bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vascular plants of forest dividing-lines analyzed in respect of forest complex synanthropisation
Authors: Myśliwy Monika
Published: May 2024

This multi-faceted analysis of the flora of forest dividing-lines is aimed at estimating their role in the process of synanthropisation. In contrast to typical forest roads, effects of forest dividing-lines on floristic changes within forest complexes seem to be moderate. The microhabitats connected with forest dividing-lines allow numerous non-forest species to grow and spread in forest complexes. This applies first of all to the species characteristic of meadows of the class Molinio-Arrhenatheretea, heatlands and clear-cut areas (Nardo-Callunetea, Epilobietea), xerothermic grasslands and fringe communities (Festuco-Brometea, Trifolio-Geranietea), sandy grasslands (Koelerio glaucae-Corynephoretea canescentis), and ruderal communities (Stellarietea, Artemisietea). Due to the low intensity of human pressure, only few of all the anthropophytes occurring presently in the Barlinek-Gorzów Landscape Park were noted on forest dividing-lines, and most of them do not invade forest communities. The distribution of some of them in the Park is clearly connected with this type of habitats (e.g. Juncus tenuis, Oxalis fontana). Dividing-lines as habitats have numerous features in common and show no distinct differentiation, regardless of the neighbouring forest communities. The vast majority of the species are not associated with a particular single forest type, nor are they limited to 2 related types, but appear across a range of forest types. A constancy of 50% or higher was recorded only in species with a generally low number of records.
Fingerprinting Breast Milk; insights into Milk Exosomics
Authors: Papakonstantinou Eleni , Dragoumani Konstantina , Mataragka Antonia , Bacopoulou Flora , Yapijakis Christos , Balatsos Nikolaos AA , Pissaridi Katerina , Ladikos Dimitris , Efthymiadou Aspasia , Katsaros George , Gikas Evangelos , Hatzis Pantelis , Samiotaki Martina , Aivaliotis Michalis , Megalooikonomou Vasileios , Giannakakis Antonis , Iliopoulos Costas , Bongcam-Rudloff Erik , Kossida Sofia , Eliopoulos Elias , Chrousos George P , Vlachakis Dimitrios
Published: May 2024

Breast milk, often referred to as "liquid gold," is a complex biofluid that provides essential nutrients, immune factors, and developmental cues for newborns. Recent advancements in the field of exosome research have shed light on the critical role of exosomes in breast milk. Exosomes are nanosized vesicles that carry bioactive molecules, including proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and miRNAs. These tiny messengers play a vital role in intercellular communication and are now being recognized as key players in infant health and development. This paper explores the emerging field of milk exosomics, emphasizing the potential of exosome fingerprinting to uncover valuable insights into the composition and function of breast milk. By deciphering the exosomal cargo, we can gain a deeper understanding of how breast milk influences neonatal health and may even pave the way for personalized nutrition strategies.
Exosomal Epigenetics
Authors: Papakonstantinou Eleni , Dragoumani Konstantina , Chrousos George P , Vlachakis Dimitrios
Published: May 2024

Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression that occur without changes to the underlying DNA sequence. Epigenetic modifications can include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, among others. These modifications can influence the expression of genes by altering the way DNA is packaged and accessed by transcriptional machinery, thereby affecting cellular function and behavior. Epigenetic modifications can be influenced by a variety of factors, including environmental exposures, lifestyle factors, and aging, whilst abnormal epigenetic modifications have been implicated in a range of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular disease. The study of epigenetics has the potential to provide new insights into the mechanisms of disease and could lead to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Exosomes can transfer epigenetic information to recipient cells, thereby influencing various physiological and pathological processes, and the identification of specific epigenetic modifications that are associated with a particular disease could lead to the development of targeted therapies that restore normal gene expression patterns. In recent years, the emerging role of exosomal epigenetics in human breast milk, highlighting its significance in infant nutrition and immune development. Milk exosomes are shown to carry epigenetic regulators, including miRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, which can modulate gene expression in recipient cells. These epigenetic modifications mediated by milk exosomal RNAs have implications for the development of the gastrointestinal tract, immune system, and metabolic processes in infants.
Noise in the “Aeolus” Episode in Joyce’s Ulysses: An Exploration of Acoustic Modernity
Authors: Hou Xiaoshan , Shen Fuying
Published: May 2024

This article delves into the intricate connections between noise and the socio-historical contexts within James Joyce’s Ulysses. The focal point is the Aeolus episode, which vividly depicts the auditory landscape of 1904 Dublin. Rather than focusing on clear technological transitions, Joyce accentuates the deepening of historical appreciation via modern sonic experiences. Joyce weaves a narrative that echoes the prevailing spirit of the state. His portrayal evokes a sense of a waning epoch, setting the grandeur of ancient Greece against the present-day stagnation and gloom of Dublin. Ultimately, this aural cultural historical design highlights Joyce’s sonorous narrative that exemplifies his drive to depict history with multifaceted depth.
Substrate-fertilizer-integrated agarose-based hydrogel as a growth substrate for selenium-enriched cultivation of mature pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.)
Authors: Wang Yun , Zhu Jian , Li Na
Published: May 2024

