bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of plant community flammability in Cockayne’s Arthur’s Pass Plots over nine decades
Authors: Budha-Magar Shanta
Published: April 2022

Changes in plant community composition and traits can be used to infer changes in community-level flammability. In subalpine ecosystems, we expect higher community flammability in the decades after fire due to the dominance of grasses (fine fuels) and other high-flammability species like bracken and Dracophyllum spp. This would be followed by a decline in flammability, due to a shift to lower-flammability species. In this study, I aimed to determine the plant community flammability of different subalpine vegetation types over 86 years since fire. I used vegetation monitoring data of nine permanent transects established by Leonard Cockayne in 1932 at Arthur’s Pass and remeasured four times until 2018. I explored how plant morphological and chemical traits predict community flammability in different vegetation types (grassland, shrubland, forest). Combined with existing trait and flammability data, I examined the interrelationships among community composition, shoot flammability (n = 67 species), plant morphology (n = 57) and leaf chemistry (n = 29). I show that community flammability was highly variable across the nine transects in the 86 years since fire. This contrasts with my original hypothesis. However, I show that flammability is strongly related to plant traits, such as leaf specific area and plant dead material. Therefore, I conclude that although post-fire vegetation dynamics are highly variable, changes in plant community flammability are predictable when considered in a trait framework.
Breaking Calabashes: Rediscovering the Potential of Wāhine Kaiwhakairo
Authors: Elliott Zena
Published: April 2022

Wairaka chanted, ‘Kia Whakatāne au i ahau - Let me act like a man!’ as she picked up the hoe (paddle), saving the Mātaatua waka. It has been written that wāhine (woman) were not permitted to handle the hoe. However, Wairaka gained the courage and determination to save the lives of the Mātaatua waka. ‘Kia whakamataora ahau i ahau anō’ like Wairaka, many wāhine Māori have gained the courage to pick up the whao (chisel) determined to reclaim and reimagine the potential of wāhine carvers. This research explores wāhine kaiwhakairo - the pursuit of knowledge from an archetypal approach called ‘He wāhine wāwāhi tahā – a woman who breaks calabashes.’ I was led to believe that the art of whakairo (carving) is the domain of men. However, further research indicates that some Atua wāhine (female gods) and wāhine Māori either played a significant role in whakairo or carved. Wāhine Māori, who showed creative attributes and talent early, may not have had the opportunity to nurture that talent in whakairo. Colonial power imbalances and belief systems in Māori gender roles and society have disadvantaged some wāhine Māori from acquiring the knowledge of whakairo. There is a critical disparity in literature and low visibility of whakairo artworks by wāhine Māori within contemporary art spaces. The practice-led research seeks to activate discussion and reflection around the perspectives and experiences of wāhine carvers, despite the disparity within literature and gallery spaces. Wāhine carvers have started to deconstruct and critique the colonial lens that disadvantages them by breaking down barriers and claiming space to enhance the potential and increase the visibility of wāhine kaiwhakairo.
"Better for everybody": Student-parent experiences of higher education
Authors: Mangenje Tondy
Published: April 2022

The second half of the twentieth century witnessed a successful campaign to increase accessibility of higher education in many industrialised countries. Therefore, the system that was once reserved primarily for the traditional white, middle to upper-class, young adult male, with a well-educated and politically connected father, is now more accessible to a diverse non-traditional student population that includes women, racial and ethnic minorities, and older adult students (Pearce 2017). Research indicates that, for many non-traditional students, financial, social, and emotional complexities that accompany maintaining the roles of parent and student simultaneously can impair their abilities to obtain a degree and, therefore, impair their socio-economic standing (Hoffer & Welch, 2006). These complexities may also affect family. This study explores the experiences of six mature Higher Education (HE) students with dependent children. Using semi-structed interviews the study asks students three research questions: (a) what led the participant to decide on HE while in a caring role, (b) what internal or external criticism or praise has the participant experienced by taking on a dual role of both parent and HE student, and (c) how does the participant deal with the internal, external criticism, praises – the unique challenges of being a mature student and parent? A descriptive interpretive approach connects ideas from different participants to understand their stories (Smythe, 2012). Findings indicated participants’ motivation to undertake HE were: seeing study as a prized possession; their mature age being an advantage; and sufficient support for childcare. Praise from family and staff encouraged them, whereas societal expectations for mothers staying home with very young children was a criticism. Once they decided to study, they gained support from personal and institutional sources to succeed. They also offered advice on how to better support mature student parents. The findings will help develop support for mature-aged students in higher education.
Examining a Regulatory Pathway for 3D Bioprinting: An Investigation into its Relationship with Intellectual Property and Human Rights
Authors: McCormack-Goeth Georgia
Published: April 2022

