bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biofabrication of silver nanoparticles using Uncaria tomentosa L.: Insight into characterization, antibacterial activities combined with antibiotics, and effect on Triticum aestivum germination
Authors: Alghanmi Reem M. , Hamouda Ragaa A. , Al-Moubaraki Aisha H. , Allouzi Afnan A. , Abuelmagd Muhammad A.
Published: February 2024

Herein, we used the aqueous extract of Uncaria tomentosa L. barks (Cat’s claw bark [CCb]) for the biofabrication of silver nanoparticles (CCb-Ag-NPs). The effects of different parameters (Uncaria tomentosa L. aqueous extract, silver nitrate [AgNO3] ratio, temperature, and pH) on the formation of the nanoparticles were investigated using UV scan as a preliminary tool for the detection of surface plasmon resonance of CCb-Ag-NPs. The optimal ratio was 1:7 (Uncaria tomentosa L. extract: 1 mM AgNO3 solution). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the functional groups of both CCb extract and the CCb-Ag-NPs, whose dispersion and quasispherical morphologies were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Particle sizes ranged from 19.2 to 38.5 nm. The zeta potential of CCb-Ag-NPs was −34.44 mV. According to energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, the CCb-Ag-NPs contained 28.87% silver. The formation of Ag-NPs was also confirmed by X-ray diffraction pattern analysis. Pristine CCb-Ag-NPs showed antibacterial activity against three pathogenic bacterial strains: Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), E. coli (ATCC 8739), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 90274). Antibacterial activity increased significantly after loading CCb-Ag-NPs on antibiotic discs containing meropenem and cefoxitin. Low concentrations of CCb-Ag-NPs also enhanced the germination percentage, coleoptile length, and radical root length of Triticum aestivum.
Use of Crisis Communication Strategies by Food Bank Network During a Global Pandemic
Authors: Haupt Brittany “Brie” , Azevedo Lauren , O’Grady Michael
Published: February 2024

During the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), nonprofits needed to quickly rethink their strategies concerning the sustainability of their organizations along with communication regarding the crisis. The pandemic presented unique opportunities for understanding how service-oriented nonprofits, who must share timely and accurate information across stakeholders and work closely with partner organizations, can deliver services during crisis periods. Utilizing a case study approach, the focus of this study is the impact of COVID-19 on the Federation of Virginia Food Banks (FVFB), which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit state association of food banks affiliated with Feeding America, by examining the use of crisis communication strategies utilized or not-utilized during the crisis response and recovery activities. The findings present practical implications for nonprofit organizations and their crisis response and recovery networks and a better understanding of the needs for nonprofit organizations to engage in crisis communication planning for diverse crises and planning resources.
Postcolonial Analysis of Transcultural News Frames: A Case Study of Facebook Rebranding
Authors: Ditlhokwa Gopolang , Cann Victoria Elizabeth
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the portrayal of international technology companies in the media, with a specific focus on Facebook rebranding. Utilizing content analysis and correlational observation, we conducted a comparative analysis of search interests and news frames between Western and African-based news websites following the announcement of Facebook’s rebranding to Meta. Two datasets were examined to assess search interest and sentiment scores based on the positivity, negativity, and neutrality of published stories from selected African and Western countries. The findings reveal the persistence of colonial influences in news coverage, with Western websites demonstrating sympathy and African websites emphasizing conflict-driven narratives. These observations underscore the significance of media diversity and representation in shaping public discourse, particularly in postcolonial contexts characterized by ethnocentrism, poverty, violence, and political instability.
The analyses of human MCPH1 DNA repair machinery and genetic variations
Authors: Oluwole Oluwafemi G.
Published: February 2024

Causal mutations in the MCPH1 gene have been associated with disorders like microcephaly, and recently congenital hearing impairment. This study examined the MCPH1 DNA repair machinery and identified genetic variations of interest in gnomAD database to discuss the biological roles and effects of rare variants in MCPH1-related diseases. Notably, MCPH1 coordinates two of the seven known mechanisms of DNA repair which confirmed its roles in neurogenesis and chromatin condensation. A pathogenic missense variant in MCPH1 p.Gly753Arg, and two pathogenic frameshifts MCPH1 p.Asn189LysfsTer15 and p.Cys624Ter identified in this study, already had entries in ClinVar and were associated with microcephaly. A pathogenic frameshift in MCPH1 p.Val10SerfsTer5 with a loss-of-function flag and a pathogenic stop gained p.Ser571Ter variants with ultra-rare allele frequency (MAF ≤ 0.001) were identified but have not been linked to any phenotype. The predicted pathogenic ultra-rare variants identified in this study, warranty phenotypic discovery, and also positioned these variants or nearby deleterious variants candidate for screening in MCPH1-associated rare diseases.
Dynamic 3-D Visualization System of Sea Flow Field Based on Virtual Reality Technology in the Environment of Internet of Things
Authors: Li Rui
Published: February 2024