Different agarose-based (agar-based) hydrogels for Se-enriched cultures of mature vegetables were successfully synthesized, and their structure and morphology were characterized using FT-IR, XRD, TGA, and SEM. The growth indices and Se content of pakchoi plants grown on different agar-based hydrogels were measured. The results showed that the Agar-NS-SeCA-AC hydrogel system can support plant growth for prolonged periods under Se-enriched cultivation. The introduction of the three additives accounted for a 191.09 % increase in the pakchoi yield compared with that of the pristine Agar hydrogel but improved the Se content of the pakchoi by 10.77 %. Moreover, an orthogonal experimental design was used to analyze the influence of NS, SeCA, and AC on the growth and Se enrichment effect of pakchoi grown on agar-based hydrogels. Our findings provide a novel substrate for plant Se-enriched cultivation and could lead to the development of new strategies for indoor Se-enriched farming and space Se-enriched farming.
Lih Wang's and Dittert's conjectures on permanents
Authors: Udayan Divya K. , Somasundaram Kanagasabapathi
Published: May 2024

Let

Ω

n

{\Omega }_{n}

denote the set of all doubly stochastic matrices of order

n

n

. Lih and Wang conjectured that for

n
≥
3

n\ge 3

, per

(

t

J

n

+

(

1
−
t

)

A

)

≤
t

\left(t{J}_{n}+\left(1-t)A)\le t

per

J

n

+

(

1
−
t

)

{J}_{n}+\left(1-t)

per

A

A

, for all

A
∈

Ω

n

A\in {\Omega }_{n}

and all

t
∈

[

0.5
,
1

]

t\in \left[0.5,1]

, where

J

n

{J}_{n}

is the

n
×
n

n\times n

matrix with each entry equal to

1

n

\frac{1}{n}

. This conjecture was proved partially for

n
≤
5

n\le 5

. Let

K

n

{K}_{n}

denote the set of nonnegative

n
×
n

n\times n

matrices whose elements have sum

n

n

. Let

ϕ

\phi

be a real valued function defined on

K

n

{K}_{n}

by

ϕ

(

X

)

=

∏

i
=
1

n

r

i

+

∏

j
=
1

n

c

j

\phi \left(X)={\prod }_{i=1}^{n}{r}_{i}+{\prod }_{j=1}^{n}{c}_{j}

- per

X

X

for

X
∈

K

n

X\in {K}_{n}

with row sum vector

(

r

1

,

r

2

,

…

r

n

)

\left({r}_{1},{r}_{2},\ldots {r}_{n})

and column sum vector

(

c

1

,

c

2

,

…

c

n

)

\left({c}_{1},{c}_{2},\ldots {c}_{n})

. A matrix

A
∈

K

n

A\in {K}_{n}

is called a

ϕ

\phi

-maximizing matrix if

ϕ

(

A

)

≥
ϕ

(

X

)

\phi \left(A)\ge \phi \left(X)

for all

X
∈

K

n

X\in {K}_{n}

. Dittert conjectured that

J

n

{J}_{n}

is the unique

ϕ

\phi

-maximizing matrix on

K

n

{K}_{n}

. Sinkhorn proved the conjecture for

n
=
2

n=2

and Hwang proved it for

n
=
3

n=3

. In this article, we prove the Lih and Wang partially for

n
=
6

n=6

. It is also proved that if

A

A

is a

ϕ

\phi

-maximizing matrix on

K

4

{K}_{4}

, then

A

A

is fully indecomposable.
Resistance Training in the Heat: Mechanisms of Hypertrophy and Performance Enhancement
Authors: Pryor J. Luke , Sweet Daniel , Rosbrook Paul , Qiao JianBo , Hess Hayden W. , Looney David P.
Published: May 2024

Pryor, JL, Sweet, D, Rosbrook, P, Qiao, J, Hess, HW, and Looney, DP. Resistance training in the heat: Mechanisms of hypertrophy and performance enhancement. J Strength Cond Res 38(7): 1350–1357, 2024—The addition of heat stress to resistance exercise or heated resistance exercise (HRE) is growing in popularity as emerging evidence indicates altered neuromuscular function and an amplification of several mechanistic targets of protein synthesis. Studies demonstrating increased protein synthesis activity have shown temperature-dependent mammalian target of rapamycin phosphorylation, supplemental calcium release, augmented heat shock protein expression, and altered immune and hormone activity. These intriguing observations have largely stemmed from myotube, isolated muscle fiber, or rodent models using passive heating alone or in combination with immobilization or injury models. A growing number of translational studies in humans show comparable results employing local tissue or whole-body heat with and without resistance exercise. While few, these translational studies are immensely valuable as they are most applicable to sport and exercise. As such, this brief narrative review aims to discuss evidence primarily from human HRE studies detailing the neuromuscular, hormonal, and molecular responses to HRE and subsequent strength and hypertrophy adaptations. Much remains unknown in this exciting new area of inquiry from both a mechanistic and functional perspective warranting continued research.
Facilitating the Sharing of Electrophysiology Data Analysis Results Through In-Depth Provenance Capture
Authors: Köhler Cristiano A. , Ulianych Danylo , Grün Sonja , Decker Stefan , Denker Michael
Published: May 2024

