bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shakespearean Theatre in Criticism and Journalism of Petr Boborykin
Authors: Timakova A. A.
Published: May 2024

The aim of the study is to analyze the functions and forms of Boborykin’s references to Shakespeare’s dramatic heritage and determine the extent of Shakespearean theatre’s influence on the formation of the writer’s creative system. The material consists of feuilletons and articles by P. D. Boborykin for the journals “Library for Reading” (1861, 1862), “Case” (1871), “Word” (1878), publications in the newspapers “New Time” (1876), “Theatrical World” (1887), as well as the book “Theatrical Art” (1872) and the memoirs “For Half a Century” (1929, 1965). It is shown that in his feuilleton publicism, Boborykin turns to Shakespeare to criticize the contemporary theatre in all its manifestations — from the quality of plays, the choice of repertoire by theatre administration, acting, to the level of the audience. When evaluating A. N. Ostrovsky’s dramaturgy, the writer uses criteria developed by himself for analyzing Shakespearean theatre. Boborykin does not recognize historicism in artistic texts due to the author’s inability to be unbiased in reproducing the realities of the depicted era. In relation to Shakespeare’s plays, the writer introduces the term “universal human nature”, implying the reflection by the playwright of his contemporary reality in the settings of the chosen era. Boborykin reproaches A. N. Ostrovsky for an abundance of epic elements which, in his opinion, are unacceptable in dramaturgical art. Shakespeare’s works became the aesthetic, artistic, and philosophical foundation for the writer’s system of evaluating theatrical art.
Sociolinguistic Characterization of Métis People in Canada
Authors: Kozhemyakina V. A.
Published: May 2024

This article presents a sociolinguistic characterization of the indigenous Métis people in Canada. Drawing on existing scholarly works and research, the study aims to describe the status of the Métis people, recently recognized as an indigenous nation of the country, and their language. It delves into the historical formation of the Métis nation and its current state, providing a demolinguistic profile of the Métis population today. Statistical data from recent censuses is included. The novelty of this research lies in its examination of the contemporary situation of the Métis people with a focus on existing laws and judicial decisions impacting all aspects of their lives. An overview of anthropological and sociolinguistic studies on Métis people conducted by scholars over the past decades is offered. The author emphasizes the functional characteristics of the Métis language, Michif, outlining its ethnic and social functions. The article also discusses policies concerning Métis people in the realms of social, economic, and political rights. The relevance of this study is underscored by the heightened attention from Russian and global societies towards language situations and solutions to linguistic issues in polyethnic states, as well as the preservation of indigenous languages.
Muslims of Tobolsk Province in Second Half of 19th Century: Marriage Dynamics
Authors: Faizullina G. Ch. , Ermakova E. N. , Faizova L. Kh.
Published: May 2024

This study presents an analysis of the content of handwritten records from Muslim metric books of the mid-19th century at the Komarovskaya Yurt Mosque in Tobolsk Province. The analysis focuses on the second part, which includes information on marriages and divorces. Building upon previous research analyzing birth data from the first part of mosque records, this work introduces, for the first time, data on marriages and divorces of residents of Western Siberia belonging to a single ethnic group: the mosque’s parishioners were Bukharans — migrants from Central Asia. A total of 116 marriage records and six divorce records were analyzed. The statistics suggest that the institution of marriage was stable. The study reveals the ages of those getting married, marriage conditions, dowry amounts paid, reasons for divorce, and polygamy practices. It is proven that despite the lack of surnames among the Tatar population in the 19th century, recording the names of marrying individuals, their fathers, witnesses, and social status in mosque records allows for the identification of each individual. Interfaith marriage contacts were not recorded during the analyzed period. The relevance of this research lies in providing new insights into Muslim marriage customs and social processes in a specific territory during the specified period.
Metaphor in Ossetian Literary-Critical Text
Authors: Tsopanova R. G. , Tsarikaeva F. A. , Kachmazova E. S.
Published: May 2024

The article is dedicated to the study of metaphor as a means of forming scientific concepts and creating expressive-illustrative context. The research aims to identify types and sources of metaphorical transfers in Ossetian literary-critical texts and analyze their functioning as an important part of the language of these texts. The novelty of this study lies in the first-ever analysis of metaphor types in Ossetian literary-critical texts, verbalizing scientific concepts and creating an expressive field specific to scientific discourse. Sources of metaphors and their functions are identified. The study reveals that the main types of metaphors in the language of the texts under investigation are nominative, figurative, poetic (individual), and cognitive. Sources of metaphors include nature-mimetic and anthropocentric, acoustic, visual, and spatial groups, artifacts, symbols, etc. Metaphors are integrated into the content of the texts as essential linguistic material capable of creating a scientific context and reflecting the scientific worldview of the people. Many scientific concepts and a range of artistic-illustrative means in the analyzed texts can be considered borrowings from the Russian language, indicating a connection between the two languages in the scientific sphere of communication.
Growth Evaluation of Backcross Progenies BC2F1 Experiencing Submerg-ence and Non-submergence at BC1F1 and its Parents
Authors: Jati Winggi Anggun , Agus Suwignyo Rujito
Published: May 2024