Ocean 3-D dynamic visualization is a method to analyze the law of ocean motion by processing complex and changeable ocean data by importing and visualizing. Through 3-D visualization design, the ability to analyze and reconstruct 3-D visualization characteristics of sea area flow field can be improved. To improve the 3-D dynamic visualization effect of ocean flow field and reveal the law of ocean motion, this paper designs a 3-D dynamic visualization system of ocean flow field based on virtual reality technology. Firstly, the framework of the dynamic 3-D visualization system of sea area flow field was designed. On the basis of defining the system development environment, the system software was developed and designed from the aspects of information acquisition module, database model, 3-D reconstruction module, visual simulation module, etc. So far, the design of the 3-D dynamic visualization system of sea area flow field was realized. The simulation results show that the output stability of the design system is good, the visualization ability is strong, and it has certain application values.
Color Compensation Method of 2-D Clothing Image Based on Visual Communication from the Perspective of Internet of Things
Authors: Yin Lei , Liu Jing
Published: February 2024

From the perspective of the Internet of Things, market competition is becoming increasingly fierce, and Internet of Things technology can provide more possibilities for clothing brands’ advertising and marketing strategies, further shaping brand image. However, the color of 2-D clothing images is imbalanced. Therefore, when using the current method for color compensation processing of 2-D clothing images, it is prone to interference from issues such as lighting shadows, uneven brightness, and angle changes. The structural similarity of 2-D clothing images is low, the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) is low, the standard deviation is low, and the visual effect is poor. The research goal is to solve this problem, and a color compensation method of 2-D clothing image based on visual communication from the perspective of the Internet of Things is proposed. Firstly, the 2-D clothing image is segmented by histogram of oriented gradients feature and exemplar support vector machine classifier, and then the dimension of the image is reduced by weighted subspace probabilistic clustering analysis(WSPCA) algorithm and nonlinear algorithm, and the noise in the image is eliminated by homomorphic filtering method. Finally, the preprocessed image is input into a Gaussian homomorphic filter to complete the color compensation of the 2-D clothing image. Analyzing the experimental results, it can be seen that the proposed algorithm has high structural similarity, high PSNR, high standard deviation, and good visual effect.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Urban Road Network Capacity Using Fractal Theory in the Context of the Internet of Things
Authors: Wen Wen , Deng Hongxing
Published: February 2024

In order to make a good assessment of road traffic status, this paper proposes a comprehensive evaluation method of urban road network capacity based on soft computing under the background of Internet of Things. The focus of the research is to use a variety of soft computing technologies such as Hausdorff dimension simplification method, branch dimension measurement algorithm, multifractal method, etc., to analyze the overall traffic load and guide the traffic channelization in an optimal way, considering various factors comprehensively. The model helps to optimize infrastructure and reduce road traffic congestion. This avoids traffic congestion, ultimately reducing the carbon footprint and promoting a green environment. This method analyzes the network capacity, network load and corresponding conversion coefficient of all levels of highway. Based on the multi-component linear regression method, this paper evaluates the urban road network capacity, and constructs the urban road network capacity planning model according to the traffic volume constraints and travel time constraints. The test results show that under the application of this method, the road capacity of the planned route exceeds 4000 pcu. The pcu is a passenger vehicle unit that measures the extent to which different types of vehicles have an impact on road capacity. When the capacity of a planned road exceeds 4000 pcu, it means that the road can carry a large number of different types of vehicles at the same time, and the average operating speed of the line can reach 42.3 km/h. After 5 years of planning, the efficiency of road use is still above 75 %. It can be proved that this method can obtain the optimal traffic path through better route planning and avoid traffic congestion and pollution.
Research on Monitoring of Oil Metal Particle Pollution in Operation of Hydroelectric Generating Units Based on Internet of Things
Authors: Tian Peng , Zhang Lin
Published: February 2024

Environmental protection has become very important in recent years. Traditional methods ignore the characteristics of metal particle pollution extraction in operating oil, which leads to low monitoring accuracy and low efficiency. Therefore, a monitoring method based on soft computing for oil pollution and metal pollution in the operation of a hydro-generator set is proposed in this article. The signal characteristics of oil and metal particles in the operation of a hydro-generator set are extracted by combining the maximum overlapping discrete wavelet transform method and the optimal decomposition level method to complete monitoring. The results show that the proposed method can accurately monitor the metal particle pollutants in the operating oil of hydroelectric generating units and has high execution efficiency. The proposed method will certainly assist in protecting the environment by monitoring carbon emissions and pollution through metal particles in the oil.
A 24-Week, Multi-Center, Randomized, Open-Label Clinical Trial Comparing the Effects of Xuezhikang and Atorvastatin on Glucose Metabolism in Patients with Dyslipidemia and Prediabetes (XTREME Study): Design of the Study Protocol
Authors: Fu Lan , Zhang Yiqun , Du Xin , Han Rong , Hu Rong , Anderson Craig S. , Ji Linong , Ma Changsheng
Published: February 2024

Background: Statins, a first-line therapeutic option for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), have prompted concerns regarding dysglycemia and diabetes, thus posing a dilemma in treating patients with prediabetes. Xuezhikang (XZK) decreases blood cholesterol levels without affecting glucose metabolism, and may serve as a potential substitute.