3D bioprinting comprises printing of organic material like bones, organs, and skin using one’s own cells as bioink. These synthetic replicas have the potential to cure disease or illness, provide an alternative to live donor transplantation, and increase the accuracy of research on the human body (Vermeulen et al., 2017; Murphy & Atala, 2014). Although a recent and still emerging technology as a derivative of 3D printing, research into the potential benefits and disadvantages of 3D bioprinting is growing. As a new and beneficial innovation, 3D bioprinting is arguably subject to intellectual property protection. Research in the field of biotechnology highlights the need to strike a balance between encouraging scientific research and development, while protecting the rights of the public (Andrews & Nelkin, 1998). However, studies that have examined the patentability of 3D bioprinting rarely address specific human rights concerns. Furthermore, investigation around the interaction of 3D bioprinting with other forms of intellectual property is lacking. This presentation will provide a brief introduction to the science of 3D bioprinting and how it affects numerous human rights. This will be followed by an examination of whether the current intellectual property system is suitable for regulation of this invention. Doctrinal methodology is the primary research method employed to examine applicable law and legal regimes relating to 3D bioprinting, intellectual property and human rights. This research expands on existing literature and contributes to addressing the gap in the knowledge base. By analysing the interface of 3D bioprinting, intellectual property and human rights, this study aims to shed light on potential implications of intellectual property protection for 3D bioprinting technology and to offer potential pathways for ensuring that any regulatory measures prioritise and support human rights.
Iti noa ana, he pito mata: A critical analysis of educational success through a Māori lens and two case studies of whānau within Ngāti Awa and Ngāti Tūwharetoa
Authors: Abraham Hazel
Published: April 2022

The educational success of Māori students is of high national interest and priority in New Zealand. A plethora of educational research exists on how to lift student achievement and the need for indigenous views in transforming outcomes for Māori (Macfarlane, 2015). This presentation shines a spotlight on Māori whānau (families’) perspectives of the challenges and barriers to academic success they encountered on their educational journey in mainstream schooling. Insights yielded from this doctoral research by Māori whānau offer an opportunity to rethink the overall role and purpose of educational success for future generations of Māori whānau. The research draws upon Western theories merged with Indigenous methodologies, such as Kaupapa Māori Theory (Smith, 2012) and Pūrakau (story telling) (Lee, 2009), to unravel the narratives of the past and present. Two case studies of whānau from Ngāti Awa and Ngāti Tūwharetoa provided insight into the interconnected relationship between cultural trauma and educational success. Interviews with these whānau uncover themes that informed the creation of a model called ‘He rere pepepe ki te anuhe Framework’ – Transforming pathways for whānau through educational success. This model offers restorative solutions that offer optimism for a new future. It is a critical response to the issues facing Māori in New Zealand’s education system within the Eastern Bay of Plenty. The research findings affirm that systemic bias exists in New Zealand’s education system and has had a detrimental impact on the educational success of tamariki Māori (Māori children) and whānau across many successive generations.  A major finding identified from the two case studies is that Māori have not recovered from colonisation, particularly the impact of 204 years of historical and cultural trauma experienced across successive generations of whānau that has resulted in the loss of language, culture and identity.
Digital Financial Services for Achieving Life Goals: Analysing Experiences of Rural Individuals in India
Authors: Sharma Himanshu
Published: April 2022

A well-developed financial system facilitates the financial inclusion and development of people. Digital financial technologies have the potential to reach disadvantaged communities by providing secure, affordable, and stable financial services. The extant research on digital financial services concentrates mainly on the adoption of mobile money applications. Although investigating adoption provides an analytical lens to understand the individual’s intention to use technology, this line of investigation does not scrutinise the actual use of digital financial services and how they contribute to people’s goals in life. This empirical study examines the mechanisms by which individuals use digital financial services to achieve their diverse goals. This research adopts a qualitative approach to analyse experiences, views and feelings of rural individuals living in the villages of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The preliminary findings from the ongoing fieldwork suggest that rural individuals use different digital financial services to meet their personal and professional objectives. While younger rural residents (i.e. 20-45 age group) believe that digital financial services can enhance their economic participation, senior rural community members perceive them as ‘messy’, ‘inconvenient’, and ‘tricky’. My presentation will include an overview of my research project, its significance, research methodology, analysis technique, preliminary findings, and pictures taken during my visits to the target villages.
Determination of The Grafting Performance of Some Hybrid Chestnut Genotypes and Cultivars
Authors: AKYÜZ Burak , SERDAR Ümit
Published: April 2022

