, що вона визначається двома основними показниками – кількістю поголів’я і продуктивністю корів. Протягом останнього десятиріччя спостерігається поступове зниження поголів'я корів в Україні, що стало стійким негативним трендом. встановлено, що  за 2011-2021рр. поголів'я корів скоротилося майже на 1/3: в 2011р. його кількість становила 2,63 млн голів, а в 2021 р - 1,67 млн голів. Скоротилась чисельність корів у сільськогосподарських підприємствах та в господарствах населення. Тенденція до скорочення прогнозується також і до 2025рр. На це також вказує розрахована лінійна прогнозна модель. В структурі всіх господарств більшу питому вагу займають господарства населення, в переважній мірі вони становлять більше 75%. За 2020-2021рр. також скоротилися обсяги виробництва продукції на 544,5 тис. тонн. За ці роки зменшилася питома вага всіх областей України в загальній структурі обсягу виробництва молока. Встановлено, що зростання цін на молокопродукцію сприяє скороченню обсягів споживання, дефіциту молока та зростанню експорту. Обґрунтовано вплив на  ціну чинника сезонності. Крім того виробники молочної продукції працюють в умовах воєнного стану, деякі взагалі під обстрілами. На українському ринку зростає кількість імпортної молочної продукції, а це становить загрозу для українських виробників. За умови продовження такої ситуації  тенденція нарощування імпорту збережеться й надалі.
ВПЛИВ ВІЙНИ НА ЕКОНОМІКУ УКРАЇНИ: МАКРОЕКОНОМІЧНИЙ АСПЕКТ
Authors: Rosola U.V. , Hladynets N.Yu. , Petrichko M. M.
Published: July 2023

У статті розглянуто сучасний стан основних макроекономічних показників України. Метою наукової праці є дослідження сучасних тенденцій основних макроекономічних показників: рівня ВВП, рівня безробіття та інфляції, змін податкового законодавства, аналізу основних міжнародних продовольчих угод в умовах війни. Досліджено їх вплив на економіку країни та функціонування бізнесу в теперішніх умовах. Для дослідження використовувались наукові статті вітчизняних та іноземних науковців. Для досягнення мети використовувались такі наукові методи як: аналізу та синтезу, індукції та дедукції, економіко-статистичний та узагальнення. В результаті аналізу встановлено, що війна в Україні має значний вплив на функціонування вітчизняних підприємств та бізнесу в цілому. Досліджено, що одним з ключових завдань Міністерства економіки є переміщення підприємств з тимчасово окупованих територій у більш безпечні регіони – Львів, Закарпаття, Волинь, Чернівці та інші області. Закономірно, що завдячуючи цьому процесу відбувається сплата податкових надходжень до бюджеті різних рівнів, утримуються існуючі робочі місця, а також здійснюється набір нового персоналу, якого не вистачає. Встановлено, що потужні ракетні удари по критичній інфраструктурі, зростання рівня інфляції, безробіття, неможливість України здійснювати повноцінно міжнародну торгівлю морськими шляхами унеможливлює стабільність та розвиток економіки. Детально проаналізовано найбільших зовнішніх донорів фінансової допомоги для України. Виявлено негативний вплив військових дій на розмір експорту та імпорту України. Зазначено, що постійно енергетична інфраструктура піддається обстрілам, а відтак тимчасової дестабілізації українського бізнесу в цілому. Вирішення існуючих проблем можливе за проведення певних заходів: надання фінансової допомоги іноземними країнами та фондами, розвиток джерел енергії, формування альтернативного потенціалу в енергетичному секторі, вільний рух капіталу та трудових ресурсів. В цілому це дасть можливість відбудовувати вітчизняну економіку за європейськими принципами.
ЦИФРОВІ ТЕХНОЛОГІЇ ФІНАНСОВИХ УСТАНОВ: РИЗИКИ І ПЕРСПЕКТИВИ ВИКОРИСТАННЯ
Authors: Shyshkina O. V.
Published: July 2023