Methods: The XTREME study is a prospective, randomized, open-label, multi-center trial evaluating whether XZK 1200 mg/d, compared with atorvastatin 20 mg/d, has favorable effects on HbA1c levels after 24 weeks of treatment in patients with dyslipidemia and prediabetes. After a 1-week run-in period for adherence assessment, the study will randomly assign (1:1) 392 patients meeting the protocol inclusion criteria to one of two treatment groups: an experimental group (XZK 1200 mg/day) or a control group (atorvastatin 20 mg/day). All participants will be recruited from approximately 20 Chinese medical centers. The last participant is planned to be recruited before December 2023. The primary endpoint will be change in HbA1c level from baseline to 24 weeks, or before anti-diabetic therapy initiation within 24 weeks. The key secondary outcomes will include other biomarkers reflecting blood glucose or lipid metabolism.

Discussion: Delaying diabetes is desirable for individuals with prediabetes. The XTREME trial presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate whether XZK might provide an alternative to statins for patients with dyslipidemia and prediabetes.
Focal Brain Lesions Causing Acquired Amusia Map to a Common Brain Network
Authors: Sihvonen Aleksi J. , Ferguson Michael A. , Chen Vicky , Soinila Seppo , Särkämö Teppo , Joutsa Juho
Published: February 2024

Music is a universal human attribute. The study of amusia, a neurologic music processing deficit, has increasingly elaborated our view on the neural organization of the musical brain. However, lesions causing amusia occur in multiple brain locations and often also cause aphasia, leaving the distinct neural networks for amusia unclear. Here, we utilized lesion network mapping to identify these networks. A systematic literature search was carried out to identify all published case reports of lesion-induced amusia. The reproducibility and specificity of the identified amusia network were then tested in an independent prospective cohort of 97 stroke patients (46 female and 51 male) with repeated structural brain imaging, specifically assessed for both music perception and language abilities. Lesion locations in the case reports were heterogeneous but connected to common brain regions, including bilateral temporoparietal and insular cortices, precentral gyrus, and cingulum. In the prospective cohort, lesions causing amusia mapped to a common brain network, centering on the right superior temporal cortex and clearly distinct from the network causally associated with aphasia. Lesion-induced longitudinal structural effects in the amusia circuit were confirmed as reduction of both gray and white matter volume, which correlated with the severity of amusia. We demonstrate that despite the heterogeneity of lesion locations disrupting music processing, there is a common brain network that is distinct from the language network. These results provide evidence for the distinct neural substrate of music processing, differentiating music-related functions from language, providing a testable target for noninvasive brain stimulation to treat amusia.
Tetrazolium viability test method for micro-seeds of the endangered plant Deinanthe caerulea
Authors: Xu Jie , Xiao Pengnan , Li TingTing , Chen Chuanhong , Wang Xiangming , Wang Zhengxiang , Chen Bangqing
Published: February 2024

Deinanthe caerulea is a rare perennial herb endemic to China that has high medicinal and ornamental value. Seeds of D. caerulea are tiny with a thousand seed weight of only 200 mg. Thus, classical germination tests are difficult to apply in this species and a rapid and
accurate method for determining seed viability becomes an important prerequisite for species conservation, introduction and domestication. When using the tetrazolium (TTC) topographical staining method, removing the seed coat for TTC penetration is not practical. Therefore, in this experiment,
we tried a hypochlorite seed treatment before the TTC test for discolouring and improving permeability of the seed coat. For three different seed samples, we found that treatment with 1% sodium chlorite solution for 30 minutes was the best pre-treatment, followed by staining with a 0.5% TTC
solution for five hours. Staining patterns of embryos can then be observed under a microscope without any further preparation of the seeds. Only completely stained embryos were classified as viable. Simultaneously, germination tests were performed at different temperature and light regimes.
The best regime was alternating 25/15°C and constant light at 3000 lx. Average germination percentage of the three samples was 79.75%, whereas viability was 86.77%. The results showed that a hypochlorite treatment before TTC staining is a versatile method for improving practicability of
viability testing in Deinanthe caerulea.
Research into the capacities of the global digital environment for obtaining cultural and conceptual information at institutional and individual levels
Authors:   Minin Nizhny Novgorod State Pedagogical University, Shamov Alexander Nikolaevich , Merkish Nataliia Evgenjevna ,   Moscow MGIMO University, Printsipalova Olga Vjatcheslavovna ,   Moscow MGIMO University
Published: February 2024