The utilization of dual-resistant varieties that are resistant to soaking and drought in certain periods is an alternative to rice cultivation in swampy land. Inpara 8 is a variety that is confirmed to have SUB 1 gene, resistant to submerged stress and Inpago 5 is identified to be resistant to drought stress. Crosses were made between Inpara 8 (donor parent) with Inpago 5 (recipient parent), resulting in F1, then F1 was crossed back with Inpago 5 and produced BC1F1, then crossed back with Inpago 5 to become BC2F1. This paper contains an evaluation of the growth of BC2F1, which in the BC1F1 stage experienced submerged stress in the vegetative phase and which did not experience submerged stress. The research was carried out in August 2021 - January 2022 at the Greenhouse of the Department of Agricultural Cultivation, Faculty of Agriculture, Sriwijaya University. The results showed that in the vegetative phase, progeny BC2F1 TR has an average value of the highest per plant (113.64 cm) and the average per plant height Inpara 8 (3.93). In the generative phase, the fastest flowering time on the accession of BC2F1 TR (68 days), the fastest harvest time on Inpara 8 (122.93 days), while for the amount of grain per panicle, the amount of grain per clump, and dry weight on Inpago 5 (529.60 g, 2648 g, and 11.62 g). The average yield of BC2F1 progeny is more similar to Inpago 5 as the recipient parent. Both progeny have the same Sub 1 gene in them and can survive to produce, but Accessions that have experienced previous submerged stress are more vulnerable to growth so they have an impact on the resulting production.
Indicators of banks and economic indicators on non-cash payments in ASEAN-7 countries
Authors: Noor Iswan , Muttaqin Aminnullah Achmad , Prestianawati Silvi Asna , Fawwaz Muhammad , Putri Amira Karina , Asyrof Rifqi Aqil , Imamia Tsumma Lazuardini
Published: May 2024

This research explores the intricate relationship between digitalization, economic development, and non-cash payments in the ASEAN-7 countries over a ten-year period from 2011 to 2020. Focusing on factors such as commercial bank branches, broad money, and inflation, the study employs panel data regression analysis to investigate their impact on automated teller machine (ATM) usage. The findings reveal that commercial bank branches significantly influence ATM usage, emphasizing the role of accessibility, services, and technological preferences. Broad money also shows a significant impact on ATM transactions, reflecting the interplay between fund availability and non-cash transactions. However, inflation does not exhibit a direct influence on ATM usage. The research underscores the importance of maintaining service quality and security in the banking sector to enhance digital financial inclusion. Future research opportunities include exploring diverse non-cash payment methods and extending studies to countries with significant global economic impacts. This research contributes valuable insights to policymakers aiming to enhance digital financial inclusion policies, ultimately fostering economic growth through the digital economy in the ASEAN-7 region.
Role of rhizospheric microbial enzymes in plant growth promotion, antagonism, and sustainable agriculture: A review
Authors: Galani Bhavini , Chauhan Jagruti , Gohel Sangeeta
Published: May 2024

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) offer eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers, promoting sustainable agriculture by enhancing soil fertility, reducing pathogens, and aiding in stress resistance. In agriculture, they play a crucial role in plant growth promotion through the production of agroactive compounds and extracellular enzymes to promote plant health and protection against phytopathogens. In the rhizosphere, diverse microbial interactions, including those with bacteria and fungi, influence plant health by production of antimicrobial compounds. The antagonism displayed by rhizobacteria plays a crucial role in shaping microbial communities and has potential applications in developing a natural and environmentally friendly approach to pest control. The rhizospheric microbes showcase their ecological importance and potential for biotechnological applications in the context of plant-microbe interactions. The extracellular enzymes produced by rhizospheric microbes like amylases, chitinases, glucanases, cellulases, proteases, and ACC deaminase contribute to plant processes and stress response emphasizing their importance in sustainable agriculture. Moreover, this review highlights the new paradigm including artificial intelligence (AI) in sustainable horticulture and agriculture as a harmonious interaction between ecological networks for promoting soil health and microbial diversity that leads to a more robust and self-regulating agricultural system for protecting the environment in the future. Overall, this review emphasizes microbial interactions and the role of rhizospheric microbial extracellular enzymes which is crucial for developing eco-friendly approaches to enhance crop production and soil health.
Effect of Acoustic Enclosure on the Sound Transmission Loss of Multi-Layered Micro-Perforated Plates
Authors: El Kharras Brahim , Garoum Mohammed , Bybi Abdelmajid
Published: May 2024

This study presents an examination of the transmission properties of multilayered partitions made up of multiple micro-perforated plates (MPPs) coupled to acoustic enclosures with general impedance boundaries. Multi-layered MPPs can lower the transmission while minimizing reflection in the source and receiving enclosure. Previous research has mainly focused on the double MPPs or triple MPPs partition itself. However, it is vital to analyze the in-situ sound transmission loss of the multi-layered MPP and their efficiency in a complex vibro-acoustic environment. The case when the multilayered MPPs are coupled to a receiving enclosure or coupled to both a source and receiving enclosure is investigated. The objective is to provide an analytical method to evaluate the transmission properties of multilayered MPPs coupled to acoustic enclosures while being computationally more efficient than the finite element method (FEM). Using the modified Fourier series for the acoustic pressure, a variational form for the acoustic and structure medium yields a completely coupled vibroacoustic system. A comparison between the sound transmission loss of the double MPPs, when mounted on an impedance tube and coupled to acoustics enclosures, shows the modal effect of the enclosures. The effect of enclosure shape, impedance boundary, perforation ratio, air gap thickness on the sound transmission properties of the double MPPs structure is examined for both cases. Finally, in both situations, the performance of triple MPP structure insulation is evaluated.
Speech Emotion Recognition Using a Multi-Time-Scale Approach to Feature Aggregation and an Ensemble of SVM Classifiers
Authors: Stefanowska Antonina , Zielinski Sławomir K.
Published: May 2024