Метою даної статті є дослідження основних видів цифрових технологій, ризиків і перспектив їх використання у діяльності фінансових установ. Для досягнення поставленої мети було використано такі методи дослідження: аналітичний – для збору, аналізу і опису цифрових технологій для більш глибокого розуміння наукової проблеми; експертний – для оцінки ризиків та перспектив розвитку цифрових технологій; критичний аналіз і компаративний аналіз для порівняння сучасного та перспективного станів впровадження цифрових технологій фінансовими установами України; метод наукового узагальнення – для виявлення пріоритетних напрямів використання інноваційних цифрових технологій в умовах ризику і невизначеності зовнішнього середовища.

Новизна даного дослідження полягає у аналізі проникнення цифрових технологій в діяльність фінансових установ, дослідженні можливостей поєднання різних видів технологій для досягнення тактичних і стратегічних цілей, відображенні їх впливу на фінансовий сектор національної економіки.

У ході наукового дослідження було доведено, що цифрові технології є ключовим елементом цифрової трансформації, яка їх використовує для покращення процесів фінансового, інвестиційного і ризик-менеджменту, взаємодії з клієнтами та налагодження зворотного зв’язку із споживачами та підвищення ефективності діяльності. Визначено, що у фінансовому секторі національної економіки вже знайшли застосування такі цифрові технології, котрі здатні забезпечити швидкість, ефективність та безпеку фінансових операцій, як: хмарні технології, блокчейн, смарт (розумні)-контракти, Інтернет речей, штучний інтелект, машинне навчання та інші. Обґрунтовано, що використання зазначених цифрових технологій дає можливість фінансовим установам аналізувати великі обсяги даних та отримувати цінну інформацію про основні тенденції, події та процеси у фінансовій та інших сферах, що допомагає власникам і менеджерам фінансових установ приймати кращі рішення щодо інвестування, кредитування та здійснення інших фінансових операцій. Авторкою систематизовано переваги, і ризики досліджуваних цифрових технологій та сформульовано практичні можливості їх використання й визначено основні перспективи їх розвитку у коротко і довгостроковій перспективі. Як показало дослідження, цифрові технології мають значний потенціал для підвищення ефективності та зниження витрат фінансових установ, а також можуть забезпечити можливість реалізації нових продуктів та послуг, розширити за рахунок цього клієнтську базу та підвищити рівень доходності фінансової установи. Однак, використання цих технологій потребує від фінансових установ інвестицій в розробку та впровадження нових систем та програм, навчання персоналу та його підготовку до роботи з такими інноваціями.
EŞYA ÜZERİNDE KURULAN İNTİFA HAKKININ KONUSUNDA MEYDANA GELEN DEĞİŞİKLİKLERE DAYALI SONUÇLAR
Authors: ATEŞ Zehra Gizem
Published: July 2023

İntifa hakkı, sahibine konusu olan eşya üzerinde kullanma ve yararlanma hakkı veren, devredilmez ve mirasçılara geçmez nitelikte sınırlı ayni bir haktır. İntifa hakkı taşınır, taşınmaz eşya, hak veya malvarlığı üzerinde kurulabilir. İntifa hakkı TMK md. 794 vd. hükümlerinde düzenlenmiştir. Çalışmamızda eşya üzerinde kurulan intifa hakkı incelenecektir. İntifa konusu eşyada meydana gelen değişiklikler neticesinde intifa hakkında bazı değişimler oluşur. İntifa hakkı sona erebilir veya karşılık değer üzerinde devam edebilir. Eşyada meydana gelen değişiklikler neticesinde intifa hakkının durumuna ilişkin sonuçların bir kısmı TMK’nın intifa hakkının sona ermesi hakkındaki hükümlerinde düzenlenmekle birlikte bir kısmı TMK’nın diğer hükümlerinde düzenlenmiştir. İntifa hakkının durumu eşyadaki değişikliğe bağlı olarak belirlenir. Bu çalışmada eşyada meydana gelen değişiklikler nedeniyle intifa hakkında oluşan değişiklikler ve sonuçları incelenmiştir.
Cohérence des interventions gouvernementales pour prévenir l’insécurité alimentaire des ménages :
Authors: Gaboury-Bonhomme Marie-Ève , Bastien Laurence , Kachaka Etienne-Yusufu , Godin Laurence , Saulais Laure , Bocoum Ibrahima
Published: July 2023

