bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Venture Capital and Strategic Development of Innovative Business
Authors: Yurynets Zoryna , Yurynets Rostyslav
Published: July 2023

One of the most important sources for improving the financial support of innovative activity is venture capital. The development of venture financing in developed countries is one of the defining areas of support for medium and small innovative businesses. The purpose of the article is to identify the key features of venture capital, the selection of structural characteristics of venture capital, and the functional features of venture financing for the strategic development of innovative businesses. The survey is based on the following methods: analysis, systematization, and generalization to identify the key features of venture capital, as well as to select structural characteristics of venture capital, and the functional features of venture financing; tabular representation for the visual display of the results of research and analytical data. The article analyzes the interpretations of venture capital. A significant expansion of the key features of venture capital was noted. The structural characteristics of venture capital for the strategic development of innovative businesses are highlighted, which are systematized according to the following signs: elements of the classic form of venture capital, functions of venture capital, characteristics of the venture capital market, phases of the venture capital investment process, reasons for the refusal to receive venture capital, results from the implementation of venture capital at the macroeconomic level. Functional features of venture financing for the strategic development of innovative businesses must be considered in the context of such features forms of venture financing, types of venture financing, features that are characteristic of venture financing, steps of the venture financing process, stages of venture financing, the most common exit strategy for venture capital investors, principles of venture financing, advantages of venture financing, disadvantages of venture financing. The obtained results are the basis for further scientific research in the part of venture financing of the strategic development of innovative businesses in Ukraine and attracting investments for the development of innovative activity.
Methodological Assessment Framework of Socioeconomic Systems’ Bio-Economic Transformation Management
Authors: Vostriakova Viktoriia
Published: July 2023

Assessment of the process of bio-economic transformation of socioeconomic systems and its consequences in various countries, and in Ukraine in particular, is quite problematic since the existing methodology of the State Statistics bodies does not meet its needs and therefore is not able to cover its development based on domestic data adequately. The biggest obstacle on this path is the lack of separation of economic activity types into the production of the products using materials of biological and fossil origin in the process of collecting and processing official data, which further complicates the assessment of bioeconomic processes along supply chains and its impact on sustainable economic development. Paper research has been conducted through a mixed-methods approach to reach the following objectives, including desktop research using general scientific methods and content and comparative analysis with further conceptual framework adoption. To simplify the process of developing a methodological assessment framework, at the initial stage of the bioeconomic transformation assessment system formation, we proposed an adapted framework and indicators that can be obtained from existing statistical information supplemented with data from other alternative sources. This approach assumes the use of formal data collection methods, assuming they will remain unchanged for the foreseeable future. We have systematized assessment indicators into three dimensions of its maturity: indicators of bioeconomic potential, development, and sustainability, specific to Ukrainian organizations, as these combined indicators can provide an understanding of the current state, compromises, and the likelihood of sustainable bio-economy transformation. Practical implementation of the obtained results and elimination of identified shortcomings and gaps in the assessment of bioeconomic transformation will contribute to developing bioeconomic strategies based on sustainable development.
Properties and cost of natural rubber latex foam using biomass ash filler from agarwood pellets
Authors: Limhengha Suphatchakorn , Chueangchayaphan Narong , Karrila Seppo , Madmaeroh Nasron , Yangthong Hassarutai
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this work was to add value to biomass ash, which is a waste product from combustion of agarwood pellets as fuel. Ash was used as filler in accordance with the Bio-Circular-Green economy model to reduce the cost of manufacture of natural rubber latex foam (NRLF) produced with the Dunlop technique. The agarwood pellet biomass fuel was heated in an incinerator at 700 to 750 °C for 6 h to start the process. The mixture was then passed through a 120-mesh sieve after ball milling for 72 h. The next step involved dispersing 10% agarwood pellet biomass ash (APBA) at 0, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, or 4.5 phr loadings in latex. This was followed by other actions such as visual inspection of the foaming and gelling stages. The influence of APBA loading on density, hardness, compression set and morphological properties of NRLF were investigated, and also the cost of production was estimated. The findings revealed that NRLF with 1.5 phr of APBA exhibited good physical properties, having a smooth surface and small foam cells. Moreover, the compression set properties of NRLF with 1.5 phr APBA comply with the Thai Industrial Product Standard (TIS 173-2529) for NRLF (Industrial Product Standard Act, 1986). Regarding the production costs, they were below those of filler- free NRLF by 0.03 USD/kg.
Preparation and characterization of cellulose/ hydrous niobium phosphate hybrid
Authors: Pereira Paulo H. Fernandes , Voorwald Herman Cornelis Jacobus , Cioffi Maria Odila H. , Pinto Da Silva Maria Lucia Caetano
Published: July 2023

