bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FREE-SPACE PROPAGATION OF TERAHERTZ LASER VORTEX BEAMS
Authors:   V.N. Karazin National University of Kharkiv, Degtyarev A. , Dubinin M. ,   V.N. Karazin National University of Kharkiv, Maslov V. ,   V.N. Karazin National University of Kharkiv, Muntean K. ,   V.N. Karazin National University of Kharkiv, Svistunov O. ,   V.N. Karazin National University of Kharkiv
Published: June 2024

Subject and Purpose. Currently, numerous ideas and different methods have been in growth for generating vortex beams — areas of the circular motion of the electromagnetic wave energy flow around the so-called phase singularity points caused by a violation of the wave front topological structure. The purpose of this work is to obtain analytical expressions describing the nonparaxial diffraction of wave modes of the waveguide resonator of a terahertz laser during the wave mode interaction with a spiral phase plate. The resulting vortex beams are examined for their physical features in free space propagation. Methods and Methodology. The Rayleigh-Sommerfeld vector theory is adopted to consider the propagation of vortex laser beams generated by wave modes of the quasi-optical waveguide cavity when interacting with a spiral phase plate in different diffraction zones. Results. For the first time, analytical expressions have been obtained to describe the nonparaxial diffraction of wave modes of the waveguide resonator of a terahertz laser, when resonator modes interact with a spiral phase plate at different topological charges, n. The physical features of the resulting vortex beams were studied in their free space propagation. It has been shown that a spiral phase plate modifies the structure of the linearly polarized EH₁₁ mode so that the original (n=0) intensity profile with the maximum energy at the center turns at n=1 and 2 into a ring-like donut shape with an energy hole in the center. The azimuthally polarized TE₀₁ mode has originally (n=0) a ring-shaped intensity. At n=1, this configuration changes to have the maximum intensity in the center. At n=2, it becomes annular again. In the process, the spherical phase front of the beam of the linearly polarized EH₁₁ mode becomes spiral and have one singularity point on the axis, whereas the phase structure of the azimuthally polarized TE₀₁ mode gains a region with two phase singularity points off the axis. Conclusions. The results of the study can effectively facilitate information transfer in high-speed THz communication systems. They can provide a real platform to perform tasks related to tomography, exploring properties of materials, detecting astrophysical sources, which makes them very promising in modern technologies.
The Epidemic of Congenital Syphilis in the Indigenous and Rural Populations of South Dakota
Authors: Nicolet Narysse , Bhagia Amrita , Torve Megan , Tribby Kessa , Poppinga Nicole , McKay Kimberlee , Talavera-Barber Maria M.
Published: June 2024

From 2020 to 2023, South Dakota witnessed a substantial increase in cases of congenital syphilis (CS), with the highest rates identified in rural and Native American (NA) communities. Here, we discuss 3 severe cases of CS in premature infants born to NA individuals and communities in South Dakota with poor access to prenatal care. The infants in these 3 cases presented with varying clinical conditions, including respiratory failure, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, severe direct hyperbilirubinemia, feeding intolerance, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Lack of prenatal care and other systemic health disparities likely contributed to the increased disease burden. For NA communities, rurality, limited resources, systemic racism, historical trauma, and lack of trust in medical institutions likely contribute to inadequate prenatal care. All 3 of these cases also occurred in pregnant people with a present or history of substance use disorders, which may have led to further hesitancy to seek care because of fear of prosecution. To combat the rising number of syphilis and CS cases, we advocate for new and continued outreach that provides education about and testing for sexually transmitted diseases to NA and rural populations, increased care coordination, the integration of point-of-care testing and treatment strategies in lower resource centers, and legislative allocation of additional resources to engage pregnant people with or at risk for substance use disorders.
A long trace of an early modern historical phenomenon: The 1903 Rákóczi pilgrimage to Constantinople
Authors: Kincses Katalin Mária
Published: June 2024

Ferenc Rákóczi II, Prince of Transylvania, the leader of the Hungarian war of independence against the Habsburgs between 1703 and 1711, was the first legend of Hungarian national independence at the turn of the century. In the early years of the 20th century, after decades of social and political struggle, the transportation of the prince's body from his original burial place in Constantinople to Hungary came within reach. Until that happened, his tomb was visited several times and for various purposes by Hungarian historians, politicians, religious leaders, and public figures – visits known as the Rákóczi pilgrimage. The most significant was the Rákóczi pilgrimage of 1903. It involved important rituals of cultic attitudes: visiting the tomb of a saint, participating in cultic ceremonies, and collecting relics. The event was one of the most important modern pilgrimages of the early 20th century, with historical roots dating back to the early modern period.
Hunt the Ice Cream
Authors: David Elizabeth
Published: June 2024

The author argues the value, for collectors and serious students of cookbook history, that subsequent rather than first editions are more edifying. Using Hannah Glasse's  The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy as a case study, the article explores changes in  recipes for making ice-cream in different editions of the Glasse book.
Pear and Watercress Soup
Authors: Tower Jeremiah
Published: June 2024

Jeremiah Tower, the San Franciscan chef and restaurateur, recently spent some time in Europe, pursuing gastronomic researches and building up his library of cook books. He freely imparts his own recipes to European colleagues. This one, for a highly distinctive soup, is among his favourites.
In Praise of Simplicity
Authors: Kaneva-Johnson Maria
Published: June 2024

