bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Population growth, Energy consumption and GDP on CO2 emissions in Congo brazzaville
Authors:   School of Economics, Capital University of Economics and Business (CUEB), Beijing, China., RIDEL MBOUSSA MOUI
Published: July 2023

Since the industrial revolution, many studies have looked at the connection between environmental markers of progress and that environment. Using annual time-series data from 1990 to 2020, this study investigates the connections between population increase, energy use, economic expansion, and carbon dioxide emissions in Brazzaville, Congo. This study is significant because it enables us to evaluate the IPAT premise that CO2 emissions are mostly influenced by population expansion, economic growth, and technological advancement. The study uses the ARDL bound test method. The results demonstrate both short- and long-term relationships among the variables (population growth, energy consumption, economic growth, and CO2 emissions), with all variables having a positive impact on CO2 emissions in the short term. However, in the long run, energy consumption has a positive impact on CO2 emissions, in addition to the negative effects of population growth and economic growth on CO2 emissions, because without the adoption of low-carbon technological advancements. Ultimately, the results support the IPAT hypothesis in the Congo-Brazzaville economy, according to which population growth does not affect CO2 emissions because the country’s authorities strictly enforce family planning policies to reduce CO2 emissions. When energy consumption affects environmental quality, the Government should develop new renewable energy sources to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Application of the LMAW-DNMA method in the evaluation of the environmental problem in the agriculture of selected European Union countries
Authors: Lukić Radojko
Published: July 2023

The research of environmental problems in all sectors, and therefore in agriculture, is very challenging, significant and complex. For that purpose, special indicators adapted to the very nature of its business were developed for the agricultural sector. Environmental problems in agriculture are caused by the use of chemical inputs, animal waste, packaging waste, soil pollution, water and air pollution, etc. Bearing in mind the significance of the environmental problem in agriculture, this paper evaluates (selection and ranking) the environmental problem in the agriculture of selected European Union countries based on the LMAW-DNMA method as a function of mitigation by applying relevant environmental measures. According to the results of the LMAW-DNMA method, the top five countries of the European Union in terms of environmental problems in agriculture are, in the following order, Poland, France, Spain, the Netherlands and Italy. In countries such as Slovenia (twentieth place), Estonia (twenty-first place) and Luxembourg (twenty-second place), the environmental problem in agriculture is less pronounced than in the other observed countries of the European Union. In order to alleviate the environmental problem in agriculture in the European Union countries, environmental measures are taken, such as increasing organic production, digitization, and environmental taxation.
Productivity of black oats: Avena strigosa Schreb. on chernozem and its significance as food and medicine
Authors: Burić Marko , Popović Vera , Ljubičić Nataša , Filipović Vladimir , Stevanović Petar , Ugrenović Vladan , Rajičić Vera
Published: July 2023

Oats are of great economic importance. This species is unfairly neglected and less cultivated in the world and our country, because other small grains give a higher yield. This study aimed to test black oats - Avena strigosa Schreb. and examine its morphologically productive properties on chernozem. The experiment was set up in 3 repetitions on the plots of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crop in Bački Petrovac, in 2022, in two variants: control and foliar nutrition. Standard cultivation technology was applied during the experiment. The harvest was done at the technological maturity of the crop. Before harvest, plants were taken from each repetition for the analysis of the following parameters: plant height, plant mass, root length, leaf length and grain yield per plant. Satisfactory values of the tested productivity parameters were achieved in an unfavourable year for production. Nutrition had a significant impact on grain yield per plant and yield components. Black oats can be successfully grown as a cover crop and as a forage crop. It is preferred for growing in sustainable systems of agricultural production for food, due to its great nutritional value and may provide great health benefits.
Evaluation of wheat genotypes tolerance to induced osmotic stress at the seedling stage
Authors: Blažić Milica , Kandić Vesna , Branković Gordana , Živanović Tomislav
Published: July 2023

The paper evaluated the tolerance of 19 wheat genotypes in the seedling stage grown in hydroponic conditions to induced osmotic stress. Desiccation osmotic stress simulating natural drought stress was induced using the chemical compound polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000). Tolerance of genotypes to induced osmotic stress is shown by stress indices: stress tolerance index (STI) and stress sensitivity index (SSI). The most sensitive to induced osmotic stress were the Pobeda and Ingenio genotypes, whose SSI index values were 2,49 and 2,10. The most tolerant to osmotic stress was the F1 progeny Dika x Donska with an SSI index value of 0,24. The highest values of the STI index were recorded in the Phoenix (1,11) and Ingenio (1,00) genotypes, while the genotypes Pobeda x Brigant (0,70), NS 40S (0,71) and WWBMC2 (0,76) had the three lowest STI index values. Five F1 genotypes stood out as superior in both optimal and osmotic stress conditions: Dika x Donska, WWBMC2 x Ingenio, Dika x Ingenio, Pobeda x Donska, Phoenix x NS 40S. The examined genotypes from the territory of Serbia (Pobeda, Zemunska Rosa and NS 40S) showed a high sensitivity to osmotic stress and a high potential for large biomass production.
Application of alternative methods of crop protection in sustainable agriculture
Authors: Tabaković Marijenka , Dragičević Vesna , Štrbanović Ratibor , Živković Ivana , Brankov Milan , Rakić Sveto , Oro Violeta
Published: July 2023

