bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thirst or dry mouth in dying patients?—A qualitative study of palliative care physicians’ experiences
Authors: Friedrichsen Maria , Lythell Caroline , Jaarsma Tiny , Jaarsma Pier , Ångström Helene , Milovanovic Micha , Karlsson Marit , Milberg Anna , Thulesius Hans , Hedman Christel , Waldréus Nana , Söderlund Schaller Anne
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Thirst and dry mouth are common symptoms among patients at the end of life. In palliative care today, there is a focus on mouth care to alleviate thirst. There are no qualitative studies on thirst from a physician’s experience, which is why this study is needed.

Purpose

This study aimed to explore palliative care physicians’ experiences and views of thirst in patients at the end of life.

Methods

A qualitative interview study with an inductive approach was carried out. Sixteen physicians working in specialised palliative care units in Sweden were included. The interviews were analysed with a reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

The analysis resulted in three basic assumptions regarding thirst: It is dry mouth, not thirst; patients are dry in their mouth and thirsty; and, I do not know if they are thirsty. Further, four different themes regarding how to relieve thirst appeared: drips will not help thirst but cause harm; the body takes care of thirst itself; drips might help thirst; and, mouth care to relieve thirst or dry mouth.

Conclusions

The palliative care physicians had different experiences regarding thirst, from thirst never arising, to a lack of awareness. They thought good mouth care worked well to alleviate the feeling of thirst and dry mouth. Most physicians did not want to give patients drips, while some did. This study indicates that there are many unanswered questions when it comes to thirst at end-of-life and that further research is needed.
ABCH2 transporter mediates deltamethrin uptake and toxicity in the malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii
Authors: Kefi Mary , Balabanidou Vasileia , Sarafoglou Chara , Charamis Jason , Lycett Gareth , Ranson Hilary , Gouridis Giorgos , Vontas John
Published: August 2023

Contact insecticides are primarily used for the control of Anopheles malaria vectors. These chemicals penetrate mosquito legs and other appendages; the first barriers to reaching their neuronal targets. An ATP-Binding Cassette transporter from the H family (ABCH2) is highly expressed in Anopheles coluzzii legs, and further induced upon insecticide exposure. RNAi-mediated silencing of the ABCH2 caused a significant increase in deltamethrin mortality compared to control mosquitoes, coincident with a corresponding increase in 14C-deltamethrin penetration. RT-qPCR analysis and immunolocalization revealed ABCH2 to be mainly localized in the legs and head appendages, and more specifically, the apical part of the epidermis, underneath the cuticle. To unravel the molecular mechanism underlying the role of ABCH2 in modulating pyrethroid toxicity, two hypotheses were investigated: An indirect role, based on the orthology with other insect ABCH transporters involved with lipid transport and deposition of CHC lipids in Anopheles legs which may increase cuticle thickness, slowing down the penetration rate of deltamethrin; or the direct pumping of deltamethrin out of the organism. Evaluation of the leg cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) content showed no affect by ABCH2 silencing, indicating this protein is not associated with the transport of leg CHCs. Homology-based modeling suggested that the ABCH2 half-transporter adopts a physiological homodimeric state, in line with its ability to hydrolyze ATP in vitro when expressed on its own in insect cells. Docking analysis revealed a deltamethrin pocket in the homodimeric transporter. Furthermore, deltamethrin-induced ATP hydrolysis in ABCH2-expressing cell membranes, further supports that deltamethrin is indeed an ABCH2 substrate. Overall, our findings pinpoint ABCH2 participating in deltamethrin toxicity regulation.
Boom, Boom, Boomers!
Authors: Žnidaršič Nik
Published: August 2023

The author shares his thoughts on the performance Via Mama (Via Negativa, 2022) by Mare Bulc, while also reflecting on boomerism as a structural position of utterance and a certain worldview, as well as on boomer performances and theatre. Boom, boom!
Morphology or Irony?
Authors: Bombač Jaka
Published: August 2023

Jaka Bombač introduces his thoughts on the performance From Particles (Dance Theatre Ljubljana, 2023) by Ana Cvelfat, Kaja Vajdetič and April Veselko with a reflection on the nature of speculation, which is also non-linear in time, and continues with an in-depth analysis of the action on stage, which escapes the specific speculative temporality.
Catalogues of comfort
Authors: Pernarčič Radharani
Published: August 2023

The present article is a kind of post-production of the project A Dancing Guide to the Catalogue of Comfort (2022), which processed the effects of different technologies on our cognitive apparatus. The initial and less obvious aspect of the performative material still calls for an additional word: how performative and somatic practices, or the performer’s intelligible body, can reveal the modes, ideologies and conceptualisations embedded in technology and hence inform us about both the dangers and the benefits of various technological acquisitions. How technology displaces human presence and presence in its action, on the one hand, and how at the same time human beings are invisibly present in its design.
An intersection between virtuality and reality: Screamage
Authors: Mendiževec Aleš
Published: August 2023