Due to its relevant real-life applications, the recognition of emotions from speech signals constitutes a popular research topic. In the traditional methods applied for speech emotion recognition, audio features are typically aggregated using a fixed-duration time window, potentially discarding information conveyed by speech at various signal durations. By contrast, in the proposed method, audio features are aggregated simultaneously using time windows of different lengths (a multi-time-scale approach), hence, potentially better utilizing information carried at phonemic, syllabic, and prosodic levels compared to the traditional approach. A genetic algorithm is employed to optimize the feature extraction procedure. The features aggregated at different time windows are subsequently classified by an ensemble of support vector machine (SVM) classifiers. To enhance the generalization property of the method, a data augmentation technique based on pitch shifting and time stretching is applied. According to the obtained results, the developed method outperforms the traditional one for the selected datasets, demonstrating the benefits of using a multi-time-scale approach to feature aggregation.
Semantic prosody, semantic transfer and semantic change
Authors: Russnes Mathias
Published: May 2024

This article investigates semantic prosody in a diachronic perspective. Although prosodies have been shown to change over time, there is no consensus regarding the source of such changes. The present study explores this further through a corpus study of the development of the lemmas fabric, fabricate and fabrication from the late 15th century to the late 20th century, drawing on material from Early English Books Online, the Corpus of Late Modern English Texts and the British National Corpus. The results of the study show that prosodic changes coincide with the emergence of new senses and indicate that these processes are related to and possibly caused by semantic transfer induced by persistent prosodies over time.
Root cutting on growth and yield of oil palm (Elaeis guenesis Jacq.)
Authors: Wahyudin Cecep , Hariyadi  , Sudrajat  , Yahya Sudirman , Anwar Syaiful
Published: May 2024

Root cutting is speculated able to increase nutrient uptake by oil palm. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of root trimming on the growth, flowering, and yield of oil palm. The research focused on oil palm plants aged five years old in the field. The experiment used a nested design with two key factors: root-cutting depth as the main plot and root-pruning intensity as the subplot. Results showed that root cutting at a depth of 0 to 20 cm from the soil surface followed by cutting intensities of 50% and 75% enhanced plant height at 0, 3, and 9 months after treatment. The treatments did not affect other variables including flowering and yield of oil palm trees.
Keywords: bunch weight; cutting intensity; root trimming; sex ratio
Application of RGB UAV images to identify spectral patterns and estimate rice production
Authors: Munibah Khursatul , Iskandar Wahyu , Barus Baba , Hongo Chiharu
Published: May 2024

Monitoring rice plant growth is crucial for evaluating rice field management and yield production. RGB images are generated from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) with RGB cameras. UAVs produce high spatial and temporal resolution, while RGB cameras are commonly used and cheap. The objectives of this study were to identify the spectral pattern of rice plant growth and to estimate yield production based on the spectral value of RGB images. The spectral pattern and yield estimation were analyzed using confidence interval (CI) and regression, respectively. Results show that spectral pattern during the vegetative until ripening stage forms a concave with minimum value in the generative stage and decreases towards the harvest stage. Based on the CI value, the high interval between upper and lower happened in the vegetative and ripening stages while the low interval happened in the generative stage. The high CI in the vegetative and ripening stages was due to the soil background and complexity of the rice plant canopy, respectively while the low CI in the generative stage was due to the homogeneous response of the leaf canopy. The best rice yield estimation based on the spectral value occurs in the ripening stage with an R2 of 0.84.
Keywords: chlorophyll content, confidence interval, drone images, rice plant, regression
Trichoderma spp. isolates stimulate rice seedling growth of Sertani 13 variety
Authors: Akbari Sulistya Ika , Prismantoro Dedat , Rossiana Nia , Doni Febri
Published: May 2024

Trichoderma has become one of the most studied filamentous fungi to be used as a greener and more sustainable solution for improving the production and growth of numerous crops, due to its capability to form symbiotic associations with plants. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Trichoderma isolates obtained from the rhizosphere of organic rice fields in Sukabumi, Indonesia, in enhancing rice germination and seedling growth. A laboratory experiment used a completely randomized design consisting of seed treatments of 21 Trichoderma isolates (T1-T21) and a control treatment without Trichoderma (C). The inoculation was employed to elucidate any potential effects of Trichoderma isolates. Results showed that five isolates, i.e., T5, T7, T9, T10, and T14 stimulated the highest seedling vigor index, root and shoot length, and fresh weight and dry weight. These findings exhibited the potential of these five isolates as plant growth-promoting fungi to improve rice seedling growth and contribute to our understanding of the role of symbiotic fungi in sustainable rice crop production.
Keywords: plant growth promoting fungi; seed treatment; plant-microbe interactions, symbiotic fungi
Role of Human Capital as A Driver For Sustainable Economic Growth in Western Balkan Countries
Authors: Devassia Binu Peediyeckal , Karma Emiljan , Muço Klodian
Published: May 2024

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of years of education and life expectancy on the economic development of the Western Balkan Countries (Southeast Europe).
 