Environmental problems such as global warming, pollution, and the decline of plant species biodiversity are leading to new social trends and discussions. A relatively new idea of global sustainable development aims to meet societal demands while protecting and enhancing natural resources. The main tools used in the implementation of natural resource protection measures are sustainable development indicators. One of these indicators is the damage caused by the use of synthetic chemicals in agriculture. In Serbia, agriculture is an important sector of the economy with different levels of technological progress, from extensive to intensive. The degree of pollution and its impact on the environment varies according to agricultural production. The challenges faced by modern agricultural production in conditions of technological progress have led to the intensification of production, but have also caused concern about maintaining the natural balance of cultivated land and product quality. The application of innovative technologies for crop protection without the use of chemical agents is a step that should reduce the environmental damage caused. Among the most important natural metabolites and secondary products of aromatic plants used as biopesticides are essential oils. The biological activities of essential oils (EOs) in agriculture have antimicrobial and herbicidal effects. The various bioactive components of the oil determine its action. In nature, they play an important role in protecting plants from bacteria, fungi, viruses and insects. In most weeds, the oils penetrate the cytoplasmic membrane of the cell as typical lipophiles and cause its multilayers of polysaccharides, fatty acids and phospholipids to lose their structure and become permeable. Chlorosis, necrosis, and growth inhibition are symptoms of damage caused by the application of essential oils to plants. Although the physiological effects of the oil are not yet well studied, the importance of its use and other natural metabolites indicates its value for sustainable agriculture.
Synthesis of innovative ceramic sorbents and catalyst supports with hierarchical porosity
Authors: Nikolić Vesna , Đokić Jovana , Dinić Denis , Marinković Aleksandar , Jevtić Sanja , Anđić Zoran , Kamberović Željko
Published: July 2023

From an industrial point of view, porous ceramics represent an important material, however, economically and technologically acceptable solutions are still being sought for its preparation. Porosity control is a key step in achieving the desired properties for a specific application. In order to obtain multiporous ceramics, in this work, kaolin clay and polystyrene beads were used as organic sacrificial phase. After mixing, the samples were sintered at 1050 oC for 1 h. Characterization included Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRPD), elemental CHNS analysis and compressive strength investigations. The analysis of the obtained results showed that hierarchically ordered, multiporous ceramics, with appropriate mechanical properties can be prepared in the presence of an organic component whose burnout during sintering leaves behind pores of different dimensions.
Failure prediction of repaired composite structures in aviation
Authors: Dinulović Mirko , Rašuo Boško
Published: July 2023

There is no standardized methodology, applicable to primary composite structure repair. In order to define reliable repair methodology applicable to damaged composite structure complete initial stress-strain state, stress-strain state of the damaged structure and stress-strain state of the repaired structure has to be known. Stress distribution in the repaired composite structure depends on the repair elements used. In the present study the effects of the repair element type, element size, element geometry, damage size, damage location, repair element material type and thickness of the adhesive, on the stress distribution in the repaired composite structure were investigated.
Optimal orientation of the gable roofs covered with photovoltaic panels: Case study Kragujevac
Authors: Jovanović Davor , Nešović Aleksandar
Published: July 2023

In this paper, a study was conducted to determine the optimal orientation of the gable roofs covered with photovoltaic panels (PVP) for the area of the city of Kragujevac. Numerical simulations using Google SketchUp and EnergyPlus software are performed for two different PVP placement cases. The first case analyzes the installation of PVP only on one side of the gable roof. The second case analyzes the installation of PVP on both sides of the gable roof. The weather conditions for the city of Kragujevac were taken into account during the simulations. In the case of one-sided gable roof covering, the annual electricity production is the highest when the PVPs are facing south (223.26 kWh/m 2 /a). In the case of bilateral (two-sided) covering, the annual electricity production can be up to 181.3 kWh/m 2 /a, if the gable roof is oriented in the East-West direction. By comparing both cases, south-oriented PVPs from the first case annually generate 18.79% more electricity than East-West-oriented PVPs from the second case.
Wine routes in theory and practice of the development of religious and wine tourism of Serbia: A case study of Fruška Gora
Authors: Penjišević Ivana , Milosavljević Saša , Burić Dragan
Published: July 2023

In the last two decades, wine tourism has become increasingly important in the development plans for tourism in the Republic of Serbia, especially considering that it is very profitable. Among the key subjects of wine tourism, wine producers in the regions of Srem, Aleksandrovačka Župa and Šumadija stand out. The tourist products also become recognizable products of the wine-growing regions, as the wineries have tasting rooms where wine and homemade food are combined for visitors. In this way, the identity of the geographic region is defined through the promotion of wine. Before the outbreak of the pandemic, several hundred busses came every year to the wineries in the above-mentioned regions of Serbia, so that almost 40% of the wine production was sold practically on the doorstep during weekends and holidays. The work analyzes in particular the wine roads of Fruška Gora, which have always had great potential and an important role in Serbian viticulture. The research focused on the complementarity of wine and religious tourism, with special attention to the production of monastery wines in own economy.
Kobi’lerin Büyüme Sürecindeki Yapısal Özelliklerinin Stratejik Çerçeveden Analizi: Ampirik Bir Çalışma
Authors: KAVRUT Ali , KASIMOĞLU Murat
Published: July 2023