In recent years, increasing attention has been directed to the use of renewable resources, particularly of sugarcane bagasse. Considering the abundant availability of such lignocellulosic materials, relatively few attempts have been made regarding their utilization. Studies about properties and morphology, heavy metal adsorption, and membranes preparation have been conduced by this research group in order to use these materials. In this paper, cellulose fibers obtained from sugarcane bagasse were bleached and modified by hydrous niobium phosphate. Hybrids (cellulose/NbOPO4.nH2O) were prepared from metallic niobium dissolved in a fluoridric/nitric (10:1) mixture, to which cellulose sugarcane bagasse was added. Afterwards a concentrated orthophosphoric acid (85mL, 85% w/w) was added to precipitate hydrous niobium phosphate particles. This material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG/DTG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses, as well as scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) coupled to an energy dispersive spectrophotometer (EDS). Morphological studies of bleached cellulose revealed different sizes and arrangement of cells, showing that NbOPO4.nH2O was present in the cellulose structure. Thermal stability of the hybrid was observed up to approximately 200°C, and the cellulose decomposed at 300°C. These data will help finding new uses for these materials.
Optimization of biocide strategies on fine paper machines
Authors: Kiuru Jani , Tsitko Irina , Sievänen Jenni , Wathén Rolf
Published: July 2023

In this study a rapid at-line ATP (adenosine triphosphate) analysis is applied in papermaking. This ATP analysis takes less than a minute, and the information can be utilized instantly to adapt the biocide program. The study shows the effect of different biocide strategies at paper mills. Comparison is made between oxidative and reductive biocides on the one hand, and on the other hand between continuous vs. batch additions of biocide. Continuous biocide addition keeps the microbial activity at a constant level. However, a long production period without a boil-out might result in accumulation of resistant bacteria, which cannot be eliminated without changing the biocide strategy. Batch addition of biocide creates a high temporary concentration of biocide in the process. This causes lower temporary microbial activity in the process, but between the doses the microbial activity may rise to an intolerable level. Batch addition causes chemical variation to the wet end of a paper machine more easily than continuous addition. This can affect the performance of papermaking chemicals and cause problems with retention, fixing, etc. Both biocide addition strategies can be used if they are monitored and optimized properly. Rapid ATP analysis is a suitable tool for both purposes.
Determination of lignin content in Acacia spp. using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Yao Sheng , Wu Guofen , Xing Mian , Zhou Shuke , Pu Junwen
Published: July 2023

Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy method was introduced to measure the lignin content in Acacia species. Acid-soluble lignin, Klason lignin, and total lignin contents from 78 wood meal samples of Acacia spp. trees grown in Guangxi province with different ages, height, and families were measured by wet chemistry. NIR spectra were also collected using a Bruker MPA spectrometer within 4000-12500cm-1 of wavenumbers using a standard sample cup and split into calibration and prediction sets. Equations were developed using partial least squares (PLS) regression and cross validation for multivariate calibration in this study. High coefficients of determination (R2) and low root mean square errors of cross-validation (RMSECV) were obtained for Klason lignin (R2=0.94, RMSECV=0.398), acid-soluble lignin (R2=0.87, RMSECV=0.144), and total lignin (R2=0.91, RMSECV=0.448) from wood meal. High correlation coefficients were found between laboratory and predicted values for Klason lignin, acid-soluble lignin, and total lignin contents, with R2 and RMSEP values ranging from 0.67 to 0.94, and 0.19 to 0.526, respectively. The study showed that NIR analysis can be reliably used to predict lignin content in Acacia spp.
Water hyacinth biomass (WHB) for the biosorption of hexavalent chromium: Optimization of process parameters
Authors: Hasan Syed Hadi , Ranjan Deeksha , Talat Mahe
Published: July 2023

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) biomass has been used for many years for the remediation of heavy metals. The present study successfully utilizes the dried powdered biomass of the aerial part (stem and leaves) of water hyacinth for biosorption of hexavalent chromium. The effect of various parameters (viz. pH, initial metal ion concentration and temperature) on the removal of Cr(VI) was studied by conducting only 15 sets of sorption runs using Box-Behnken Design (BBD). The pH had a negative and temperature and concentration had positive effects on uptake of chromium. The predicted results (obtained using an empirical linear polynomial model) were found to be in good agreement (R2 = 99.8%) with the experimental results. The predicted maximum removal of Cr(VI) (91.5181 mg/g) can be achieved at pH 2.0, initial metal ion concentration 300 mg/L, and temperature 40 °C. The sorption capacity of sorbent was also calculated using a Langmuir sorption isotherm model and was found to be 101 mg/g at 40 °C and pH 2.0.
Impacts of bleaching chemicals and outdoor exposure on changes in the color of some varnished woods
Authors: Özçifçi Ayhan , Özbay Günay
Published: July 2023

This study was carried out to determine the changes of the surface color of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) woods after exterior conditioning. First, the samples were bleached with 25% NaOH and 17.5% H2O2. Afterwards, they were varnished with polyurethane and synthetic varnishes, and then they were exposed to exterior conditions for 12 months. Tests for color differences and metric chroma were done according to the ASTM D-2244 standard. It was deduced that exposure to exterior conditions causes color differences in samples, while bleaching with the given solution reduces that effects, and reverts the surface color to that of the natural control specimens. However, bleached specimens exposed to 12 months exterior conditioning had more discoloration than those of natural control samples. In conclusion, if the wood materials will be exposed to outdoors after bleaching, finishing process should be applied to surfaces in order to prevent further color change.
Enzymatic processing and antioxidant activity of agricultural waste autohydrolysis liquors
Authors: Akpinar Ozlem , Gunay Koray , Yilmaz Yusuf , Levent Okan , Bostanci Seyda
Published: July 2023