This study has been carried out to determine the graft compatibility of newly registered some hybrid chestnut cultivars and genotype. The study was conducted between 2012-2018 at the Ondokuz Mayıs University and the Black Sea Agricultural Research Institute. In the study, ‘Marigoule’, Akyüz’, ‘Ali Nihat’ and ‘Macit 55’ cultivars were tested as scion and rootstock, and A41 genotype was tested only as rootstock. Grafting studies were carried out on generative rootstocks in 2014 and mother plants in 2015 using the chip budding method. Graft success (%) was determined 30 days after grafting and survival ratio (%) at the end of the vegetation period. Also rootstock, graft area and scion diameter were measured at the end of the vegetation period by digital caliper. As a result of the study, graft success and survival ratio were low in combinations created with ‘Ali Nihat’ and A41 generative rootstocks. Among the plants, the best generative rootstock was the ‘Macit 55’ cultivar in terms of graft success and survival ratio. ‘Macit 55’ rootstock had good graft compatibility with both itself (‘Macit 55’), ‘Akyüz’ and ‘Ali Nihat’ cultivars. ‘Marigoule’ cultivar has generally shown severe graft incompatibility with complex hybrids tested in the study. In the grafts made on clone plants, the ‘Ali Nihat’ rootstock was determined as a good rootstock for itself (‘Ali Nihat’), ‘Akyüz’ and ‘Macit 55’ cultivars.
Farklı Dozlarda Hümik Asit Uygulamalarının Taze Soğan ve Marulda Bitki Gelişimi ve Kalite Üzerine Etkileri
Authors: KİBAR Beyhan
Published: April 2022

Bu çalışma, ülkemizde yaygın olarak yetiştiriciliği yapılan taze soğan ve marulda farklı dozlarda hümik asit uygulamalarının bitki gelişimi ve kalite özellikleri üzerine etkilerini belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Bitkisel materyal olarak Karacabey soğan ve İntfa Kırmızı Kıvırcık marul çeşitleri kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada TKİ Hümas isimli sıvı formda hümik asidin 0 (kontrol), 500, 1000, 1500 ve 2000 ppm dozları ele alınmıştır. Hümik asidin farklı uygulama dozlarının taze soğan ve marulun bazı bitki gelişim parametreleri ve kalite özellikleri üzerinde istatistiki bakımdan önemli etkilerde bulunduğu belirlenmiştir. Araştırmadan elde edilen bulgulara göre hümik asidin taze soğanda bitki boyu, aks çapı, bitki yaş ağırlığı, bitki kuru ağırlığı, kök uzunluğu, kök yaş ağırlığı, kök kuru ağırlığı ve kuru madde oranını; marulda ise bitki boyu, bitki yaş ağırlığı, bitki kuru ağırlığı, kök boğazı çapı ve yaprak sayısını kontrole göre önemli oranda artırdığı tespit edilmiştir. Genel olarak hümik asit uygulamalarının her iki türde de bitki gelişim parametreleri ve kalite özellikleri üzerinde olumlu etkilerinin olduğu belirlenmiştir. Taze soğan ve marulda bitki yaş ağırlığının hümik asit dozlarına bağlı olarak kontrole göre sırasıyla %7.07-28.82 ve %15.61-48.94 oranında arttığı bulunmuştur. Hümik asit dozları değerlendirildiğinde, taze soğanda özellikle 1000 ppm dozunun, marulda ise 500 ppm dozunun bitki gelişimi ve kalite üzerinde daha etkili olduğu saptanmıştır.
PERAN PENDIDIKAN TERHADAP SISWA DALAM PENCEGAHAN PERILAKU CYBER BULLYING DI ERA DIGITAL
Authors: J.A Pakai Asra
Published: April 2022

Cyber ​​bullying is the impact of the development of technology that triggers an increase in internet use. The author discusses the role of education to students in preventing cyber bullying behavior in the digital era. Education currently refers to character education as regulated in Law Number 20 of 2003 concerning the National Education System which aims to form a strong personality in accordance with the identity of the Indonesian nation. The problem in this research: how is the role of education to students in preventing cyber bullying behavior in the digital era. Qualitative research methods. From the research above, it can be concluded that cases of cyber bullying among students have become commonplace in this digital era, especially in the free use of social media by students. For the student who becomes the perpetrator, this will be a joke, but it is different from the student who becomes a victim because it will have an impact until he grows up which can weaken his mentality so that he feels a victim of inferiority. This is where the important role of educators is to provide behavioral direction, good speech, mental motivation for victims.
The use of pregabalin in a patient with neuropathic pain in the course of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy – a case report
Authors: Kocot-Kępska Magdalena
Published: April 2022

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIPN) is a frequent iatrogenic complication and a consequence of causal treatment of neoplastic disease. The risk of developing CIPN depends on the type of chemotherapy, the total dose, but also on the patients’ factors. There is currently no proven method that can prevent the occurrence of CIPN. Neuropathic pain may occur in 40% of patients with CIPN, decreases patients’ quality of life and can be treated symptomatically only, both with pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacological methods. Antiepileptics, antidepressants, opioid analgesics and topical drugs are recommended. These drugs have proven their effectiveness in the population of patients with neuropathic pain unrelated to cancer treatment, but there are still no high-quality studies assessing their effectiveness in patients with CIPN. Studies in small groups of patients available in the literature confirm the effectiveness of antiepileptic and antidepressant drugs in this group of patients, what is observed in clinical practice as well. The article presents a case of a patient with severe neuropathic pain in the course of CIPN who was successfully treated with pregabalin in combination with duloxetine.
Mianserin and depression, anxiety, insomnia
Authors: Gładka Anna , Rymaszewska Joanna
Published: April 2022