Theoretical Framework: This study considers the impact of exogenous and endogenous theories of economic growth, with a particular focus on the role of human capital (human resources) in driving economic development.
 
Method: We have proposed a panel data regression methodology in which the dependent variable is the GDP per capita. The countries analyzed are covered from 2012 to 2021 and the total number of observations in the panel is 50. This study used secondary data from the WorldBank databases.
 
Findings: The results reveal a positive correlation between the Education Index and Labor Force Participation, while the Gross Enrollment Rate in Tertiary School and Life Expectancy show a negative correlation.
 
Research Implications: The demographic, economic, and educational conditions in the Western Balkan countries required immediate action by policymakers to avoid a situation that cannot be sustained over the medium or long term. The governments of these nations must take action to shift the focus of higher education to a more qualitative approach.
The Impact of E-Learning on Learnlng Out Comes at the Jordanian Universities
Authors: Alsadi Mohammad Mahmoud , Momani Khaled Sulieman Ahmed , Daradkah Amjad Mahmoud , Alomari Mohammad A. S. , Awais Buthiana Elias
Published: May 2024

Objective: The study aims to determine the impact of e-learning on learning outcomes in the Jordanian universities, and the differences in the level of e-learning impact on learning outcomes in light of gender, specialization, years of experience, and academic rank.
 
Theoretical Framework: this study focus on the impact of e-learning on learning outcomes at the Jordanian universities.
 
Method: The study used analytical descriptive design by using a survey to achieve the study objectives, The study population consisted of all faculty members in Jordanian universities. The study sample consisted of (113) faculty members who were selected by random sampling.).
 
Results and Discussion: The study revealed statistically significant differences in the impact of e-learning on learning outcomes at the Jordanian universities due to specialization, in favor of humanities; due to years of experience, in favor of less than 10 years; due to academic rank, in favor of associate professor; while there was no statistically significant difference in light of gender.
 
Research Implications: it attempts to provide a more thorough picture about the situation of e-learning in Jordanian universities and how it may help university administrations develop their technological infrastructure to help faculty members capitalize the various advantages of e-learning as an effective tool for presenting learning materials. platforms.
 
Originality/Value: It also hoped that the results of this study may motivate administrators in Jordanian public and private universities to develop their own learning
The role of biomarkers in diagnosing breast cancer: a review
Authors: Alsaedi Thamer , Qari Amal , Aljohani Asia
Published: May 2024

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with late-stage detection significantly impacting prognosis. The emergence of novel biomarkers has revolutionized early diagnosis and prognosis, offering hope for improved outcomes. This review comprehensively explores the diverse types of biomarkers and evaluates their pivotal role in breast cancer diagnosis. Our review employed a systematic search strategy across reputable scientific platforms, utilizing varied keywords to ensure comprehensive coverage. Articles were meticulously selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. New emerging biomarkers are thought to be promising in early diagnosis and, thereby, prognosis. The main uses of tumor markers are to track the effectiveness of treatment and to identify recurrences of the disease before they manifest clinically noticeable symptoms.
СУЧАСНІ ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ З ІСТОРІЇ ОСВІТЯНСЬКОГО РУХУ НА ГУЦУЛЬЩИНІ
Authors: Паска Тарас , Паска Богдан
Published: May 2024

У статті висвітлено результати сучасних наукових досліджень з історії освітянського руху на Гуцульщині. Розкрито внесок науковців закладів вищої освіти Карпатського регіону, науково-дослідних установ, що були створені в системі Національної академії педагогічних наук України та Міністерства освіти і науки України, в дослідження педагогічного гуцульщинознавства. Звертається увага на публікації і праці дослідників освітянського руху на Гуцульщині, що були опубліковані у виданнях західної діаспори. Окреслено основні напрями та проблеми подальших досліджень у галузі педагогічного гуцульщинознавства на сучасному етапі.
الحرب الأهلية اليمنية عام 1994
Authors: سعيد ندى محمد , حميد رائد سامي
Published: May 2024

الحرب الأهلية في اليمن أيار - يوليو 1994، هي حرب نشبت بين حكومة اليمن في صنعاء وأعضاء الحزب الاشتراكي اليمني ، للمطالبة بانفصال اليمن الجنوبي عن اليمن الشمالي. كانت نتيجة الحرب هي هزيمة القوات المسلحة التابعة لليمن الجنوبي وفرار معظم قادة الحزب الاشتراكي اليمني وانفصاليين آخرين .
        أما  حيدر أبو بكر العطاس ، رئيس الوزراء في جمهورية اليمن الديمقراطية الشعبية استمر بمنصب رئيس الوزراء ، ولكن حكومته كانت غير فعالة بسبب الاقتتال الداخلي. المفاوضات المستمرة بين القادة في الشمال والجنوب أسفرت عن توقيع وثيقة العهد والاتفاق في العاصمة الأردنية عمان يوم 20 فبراير 1994. وبالرغم من ذلك ، اشتدت حدة الاشتباكات حتى اندلعت الحرب الاهلية في أوائل مايو 1994.
فاعلية بناء برنامج تعليمي قائم على المدخل الترابطي في اكتساب المفاهيم التاريخية عند طلبة المرحلة الثالثة قسم التاريخ
Authors: علي احمد دحام , رشيد نضال مزاحم
Published: May 2024