Bu çalışmanın amacı, KOBİ’lerin büyüme sürecindeki yapısal özelliklerinin stratejik çerçeveden değerlendirilmesini sağlamaktır. KOBİ’lerin stratejik önceliklerine yönelik faktörleri, rekabet gücünü artıran unsurları ve mevcut kurumsal yönetim biçimi önem düzeyine göre değerlendirerek yapılarak stratejik çerçeve netleştirilmiştir. Çalışmanın sınırlılıkları soru formunun firma sahipleri veya yetkili yöneticileri gibi firmayı iyi tanıyan karar vericiler tarafından cevaplanması olarak belirlenmiştir. Çalışmada 4500 işletmeye anket formu gönderilerek cevaplamaları talep edilmiştir. Anketlerin tamamı e-mail yoluyla gönderilmiş, telefon teyitleri ile süreç desteklenmiştir. Güvenirlik analizinde alpha (α) değeri 0,970 bulunmuştur. Elde edilen verilerin Tanımlayıcı istatistikleri değerlendirildikten sonra, firma sahiplik durumu ve eğitim düzeyine göre farklılık analizleri yapılmıştır. Mann Whitney U testi sonuçları firma sahiplik durumuna göre çeşitli faktörler açısından farklılıkları ortaya koyarken, eğitim düzeyini esas alan Kruskal Wallis testi sonuçları herhangi bir farklılık olmadığı sonucunu ortaya koymaktadır.
Un modelo de análisis factorial en educación
Authors: Arpasi Pancca Rudy Alvaro , Damasco Sagua Betza , Lluen Vallejos Cesar Augusto , Vilca Huayta Oliver Amadeo
Published: July 2023

La satisfacción laboral y el clima organizacional son factores determinantes de las condiciones de trabajo. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar la presión y satisfacción laboral en profesores de una Universidad Nacional del sur del Perú en tiempos de COVID-19. La investigación fue cuantitativa, descriptiva - correlacional, transversal en la Universidad Nacional de Juliaca en el sur del Perú. La muestra fue de 60 profesores seleccionados al azar. Se utilizó un cuestionario estructurado en dos partes: presión laboral y satisfacción laboral. Se aplicó el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson y el análisis factorial para identificar las dimensiones asociadas a la presión y la satisfacción laboral. Los resultados mostraron que en tiempos de COVID-19, en general (76,7%), los profesores perciben que están sujetos a presión laboral y mostraron insatisfacción laboral (51,7%). Se observó una relación negativa y significativa (p≤0.01) entre las dimensiones de presión y satisfacción laboral. Los docentes de la Universidad Nacional de Juliaca mostraron un nivel de insatisfacción laboral expresada a través de reconocimientos y beneficios, y a su vez correlacionada con la presión laboral a través de las presiones sociales derivadas del trabajo educativo y de la vida cotidiana en el aula.
Teachers’ Role in Developing Students’ Soft Skills: Creativity as an Example
Authors: Ellah Hicham Rahate , Azmi Noureddine
Published: July 2023

In the Moroccan primary schools, students spend about 1080 hours per one school year. This period seems of great importance but the outcome isn’t as it is expected. Despite the government efforts, these students lack the essential skills like reading or writing and other soft skills like creativity. Thus, the main objectives of this study are to investigate the extent to which the creativity of a teacher affects the students’ level of creativity and to compare the level of creativity according to gender and schools’ location. This study used a quantitative methodology to collect numerical data and to test the main hypothesis. It implemented Torrance Tests of Creativity (TTC) as tools. The participants are two teachers and two classes from two different public primary schools. The results revealed that teachers do influence their students’ creativity, students from urban areas scored better than those from rural ones and girls’ level of creativity is higher than boys’ creativity.
Storynomics Tourism: Story behind the Tradition of Tabob in Ohoi Madwaer, Kei Island – Southeast Maluku
Authors: Patty Molisca Ivana , Anom I Putu , Adikampana I Made
Published: July 2023