Mianserin is a drug that has been used for many years to reduce symptoms of depression such as depression, anxiety and insomnia. Which seriously impair the functioning of the patient and, if are untreated, may lead to recurrence of depression. A beneficial feature of the drug is its low potential for adverse interactions with other drugs. For this reason, using of mianserin should be considered in the elderly and patients with comorbidities.
COVID-19 vaccine in 5–11-year-old children, with particular focused on adverse events following immunization
Authors: Sybilski Adam
Published: April 2022

On December 10th, 2021, the Polish Minister of Health announced the beginning of vaccinations against COVID-19 in children aged 5–11. The introduction of vaccination against COVID-19 in people over 18 years of age and then 12 years of age has resulted that children aged 5–11 are the population with the highest incidence. Additionally, even after asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, children and adolescents are at risk of childhood multisystemic inflammatory syndrome. Vaccinations are the best form of prophylaxis. The vaccine developed by Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty) in a pediatric dose of 10 μg/dose (0.2 ml) is the only one approved for vaccination of children between 5 and 11 years of age. The vaccination schedule consists of two doses of the vaccine given 3 weeks apart. The estimated efficacy of this vaccine from 7 days after the second dose was 90.7%. The vaccine was well tolerated, and adverse events were mild and temporary. Local reactions (pain and redness at the injection site and swelling) were common and were mostly mild to moderate. The systemic events were mainly fatigue, headache, myalgia, chills, pyrexia, and arthralgia and were more frequent after the second dose. Drugs that are recommended in case of pain or fever are paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Currently, paracetamol is the drug of first choice. In conclusion serious adverse reactions to the vaccine against COVID-19 are rare, but patients should always be informed and prepared for. Each doctor is obliged to follow all new information and update recommendations.
The effectiveness of combination therapy of nucleotides and B vitamins in the reduction of pain associated with injuries of the roots and peripheral nerves
Authors: Świderek-Matysiak Mariola
Published: April 2022

Uridine and cytidine do not have direct analgesic nor anti-inflammatory properties, but can accelerate nerve regeneration and in that way they reduce pain related to nerves and roots injury. It was shown by the results of studies in patients with pain in the lumbosacral spine.
Modern combination therapy of tadalafil and tamsulosin as a new treatment in men with lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Wiatr Tomasz , Chłosta Piotr
Published: April 2022

Based on the available scientific research, tadalafil administered daily at a dose of 5 mg is safe and effective in the treatment of men with lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction, compared to placebo or tamsulosin alone. The combination of 5 mg tadalafil and 0.4 mg tamsulosin daily allows for a better lower urinary tract symptoms improvement compared to monotherapy drugs, even with an increased, but acceptable and tolerable side effects. When tamsulosin or tadalafil is discontinued, lower urinary tract symptoms are significantly worsened compared to baseline in patients previously treated with combination therapy. Tadalafil 5 mg should be considered as one of the primary treatment options in lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia and erectile dysfunction patients as it has an excellent tolerability, safety, and efficacy profile, both as monotherapy and in combination with 0.4 mg tamsulosin. Better effectiveness in alleviating lower urinary tract symptoms was observed with combination therapy while maintaining sexual function. Continuing to switch to monotherapy maintains lower urinary tract symptoms relief, but only tadalafil is able to maintain erectile dysfunction improvement. Our results support evidence of an increasingly tailored and modular lower urinary tract symptoms treatment.
The use of pregabalin in patients with neuropathic pain induced by radiotherapy – literature review
Authors: Kocot-Kępska Magdalena
Published: April 2022

Radiotherapy-induced neuropathy (RIPN) is an iatrogenic complication and a consequence of causal treatment of neoplastic disease. The risk of developing RIPN depends on the type of, but also on the patients’ factors. There is currently no proven method that can prevent the occurrence of RIPN, but modern radiotherapy techniques have reduced the risk of developing RIPN to about 1% of patients after irradiation. The most common symptoms in patients with RIPN are paraesthesia, hypoesthesia, and muscle weakness. Neuropathic pain may occur in around 50% of patients with RIPN and can only be treated symptomatically, both with pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacological methods. The recommended drugs are antiepileptics, antidepressants, opioid analgesics, and topical drugs. These drugs have proven their effectiveness in the population of patients with neuropathic pain unrelated to cancer treatment, but there are still no high-quality studies assessing their effectiveness in patients with RIPN. Randomized controlled studies available in the literature confirm the effectiveness of antiepileptics drugs in this group of patients, what is also observed in clinical practice.
A new genus and species of bat chiggers (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) from Kenya
Authors: Stekolnikov Alexandr A.
Published: April 2022

A new genus and species of chigger mites, Minteracarus mombasa n. gen., n. sp., has been described from the heart-nosed bat, Cardioderma cor (Peters) (Chiroptera: Megadermatidae) in Mombasa, Kenya. The description was based on the material identified as a new species of the genus Trombicula Berlese, 1905 by P.H. Vercammen-Grandjean, but remained undescribed until the present.
Bivalirudin exerts antiviral activity against respiratory syncytial virus-induced lung infections in neonatal mice
Authors: Zhuang Shihao , Tang Qiuyu , Chen Ping , Wang Chengyi , Liu Guanghua
Published: April 2022