Scientific research demands reproducibility and transparency, particularly in data-intensive fields like electrophysiology. Electrophysiology data are typically analyzed using scripts that generate output files, including figures. Handling these results poses several challenges due to the complexity and iterative nature of the analysis process. These stem from the difficulty to discern the analysis steps, parameters, and data flow from the results, making knowledge transfer and findability challenging in collaborative settings. Provenance information tracks data lineage and processes applied to it, and provenance capture during the execution of an analysis script can address those challenges. We present Alpaca (Automated Lightweight Provenance Capture), a tool that captures fine-grained provenance information with minimal user intervention when running data analysis pipelines implemented in Python scripts. Alpaca records inputs, outputs, and function parameters and structures information according to the W3C PROV standard. We demonstrate the tool using a realistic use case involving multichannel local field potential recordings of a neurophysiological experiment, highlighting how the tool makes result details known in a standardized manner in order to address the challenges of the analysis process. Ultimately, using Alpaca will help to represent results according to the FAIR principles, which will improve research reproducibility and facilitate sharing the results of data analyses.
Pricing Powered by Artificial Intelligence: An Assessment Model for the Sustainable Implementation of AI Supported Price Functions
Authors: Erdmann Anett , Yazdani Morteza , Mas Iglesias Jose Manuel , Marin Palacios Cristina
Published: May 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the price management process is being applied in business practice and research to a variety of pricing use cases that can be augmented or automated, providing opportunities as a forecasting tool or for price optimization. However, the complexity of evaluating the technology to prioritize implementation is challenging, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and guidance is sparse. Which are the relevant stakeholder criteria for a sustainable implementation of AI for pricing purpose? Which type of AI supported price functions meet these criteria best? Theoretically motivated by the hedonic price theory and advances in AI research, we identify nine criteria and eight AI supported price functions (AISPF). A multiple attribute decision model (MADM) using the fuzzy Best Worst Method (BWM) and fuzzy combined compromise solution (CoCoSo) is set up and evaluated by pricing experts from Germany and Spain. To validate our results and model stability, we carried out several random sensitivity analyses based on the weight of criteria exchange. The results suggest accuracy and reliability as the most prominent attribute to evaluate AISPF, while ethical and sustainable criteria are sorted as least important. The AISPF which best meet the criteria are financial prices followed by procurement prices.
Beyond Benign: A Case of Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytomas Provoking Hydrocephalus in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Navarro-Ballester Antonio , Álvaro-Ballester Rosa , Lara-Martínez Miguel Ángel
Published: May 2024

22-year-old male diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), a genetic disorder characterized by benign tumors in various organs, with a focus on neurological implications. Central to the study is the development of Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytomas (SEGAs), leading to hydrocephalus in the patient. The diagnosis of TSC was made in the patient’s childhood, and he was monitored regularly. The study highlights a significant growth in a subependymal nodule, leading to monoventricular hydrocephalus. MRI scans played a crucial role in identifying the progression of SEGAs and the subsequent hydrocephalus. The treatment approach involved endoscopic surgical removal of the SEGA, with histopathology confirming the diagnosis. Post-surgical outcomes over an eight-year follow-up period showed a normalization in ventricular size and the stability of other subependymal nodules, without any complications. This case underscores the importance of regular monitoring for TSC patients, early intervention for complications like hydrocephalus, and the need for a multidisciplinary treatment approach. The case study provides valuable insights into the management of neurodevelopmental disorders and the complexities surrounding TSC and SEGAs.
Socio-demographic and environmental factors impacting asthma exacerbations in children in Taif city, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsolami Khadeejah , Alharthi Mohammed Awwadh , Al-harthi Shahad Saaod , Al-nemari Refal Talal , Al-nemari Jood Abdalgader , Al- ghamdi Refah Saeed , Almalki Alanoud Saad , Alsulami Mohammed M
Published: May 2024

Background Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways resulting in episodic reversible obstruction of the airways leading to breathlessness, tightness, chest, cough and wheezing. Children with bronchial Asthma lifestyles are disrupted to various extents based on bronchial Asthma severity. School-aged children with asthma experience more hospitalizations, more school absenteeism, academic underachievement, decreased overall activity, and disruption of family functioning compared to healthy classmates. The incidence of asthma has increased considerably in the last few years. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the role of associated sociodemographic and environmental risk factors in the severity of school-aged children's asthma in Taif, Saudi Arabia, for providing care to a child. Methodology: In a case-control cross-sectional study, the incidence and severity of asthma symptoms were carried out through well-designed questionnaires distributed during the period from April to May 2023 according to 11 standardized methods of population-based survey protocols. Results: The incidence frequency of bronchial asthma was (51.09%). The highest incidence rate of asthma was reported among the age group of 8-10 having a percentage of 36% followed by the age group of 10-12 (33.5%) and the age group 6-8 (30.5%) having the lowest incidence rate of asthma. Allergens and weather conditions were the most prevalent factors triggering severe and exacerbating childhood bronchial Asthma attacks. Conclusion Pediatric Asthma is one of the most common chronic pediatric chest inflammatory disorders. Consistently children with Asthma have lower life quality. Children with asthma can live safely after narrowing these factors. Physicians must promote to patients the necessary knowledge and care for effective self-management of the disease process and improve life quality. These results offer sufficient information regarding the incidence rate and severity of asthma symptoms, asthma management, and related risk factors for Saudi Arabian health authorities to scale up surveillance initiatives, control, and high-impact treatments.
Probing extracts of data for evidence-based monitoring and evaluation of government programmes in Oyo State Nigeria
Authors: SO Oyamakin , AU Chukwu , OI Shittu
Published: May 2024