Maria Kaneva-Jolznson comes from Sofia in Bulgaria. She is married to a Lancastrian and lives in England, but returns annually to her native country. She is at present working on a book about Bulgarian pies made with layers of paper-thin pastry.
Do You Know Skyr?
Authors: Thorlacius Sigríður
Published: June 2024

A short account of the Icelandic version of yogurt, Skyr.
Courgette Bread
Authors: Hackman Myra
Published: June 2024

.
Bienvenido León. Grandes comunicadores de la ciencia. De Galileo a Rodríguez de la Fuente. Published by Comares, Granada (2024), 291 pp. ISBN: 978-84-1369-802-1
Authors: Erviti-Ilundáin María-Carmen
Published: June 2024

Book Review
DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNIQUE FOR DETERMINING THE MEMBERSHIP FUNCTION VALUES ON THE BASIS OF GROUP EXPERT ASSESSMENT IN FUZZY DECISION TREE METHOD
Authors: Shved A. V.
Published: June 2024

Context. Recently, fuzzy decision trees have become widely used in solving the classification problem. In the absence of objective information to construct the membership function that shows the degrees of belongingness of elements to tree nodes, the only way to obtain information is to involve experts. In the case of group decision making, the task of aggregation of experts’ preferences in order to synthesize a group decision arises. The object of the study is group expert preferences of the degree of belonging (membership function) of an element to a given class, attribute, which require structuring and aggregation in the process of construction and analysis of a fuzzy decision tree.
Objective. The purpose of the article is to develop a methodology for determining the membership degree of elements to a given class (attribute) based on the group expert assessment in the process of construction and analysis of fuzzy decision trees.
Method. The research methodology is based on the complex application of the mathematical apparatus of the theory of plausible and paradoxical reasoning and methods of fuzzy logic to solve the problem of aggregating fuzzy judgments of the classification attribute values in the process of construction and analysis of a fuzzy decision tree. The proposed approach uses the mechanism of combination of expert evidences (judgments), formed within the framework of the Dezert-Smarandache hybrid model, based on the PCR5 proportional conflict redistribution rule to construct a group solution.
Results. The issues of structuring fuzzy expert judgments are considered and the method of synthesis of group expert judgments regarding the values of membership degree of elements to classification attributes in the process of construction and analysis of fuzzy decision trees has been proposed.
Conclusions. The models and methods of structuring and synthesis of group decisions based on fuzzy expert information were further developed. In contrast to the existing expert methods for the construction of membership function in context of group decision making, the proposed approach allows synthesizing a group decision taking into account the varying degree of conflict mass in the process of combination of original expert evidenced. This approach allows to correctly aggregate both agreed and contradictory (conflicting) expert judgments.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOR RECOGNIZING PROPAGANDA, FAKES AND DISINFORMATION IN TEXTUAL CONTENT BASED ON NLP AND MACHINE LEARNING METHODS
Authors: Vysotska V.
Published: June 2024

Context. The research is aimed at the application of artificial intelligence for the development and improvement of means of cyber warfare, in particular for combating disinformation, fakes and propaganda in the Internet space, identifying sources of disinformation and inauthentic behavior (bots) of coordinated groups. The implementation of the project will contribute to solving the important and currently relevant issue of information manipulation in the media, because in order to effectively fight against distortion and disinformation, it is necessary to obtain an effective tool for recognizing these phenomena in textual data in order to develop a further strategy to prevent the spread of such data.
Objective of the study is to develop or automatic recognition of political propaganda in textual data, which is built on the basis of machine learning with a teacher and implemented using natural language processing methods.
Method. Recognition of the presence of propaganda will occur at two levels: at the general level, that is, at the level of the document, and at the level of individual sentences. To implement the project, such feature construction methods as the TF-IDF statistical indicator, the “Bag of Words” vectorization model, the marking of parts of speech, the word2vec model for obtaining vector representations of words, as well as the recognition of trigger words (reinforcing words, absolute pronouns and “shiny” words). Logistic regression was used as the main modeling algorithm.
Results. Machine learning models have been developed to recognize propaganda, fakes and disinformation at the document (article) and sentence level. Both model scores are satisfactory, but the model for document-level propaganda recognition performed almost 1.2 times better (by 20%).
Conclusions. The created model shows excellent results in recognizing propaganda, fakes and disinformation in textual content based on NLP and machine learning methods. The analysis of the raw data showed that the propaganda recognition model at the document (article) level was able to correctly classify 6097 non-propaganda articles and 694 propaganda articles. 123 propaganda articles and 285 non-propaganda articles were misclassified. The obtained estimate of the model: 0.9433254618697041. The sentence-level propaganda recognition model successfully classified 205 propaganda articles and 1917 non-propaganda articles. The model score is: 0.7437784787942516 (but 731 articles were incorrectly classified).
Substantiation of energy efficiency of automated heating technology at HPS
Authors: Olishevskyi I.H.
Published: June 2024