Stories about tourist attractions can add a quality dimension to the attractiveness and travel experience. This article analyzes the benefits of folk stories in improving the quality of tourist attractions as a new way to promote the uniqueness of tourism attractions found in the Ohoi Madwaer Tourist Village by telling oral traditions including history and cultural values of local wisdom contained therein. This qualitative research begins with identifying people’s stories and choosing those related to tourist attractions. Using the storynomics approach, the chosen story is then structured into two forms, namely complete form and concise form. This story is told by the Rat Mangrib in Ohoi Madwaer and can be used as a material in guiding historical tourism. This article contributes to showing that Ohoi Madwaer possesses a natural and cultural tourist attraction that preserves history as well as oral traditions that have been the belief of local communities from time to time. The natural and cultural attraction of tourism in the Ohoi Madwaer Tourist Village, which is designed for the promotion of the tourist village, is the historical story behind the Tabob tradition to preserve the history of the people by introducing it to the community and tourists.
Determination of Some Haematological Parameters and Oxidative Stress Markers in Vesico-Vaginal Fistula Patients Attending Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital, Sokoto.
Authors:   1.Department of Haematology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Sokoto State Nigeria., Khalid Amina Sulaiman , Ali Hauwa Buhari ,   2.Department of Haematology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Sokoto State Nigeria.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) is still a persisting scourge in developing countries with devastating medical and social consequences. The goal of this study was to assess the haematological parameters and oxidative stress markers of VVF patients compared with healthy control female subjects. Material and Methods: This study was carried out at VVF Centre, Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital, Sokoto. This is a descriptive study conducted on 50 VVF patients and 50 controls to determine some haematological parameters and oxidative stress markers. Questionnaire was used to obtain sociodemographic information while laboratory investigations were used to obtain haematological and free radical marker results. Results: The values obtained from the control and VVF subjects for PCV, RBC, hemoglobin, platelets, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes and basophils were statistically non-significant (p>0.05) while WBC (5.45 ± 0.31 x 109/L,59 ± 0.27 x 109/L) and eosinophil (2.43 ± 0.33%, 4.83 ± 0.54%) were statistically significant (p<0.05). For the free radical markers, both Malondialdehyde and glutathione levels were statistically non-significant (p>0.05). The correlation of Malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase levels with haematological parameters showed that only lymphocyte and monocyte counts were statistically significant respectively. Conclusion: Prolonged obstructed labour, early marriage, ignorance, lack of knowledge are among the factors responsible for the prevalence of VVF in Sokoto State. White blood cell and eosinophil counts should be included as part of the laboratory investigations for VVF patients which may serve as indication for asymptomatic bacteriuria, women should not be given out of marriage before they reach age of maturity and Formal education should be made free and mandatory for girls’ up to tertiary institution.
New Manuscript Evidence for Suprabhātastava by Śrīharṣadeva: The Drepung Texts Critically Examined
Authors: Liu Zhen
Published: July 2023

The Suprabhātastava is one of the two hymns ascribed to King Śrīharṣadeva (c. 590–647 CE), who ruled over Kannauj. There are five modern editions of this text, which roughly follow eight extant Sanskrit manuscripts and a Tibetan translation. Recently, scholars discovered two unknown Sanskrit manuscripts of the text in Drepung Monastery. One of them has unique contents and readings. For this reason, the present article compares the said manuscript with other extant versions. In this respect, the article demonstrates that the newly discovered manuscripts belong to a different transmission lineage. Moreover, the article discusses the authorship and genre of the Suprabhātastava.
Ein sanskrit–uigurisches Fragment der Tridaṇḍamālā in Brāhmī-Schrift: Reedition des Texts TT VIII D
Authors: Hartmann Jens-Uwe , Maue Dieter
Published: July 2023

The subject of this article, a manuscript rediscovered during the First Prussian Turfan Expedition, was the first sample of the then unknown Uigur variety of the Brāhmī script, whose decipherment was greatly facilitated by its bi-linguality, with Sanskrit as the source language. Though a whole series of scholars have dealt intensively with the text, it has not been possible to assign it to a specific work. Recently, however, a parallel has been found in the Tridaṇḍamālā, a collection of ritual texts in forty chapters, each consisting of a sūtra framed by stanzas. The fragmentary Sanskrit-Uigur bilingual preserves part of chapter 5. Here, the text of both languages is edited, translated and commented on (§ 3), preceded by the history of research (§ 1) and a short introduction to the Tridaṇḍamālā (§ 2), followed by the graphematical profile of the manuscript (§ 4) and glossaries (§ 5).
Dir la propria. La prefazione nelle opere dei cronisti moldavi
Authors:   Università degli Studi Aldo Moro di Bari, Italia, Senatore Adriana
Published: July 2023

The essay analyzes the introductions to the Moldavian historical works of the XVI-XVIII centuries. The anonymous Slavonic-language chroniclers of the earlier period say nothing about themselves and the purposes of their creation but enter directly into the heart of the narrative. Instead, Macarie, the first author who signs his work, finds it appropriate to open it with an embryonic preface, in which he talks about himself and the patron, discusses the Moldavian annalistic tradition, clarifies his personal writing experiences and stylistic criteria. Along his lines, the disciples Eftimie and Azarie specify the chronological framework of their exhibitions, glorify the commissioning voivodes and recall the activity of their venerable master. Grigore Ureche, the first historian to use his mother tongue, prefaces his work with brief remarks in which he discusses a theme congenial to him, the educational value of history. In the introduction to De neamul moldovenilor, Miron Costin argues for the need to pierce the darkness around the origins of the Romanian people and expresses himself not only on the uplifting value of literary writing, but also on the aesthetic one. In the joint introduction to his chronicle and collection of legends O samă de cuvinte, Ion Neculce dwells on the late development of the Moldavian historiographical tradition and underlines the edifying value of his commitment. The introductions of the Moldavian historiographers are distinguished by a common trait, a style that is simple and close to the mindset of readers, devoid of the large historical, mythological and literary references that swarm in the writings of fellow Wallachians of those centuries.
O nouă apropiere franco-română: bimilenarul naşterii lui Publius Ovidius Naso în 1957 (o mărturie în Arhivele Naţionale ale Franţei)
Authors:   Universitatea Ovidius din Constanța/ Institutul de Istorie și Teorie Literară „G. Călinescu”, Bucureşti, România, Nicolae Florentina , Lemny Ștefan ,   Biblioteca Națională a Franței
Published: July 2023