This short essay doesn’t mention ChatGPT at all. But through reading the performance (╯Åã□Åã)╯︵ ┻━┻ screamage it tries to consider the space the performance opens up: the space of the intersection between the virtual world created by technology and the real world permeated by the biological and physical specifics and limitations. Today, it seems necessary to thematize this intersection and to avoid the technophilic hype of the virtual, which erases the real, but also the technophobic panic and its “return” to nature.
A diversidade das infâncias na legislação e na prática: desafios na superação do racismo
Authors: Zurawski Maria Paula , De Oliveira Zilma De Moraes Ramos
Published: August 2023

Ao reconhecer a presença de diferentes infâncias no país, a legislação educacional brasileira reitera que na Educação Infantil creches e pré-escolas, em seu cotidiano, necessitam acolher, educar e cuidar das diversas infâncias que habitam o território brasileiro, respeitando suas culturas e identidades. O destaque no texto é feito às crianças negras, em prol de quem é dado o desafio de consolidar não apenas práticas, mas também atitudes antirracistas.
PRÁTICAS DE ENSINO E APRENDIZAGEM NA EDUCAÇÃO PROFISSIONAL: DESEMPENHO DOS DISCENTES
Authors: Giordano Carlos Vital , Lira Lucio Nunes de , Feitosa Marcelo Duduchi , Santos Fernando De Almeida
Published: August 2023

Um dos principais pontos de interesse na área de computação se concentra na elaboração e a análise de algoritmos, por meio das linguagens de programação. Selecionou-se e se aplicou na investigação práticas de apoio ao ensino e a aprendizagem de algoritmos e programação de computadores em Instituição de Ensino Pública, apoiando as disciplinas obrigatórias de programação e intentando responder à pergunta: A utilização das práticas apoiadoras ao ensino e a aprendi­zagem selecionadas, trazem diferenciais no desempenho dos dis­centes participantes? A investigação objetivou comparar o desempenho acadêmico dos discentes participantes e não participantes. Os resultados evidenciam o ganho de desempenho em notas e reconhecimento dos participantes no que tange à utilidade das práticas.
A Mini Review on Technique of Milk Thermization
Authors: Nefasa Angela Nitia , Christwardana Marcelinus , Abdurrahman Zakaria Hussein , Rohman Fatkur , Afif Agus
Published: August 2023

Thermization is a preheating procedure in which milk is heated at low temperatures for a brief time prior to further processing. It is often used in the dairy processing industry to make a variety of products, including pasteurized milk, milk powder, and cheese. Eliminating psychrophilic bacteria, avoiding milk spoiling, and halting the changes generated by lipase and protease enzymes are the objectives of this method. Despite the fact that thermization enhances the shelf life of milk, it may also result in sensory changes and the germination of B. cereus spores. The goal of the thermization method is to prepare milk for the upcoming processing stage, and the temperature and length of the process might vary. Thermization does not affect the flavor of milk or dairy products such as yogurt, but it may enhance the quality of cheese by decreasing the occurrence of stale and rancid flavors. The process may be carried out in a plate heat exchanger or as a pre-pasteurization treatment for raw milk to protect milk quality during lengthy storage in insulated silos.
PERANCANGAN KONTROL ZOOM PADA KAMERA PTZ UNTUK APLIKASI OBJECT TRACKING
Authors: Fahriannur Ahmad , Putra Rakhmad Gusta , Rahmanto Dedy Eko
Published: August 2023

Pengembangan penggunaan kamera PTZ masih terfokus pada tracking posisi obyek dan kalibrasi kamera. Kamera akan melakukan bergerak mengikuti posisi pergerakan obyek. Namun ketika obyek bergerak menjauhi kamera, ukuran akan mengecil dan akan sulit terdeteksi oleh kamera. Sehingga diperlukan perbesaran obyek (zoom) untuk membesar ukuran obyek. Penggunaan fitur zoom pada kamera PTZ saat ini masih dilakukan secara manual oleh user. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membangun sistem kontrol ukuran objek dengan memanfaatkan fitur zoom pada kamera PTZ. Ukuran benda dikendalikan secara otomatis menggunakan modifikasi sistem kontrol proporsional dengan mempertimbangkan nilai Kp dan toleransi dalam bentuk persamaan linier. Sehingga, objek tetap terlihat jelas meskipun bergerak terlalu jauh atau terlalu dekat dengan kamera. Pengguna memilih objek menggunakan mouse dan menentukan ukuran objek yang diinginkan. Kombinasi algoritma optical flow dan deteksi tepi digunakan untuk memilih dan mendeteksi ukuran objek. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sistem dapat mengontrol ukuran objek dengan waktu respon kurang dari 1.1 detik.
Strength analysis of marine biaxial warp-knitted glass fabrics as composite laminations for ship material
Authors: Ma’ruf Buana , Ismail Abdi , Purnama Sari Dian , Sujiatanti Septia Hardy
Published: August 2023