يهدف هذا البحث إلى معرفة فاعلية برنامج تعليمي قائم على المدخل الترابطي في اكتساب المفاهيم التاريخية عند طلبة المرحلة الثالثة في قسم التاريخ، اتبع الباحثان إجراءات المنهج الوصفيّ، واجراءات المنهج التجريبي واختار الباحثان قصدياً قسم التاريخ في كلية التربية للعلوم الانسانية، جامعة تكريت ليمثل مجتمع بحثه، ثم اختار المرحلة الثالثة، وبالطريقة العشوائية اختار شعبة (أ) لتمثل المجموعة التجريبية التي تدرس مادة دراسات في تاريخ الحضارة الاسلامية على وفق البرنامج التعليمي، بواقع(41) طالباً وطالبة، وشعبة (ب) لتمثل المجموعة الضابطة التي تدرس المادة نفسها على وفق البرنامج التقليدي، بواقع (41) طالباً وطالبة، فبلغت عينة البحث (82) طالباً وطالبة، أعدَّ الباحثان اختبار اكتساب المفاهيم التاريخية مكون بصورته النهائية من (33) فقرة اختبارية من نوع اختيار من متعدد وقد تحقق الباحث من صدقه وثباته، استعمل الباحثان الوسائل الإحصائية الآتية: (الاختبار التائي لعينتين مستقلتين، والاختبار التائي لعينتين مترابطتين، ومربع كاي (كا2)، ومعامل ارتباط بيرسون، ومعادلة معامل الفا كرونباخ)، وبعد تحليل النتائج إحصائياً توصل الباحثان تفوق المجموعة التجريبية التي تدرس بالبرنامج التعليمي على المجموعة الضابطة في اختبار اكتساب المفاهيم.
Right to digital integrity as a new fundamental human right? Pro et contra
Authors: Chetverikov Artem Olegovich
Published: May 2024

The new technological order as well as digitalization (digital transformation) of social life are increasingly influencing the regulatory instruments thereof, giving rise to the emergence of technological (digital) branches of law and legislation («digital law» etc.). Until recently, these changes have left almost unaffected the institution of fundamental human and citizen’s rights and freedoms considered as «technologically neutral», i.e. applicable in every kind of environment, including the digital one. Nevertheless, the things here also changing, as evidenced by introduction into the Constitution of Geneva of a new kind of fundamental right entitled – the «right to digital integrity». The article explores and appraises the arguments for and against (pro et contra) the separate consecration of fundamental digital rights and corresponding fundamental digital duties of the State. The research derives from the combination of common scientific and legal exploratory methods together with an interdisciplinary approach (assessment of relevance of digital constitutionalism). The article provides an overview of global constitutional experience of countries of different continents, where the constitutional provisions containing digital rights (DR) have been proposed or are already in force. Taking as a starting point the Swiss legal provisions, the article presents the right to digital integrity and evaluates the positive and negative consequences of its constitutionalisation. Given, the uncertainty of the effects of the abovementioned constitutional innovation the author points out that it is preferable to consecrate the right to digital integrity in federal States initially at the level of federal entities and only later at the national level, as Switzerland did. The author's special contribution to the research of the topic consists in the identification and comparison of conflicting legal arguments supporting and criticizing the specific consecration of digital rights.
Covid-19’s Emotional Toll on Students: Experiences during Online Assessments in an Open and Distance Learning Programme
Authors: Du Plessis Elize , Van der Westhuizen Gert
Published: May 2024

The Covid-19 pandemic had an immense effect on teaching and learning during 2020. The fast shift to online examinations in reaction to the pandemic and subsequent lockdown underlines the significance of motivationally enriched and emotionally supportive instruction through this stressful time. It cannot be assumed that all students had the same access to online assets or internet-equipped devices such as laptops or tablets. Not all students coped well, as an analysis of student remarks in a qualitative study indicates. The purpose of this exploratory case study was to analyse student reports on emotions experienced during the first fully online assessments in the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in order to develop an understanding of the motivating and supportive learning environments in online teaching. A total of 20 students from an open and distance learning university were purposefully selected to answer 15 questions related to their learning needs and, in particular, emotional challenges during lockdown. The study drew on a theoretical framing of five motivational design principles, which link emotions to academic performance. The 17 participants all had access to mobile phones and 12 to laptops for participation in online academic activities. The emotions experienced most by the students varied from anxiousness to restlessness, associated with technology access, and the trend was that emotions were shared mostly with family and friends. The findings are discussed in terms of the need to support student emotions in a fully online university course during these stressful times.
Total Quality Management (TQM) in Gram Panchayats of Kerala: A Case of Derailed Mission
Authors: Rajan J. B. , S. K Biju. , Joy Femina
Published: May 2024

The charm of the Kerala Model of Decentralisation is its good governance initiatives and strategy of the People’s Plan Campaign (PPC). In addition, Total Quality Management (TQM) is implemented to improve the service delivery of Local Governments (LGs) and to obtain ISO certificate. This TQM-ISO mission is a process of attitude change and is considered as a step towards excellence in the service delivery of LGs. This article is a status review of the efficiency of TQM in LGs. The literature provides ample evidence that the TQM approach enhances citizens’ satisfaction. However, this study found that the TQM in LGs of Kerala become mechanistic. This is due to the overemphasis on hard aspects and ignoring soft aspects. Thus, the implementation of TQM in LGs is a derailed mission and a case of trivialisation. Based on the findings, this study suggests course correction and pursuing TQM in its letter and spirit.
Subsidised Foodgrains Transfer for Household Food Security: Comparison of Changing Consumption From the Public Distribution System Against Other Staple-Sources in Rural India
Authors: Bhattacharya Ruchira
Published: May 2024