Like many other aspects of the society, Romanian cultural life underwent radical changes during the first years of the communist regime. Apart from the new course imprinted by ideological pressure, it has become impoverished, forced to ignore its national traditions and it cut its ties with a large part of the intellectual world. The way in which, step by step, the cultural landscape freed itself from a double isolation constitutes a process worthy of interest for cultural history. In this sense, the events around the celebration of Ovid in 1957 represent lessons for the rediscovery of a symbol of the cultural past and of universal culture under the sign of the classical heritage. But it is also representative of another reality: at a time when traditional Franco-Romanian relations are seriously affected by the radical deterioration of diplomatic dialogue between the two countries, this event offers the opportunity for a new meeting between their intellectuals. Some unpublished sources existing in the National Archives of France corroborated with the reading of part of the Romanian press of the time allow us to reconstruct the importance of this episode.
Una fenomenología de los medios
Authors: Fernández de Castro Pedro
Published: July 2023

La primera década del siglo XXI está marcada en el campo mediático por la emergencia de fenómenos como la web 2.0 o web social y su expansión a través de los social media. Durante ese periodo de tiempo, de un total de 27.340 artículos del ámbito de los estudios de internet indexados en ciencias sociales y artes, humanidades y comunicación, el 69 % no incluyó referencias teóricas y el 59 % empleó métodos cuantitativos, según Peng et al. (2013).
The yeast endocytic early/sorting compartment exists as an independent sub-compartment within the trans-Golgi network
Authors: Toshima Junko Y , Tsukahara Ayana , Nagano Makoto , Tojima Takuro , Siekhaus Daria E , Nakano Akihiko , Toshima Jiro
Published: July 2023

Although budding yeast has been extensively used as a model organism for studying organelle functions and intracellular vesicle trafficking, whether it possesses an independent endocytic early/sorting compartment that sorts endocytic cargos to the endo-lysosomal pathway or the recycling pathway has long been unclear. The structure and properties of the endocytic early/sorting compartment differ significantly between organisms; in plant cells, the trans-Golgi network (TGN) serves this role, whereas in mammalian cells a separate intracellular structure performs this function. The yeast syntaxin homolog Tlg2p, widely localizing to the TGN and endosomal compartments, is presumed to act as a Q-SNARE for endocytic vesicles, but which compartment is the direct target for endocytic vesicles remained unanswered. Here we demonstrate by high-speed and high-resolution 4D imaging of fluorescently labeled endocytic cargos that the Tlg2p-residing compartment within the TGN functions as the early/sorting compartment. After arriving here, endocytic cargos are recycled to the plasma membrane or transported to the yeast Rab5-residing endosomal compartment through the pathway requiring the clathrin adaptors GGAs. Interestingly, Gga2p predominantly localizes at the Tlg2p-residing compartment, and the deletion of GGAs has little effect on another TGN region where Sec7p is present but suppresses dynamics of the Tlg2-residing early/sorting compartment, indicating that the Tlg2p- and Sec7p-residing regions are discrete entities in the mutant. Thus, the Tlg2p-residing region seems to serve as an early/sorting compartment and function independently of the Sec7p-residing region within the TGN.
Interface-acting nucleotide controls polymerization dynamics at microtubule plus- and minus-ends
Authors: McCormick Lauren A , Cleary Joseph M , Hancock William O , Rice Luke M
Published: July 2023

GTP-tubulin is preferentially incorporated at growing microtubule ends, but the biochemical mechanism by which the bound nucleotide regulates the strength of tubulin:tubulin interactions is debated. The ‘self-acting’ (cis) model posits that the nucleotide (GTP or GDP) bound to a particular tubulin dictates how strongly that tubulin interacts, whereas the ‘interface-acting’ (trans) model posits that the nucleotide at the interface of two tubulin dimers is the determinant. We identified a testable difference between these mechanisms using mixed nucleotide simulations of microtubule elongation: with a self-acting nucleotide, plus- and minus-end growth rates decreased in the same proportion to the amount of GDP-tubulin, whereas with interface-acting nucleotide, plus-end growth rates decreased disproportionately. We then experimentally measured plus- and minus-end elongation rates in mixed nucleotides and observed a disproportionate effect of GDP-tubulin on plus-end growth rates. Simulations of microtubule growth were consistent with GDP-tubulin binding at and ‘poisoning’ plus-ends but not at minus-ends. Quantitative agreement between simulations and experiments required nucleotide exchange at terminal plus-end subunits to mitigate the poisoning effect of GDP-tubulin there. Our results indicate that the interfacial nucleotide determines tubulin:tubulin interaction strength, thereby settling a longstanding debate over the effect of nucleotide state on microtubule dynamics.
Confirmatory digital subtraction angiography after clinical brain death/death by neurological criteria: impact on number of donors and organ transplants
Authors: Hansen Karen Irgens Tanderup , Kelsen Jesper , Othman Marwan H. , Stavngaard Trine , Kondziella Daniel
Published: July 2023

Background

Demand for organs exceeds the number of transplants available, underscoring the need to optimize organ donation procedures. However, protocols for determining brain death (BD)/death by neurological criteria (DNC) vary considerably worldwide. In Denmark, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the only legally approved confirmatory test for diagnosing BD/DNC. We investigated the effect of the time delay caused by (repeat) confirmatory DSA on the number of organs donated by patients meeting clinical criteria for BD/DNC. We hypothesized that, first, patients investigated with ≥2 DSAs donate fewer organs than those investigated with a single DSA; second, radiological interpretation of DSA is subject to interrater variability; and third, residual intracranial circulation is inversely correlated with inotropic blood pressure support.