Purpose. Justification of rational control parameters of heat pumps to ensure energy-efficient operation of hydroelectric power plants in heating mode. Development of an automated methodology for calculating rational parameters for a complex system of hydroelectric power station (HPS) operating in heating mode.
Methodology. Mathematical analysis and modeling.
Findings. The application of the heat pump to ensure the heating mode at the hydroelectric power station for the needs of heating and hot water supply of buildings is analytically substantiated, as well as the rational parameters of the heat pump, which ensure the efficient heating mode at the hydroelectric power station, are determined. It is impractical and inefficient to pass the full flow of water passing through the hydraulic unit through the heat pump, because in this case the energy consumption in the heat pump compressor is several times higher than the consumption of the hydraulic unit in pumping mode, which devalues the proposed measure as an energy-saving measure. Therefore, the limiting and rational values of the design and operating parameters of the heat pump and heat accumulator, which ensure the heating mode of operation of the HPS to meet the needs of hot water supply, were substantiated. According to the proposed technology, the operation of a hydro unit with a typical capacity of 120 MW in the heating mode for various energy consumptions for the electric drive of the heat pump compressor was investigated. In accordance with these costs, the values and ratios of the electricity and heat generation shares of the modernized HPS changed.
The proposed unconventional technology for converting hydroelectric power plants to the heat generation mode allows for wide effective maneuvering in different proportions of electric and thermal generation, unlike CHP and other power plants. The technology under consideration allows for virtually no consumption of non-renewable energy resources, providing consumers with both electric and thermal energy.
Originality. The technology of using a heat pump to transfer the operation of the hydroelectric power station to the heating mode (heating and hot water of residential buildings) is substantiated. An automated technique for determining the rational parameters of heat pump (HP) for the implementation of HPS heating technology has been developed. The developed automated technique allows to calculate the values of operational parameters of HP for the balance and arbitrary modes, which ensure the heating operation of the HPS to meet the current needs of heating and hot water supply.
Practical value. The use of a heat pump at a hydroelectric power station for heating and hot water supply allows you to save a third of conventional fuel consumption compared to a boiler unit.
Technical Guidance for Using the Modified Kalman Filter in Small Domain Estimation at the National Center for Health Statistics
Authors: Makram Talih , Rossen Lauren , Patel Priyam , Earp Morgan , Parker Jennifer
Published: June 2024

This report provides health data from the National Center for Health Statistics.
A rota dos nórdicos à USP
Authors: Neves Leandro César Santana
Published: June 2024

Em 1942, era defendida na Universidade de São Paulo a primeira tese doutoral em História feita no Brasil, intituladaO comércio varegue e o Grão-Principado de Kiev, escrita por Eurípedes Simões de Paula (1910-1977). Apesar desua importância, especialmente para os estudos da chamada “Idade Média”, pouca atenção foi dada à tese, que foirelegada a um trabalho consolidador da influência dos Annales no Brasil. Mesmo em produções dedicadas ao balanço da medievalística brasileira, a tese é quase sempre mencionada muito brevemente, quando não é ignorada como um todo ou até mesmo criticada por sua suposta falta de influência no campo. Este artigo, fruto de uma pesquisa ainda em estágio inicial, visa apresentar o conteúdo do trabalho e suas bases teóricas e bibliográficas, enfatizando sua relação com a perspectiva teórica de Henri Pirenne e com a perspectiva evolucionista da história russa.
LEGENDRE WAVELET COLLOCATION METHOD TO SIMULATE THE EFFECT OF LINEAR AND EXPONENTIAL HEAT SOURCE/SINK ON AA7072-AA7075/EG-H2O FLOW OVER A STRETCHING SHEET WITH CATTANEO-CHRISTOV MODEL
Authors: Gupta Tanya , Kumar Manoj
Published: June 2024

Recent interest in advanced nanofluids led to AA7072-AA7075 alloy nanoparticles' incorporation in EG-H2O base fluids.
These hybrids offer enhanced thermal conductivity. Coupled with the Cattaneo-Christov (C-C) model, which elucidates
transient thermal behavior, this approach promises improved heat transfer efficiency, which is vital for diverse engineering applications. These include enhanced heat transfer in cooling systems, manufacturing processes, solar thermal systems, enhanced oil recovery, aerospace technologies, and renewable energy systems. This research presents a semi-analytical method for investigating the heat transfer of a hybrid nanofluid over an inclined porous stretched sheet under the influence of a magnetic field, non-linear radiation, linear and exponential heat source/sink with convective heating, and slip conditions. For assessing the thermal propagation time, the Cattaneo-Christov model is used. The Legendre wavelet collocation technique (LWCT) is also used, which employs an operational matrix of integration (OMI) and is capable of producing more accurate findings than other approaches. The hybrid nanofluid is made up of nanoparticles AA7072 and
AA7075, as well as ethylene glycol and water (50%-50%) as the base fluid. The heat transfer enhancement is determined to be 19.46% when the volume fraction is increased from 2% to 10%. It is also clear that the thermal relaxation parameter reduces the thermal profile, whereas linear and exponential heat sources improve it. It is also noted that the velocity profile for the horizontal sheet decreases with volume fraction but increases for the vertical sheet.
Collaboration as a Form of Institutional Critique: Teaching and Learning in the Wake of Anti-DEI Legislation
Authors: Johnson Meredith , Barton Kelci , Drumond Shari , Musselman Nicole , Rechsteiner Anjelica , Smith Valerie
Published: June 2024