This paper presents the production of xylooligosaccharides from auto-hydrolysis liquors of wheat straw and sunflower stalk, as wells as the antioxidant activity of these autohydrolysis liquors. The autohydrolysis liquors (raw or refined by ultrafiltration) of both wastes were subjected to the action of two different endoxylanase to produce xylooligosaccharides with low degree of polymerization that are potentially useful as food additives. Trichoderma reseei xylanase led to the highest proportion of oligomers with degree of polymerization values in the range 1–3, while Aspergillus niger xylanase gave mainly oligomers with polymerization degree in the range 2-3. T reseei xylanase gave a higher increase in equivalent xylose concentration and produced more monosaccharide than A.niger xylanase. Membranes with a nominal MWCO 1 kDa did not reject antioxidant-related and other low molar mass compounds, and most of these compounds were recovered with monosaccharides in the permeate of the membrane.
Bioconversion of sugarcane bagasse into second generation bioethanol after enzymatic hydrolysis with in-house produced cellulases from Aspergillus sp. S4B2F
Authors: Soni Sanjeev Kumar , Batra Navdeep , Bansal Namita , Soni Raman
Published: July 2023

An integrated approach was studied for in-house cellulase production, pretreatment, and enzymatic conversion of sugarcane bagasse into glucose followed by the production of second generation bioethanol. Solid state cultures of Aspergillus sp. S4B2F produced significant levels of cellulase complex on wheat bran, supplemented with 1% (w/w) soyabean meal, moistened with 1.5 parts of distilled water after 96 h of incubation at 30oC. The highest productivities of endoglucanase, exoglucanase, and β-glucosidase were 66, 60, and 26 IU/g of fermented dry bran, respectively. The enzyme components had a temperature and pH optima at 50oC and 4.0, respectively and revealed high thermostability at 50oC, retaining 66, 54, and 84% residual activities after 72 h. Pretreatment with 2% alkali in combination with steam was the most efficient pre-hydrolysis method for enzymatic bioconversion and fermentation of cellulosic residue of sugarcane bagasse, which produced the highest cellulose conversion (67%), with glucose and alcohol yields of 323 mg and 175 ml respectively per dry gram of bagasse.
Effect of acid catalysts and accelerated aging on the reaction of methanol with hydroxy-acetaldehyde in bio-oil
Authors: Bhattacharya Priyanka , Hassan El Barbary , Steele Philip , Cooper Jerome , Ingram Leonard
Published: July 2023

Bio-oil is a promising alternative source of energy produced from fast pyrolysis of biomass. Increasing the viscosity of bio-oil during storage is a major problem that can be controlled by the addition of methanol or other alcohols. This paper reports the results of our investigation of the reactions of short chain alcohols with aldehydes and acids in bio-oil. The reaction of methanol with hydroxyacetaldehyde (HA) to form the acetal was catalyzed by the addition of 7 x 10-4 M strong acids such as sulfuric, hydrochloric, p-toluene sulfonic acid, and methanesulfonic acid. HA formed 2,2-dimethoxyethanol (DME), and at 60 oC the equilibrium was reached in less than one hour. Smaller amounts of DME were formed in the absence of strong acid. HA, acetaldehyde, and propanal formed their corresponding acetals when reacted with methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol or 1-butanol. Esters of acetic acid and hydroxyacetic acid were observed from reactions with these same four alcohols. Other acetals and esters were observed by GC/MS analysis of the reaction products. The results from accelerated aging experiments at 90 oC suggest that the presence of methanol slows polymerization by formation of acetals and esters from low molecular weight aldehydes and organic acids.
High-energy photons vs protons in their action on vascular function in rats
Authors:   Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Academy of Medical Science, Kyiv, Ukraine, Soloviev A.I. , Ivanova I.V. ,   Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Academy of Medical Science, Kyiv, Ukraine, Khromov A.S. ,   Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Academy of Medical Science, Kyiv, Ukraine, Dobrelia N.V. ,   nstitute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Academy of Medical Science, Kyiv, Ukraine, Novokhatska T.V. ,   nstitute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Academy of Medical Science, Kyiv, Ukraine, Klymenko K.S. ,   nstitute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Academy of Medical Science, Kyiv, Ukraine, Monchak I.L. ,   nstitute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Academy of Medical Science, Kyiv, Ukraine, Pavlova A.A. ,   nstitute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Academy of Medical Science, Kyiv, Ukraine, Valkov A.М. ,   Institute for Nuclear Researches, National Academy of Sciences, Kyiv, Ukraine, Mikhailov L.N. ,   Institute for Nuclear Researches, National Academy of Sciences, Kyiv, Ukraine, Piskarev A.I. ,   Institute for Nuclear Researches, National Academy of Sciences, Kyiv, Ukraine, Nolan P. ,   University of Liverpool, UK, Pusa P. ,   University of Liverpool, UK
Published: July 2023

