bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen Uptake, Use Efficiency, and Productivity of Nigella sativa L. in Response to Fertilization and Plant Density
Authors: Roussis Ioannis , Kakabouki Ioanna , Beslemes Dimitrios , Tigka Evangelia , Kosma Chariklia , Triantafyllidis Vassilios , Mavroeidis Antonios , Zotos Anastasios , Bilalis Dimitrios
Published: March 2022

Nigella sativa L. has been recognized as one of the most important medicinal plants in many parts of the world for centuries. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of fertilization and plant density on nitrogen uptake, utilization efficiency, and productivity of N. sativa under Mediterranean conditions. The three-year experiment was set up in a split-plot design with three replications. There were 2 plant densities; 200 and 300 plants m−2 with 4 fertilization levels: control, seaweed compost, farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizer. The highest seed yield (749–840 kg ha−1) was found in plants subjected to low-density and inorganic fertilization. The seed nitrogen (N) uptake as well as the nitrogen harvest index (NHI) were positively affected by the increase of available nitrogen and negatively by the increase of plant density, with their highest values recorded in the low-density and inorganic fertilization. In conclusion, plant densities greater than 200 plants m−2 result in higher crop growth but lower seed yield and decreased nitrogen uptake and use efficiency in N. sativa seeds, whereas the application of inorganic fertilizers increases crop yield, nitrogen uptake, and utilization efficiency because these fertilizers present higher nitrogen levels with higher solubility and thus faster availability for the crop in comparison with organic fertilizers.
A Sustainable Approach towards Disposable Face Mask Production Amidst Pandemic Outbreaks
Authors: Alfarisi Salman , Sholihah Mar’atus , Mitake Yuya , Tsutsui Yusuke , Wang Hanfei , Shimomura Yoshiki
Published: March 2022

SARS-CoV-2 has become a global pandemic, causing many disruptions in multiple sectors. The World Health Organization has urged the public to wear face masks as part of the countermeasure. As the demand for face masks increased, research on the environmental sustainability of face masks production started to emerge. However, the scope of the prior studies is limited to environmental impacts during the manufacturing process. Broadening the research scope is critical to acquire a comprehensive environmental impact analysis. Therefore, this study investigates the life cycle impact assessment of disposable face mask production, from raw material extraction to the point of sale, by adopting the life cycle assessment method. Disposable face masks are assessed for a single person, over one functional unit (FU) of 30 12-h days. The ReCiPe approach was used with a Hierarchist perspective. The results reveal that disposable face mask manufacture contributes significantly to enormous environmental impact categories. As a solution, this study proposes a reconfiguration of the manufacturing process, by altering the design and material proportion of the earloop to minimise the environmental impact. The investigation indicates that the proposed design might decrease the global warming contribution, from 1.82593 kg CO2 eq. to 1.69948 kg CO2 eq.
The Success of Information Systems and Sustainable Information Society: Measuring the Implementation of a Village Financial System
Authors: Ariyanto Dodik , Dewi Ayu Aryista , Hasibuan Henny Triyana , Paramadani Rizky Bagus
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study is to advance the information society literature research by examining and developing the adoption of information systems within the Village Financial System (SISKEUDES) to improve the sustainable information society (SIS). The models include the DeLone and McLean model and trust theory, which involves eight variables: system information quality, information quality, service quality, trust in government organizations, trust in technology, usage, user satisfaction, net benefits, and sustainable information society. A survey questionnaire was used, and data was collected from SISKEUDES users in Bali, Indonesia, which were statistically analyzed using Partial Least Square (PLS) to understand the phenomena of Information System (IS) adoption and sustainable information society. The research findings reveal that system information quality, information quality, and trust in technology have a significant impact on usage and user satisfaction, whereas service quality and trust in government organizations do not have such an effect. The usage and user satisfaction variables have a significant effect on net benefits, and they have a significant effect on the sustainability of the SIS. This study’s findings can provide e-government practitioners with deeper insights into how to overcome problems with user satisfaction and increase trust in mandatory e-government services in realizing SIS and the “smart village”.
An Analysis of the Relationship between Energy Trilemma and Economic Growth
Authors: Kang Hyunsoo
Published: March 2022

This study analyzed the relationship between energy trilemma (ET) and economic growth in 109 countries between 2000 and 2020 across income levels and regions. This study constructed an extended Cobb-Douglas production function including three elements of ET such as energy security, energy equity, and environmental sustainability as their effects on economic growth differ by income level and region. The methodology of this study differs from that of previous studies, which utilized the representative value of ET based on principal component analysis. To analyze the panel series, this study utilized econometric procedures, panel regression of pooled ordinary least squares (OLS), feasible generalized least squares (FGLS), fixed effects, and dynamic panel analysis of generalized methods of moments (GMM) by three income levels. In addition, this study undertook a time series analysis between ET and economic growth for each country. The results showed that each element of ET is not balanced. Moreover, each element can contribute differently to economic growth due to differences in income levels and regions. This study suggested that a balanced environmental policy reflecting various aspects of ET is required and can contribute to the economic growth.
A Bimodal Model Based on Truncation Positive Normal with Application to Height Data
Authors: Gómez Héctor J. , Caimanque Wilson E. , Gómez Yolanda M. , Magalhães Tiago M. , Concha Miguel , Gallardo Diego I.
Published: March 2022