How do we move forward when the legality of teaching and learning about social justice research is called into question by the state? This article demonstrates the efficacy of collaboration as a form of institutional critique that made it possible to provide a comprehensive graduate education following the emergence of anti-DEI legislation in Florida. To teach and learn in a tumultuous legal landscape without sacrificing rigor, eliding DEI-oriented scholarship, or violating state law, we piloted a collaborative disciplinary meta-analysis project that enabled students to study social justice research along with the field’s other major research topics. This portable approach allowed us to meet the professional and ethical imperative to engage research that has been targeted by state officials but remains foundational for disciplinary expertise. It also demonstrates the futility of removing politically unfavorable scholarship from curricula. After sharing an overview of the results of our meta-analysis project, with a special focus on our field’s take on social justice and collaboration, we reflect on the rhetorical strategies those of us working in highly politicized educational climates have deployed to manage increased oversight from zealous state legislatures challenging the legitimacy of disciplinary expertise.
Quality of Sleep, Work Time, and Smartphone Usage in Migrant Workers of India: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Paul Subin , Angeline Nancy G. , Arasu Sakthi , Maliyekkal Don J. , Sabu Jestin
Published: June 2024

Background and Objective Insufficient sleep associated with long work hours and prolonged smartphone usage is common among migrant workers. Considering their increased recruitment in Bangalore’s (South India) restaurant industry, it is essential to assess their sleep quality and its relationships with work-time and smartphone use.Methods Ninety migrant restaurant workers recruited using a snowball sampling technique were surveyed using a comprehensive semi-structured questionnaire to collect sociodemographic details, work schedules, and smartphone usage patterns. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was utilized to assess sleep quality of these migrant workers (global score of >5 indicated poor sleep quality). Associations between sleep quality, work schedules, and smartphone usage pattern were then assessed using relevant statistical tests.Results The mean age of migrants was 26.4 ± 8.5 years. Their average work-time was 10.1 ± 1.6 hours with an average smartphone use of 60 (30–90) minutes per day. Approximately 22.2% of the population had poor sleep quality according to PSQI. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations of poor sleep quality with work-time exceeding 10 hours (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3–21.5), continuous smartphone usage of more than 1 hour (AOR = 5.4; 95% CI = 1.3–22.2), and frequent headaches due to smartphone use (AOR = 23.4; 95% CI = 3.4–161.4).Conclusions This study demonstrated that over one fifth of migrant workers had poor sleep quality, with excessive work-time, prolonged smartphone use, and frequent smartphone-induced headaches predicting a poor sleep quality. Consequently, migrant workers should receive awareness sessions on sleep hygiene and responsible smartphone use.
Active Lifestyle Is Linked With Proper Sleep Quality in Older Adults Living Nursing Homes
Authors: Kushkestani Mehdi , Parvani Mohsen , Abassi Atiyeh , Moghadassi Mahsa , Rezaie Sohrab
Published: June 2024

Background and Objective Sleep disorders are a significant concern among older adults. Study Objective: This research aims to explore the relationship between physical activity and sleep quality among elderly residents of nursing homes.Methods The study involved 119 individuals aged 65 years and above, residing in nursing homes in Tehran. Demographic information was collected and recorded, followed by measurements of body composition, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices including weight, body mass index, height, waist circumferences, and hip circumferences. Digital scales from OMRON, an OMRON M2 blood pressure monitor, and a measuring tape were used for these measurements. Physical activity and sleep quality were assessed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively.Results Pearson correlation analysis revealed an inverse relationship between age and sleep quality (p = 0.003) as well as its components: subjective (p = 0.017), latency (p = 0.001), disturbance (p = 0.020), and dysfunction (p = 0.026). Conversely, a direct and significant correlation was observed between physical activity levels and sleep quality (p = 0.003), along with its components: subjective (p = 0.001), latency (p = 0.001), and disturbance (p = 0.003). Moreover, a positive and significant connection was found between diastolic blood pressure and subjective sleep quality (p = 0.024).Conclusions The study’s results underscore that physical activity serves as a non-pharmacological and cost-effective approach for enhancing sleep quality and averting related complications in elderly individuals.
TRC1, TRC2 ve TRC3 Düzey-2 Bölgelerinde 2007-2023 Yılları Arasında Nüfusun Gelişimi ve Bu Gelişimi Etkileyen Faktörlerin Değişimi
Authors: Yılmaz Murat
Published: June 2024

Bu çalışmanın amacı TRC1, TRC2 ve TRC 3 düzey-2 bölgelerinde 2007-2023 döneminde nüfus gelişimini incelemektir. Çalışmada TÜİK verilerinden yararlanılmış ve betimsel yöntem kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada nüfus artışını etkileyen kaba doğum ve ölüm hızı ile toplam doğurganlık hızı ve net göç hızı verileri de incelenmiştir. TRC1, TRC2 ve TRC 3 düzey-2 bölgeleri Güneydoğu Anadolu (TRC) düzey-1 bölgesinde yer almaktadır. Günümüzde her üç bölgede de net göç hızı eksi değerler almasına rağmen nüfus genellikle artmaktadır. Bunun nedeni nispeten yüksek olan toplam doğurganlık hızıdır. 2007-2023 yılları arasında TRC1 bölgesinde nüfus artış hızı %29, TRC2 bölgesinde %35 ve TRC3 bölgesinde ise %27 olmuştur. 2007-2022 döneminde üç bölgede yıllık nüfus artış hızı artı değerler alırken 2022-2023 arasında 6 Şubat depreminin etkisiyle verilen göçün artmasına bağlı olarak TRC1 düzey-2 bölgesinde bu değer eksi değer almıştır. Yani adı geçen bölgenin nüfusu 2022-2023 arasında azalmıştır. Her üç düzey-2 bölgesinde son yıllarda kaba doğum hızı, toplam doğurganlık hızı ve doğal nüfus artış hızının giderek azaldığı dikkat çekmektedir. Son dönemdeki eğilim göz önüne alındığında önümüzdeki yıllarda her üç bölgede nüfus artışının devam etmesi beklenmektedir. Ancak nüfus artışını etkileyen faktörlerin son yıllardaki eğilimi düşünüldüğünde, bu hızın giderek azalacağı öngörülmektedir.
Türkiye’de Ana Akarsu Havzaları Ölçeğinde Morfometrik İndislerle Sel/Taşkın Arasındaki İlişkinin Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: Nişancı Güldane Şeyma , Cihangir Mehmet Emin , Küçükönder Muhterem
Published: June 2024