Fiberglass-reinforced plastics (FRP) composite materials for ships that are widely used are marine-grade unsaturated polyester resin matrix and combimat fiber, a combination of marine-grade chopped strand mat (CSM) and woven roving (WR) fibers. Although less popular than marine CSM–WR, marine biaxial warp-knitted glass fabrics have the potential to be applied as fiber laminates for ship hull materials. A comparative study of tensile and bending strength between marine CSM–WR composite and marine CSM–biaxial composite had been conducted. All composites met the criteria of the Indonesian Classification Bureau. Specifically, the CSM–biaxial had higher tensile and flexural strength with fewer laminations than the CSM–WR. Laminate type II had the highest average normalized tensile and flexural strength, 186.1 and 319.2 MPa. A layer of biaxial fiberglass had a very significant effect on tensile and flexural strength. Besides its strength, fewer type II laminations can speed up the production process of FRP ship hulls. Furthermore, the CSM–biaxial composite had relatively high normalized flexural strength compared to other references. However, the normalized tensile strength achieved in this study was at an intermediate level compared to other references.
Cognitive discourse during a group quiz activity in a blended learning organic chemistry course
Authors: Ballard Joy , Gamage Sujani , Winfield Leyte , Mooring Suazette
Published: August 2023

Student-centered approaches are critical to improving outcomes in STEM courses. Collaborative learning, in particular, allows students to co-construct understanding of concepts and refine their skills in analyzing and applying information. For collaborative learning to be effective, groups must engage in productive dialogue. The work reported here characterizes the quality of dialogue during group quizzes in a first-semester organic chemistry course. The group quiz sessions were video and audio recorded. The recordings were transcribed and coded using the Interactive, Constructive, Active, Passive (ICAP) framework. The quiz prompts were analyzed using Marzano’s taxonomy. In this study, students within the group demonstrated varying degrees of interactional quality as defined by the ICAP framework. Our data also indicate that the level of constructive and interactive dialogue is highest and most consistent when prompts are at Marzano Level 3 or higher. Marzano Level 3 prompts required students to compare and contrast concepts or extend their understanding of concepts by developing an analogy. Any benefit derived from collaborative learning depends on the quality of dialogue during the group discussion. Implications of these results for research and teaching are offered.
Effect of laser energy density on surface morphology, microstructure and mechanical behaviour of direct metal laser melted 17-4 PH stainless steel
Authors: Kumar S. Pradeep , Babu P. Dinesh
Published: August 2023

The surface and microstructural characteristics of 3D printed parts play a significant role under mechanical loading. The authors have explored the effect of laser energy densities on the surface morphology, microstructure and mechanical behaviour of 17-4 precipitation hardened stainless steel fabricated under the direct metal laser melting technique. The considered processing parameters were laser energy density and its technical parameters: laser power, layer thickness, hatch spacing and scanning speed. The mechanical and metallurgical properties of the as-printed samples appeared better than the wrought counterpart due to the higher densification level (99.74 %) induced by the rotating scanning strategy. X‐ray diffraction revealed the presence of both the martensitic α phase and austenitic γ phase in the as-printed sample. There is no significant anisotropy in the mechanical behaviour as the build direction has a random texture with a fine columnar grain structure. The high laser energy density with low layer thickness results in an excellent surface finish. The tensile strength (1180 MPa) and the elongation for the as-printed sample (45.0 %) were considerably more significant than that for the wrought sample (1160 MPa and 26.0 %), which is attributed to the combination of low and high-angle boundaries, as confirmed by the electron backscatter diffraction results.
Design study of small modular gas-cooled fast reactor employing modified CANDLE burnup with radial direction shuffling scheme
Authors: Irka Feriska Handayani , Su’ud Zaki , Irwanto Dwi , Khotimah Siti Nurul , Sekimoto Hiroshi
Published: August 2023

Design Study of Small Modular Gas-cooled Fast Reactors Employing Modified CANDLE Burnup with Radial Direction Shuffling Scheme has been performed with the power level 325–525 MWt. In this study Modified CANDLE burn-up scheme with radial direction shuffling has been employed with special attention to minimize reactivity swing during burn-up. The reactor cores are divided into 10 regions with equal volume in radial direction. The shuffling scheme of Modified CANDLE in radial direction can be described as follows. The natural uranium input is initially loaded in region 1. After 10 years of burnup the fuel in region 1 is shifter to region 2, the fuel in region 2 is shifted to region 3, etc. till the fuel of region 9 is shifter to region 10. The fuel from region 10 is taken out. Region 1–5 basically breeding zones in which plutonium is accumulated in fuels, while regions 5–10 have enough accumulated plutonium so that they contribute significantly to the power production. We call region 5–10 as burning zone. Nitride fuel is adopted as fuel in this study. Some parametric studies have been performed including variation of core height and power level. The neutronic calculations have been performed using the SRAC 2006 code with JENDL 4.0 nuclear data library. The optimized result shows the reactor could be operated 10 years continuously with maximum excess reactivity less than 1 % Δk/k for 500 MWt output power, 160 cm core active height and 110 cm core active radius.
The artificial intelligence pharma era after “Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer”
Authors: Xie Zhengwei , Hu Gangqing
Published: August 2023

The era of advanced artificial intelligence has arrived with the development of chatbots like ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer). As described by Ouyang et al. (2022), ChatGPT demonstrates an impressive ability to generate human-like responses and solve practical problems, surpassing original expectations for its capabilities. The rapid release and adoption of ChatGPT signals a new phase in AI development, powered by large language models that can be fine-tuned through human feedback. However, risks remain regarding how such powerful models may be misused. Further research is needed to ensure safe and ethical deployment of these transformative technologies.
THE GERMAN POWER INDUSTRY UNDER CONDITIONS OF ENERGY CRISIS: THE PRICE OF RELIABILITY. PART 1
Authors:   MGIMO University, Meden Nataliya
Published: August 2023