Accurate and timely statistics play a vital role in policy formulation, development planning, citizen focused budgeting, formulation of need-based demand driven development interventions. Development however, is a product of rigorous research, careful data driven planning, evidence-based decision and policy formulation that improve the welfare of the people. The importance of these (detailed and accurate statistical data) in the formulation of social and economic policies cannot be overstated. Data were extracted from government records to study how data can better inform the allocation of government resources efficiently while assessing government performance within the limit of available data as documented in its Ministries and agencies. Available data revealed that the population of Oyo State increases at an average of 3.2% per annum; which indicates that by 2028 the Oyo State population would have doubled its size since 2006 when the last National Census was conducted. In the Health Sector, using the 2006 population figure, it was deduced that the number of doctors per capita stood at 1: 38489. This estimate was improved in 2008 as the number of doctors per capita rose to 1:9010. Education, Agriculture, Environment and water resources, Trade and Investments and Work Ministries were also assessed to give an overview of identified improvement across various regimes. Paucity of data and poor documentation culture among others seem to be the major problem within the State currently as only Health and Education Ministries seem to have some form of useful data for analysis and used in policy development.
Bamboo and value addition: a boon for industrial development
Authors: Gupta Charu
Published: May 2024

Bamboo has been increasingly used as a substitute for tropical timber in the International market. Value-added bamboo products are becoming popular due to their characteristics of durability and strength, which resemble the qualities of tropical wood while providing an equally sustainable alternative. Bamboo is considered a grass with rapid growth. As it is a colony plant, it produces new canes (culms) every year from the root system. After 3 to 5 years, culms are ready for harvest, depending on the species. Every year, 5–6 culms can be harvested (from the species that are growing in clumps). Due to this feature, bamboos are mostly used in the rural and semi-urban areas to make houses and so is known as 'poor man's timber. Bamboo shows a very significant part in day-to-day survives (lodging, service, revenue, gasoline, etc.). Lately, bamboo has also found more uses in the manufacturing areas as well as in transitory assemblies. Moreover, being a vital section of cottage and rural business, it is also utilized in some dedicated different usages such bamboo wood, bamboo based-laminates, floor tiling, strengthening in cement material etc. Pulp and paper, Gasoline (charcoal), Fixtures and Handcrafts (picnic basket, jewellery, ball-points, cycles etc.), Building (houses, channels framework, armoured, barriers, concrete, boats), Harmonious Gadgets, Customary drugs, Food (shoots, wine) and silage. Separately from the varied usages of bamboo, the tender sprouts, being little in fat, rich in dietary fibre and mineral content, decent source of potassium, calcium, manganese, zinc, chromium, copper, iron and lesser quantity of phosphorus and selenium. The sprouts are eaten due to their unusual palate, flavour, medicinal and nourishing importance. Diverse value added foodstuffs such as nuggets, pickle and biscuit can be prepared from new bamboo sprouts. Anti-carcinogenic ingredients existing in sprouts marks them a regular portion of regime. It is assumed that bamboo extract offer anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, this paper discusses about the bamboo and its value addition via bamboo-based products industry's future.
Bacterial nanocellulose, a sustainable alternative, to implement cleaner production in the design of biosensors to detect heavy metals in surface waters
Authors: Exequiel González , Eugenia Sesto Cabral Maria
Published: May 2024

While high productivity is positive for growth in developing countries, environmental balance and moderation in pollution levels must be taken into consideration. The dumping of highly harmful industrial waste into river beds, streams, groundwater tables and underground freshwater reservoirs is a clear disadvantage when thinking about sustainable processes. Putting the environment first, we wonder how many thousands of liters of vinase and toxic waste run through our watersheds to end up reusing some bagasse to extract vegetal origin cellulose. It is not about demonizing the product, but rather applying cleaner production technologies to obtain it in a sustainable and ecologically friendly way. The main objective of this review is to propose nanocellulose of bacterial origin as an inert support material for biosensors that detect heavy methals on surface waters. This alternative is sustainable, resistant to temperature and high humidity levels, optical transparency, porous nanostructure and possibilities for surface functionalization. This material has advantages over vegetable cellulose, not only functional, but also from the aforementioned environmental perspective. Heavy metals contamination on surface waters is a global problem. The development of reliable, lightweight and portable biosensors is a necessity for in situ detection of the degree of contamination, without the need for cumbersome and often complex sample taking. The performance of a biosensor depends on its ability to immobilize receptors, maintaining their natural activity, against targets in solution, as is the case of our interest. When we propose bacterial nanocellulose as a support it is due to its ability to form covalent bonds and trap by cross-linking. Although due to their high surface area per unit of volume, physical methods are also a possibility that provides versatility of processes that adapt to multiple biosensor formats. Each new discovery of the potential functionalization for bacterial nanocellulose allows us to think of new, more efficient, more environmentally friendly sensors for a multitude of applications. As the contamination of water with heavy metals increases alarmingly due to over-industrialization, it is time to ask ourselves about the cognitive dissonance of using cellulose obtained by traditional means and the aforementioned contamination that they carry to generate sensors to measure the degree of pollution that we generate when producing it.
War and the new world order: variants of expected scenarios in the context of the complexity paradigm
Authors: Bevzenko Lyubov
Published: May 2024