Hidrometeorolojik kaynaklı sel ve taşkın gibi kısa süreli jeomorfolojik olayların alansal etkisi, havza boyutuna bağlı değişmektedir. Morfometri havzanın boyutsal unsurlarını sayısal olarak ifade ederek, havzanın özellikle akarsu ve yamaç gibi dinamik süreçlere duyarlılığı konusunda önemli ipuçları sunmaktadır. Bu çalışma belirli düzeyde Türkiye'deki havzaların morfometrik dağılımını belirleme ve literatürde sel ve taşkın gibi olaylarla ilişkilendirilen morfometrinin, bu olaylara katkısını değerlendirme amacını taşımaktadır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda Türkiye'nin 14 ana havzası ve kapalı havzalar dahil olmak üzere 26 havzanın birincil düzeyde alt havzası için morfometrik analizleri SRTM 90 m SYM ile yapılmıştır. Analizler, çizgisel morfometri, alansal morfometri ve rölyef morfometrisini içermektedir. Çalışmada elde edilen bulgular hem ana havza hem de birincil alt havza düzeyinde ele alınmıştır. Havzalar arasındaki benzersiz özellikler morfometri ile ortaya konmuş, elde edilen sonuçlar topografik, jeomorfolojik ve jeolojik unsurlarla değerlendirilmiştir. Bunun yanı sıra Türkiye’de havza bazında gerçekleşen sel ve taşkın olay sayıları ile morfometri ilişkileri incelenmiştir. Ana ve alt havza düzeyinde sel ve taşkın frekansı, morfometrik değerler anlamlılık bakımından kıyaslanmıştır.
Turistik Doğu Ekspresi ile Erzincan’a Gelen Ziyaretçilerin Seyahat Deneyimlerine ve Erzincan’a İlişkin Görüşleri
Authors: Orhan Fatih , Hocaoğlu Hüseyin
Published: June 2024

Son yıllarda dünya genelinde olduğu gibi ülkemizde de alternatif turizm türlerine olan ilgi artmaktadır. Bir alternatif turizm seyahati olarak değerlendirilebilecek olan (Turistik) Doğu Ekspresi’nin rağbet görmeye başlaması, güzergâhı üzerindeki şehirlerin tanınırlığını artırmış ve gelen turist sayısında artışlar yaşanmıştır. Bu durum planlı ve sürdürülebilir turizm anlayışını zorunlu kılmaktadır. Bunun için yöreye gelen turistlerin görüş ve önerilerini dikkate almak oldukça önemlidir. Bu çalışmada da Turistik Doğu Ekspresi ile Erzincan’a gelmiş olan turistlerin gerek seyahat deneyimlerinin ve gerekse Erzincan hakkındaki izlenimlerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Nicel araştırma yöntemleri içerisinde yer alan survey (tarama) modelinin tercih edildiği çalışmada veriler anket yöntemiyle elde edilmiştir. Kartopu örnekleme yöntemiyle ulaşılan 250 kişi örneklem olarak belirlenmiş ve anketler online uygulanmıştır. SPSS programı aracılığıyla değerlendirilen verilere göre, katılımcıların bu yeni ve alternatif seyahat deneyiminden oldukça memnun oldukları ve Erzincan’ın da güzergâh üzerindeki en beğenilen yerler arasında yer aldığı görülmüştür.
Quercetin alleviates liver fibrosis via regulating glycolysis of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and neutrophil infiltration
Authors: Chen Xiaoying , Wang Yifan , Wan Jie , Dou Xiaoyun , Zhang Chuzhao , Sun Meng , Ye Fang
Published: June 2024

Liver fibrosis, a common characteristic in various chronic liver diseases, is largely influenced by glycolysis. Quercetin (QE), a natural flavonoid known to regulate glycolysis, was studied for its effects on liver fibrosis and its underlying mechanism. In a model of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), we aimed to assess pathological features, serum marker levels, and analyze the expression of glycolysis-related enzymes at both mRNA and protein levels, with a focus on changes in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs). Our results showed that QE effectively improved liver injury and fibrosis evident by improved pathological features and lowered levels of serum markers, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bile acid (TBA), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), and procollagen type III (PCIII). QE also decreased lactate production and downregulated the expression of glycolysis-related enzymes—pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), phosphofructokinase platelet (PFKP), and hexokinase II (HK2)—at both the mRNA and protein levels. QE reduced the expression and activity of these enzymes, resulting in reduced glucose consumption, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and lactate generation. Further analysis revealed that QE inhibited the production of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) and suppressed neutrophil recruitment. Overall, QE showed promising therapeutic potential for liver fibrosis by targeting LSEC glycolysis and reducing neutrophil infiltration.
ŞAVŞAT MESLEK YÜKSEKOKULU ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN ŞAVŞAT İLÇE EKONOMİSİNE KATKILARI
Authors: Yilmaz Adil Ceylan
Published: June 2024