In this work, we propose a new bimodal distribution with support in the real line. We obtain some properties of the model, such as moments, quantiles, and mode, among others. The computational implementation of the model is presented in the tpn package of the software R. We perform a simulation study in order to assess the properties of the maximum likelihood estimators in finite samples. Finally, we present an application to a bimodal data set, where our proposal is compared with other models in the literature.
Nonlinear Transformation of Sine Wave within the Framework of Symmetric (2+4) KdV Equation
Authors: Kurkina Oxana , Pelinovsky Efim
Published: March 2022

This paper considers the transformation of a sine wave in the framework of the extended modified Korteweg–de Vries equation or (2+4) KdV, which includes a combination of cubic and quintic nonlinearities. It describes the internal waves in a medium with symmetric vertical density stratification, and all the considerations in this study are produced for the reasonable combinations of the signs of the coefficients for nonlinear and dispersive terms, provided by this physical problem. The features of Riemann waves—solutions of the dispersionless limit of the model—are described in detail: The times and levels of breaking are derived in an implicit analytic form depending on the amplitude of the initial sine wave. It is demonstrated that the shock occurs at two (for small amplitudes) or four (for moderate and large amplitudes) levels per period of sine wave. Breaking at different levels occurs at different times. The symmetric (2+4) KdV equation is not integrable, but nevertheless it has stationary solutions in the form of traveling solitary waves of both polarities with a limiting amplitude. With the help of numerical calculations, the features of the processes of a sinusoidal wave evolution and formation of undular bores are demonstrated and analyzed. Qualitative features of multiple inelastic interactions of emerging soliton-like pulses are displayed.
Remarks on Parameterized Complexity of Variations of the Maximum-Clique Transversal Problem on Graphs
Authors: Lee Chuan-Min
Published: March 2022

With the rapid growth in the penetration rate of mobile devices and the surge in demand for mobile data services, small cells and mobile backhaul networks have become the critical focus of next-generation mobile network development. Backhaul requirements within current wireless networks are almost asymmetrical, with most traffic flowing from the core to the handset, but 5G networks will require more symmetrical backhaul capability. The deployment of small cells and the placement of transceivers for cellular phones are crucial in trading off the symmetric backhaul capability and cost-effectiveness. The deployment of small cells is related to the placement of transceivers for cellular phones. Chang, Kloks, and Lee transformed the placement problem into the maximum-clique transversal problem on graphs. From the theoretical point of view, our paper considers the parameterized complexity of variations of the maximum-clique transversal problem for split graphs, doubly chordal graphs, planar graphs, and graphs of bounded treewidth.
Neutrino Dynamics in a Quantum-Corrected Schwarzschild Spacetime
Authors: Illuminati Fabrizio , Lambiase Gaetano , Petruzziello Luciano
Published: March 2022

We study neutrino propagation in a curved spacetime background described by the Schwarzschild solution with the addition of quantum corrections evaluated in the framework of perturbative quantum gravity at lowest order. In particular, we investigate neutrino oscillations and decoherence within the Gaussian wave packet description, finding that quantum gravity corrections significantly affect the intrinsic features of mixed particles and induce potentially measurable physical effects.
Why Is the Mean Anomaly at Epoch Not Used in Tests of Non-Newtonian Gravity?
Authors: Iorio Lorenzo
Published: March 2022

The mean anomaly at epoch η is one of the standard six Keplerian orbital elements in terms of which the motion of the two-body problem is parameterized. Along with the argument of pericenter ω, η experiences long-term rates of change induced, among other things, by general relativity and several modified models of gravity. Thus, in principle, it may be fruitfully adopted together with ω in several tests of post-Newtonian gravity performed with astronomical and astrophysical binary systems. This would allow us to enhance the gravitational signature we are interested in and to disentangle some competing disturbing effects acting as sources of systematic bias. Nonetheless, for some reasons unknown to the present author, η has never been used so far by astronomers in actual data reductions. This note aims to raise interest in the community about the possible practical use of such an orbital element or, at least, to induce experts in astronomical data processing to explicitly make clear if it is not possible to use η for testing gravitational models and, if this is the case, why.
Plasma Neurofilament Light Is Not Associated with Ongoing Neuroaxonal Injury or Cognitive Decline in Perinatally HIV Infected Adolescents: A Brief Report
Authors: van der Post Julie , van Genderen Jason G. , Heijst Johannes A. , Blokhuis Charlotte , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Pajkrt Dasja
Published: March 2022