The situation in the world after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine can be characterized as an ever-increasing chaos, undermining the foundations of the global order that existed in the world before the start of this war. The theme of the inevitable change of the world order becomes one of the main ones in the world narrative space, actualizing the question — what can the new global order be? The paradigm of complexity as a methodological basis for the construction of the latest sociological concepts allows us to propose conceptual schemes and models of social changes that are able to work with the concepts of social chaos, bifurcation and social order. The basis of the proposed forecast of the expected possible scenarios of the development of events is a model of social changes built on the basis of the paradigm of complexity, which asserts the existence of two mechanisms for creating and maintaining social order — organizational and self-organizing. The organizational mechanism is based on human subjectivity, rational thinking, intelligence, classical scientific forecasting models, logic and evidence. Culturally legitimized during the Modern era. Self-organization is based on mythological thinking, irrationality, belief in a suprapersonal force that is the subject of order creation (God, gods, hero, charismatic leader, higher idea, etc.). The culture of Tradition was based on this. According to the chosen approach, it can be argued that the next arrangement can be predicted only in the form of several equally probable options for global social change. It is assumed that these options will be formed from different variations of the combination of organization and self-organization. There are three of them: 1). Hypermodernity, significant strengthening of organizational mechanisms, further marginalization of self-organization. 2). Neo-tradition (integral Tradition), dominance of self-organization, decline of organizational levers of regulation. 3). Tradomodern, a balanced dialectical unity of self-organization and organization. The points of possible growth of each of the options are indicated, which are currently in the margins of the world socio-cultural space, but at bifurcation points, the new always grows from the marginal. The unique example of the self-organization of the Ukrainian Maidans, volunteer and voluntary movement, which is an experience of combining organization and self-organization, reason and faith, which brings new meanings to the European semantic space, is emphasized. It was emphasized that there is no way to predict which option will be implemented. A small random event can decide everything, but knowing such patterns does not exclude the possibility of at least preparing for all the mentioned possibilities, and maybe working for one of them.
Elucidating the complex interplay between thermodynamics, kinetics, and electrochemistry in battery electrodes through phase-field modeling
Authors: Andrews W. Beck , Thornton Katsuyo
Published: May 2024

This article highlights applications of phase-field modeling to electrochemical systems, with a focus on battery electrodes. We first provide an overview on the physical processes involved in electrochemical systems and applications of the phase-field approach to understand the thermodynamic and kinetic mechanisms underlying these processes. We employ two examples to highlight how realistic thermodynamics and kinetics can naturally be incorporated into phase-field modeling of electrochemical processes. One is a composite battery cathode with an intercalation compound (LixFePO4) as the electrochemically active material, and the other is a displacement reaction compound (Li–Cu–TiS2). With the input parameters mostly from atomistic calculations and experimental measurements, phase-field simulations allowed us to untangle the interactions among transport, reaction, electricity, chemistry, and thermodynamics that lead to highly complex evolution of the materials within battery electrodes. The implications of these observations for battery performance and degradation are discussed.

Graphical abstract
Państwa europejskie w obliczu współczesnych wyzwań. Austria wobec zachodniobałkańskiego szlaku migracyjnego
Authors: Godlewska Ewa
Published: May 2024

W artykule skupiono się na charakterystyce zachodniobałkańskiego szlaku migracyjnego (jako jednego z najczęściej wybieranych), wskazaniu zagrożeń wynikających ze wzmożonego napływu migrantów oraz reakcji państw leżących wzdłuż szlaku. Szczególną uwagę zwrócono na działania Austrii, która uchodzi za jednego z regionalnych liderów, zaś Bałkany Zachodnie mają dla niej znaczenie strategiczne. Celem podjętej analizy było z jednej strony ukazanie dynamizmu zjawisk, z drugiej zaś aktualności problemów, które z tych zjawisk wynikają.
Etyczny i wychowawczy wymiar prawa do satysfakcji seksualnej
Authors: Grzybek Grzegorz
Published: May 2024

Literatura dotycząca problemu prawa do przyjemności seksualnej, czy też samej seksualności nacechowana jest ukierunkowanym podejściem, które z jednej strony ma charakter opresyjny, z drugiej afirmacyjny. Cel: Celem artykułu jest wskazanie w oparciu o refleksję etyczną, w tym odniesienie do praw człowieka na zasady, które mogłyby mieć uniwersalny (niezależny) wymiar dla wychowawczego podejścia prawa do satysfakcji seksualnej. Teza: Niezależny wymiar wychowawczego podejścia prawa do satysfakcji seksualnej mogą dostarczyć elementy dotyczące sfery seksualnej teorii „etyki rozwoju”, takie: etyczny erotyzm, estetyka seksualności, samowychowanie erotyczne. Metoda: Dla zobrazowania rzeczywistości społecznej i wychowawczej została wykorzystana teoria „etyki rozwoju”, posługująca się między innymi metodą normatywno-konstrukcyjną. Wnioski: Założenia zawarte w idei etycznego erotyzmu, estetyki seksualności i samowychowania erotycznego dają podstawy do niezależnego kształtowania samowychowania prawa satysfakcji seksualnej. Implikacje dla teorii i praktyki: Idea samowychowania erotycznego w dużym stopniu ładzi napięcie między odmiennymi koncepcjami wychowania seksualnego i edukacji seksualnej. Oryginalność i wartość: Oryginalność i wartość teksu opiera się na zastosowaniu idei etycznego erotyzmu, estetyki seksualności i samowychowania erotycznego do wskazania zasad dla praktyki wychowawczej wobec prawa satysfakcji seksualnej.
Miejska polityka mieszkaniowa a rola rynku w zaspokajaniu potrzeb mieszkaniowych
Authors: Nowak Krzysztof
Published: May 2024