Au Québec, l’insécurité alimentaire est un enjeu de santé publique. Malgré le soutien de plusieurs ministères aux organisations communautaires et privées qui luttent contre l’insécurité alimentaire, elle perdure et s’est aggravée avec la pandémie de COVID-19. Cet article analyse la cohérence des politiques et interventions gouvernementales de lutte contre l’insécurité alimentaire au Québec et interroge leur capacité à la prévenir. Un cadre théorique basé sur les déterminants de la sécurité alimentaire et sur le concept de cohérence des politiques publiques est mobilisé. La plupart des interventions de lutte contre l’insécurité alimentaire en 2021 étaient réparties dans trois politiques gouvernementales, le Plan d’action gouvernemental pour l’inclusion économique et la participation sociale 2017-2023; la Politique gouvernementale de prévention en santé 2017-2021 et la Politique bioalimentaire 2018-2023, auxquelles s’ajoutent d’autres interventions provinciales et fédérales. En revanche, aucune stratégie d’ensemble officielle ne vise directement la lutte contre l’insécurité alimentaire, ce qui permettrait de coordonner les interventions gouvernementales et de la société civile (milieux communautaires et privés) et de créer des ponts entre les politiques sociales, de santé publique et bioalimentaires. La mise en place d’une telle stratégie permettrait de mieux agir sur l’ensemble des déterminants (individuels ou collectifs) et de mieux prévenir l’insécurité alimentaire. Cela faciliterait le développement de parcours intégrant plusieurs types d’interventions, adaptés aux différentes populations vulnérables. Une vision commune, des cibles à atteindre ainsi que des mécanismes de suivi et d’évaluation des effets réels des interventions, individuels et croisés, pourraient être mis en place, en collaboration avec les acteurs concernés.
Slow cooked
Authors: Sumner Jennifer
Published: July 2023

This lively autobiography details Marion Nestle’s life-long engagement with food, particularly the tumultuous politics that inevitably accompany this central aspect of human life.  As the founder of the interdiscipline of food studies, she describes her early life in academia, her work with the federal government and her appointment as a professor at New York University (NYU).  Food studies scholars and practitioners will be fascinated by her insider stories of creating the field – from acquiring financial backing and finding qualified faculty to attracting students and bringing food influencers onside.  To paraphrase Wendell Barry, eating is a political act, and no-one brings that to life more acutely than Marion Nestle.
“Moving from understanding to action on food security in Inuit Nunangat”:
Authors: Naylor Angus , Kenny Tiff-Annie , Furgal Chris , Beale Dorothy , Warltier Duncan , Carignan Marie-Hélène , Blackwood Lynn , Wade Brian , Goodman Gabriela , Stafford Jordyn , Little Matthew
Published: July 2023

This Commentary details key challenges and opportunities relating to the promotion of food security in Inuit Nunangat, discussed as part of the event “Moving from understanding to action on food security in Inuit Nunangat”, convened at the ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting on 5th December 2022 in Toronto. The purpose of the event was to explore opportunities for action on food security in northern communities, and to mobilize knowledge on current and future food security programming. A range of stakeholders from across Inuit Nunangat and Canada were involved, including representatives from Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and Nutrition North Canada, territorial, regional, and community food security co-ordinators and government delegates, academics, and community members. Points of discussion across the day included the integration of culturally appropriate country foods into food programming; the importance of human and financial resources to program success; interactions between COVID-19, climate change, and food security; challenges relating to the classification of “households” in food security surveys; and the crucial importance of school food programs for reducing food and income stress on families.
A world without soil
Authors: Bloomfield Richard S.
Published: July 2023