Meslek yüksekokulları kuruldukları bölgenin ekonomik, sosyal ve kültürel yapısını büyük oranda etkilemektedir. Öğrencilerin barınma, gıda, ulaşım, giyim ve eğlence gibi temel ihtiyaçları için yaptıkları harcamalar bölgedeki esnaf ve işletmelerin cirosunu artırır. Bu artan ciro, yeni iş imkânlarının doğmasına ve bölgedeki genel refahın yükselmesine katkıda bulunur. Artvin'in Şavşat ilçesindeki Meslek Yüksekokulu, sadece eğitim yuvası olmanın ötesinde, adeta bölge ekonomisine can suyu veren bir kaynak haline gelmiş durumda olduğu görülmektedir. Çalışmada Artvin Çoruh Üniversitesi Şavşat Meslek Yüksekokulu öğrencilerinin Şavşat ilçesine ekonomik katkılarının araştırılması amaçlanmaktadır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda Şavşat Meslek Yüksekokulu’nda öğrenim gören 113 öğrenciyle yüz yüze anket çalışması gerçekleştirilmiştir. Yapılan araştırmada, harcama dağımlarının aritmetik ortalaması genele yansıtıldığında 8 aylık eğitim-öğretim döneminde toplam 15.515.768,00 TL harcayan öğrenciler, aylık ortalama 1.939.471,00 TL gibi yüksek bir rakamla Şavşat'ın ekonomisine can kattığı görülmektedir. Araştırmada, bir öğrencinin Şavşat'ta aylık ortalama 8.218,09 TL harcadığı ve bu harcamaların barınma, gıda, ulaşım, giyim, eğlence gibi temel ihtiyaçları ve çeşitli sosyal ve kültürel faaliyetleri kapsadığı görülmektedir.
COMPASSION FATIGUE IN PEDIATRIC NURSES AND AFFECTING FACTORS
Authors: Taşdemir Halil İbrahim
Published: June 2024

Objective: This study aimed to explore the factors influencing the development of compassion fatigue in pediatric nurses, focusing on socio-demographic factors such as age, type of clinic, duration of employment, and type of hospital.
Material and Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 108 pediatric nurses from state and university hospitals in Antalya and Burdur, Türkiye. Data were collected using an online survey that included questions on work schedule, job satisfaction, impact of patient condition on job, and work approach. Compassion fatigue was measured using the Professional Quality of Life scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0.
Results: Age, type of clinic, duration of employment, and type of hospital were significantly associated with varying levels of compassion fatigue among pediatric nurses. Nurses with 1-5 years of experience had significantly different compassion fatigue levels compared to those with 6-10 years of experience. However, no significant relationship was found between compassion fatigue scores and work shift or marital status. Nearly all nurses (99.3%) experienced low to moderate levels of compassion fatigue.
Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of considering socio-demographic factors in addressing compassion fatigue among pediatric nurses. By understanding these factors, healthcare institutions can develop targeted interventions to support nurses and improve patient care quality.
Ordinary vs. Extraordinary: An Urban Comparison in the Delta Po Area
Authors: Tornieri Stefano
Published: June 2024

In a time of pandemics and climate pressures, social sustainability has become a crucial issue within diverse sectors and disciplines. This article endeavors to enrich the discourse on social sustainability, particularly concerning community efforts, in contrast to large-scale private investments employed as catalysts for enhancing attraction and territorial development. This article critically examines the case of the Delta Po area along the Eastern Adriatic coast in Italy, where several “ordinary cities” are situated, featured in a similar urbanization pattern to the nearby Venetian Metropolitan areas, identified by B. Secchi as “città diffusa.” To comprehend the significance of ordinary cities, this article delves into a comparative analysis between an ordinary setting, specifically the village of Massenzatica, and an extraordinary one, exemplified by the Porto Tolle power plant. These two contrasting approaches to utilizing the territory are assessed through a qualitative methodology in order to understand the factors that contribute to enhancing social and territorial sustainability.
Study of the risks of radiation induced reactions in patients receiving irradiation of the pelvic organs
Authors: Korytov O. V. , Korytova L. I. , Grigorjev S. G.
Published: June 2024

Background. The oncological incidence in the world and the Russian Federation of rectal cancer (RC), prostate cancer (PC) and cervical cancer (CC) over the past 10–15 years remains high, with overall incidence of the pelvic organs cancer up to 25 % of the total. Radiation therapy is included in the complex of therapeutic measures in 50–70 % of cancer patients. The main feature of radiation therapy of patients with malignant neoplasms is the effect on both tumor and healthy cells of surrounding tissues. The development of radiation damage to healthy tissues, expressed in radiation reactions (RR) and complications lead to a deterioration in the quality of life. Unfortunately, it is currently not possible to predict which of the patients will develop radiation injuries above grade 1 and at what time.

Aim. To assess the risks of RR in patients with diagnoses of RC, prostate cancer and cervical cancer who underwent radiation therapy.