Introduction. The article examines the problem of using the global digital environment as a resource of information about the concepts of German linguistic culture. The purpose of the article is to study the functions of the digital environment, identify its capacities for institutional and individual familiarization with cultural-conceptual information, justify the criteria for selecting media texts, and summarize recommendations for using the environment as a source of information about linguistic concepts. Materials and Methods. The study of the digital environment was conducted during two semesters in 12 groups of undergraduates studying German at MGIMO University of the Russian Foreign Ministry. During the research, the following methods were used: survey and study of written and oral statements of students in the process of their immersion into the digital environment, analysis and systematization of the accumulated experience in teaching the concepts of German culture. Results. The article summarizes the experience of researching the global digital environment as a resource of cultural and conceptual information. The functions of the environment used in teaching a foreign language are determined: informational, educational, motivational,and diagnostic. The prospects for institutional and independent familiarization with information about key concepts of culture are identified. The criteria for selecting media texts used as a resource of cultural-conceptual information are substantiated: the availability of data on the concepts being studied, compliance with the value guidelines of Russian society, relevance and novelty of materials, matching with the level of foreign language proficiency of international relations students. Conclusions. The authors have revealed the capacities of the digital environment for obtaining cultural and conceptual information at institutional and individual levels. Implementing the research provisions in teaching practice will contribute to the effective use of the virtual cultural and linguistic space and improve the quality of language and professional preparation of international relations professionals.
Isolation of serum-derived placental/amnio­chorionic extracellular vesicles across pregnancy by immunoaffinity using PLAP and HLA-G
Authors: Shinde Uma , Rao Aishwarya , Bansal Vandana , Das Dhanjit Kumar , Balasinor Nafisa Huseni , Madan Taruna
Published: February 2024

In brief

Circulating extracellular vesicles of placental/amniochorionic origin carry placental/amniochorionic proteins and nucleic acids with the potential to facilitate non-invasive diagnosis of pregnancy-related disorders. The study reports an improvised method for the enriched isolation of extracellular vesicles of placental/amniochorionic origin using the two markers, PLAP and HLA-G.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound nanovesicles secreted from the cells into extracellular space and body fluids. They are considered ‘fingerprints of parent cells’, which can reflect their physiological and functional states. During pregnancy, EVs are produced by the syncytiotrophoblasts and extravillous trophoblasts and are released into the maternal bloodstream. In the present study, placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP)-specific extracellular vesicles were isolated from maternal serum-derived EVs (SDE) across pregnancy. Transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering analysis showed that the isolated EVs exhibited a spherical morphology with ~30–150 nm size range. Nanoparticle tracking analysis indicated that the concentration of PLAP+ serum-derived EVs (PLAP+-SDE) increased across the gestation. PLAP+-SDE contained DNA with LINE1 promoter methylation pattern. C19 miRNA cluster miRNAs (miR 515-5p, 519e and 520f) were present in PLAP+-SDE along with other miRNAs (miR-133-3p, miR210-3p and miR-223-3p). PLAP+-SDE confirmed the presence of EV markers (CD63 and CD9), along with placental proteins (PLAP and cullin 7). A modified novel strategy to extract an enriched population of circulating placental/amniochorionic EVs was devised employing an additional marker of extravillous trophoblasts, human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G), along with PLAP. The isolated pooled placental/amniochorionic (PLAP+&HLA-G+) serum-derived EVs (PP-SDE) showed ~two-fold increased protein levels of HLA-G in the third-trimester pregnant women compared to the non-pregnant controls. Future studies will be focused on validation of this novel strategy to isolate an enriched population of placental/amniochorionic EVs to facilitate a better understanding of placental physiology and pathophysiology.
Characterizing the Mobility of Papermaking Fibres During Sedimentation
Authors:   Department of Chemical and Bio-Resource Engineering, The Pulp and Paper Centre, University of British Columbia, Martinez D.M. , Buckley K. ,   TRIUMF, University of British Columbia, Jivan S. ,   TRIUMF, University of British Columbia, Lindström A. ,   Department of Chemical and Bio-Resource Engineering, The Pulp and Paper Centre, University of British Columbia;, Thiruvengadaswamy R. ,   Department of Chemical and Bio-Resource Engineering, The Pulp and Paper Centre, University of British Columbia, Olson J.A. ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Pulp and Paper Centre, University of British Columbia, Ruth T.J. ,   TRIUMF, University of British Columbia, Kerekes R.J. ,   Department of Chemical and Bio-Resource Engineering, The Pulp and Paper Centre, University of British Columbia
Published: February 2024

The mobility of sedimenting fibre suspensions is characterized here in three different, yet complementary studies. In the first study we present a simple mathematical analysis to define more precisely the term sediment concentration. Through this analysis we correct the sediment concentration for compressibility effects and redefine this parameter as the gel concentration point. In the second study, we visualize the transient settling of radioactively labeled papermaking fibres using a new experimental technique, positron emission tomography (PET). In the third study, we measure the mass distribution of fibres (formation) in the sediment as a function of the initial suspension concentration. The results indicate that the gel concentration point occurs at a crowding number of approximately 16(±4). Two distinct regimes of settling were clearly identified with PET, depending upon the initial crowding number of the suspension (N). With N < 16, hindered settling was observed. With N > 16, fibres began to flocculate, starting with the long fibre fraction. Formation was found to be slightly dependent on N in the region N < 16 and then worsen significantly with N > 16. In summary, these findings indicate that within the suspension conditions found in papermaking 1 < N < 60, that there are two sub-regimes within these limits of differing levels of fibre mobility. These sub-regimes are delineated at N = 16.
Liquid-Phase Turbulence in Pulp Fibre Suspensions
Authors:   Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada Pulp and Paper Centre, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4, Bennington C.P.J. , Mmbaga J.P. ,   Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada Pulp and Paper Centre, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
Published: February 2024