Despite combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), adolescents with perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (PHIV) exhibit cerebral injury and cognitive impairment. Plasma neurofilament light (pNfL) is a biomarker identified as a promising marker associated with neuroaxonal injury and cognitive impairment. To investigate whether cerebral injury in cART-treated PHIV adolescents is persistent, we longitudinally measured pNfL. We included 21 PHIV adolescents and 23 controls, matched for age, sex, ethnic origin and socio-economic status. We measured pNfL in both groups and CSF NfL in PHIV adolescents using a highly sensitive Single Molecule Array (Simoa) immunoassay. We compared pNfL between groups over time with a mean follow-up time of 4.6 years and assessed its association with MRI outcomes, cognitive function and HIV-related characteristics using linear mixed models. The median age was 17.5 years (15.5–20.7) and 16.4 years (15.8–19.6) at the second assessment for PHIV adolescents and controls, respectively. We found comparable pNfL (PHIV vs. controls) at the first (2.9 pg/mL (IQR 2.0–3.8) and 3.0 pg/mL (IQR 2.3–3.5), p = 0.499) and second assessment (3.3 pg/mL (IQR 2.5–4.1) and 3.0 pg/mL (IQR 2.5–3.7), p = 0.658) and observed no longitudinal change (coefficient; −0.19, 95% −0.5 to 0.1, p = 0.244). No significant associations were found between pNfL and HIV- or cART-related variables, MRI outcomes or cognitive function. We observed low CSF NfL concentrations at the baseline in PHIV adolescents (100.8 pg/mL, SD = 47.5). Our results suggest that there is no ongoing neuroaxonal injury in cART-treated PHIV adolescents and that the neuroaxonal injury is acquired in the past, emphasizing the importance of early cART to mitigate HIV-related neuroaxonal damage.
COVID-19 Vaccination Willingness and Vaccine Uptake among Healthcare Workers: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Zdravkovic Marija , Popadic Viseslav , Nikolic Vladimir , Klasnja Slobodan , Brajkovic Milica , Manojlovic Andrea , Nikolic Novica , Markovic-Denic Ljiljana
Published: March 2022

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at higher risk of developing COVID-19 due to their professional exposition to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This study assesses the intention of vaccination against COVID-19 before the vaccines were approved, and the rate of vaccine uptake during the first nine months of immunization among HCWs. A cross-sectional seroprevalence study was carried out during July 2020 in University Clinical Hospital Center Bezanijska Kosa in Belgrade, Serbia that included 62.8% of all HCWs. Besides serological testing for IgG antibodies, data about HCWs’ intention to accept COVID-19 vaccination if a vaccine became available were collected. This cohort of HCWs was followed up until the end of October 2021 to assess the number of vaccinated and PCR-positive staff. In the cross-sectional study, 18.3% HCWs had positive SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies without difference with IgG-negative HCWs regarding age, gender, profession type, and years of service. Before vaccines became available, a significantly higher percentage of IgG-positive HCWs compared to IgG-negative HCWs was unsure whether to be vaccinated (62.5% vs. 49.0%), and significantly fewer stated that they would not be vaccinated (16.7% vs. 25.1%). When the vaccines became available in Serbia, among IgG-negative HCWs, those who stated clear positive (yes) and clear negative (no) attitude toward vaccination before the immunization period had begun were vaccinated at 28% and 20%, respectively, while 51% of unsure HCWs received a vaccine (p = 0.006). Among IgG-positive HCWs, there was no statistical difference in vaccine uptake regarding those with previous negative, positive, and unsure opinions about vaccination (p = 0.498). In multivariate analysis, independent factors associated with uptake were being female (OR = 1.92; 95%CI: 1.04–3.55), age of 30–59 years, previously vaccine-unsure (OR = 1.84; 95%CI: 1.04–3.25), and those with previous positive vaccine attitudes (OR = 2.48; 95%CI:1.23–5.01), while nurses were less likely to become vaccinated (OR = 0.39 95% CI: 0.20–0.75) These findings indicate a positive change in attitudes of HCWs towards COVID-19 vaccination.
Evaluation of the Humoral Immune Response of a Heterologous Vaccination between BBIBP-CorV and BNT162b2 with a Temporal Separation of 7 Months, in Peruvian Healthcare Workers with and without a History of SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Hueda-Zavaleta Miguel , Gómez de la Torre Juan C. , Cáceres-Del Aguila José Alonso , Muro-Rojo Cecilia , De La Cruz-Escurra Nathalia , Arenas Siles Daniella , Minchón-Vizconde Diana , Copaja-Corzo Cesar , Bardales-Silva Fabrizzio , Benites-Zapata Vicente A. , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso J.
Published: March 2022

Information on the effects of a heterologous booster in adult patients first vaccinated with the BBIBP-CorV vaccine is limited. This prospective cohort study evaluated the humoral response of 152 healthcare workers (HCWs) from a private laboratory in Lima (Peru) before and after receiving the BNT162b2 vaccine, with a seven-month interval since the BBIBP-CorV doses. We employed the Elecsys® anti-SARS-CoV-2 S and the cPass™ SARS-CoV-2 Neutralization Antibody (NAbs) assays to evaluate anti-S-RBD IgG and NAbs, respectively. Of the 152 HCWs, 79 (51.98%) were previously infected (PI) with SARS-CoV-2 and 73 (48.02%) were not previously infected (NPI). The proportion of HCWs with positive NAbs, seven months after the BBIBP-CorV immunization, was 49.31% in NPI and 92.40% in PI. After the booster, this ratio increased to 100% in both groups. The anti-S-RBD IgG and NAbs in the HCWs’ NPI increased by 32.7 and 3.95 times more, respectively. In HCWs’ PI, this increment was 5 and 1.42 times more, respectively. There was no statistical association between the history of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and the titer of anti-S-RBD IgG and NAbs after the booster. The humoral immunity presented a robust increase after receiving the BNT162b2 booster and was more pronounced in NPI.
Efficacy and Immune Response Elicited by Gold Nanoparticle- Based Nanovaccines against Infectious Diseases
Authors: Sengupta Anirban , Azharuddin Mohammad , Al-Otaibi Noha , Hinkula Jorma
Published: March 2022