Materials and methods. The study included 759 patients, including 387 CC, 175 PC, and 197 RC, who received radiation therapy from 2011 to 2019 in the medical institutions of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region.

Results. More than 30 factors that characterized patients, tumor features and concomitant therapy options were studied. Twelve of them turned out to be significant. In order to establish the main determinants (factors) associated with the risk of radiation reactions, a discriminant analysis was carried out. A formula has been created to calculate the probability of developing RR. We conducted an additional study on changing the timing of the introduction of hydrogel compositions, in which a decrease in the frequency of radiation-induced cystitis was noted.

Conclusion. Discriminant analysis revealed predictors of RR in patients with RC, CC, and PC out of 30 factors studied. From the results of discriminant analysis, formulas for predicting the probability of developing acute RR in patients with diagnoses of RC, CC, and PC who received radiation therapy were derived. The change in the time of administration of hydrogel compositions before, during and after the end of radiation therapy contributed to a decrease in the occurrence of radiation-induced cystitis compared with the control (р <0.05).
Atherosclerosis and inflammation: therapeutic targets and ways of correction
Authors: Klimenko A. A. , Andriyashkina D. Yu. , Ogarkova K. I.
Published: June 2024

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease caused by various risk factors, in particular smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia. In addition, such signaling pathways as NLRP3 inflammasome, toll-like receptors, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, Notch and Wnt, which are associated with the inflammatory response in the human body, are involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Therapeutic targeting of inflammatory pathways, especially the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and the cascade of reactions regulated by it leading to the production of inflammatory interleukin-1β, may represent a new avenue for the treatment of atherosclerotic diseases. This article summarizes knowledge of the cellular participants and key inflammatory signaling pathways in atherosclerosis, discusses preclinical studies targeting these key pathways in atherosclerosis, clinical trials that will target some of these processes, and the effects of suppressing inflammation and atherosclerosis.
Experience in the use of the drug Tixagevimab / Cilgavimab in the complex therapy of coronavirus infection in the Primorsky territory
Authors: Sokotun Svetlana A. , Simakova Anna I. , Mikhailov Aleksandr O. , Plekhova Natalya G. , Beniova Svetlana N. , Pereverten Larisa Yu.
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND: Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, various treatment options and regimens, and their combinations, have been used. However, before the start of vaccination and the introduction of biologic drugs and monoclonal antibodies, life-threatening complications occurred much more often.
AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of Tixagevimab / Cilgavimab (“Evusheld”) for the treatment of patients with comorbidities and SARS-CoV-2 infection in comparison with standard therapy protocols in vaccinated and unvaccinated people.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of the inpatient medical records of 290 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of moderate COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 was conducted.
RESULTS: The average bed-days in the three groups varied. The lowest number was recorded in the Tixagevimab / Cilgavimab group with 9.9 days. In the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups, the corresponding values were 10.9 and 11.7 days. The duration of the COVID-19 course was minimal in the Tixagevimab / Cilgavimab with 12.6 days; in the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups, the disease lasted an average of 17.6 and 18.7 days, respectively. The percentage of lung tissue damage was the highest in the unvaccinated group with 43.2% on average, followed by the vaccinated group with 26.5% and the Tixagevimab / Cilgavimab group with 4.3%. Moreover, 53.6%, 32.5%, and 13.6% of the unvaccinated, vaccinated, and Tixagevimab / Cilgavimab groups required oxygen support, respectively. In the unvaccinated group, leukocytosis increased to 11.3×109, which was associated with the emergence of a bacterial infection and prolonged hospitalization.
CONCLUSIONS: The preparation of synthetic recombinant monoclonal neutralizing antibody Tixagevimab / Cilgavimab to SARS-CoV-2 significantly reduces the severity of COVID-19 and the first day of hospitalization.
A systematic review of the safety and efficacy of platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of posttraumatic knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Leonova Elena I. , Chirinskaite Angelina V. , Sopova Julia V.
Published: June 2024

Injury of the knee joint can lead to a range of adverse outcomes and significantly contributes to the development of the knee osteoarthritis. Currently, autologous platelet-rich plasma is used as a promising and safe method of treating osteoarthritis. Such plasma contains various growth factors, some of which are secreted after platelet activation. These factors can trigger a regenerative response and improve the metabolic functions of damaged structures. However, there are different protocols for preparing platelet-rich plasma, which results in preparations with different amounts of bioactive substances. As a result, the data obtained on the effect of platelet-rich plasma on the restoration of hyaline cartilage of the knee joint are very contradictory. A search for publications on a given topic was performed in the eLIBRARY, PubMed (MEDLINE), Ovid, Science Direct, Google Scholar databases, and also a search was conducted for clinical trial data on the treatment of knee osteoarthritis with platelet-rich plasma over the past 20 years. Publications dealing with other aspects of the application of this technology were excluded from the search results. An analysis of published clinical trial results found that, in most cases, patients treated with platelet-rich plasma reported improved pain and joint function, with only three studies showing no difference between platelet-rich plasma and placebo. Thus, this technology is generally promising for use in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, however, methods of obtaining and activating platelet-rich plasma, as well as the age and comorbidities of the patient, may affect the effectiveness of therapy.
Tic disorder possibly related to the duration of action of short-acting methylphenidate in a seven-year-old child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and intellectual disability
Authors: Çelikkol Sadıç Çağla
Published: June 2024