Mixing-sensitive chemical reactions have been used to study liquid-phase turbulence in a number of dispersed two-phase systems, including pulp fibre suspensions. This technique has allowed the measurement and mapping of turbulence in a number of mixing configurations at pulp mass concentrations up to Cm = 0.10 (expressed as a fraction). Liquid-phase turbulence was found to decrease exponentially with suspension concentration, indicating that fibres are extremely efficient at dampening turbulence within a suspension. The magnitude of turbulence reduction correlates well with the reduction in gas-liquid mass transfer, an indirect measure of liquid-phase turbulence. The energy dissipated by the fibre network is compared to predictions made using fibre network theory.
Prediction of Paper Formation by Fluidisation and Reflocculation Experiments
Authors:   VTT Energy, Technical Research Centre of Finland P.O. Box 1603, FIN-40101 Jyväskylä, Finland, Karema Hannu , Salmela Juha ,   VTT Energy, Technical Research Centre of Finland P.O. Box 1603, FIN-40101 Jyväskylä, Finland, Tukiainen Maarit ,   Metso Paper Oy, P.O. Box 587, FIN-40101 Jyväskylä, Finland, Lepomäki Hannu ,   Metso Paper Oy, P.O. Box 587, FIN-40101 Jyväskylä, Finland
Published: February 2024

Reference geometries consisting of a constriction block and a secondary pipe were used to provide reference information for estimation of the performance of more complex geometries resembling to real headbox designs. This information included the fluidisation ability curves, i.e. the minimum attained floc size in function of mechanical energy loss, the rate of fluidisation in sudden expansion, the rate of subsequent reflocculation and the level of saturation floc size. The functionality of this approach was illustrated with measured information of a particular complex geometry on several research environments of different scale. By paper samples produced with a similar geometry, the tight connection of the fluidised state of the suspension and of the attained formation was verified. Reduction of the residence time of suspension in the headbox resulted to lower floc size in slice lip area and to better level of formation in produced paper. In addition, both properties revealed a similar form for this dependency. By changes on tensile strength ratio of the produced paper, the operation of the forming section was shown to have an apparent but not controlling effect on the level of formation obtained.
Acute influence of myofascial self-mobilization using foam roller on muscle strength and flexibility
Authors: Sargentini Rafael , Sarôa Elisama Cavalcante Fuzzatti , Paula Carolina de , Achcar Jorge Alberto , Falcai Maurício José , Amaral André Capaldo
Published: February 2024

Myofascial self-mobilization (MSM) techniques have been widely applied in sports, especially with the use of foam rollers. However, the effectiveness of this technique still lacks scientific consensus regarding the kinetic-functional benefits. Thirty volunteers were recruited, aged between 18 and 30 years, sedentary, and with no recent history of musculotendinous injury. The volunteers in the myofascial mobilization group (MMG/ n=15) performed an MSM protocol consisting of 3 cycles of 30 seconds of mobilization. The muscle length range (MLR) assessments, established by measuring the popliteal angle, and the maximum voluntary isometric strength (MVIS) peak, by dynamometric determination, were performed before and after the protocol. The other volunteers (n=15) constituted the control group (CG) and were submitted to the same evaluation procedures, but without performing the MSM. The data obtained were submitted to descriptive qualitative analysis and the student’s t-test. The values of mean and standard deviation (M±SD) of MLR (o ) before and after mobilization, respectively for the GC and MSM groups, were 157.0±8.4/158.4±9.3 and 151, 1±16.4/153.7±16.4. The peak values of MVIS (Kgf), respectively for the same groups, were 13.2±3.6/14.0±3.6 and 11.8±2.1/11.7±2.2. Given these results, it is concluded that the MSM technique with foam roller did not have an acute influence (p≥0.05) on the MLR and MVIS of the hamstring muscles.
Mathematical Models of Local Heating of Elements of Electronic Devices
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Havrysh V.I.
Published: February 2024

Linear and non-linear mathematical models for the determination of the temperature field, and subsequently for the analysis of temperature regimes in isotropic spatial heat-active media sub-jected to internal and external local heat load, have been developed. In the case of nonlinear boundary-value problems, the Kirchhoff transformation was applied, using which the original nonlinear heat conduction equations and nonlinear boundary conditions were linearized, and as a result, linearized second-order differential equations with partial derivatives and a discontinu-ous right-hand side and partially linearized boundary conditions were obtained. For the final linearization of the partially linearized differential equation and boundary conditions, the ap-proximation of the temperature according to one of the spatial coordinates on the boundary sur-faces of the inclusion was performed by piecewise constant functions. To solve linear bounda-ry-value problems, as well as obtained linearized boundary-value problems with respect to the Kirchhoff transformation, the Henkel integral transformation method was used, as a result of which analytical solutions of these problems were obtained. For a heat-sensitive environment, as an example, a linear dependence of the coefficient of thermal conductivity of the structural material of the structure on temperature, which is often used in many practical problems, was chosen. As a result, analytical relations for determining the temperature distribution in this envi-ronment were obtained. Numerical analysis of temperature behavior as a function of spatial co-ordinates for given values of geometric and thermophysical parameters was performed. The in-fluence of the power of internal heat sources and environmental materials on the temperature distribution was studied. To determine the numerical values of the temperature in the given structure, as well as to analyze the heat exchange processes in the middle of these structures, caused by the internal and external heat load, software tools were developed, using which a ge-ometric image of the temperature distribution depending on the spatial coordinates was made.
Distribution and infraspecific diversity of little-pod false flax (Camelina microcarpa, Brassicaceae) in Ukraine
Authors:   Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 2a Baidy-Vyshnevetskoho Str., 04123 Kyiv, Ukraine, Blume R.Y. , Sakharova V.H. ,   Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 2a Baidy-Vyshnevetskoho Str., 04123 Kyiv, Ukraine, Rabokon A.M. ,   Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 2a Baidy-Vyshnevetskoho Str., 04123 Kyiv, Ukraine, Shumilova A.V. ,   M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 2 Tereshchenkivska Str., Kyiv 01601, Ukraine, Shiyan N.M. ,   M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 2 Tereshchenkivska Str., Kyiv 01601, Ukraine, Mosyakin S.L. ,   M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 2 Tereshchenkivska Str., Kyiv 01601, Ukraine, Blume Y.B. ,   Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 2a Baidy-Vyshnevetskoho Str., 04123 Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: February 2024