The use of nanoparticles for developing vaccines has become a routine process for researchers and pharmaceutical companies. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are chemical inert, have low toxicity, and are easy to modify and functionalize, making them an attractive choice for nanovaccine development. GNPs are modified for diagnostics and detection of many pathogens. The biocompatibility and biodistribution properties of GNPs render them ideal for use in clinical settings. They have excellent immune modulatory and adjuvant properties. They have been used as the antigen carrier for the delivery system to a targeted site. Tagging them with antibodies can direct the drug or antigen-carrying GNPs to specific tissues or cells. The physicochemical properties of the GNP, together with its dynamic immune response based on its size, shape, surface charge, and optical properties, make it a suitable candidate for vaccine development. The clear outcome of modulating dendritic cells, T and B lymphocytes, which trigger cytokine release in the host, indicates GNPs’ efficiency in combating pathogens. The high titer of IgG and IgA antibody subtypes and their enhanced capacity to neutralize pathogens are reported in multiple studies on GNP-based vaccine development. The major focus of this review is to illustrate the role of GNPs in developing nanovaccines against multiple infectious agents, ranging from viruses to bacteria and parasites. Although the use of GNPs has its shortcomings and a low but detectable level of toxicity, their benefits warrant investing more thought and energy into the development of novel vaccine strategies.
Supporting Immunization Uptake during a Pandemic, Using Remote Phone Call Intervention among Babies Discharged from a Special Neonatal Care Unit (SNCU) in South India
Authors: Murthy Seema , Sawant Meenal , Doreswamy Sahana Sadholalu , Chandra Pothula Sateesh , Yan Shirley Du , Singh Pathani Tanmay , Thakur Deepali , Rajarama Sastry Vemuri Srikrishna , Upadhyaya Sanjeev , Alam Shahed , Alimelu Madireddy , Singh Himabindu
Published: March 2022

COVID-19 has impacted children’s immunization rates, putting the lives of children at risk. The present study assesses the impact of phone-call counseling, on immunization uptake during the pandemic. Families of babies discharged from the SNCUs in six government centers in three South Indian states were recruited. Calls were made 10 days after the immunization due date. Missed vaccinees were counseled and followed up on 7 and 15 days. Of 2313 contacted, 2097 completed the survey. Respondents were mostly mothers (88.2%), poor (67.5%), and had secondary level education (37.4%). Vaccinations were missed due to the baby’s poor health (64.1%), COVID-19 related concerns (32.6%), and lack of awareness (16.8%). At the end of the intervention, the immunization uptake increased from 65.2% to 88.2%. Phone-call intervention can safely support immunization and lower the burden on health workers.
The Capacity of Battery-Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles to Mitigate CO2 Emissions: Macroeconomic Evidence from European Union Countries
Authors: Koengkan Matheus , Fuinhas José Alberto , Teixeira Mônica , Kazemzadeh Emad , Auza Anna , Dehdar Fatemeh , Osmani Fariba
Published: March 2022

The decarbonisation of the transportation sector is crucial to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This study analyses evidence from European countries regarding achievement of the European Commission’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Using panel quantile econometric techniques, the impact of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) on CO2 emissions in twenty-nine European Union (EU) countries from 2010–2020 was researched. The results show that BEVs and PHEVs are capable of mitigating CO2 emissions. However, each type of technology has a different degree of impact, with BEVs being more suited to minimizing CO2 emissions than PHEVs. We also found a statistically significant impact of economic development (quantile regression results) and energy consumption in increasing the emissions of CO2 in the EU countries in model estimates for both BEVs and PHEVs. It should be noted that BEVs face challenges, such as the scarcity of minerals for the production of batteries and the increased demand for mineral batteries, which have significant environmental impacts. Therefore, policymakers should adopt environmentally efficient transport that uses clean energy, such as EVs, to reduce the harmful effects on public health and the environment caused by the indiscriminate use of fossil fuels.
The Roumanians and the Late Crusade. From Iancu of Hunedoara to Michael the Brave
Authors: Denize Eugen
Published: March 2022

El autor analiza en este estudio algunos problemas concernientes de la cruzada tardia y de las santas ligas que le siguieron, pero principalmente la participaciôn de los rumanos a esta gran corriente de la historia universal. De esta manera, Iancu de Hunedoara fue el ultimo gran cruzado, el ultimo que condujo coaliciones anti-otomanas basadas también en ideales cristianos y su ûltima gran cruzada, una cruzada popular, tomé lugar en Belgrado en 1456. Después siguieron las santas ligas, coaliciones basadas en la razon y en los intereses de estado de cada miembro participante. La contribucion de los rumanos a estas santas ligas fue considerable, de manera que Esteban el Grande, Petru Rareş, Juan Vaivoda el Valiente y Miguel el Valiente, comprobaron que sin los rumanos este tipo de coaliciones era inconcebible. Pero si la contribucion de los rumanos a las santas ligas fue grande, en cambio la ayuda que recibieron de estas fue insignificante, algunas veces las potencias componentes de estas volvieron en su contra, tal como hizo Rodolfo II con Miguel cl Valiente. Al tomar parte a la cruzada tardia y a las santas ligas con el fin de defender su pais, los rumanos tomaron parte como factor activo a uno de los grandes procesos de la historia universal.
The ottoman expedition from 1595 and its effects on Wallachia’s inhabitants
Authors: Cîrstina Irina
Published: March 2022