The goal of this work was to compare the effects of a photon (PTI) and proton/hadron (HTI) irradiation on rat’s cardiovascular system. Cardiovascular functions were studied in rats after PTI and HTI impact in the equivalent total absorbed dose of 6 Gy. Photons were delivered using 60Co gamma-rays (0.8 Gy min-1). The particle irradiation was done by using a 9,6×10-12 J proton beam accelerated in the U-240 isochronous cyclotron. Both PTI and HTI decreased the acetylcholine-induced relaxation in rat’s aorta smooth muscle (SM) and outward potassium currents in aortic SM cells on the 9th day post-irradiation but HTI appeared to produce a more profound effect. HTI had no significant effect on systolic blood pressure (SBP) in rats while PTI produced clearly defined systemic hypertension. HTI, unlike PTI, significantly increased the left ventricle pressure in Langendorff - perfused rat’s heart. Thus, the biological effects of PTI and HTI on rat’s aorta endothelium-dependent relaxation and net potassium currents in the SM cells appear to be similar, although the effects of HTI are more pronounced. However, PTI, unlike HTI, produced significant systemic hypertension.
PREDICTORS OF HEPATOCYTES CYTOLYSIS OF INSULIN RESISTANT RATS UNDER CONDITIONS OF PRE- AND POSTNATAL IODINE DEFICIENCY
Authors:   Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ukraine, Stetseviat V.B. , Voronych-Semchenko N.M. ,   Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ukraine, Bahrii M.M. ,   Institute of the Pathology and Cytology, University Clinic Ruppin-Brandenburg, Federal State Brandenburg, Germany, Huranych T.V. ,   Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ukraine
Published: July 2023

Carbohydrate metabolism markers, thyroid profile indexes, transaminase activity and structural features of liver were studied, taking into account sexual dimorphism, in rats which were keeping on a high-fructose diet under conditions of adequate iodine supply and pre- and postnatal iodine deficiency. It was found that under fructose loading of animals with iodine deficiency the risk of insulin resistance (IR) development increases (HOMA-IR index in insulin-resistant male rats under conditions of pre- and postnatal iodine deficiency increases respectively by 22 and 13% compared to the data in animals that received a high-carbohydrate diet and adequate iodine supply). It is important, that in males and females with IR, the secretion of free triiodothyronine decreased by 36 and 40%, thyroid-stimulating hormone – by 28 and 34%, respectively, compared to the data of intact animals. The development of IR was accompanied by the activation of aminotransferases in blood serum (more in males). In particular, in male rats with IR under conditions of pre- and postnatal iodine deficiency, the activity of aspartate aminotransferase increased by 2.7 and 2.4 times, alanine aminotransferase – by 3.9 and 2.7 times, respectively, which led to a decrease of the de-Ritis index (more significantly against the background of prenatal iodine deficiency – by 25%) in relation to the data in animals that were on a standard diet. The activity of aminotransferases in rats with IR under conditions of iodine deprivation was higher than in animals with isolated iodine deficiency – by 11-56% and IR – by 13-47 %. In animals with IR, the presence of binucleated hepatocytes with a diffuse decrease in the number of glycogen granules in them and accumulation of glycoproteins in the wall of liver vessels were found. The foci of fatty dystrophy and pronounced zonal character of dystrophic processes in hepatocytes were identified in females, diffuse dystrophy prevailed in males. In the cytoplasm of hepatocytes of animals with IR under conditions of prenatal iodine deficiency, the lightening and the granularity, single granules of glycogen were observed. Under these conditions, the average perimeter (by 74%) and area (by three times) of hepatocytes, the average area of nucleus (by 3.1 times), the average perimeter (by 50%) and area (by 66%) of the nucleolus were increased compared to the control values. The structural changes were consistent with an increase of the transaminase activity. Thus, fructose loading and the development of IR acts as a trigger for cytolysis of hepatocytes, which increases under conditions of iodine deficiency, especially prenatal.
GLUCOSE TRANSPORTERS OF GLUT FAMILY IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF PROLIFERATIVE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES
Authors:   Shupyk National University of Health Care of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Ganyuk V.M. , Petrenko O.V. ,   Shupyk National University of Health Care of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Natrus L.V. ,   Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: July 2023