False flax (Camelina sativa, Brassicaceae), an emerging biofuel oilseed crop, demonstrates a very limited genetic diversity, which conditioned the high scientific interest to its closest wild relative, C. microcarpa, which is suitable for interspecific hybridization with C. sativa. However, C. microcarpa (as currently understood) is a genetically non-uniform and morphologically variable species that consists of several distinct ribotypes and cytotypes with varying ploidy levels. Little-pod false flax diversity remains understudied in Ukraine, despite the country is one of genetic diversity hotspots of this species. Therefore, in the present study we aimed to clarify the distribution patterns of C. microcarpa and its various infraspecific forms in Ukraine, based on the collections of the National Herbarium of Ukraine (KW). In particular, it has been demonstrated that C. microcarpa occurs at present over the almost whole territory of Ukraine and is represented by two distinct hexaploid cytotypes, as well as by two Western-type ribotypes (W1 and W2).The obtained results clarify the actual distribution range of C. microcarpa in Ukraine and for the first time allows to delineate its various forms there, which in the future can be used for further studies of the population structure of representatives of C. microcarpa in Ukraine.
Off-Label Drug Use in Acute Respiration Infection Patient at Pangandaran Hospital, Pangandaran District, West Java - Indonesia
Authors: Rahayuningsih Nur , Priatna Muharam , Sulistiani Dewi A.
Published: February 2024

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are infectious diseases of the upper or lower respiratory tract that cause a spectrum of illnesses from mild to severe infections. ARI is one of the leading causes of death in children in developing countries. The high incidence of ARI in children results in the use of off-label drugs. Off-label medicine is the use of drugs outside the provisions of the license relating to dose, age, route of administration, contraindications. This study aims to determine the use of off-label drugs in children with a diagnosis of ARI at Pandega Pangandaran Hospital, Pangandaran District, West Java - Indonesia. This study was an observational study with a cross sectional design and data collection was done retrospectively using Chi-square data analysis with a significance level of 0.05. Of the 84 patients who fit the inclusion criteria, there was an off-label drug use of 16.01% with the categories of off-label age (11.16%), off-label dose (4.37%), and off-label indication (0.48%) while in the category of route of administration and contraindications no off-label drug use was found. The most common type of off-label drug used was cetirizine antihistamine.  Based on the results, pharmacist’s supervision related to the risk of drug use is strongly recommended.
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Coding Challenge Answers
Authors:   American Academy of Pediatrics
Published: February 2024

Check your answers to this month’s Coding Challenge.
Innovative prophylactic and therapeutic approaches in liver cirrhosis
Authors: Ciovicescu Lucia-Maria , Clichici Simona Valeria , Simedrea Ramona-Ariana , Ciovicescu Felix , Lupan Simona Corina , Sabău Lavinia Ioana , Toader Alina Mihaela , Mocan Teodora
Published: February 2024

Liver cirrhosis is the consequence of chronicisation and of the evolution of untreated liver diseases. The complexity of the disease and the complications it can cause have been and are still intensively researched, aiming to discover new therapies or improve existing ones for the effective management of liver cirrhosis. Currently, the treatment used is directed against the cause that caused the disease, if it is known; in advanced cases, liver transplantation is the only valid therapeutic option. Hepatoprotectors that are currently on the market are numerous, having as common properties the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, stabilizing properties of the hepatocytic membrane; A few examples: the ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa, the extract from the plant called Sophora flavescens, the extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra, silymarin (extracted from Sylibum marianum), the extract of Ganoderma lucidum, etc. Liver cirrhosis is accompanied by generalized hypovitaminosis, so supplementing the diet with hydro- and liposoluble vitamins is mandatory. Protein-caloric malnutrition can be prevented by a hyperprotein diet, especially beneficial being the supplementation with branched-chain amino acids, which are also applicable in the prophylaxis and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. Nanoparticles are a state-of-the-art therapeutic option, proving increased bioavailability, for example polydopamine nanoparticles loaded with l-arginine have been tested as therapy in liver cirrhosis. Among the innovative treatment directions in liver cirrhosis are hybrid products (e.g. hybrid polymer nanoparticles loaded with caffeic acid), cell cultures and artificial or bioartificial liver support.
The Semantic Frame of The Royal Funeral
Authors: Uberman Agnieszka
Published: February 2024