Les deux moins quand les armées ottomanes ont possédé le territoire de la Valachie ont marqué très fort la vie quotidienne des habitants. Les effets de l’agression ne se sont pas limités seulement au territoire occupé ; elles se sont ressenti dans toute le pays, en provoquant, tout d’abord, des massives mouvements de la population. Les autres conséquences ont été le pillage, la famine, l’esclavage. Ce dernier a affecté toutes les catégories sociales, mais surtout les paysans. La peur de la servitude a engendré partout un sentiment de solidarité, du moment que les documents parlent de véritables ententes entre les villageois pour s’aider réciproquement en cas de l’esclavage.

A la fin du XVIème siècle toutes les sources internes parlent de la terrible famine, malgré des mesurés adoptées par Michel le Brave pour le redressement du pays.
Le sifflet gravettien de Poiana Cireşului-Piatra Neamţ (Roumanie) [19.459± 96 B.P. (23.24 ka) – 20.154 ± 97 B.P. (24.096 ka)]
Authors: Cârciumaru Marin , Ţuţuianu-Cârciumaru Minodora
Published: March 2022

The Gravettian whistle from Poiana Ciresului-Piatra NeamŃ (Romania) [ 19.459± 96 B. P. (23.24 ka) -20.154 ± 97 B. P. (24.096 ka)].

During the archeological campaign of the year 2002, during the diggings in the 4th section, at a depth of 210 cm, in the Gravettian layer I, initially marked as Epigravettian II, a whistle made of a reindeer phalange was discovered. The cultural level Gravettian I can generally be found at a depth between 170 and 210 cm and benefits of a C-14 dating series indicating a moment in time somewhere between 19,459± 96 B. P. (ER 12.162) and 20,154 ± 97 B. P. (ER 12.163). Our observations, carried out with a high-quality digital microscope have highlighted the existence of certain stigmata resulted following the realization of the whistle hole using a lithic tool through rotation. The accuracy of the stigmata proves as suggestively as possible that the whistle from Poiana Ciresului is the result of an anthropic action.
Investigating fauna of Bronze Age (3000-1500 BC) according to archaeological evidence at northwestern Iran
Authors: Azizi Shima , Rezalou Reza
Published: March 2022

Present research attempts to investigate fauna of northwestern Iran during Bronze Age, when regional subsistence strategy is recognizable at agricultural and nomadic societies. Each enjoyed animals such as sheep, goat, cow, and gazelle, considering treating their demands. The research involves in archaeological evidence to achieve fauna of northwestern Iran during Bronze Age. The data include various motifs of metal and pottery vessels, clay figures, and animal bone remains. The animals are closely related to Iranian northwestern environment. Accordingly, investigating these archaeological findings can help to better understanding of the history of animal exploitation during Bronze Age. Bibliographically, the authors collected data from archaeological reports. The results indicate that human exploited fauna from northwestern Iran during Bronze Age, depicted as zooid motifs, for meat, wool, and milk.
Novel Function for Bilirubin as a Metabolic Signaling Molecule: Implications for Kidney Diseases
Authors: Stec David E. , Tiribelli Claudio , Badmus Olufunto O. , Hinds Terry D.
Published: March 2022

Bilirubin is the end product of the catabolism of heme via the heme oxygenase pathway. Heme oxygenase generates carbon monoxide (CO) and biliverdin from the breakdown of heme, and biliverdin is rapidly reduced to bilirubin by the enzyme biliverdin reductase (BVR). Bilirubin has long been thought of as a toxic product that is only relevant to health when blood levels are severely elevated, such as in clinical jaundice. The physiologic functions of bilirubin correlate with the growing body of evidence demonstrating the protective effects of serum bilirubin against cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Although the correlative evidence suggests a protective effect of serum bilirubin against many diseases, the mechanism by which bilirubin offers protection against cardiovascular and metabolic diseases remains unanswered. We recently discovered a novel function for bilirubin as a signaling molecule capable of activating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) transcription factor. This review summarizes the new finding of bilirubin as a signaling molecule and proposes several mechanisms by which this novel action of bilirubin may protect against cardiovascular and kidney diseases.
DISPONIBILIDADE DE IOGURTES PARA CONSUMIDORES INTOLERANTES À LACTOSE
Authors: Júnior Gilmar Alves de Mesquita , de Mello Valéria , Rodarte Mirian Pereira Mirian Pereira , da Costa Juliana de Carvalho , Hungaro Humberto Moreira , Pinto Cláudia Lúcia de Oliveira , Vilela Fernanda Maria Pinto
Published: March 2022