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of small airways inflammation in the lungs (bronchiolitis) in neonates and immunocompromised adults. The deregulation of cellular and plasma components leads to increased morbidity and mortality. The activation of the clotting cascade plays a key role in the progression of disease severity during viral infection. The current investigation studied the effect of bivalirudin (BR) on the progression and cellular effects of RSV-induced infection in the neonatal mice model. Mice (5–7 days old) were inoculated intranasally with RSV with or without BR administration (2 mg kg−1 day−1, i.v.) for 2 weeks. Tissue histopathology, inflammatory signalling genes such as TLR, and cytokines were analyzed. The results showed pneumocytes exhibiting nuclear pyknosis, cellular infiltration in lung tissue and increased lung titers in RSV-infected mice compared to the control. Furthermore, RSV-infected mice demonstrated altered clotting parameters such as D-dimer, soluble thrombomodulin, and increased inflammatory cytokines IL-5, 6, IFN-γ, IL-13, and CXCL1. Additionally, the mRNA expression analysis displayed increased levels of IL-33, TLR3, and TLR7 genes in RSV-infected lung tissue. Further, to delineate the role of micro RNAs, the qRT-PCR analysis was done, and the results displayed an increase in miR-136, miR-30b, and let-7i. At the same time, the down-regulated expression of miR-221 in RSV-infected mice compared to the control. BR treatment reduced the cellular infiltration with reduced inflammatory cytokines and normalized clotting indices. Thus, the study shows that RSV infection induces specific changes in lung tissue and the clotting related signalling mechanism. Additionally, BR treatment significantly reduces bronchiolitis and prevents the severity of the infections suggesting that BR can possibly be used to reduce the viral-mediated infections in neonates.
Dasatinib enhances curcumin-induced cytotoxicity, apoptosis and protective autophagy in human schwannoma cells HEI-193: The role of Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signalling pathway
Authors: Pang Pengfei , Zhang Shirong
Published: April 2022

The present study was carried out in human schwannoma cells (HEI-193) to determine the combined anti-cancer effect of curcumin and dasatinib. Cells were treated with curcumin only, dasatinib only, or the combination of curcumin and dasatinib for 24 hours. Cellular toxicity, cell proliferation, and cell death were determined by LDH, MTT, and trypan blue dye assays, respectively. ELISA based kit was used to determine apoptotic cell death. Western blotting was used to determine the expression of apoptotic and autophagy-associated protein markers. Similarly, expression levels of Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signalling pathway-related proteins were studied using Western blotting. Cell death and apoptosis were significantly higher in HEI-193 cells treated with curcumin and dasatinib combination compared to individual controls. The combination of curcumin and dasatinib significantly enhances autophagy markers compared to individual controls. Furthermore, the combination of curcumin and dasatinib significantly activates Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signalling pathway compared to individual controls. In conclusion, our results suggest that the combination of curcumin and dasatinib significantly enhances cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and protective autophagy in HEI-193 cells through Akt/mTOR/p70S6K signalling pathway.
Fingolimod exerts in vitro anticancer activity against hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines via YAP/TAZ suppression
Authors: Du Jiamin , Qian Meijia , Yuan Tao , Zhang Bo , Chen Xueqin , An Ning , He Qiaojun , Yang Bo , Ye Song , Zhu Hong
Published: April 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a notably global health challenge with high mortality rates and poor prognosis. The deregulation of the Hippo signalling pathway, especially the overexpression and activation of downstream effector Yes-associated protein (YAP), has been demonstrated to result in the rapid malignant evolution of HCC. In this context, multiple efforts have been dedicated to targeting YAP for HCC therapy, but effective YAP inhibitors are still lacking. In this study, through a YAP-TEAD (8×GTIIC) luciferase reporter assay, we identified fingolimod, an immunomodulatory drug approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, as a novel YAP inhibitor. Fingolimod suppressed the proliferation of HCC cell lines by downregulating the protein levels as well as the trans-activating function of YAP. Overall, our current study not only identifies fingolimod as a novel YAP-targeting in hibitor, but also indicates that this clinically-approved drug could be utilized as a potential and feasible therapeutic drug for HCC.
Polyphenol content and antioxidant activity of phytoestrogen containing food and dietary supplements: DPPH free radical scavenging activity by HPLC
Authors: Klarić Daniela Amidžić , Mornar Ana , Kovačić Jelena , Jeličić Mario-Livio , Brusač Edvin , Brletić Iva , Klarić Ilija
Published: April 2022