This study evaluated the effect of subsidised in-kind transfers on household food security by comparing the calorie consumption share between the Public Distribution System, India, and other sources. Using the pseudo-panel of NSSO-CES data from 1993, 2004, and 2009, and the latest 2011 (released in 2014), the study found that the share of home-produced foodgrains was supplanted by PDS. The analysis revealed a negative elasticity of per-capita calorie intake to the decline in PDS subsidies, after controlling for socioeconomic and spatial attributes. Regional interactions with elasticity were statistically significant in regions with greater vulnerability to food insecurity. Strengthening the in-kind subsidised transfer is recommended as a crucial strategy, given the continued decline in the share of home-grown sources.
Development of emulgel formulation from Markhamia tomentosa leaf extract: Characterization and in vitro antimicrobial activity against skin isolates
Authors: Oseni Bukola Aminat , Osekita Shunammite Tofunmi , Ibrahim Mutiat Bolanle , Igbokwe Nwamaka Henrietta , Azubuike Chukwuemeka Paul
Published: May 2024

Objectives:

Skin infections are mild to severe infections often treated with antimicrobial agents. There is an increase in resistance to antimicrobial agents necessitating the search for new medicines. This study developed an emulgel formulation of Markhamia tomentosa leaf extract and evaluated its antimicrobial activity against skin isolates.

Materials and Methods:

A successive extraction of M. tomentosa leaves in five solvents – n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and distilled water was carried out. The activity of the extracts against skin isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Bacillus subtilis was carried out. The distilled water extract was formulated into emulgel, characterized, and evaluated for antimicrobial activity.

Results:

The n-hexane and dichloromethane extracts of M. tomentosa were inactive against all organisms at concentrations used. The ethanol extract was active against S. aureus and S. epidermidis at 200 mg/mL. The ethyl acetate and distilled water extracts were active against S. epidermidis and B. subtilis at 100 and 50 mg/mL, respectively. All emulgel formulations of distilled water extract of M. tomentosa leaves were brown, smooth, and easy to spread on the skin and had a pH of 4.73–5.55. The formulation containing the distilled water extract was more viscous (7784cP) than the blank formulation (6328cP). The formulation was active against S. epidermidis.

Conclusion:

The distilled water extract of M. tomentosa leaves was the most active against S. epidermidis and B. subtilis. Its emulgel formulation had desirable physicochemical properties for application to the skin. Further studies can be carried out toward its development for the treatment of skin infection caused by organisms investigated.
Utility of SHOX2 and RASSF1A gene methylation detection on the residual cytology material from endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration
Authors: Lan Zhihua , Zhang Jing , Yang Fang , Ma Xin , He Rongfang
Published: May 2024

Objective:

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of Short Stature Homeobox 2 (SHOX2) and RAS Association Domain Family 1 Isoform A (RASSF1A) gene methylation detection in residual liquid-based cytology (LBC) materials from Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and investigate the diagnostic accuracy of a comprehensive diagnostic approach.

Material and Methods:

Between June 2022 and May 2023, a total of 110 cases that underwent EBUS-TBNA were enrolled in the study. SHOX2 and RASSF1A genes methylation detection using the residual cytological material, LBC, and cell block (CB) were conducted for each EBUS-TBNA case. The sensitivity and specificity of cytology, CB histopathology, SHOX2, and RASSF1A methylation in diagnosing EBUS-TBNA samples were determined based on follow-up data.

Results:

Among the 72 cases confirmed as pulmonary carcinomas, the methylation test yielded positive results in 24 adenocarcinoma cases, 10 squamous cell carcinoma cases, and 14 small cell carcinoma cases. The sensitivity of the comprehensive diagnosis (combining LBC, CB, and methylation detection) in distinguishing metastatic pulmonary epithelial malignancies in mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes or masses from benign lesions was higher (97.22%, 70/72) than that of morphological diagnosis alone (LBC and CB) (88.89%, 64/72; P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

SHOX2 and RASSF1A methylation detection demonstrates a high sensitivity and negative predictive value in the identification of pulmonary epithelial malignancies and holds promise as a valuable ancillary approach to enhance morphological diagnosis of EBUS-TBNA.
Ферментация под контролем
Authors: БОЛЬШАКОВ В. , СЕЛИВАНОВ Д.
Published: May 2024

При силосовании первостепенное значение имеет эффективность ферментации. Достичь этого можно путем внесения в силосуемую массу закваски Биотроф 2 производства ООО БИОТРОФ .
دلائل التغيرات البيئية في وادي الأجردي بمحمية الأمام تركي بن عبد الله الملكية خلال فترة الهولوسين
Authors: العنزي مها عواد
Published: May 2024