O iogurte destaca-se como um dos derivados lácteos mais consumidos. Indivíduos com intolerância à lactose devem consumir produtos isentos deste carboidrato e alguns deles também buscam por iogurtes com teores reduzidos de gorduras e açúcares. O estudo fez um levantamento e avaliação de iogurtes sem lactose disponíveis nos supermercados quanto ao teor de gorduras e a adição de açúcares. A disponibilidade desses produtos foi avaliada em quatro supermercados de Juiz de Fora, MG, e na análise no catálogo online de iogurtes sem lactose dos fabricantes encontrados nos supermercados. Dentre os 104 iogurtes sem lactose de sete marcas diferentes encontrados, 94 (90,4%) possuíam teores reduzidos de gorduras e/ou não possuíam açúcares adicionados. Verificou-se uma grande diversidade de sabores (36 opções diferentes), sendo o morango o sabor mais encontrado. Durante o período de estudo, 45 produtos listados nos websites das empresas não foram encontrados nos estabelecimentos. Conclui-se que os fabricantes de iogurtes produzem uma grande variedade de produtos sem lactose com diversos sabores. Os supermercados de Juiz de Fora oferecem muitos desses iogurtes que atendem à demanda de consumidores intolerantes à lactose e que também buscam um produto com teor reduzido de gorduras e sem adição de açúcares.
A sudden and unexpected death of a spouse and the severity of symptoms of complicated grief and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Ludwikowska-Świeboda Karolina
Published: March 2022

Introduction: The death of a spouse is one of the most stressful events in life. A better understanding of the factors leading to difficulties in adaptation to the situation of loss in widowed people seems to be important. The main goal of the presented study is to verify the role of the circumstances of the loss of a spouse (a sudden and unexpected death) with respect to severity of the symptoms of complicated grief and post-traumatic stress disorders.

Method: Fifty five widowed people participated in the study (27 of them indicated that their spouse's death occurred suddenly and unexpectedly, in the case of 28 people the loss had been anticipated). The time elapsed since death ranged from six months to 2.5 years. To measure the severity of complicated grief, the Complicated Grief Inventory by Prigerson et al. (in the Polish adaptation by Ludwikowska-Świeboda and Lachowska) was used. In order to assess the severity of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (intrusion, avoidance and hyperarousal), the Impact of Event Scale — Revised by Weiss and Marmar (in the Polish adaptation by Juczyński and Ogińska-Bulik) was used. To determine the circumstances of the spouse's death, a self-authored demographic data questionnaire was used.

Results: As expected, the experience of a sudden and unexpected death is a significant predictor of the severity of complicated grief. Detailed analyses revealed that widowed people who experienced a sudden and unexpected death of their spouse are significantly more likely to be preoccupied with thinking about the deceased, experience shock and disbelief, and feel distanced from those who are important to them (compared to people who experienced an anticipated loss). They may also have a greater tendency to avoid stimuli reminding them of the deceased, experience more discomfort when recalling the deceased, and have difficulty trusting other people since their loss. A sudden and unexpected death is also a significant predictor of the severity of hyperarousal symptoms.

Conclusions: Widowed people who view their spouse's death as sudden and unexpected are at a greater risk of a disruption of the grief process.
The problem of the definition of abortion in Polish literature and reception of church teaching in this regard
Authors: Biały Stanisław
Published: March 2022

The topic of abortion is still relevant in the social discourse. Therefore, the author analyzed the conceptualisation of the act of abortion (present in Polish literature), conducted a questionnaire to confirm or exclude the obtained theoretical results, and asked about possible causes of such a phenomenon. Research shows that the Catholic Church has presented the doctrinal concept of abortion (precisely enough) in such documents as Qauesito de abortu procurato, Donum vitae, Evangelium vitae, and Dignitas personae. However, its definition (in terms of the subject matter) quite often differs from that found in various publications or statements referring to the Magisterium of the Church. This is a harmful situation, which may translate into a difficult reception of the Church’s teaching, as well as into respect for innocent human life. The point is that if the cognitive process is characterized by “intentionality” (the relation of the mind to the object), its objectivity may be hindered by volitional, ideological, conscious, contextual acts, etc. goals by oneself: scientific, political, ideological, social, moral, canonical, etc.
The importance of empathy in the development of creativity by design thinking
Authors: Durkalevych Iryna
Published: March 2022

The article presents theoretical considerations on the role of empathy in the development of creativity. The analysis of the scientific literature on this topic allows us to conclude that empathy plays an important role in the development of creativity. The issues of learning empathy in early adulthood and methods of enhancing empathic abilities in relation to the process of education, among others, by the method of design thinking, are discussed.
Thiotriazoline in Patients with Moderate Clinical COVID-19 Infection and High Levels of Lactate Dehydrogenase: Efficiency and Safety
Authors: Саливончик Д.П. , Худяков И.А. , Меньшакова М.Н. , Гавриленко Н.И. , Саливончик С.Д. , Пригожая О.С. , Саливончик Е.И.
Published: March 2022

Использование Тиотриазолина у пациентов со среднетяжелой пневмонией при инфекции COVID-19 на стационарном этапе позволило уменьшить повреждение клетки со снижением уровня ЛДГ в основной группе с 1106,9±376,0 до 659,5±277,6 Ед/л (–447,4±460,9 Ед/л) против динамики от 845,4±271,9 до 744,8±313,4 Ед/л (–100,6±487,9 Ед/л) в контрольной группе (р=0,025) при отсутствии побочных эффектов либо осложнений.Применение лекарственного средства Тиотриазолин у пациентов со среднетяжелой пневмонией позволило достоверно улучшить качество жизни пациентов: интегральные показатели физического здоровья (IPH) – в основной группе 68,5±20,1 балла против 49,5±24,1 балла в контрольной группе, и психического здоровья (IMH) – 72,7±18,2 балла в основной группе против 52,8±23,3 балла в контрольной группе соответственно, р=0,001.