Hereafter is a research of a situation in German electric power production and consumption in view of an energy crisis. The purpose of this work is to study how crisis effects the general energy field operating, as well as the federal government’s decisions concerning it. Included is statistical data on the changes in power production both in Germany and the EU. Federal government had to adapt energy policy to the crisis, adjusting it in almost every of its aspects, which are traditionally regarded as follows: stability – economics – ecology. Thus the article is divided into three parts accordingly, each of them further exploring on suitably matching government measures, new policy trends or conservation. In 2022 the task of providing continuously secure energy supply became especially significant. Since gas-fueled power generation is a key to continuous security of energy transition-oriented system, government action was focused on filling gasholders, in regard to growing tensions with Russian Federation.
FIFTH PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN BULGARIA
Authors:   Institute of Europe, RAS, Kandel Pavel
Published: August 2023

The article discusses the prerequisites and results of the fifth elections to the People’s Assembly called during the two year period and held on April 2, 2023 It analyses the dispositions of the electorate in view of the Eurobarometer polls data and the election results. The past vote, despite some changes in the party structure of the People’s Assembly, testified once again to the deep disappointment of the weary Bulgarian voter in the entire political class. At the same time, it has recreated the stalemate in Parliament. The leaders of the warring majority camps (GERB-SDS vs «We Continue the changes» – «Democratic Bulgaria») already fear of being branded as the culprits of a new failure leading to appointment of one more temporary technocratic government by the president and the next snap elections. Such a prospect does not bode well for them, while their coalition is potential of seriously damaging their reputation. In such circumstances, the fighting forces are trying to find a magic formula for formation of a coalition cabinet. The near future will show whether the instinct of self-preservation will work or selfish party interests will prevail followed by déjà vu. However, in any development no change in the general anti-Russian vector of Bulgarian foreign policy is expected.
EU AND THE PROBLEM OF CULTURAL GOODS TRAFFICKING
Authors:   Institute of Europe, RAS, Potemkina Olga
Published: August 2023

The article addresses the EU legal and practical actions in the new field of combating organized crime-trafficking in cultural goods. The author argues that this area of crime has a long history, but today the scale of criminal networks’ activities has reached unprecedented level, which makes it possible to consider crimes in the field of art as an «emerging» type of crime. Turning to history, the author gives examples of high-profile cases uncovered by law enforcement agencies of European countries since the 1960s, and draws attention to the changing methods of criminal activity with the use of social networks and new digital technologies. The article analyzes international and European legislation against trafficking in cultural goods, as well as practical cooperation of law enforcement agencies to detect and prosecute smugglers and fraudsters operating in art markets. In conclusion, the author notes the low efficiency of both the legal system and international cooperation, citing as one of the reasons the insufficient concern of politicians about the scale of the new threat.
HUNGARY AND THE CONFLICT IN UKRAINE
Authors:   Institute of Europe, RAS, Shishelina Lyubov
Published: August 2023

In the article, the author attempts to analyze the features of the Hungarian approach to the conflict in Ukraine, which only partially meets the general concerns of Central European countries and does not fit into the logic of Brussels. The concern, as in the case of other Central European countries, is related to historical concerns about Russia, in the case of Hungary, bearing the burden of the «strangler of freedom», which Hungarians sought in the middle of the 19th and 20th centuries. However, Hungary also has its own concerns, which are related to the presence in Ukraine of a considerable Hungarian diaspora, which is at the same time the indigenous population of the Transcarpathian district. The presence of the Hungarian diaspora in the border region, in Vojvodina, if we recall the war in Yugoslavia, determined Hungary’s position not only during the entire conflict, but was also accepted by NATO as a convincing explanation for Budapest’s unwillingness to take part in its 1999 campaign. If we talk about contradictions with Brussels, then Viktor Orban’s position can again be explained by two points, one of which at the first place is the desire for autonomy in decision-making within the framework of Euro-Atlantic integration. The second, but not the least important place is occupied by pragmatic relations with Russia, carried out through personal contacts between the two leaders. Between the last two motives there is an undeniable link akin to the origins of the Hungarian policy of «Opening to the East». Thus, the Hungarian approach to what is happening in the east is a rather complex combination of fears, aspirations and pragmatism.
CONFLICT IN SUDAN IN THE FOCUS OF THE EU’S CRISIS STRATEGY
Authors:   MGIMO University, Shcherbak Igor
Published: August 2023

The article examines the EU’s crisis strategy in Sudan and South Sudan in conditions of acute armed confrontation between the Sudanese army and forces of rapid reaction. The reasons for increased attention of the EU to these states with intensive internal armed conflicts have been analyzed. The author has noted that towards these states the EU’s crisis strategy has been oriented in the direction of extended application of instruments of «soft power». The motives for refusal of the EU to utilize in the given region the traditional hard-core missions with military and civil components have been examined. In the context of utilization of «soft power» priority attention is devoted to consideration of a new model of the EU’s indirect mediation in Sudan and South Sudan based on providing by the EU assistance to mediation of the «third party». The author underlines that indirect mediation of the EU is built in the EU’s crisis strategy by means of controlling the allocation of financial and other resources provided to its local mediation partners. The conclusion is made that the EU’s indirect mediation could be a prospective and effective instrument of «soft power» concerning complex crisis situations with practical retainment by the EU control over the mediation process
ARMED FORCES IN THE ITALIAN POLICY IN THE GREATER MEDITERRANEAN REGION
Authors:   MGIMO University, Schekin Anatoliy
Published: August 2023