Any form of life ends in death. Human death is a difficult moment for an individual’s family. Various cultures observe diverse rituals and traditions connected with the end of life and perform different burial rites. Memorial services assume a range of forms depending on the culture and religious tradition an individual was brought up in and followed throughout their life. However, memorial ceremonies are also diversified within a given culture. The funeral of a monarch is much more complex as compared to this of any of his/her subject’s. The death of the British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022 was followed by a period of mourning and state funeral. The analysis in the present paper focuses on the semantic frame of the royal funeral. The methodological framework adopted for the discussion is the cognitive linguistic one, focusing on cognitive-linguistic models such as frames and scripts, exemplified here by the frame of the ROYAL FUNERAL and the [ROYAL FUNERAL] script. Both of the presented models contain unique elements that are not to be found in other contexts. The components of frame and script which are specific to this event are highlighted. The data for the detailed description of the frame are gathered from the online news reports provided by the British Broadcasting Corporation. The study shows how different the discussed model is from the standard description of the frame of FUNERAL and the [FUNERAL] script respectively. Also, many of its elements are culture-specific.
Doświadczenie pandemii koronawirusa w słowach i obrazach
Authors: Kut Diana , Mytych-Orlewska Katarzyna , Owerko Klaudia , Serwa Klaudia , Surowiec Marta , Świderska Dominika
Published: February 2024

Autorki analizują nowe słownictwo oficjalne i potoczne dotyczące pandemii, które wzbogaciło współczesną polszczyznę po roku 2020. Przedstawiają typologię grup semantycznych, podkreślają kreatywność słowotwórczą użytkowników języka, opisują rodzaje motywacji stojące za aktywnością językową nadawców. Pokazują, w jaki sposób nadawcy wykorzystują mechanizmy językowe i wizualne (na przykładzie memów), które pozwalają im nazwać nowe sytuacje, wyrazić emocje i uczucia, a także ocenić rzeczywiste wydarzenia. Prezentowany w artykule materiał, stanowiący zróżnicowane i reprezentatywne źródło informacji o badanym zjawisku, został wyekscerpowany z tekstów medialnych: prasowych, telewizyjnych oraz internetowych (m.in. e-prasa, fora, blogi, portale społecznościowe).
Rzecz o metaforze kulinarnej w relacjach meczów siatkar- skich – szkic problemu
Authors: Kochmańska Wioletta
Published: February 2024

Przedmiotem zainteresowań badawczych w niniejszym tekście uczyniono metafory kulinarne, które wpisane zostały w komentarze ekspertów i dziennikarzy w trakcie relacji meczów siatkarskiej Plus Ligi na antenie stacji Polsat Sport. Analizę formalną wybranych struktur, którą uzupełniono krótką charakterystyką dyskursu sport–media oraz nakreśleniem specyfiki relacji obrazu i słowa w wybranych transmisjach, przeprowadzono w nurcie badań kognitywnych z zastosowaniem teorii poznania proponowanej przez George’a Lakoffa i Marka Johnsona. Wykorzystano też szerszą perspektywę ujęcia problemu – zakotwiczoną w semiotyce analizę dyskursu. W rezultacie wyodrębniono funkcje, jakie pełni analizowany typ językowej kreacji i interpretacji w komentarzu sportowym, akcentując, że są zarówno pochodnymi celów nadawcy medialnego, jak i uwarunkowaniem konwencji w obrębie analizowanego gatunku medialnego.
Antioxidant activity, anthocyanin profile, and mineral compositions of colored wheats
Authors: P. Shamanin Vladamir , Tekin-Cakmak Zeynep Hazal , Karasu Salih , Pototskaya Inna V. , Gordeeva Elena I. , O. Verner Artem , Morgounov Alexey I. , Yaman Mustafa , Sagdic Osman , Koksel Hamit
Published: February 2024

The antioxidant activities (ABTS and CUPRAC) of 40 different colored wheat genotypes were investigated, and some of the diverse wheat genotypes were selected to investigate their anthocyanin profiles and mineral compositions. The ABTS values of free and bound fractions were in the range of 15.61-157.36 mg TE/100 g and 33.26-189.48 mg TE/100 g, respectively. For the free and bound fractions of the colored wheat samples, the CUPRAC values were determined between 25.73 and 229.20 mg TE/100 g, and between 82.00 and 348.93 mg TE/100 g, respectively. The anthocyanin profiles of the colored wheats varied depending on the genotypes. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside chloride was abundant in the samples w3, w8, w17, w18 and w20 while malvidin-3-O-glucoside chloride was the major anthocyanin for the samples w13, w23, w14, w30 and w34. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside chloride was significantly higher in w18 than others (p<0.05). Cyanidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside was only found in the free extracts of the two samples (w17 and w20). The best accessions with high antioxidant activity and anthocyanin profile were identified for their potential utilization in wheat breeding programs. According to the results, the w17 sample (line BW 49880–Dark colored P, F4) was chosen as the best sample due to its highest antioxidant activity (p<0.05) and the best anthocyanin profile. The macronutrients Ca, K, and Mg highly varied among the genotypes studied. The trace elements, Zn and Fe were significantly higher in purple-grained lines than that of the red-grained variety. The study’s outcomes are likely to support breeding programs to generate new wheat cultivars with greater nutritional benefits.
Tryptyk rzymski. Medytacje. O poszukiwaniu źródła życia i twórczości oraz początku Przymierza z Tym, „który mówił tak do Abrama | jak mówi Człowiek do człowieka”
Authors: Dudek Jolanta
Published: February 2024