The use of Tiotriazoline in patients with moderate pneumonia with COVID-19 infection at the inpatient stage made it possible to reduce cell damage with a decrease in LDH levels in the main group from 1106.9±376.0 to 659.5±277.6 U/l (–447.4±460.9 U/l) versus dynamics from 845.4±271.9 to 744.8±313.4 U/l (–100.6±487.9 U/l) in the control group (p=0.025) with no side effects or complications.The use of the drug Thiotriazolin in patients with moderate pneumonia made it possible to significantly improve the quality of life of patients - integral indicators of physical health (IPH) in the main group 68.5±20.1 points versus 49.5±24.1 points in the control group, and mental health (IMH) 72.7±18.2 points in the main group versus 52.8±23.3 points in the control group, respectively, p=0.001.
Pathogenetic and chemical-laboratory aspects of age-associated vascular diseases of older and senile persons ()
Authors: Сагинбаев У.Р.
Published: March 2022

Сердечно-сосудистые заболевания, включая заболевания атеросклерозокоронарных и церебральных артерий, являются важной медико-социальной проблемой населения, особенно у лиц пожилого и старческого возраста. Доля лиц старшего возраста составляет около 80 % среди умерших от осложнений атеросклероза и свыше 60 % - среди всех выявленных случаев инфаркта миокарда в РФ. Возрастные изменения организма негативно влияют на течение заболевания. Анализ научной литературы обнаружил обусловленные возрастом морфофункциональные метаморфозы сосудистой стенки, форменных элементов крови, липидного и углеводного обмена, иммунной системы, редокс-баланса, микробиоты. Данные изменения усугубляют атерогенез, поскольку установлено, что атеросклероз - мультифакторное заболевание с широким диапазоном причинно-следственных связей. Исследования демонстрируют возможность разработки мер, способных влиять на разные патогенетические звенья заболевания. Перспективным представляется исследование трансэндотелиального транспорта липопротеинов, влияние различных популяций макрофагов на течение атеросклероза. Превентивные меры, направленные на недопущение, раннее выявление как самого атеросклероза, так и его осложнений, а также расширение спектра таргетной терапии могут значимо повысить качество жизни старшего поколения.

Cardiovascular diseases, including atheroscleroscoronary and cerebral arteries, are an important medical and social problem of the population, especially among the elderly and seniors. The proportion of older persons is about 80 % among deaths from complications of atherosclerosis and over 60 % among all detected cases of myocardial infarction in the Russian Federation. Age changes in the body negatively affect the course of the disease. Analysis of the scientific literature found age-related morphofunctional metamorphoses of the vascular wall, blood forms, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, immune system, redox balance, microbiota. These changes exacerbate atherogenesis, as atherosclerosis is found to be a multi-factor disease with a wide range of causal relationships. Research demonstrates the possibility of developing measures that can affect different pathogenetic links of the disease. A study of transendothelial transport of lipoproteins, the role of different macrophage populations on the course of atherosclerosis, seems promising. Preventive measures aimed at preventing, early detection of both atherosclerosis itself and its complications, as well as expanding the spectrum of targeted therapy, can significantly improve the quality of life of the older generation.
The importance of information load in training visual-spatial memory under distributed attention in older women
Authors: Разумникова О.М. , Матюшина М.А.
Published: March 2022

Активация когнитивных резервов и улучшение нейропластичности мозга, обнаруженные в результате когнитивной тренировки пожилых людей, стимулируют исследования в этом направлении из-за отсутствия пока единого мнения об эффективности такого воздействия. Для выяснения значения информационной нагрузки при тренировке зрительно-пространственной памяти в условиях распределенного внимания выполнен анализ динамики показателей памяти и внимания на протяжении десяти сессий тренировки в группах 20-летних (ГрМ) и 60-летних (ГрП) женщин. Вне зависимости от условий эксперимента ГрП отличается от ГрМ меньшей точностью попадания в целевые пространственно разнесенные стимулы при сходных показателях концентрации внимания на центрально расположенный стимул. Улучшение точности попадания в пространственно разнесенные стимулы обнаружено в ГрП только в сравнительно облегченных условиях селекции информации - при отсутствии отвлекающих стимулов. ГрМ продемонстрировала повышение эффективности селекции информации в ходе тренировки с большей когнитивной нагрузкой - с предъявлением дистракторов: обнаружено повышение не только точности попадания в цель, но и концентрации на центрально предъявляемый стимул. Полученные результаты указывают на необходимость выбора индивидуально оптимальной информационной нагрузки при когнитивной тренировке.