يمتد وادي الأجردي في الأجزاء الجنوبية الشرقية من محمية الامام تركي بن عبدالله الملكية شمالي منطقة القصيم ،ويعد هذا الوادي إحدى الشبكات الهيدرولوجية القديمة، التي تشكلت معالهما إبان العصور المطيرة خلال العصر الرباعي المتأخر، حيث يمثل مع امتداده وادي الرمة، ووادي الباطن في الأجزاء الشرقية جزء من نهر عظيم كان يسود في هذه البقاع من المملكة العربية السعودية.   تأتي أهمية دراسة التغيرات البيئية في حوض وادي الأجردي في كونها واحدة من الدراسات التي تهدف إلى إعادة بناء البيئة القديمة في هذا الجزء من محمية الإمام تركي بن عبدالله الملكية، وتهدف الدراسة إلى كشف التغيرات البيئية التي حدثت في هذا الجزء من المحمية، وفهم العلاقة بين مجراه القديم ومجرى وادي الرمة خصوصًا في عصر الهولوسين، وثبت أبرز ملامح التغيرات والتبدلات البيئة والمناخية التي تتزامن مع تطور هذا الوادي.  اعتمدت الدراسة على استخدام عدد من التقنيات والتحاليل المعملية متمثلة في تقنية الكربون المشع(14C)Radiocarbon Dating  وتقنية حيود الأشعة السينية ((XRD  X-Ray Diffraction، والتحليل الحجمي للرواسب Grain size analysis ، بجانب العمل الميداني المكثف. قادت نتائج الدراسة إلى بناء تصور ماضي المحمية في هذا الجزء من المملكة العربية السعودية حيث وادي الأجردي الذي شهد نشاطًا في أوائل الهولوسين  9544 – 9695 Cal قبل الحاضر، بالإضافة إلى إعادة بناء الشبكة النهرية القديمة التي سادت إبان العصور المطيرة.
أثر إدارة المعرفة في الأداء المؤسسي: دراسة تطبيقية على أمانة عمان الكبرى
Authors: الجعافرة عامر زعل
Published: May 2024

هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى التعرف على أثر إدارة المعرفة في الأداء المؤسسي من وجهة نظر موظفي أمانة عمان الكبرى، ولتحقيق أهداف الدراسة تم بناء استبانة لغرض جمع البيانات، وتكونت عينة الدراسة من 89 موظف من أمانة عمان الكبرى المركز الرئيس من المستوى الإداري التنفيذي، وقد تم اختيارهم بطريقة العينة العشوائية البسيطة، وقد تم استخدام مجموعة من الأساليب الإحصائية المناسبة لتحليل بيانات الدراسة.  وتوصلت الدراسة إلى نتائج كان من أهمها أن مدى توافر إدارة المعرفة في أمانة عمان من وجهة نظر موظفي الأمانة جاءت بدرجة مرتفعة، كما أن مستوى الأداء المؤسسي في أمانة عمان قد جاء بدرجة مرتفعة وان هنالك أثراً ما بين إدارة المعرفة والأداء المؤسسي. وتوصي الدراسة بضرورة الاستمرار بتوفير المتطلبات الضرورية لإدارة المعرفة للعاملين في أمانة عمان الكبرى من اجل تحسين أداء العاملين فيها، وبالتالي تحقيق أهدافها باستمرار.
Establishment and characterization of noro-VLP measurement by digital ELISA
Authors: Hasegawa Takema , Adachi Yuriko , Saikusa Kazumi , Kato Megumi
Published: May 2024

Highly sensitive viral analytical techniques are essential tools for preventing the spread of infections. In this study, we established a digital enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system to quantify norovirus proteins with high sensitivity. We used norovirus-like particles (noro-VLPs) as a surrogate for norovirus and constructed two digital ELISA systems using two different antibody pairs. The quantitative performance of the noro-VLP measurement using each digital ELISA system was evaluated. Both assay systems exhibited high sensitivity, good linearity, and high stability. The first system exhibited a limit of detection (LOD) of 87 pg/mL, correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9984, inter-assay variation of 5.5 %, and intra-assay variation of 5.2 %. The second system exhibited an LOD of 19 pg/mL, R2 of 0.9984, inter-assay variation of 4.5 %, and intra-assay variation of 2.5 %. Comparison of the two systems using the same calibrant for unpurified and fractionated noro-VLPs revealed that the quantitative values for unpurified noro-VLPs were the same, whereas those for fractionated noro-VLPs were dramatically different. Our findings indicate that the reactivity to various components in the noro-VLP solution was altered depending on the different antibodies. Furthermore, our study highlights the importance of using appropriate calibrants, which contain the same ratio of components as the noro-VLP analyte, to afford accurate measurements.
Aromatic Ring-Opening Metathesis
Authors: Hutskalova Valeriia , Sparr Christof
Published: May 2024

Aromatic compounds have found paramount utility on account of their stability, characteristic interactions, defined molecular shape and the numerous synthetic approaches for their synthesis, which include a diversity of cyclization reactions. In contrast, the cleavage of the inert aromatic carbon-carbon bonds remained largely unfeasible due to the unfavourable energetics of disrupting aromaticity in the formation of ring-opened products. For non- aromatic structures, alkene metathesis catalysed by transition metal alkylidenes is established as one of the most versatile carbon-carbon bond-forming and breaking reactions. However, despite remarkable advancements, strategies to open aromatic compounds by metathesis remained elusive. Herein we disclose the feasibility of aromatic ring-opening metathesis (ArROM) to cleave a diversity of aromatic rings, including tetraphene, naphthalene, indole, benzofuran and phenanthrenes by employing Schrock- Hoveyda molybdenum alkylidene catalysts. The reactions for each of the ring systems thereby proceed through unique alkylidene intermediates. We further show the possibility for stereoselective aromatic ring-opening metathesis with exquisite catalyst control over the configuration of atropisomers. Aromatic ring-opening metathesis is therefore a viable and efficient approach to catalytically transform and interconvert various aromatics without the requirement for any reagents or photoexcitation.
Catalytic Decarbonylation of Unstrained Diaryl Ketone Moieties to 2,2′-Bipyridyls Enabled by Electron-Deficient Pd Ensembles
Authors: Matsuyama Takehiro , Yatabe Takafumi , Yabe Tomohiro , Yamaguchi Kazuya
Published: May 2024