Methods

All DSAs performed over a 7-year period as part of BD/DNC protocols at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark, were included. Clinical data were extracted from electronic health records. DSAs were reinterpreted by an independent neurinterventionist blinded to the original radiological reports.

Results

We identified 130 DSAs in 100 eligible patients. Patients with ≥2 DSAs (n = 20) donated fewer organs (1.7 +/− 1.6 SD) than patients undergoing a single DSA (n = 80, 2.6 +/− 1.7 organs, p = 0.03), and they became less often donors (n = 12, 60%) than patients with just 1 DSA (n = 65, 81.3%; p = 0.04). Interrater agreement of radiological DSA interpretation was 88.5% (Cohen’s kappa = 0.76). Patients with self-maintained blood pressure had more often residual intracranial circulation (n = 13/26, 50%) than patients requiring inotropic support (n = 14/74, 18.9%; OR = 0.23, 95% CI [0.09–0.61]; p = 0.002).

Discussion

In potential donors who fulfill clinical BD/DNC criteria, delays caused by repetition of confirmatory DSA result in lost donors and organ transplants. Self-maintained blood pressure at the time of clinical BD/DNC increases the odds for residual intracranial circulation, creating diagnostic uncertainty because radiological DSA interpretation is not uniform. We suggest that avoiding unnecessary repetition of confirmatory investigations like DSA may result in more organs donated.
Unlocking Productivity Potential: The Promising Role of Agricultural Robots in Enhancing Farming Efficiency
Authors: Rai Avinash Kumar , M. Jayaraj , Kumar Naveen , Katiyar Drishty , Singh Omkar , Bhojendra  , Sreekumar Gadha , Verma Parkash
Published: July 2023

Integration of advanced robotics in agriculture can exponentially boost productivity, alleviate labor shortages, reduce the environmental footprint, and increase the overall profitability of farming. Agricultural robots, often controlled by sophisticated algorithms and AI, offer precision farming capabilities that can enhance yield and quality, while minimizing waste and harmful impacts on the environment. They carry out numerous tasks such as sowing, watering, harvesting, and pest control, more efficiently than traditional methods. The usage of robotic systems enables 24/7 farming operations, overcoming the challenges posed by traditional human labor like working hours and physical exhaustion. The review also explores how this technology can help cater to the rising global food demand in a sustainable way, making it a promising solution to achieving food security in the face of increasing population pressures and climate change impacts. Despite the significant capital investment required for adopting these technologies, the potential long-term benefits, such as reduced operational costs and enhanced farm outputs, underscore their vital role in the future of farming and food production. Concluding that the integration of robotics in agriculture could bring about a revolution in farming practices, ushering in a future of enhanced productivity and sustainability in the sector.
RIPK3–MLKL necroptotic signalling amplifies STING pathway and exacerbates lethal sepsis
Authors: Zhang Xufei , Wu Jie , Liu Qinjie , Li Xuanheng , Yang Yiyu , Wu Lei , Wu Xiuwen , Zhao Yun , Ren Jianan
Published: July 2023

Backgrounds

The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is an important driver in various inflammatory diseases.

Methods and results

Here, we have demonstrated that inhibition of RIPK3 and MLKL dampens STING signaling, indicating that necroptosis may be involved in sustaining STING signaling. Furthermore, RIPK3 knockout in HT‐29 cells significantly suppressed STING signaling. Mechanistically, RIPK3 inhibits autophagic flux during STING activation. RIPK3 knockout inhibits STING signaling by intensifying STING autophagy. In contrast, MLKL regulates the STING pathway bidirectionally. MLKL deficiency enhances STING signaling, whereas suppression of MLKL‐mediated pore formation restricts STING signaling. Mechanistically, upon abrogating the pro‐necroptotic activity of MLKL, MLKL bound to activated STING is secreted to the extracellular space, where it restricts TBK1 and IRF3 recruitment. Targeting necroptotic signaling ameliorates STING activation during DMXAA‐induced intestinal injury and sepsis.

Conclusions

These findings elucidate molecular mechanisms linking necroptosis to the STING pathway, and suggest a potential benefit of therapeutic targeting of necroptosis in STING‐driven inflammatory diseases.
Construct validation of NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery premorbid cognitive functioning scores in Black and White older Americans with and without mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Halter Colt M. , Moll Allison C. , Kero Katherine , Kavcic Voyko , Woodard John L. , Giordani Bruno
Published: July 2023

Objective:

Valid estimates of premorbid cognitive functioning (PMIQ) are crucial for the assessment of older adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. We investigated the relationship between the NIH Toolbox-Cognition Battery’s (NIHTB-CB) Oral Reading Recognition (ORR) subtest and Wechsler Test of Adult Reading scores (WTAR, convergent validity). We also compared ORR to NIHTB-CB Flanker scores, where null relationships were expected (discriminant validity).