The activation of cognitive reserves and improved neuroplasticity of the brain, found as a result of cognitive training in the elderly, stimulate research in this direction due to the lack of consensus on the effectiveness of such an impact so far. To study the effect of information load during training of visual-spatial memory in conditions of distributed attention, the dynamics of memory and attention indicators was analyzed during ten training sessions in groups of twenty-year-old (GrY) and sixty-year-old (GrO) women. Regardless of the experimental conditions, the GrO differs from the GrY in the lower accuracy of hitting the target spatial spaced stimuli but similar indicators of attention concentration on the centrally located stimulus. An improvement in the accuracy of hitting spatially separated stimuli was found in the GrO only under relatively facilitated conditions of information selection: in the absence of distracting stimuli, while the GrY showed an increase in the efficiency of information selection during training with a greater cognitive load, i. e. with the presentation of distractors: an increase was found not only in the accuracy of getting into goal, but also concentration on the centrally presented stimulus. The results obtained indicate the need to select an individually optimal information load during cognitive training.
Physical rehabilitation for osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine in elderly and senile people (Stage 2)
Authors: Бобунов Д.Н. , Овасапян Э.Д. , Матвеева Д.В. , Иорданишвили А.К. , Сенюков А.В. , Шагалин Д.В.
Published: March 2022

Основным и чаще всего используемым средством физической реабилитации при остеохондрозе шейного и грудного отделов позвоночника является двигательная. Цель физической реабилитации лиц, страдающих остеохондрозом, заключается в укреплении мышц спины, снижении нагрузки на межпозвонковые диски, улучшении кровообращения, восстановлении нормального двигательного стереотипа и, как следствие, снижении болевого синдрома. Применение средств двигательной реабилитации научно обоснованно, изучены механизмы их воздействия на функциональное состояние организма, и эффективность их применения не вызывает сомнений. Однако нехватка мультидисциплинарных программ в основе реабилитационных мер именно для лиц пожилого и старческого возраста при остеохондрозе шейного и грудного отделов позвоночника на практике приводит к широкому применению медикаментозной и таргетной терапии, предусматривающих использование лишь средств, уменьшающих боль и мышечное напряжение. Отсутствие индивидуального подхода, групповые занятия ЛФК, выдача на руки пациентам рекламных брошюр-схем ЛФК без отработки упражнений на практических занятиях приводят к негативным последствиям и рецидивам заболеваний, отрицательному отношению пациентов к дисциплине в целом. В связи с этим требуется разработка и внедрение в практику различных комплексов ЛФК для пациентов пожилого и старческого возраста с данным видом патологии.

The main and most frequently used means of physical rehabilitation for osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine is motor rehabilitation. The goals of physical rehabilitation of persons suffering from osteochondrosis are to strengthen the muscles of the back, reduce the load on the intervertebral discs, improve blood circulation, restore a normal motor stereotype and, as a result, reduce pain. The use of means of motor rehabilitation is scientifically substantiated, the mechanisms of their effect on the functional state of the body have been studied, and the effectiveness of their use is beyond doubt. However, the lack of multidisciplinary programs, at the heart of rehabilitation measures specifically for elderly and senile people with osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine, in practice leads to the widespread use of drug and targeted therapy, involving the use of only drugs that reduce pain and muscle tension. The lack of an individual approach, group exercises for physical therapy, handing out to patients advertising brochures, schemes for physical therapy, without practicing exercises in practical classes, lead to negative consequences and relapses of diseases and a negative attitude of patients towards the discipline as a whole. In this regard, it is necessary to develop and introduce into practice various complexes of physiotherapy exercises for elderly and senile patients with osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine.
Digital clinical simulations to to promote equity mindsets: Insights from a staggered randomized experiment in an online course
Authors: Littenberg-Tobias Joshua , Reich Justin
Published: March 2022

Given the widespread evidence of discriminatory behavior and widening racial disparities, it is imperative that educators address systemic inequities in education. Clinical simulations are a promising vehicle for helping educators identify and disrupt inequity in teaching. We developed a short digital learning intervention—a digital clinical simulation (DCS) and associated asynchronous video-based simulation debrief (VD). We studied the effectiveness of each component of this intervention using a staggered randomized experiment within the first unit of an 8-week online professional development course (N = 787). We found no statistically significant differences in equity beliefs between participants in the two experimental conditions of the study (DCS-only, and DCS + VD) and the control condition. In a qualitative analysis of reflection responses, we found that only 26.2% participants independently showed some evidence of equity-based reasoning in their simulation post-DCS self-reflections, but that 42.9%\showed some evidence of equity-based reasoning in their post-VD self-reflection. These findings suggest that shifts toward equity might not manifest immediately after the digital clinical simulation. More research is needed on how digital clinical simulations may affect the trajectories of equity development and what effects other components, such as personalize.
Near-infrared dual-wavelength surface-emitting light source using InAs quantum dots resonant with vertical cavity modes
Authors: Oshima Jin , Ozaki Nobuhiko , Oda Hisaya , Watanabe Eiichiro , Ohsato Hirotaka , Ikeda Naoki , Sugimoto Yoshimasa , Hogg Richard A.
Published: March 2022

We developed a compact dual-wavelength surface-emitting light source using InAs quantum dots (QDs) embedded in a vertical cavity (VC). The VC was designed to possess two optical cavity modes that resonate with the discrete emission lines of the QDs. The fabricated light source exhibited significant enhancements in the vertical light emission corresponding to the VC modes. In addition, the light source demonstrated selectivity to the enhanced emission wavelengths with changes in temperature. Compared to conventional dual-wavelength vertical external cavity surface-emitting lasers, these QD-based dual-wavelength emission devices allow for the realization of simple structures because the InAs QDs act as dual-light-emitting materials. These results can be applied to simple dual-wavelength surface-emitting light sources.