This article aims to analyze the role of the Italian Armed Forces in implementing the country’s foreign policy priorities in the Greater Mediterranean. Traditionally, Russian and Italian studies have focused on Italy’s diplomacy and «soft power», although in recent years the country’s leadership has paid increasing attention to the involvement of armed forces abroad as part of various missions. The scientific relevance of this article is determined by the need for scientific understanding of this trend. The purpose of this article is to define the normative framework for these missions, typologize them, analyze them on certain examples, and determine their outcomes. The author notes that among foreign missions, the participation in multilateral peacekeeping operations and military interventions prevails. Italy strives to play a high role in them, but is almost never the main sponsor. Bilateral «military diplomacy» programs tend to be limited. As a result, Italy fails to transform military involvement into political influence and to become in reality a «protagonist» in the Greater Mediterranean. The results of the study conclude that Italy has sufficient capacity to pursue national interests and strengthen its influence in the key points of the Mediterranean basin, while larger bids for leadership will not be realized.
FROM MONOPOLY TO FRAGMENTATION: TRANSFORMING RUSSIAN-SPEAKING ELECTORAL LANDSCAPE IN LATVIA
Authors:   MGIMO University, Zhirnova Lidia
Published: August 2023

Geopolitical turbulence of the year 2022 had an impact on the Russian-speaking electoral field in Latvia as well: once monopolized by the «Harmony», now it is split among four «Russian» and even some «Latvian» parties. The article sets out the main trends in the 2022 Saeima elections and focuses on voting features of the Russian-speaking electorate. The correlational analysis allows to identify the parties depending on «Russian» votes: those are «For Stability!», «Harmony», the Latvian Russian Union and «Sovereign Power». Only one of them managed to get into the parliament – that is «For Stability» – the party of the former «Harmony» member A. Roslikov, who secured the victory by the skilled use of populist anti-poverty and anti-injustice rhetoric and an active TikTok campaign. The spatial autocorrelation analysis shows that despite a radical decrease of the «Russian» representation, the ethnolinguistic voting polarization remains strong, and the deepest cleavage lies between the Latgalian municipalities with a large non-Latvian population and other Latvian regions. A sharp reduction of the «Russian» representation in Saeima can lead to further marginalization of the Russian-speaking community in Latvia.
Chaos Untold
Authors: Linjamaa Paul , Olsson Johnny
Published: August 2023

This article analyzes the utilization of the concept “Gnosticism” in a form of Satanism that has come to be known as “Chaos Gnosticism,” or “Gnostic Satanism.” The topic of the study is the Swedish expression of this phenomenon attached to Current 218 and the Temple of Black Light, previously named the Misanthropic Luciferian Order (MLO). The group is known as one of the more radical and violent forms of Satanism. The aim here is to show how MLO relates to ancient Gnostic myths and how the particular and at times sinister worldview of MLO is legitimized by the use of Gnosticism. We also argue that the way the concept “Gnosticism” is understood within the group is reminiscent of the way it is constructed in certain scholarly circles. This brings to attention the relationship between modern academic publications and the construction of new religious movements.
“We Don’t See Our Past as a Mistake”
Authors: Dahan Yitzhak , Cohen Janet
Published: August 2023

This study discusses the religious identity and organizational patterns of a community of baalei teshuvah as a unique form of new religious movement. Findings over time show that community members originally took steps to integrate and merge with the dominant group of ultra-Orthodox in Israel (the Haredim), later adopted a sectarian pattern, then moved toward an alternative way of religious life, in time even challenging and criticizing the dominant Haredi stream. An additional objective of the study was to identify the sources and mechanisms of organizational and identity changes experienced by this community. The empirical analysis reveals that these changes were influenced by universal, local, national, and personal factors, such as the leaders’ worldview and biography. In light of these findings, we claim that when analyzing new religious movements, researchers must integrate and synthesize several aspects: structure and agency, macro and micro, and intentionality and contingency.
Managing type 1 diabetes mellitus with a ketogenic diet
Authors: Gardemann Clemens , Knowles Sonja , Marquardt Thorsten
Published: August 2023

Traditional guidelines for type 1 diabetics do not restrict carbohydrates to improve clinical outcomes for patients. This paper highlights the favorable blood glucose control outcomes when a type 1 diabetic focuses on caloric intake from protein and healthy fats instead of the traditional carbohydrate-focused meals. We followed a male type 1 diabetic in his 20s adopting a ketogenic diet through a process of slowly lowering total daily carbohydrate intake. Diabetes-related biomarkers were measured throughout the process. Diabetes-related biomarkers saw massive improvements and ended up in the official non-diabetic range. Total daily insulin requirements dropped by 70%. The patient also experienced great improvements in his quality of life. This study demonstrates the possibility of improving diabetes-related biomarkers through dietary changes, which have positive effects on health outcomes in patients living with this disease.