Zadania w ramach polityki mieszkaniowej stojące przed samorządami często przerastają zakres narzędzi, którymi one dysponują. Dotyczy to przede wszystkim dużych miast, gdzie kumulują się potrzeby mieszkaniowe. Pierwszym celem niniejszego artykułu jest określenie w jaki sposób miasta wojewódzkie oddziałują na stopień zaspokojenia potrzeby mieszkaniowej mieszkańców. Drugi cel stanowi zaproponowanie modelu ekonometrycznego objaśniającego funkcjonowanie rynku mieszkaniowego w mieście wojewódzkim. W pracy wykorzystano metodę opisową, analizy danych statystycznych oraz metodę ilościową w postaci modelu ekonometrycznego autoregresji wektorowej. W toku badania wykazano, że władze miast wojewódzkich mogą kształtować realną politykę mieszkaniową głownie poprzez ingerencję w lokalny rynek mieszkaniowy z wykorzystaniem polityki planowania przestrzennego. Emanacją jej efektów jest liczba pozwoleń na budowę, która może wpływać na obniżenie średnich cen mieszkań w mieście wojewódzkim.
Dożywotnie pozbawienie wolności w nowelizacji polskiego kodeksu karnego z 7 lipca 2022 roku na tle Orzecznictwa Europejskiego Trybunału Praw Człowieka
Authors: Trybus Małgorzata
Published: May 2024

W katalogu form reakcji karnej na przestępstwo, w polskim ustawodawstwie, dożywotnie pozbawienie wolności jest karą najsurowszą, przewidzianą za najcięższe zbrodnie. Wobec skazanego na tę karę może zostać zastosowany środek probacyjny w postaci warunkowego przedterminowego zwolnienia, co oznacza możliwość jej redukcji. Od 1 października 2023 roku, znowelizowane przepisy kodeksu karnego dają sądowi możliwość orzeczenia tej kary z zakazem zastosowania tego środka. Celem pracy jest próba odpowiedzi na pytanie, czy przyjęte przez polskiego ustawodawcę rozwiązanie nie pozostaje w sprzeczności z art. 3 Europejskiej Konwencji Praw Człowieka. Cel ten jest realizowany przede wszystkim poprzez analizę orzecznictwa Europejskiego Trybunału Praw Człowieka dotyczącego spraw skazanych na dożywotnie pozbawienie wolności.
Samtal vid allvarlig sjukdom - Kronobergsmodellen
Authors:   , Granat Lisa
Published: May 2024

Aim: The overall aim of this thesis was to explore clinicians’ perceptions and self-efficacy regarding the use of the ‘Serious illness conversation’ structured workflow, and to explore their self-efficacy in caring for patients with palliative care needs. Methods: This thesis is comprised of four studies: two qualitative studies, one methodological study, and one quantitative study. In studies I and II, observations of clinic meetings and training sessions were undertaken with clinicians. Interviews were performed and a thematic analysis was conducted. In study III, the Self-Efficacy in Palliative Care scale (SEPC) was translated, adapted, and validated. In study IV, the SEPC-SE was completed by nurses and physicians. Factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha were calculated, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare self-efficacy. Multiple linear regression was used to explore associated factors. Results: In study I, clinicians expressed that working with serious illness conversations was vital, but the conversations were also considered in terms of risks. The conversation training sessions created feelings of exposure but were perceived to be rewarding due to an increase in self-awareness. Obstacles in practice were identified as barriers to change. Study II showed that positive experiences and the group’s level of support, consensus, and behaviour was important for self-efficacy. Some clinicians were affected by perceived high demands, failures, anxiety, stress, when working with serious illness conversations. Study III showed that the SEPC-SE needed improvements in understandability and clarity. In study IV, the SEPC-SE reported high reliability. Physicians reported higher self-efficacy than nurses. Education at work and experience in advanced homecare had the strongest associations with self-efficacy. Conclusions: Implementing serious illness conversations can increase clinicians’ awareness about the importance of engaging in serious illness conversations and thus contribute to increased motivation through behavioural and attitudinal changes. However, building a support system for clinicians within the organisation seems essential for improving self-efficacy. The SEPC-SE was found to be valid and reliable. Clinicians’ estimation of their perceived self-efficacy indicates that healthcare organisations should prioritise work-related education and experience to improve self-efficacy in providing palliative care.
Civil disobedience as performative truth-telling
Authors: Gilmour Laura
Published: May 2024