Jo Handelsman’s text A world without soil: The past, present, and precarious future of the earth beneath our feet outlines the threats to global soil health from a scientific perspective and provides an empirical foundation for many in the social sciences or humanities who advocate for more just and sustainable food systems. While soil is often cited as important in these circles, why that is, and how exactly it functions is not as widely understood. Handelsman’s effort to provide an accessible book to non-soil science specialists is admirable, although not without weaknesses worth addressing.
The CFS Choux Questionnaire: Lisa Heldke, food philosopher
Authors: Heldke Lisa
Published: July 2023

A riff on the well-riffed Proust Questionnaire, the Canadian Food Studies Choux Questionnaire is meant to elicit a tasty and perhaps surprising experience, framed within a seemingly humble exterior. (And yes, some questions have a bit more craquelin than others.) Straightforward on their own, the queries combined start to form a celebratory pyramid of extravagance. How that composite croquembouche is assembled and taken apart, however, is up to the respondents and readers to determine. Respondents are invited to answer as many questions as they choose. The final question posed—What question would you add to this questionnaire?—prompts each respondent to incorporate their own inquisitive biome into the mix, feeding a forever renewed starter culture for future participants.
Our inaugural Choux Questionnaire respondent is Lisa Heldke, food philosopher and professor at Gustavus Adolphus College.
Transition, coherence, resilience and joy
Authors: Canadian Food Studies
Published: July 2023

These four nouns are taken out of the article titles on offer in this issue. Uncover within the systemic transitions taking place, the coherence required, the resilience that has emerged, and the joy that may be found in food production, distribution and consumption.
With this issue also comes the inaugural installment of a new series called the Canadian Food Studies Choux Questionnaire. A riff on the Proust Questionnaire, we skirt the obvious food-related point of entry, the madeleine. We are interested in more than just the remembrance of things past. The lighter, more versatile choux bun is the receptacle for everything from crème pâtissière to tuna, from food fears to greatest edible achievements. Food philosopher Lisa Heldke is our first respondent.
And because we have been feeling particularly inquisitive of late, we have asked our contributing authors to tell us about themselves. It’s biography by way of lunch menus and food literature.
Nanofillers for papermaking wet end applications
Authors: Shen Jing , Song Zhanqian , Qian Xueren , Yang Fei , Kong Fangong
Published: July 2023

The papermaking industry can benefit a lot from nanotechnology. This versatile technology can also be used in the area of fillers for papermaking wet end applications. In such applications the main technological examples currently available include wet end addition of commercially available nanofillers, formation of nanofiller/fiber or nanofiller/fibril hybrids, development of novel categories of nanofillers such as high aspect ratio nanofillers, and combination of microfillers with nanostructures by specially controlled routes to obtain composite nanofillers. It is worth noting that there are certain challenges associated with nanofillers, such as high cost, difficulty in structure and performance control, poor dispersability and retention, possible severe negative effects on paper strength, possible detrimental interactions between nanofillers with some wet end additives, and the industry-related limitations. However, in the long run, the research and development in the area of nanofillers will surely create many fruitful results.
Evaluation of pulp and paper making characteristics of rice stem fibers prepared by twin-screw extruder pulping
Authors: Talebizadeh Alireza , Rezayati-Charani Pejman
Published: July 2023