Learning points

The adaptation of a ketogenic diet improved diabetes-related biomarkers in this patient.

Diabetes-related biomarkers, such as HbA1c, are the main risk factors for developing complications in diabetics.

The ketogenic diet is a feasible approach to minimizing the risk of developing complications in diabetics.

Total daily insulin requirements dropped by 67% adapting a ketogenic diet.

The patient experienced enormous changes in the quality of life after adapting to the new diet.

The safe and physiological state of ketosis might be associated with additional benefits for the patient
Energy System of Dalenergo in the Prewar Years (1937–1941): Conditions and Features of Formation
Authors: Maklyukov Aleksey V.
Published: August 2023

Introduction. The study analyzes the historical aspects of the formation of the energy system of Dalenergo in the prewar years, identifies the prerequisites, conditions and features of this process.

Materials and Methods. The study is based on unpublished archival records, including declassified documents found in federal and regional archives. The study used traditional historical methods and historical and economic (systemic, statistical, quantitative).

Results. The development of the electrical economy in the USSR in the 1930s characterized by the formation of central and regional energy systems. Dalenergo, the easternmost energy system in the USSR, was formed by the order of Glavenergo NKTP dated January 5, 1937, when construction work on the electrical networks and power plants that became part of it had not yet been completed. As a result, certain difficulties and problems arose during the creation of the energy system.

Discussion and Conclusion. The formation of the energy system of Dalenergo was determined by the remoteness and isolation of the Far East region from the industrialized regions of the country, the limited financial, material, technical and time resources, the incomplete construction of power plants and transmission lines, and the unresolved personnel problems. During the creation of the energy system, managerial errors and miscalculations were made. The energy system of Dalenergo differed from other systems of the USSR in its modest production capacities, was geographically limited only by the territory of the Amur Bay and poorly met the tasks of the socio-economic development of the Far East region.
Socialist Competition: Organization, Dynamics of Premium Payments (the Second Half of the 1940s)
Authors: Klinova Marina A.
Published: August 2023

Introduction. One of the methods of restoring the economy destroyed by the war and eliminating the economic consequences of the war was socialist competition. The purpose of the work: to characterize the policy of socialist competitions in Soviet urban society, to analyze the volume of bonus payments in various industries, to identify their dynamics that occurred in the second half of the 1940s.

Materials and Methods. The methodological basis of the research is the modernization historical paradigm. When writing the article, the author was guided by the principles of historicism and objectivity. Work with historical sources was carried out through general scientific and historical methods.

Results and Discussion. The organizational mechanisms of socialist competitions are considered, bonus payments for victory at enterprises of various industries are analyzed. It was revealed that the largest payments and the number of bonuses for winning the All-Union socialist competition were recorded at the enterprises of the Ministry of Railways, enterprises and construction sites of the coal industry, electrical industry. The size of individual bonuses of workers varied depending on the industry, the status of the competition, the position of the employee. In 1948, the prizes for winning the socialist competition were reduced by 50 %.

Conclusion. Socialist competition, as a practical method of intensifying production and increasing labor productivity, in the post-war years demonstrated its effectiveness and efficiency in solving economic problems facing the state.
Analyzing barium titanate TiO2 surface interactions with tert-butylphosphonic acid using density functional theory
Authors: Marvin Jessica , Nicholson James , Turek Cedar , Iwasa Erina , Pangrekar Nilay , Fowler Whitney C. , Van Ginhoven Renee , Monson Todd C.
Published: August 2023

Barium titanate (BTO) is a widely researched ferroelectric useful for energy storage. While BTO’s surface chemistry is commonly studied using density functional theory, little has been published on the TiO2 surface. Here, we determined that BTO’s surface response can be decoupled from the ferroelectric response by using a pre-optimized ferroelectric slab and allowing only the top three atomic z-layers to respond to ligand binding. Multiple favorable binding modes were identified for hydrogen, hydroxyl, water, and tert-butyl phosphonic acid on BTO’s TiO2 surface. Of these ligands, tBuPA dominates surface binding with binding energies as low as − 2.61 eV for its nine configurations.

Graphical abstract
Lymph node ratio is a prognostic indicator for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy
Authors: Chen Pengcheng , Wang Liang , Yang Xun , Feng Jifeng
Published: August 2023