This article presents an interpretation of John Paul II’s Roman Triptych, which comprises three meditations written by him in Rome in the year 2002. At first sight, this work would seem to be a longer religious poem that has its roots in the author’s biography as well as in European art and philosophy — not unlike T. S. Eliot’s Four Quartets. Here, however, the main point of reference turns out to be the Bible. John Paul II’s Roman Triptych is essentially a biblical poem for our times. The poet’s musings have been written down in free verse, reflecting the rhythmic flow of normal speech and the babble of a mountain stream, which — in the first meditation — is his constant companion as he wanders in search of the source of life and creation, this being God — the Primordial Word. In the second meditation, the poet enters the Sistine Chapel and admires Michelangelo’s frescos, which illustrate the beginning and the end of “all that is seen”, in accordance with what is written in the Bible. It was in the presence of these very frescos that the author of the poem had been elected as the latest successor of St. Peter. In the third and last meditation, the poet ponders on the beginning of the Covenant and the meaning of the heroic ordeal undergone by Abraham — the father of our faith — as he makes his way to the top of the mysterious hill In the land of Moriah in order to sacrifice his son. From a semantic point of view, the poem has been written on several levels. The various meditations are woven around the inspired words of the Book of Genesis, the Gospel, the Acts of the Apostles and the Apostolic Letters, which together form a network of interconnections between the Old Testament and the New Testament. The poet’s reflections on what he sees are accompanied by dramatic tension, as at times his narrator’s monologue becomes either a dialogue or is interspersed with the utterances of others.
VІ Міжнародний Grain Storage Forum ELEVATOR 2024
Authors: Group ProAgro
Published: February 2024

31 травня 2024 року у київському гольф-центрі пройде VІ Міжнародний Grain Storage Forum ELEVATOR 2024 – найбільший в Україні форум в галузі зберігання, переробки, логістики і трейдингу зерна.
VINNYTSIA REGION: STATUS AND TRENDS OF PRODUCTION, PROCESSING AND STORAGE OF GRAIN
Authors: Kats A. , Stankevych G. , Tupytsia U.
Published: February 2024

The article is devoted to the study of the state of production, processing and storage of grain in the Vinnytsia region. The objectives of the research were to monitor the collected areas and gross harvests of the main crops in 2011-2021, establish the trends of their changes, analyze the capacities of transport and technological equipment and granaries of the region. The analysis was conducted on the basis of data from the State Statistics Service of Ukraine for 2011-2021. The analysis of harvested areas and gross harvests of grain of the main crops at agricultural enterprises of the region in 2011–2021 showed their tendency to increase. During this period, harvested areas increased by 1.42 times, and annual volumes of gross grain harvests had a wave-like growth pattern. Linear trend equations are proposed for forecasting harvested areas and gross grain harvests, which are characterized by coefficients of determination R2 of 0.79 and 0.65, respectively. The largest gross harvests were given by corn, wheat and sunflower, and smaller – by barley, soybeans and rapeseed. In 2018-2021, the gross harvest of these crops was within the following limits (thousand tons): corn 2015-2620, wheat 1200-1691, and sunflower 755-1001. 66 enterprises receive grain from vehicles, and 65 forward it. The average capacity of receiving grain is 3032.41 t/day, and forwarding 1183.61 t/day. There are 21 railway transport enterprises hiring, and 55 enterprises offering leave. The average capacity of receiving devices from the railway is 949.52 t/day, and the output capacity is 1448.69 t/day. 111 grain dryers from 11 producing countries are installed at the considered 53 enterprises of the region. Of them, 18.9% of enterprises have dryers of Ukrainian production only, 20.8% of enterprises have both domestic and foreign ones, but the majority of enterprises have dryers of foreign production only, which are 1.85 times more than the number of Ukrainian made dryers. It was established that 82 separators are used for grain cleaning at 37 elevators, most of which (63%) are domestically produced, which outnumber imported ones by 1.73 times. The total capacity of simultaneous storage of grain in 67 elevators of agricultural enterprises is 3554.35 thousand tons, of which 2449.41 thousand tons have harvesting elevators and 1104.94 thousand tons – production elevators. Their simultaneous storage capacity is less than the forecast values of gross grain harvests in 2022 – 6354.2 thousand tons, which requires the expansion of the elevator network of the Vinnytsia region.