Twin-screw extrusion pulping is a new approach to the manufacture of pulp for paper production, designed for non-wood feedstocks. In this research, the production of pulp from rice stem with a newly fabricated twin-screw extruder was investigated. Extrusion pulping of rice stem was conducted following a central composite design using a two-level factorial plan involving three process variables (pretreatment NaOH concentration: 0.4, 0.8, 1.2%; extrusion temperature: 40, 60, 80 o C; and extruder rotational speed: 55, 70, 85 rpm). Responses of pulp and handsheets properties to the process variables were analyzed using statistical software (MINITAB 15). As the results show, pulping of rice stem fiber can be done at a relatively short pretreatment time about 4 hours and a low NaOH concentration about 0.8% by twin-screw extruder with limit extrusion temperature of about 80 o C and extruder rotational speed about 85 rpm. The effect of pretreatment solvent, NaOH, is greatly enhanced by increases in the extrusion temperature. Analysis of the results revealed that this process has suitable potential to be used to obtain a pulp with yields approximately equivalent to neutral sulfite semichemical pulping at fixed kappa number, which is applicable for fluting paper and linerboard production.
Kinetic and optimization studies on the bioconversion of lignocellulosic material into ethanol
Authors: Ezhumalai Sasikumar , Thangavelu Viruthagiri
Published: July 2023

In the present study, classical statistical tool Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was adopted for the optimization of process variables in the bioconversion of pretreated sugarcane bagasse into ethanol by cellulase and Candida wickerhamii MTCC 3013 based on Central Composite Design (CCD) experiments. A 23 five level CCD with central and axial points was used to develop a statistical model for the optimization of process variables such as incubation temperature (25 – 45°) X1, pH (5.0 – 7.0) X2,and fermentation time (24 – 120 h) X3. Data obtained from RSM on ethanol production were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and analyzed using a second-order polynomial equation, and isoresponse contour plots were used to study the interactions among three relevant variables. Maximum response for ethanol production was obtained when applying the optimum values for temperature (33°C), pH (5.7), and fermentation time (104 h). Maximum ethanol concentration (4.28 g/l) was obtained from 50 g/l pretreated sugarcane bagasse at the optimized process conditions in aerobic batch fermentation. Various kinetic models such as Modified Logistic model, Modified Logistic incorporated Leudeking – Piret model, and Modified Logistic incorporated Modified Leudeking – Piret model were evaluated and the constants were predicted.
A Successful Study of the Government's Poverty Alleviation Approach to the Coastal Poor for Education Aspect in Bau-Bau City, Southeast Sulawesi
Authors: Zikir Erma Fitriah , Kasim Ma’ruf , Baka Muh. Yani , Dirman La Ode
Published: July 2023

Poverty is more common in rural areas than in urban areas. Even though there has been a decrease in poverty, this has not been followed by a decrease in disparities or gaps between cities and rural areas.  So,the government's poverty alleviation approach tends to be the same (G2P) between urban and rural areas. This should have an even impact on reducing poverty and regional disparities especially fo education aspect. bymixed research (mixed method) between qualitative and quantitative research, the reseach tried to answer How successful is the distribution of assistance to the poor in coastal cities in the education sector in Baubau City, Southeast Sulawesi Province?.  The data showed that the distribution of social assistance for the G2P scheme to urban coastal poor households in Baubau City for the education sector was categorized as "successful or on target", but had not reached the "very successful or very targeted" category as expected by TNP2K. This result also answers the first hypothesis that the distribution of assistance to poor households in urban coastal areas is "successful".  In accordance with the results of the analysis (strengths and weaknesses) and referring to the benefits to be achieved, there are several suggestions put forward practically and conceptually/theoretically. distribution of aid by taking into account the results of this study (advantages and disadvantages of the distribution process) so that in the future the distribution process will be even better.
Elementary Algorithms – Prefix Sum
Authors: MENYHÁRT László Gábor , ZSAKÓ László
Published: July 2023

In this paper we present a special problem, named as prefix sum, and its variations. We
analyse the base problem more detailed and compare the possible solutions. Our students solved simi-lar problems in competitions, so we have statistics about their solutions. We offer this article for those readers who are interested in programming methodology, or who are teachers, and their students will be participated in competitions.
Understanding and Designing Recursive Functions via Syntactic Rewriting
Authors: VERHOEFF Tom
Published: July 2023