The supply of glucose to neurons of the brain and retina is carried out by a specific, facilitated transport with the participation of sodium-independent glucose transporters of the GLUT family. Studying the mechanisms of glucose transport with pharmacological or genetic inhibition of transporters is considered as a promising way to reduce glucose-toxic damage to the retina to prevent diabetic retinopathy. We studied the content of GLUT1, GLUT3, GLUT4 and Hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) in the plasma of patients with different stages of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), duration of type 2 diabetes (T2D) was up to 20 and over 20 years, and control group. Research on the level of transporters in the blood plasma was carried out by the method of immuno-enzymatic analysis using Elabscience kits (USA). No significant difference in the GLUT1 and GLUT4 blood plasma content was found between patients with PDR and control individuals, and the GLUT3 content was 2-fold higher. Also, the content of HIF-1α was 25% higher. No significant fluctuations in the content of transporters GLUT1, GLUT3, GLUT4, HIF-1α were found depending on the duration of T2DM, the degree of deepening of PDR and the level of hyperglycemia. Correlation analysis revealed a significant two-way correlation of the GLUT3 index with blood glucose level (r = 0.581), HbA1C (r = 0.553), GLUT1 (r = 0.440) and GLUT4 (r = 0.372). The conservatism of GLUT1 transporter content in the studied groups gives a reason to consider protein expression as genetically determined for the basic maintenance of homeostasis. The GLUT3 content increase in patients with PDR, which does not depend on the retinal damage degree, duration of T2D and glucose concentration, defines this mechanism of transport as the main pathogenetic link of glucose toxicity in neurons against the background of chronic hyperglycemia. Insulin-dependent transporter GLUT4 is probably not involved in the occurrence of PDR under of T2D.
MORPHO-FUNCTIONAL STATUS OF GOBLET CELLS AND CHANGES IN THE COLONIC MICROBIOTA DURING OBESITY IN RATS
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine, Vareniuk I.M. , Serhiichuk T. M. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine, Dzerzhynsky M.E. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: July 2023

Changes between the main types of mucins in the goblet cells and colonic microbiota in obese rats were studied. Paraffin histological slides of the colon of control and obese rats were stained with periodic Schiff (to visualize all mucins in the goblet cells), alcian blue with pH 2.5 (to visualize acidic mucins), aldehyde fuschin (to visualize sulphomucins), alcian blue and periodic Schiff (to distinguish between neutral and acidic mucins), alcian blue and aldehyde fuschin (to distinguish between sialo- and sulphomucins). Also, the composition of microbiota in feces was determined on selective and differential media. It has been shown, that obesity is accompanied by hypoplasia and hypertrophy of goblet cells in the crypts of the colon. The decrease in the total number of goblet cells in obese animals occurs due to cells producing mixed mucins with a predominance of acidic mucins, as well as cells producing sulphomucins or mixed sulphomucins and sialomucins. As result, the percentage of goblet cells producing neutral, mixed neutral-acidic or sialomucins increases. The percentage of cells producing acidic-neutral mucins, sulfomucins or mixed sialo- and sulfomucins decreases. At the same time, the number of Bifidobacterium and lactose-fermenting E. coli (sucrolytic bacteria) decreases in feces. The number of mannitol-negative staphylococci (transient microbiota) increases. The number of Clostridium, Staphylococcus aureus and yeast-like fungi Candida does not change.
FORMATION OF ULTRASTRUCTURAL ADAPTIVE REACTIONS IN BODY TISSUES UNDER EXPERIMENTAL PARKINSONISM
Authors:   Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Putiy Y.V. , Fuchko O.L. ,   Uzhhorod National University, Ukraine, Vashchenko N.M. ,   Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Rozova K.V. ,   Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: July 2023

We studied changes in the ultrastructure of brain tissues - medulla oblongata and striatum, as well as lung and heart tissues in experimental parkinsonism caused by the action of rotenone, which was administered once or for 2 weeks. It has been shown that during the development of a Parkinson-like state the ultrastructure of tissues disturbance, the development of mitochondrial and endothelial dysfunction is observed not only in parts of the brain, but also in other tissues of the body. Mitochondrial dysfunction is significantly expressed in the medulla oblongata, as evidenced by, firstly, a decrease in the total number of mitochondria by 35.7%, and secondly, damage to their ultrastructure in more than 40% of organelles. Endothelial dysfunction was indicated by hyperhydration of the blood-brain barrier. In the tissue of the striatum, the indicated changes were insignificant, instead, a compensatory restoration of dynamic processes in the mitochondrial apparatus, in particular fission-fusion processes, was observed. In the myocardium, there were also significant changes in the ultrastructure, this indicated the development of both mitochondrial and endothelial dysfunctions. As well as in the medulla oblongata tissue, about 40% of mitochondria were found to be damaged, although it should be noted that although not pronounced, but still reliable (by 12.6%) activation of mitochondrial morphogenesis was observed. The histohematal barrier, in particular its endothelial layer, thinned due to destructive processes. Violations of the ultrastructure were also observed in the lung tissue. Significant changes in the mitochondrial apparatus with damage to the mitochondrial structure were revealed. However, the percentage of structurally damaged organelles was significantly (almost 2 times) lower than in the myocardium (reached only 25%). The thickness of the endothelial layer of the air barrier increased by an average of 30%. In tissues where mitochondrial and endothelial dysfunction were less pronounced during longterm administration of rotenone, adaptive changes begin to form, which are probably also observed in people with Parkinson’s disease, which enables them to adapt to the existing disease.
THE EFFECT OF LOW-INTENSITY INTERMITTENT PNEUMATIC COMPRESSION IN PERSONS WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF REGULATION OF THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM ON CENTRAL HEMODYNAMICS
Authors:   Kyiv Medical University, Ukraine, Shesterina D.V. , Palamarchuk A.L. ,   Kyiv Medical University, Ukraine, Kovalenko S.O. ,   Cherkasy Bogdan Khmelnytskiy National University, Ukraine
Published: July 2023