Methods:

The WTAR and NIHTB-CB were administered to 130 cognitively normal (CN) and 113 participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Participants were community-dwelling, older Black and White adults, ages 55–88 years. Data analysis used uncorrected standard scores and Bayesian bivariate correlations. Supplemental materials include intraclass correlations.

Results:

ORR and WTAR scores were strongly positively associated, while ORR and Flanker scores were unrelated. This pattern held when restricting analyses to the two cognitive status groups, the two racial groups, and the four race-by-diagnosis subgroups.

Conclusion:

The findings demonstrate convergent and discriminant validity and support NIHTB-CB ORR scores as valid estimates of scores on a PMIQ measure in older Black and White adults with and without MCI.
Risk-Benefit Balance of Simultaneous Gastric Bypass or Sleeve Gastrectomy and Concomitant Cholecystectomy
Authors: Marciniak Camille , Lenne Xavier , Bruandet Amélie , Hamroun Aghiles , Génin Michaël , Baud Grégory , Theis Didier , Pattou François , Caiazzo Robert
Published: July 2023

Objective:

To assess the relevance of concomitant laparoscopic metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) and cholecystectomy.

Summary background data:

Because of the massive weight loss it induces, MBS is associated with an increase in the frequency of gallstones. However, no consensus yet exists on the risk-to-benefit ratio of a concomitant cholecystectomy (CC) during MBS to prevent long-term biliary complications.

Methods:

This nationwide retrospective cohort research was conducted in two parts using information from a national administrative database (PMSI). The 90-day morbidity of MBS with or without CC was first compared in a matched trial (propensity score). Second, we observed medium-term biliary complication following MBS when no CChad been performed during MBS up to 9 years after MBS (minimum 18 mo)

Results:

Between 2013 and 2020, 289,627 patients had a sleeve gastrectomy (SG: 70%) or a gastric bypass (GBP: 30%). The principal indications of CC were symptomatic cholelithiasis (79.5%) or acute cholecystitis (3.6%). Prophylactic CC occurred only in 15.5% of the cases. In our matched group analysis, we included 9,323 patients in each arm. The complication rate at Day 90 after surgery was greater in the CC arm [OR 1.3 (1.2–1.5), P<0.001], independantly of the reason of the CC. At 18 months, there was a 0.1% risk of symptomatic gallstone migration and a 0.08% risk of biliary pancreatitis. At 9 years, 20.5±0.52% of patients underwent an interval cholecystectomy (IC). The likelihood of IC decreased from 5.4% per year to 1.7% per year after the first 18 monthsthe whole cohort, risk at 18 months of symptomatic gallstone migration was 0.1%, of pancreatitis 0.08%, and of angiocholitis 0.1%.

Conclusion:

CC during SG and GBP should be avoided. In case of asymptomatic gallstones after MBS, prophylactic cholecystectomy should not be recommended.
Dental and nursing collaboration in oral healthcare research in palliative care inpatient settings
Authors: Malik Zanab , Wright FAC
Published: July 2023

Collaboration between palliative care nurses and oral health professionals has been frequently recommended to ensure optimal oral healthcare. However, the importance of this collaboration to the success of evidence-based protocols, involving oral healthcare interventions in the inpatient palliative care setting, is less discussed. Feasibility requires consideration during the planning, intervention and implementation phases of any clinical trial; all of which typically rely on good collaboration with nursing staff. Therefore, it is imperative that nursing staff appreciate the need for oral healthcare at the end of a person's life. Nursing and dental collaboration is critical to the feasibility of running research trials in this group and can help overcome some of the logistical and ethical challenges in this vulnerable population.
Prolonged static stretching increases the magnitude and decreases the complexity of knee extensor muscle force fluctuations
Authors: Pethick Jamie , Moran Jason , Behm David G.
Published: July 2023

Static stretching decreases maximal muscle force generation in a dose-response manner, but its effects on the generation of task-relevant and precise levels of submaximal force, i.e. force control, is unclear. We investigated the effect of acute static stretching on knee extensor force control, quantified according to both the magnitude and complexity of force fluctuations. Twelve healthy participants performed a series of isometric knee extensor maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) and targeted intermittent submaximal contractions at 25, 50 and 75% MVC (3 x 6 seconds contraction separated by 4 seconds rest, with 60 seconds rest between each intensity) prior to, and immediately after, one of four continuous static stretch conditions: 1) no stretch; 2) 30-second stretch; 3) 60-second stretch; 4) 120-second stretch. The magnitude of force fluctuations was quantified using the standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV), while the complexity of fluctuations was quantified using approximate entropy (ApEn) and detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) α. These measures were calculated using the steadiest 5 seconds of the targeted submaximal contractions at each intensity (i.e., that with the lowest SD). Significant decreases in MVC were evident following the 30, 60 and 120-second stretch conditions (all P < 0.001), with a significant correlation observed between stretch duration and the magnitude of decrease in MVC (r = –0.58, P < 0.001). The 120-second stretch resulted in significant increases in SD at 50% MVC (P = 0.007) and CV at 50% (P = 0.009) and 75% MVC (P = 0.005), and a significant decrease in ApEn at 75% MVC (P < 0.001). These results indicate that the negative effects of prolonged static stretching extend beyond maximal force generation tasks to those involving generation of precise levels of force during moderate- to high-intensity submaximal contractions.
Features of the organization of distance education in a primary school under the conditions of martial law
Authors: Bilyk Yulia , Kolomiiets Alla , Коломієць Тарас Дмитрович
Published: July 2023