The lymph node ratio (LNR) is regarded as a prognostic indicator in esophageal cancer (EC), but its applicability to neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (NICT) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unexplored. This retrospective study, conducted between 2019 and 2021, analyzed ESCC patients who underwent radical esophagectomy following NICT. Patients were divided into two groups based on their LNR values according to the X-tile software: Low-LNR group (LNR 0-10%) and High-LNR group (LNR 10-100%). The association between LNR and clinical outcomes in ESCC after NICT were analyzed. A total of 212 ESCC patients who underwent surgery after NICT were included in this study, among which, 169 (79.7%) and 43 (20.3%) cases were allocated to the Low- and High-LNR groups, respectively. Pathologic complete response (PCR) was observed in 28.3% (60/212) of the overall cohort. Patients in the Low-LNR group demonstrated a significantly improved 3-year overall survival (OS) (81.7% vs 55.3%; P < 0.001) and disease-free survival (DFS) (79.9% vs 37.4%; P < 0.001). These findings were consistent among those with non-PCR (3-year DFS was 73.7% vs 37.4%; P < 0.001, and the 3-year OS was 78.9% vs 55.3%; P < 0.001, respectively). High LNR was associated with a 4.013-fold increased risk of relapse and a 7.026-fold elevated risk of death. Compared to the post-neoadjuvant therapy pathologic lymph nodes staging (ypN), LNR exhibited similar prognostic capabilities for DFS and OS. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the prognostic value of LNR in ESCC after NICT, suggesting that LNR may serve as a viable alternative to the ypN stage for prognostication in ESCC patients treated with NICT.
Preparation and cryopreservation of human liver samples for analysis by flow cytometry(fresh or after cryobanking) v1
Authors: Werner Wiebke
Published: August 2023

This protocol focuses on the preparation of small human liver samples for single-cell analysis by flow cytometry. It provides two options for sample preparation: (1) immediate flow cytometry with fresh samples or (2) cryopreservation of samples at -80°C using the Stable-Lyse/Store V2 system from SmartTube Inc. for flow cytometry at a later timepoint. Note: This protocol does not provide guidelines on how to create a multicolor flow cytometry panel!
BARseq - BARseq-styled in situ sequencing for barcoded rabies virus v1
Authors: Chen Xiaoyin
Published: August 2023

This protocol describes the application of BARseq-style in situ sequencing adapted for barcoded rabies virus. Similar procedures for both trans-synaptic tracing and retrograde tracing experiments.
Molecular screening of squash and patisson squash collection samples using markers of the Pm-0 gene, which controls resistance to powdery mildew
Authors: Berensen Fedor A. , Piskunova Tatiana M. , Kuzmin Semyon V. , Moskalu Andrey F. , Antonova Olga Y. , Artemyeva Anna M.
Published: August 2023

Powdery mildew (PM) is one of the most harmful diseases of cucurbits. Modern commercial varieties of squash Cucurbita pepo L. var. giraumonas Duch and patisson C. pepo var. melopepo L. received powdery mildew resistance genes from wild species. The Pm-0 resistance gene belongs to the linkage group 10; two CAPS markers were developed for its mapping [15]. The main intragenic marker NBS_S9_1495924/HaeIII is localized in the NBS-LRR region, the additional marker S9_1539675/MspI shows complete co-segregation with resistance to PM [15]. In the present study, these markers were used for molecular screening of an experimental set of squash and patisson samples (differ in resistance to powdery mildew) from the VIR gene bank collection and perspective breeding lines of the Krymsk Experiment Breeding Station branch of VIR. In total, 80 samples were investigated. Samples, carrying fragments of both CAPS markers (17) and fragments of only one marker (31) were found. Presence of two markers of the Pm-0 gene (NBS_S9_1495924/HaeIII и S9_1539675/MspI) has the strong correlation with resistance to PM (r = 0.837).
For three powdery mildew-resistant samples, which has demonstrated presence of both markers of the Pm-0 gene, additional analysis of individual plants was done. Resistant plants with Pm-0 gene markers were self-pollinated to create resistant lines. Thus, molecular screening allowed to preserve the valuable trait of resistance during maintaining of the squash collection samples.
Variability in the productivity of peanut accessions (Arachis hypogaea L.) at ecological-geographical testing
Authors: Bemova Viktoriya D. , Yakusheva Tamara V. , Asfandiyarova Minira Sh. , Gavrilova Vera A. , Kishlyan Natalia V. , Novikova Lyubov Yu.
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND: Russia is one of the largest peanut-buying countries. At the same time, in the south of the country, a number of zones meet the requirements for the cultivation of peanuts.
AIM: Identification of a new source material for peanut breeding by the method of ecological and geographical testing of collection samples.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The work used 30 of peanuts accessions from the VIR collection of various origins. To assess the stability of productivity, standard deviation (s), coefficient of variation (Cv) and regression (i) for environmental conditions according to Eberhart and Russell were used.
RESULTS: As a result of the study, the possibility of growing individual varieties of peanuts in the south of the RF under modern conditions was confirmed. It was determined that some samples are more productive and suitable as starting material for the conditions of the Krasnodar Territory (k-283, k-1157), others for the conditions of the Astrakhan region (k-317, k-868). The accessions of the VIR collection were found to be more productive at 2 points experience, also marked as plasticity k-751, k-283, k-626, k-1533, k-1987.
CONCLUSIONS: In contrasting conditions (two geographical points for 3 years of study), peanuts accessions were identified that strongly react to changes in environmental conditions. Stable and plastic in productivity accessions can serve as the initial breeding material. It has been established that peanuts can be cultivated in the south of the Russian Federation, namely in the Astrakhan Region and the Krasnodar Territory.
Halk Müziği Geleneğinde Öğretme ve Öğrenme Süreci: Mentorluk Penceresinden Fenomenolojik Bir Bakış
Authors: GEREKTEN Sami Emrah
Published: August 2023