The purpose of our study was to determine changes in central hemodynamics under the condition of exposure to low-intensity IPC on the lower limbs in individuals with different types of regulation of the autonomic nervous system. The group of 62 participants in age of 18-22 years were investigated. Testing session that included pressure of 40 mmHg and 20-minute period of temporary occlusion of the lower extremities was performed by intermittent pneumatic compression with Recovery Pump PRX device (“Mego Aftek AC Ltd”, Israel). Before, during the exposure and recovery period of the procedure arterial blood pressure was recorded with Korotkov’s auscultative method by mercury tonometer (“Dr.Frei”A-10, Switzerland). For monitoring hemodynamic changes impedance cardiography (ICG) method was applied (“ХАІ-medica”, Kharkiv, Ukraine), by 15 sec. Based on the spectrum power values in the range of 0.15-0.4 (HFnorm), which was calculated according to the formula HFnorm = HF/(HF+LF)∙100%, 3 groups of volunteers were determined by method of sigma deviations. The 1st group included 29 people with a predominance of the sympathetic link of regulation of the autonomic nervous system, HF norm at rest is less than 40 nu. The 2nd - 19 people with a normotonic type of regulation, HFnorm from 40 to 60 nu. The 3rd - 14 people with a predominance of the parasympathetic link, HF norms higher than 60 nu. It has been established that in persons of the 1st group blood pressure maintenance is a result of complex neurohumoral interactions, in the 3rd group - due to vascular components. The decrease in the heart rate and cardiac index in the 1st and 2nd groups is caused by a decrease in venous return to the heart, and in the 3rd group - by contractile function of the heart. The proven impact of non-invasive IPC on peripheral blood circulation improving supports the concept of orthostatic tolerance. Future long-term studies are needed to evaluate the further long-term efficacy of IPC, safety and tolerability of this approach in clinical practice.
Influence of bacterial lipopolysaccharide on the degradation of the components of the extracellular matrix of rat biceps femoris muscle during high fructose diet-induced metabolic syndrome
Authors:   Poltava State Medical University, Ukraine, Akimov O.Y. , Mykytenko A.O. ,   Poltava State Medical University, Ukraine, Mischenko A.V. ,   Poltava State Medical University, Ukraine, Kostenko V.O. ,   Poltava State Medical University, Ukraine
Published: July 2023

Metabolic syndrome is an epidemic of non-infectious origin, which is associated with the consumption of a large amount of high-calorie food and a sedentary lifestyle. It is not excluded that bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) may enter the body during metabolic syndrome. The purpose of this work is to study the combined effect of bacterial lipopolysaccharide and high fructose diet on the concentration of glycosaminoglycans and their individual fractions, the content of free L-oxyproline and sialic acids in rat biceps femoris muscle. Bacterial LPS was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 0.4 μg/kg. Metabolic syndrome was modelled by using 20% fructose solution as only source of drinking water. In the test group of animals total concentration of glycosaminoglycans increased by 22.53%, the heparin-heparan and keratan-dermatan fraction concentrations raised by 26.18 and 35.91%, but concentration of the chondroitin fraction did not change compared to the control. The concentrations of free L-oxyproline and sialic acids increased by 120.71 and 156.78%, respectively. Thus, high fructose diet, stimulation of the organism with bacterial lipopolysaccharide and their combination lead to increased degradation of glycoproteins and proteoglycans and intensify collagenolysis in the biceps femoris muscle of rats.
Efecto de factores sociodemográficos en la mortalidad del COVID-19 en Costa Rica: un enfoque geográfico
Authors: Bonilla-Carrión Roger , Evans-Meza Ronald , Salvatierra-Durán Roberto
Published: July 2023