Recursion is considered a challenging programming technique by many students.
There are two common approaches intended to help students understand recursion. One of them is based on the operational semantics of function execution involving a stack, where students trace the execution of a recursively defined function for some concrete arguments. The other approach is based on the axiomatic semantics involving inductive reasoning with the contract of the recursively defined function. The former approach is not so helpful when designing recursive functions, whereas the latter can be helpful (being a special case of divide and conquer) but contracts can be hard to discover.
In this article, I will show a third approach. It is based neither on an operational nor an
axiomatic semantics. Rather, it involves a rewriting semantics using program transformation by substitution, thereby inlining function calls. We show that this approach not only may help understanding, but can also be used to design recursive functions.
BATTLE POETICS OF M. YU. LERMONTOV
Authors: Potashova Ksenia
Published: July 2023

The subject of the research in this article is the battle motif in Lermontov's poetry. Special attention is paid to such significant examples of his battle lyrics as “Borodino” and “Valerik.” They are considered in terms of visualization of a verbal artistic image, the means of which is the engagement of painting and the creation of the effect of a sequential change of frames, which is a kind of prototype of the art of cinematography. Using the editing technique in reflecting reality, Lermontov creates an artistic whole in his poetic masterpieces from documented images of the place, time, opponents, scenes of the battle itself. By combining different image points, altering close-up and long-range views, creating a slow-motion effect, capturing separate frames, coloring techniques, animation, voicing, Lermontov achieves a tangible reality of military sketches in the verbal battle image he created. Lermontov's battle theme has ceased to be dissociated from military life itself, and the poet himself, being a direct participant in the events taking place, appears in it as an artist-witness and thinker at the same time. The innovation of Lermontov’s artistic system is revealed, associated with the creation of a documentary essay in poetic form, which endows the reader with the opportunity to objectively examine the military events in question. The article traces the evolution of the principles of creating an artistic image in the battle poetry of the late 18th — first third of the 19th centuries.
FLAUBERT’S ALLUSIONS IN THE CREATIONS OF G. GAZDANOV
Authors: Alexandrova Elmira
Published: July 2023

The present study is devoted to the images of episodic characters in Gaito Gazdanov’s work that were styled after themain character of G. Flaubert’s short story “A Simple Soul” (“Un cœur simple”). The characters marked by the features similar to those of Felicite appear in many of the young émigré writer’s works of the 1920s and 1930s: they include the maid and the cook from the novel “Vecher u Kler” (“Evening at Claire's”), the cook from the story “Vecherniy sputnik” (“Evening Companion”) and a number of characters from “Nochnye dorogi” (“Night Roads”). The motifs of constantly shifting affections, absent-mindedness, thoughtfulness, “frozen” age, peasant origin and “woodenness” as a symbol of frozen immobility, bourgeoisness, “geographical cretinism,” etc. In some images, the intertextual layers are overlayed: in addition to Flaubert’s, this is the reception of the “Leninist cook,” who “must learn to manage the state” (as a symbol of the “substitution” of social roles and social timelessness). The images of Fedorchenko and Suzanne from “Nochnye dorogi” (“Night Roads”) intertwine the features of Flaubert’s “simple soul” Felicity and her “sister” Dushechka, as interpreted by Chekhov. (We have previously shown that the heroine of A. P. Chekhov’s story “Dushechka” was their literary prototype.) Thus, Gazdanov emphasizes that he felt the kinship between the characters of the French and Russian writers. The deciphering key to understanding Flaubert’s intertext in Gazdanov was the phrase from the dialogue about the cook in “Vecherniy sputnik” (“Evening Companion”): “I should write a book about her.”Here the subject of the author’s interest is fully revealed, its similarity to Flaubert’s understanding of the literary hero — the hero of any social class, worthy of becoming the subject of the author’s image.Gazdanov not only agrees with the French writer, but offers his own vision: all of the characters in question are addicted to alcohol. The heroes’ excessive drinking is their tragedy: alcoholic oblivion becomes a way for the everyman hero to endure mental suffering, to fill the emptiness of existence. This is Gazdanov’s interpretation of the very demand of a simple soul for feelings, depicted in Flaubert’s short story.
SARS-CoV-2 infection and thyroid dysfunction in children
Authors:   I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine, Kozak K. V. , Pavlyshyn H. A. ,   I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine;, Avramenko I. Y. ,   Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine;, Dyvonyak O. M. ,   Ternopil Municipal Children’s Hospital, Ternopil, Ukraine;, Shevchuk O. O. ,   I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine;, Hlushko K. T. ,   I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine;
Published: July 2023