Soy, red clover, chaste tree, hop and flax have all been found to contain a wide range of phytoestrogenic compounds, and a large number of dietary supplements contain their extracts as principal ingredients. This study is aimed to evaluate the total polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity of phytoestrogen-containing food and formulated dietary supplements. The HPLC-DPPH method was applied for DPPH free radical scavenging activity testing of various phytoestrogen-containing samples. Polyphenol content and antioxidant activity in dietary supplements were higher than in functional food samples; multiple-botanical-source preparations showed higher polyphenol content and antioxidant activity than the mono-botanical counterparts. Furthermore, the correlation between polyphenol content and anti-oxidant activity was strongly statistically significant, so it might be concluded that antioxidant activity is proportional to the content of these secondary metabolites. The most striking batch-to-batch deviations were represented by one chaste berry-based product (RSD 41.3 %) and one red clover derived product (RSD 57.9 %). The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of the phenolic profile and antioxidant properties of phytoestrogen containing food and dietary supplements.
Artificial Intelligence or the Ultimate Tool for Conservatism
Authors: Marcinowski Maciej
Published: April 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) is foremost viewed as a technologically revolutionary tool, however, the author discusses here whether it is in fact a tool for socio-economic and legal conservatism, because its training data is always embedded in the past. The aim of this paper is to explain, exemplify and predict – whether and how – AI could cause discrimination, stagnation and uniformization by conserving what is relayed even by the most representative data. Furthermore, the author aims to propose possible legal barriers to these phenomena. The presented hypotheses are based upon empirical research and socioeconomic or legal mechanisms, aiming to predict possible results of AI applications under specific conditions. Results indicate that the inherent AI conservatism could indeed cause severe discrimination, stagnation and uniformization, especially if its applications were to remain unquestioned and unregulated. Hopefully, the proposed legal solutions could limit the scope and effectiveness of AI conservatism, encouraging AI-related solutions.
Analysis of Legal Powers of Municipal Wardens they Possess to Ensure Safety At the Local Level
Authors: Dvojmoč Miha , Tičar Bojan
Published: April 2022

In Slovenia, the Municipal Warden Services Act (ZORed, 2006, and ZORed-A, 2017) represents the framework organisational legal act regulating the field of work of municipal wardens. In addition to the above act, the field of work and tasks performed by municipal wardens are also regulated by other laws and by-laws. Legal regulations enable and allow authorised persons of municipal warden services to use repressive powers in ensuring security. The article thus presents the security powers of municipal wardens from the point of view of the applicable Slovenian legal order. The article is a scientific review based on grammatical and dogmatic interpretation of applicable legal regulations and selected decisions of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia, and on an analytical method of the review of the Slovenian legislation in the field in question. The legal methods used by the author also include a synthetic method of comparing the legislation from the underlying Municipal Warden Services Act (ZORed, 2006) and its main amendments set out in the ZORed-A (2017). The paper is a comprehensive review of measures that municipal wardens may use to ensure safety at the local level. The author lists the relevant scientific and professional literature and argues about polemic issues with other prominent Slovenian authors. In Slovenia, laws are being amended, giving more and more powers to municipal wardens. The conceptual changes introduced by the ZORed-A (2017) have resolved some ambiguities, such as the addition/amendment of articles relating to the conditions for performing municipal warden tasks and supervision over their use, but a comprehensive and systematic amendment of municipal warden services legislation would nevertheless be useful.
Short-Term Hypergravity-Induced Changes in Growth, Photo synthetic Parameters, and Assessment of Threshold Values in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Dixit Jyotsana , Jagtap Sagar , Vidyasagar Pandit
Published: April 2022

The reduction in growth and development of plants constantly exposed to different ranges of hypergravity (acceleration more than 1 g) is adequately documented. However, earlier studies did not reveal the threshold hypergravity value at which these effects were seen. The understanding of the threshold g-value is an important consideration while we plan hypergravity experiments as different plants can perceive and respond differently at the same g-value. The aim of the present work is to study the effect on growth and photosynthetic parameters as well as to assess the threshold values in wheat seedlings grown from hypergravity-exposed seeds. Healthy wheat seeds were immersed in distilled water for 24 hours and exposed to hypergravity values ranging from 200 g to 1,000 g for a short duration of 10 minutes and sown on 0.8% agar gel. All the measurements were done on the fifth day after sowing. Results obtained showed significant reduction in growth and photosynthetic parameters in seedlings raised from hypergravity-treated wheat seeds. Interestingly, the reduction was started at 400 g and was found to reach a maximum at 1,000 g. Probably this would be the first study reporting the threshold of high g forces for growth and photosynthetic parameters when seeds were exposed to hypergravity.
Low Cost Avionics System for Ultralight Aircraft
Authors: Górski Filip , Inglot Dawid , Wojnar Rafał , Kopecki Grzegorz
Published: April 2022

The article presents a low cost avionics system for ultralight aircraft and paraplanes. The system contains Attitude and Heading Reference System, Air Data Computer and Primary Flight Display. Communication between units is via Wi-Fi. In the article design description was presented, as well as laboratory tests results. They are promising and the system is ready for in flight testing.
Random Forest in the Tests of Small Caliber Ammunition
Authors: Ampuła Dariusz
Published: April 2022