Introducción: La enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19) se ha extendido entre la población de todo el país y ha tenido un gran impacto a nivel mundial. Sin embargo, existen diferencias geográficas importantes en la mortalidad de COVID-19 entre las diferentes regiones del mundo y en Costa Rica. Objetivo: El objetivo principal de este artículo fue explorar el efecto de algunos de los factores sociodemográficos en la mortalidad de COVID-19 en los cantones de Costa Rica. Métodos: Se obtuvieron datos acerca de la mortalidad del COVID-19 e información sociodemográfica en los cantones del país. El modelo epidemiológico para COVID19 de regresión clásico de Poisson de la familia de modelos lineales generalizados (GLM) se comparó con el modelo de regresión ponderada geográficamente (GWR). Resultados: En comparación con el modelo de regresión GLM, se obtuvo un criterio de información de Akaike (AIC) significativamente más bajo en el modelo GWR (927.1 en GLM versus 358.4 en GWR), lo que significa que el modelo GWR es un modelo que explica mejor la mortalidad del COVID-19. Los cantones con una densidad poblacional más elevada, bienestar material más alto, proporción de cobertura de salud más bajo y que están ubicadas en el área del Pacífico de Costa Rica, tuvieron un mayor riesgo de mortalidad por COVID-19 que el resto de los cantones del país. Conclusiones: Existen algunos efectos potenciales de los factores sociodemográficos en la mortalidad por COVID-19, sin embargo, los hallazgos y la metodología de este estudio podría guiar a otros países a comprender mejor la transmisión local del COVID-19 y diseñar una estrategia de intervención enfocada.
Reintroduction and monitoring of the bird Amazona aestiva (Psittaciformes: Psittacidae) in Brazil
Authors: Fraga Ricardo Evangelista , Santos Caio Marcio Rodrigues , Silva Ramona Soares , Teixeira Rayanna Emanuelle Rocha , Tomazi Laize , Da Silva Marcio Borba , Dos Santos Cleverson Zapelini , Schiavetti Alexandre
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Reintroduction is a procedure used to reestablish wild animal populations. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the success of reintroducing Amazona aestiva and investigate whether abiotic factors (temperature, humidily, and luminosity) interfere with the search for food supplementation in feeders installed in the release area. Methods: Pre-release evaluations were initiated with 59 Amazonas spp. Tests were run to stool parasitological tests, leukocytes, flight capacity, and level of animal-human interaction. In all, 33 animals were selected and sent to the release area, which is an ecotone between the Atlantic Forest and the Caatinga biomes. After release, visits to the feeders and survival in the area were monitored for a year. Abiotic factors were also recorded in these periods. Results: The stool parasitological tests revealed the presence of Heterakis spp. and Eimeira spp. The leukocyte parameters were within the reference values for the species. At least 50% of the released animals survived after one year, with recordings of reproductive events. Abiotic factors did not interfere with the animal visits to the feeder. However, the variable humidity best explained visits in the morning, while the variables temperature and luminosity most influenced visits in the afternoon. Conclusion: The reintroduction observed and presented here is on the threshold of the classification as successful. The installed feeders and artificial nests caused the animals to stay in the area for monitoring. Abiotic factors may influence daily behavioral decision-making related to the use of supplementary feeding in reintroduced parrots.
Becoming Sustainable, Underground
Authors: Bottà Giacomo
Published: July 2023

In the pandemic summer of 2020 in Helsinki, UG (underground) outdoor parties were able to disengage electronic live music practices from profit making and the logics of cultural extractivism, offering a sustainable practice by and for the local techno music scene. In this article, the UG parties are understood as a learning experience, in which sustainability gave access to a different way to produce and consume culture, in particular thanks to: (1) safe space and pedagogy, (2) ecological awareness, (3) no-profit and community building, (4) music curating, and (5) randomness and exploration. The UG party scene moved outdoors, with no profit to be made, and mostly on public land located in wastelands, shorelines, and forests. This operation suspended cultural extractivism through means that had been previously developed, but that acquired a new dimension because of being performed outdoors. The physical borders of indoor private spaces, and their real-estate dimension, is the key issue in relation to music extraction. When played in public natural settings, with no clear borders or limitations, music is able to regain a political dimension. The mixed-methods approach I used here involves interviews, digital ethnographies and post-party on-site explorations and was based on a thoughtful reflection on how to overcome ethical research issues on one side, and the fear of contagion on the other. A scene as a local actor in times of crisis plays a significant role in keeping social practices alive, and in defining ways to overcome and learn from difficult times.
Changes and Chances in a Multipart Singing Community and Its Tradition, before and throughout the Global Isolation
Authors: Dattilo Delia
Published: July 2023

The Sacred Harp community was among the groups most affected by pandemic seclusion. Their multipart singing practice is a cultural heritage that includes both oral and written traditions, and creates a strong interaction between people through formalized music codes and behaviours that emerge, develop, and manifest in highly iconic communal spaces. Since global isolation made live singing impossible, this trans-cultural community tried to preserve the continuity of its multipart singing tradition by developing a set of strategies based on virtual singing and online activities. Although the fundamental elements were drastically affected by the isolation, participants represented missing sound environments using all possible means to recreate the spirit and gestation of social singing. After participating as a singer with a local group during fieldwork, I had to reshape my research methods to the pandemic, focusing on aspects of music dissemination that are less evident during physical gatherings.
What the Attentional-SNARC and its (null) replications can and cannot tell us
Authors: Cipora Krzysztof , Nuerk Hans-Christoph
Published: July 2023

In response to a point raised by Fischer et al. (2020), we discuss the theoretical implications of both the original Attentional SNARC (Att-SNARC) and its recent failed multi-laboratory replication. In our view, the theoretical importance of the original Att-SNARC can be summarized in two points: (1) there is a conceptual link between numbers and space, which can be observed as Spatial-Numerical Associations, and (2) Spatial-Numerical Associations are involuntary and automatic. We conclude that convergent evidence from other paradigms saves the first point from being challenged in light of the failed replication; but, on the other hand, empirical evidence for the second point no longer holds.
An integrative framework for planning and conducting Non-Intervention, Reproducible, and Open Systematic Reviews (NIRO-SR).
Authors: Topor Marta , Pickering Jade S , Barbosa Mendes Ana , Bishop Dorothy V M , Büttner Fionn , Elsherif Mahmoud M , Evans Thomas R , Henderson Emma L , Kalandadze Tamara , Nitschke Faye T , Staaks Janneke P C , Van den Akker Olmo R , Yeung Siu Kit , Zaneva Mirela , Lam Alison , Madan Christopher R , Moreau David , O'Mahony Aoife , Parker Adam J , Riegelman Amy , Testerman Meghan , Westwood Samuel J
Published: July 2023