Although decarbonylation of carbonyl compounds have attracted much attention for the direct molecular transformations of universal carbonyl moieties into useful compounds, reports on the catalytic decarbonylation of diaryl ketones are scarce. In this study, we successfully developed a catalytic decarbonylation of unstrained diaryl ketone moieties in compounds bearing bidentate directing groups to obtain 2,2′-bipyridyls using a CeO2-supported Cu–Pd alloy nanoparticle catalyst. The catalyst characterization and a series of control experiments revealed that the decarbonylation was efficiently catalyzed by Pd(0) ensembles, which became electron-deficient upon alloying with a small amount of Cu(0) species.
Unsupervised Raw IR Spectra Images Recognition: Toward Chemist-Like Chemical Structure Classification
Authors: Fuku Kentarou , Yoshida Takefumi
Published: May 2024

The recent advancements in artificial intelligence have greatly improved spectral data analysis. Here, we explored using unsupervised machine learning to classify chemical compounds based on IR spectrum images without relying on prior chemical knowledge. The research demonstrated the potential of machine learning in chemical classification by extracting IR spectral images from the SDBS database and converting them into 218196-dimensional vector data. The hierarchical clustering of 227 compounds revealed distinct main clusters (A-G), each with specific subclusters showing higher intra-cluster similarity. Despite some challenges, such as sensitivity to spectral deviations and difficulty distinguishing delicate chemical structures in spectra with low transparency in the fingerprint area, the approach showed promise. The Tanimoto coefficient was used as a metric for molecular similarity, providing valuable insights, though sometimes diverging from chemist intuition. The study also highlighted that scaling composition formulas and molecular weights did not affect the classification results, as the high-dimensional features dominated the process. Overall, the research demonstrated the feasibility of using IR spectral image data in machine learning for chemical classification, offering a novel perspective that complements traditional methods, even though some classifications may not always align with chemist intuition.
On the continuous modeling of fluid and solid states
Authors: Chaparro Gustavo , Müller Erich A.
Published: May 2024

For over 150 years, the “holy grail” of thermodynamic modeling has been to express the free energy of matter as a single analytical expression from where all other thermodynamic properties can be derived. This vision was partially achieved with the pioneering suggestion of J. D. van der Waals of modeling the gas and liquid states with a continuous polynomial. van der Waals' work spawned a century of development of equations of state (EoSs) for fluid phases and fluid phase equilibria. However, the extension to include the solid phase has largely been ignored, presumably out of the inherent difficulties in expressing the corresponding thermodynamic surface analytically. In this contribution, we resolve this century-old problem by presenting a procedure where an equation of state based on artificial neural networks is built based on an extensive database of accurate molecular dynamics data. The use of this EoS is exemplified here for the Mie particle, providing a single thermodynamically consistent model that continuously represents the fluid (gas, liquid and supercritical) and crystalline states. Apart from accurately predicting the derivative properties, the equation exhibits metastable regions characterized by van der Waals loops that correctly quantify the existence of vapor-liquid, solid-liquid, and solid-vapor equilibria along with the position of the critical and triple points. This new paradigm in EoS development is a pathway for the rapid deployment of models for complex matter and its interpretation opens doors to studying the transition regions between different aggregation states.
Role of catalyst shape and reactor performance for relating the catalytic activity and the chemical structure of active sites for emission control catalysis
Authors: Struzek Samuel , Delrieux Tim , Maurer Florian , Santos Goncalves Danielle , Heck Sarina-Lena , Klag Linda , Czechowsky Joachim , Zimina Anna , Grunwaldt Jan-Dierk
Published: May 2024

Packed powder beds and coatings are two relevant forms of catalysts, applied in industrial heterogeneous catalysis. Both types have their individual advantages and disadvantages in regard to the performance and characterisation causing some complexity in the resulting flow patterns, possible temperature inhomogenities in the reactor and the dynamic evolution of chemical state of the noble metal during the reaction along the catalytic bed. The well-known CO oxidation reaction over Pt/Al2O3 catalysts was used in this study to uncover the influence of the gas phase compositions, the influence of the temperature and the evolution of the electronic structure of Pt for powdered and coated catalysts at comparable length scales. Advanced operando investigations were used to demonstrate the influence of spatial gradients in the gas phase for washcoatings in contrast to packed powder beds. Additionally, transient gradients in the chemical state of Pt, which occurred more pronounced for packed powder beds than for coated monoliths were followed and traced back to heat and mass transfer effects. Finally, the catalytic activity can be linked to the temperature distributions for both types of samples. These findings will be valuable for planning and evaluating future combinations of spectroscopic and catalytic experiments on industrially relevant systems.