Bu araştırma, Avrasya’nın farklı noktalarındaki mesleki müzik eğitimi veren kurumlarda halk müziği geleneğinin aktarımını gerçekleştiren öğreten ve öğrenenlerin aralarındaki pedagojik ilişkiyi çeşitli yönlerden irdelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Araştırma nitel paradigma çerçevesinde hazırlanmış, insan deneyimlerine odaklanan fenomenolojik bir çalışmadır. Araştırmada çalışma grubu, Orta Asya ve Anadolu’daki lisans düzeyinde eğitim veren kurumlarda halk müziği geleneğinin aktarımını kendi halk çalgılarını öğreterek ve öğrenerek sürdüren paydaşlardan oluşturulmuştur. Gerçekleştirilen görüşmeler sonunda elde edilen verilerin analizinde yorumlayıcı fenomenolojik analiz yöntemi benimsenmiştir. Analiz sonrasında, paydaşların deneyimleri aracılığıyla aralarındaki ilişkiyi tanımlamada işe koştukları metaforlar, ilişkilerindeki liderlik rolleri ve paylaşımına ilişkin pratikler ile öğretenin bilgi aktarımı dışındaki rollerine ilişkin bulgulara erişilmiştir. Deneyim ve roller bağlamındaki bulgular aracılığıyla, günümüzdeki halk müziği geleneğindeki öğreten öğrenen ilişkisi, usta-çırak, mentor-menti ilişkilerinin insan ve iletişim temelli dinamiklerine dayanan benzerlik ve farklılıkları üzerinden anlaşılmaya çalışılmıştır. Araştırma sonuçları, ilişkilerde geleneksel usta çırak ilişkisinin bazı spesifik karakteristikler haricinde yerini mentor menti ilişkisine bıraktığı yönündedir. Bazı deneyimlerde, geleneksel yaklaşımın izlerini gözlemlemek oldukça mümkündür fakat özellikle, ilişkinin kazandığı resmi ve akademik karakter, ‘usta’yı, resmi eğitmene ve ‘mentor’ konumuna itmiş görünmektedir.
Understanding Privilege and Engaging in Activism
Authors: Franke Nancy Digby
Published: August 2023

In order to best serve clients and be effective “social change agents,” social workers must unpack their own privilege, learn about injustice, and work to dismantle interconnected systems of oppression. One way to do so is through engagement in social activism. This cross-sectional study examined intersectional demographic identities and knowledge of racial and heterosexual privilege as related to participation in political and social activism among a sample of 310 MSW students. Knowledge of heterosexual privilege was positively associated with engagement in political and social activism. People who identified as bisexual, gay, lesbian, or queer, as well as macro-focused students, reported significantly more activism engagement. A statistically significant difference was found in activism according to an intersectional race and gender variable and a race and sexual orientation variable as well. The study highlights the importance of including a critical approach to social work education that centers discussions about systems of power as oppressive forces that impact marginalized people and communities. MSW curricula must encourage engagement in advocacy and understanding of privilege for clinical and macro students alike.
Intersections of Institutional Racism, Racial Microaggressions, and Minority Stress in the Lived Experiences of Black People
Authors: Seiler Steven
Published: August 2023

Macro-level institutional racism and micro-level racial microaggressions have an insidious effect on the social experience and, consequently, mental health of Black people. The purposes of this study were to compare the differential experiences of structural uncertainties, racial microaggressions, and minority stress between a nation-wide sample of people who are Black and people who are White as well as to understand the impact of racial stressors on minority stress among people who are Black, specifically. It is argued that minority stress among people who are Black is a central process that inherently connects institutional elements and the lived experience and, ultimately, provides a context for a deeper understanding of the connection between racism and mental health among people who are Black. A secondary data analysis of survey data from the “2016 Racial Attitudes in America II” was conducted by the Pew Research Center in which perceptions and experiences of people who are Black and White (Weighted n=3,036) and, subsequently, patterns among a subsample of people who are Black (Weighted n=480) were examined. The study found that larger percentages of people who are Black in the U.S. experience structural uncertainties and racial microaggressions than people who are White. Among people who are Black, as the intensity of racial stressors increases, the level of minority stress increases. Ultimately, the study substantiates the structural uncertainties, racial microaggressions, and minority stress experienced among people who are Black and suggests that minority stress among people who are Black is a psychosocial response to everyday structural uncertainties and racial microaggressions. Based on the results, it is recommended that on a macro-level, healthcare policy acknowledges minority stress among people who are Black and, on a micro-level, that addressing minority stress be incorporated into therapeutic interventions by social workers and other helping professionals as an important component of cultural competency.
A New Blue Revolution for Inclusion, Equality, and Diversity: Innovation for Inclusive Water and Sanitation in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Neftenov Nikola , Stankovich Miriam
Published: August 2023

While the globe reels from numerous crises following the COVID-19 pandemic, a silent yet extremely persistent crisis continues to deepen in water and sanitation sectors worldwide. As one of the most pressing challenges of our generation, access to water and sanitation services has been codified as a fundamental human right, translated into a call to action by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). In order to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all (SDG 6), governments across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) must find innovative solutions to provide accessible, reliable, and affordable water and sanitation services. While the region has made good progress, adequate access to water and sanitation continues to plague traditionally underserved populations in remote and low-income areas.