Most of the commonly used and endorsed guidelines for systematic review protocols and reporting standards have been developed for intervention research. These excellent guidelines have been adopted as the gold-standard for systematic reviews as an evidence synthesis method. In the current paper, we highlight some issues that may arise from adopting these guidelines beyond intervention designs, including in basic behavioural, cognitive, experimental, and exploratory research. We have adapted and built upon the existing guidelines to establish a complementary, comprehensive, and accessible tool for designing, conducting, and reporting Non-Intervention, Reproducible, and Open Systematic Reviews (NIRO-SR). NIRO-SR is a checklist composed of two parts that provide itemised guidance on the preparation of a systematic review protocol for pre-registration (Part A) and reporting the review (Part B) in a reproducible and transparent manner. This paper, the tool, and an open repository (https://osf.io/f3brw) provide a comprehensive resource for those who aim to conduct a high quality, reproducible, and transparent systematic review of non-intervention studies.
Means to valuable exploration II: How to explore data to modify existing claims and create new ones
Authors: Höfler Michael , McDonald Brennan , Kanske Philipp , Miller Robert
Published: July 2023

Transparent exploration in science invites novel discoveries by stimulating new or modified claims about hypotheses, models, and theories. In this second article of two consecutive parts, we outline how to explore data patterns that inform such claims. Transparent exploration should be guided by two contrasting goals: comprehensiveness and efficiency. Comprehensivenes calls for a thorough search across all variables and possible analyses as to not to miss anything that might be hidden in the data. Efficiency adds that new and modified claims should withstand severe testing with new data and give rise to relevant new knowledge. Efficiency aims to reduce false positive claims, which is better achieved if a bunch of results is reduced into a few claims. Means for increasing efficiency are methods for filtering local data patterns (e.g., only interpreting associations that pass statistical tests or using cross-validation) and for smoothing global data patterns (e.g., reducing associations to relations between a few latent variables). We suggest that researchers should condense their results with filtering and smoothing before publication. Coming up with just a few most promising claims saves resources for confirmation trials and keeps scientific communication lean. This should foster the acceptance of transparent exploration. We end with recommendations derived from the considerations in both parts: an exploratory research agenda and suggestions for stakeholders such as journal editors on how to implement more valuable exploration. These include special journal sections or entire journals dedicated to explorative research and a mandatory separate listing of the confirmed and new claims in a paper’s abstract.
Dinosaurs are the Characters of Cinema as a Reflection of the Transformation of Relations Between Science and Society
Authors:   Saint Petersburg State University, Chebotareva Elena
Published: July 2023

The author explores the social and cultural implications of dinosaurs as popular cinematic characters. The article shows how dinosaurs gradually become heroes of mass culture. They left paleontological research to enter the wide symbolic space, to visualize and develop themselves in the space of animation. The author provides a brief review of animated series and films with dinosaurs from the first short film in 1914 to the present day, considering the changing roles assigned to these ancient animals. The change in the semantic load of movie hero dinosaurs was analyzed in the context of ongoing events, value transformations and relations between science and society. To understand this connection, the author refers to the ideas of Svetlana Boym and Mario Ricca. Following Boym's ideas, the author considers dinosaurs as "ideal animals for nostalgia" and finds that due to their unique characteristics, the prehistoric era and its inhabitants, dinosaurs form a whole and peaceful human prehistory, filled with the values of friendship, cooperation and love, fueled by appropriate cinematic stories. Thus biology, with its key idea of evolution and the struggle of species for survival, turns into a story with its victories, struggles and dramatic chance in the context of dinosaur filmography. Based on Ricca's ideas, the author considers dinosaurs in the context of the cultural history of animals, which a person turns into metaphorical icons of moral feelings and behavioral habits; the author draws a parallel between medieval bestiaries and modern presentations of ancient lizards. In addition, dinosaur characters are structured as semantic figures, paradoxically uniting the past, present and future of humankind, the prehistoric era and technological progress. In conclusion, the author uses optics of global evolutionism and posthumanism.
Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Children. The Current State of the Problem
Authors: Sadykova Dinara I. , Salakhova Karina R. , Galimova Liliya F. , Slastnikova Eugeniya S. , Khaliullina Chulpan D.
Published: July 2023

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide. Cardiovascular mortality rate is steadily increasing despite the large-scale preventive measures. Familial hypercholesterolemia is the most common genetically determined disorder of lipid metabolism as the major cause of blood circulatory system diseases development and progression. Worldwide, there are 6.8–8.5 million children with this primary dyslipidemia. Early (in childhood) diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia is crucial for the timely initiation of lipid-lowering therapy in order to reduce the atherosclerosis progression and the risk of life-threatening cardiovascular events. New screening programs have been implemented, new biomarkers of the disease have been studied, and lipid-lowering drugs with new mechanisms of hypolipidemic action have been developed to increase the efficacy of these activities in economically developed countries.