The problem of thyroid dysfunction related to SARS-CoV-2 infection remains unclear in children. Therefore, the study aimed to reveal the interrelationship between thyroid dysfunction and COVID-19 severity­ as well as to determine optimal cut-off values for screening for thyroid disorders in children. A total number of 90 children aged from 1 month to 17 years were involved in the study. Patients with known thyroid disease were not recruited for the research. A thyroid panel was assessed for all participants that included: free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and anti-thyroid peroxidase (ATPO) antibodies. Statistical analysis was done using the computer software Statistica 13.0. Research has revealed euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) in 14.10% of SARS-CoV-2 infected children more often among patients with severe COVID-19 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome (33.33%) compared to mild COVID-19 course (6.67%) and moderate disease severity (8.89%) (P < 0.05). Significant correlation relationships were revealed for next values – FT3 and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (rs = -0.22; P < 0.05); FT3 and C-reactive protein (CRP) (rs = -0.33; P < 0.05); FT3 and procalcitonin (rs = -0.43; P < 0.05). The next cut-off values for ESS determination were revealed: ESR 18.5 mm/h (AUC 0.803); CRP 11.5 mg/l (AUC 0.763); ferritin 84.8 ng/ml (AUC 0.733). Results suggest that pediatricians should pay attention to the endocrine disruptions by COVID-19 in children. Keywords: COVID-19, euthyroid sick syndrome in children, inflammatory markers
Risk factors of preterm infants with CPAP intubated for mechanical ventilation
Authors:   Department of Pediatrics No. 2, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine, Borysiuk O. , Matsyura O. ,   Department of Pediatrics No. 2, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine;, Besh L. ,   Department of Pediatrics No. 2, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine;, Dubrovna Y. ,   LRC CNE “Lviv Regional Clinical Hospital,” Lviv, Ukraine;
Published: July 2023

Early use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is equal to the prophylactic administration of a surfactant to prevent neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (nRDS) in high-risk infants. However, almost half of the smallest infants still require intubation and mechanical ventilation in the first 72 hours after birth. It is known that ineffective initial CPAP is associated with a poorer prognosis. Therefore, the search for reliable prognostic risk factors for ineffective CPAP in very preterm neonates whose respiratory support is started with CPAP is still relevant today. The results of a retrospective cohort study conducted at the Lviv Regional Clinical Hospital (Ukraine), which included 151 children with birth weight <1500 g and gestational age <32 weeks, showed that CPAP failure occurred at a median age of five hours in 31% of infants initially treated with CPAP and average (SD) FiO2, while the failure point was 0.48 (0.15). The prevalence of the main risk factors for severe nRDS did not differ significantly between two groups (CPAP success and CPAP failure). The risk of CPAP failure was significantly associated with surfactant treatment (OR – 7.46; 95% CI: 2.3–24.2), severe RDS (OR – 12.17; 95% CI: 3.8–39.3), requirement in resuscitation after birth (OR – 3.10; 95% CI: 1.2–8.1), initial CPAP pressure (OR – 0.38; 95% CI: 0.15–0.99). Earlier administration of exogenous surfactant to children at high risk of developing severe RDS could prevent the need for mechanical ventilation. Keywords: CPAP failure, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome mechanical ventilation, preterm infants, surfactant