In the introduction of this article the method of building a random forest model is presented, which can be used for both classification and regression tasks. The process of designing the random forest module was characterized, paying attention to the classification tasks module, which was used to build the author’s model. Based on the test results, a random forest model was designed for 7,62 mm ammunition with T-45 tracer projectile. Predictors were specified and values of stop parameters and process stop formulas were determined, on the basis of which a random forest module was built. An analysis of the resulting random forest model was made in terms of assessing its prediction and risk assessment. Finally, the designed random forest model has been refined by adding another 50 trees to the model. The enlarged random forest model occurred to be slightly stronger and it should be implemented.
How to find a suitable location for a cemetery? Application of multi-criteria evaluation for identifying potential sites for cemeteries in Białystok, Poland
Authors: Długozima Anna
Published: April 2022

Valorisation of land is an important tool for countries around the world to help regulate land use planning and ensure sustainable development. Cemeteries are multifaceted spaces, providing a keystone community infrastructure. Poorly located cemeteries can generate adverse environmental, landscape and community outcomes. Identifying optimal sites for cemeteries will become an increasing concern for land use planners as population numbers and consequent death rates increase while the amount of available land decreases. This study was conducted with the aim of proposing multi-criteria analysis for identifying some optimal sites for cemeteries. This analysis was implemented in Białystok (297,585 inhabitants, in Podlaskie Voivodeship, Poland), where 11 potential areas for the location of a new cemetery were assessed. Through a comprehensive process of investigation, engagement, and analysis, four options in different locations were identified as suitable for further consideration. Two sites (options 7 and 11) had fatal flaws – high risk and effects associated with development and were not recommended to be taken forward.
Perception of safety and passage of time as factors influencing mode choice: The case of the Prague-Munich high-speed route
Authors: Petříček Jakub , Marada Miroslav
Published: April 2022

Behavioural factors of risk perception and time perception influencing the mode choice on the Prague-Munich route in relation to railway as a reference mode, are subject to evaluation in this article. Semi-structured interviews are qualitatively analysed using the Grounded Theory method and ATLAS.ti software, giving specific sets of meanings and understandings of selected factors, which in turn affect the travel behaviours and the mode choice. Defining these factors creates space for estimating and proposing perspectives for the development of expected travel behaviours in the context of the planned high-speed rail (HSR) system on the Prague-Munich route. The significance of this research lies in creating new meaning fields of selected factors in the specific transport infrastructure with four existing transport modes between Prague and Munich. The results based on the formulated concepts show two different meaning fields of risk – the concept of perceived risk of an accident and the concept of personal safety. Empirical results of time perception show four different meaning fields of time perception based on a preferred transport mode. Finally, the results are used for creating contextual perspectives for HSR planning across Czech – German borders.
Investigation of the Causes and Factors Generating Land Instability in the Berbeşti Mining Basin
Authors: Apostu Izabela-Maria , Rada Constantin , Lazăr Maria , Faur Florin , Sîli Nicolae
Published: April 2022

Romania’s new commitments to give up coal-based energy production entail the gradual closure of the last four open-pits in operation in Berbești Mining Basin, thus, raising the issue of primarily ensuring the stability of the lands in these perimeters in order to reintroduce them, too, into the economic circuit as soon as possible. Considering the numerous negative geo-mining phenomena that have taken place over time in the perimeters of Berbești Mining Basin, respectively landslides and other types of geotechnical phenomena, it is necessary to investigate the causes and factors that favor their manifestation so that their influence can be reduced, removed or simply taken into resizing calculations. The paper presents the results of a study whose purpose is to investigate the factors and causes that generate phenomena of instability of natural and artificial slopes in the area of Berbești Mining Basin. The main research methods applied in this paper were in situ observations, analyzes and laboratory tests, identification of rock types and their behaviors in various weather and humidity conditions, determination of physical and mechanical characteristics, and interpretation of results.
The Impact of Macroprudential Policy Instruments on Financial Stability in Southern Europe
Authors: Lorenčič Eva , Festić Mejra
Published: April 2022

This paper is a contribution to the body of research examining the impact of macroprudential policy instruments on financial stability. The following hypothesis was tested (H1): Macroprudential policy instruments (household borrowing costs; interbank loans as a percentage of total loans; loan to deposit ratio; leverage ratio; and solvency ratio) enhance financial stability, as measured by credit growth, in four southern European economies (Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain) from Q4 2010 to Q4 2018. The empirical results of this study suggest that, of the investigated macroprudential policy instruments, household borrowing costs, interbank loans as a percentage of total loans and loan to deposit ratio exhibit the predicted impact on credit growth rate. Leverage ratio and solvency ratio do not exhibit the expected impact on the response variable. Moreover, only three out of the five explanatory variables are statistically significant in the model. Consequently, it is not possible to confirm or reject the hypothesis based on the available data and results.
Preparation of hexamethylol melamine resin with low crystallization water and low viscosity for hexamethylol melamine/polyvinyl alcohol composite membrane
Authors: Liu Xing-Jian , Guo Yan-Wen , Zheng Jian-Fei , Wu Jiang , Hu Bing
Published: April 2022