Using Matthew 5:38–42 as a basis, this paper explores civil disobedience through non-violent direct action as performative truth-telling. With particular reference to environmental protest groups during COP26 in Glasgow, this paper suggests that civil disobedience is an example of a transforming initiative, similar to that which Jesus offers in this passage from the Sermon on the Mount. Civil disobedience viewed as such becomes a creative pathway to expose situational injustice and simultaneously offers the oppressor a way of reconciliation and opportunity to transform the situation of oppression. In the context of climate crisis, the transforming initiative of civil disobedience offers the State an opportunity for truthful recognition of the severity of the crisis and implores reconciliation through meaningful action and reform. Finally, the paper explores the ways in which Christians can partner with secular protest operations, highlighting that nonviolence, prophetic witness and prayerfulness are central elements for engaging in civil disobedience as truth-telling. The integration of faith values with protest moves the action beyond civil disobedience towards sacred peacemaking.
Pass the plate?
Authors: Philip Darren
Published: May 2024

At a time when many congregations are changing their practice of uplifting an offering during worship, this article offers a commentary on the history of the development of offering from the early church to contemporary Scottish Reformed worship. It will be demonstrated that in both early and recent church history, the offering was understood as an element of worship, part of the people’s response to God and symbolic of a broader offering of the self to God’s service, and the case will be made for its retention in the liturgy as an invitation to participation in the ministry of the church.
Poem: Negative Capability
Authors: Macwhirter Liz
Published: May 2024

Alluding to the thought of Julian of Norwich, this poem reflects on the significance of theopoetics as a form of engaging in social change, weaving in biblical, historical, and contemporary interdisciplinary insights.
"Religion and Outer Space" edited by Eric Michael Mazur and Sarah McFarland Taylor
Authors: Brown Kofi Akan
Published: May 2024

Review ofEric Michael Mazur and Sarah McFarland Taylor (eds), Religion and Outer Space (Abingdon: Routledge, 2023), pp. xvi + 267, ISBN 978-0367542276. £35.99
Theoretical and methodological approaches to the analysis of corporate governance quality in Russian industrial companies
Authors: Kashapov Ilmir
Published: May 2024

The study elucidates the essence of corporate governance, examines the theoretical foundations and methodological approaches for analyzing the corporate governance quality that are most frequently utilized in scholarly research, and are also applied in practice for decision-making by investors and other stakeholders.
The article is part of a dissertation research project wherein the author describes the main aspects and factors determining the corporate governance quality, substantiates the need for improving the corporate governance quality in industrial companies, and analyzes existing methodological approaches to the analysis of corporate governance quality in the context of their applicability to the Russian industrial sector.
To achieve the goal the author employed methods such as comparative and critical analysis of scientific literature and aggregation.
The theoretical and practical significance of the research results lies in determining the most suitable methodological approach for analyzing the corporate governance quality for Russian industrial companies against the backdrop of global challenges, by examining the specificity of company activities and comparing the parameters of the most common methodological approaches and models of corporate governance. Thus, the article makes a significant contribution to the development of theoretical and practical aspects of the essence of Russian corporate governance including analysis of its quality.
The conclusions of the research emphasize the need to improve the corporate governance quality in Russian industrial companies by enhancing transparency, developing mechanisms for considering the interests of all stakeholders, and integrating ESG principles, and can be utilized by both the business community and government structures for the purpose of improving corporate governance mechanisms in Russian industrial companies.
As a prospective direction for future research, the author highlights the analysis and evaluation of the corporate governance quality in Russian industrial companies and the development of a set of measures for its improvement.
Efectos de una intervención de promoción de salud en población mexicana con enfermedad celíaca
Authors: Gomes Itallo Carvalho , Bello Patricia Cruz , Hernández María de Lourdes García , Murillo Olga Osorio
Published: May 2024

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de un modelo de cuidado de promoción de salud en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes con Enfermedad Celíaca.
Método: Se trata de un estudio cuasiexperimental con 152 participantes pretest y 136 postest con edades comprendidas entre 15 y 35 años. Los datos fueron recolectados de manera virtual entre agosto y septiembre de 2023 a través de tres cuestionarios: sociodemográfico, del Índice de Síntomas Celíacos y del Perfil de estilo de vida Promotor de Salud II - versión en español. Las variables fueron evaluadas mediante la prueba de Wilcoxon, con significancia p < 0,05.
Resultados: Con relación al índice de síntomas celíacos, se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas con un tamaño del efecto grande, donde las puntuaciones pretest fueron mayores que las puntuaciones postest (p<0,001). En cuanto al estilo de vida, se encontraron que las conductas promotoras de la salud presentaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas con un tamaño del efecto grande, las puntuaciones pretest fueron inferiores a las puntuaciones postest (p<.001).
Conclusión: Realizar intervenciones educativas para promover la salud en personas celíacas mejora su estilo de vida y reduce los síntomas de la enfermedad, por lo que el presente estudio confirmó esta hipótesis.
Protective properties of lactoferrin in spermatogenesis disorders
Authors: Meredov S. A. , Mavlyutova E. B. , Ploskonos M. V. , Nikolaev A. A. , Terentev A. A.
Published: May 2024