The article is devoted to the study of the features of distance learning in primary school under martial law. Primary school is the basic unit of the educational system, because it is designed to build a foundation for the formation of the student’s personality as a future competitive, highly educated specialist and citizen. In the conditions of quarantine restrictions and martial law on the territory of Ukraine the process of education of younger schoolchildren was influenced by many diverse factors, as a result of which it acquired new conceptual features. An important role began to be played by distance education as an effective alternative to traditional face-to-face education. This led to an increase in the number of scientific studies and practice-oriented explorations in the field of distance and blended learning, in particular in elementary school. In the course of the study, foreign and Ukrainian works were analyzed, in which the issue of the organization of the educational process during martial law was raised, the impact of military operations on various spheres of the personality of a junior high school student was described: mental, cognitive, motivational, physical, etc. The experience of countries that had to face the problems of providing education during wars and armed conflicts is considered. The importance of education for the development and preservation of the mental health of the young generation, as the future working population of the country, is justified, the features of distance learning in the conditions of martial law are distinguished and characterized in the following categories: psychological, adaptive, motivational, logistical, pedagogical, ethical, social economical, health-preserving, safe, communicative. Recommendations for elementary school teachers regarding work with students have been formulated, aimed at mitigating the impact of military realities on the mental and physical condition of students
El comercio electrónico y la inteligencia artificial
Authors: Buitrago-Rodríguez Mariana del Valle
Published: July 2023

La presente investigación tiene como propósito describir la importancia que ofrece para el comercio electrónico la usanza de la inteligencia artificial, como una alternativa para potenciar las ventas electrónicas. Para alcanzar este objetivo, se lleva a cabo una investigación eminentemente cualitativa, descriptiva, con diseño documental en la que se analiza la usanza de la inteligencia artificial, como una alternativa para potenciar las ventas electrónicas dentro de la modalidad transaccional del comercio electrónico. Se llega a la conclusión que la adopción de esta modalidad transaccional, es una opción transcendental para que las organizaciones sociales, puedan crear experiencias atrayentes y útiles a los clientes, por medio de ofertas y promociones relevantes que están vinculadas a las necesidades e intereses de los demandantes-participantes del mercado, que siguen encontrando en el comercio electrónico una alternativa eficiente para la realización de compras en un proceso de post-pandemia por Covid-19.
"Beskonačno skrolanje" i prakse upravljanja pozornošću u korištenju društvenih medija na mobitelima
Authors: Krajina Zlatan , Čuvalo Antonija
Published: July 2023

U članku istražujemo kako korisnici mobitela upravljaju pozornošću kroz interakciju s‎ društvenim medijima na mobitelima, gdje je sadržaj prezentiran kroz tzv. „beskonačno skrolanje” (engl.‎infinite scroll), tj. beskrajno nizanje novog sadržaja s ciljem što duljeg zadržavanja korisnika. U teorijskom ‎dijelu „skrolanje” definiramo kao povijesni nasljednik prezentacije televizijskog programa kao neprekinutog‎ „toka” (engl. flow) i time povezanoga smetenoga gledanja. Međutim, naše empirijsko istraživanje‎ pokazuje i neke do sada manje poznate dimenzije takvog korištenja medija. Naša analiza dnevnika 24‎ dodiplomska studenta novinarstva na Fakultetu političkih znanosti u Zagrebu pokazala je da korisnici‎ razvijaju vještine brzog i kratkog komuniciranja, čime se uspijevaju nositi s kontradiktornim zahtjevom za‎ održavanje prisutnosti i u društvenom i u medijskom prostoru. Prebacuju se između tih prostora rutinski,‎ ne napuštajući nijedan nikad potpuno, što ih vodi i u pregovaranje pravila ponašanja.‎
MENTAL STATES OF STUDENTS IN THE PERIOD OF ADAPTATION TO THE CONDITIONS OF THE UNIVERSITY
Authors: Казакова И.В. , Тихолаз Т.М.
Published: July 2023

Рассматривается проблема адаптации студентов-первокурсников к условиям обучения в вузе, анализируются особенности психического состояния в этот период в контексте возрастных и индивидуальных особенностей. Методы исследования: теоретический анализ психологической литературы, методы описательной статистики, факторный анализ. В результате эмпирического исследования определены доминирующие и актуальные состояния у первокурсников, выявлены типы студентов в зависимости от степени выраженности состояний в период адаптации к условиям обучения в вузе.

The article deals with the problem of adaptation of first-year students to the conditions of study at the university, analyzes the features of the mental state during this period in the context of age and individual characteristics. Research methods: theoretical analysis of psychological literature, methods of descriptive statistics, factor analysis. As a result of the empirical study, the dominant and actual states of the first-year students were determined, the types of students were identified depending on the severity of the states during the period of adaptation to the conditions of study at the university.