Hexamethylol melamine resins (HMM) with low crystallization water content and low viscosity were prepared by inhibiting the condensation polymerization of low hexamethylol melamine. The effects of catalyst, pH, formalde-hyde/melamine ratio, reaction temperature and time on the synthesis parameters of HMM were investigated. The results showed that the sample (HMM8) synthesized with Na2CO3-NaHCO3 as catalyst had the crystallization water content lower than 10%, being with a viscosity of about 0.26 Pa·s. The melting temperature of HMM8/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) curing system was about 164.3 °C. It was found that the higher the amount of formaldehyde, the greater the hydroxyl methyl bounded to each triazine ring. Compared with the traditional melamine formaldehyde resin which had the crystallization water content of about 20–30%, the production of this resin was expected to reduce the energy consumption of industrial reaction, while the resin with 10% crystallization water content was more conducive to the development of alloying HMM/PVA composite membrane.
Specific Design Features of Prefabricated Fire-Resistant Floor Slabs Made from Lightweight Concrete
Authors: Konoplianyk Oleksandr , Kotov Nikolay , Iliev Illia
Published: April 2022

Reinforced concrete roof and floor structures have the highest heating temperatures and are exposed to the most difficult conditions during fires that occur in buildings and structures. The standardized fire resistance of hollow-core slabs made of heavy concrete from Portland cement is regulated as REI 45 or REI 60. The aim of the work is to develop a composition of lightweight fire-resistant concrete and architectural engineering for floor slab devices. The composition of lightweight fire-resistant concrete made from expanded clay aggregates and alumina cement was developed as a result of the work. The degree of fire resistance of the lightweight concrete composition with a bulk density of 1475 kg/m3 has been practically determined; i.e., REI 90. The structural solution of the floor slab has been improved; at the same time, we propose to develop a slab with a flat section made of lightweight fire-resistant concrete. Such floor slabs, along with an increase in the fire resistance limit, improve the heat-insulating ability of a floor due to a significant reduction in the coefficient of the thermal conductivity of lightweight concrete.
Numerical Study on the Effect of Water Waves and Depths on Inclined Braces with Respect to the Stability of VLFS Platforms in the Caspian Sea
Authors: Moasami Ali , Fatehi-Nobarian Bahador , Hassanzadeh Yousef
Published: April 2022

Very large floating structures (VLFSs) have various applications, such as recreational applications, port facilities, etc. A surge in the population, the advantages of building floating structures compared to traditional methods of land extraction from the sea, and the development of construction technologies, have led to engineers paying attention to very large floating structures. Bracing systems are capable of controlling and reducing the horizontal responses of a floating platform, but they have no major impact on its vertical responses. In the present study, the semi-floating platform was numerically designed to be least affected by the three factors of wave force, horizontal torsion, and horizontal displacement. In order to optimize the design, the semi-floating platform was simulated and subjected to the three wave directions with collision angles of 40, 45 and 55 degrees in the environmental conditions of the Caspian Sea and by exerting the wave effect in a Flow-3D model. Examination of the platform’s movements has demonstrated that the arrangement of an eight-way restraint system with a 40-degree restraint angle responds better to the impact of waves and is more economical compared to other designs.
Analysis of the Banking Sector Competition in Kosovo
Authors: Fejza-Ademi Vjosa , Avdullahi Ajtene , Tmava Qazim , Durguti Esat
Published: April 2022

This research paper aims to investigate the competition in the banking sector in Kosovo. For the research purpose, the secondary data from the Central Bank and commercial banks of Kosovo are used. Besides, the comparison methodology is used to analyse the banking sector for the years 2013-2017. The participation of commercial banks in the banking sector in Kosovo was compared and described, and the competitiveness of the banking sector was measured, using the HHI index and Concentration Ratio (CR4). Based on the research results, we can conclude that the competitiveness in 2017 was at a moderate level, in 2016 at a low level. Whereas, in the previous years, there was no real competition in this sector.
The Juvenile Justice Law in India: Are you Old Enough to Commit a Crime?
Authors: Bedi Shruti
Published: April 2022

Juvenile justice is a designated area of criminal law that is applicable to persons who are not old enough to be held responsible for criminal acts. One of the most difficult areas of criminal justice has been to provide a clear legal framework dealing with the transition from childhood to adulthood. Countries distinguish between the definition of a ‘child’ and an ‘adult’ in different ways with diverse factors being taken into consideration. The Indian Parliament has introduced the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act, 2015 which has brought in some controversial changes, one of them being that the 16 to 18 years age group are now tried as adults in certain circumstances. This paper seeks to address the anomalies in the language of the provisions providing for such transfer of children to the adult system in India and the consequent lack of a consistent law on the differential treatment of juvenile offenders. This discussion would facilitate a critical analysis and positive change in the juvenile justice systems of other countries including Vietnam.