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is known to be seen more frequently in children diagnosed with intellectual disability than in children with normal development. Methylphenidate is a psychostimulant drug that is widely used in the treatment of ADHD. Recent randomized studies have reported that the use of methylphenidate is not associated with new onset or worsening of tics. However, studies on the effects of methylphenidate use in children with mental retardation are limited. The case is here presented of a 7-year-old male patient with borderline intellectual disability, who developed new-onset tics most likely due to methylphenidate treatment and whose tics subsided when the methylphenidate was discontinued and its effects subsided.
The expression levels of MIR375 and MIR451a genes in subacute thyroiditis
Authors: Koçak Mustafa , Karakuş Nevin , Çatak Merve
Published: June 2024

Purpose: The most typical reason for thyroid pain is subacute thyroiditis (SAT). Incidence of SAT is higher in women than in men and the average annual frequency of SAT is 12.1 cases per 100,000 people. Endogenous, brief, single-stranded non-coding RNAs, called micro RNAs (miRNAs), are inhibitors of gene expression. In the posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression, miRNAs are essential. In this investigation, we explored the potential utility of two circulating miRNAs, MIR451A and MIR375, as markers for the detection and monitoring of SAT.
Materials and Methods: Fifty SAT patients and 41 healthy people were enrolled in this study. Using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) approach, miRNA expression levels were assessed. The 2-ΔΔCt technique was used to calculate miRNA expression levels. The t-test was used to assess the statistical significance of miRNA expression.
Results: While MIR451A expression levels were discovered to vary between healthy controls and SAT patients, MIR375-3p expression levels were discovered to be similar in both groups. MIR375-3p and MIR451A expression levels were shown to be similarly in different SAT stages (hyperthyroid, euthyroid, and hypothyroid). The expression levels of MIR375-3p and MIR451A were analyzed for association with the clinical characteristics of SAT patients, but no correlation was observed.
Conclusion: In this study, it was found that the expression level of circulating MIR451A was lower in SAT patients, which shows that MIR451A might be effective in the SAT disease's onset.
The potential neuroprotection efficacy of Atractylenolide III on kainic-acid derived temporal lobe epilepsy in male rats
Authors: Özalp Hüsniye , Çamlıca Yusuf , Şahin Leyla , Aktaş Savaş , Yalın Serap , Yıldırım Metin , Batu Öztürk Ayla , Çevik Özge Selin
Published: June 2024

Purpose: Atractylenolide III (ATR III) is known for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of ATR III on neuronal damage in temporal epileptic rats caused by kainic acid.
Materials and Methods: 16-week-old Wistar Albino rats were divided into three groups; control (C, n=8), kainic acid (KA, n=8), ATR III+ kainic acid (KA+ATR, n=8). After 21 days of injections of kainic acid, learning, and memory behavior, anxiety, and locomotor activity were evaluated. Neuron morphologies in the hippocampus were examined, the total number of neurons, and the number of degenerated neurons were determined, and the thickness of these regions was also measured. Changes in biochemical parameters such as MDA, SOD, GSHPx, AChE, and CAT were investigated to detect oxidative stress in the brain.
Results: There was no significant difference in the learning and memory function and locomotor activity. However, KA increased anxiety behavior without any effect of ATR III (closed arm duration, 244.90±25.17). There was no degeneration in the neurons of the control group. In the KA group, there was an increase in the number of degenerated neurons. In this group, the thicknesses in CA1, CA3, and DG regions were 37.39±1.90, 45.64±6.26 and 46.02±5.72 µm, respectively. In the ATR III+KA group, there were fewer degenerated neurons, less thinning of the hippocampus, and a higher number of normal neurons compared to the KA group. In this group, CA1, CA3, and DG thicknesses were calculated as 36.05±4.13, 47.09±7.09 and 43.07±5.91 µm, respectively.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that ATR III may have the potential as a therapeutic agent for reducing neuronal damage in temporal epilepsy. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and evaluate the clinical implications of ATR III in the treatment of epilepsy.
Effectiveness of laboratory tests in predicting pathologies on computed tomography in geriatric patients with abdominal pain
Authors: Çatal Yaşar , Kır Nazire Ülkü , Genç Sinan , Koca Ayça , Günalp Müge , Polat Onur
Published: June 2024

Purpose: Our study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of laboratory tests in predicting clinically significant pathologies (CSPs) on abdominal computed tomography (CT) in geriatric patients with abdominal pain.
Materials and Methods: Our study is a retrospective case-control study. All patients who were admitted to the emergency department due to abdominal pain had an abdominal CT scan and were 65 years of age or older were included in the study. Laboratory test results were obtained from blood tests taken at the time of admission. According to CT results, patients were grouped into two groups: "CSPs (+)" or "CSPs (-)". The relationship between laboratory results and CSPs was analyzed statistically.
Results: Five hundred eighteen patients were included in the study. CSPs (+) were detected on CT in 72.4% of the patients. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cells (WBC), platelet, neutrophil, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) values were statistically significantly higher in CSPs (+) patients. The optimal cut-off values of the tests were WBC>10.75 (x10˄3/µL), CRP >150.5 (mg/L), NLR>4.4, ALP >92 (U/L). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of all of these tests was below 0.6 and was not sufficiently effective for diagnostic use.
Conclusion: Our study showed that using laboratory parameters alone would not be sufficient to predict CSPs on CT in geriatric patients with abdominal pain.