Objective of the study: to evaluate the protective effect of lactoferrin on improving spermatogenic function in testicular dysfunction caused by low-intensity electromagnetic radiation of the millimeter range. Materials and methods: 48 mature male rats were used. They were divided into four groups: a control group, a group exposed to low-intensity electromagnetic radiation of the millimeter range, a group of lactoferrin with oral intake of lactoferrin 10 mg per day, a group of combined irradiation with lowintensity electromagnetic radiation of the millimeter range and taking lactoferrin. Testicular spermatogenesis was assessed using traditional methods. Testicular tissue homogenate was used for Western blot analysis. Serum testosterone concentrations were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). A statistical difference was accepted at p < 0.05. Results. Low-intensity electromagnetic radiation in the millimeter range causes a significant decrease in sperm concentration by almost 2 times (51.7 % of the control). Combined oral administration of lactoferrin with low-intensity millimeter-wave electromagnetic radiation has a protective effect on sperm concentration. Electromagnetic radiation in the millimeter range causes a significant decrease in testosterone production in the testicles. Oral administration of lactoferrin during radiation maintained normal testosterone levels. Lactoferrin also improves the integrity of the blood-testis barrier, which is compromised by exposure to millimeter-wave radiation. Millimeter-wave radiation significantly reduces the expression of claudin 11 by 40 %. The combined use of millimeter-wave radiation and oral administration of lactoferrin maintains claudin 11 production at control levels. Irradiation significantly reduces the production of N-cadherin; the combined use of irradiation and oral administration of lactoferrin does not restore the level of this protein. Conclusion. Taken together, the results showed that lactoferrin ameliorated spermatogenesis and integral aspects of the blood-testis barrier that were compromised by exposure to millimeter-wave radiation, which was achieved by improving the integrity of the blood-testis barrier, restoring claudin-11 expression, as well as restoring testosterone levels.
Possibilities of neural network analysis in determining the severity form of new coronavirus infection in school-age children
Authors: Peregoedova V. N. , Bogomolova I. K.
Published: May 2024

Coronavirus infection in children is milder than in adults, nevertheless the true reason of pathogenesis is still uncertain. There has been an increasing interest to possible connection between the severity of the disease and biomarkers including chemokines. Study objective. To study the possibilities of neural network analysis in early diagnostics of severity form of new coronavirus infection in school-age children depending on the plasma level of chemokines. Materials and methods. The concentration of 10 chemokines was quantified using multiplex analysis on a flow cytometer in 98 blood serum samples (main group) of school-age children (13 [10; 14] years old) divided into subgroups: first – 16 children with asymptomatic form of COVID-19, second – 54 children with mild form and third – 28 patients with moderate form of the disease. There was a group of 93 healthy children (13 [10; 15] years old) who were taken before COVID-19 pandemic. Results. Nine chemokines have shown statistically significant differences in serum concentration between school-age children with COVID-19 and the control group: CCL11 (Eotaxin), CCL5 (RANTES), CCL3 (MIP-1α), CCL4 (MIP-1β), CCL20 (MIP-3α), CCL17 (TARC), CXCL11 (I-TAC), CXCL5 (ENA-78), CXCL1 (GROα). There was no statistically significant difference in CXCL9 (MIG) levels between study groups. As a result of the study, a neural network was created based on a comprehensive assessment of the plasma levels CCL11 (Eotaxin), CCL5 (RANTES), CCL3 (MIP-1α), CCL4 (MIP-1β), CCL20 (MIP-3α), CCL17 (TARC), CXCL11 (I-TAC), CXCL5 (ENA-78), CXCL1 (GROα) that allowed to determine the severity form of COVID-19 in school-age children at the time of admission to the hospital. Conclusion. Plasma levels measurement of CCL11 (Eotaxin), CCL5 (RANTES), CCL3 (MIP-1α), CCL4 (MIP-1β), CCL20 (MIP-3α), CCL17 (TARC), CXCL11 (I-TAC), CXCL5 (ENA-78), CXCL1 (GROα) can be useful in diagnostics of severity form of new coronavirus infection in school-age children and further determining the treatment strategy.
Modern principles of predicting the course of pneumonia in COVID-19
Authors: Aliev A. A. , Antonyan V. V. , Kchibekov E. A. , Ostroverkhov O. P. , Babaeva A. R.
Published: May 2024

In March of the two thousand twentieth year, the World Health Organization registered the COVID-19 pandemic, a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which was a historical fact, as a global catastrophe of the world level. It is proved that the most common clinical picture of a new viral infection is pneumonia, which is often complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome in most patients. Unfortunately, the non-decreasing mortality of patients with pneumonia, options for severe pneumonia, and the search for rational treatment have been worrying clinicians for a long time, and in the pandemic of COVID-19 disease remains very relevant. According to WHO, pneumonia ranks 4th in the structure of causes of death, mortality from it is 5 %, and among the elderly reaches 30 %. According to statistics presented by many authors, more than 25 % of pneumonia patients admitted to intensive care units die from septic complications. Currently, clinicians make significant and numerous errors in the diagnosis of severe forms of pneumonia using the severity of the clinical picture, in which there is a distribution of patients in need of resuscitation measures that allow determining the most adequate etiopathogenetic therapy (antiviral, antibiotic therapy, detoxification) and predicting an unfavourable outcome of pneumonia.Many authors have proved that the severity of the severe condition of patients with pneumonia is affected by intoxication syndrome, decreased reactivity of the body and metabolism, comorbid background, respiratory failure and cardiovascular insufficiency.