bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hiber-nation: The Green Ray from Under the Skin
Authors: Fleming David H. 
Published: July 2024

Hiber-nation plays with gonzo-film-philosophy methods to render visible a weird tryst emerging between a middling Scottish football club, Hibernian F.C., and a surprising number of trans/national screen productions—stretching from Hitchcock's 1955 To Catch a Thief through to 2023's Guilt—via weird aliens and countless debonair if not debonoir "Hibees."
Botulinum toxin combined with static progressive stretching improves fibrous stiffness of knee joint in rats through TGF-β1/Smad pathway
Authors: He Xin , Zhang Xin , Zhao Xin , Li Xiaoju , Chen Ke , Liao Yingying , Feng Xiechen , Zou Yiyan 
Published: July 2024

Joint stiffness and fibrosis are common complications that affect mobility and quality of life, necessitating effective therapeutic strategies to alleviate these issues. The study aimed to observe the therapeutic effect of static progressive stretching (SPS) combined with botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) on knee joint stiffness in rats and its effect on the transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)/small mother against decapentaplegic (Smad) pathway in the development of joint capsule fibrosis. Forty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into the blank control group, model control group, SPS intervention group, BTX-A intervention group, and SPS combined with BTX-A intervention group. Except for the blank control group, the right knee joints of the other rats were surgically fixed with Kirschner wire internal immobilization in full flexion for four weeks to form joint flexion contracture and cause fibrotic stiffness of the joint. The therapeutic effect of each intervention was assessed by the range of motion (ROM) of the knee joint, joint stiffness, the number of total cells, and collagen deposition in the posterior joint capsule, as well as the protein level expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, p-Smad2/3, collagen I and III, and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the posterior joint capsule in the TGF-β1/Smad pathway. SPS combined with BTX-A was more effective in relieving joint fibrosis stiffness, improving the histopathological changes in the posterior joint capsule, and suppressing the high expression of target proteins and the overactivated TGF-β1/Smad pathway. The overactivated TGF-β1/Smad pathway was involved in the formation of knee joint fibrosis stiffness in rats. SPS combined with BTX-A was effective in relieving joint flexion contracture and fibrosis of the joint capsule. Moreover, the inhibition of the overactivated TGF-β1/Smad pathway may be the potential molecular mechanism for its therapeutic effect.
Influence of Soaking, Boiling, Roasting, and Germination on the Composition and Functional Properties of Algerian Chickpea Flour, and the Consumer Acceptability of Chickpea Cheese Analogue
Authors: Guemra I. , Adoui F. , Sabba E. , Ferhat R. , Benatallah L. 
Published: July 2024

Background: Chickpeas, rich in protein and fiber, are essential in a healthy diet, as the plant-based cheese industry responding to environmental demands. The objectives of current study were dual-folded: to scrutinize the impact of diverse treatments on the physicochemical and functional characteristics of chickpea flour, and to assess the suitability of this chickpea flour as a raw material for the formulation of a plant-based cheese analogue.
Methods: Soaking at room temperature for 15 h, boiling for 20 min, roasting at 180 °C for 30 min, and germination for 24 h were utilized for a chickpea variety harvested from Constantine of Algeria in 2021. The effects of these treatments were investigated with regard to the chemical composition and functional features of chickpea flour. Additionally, The suitability of chickpea flour for the development of plant-based cheese analog was ascertained by analyzing its color properties, texture profile, and sensory evaluation. ANOVA (XLSTAT 2014) and Tukey’s pairwise comparison test at the 5% significance level (p<0.05) were applied to perform statistical analysis.
Results: All used treatments resulted in significant enhancements (p<0.05) in crude fat content and Emulsifying Capacity, along with significant reductions in swelling and Foaming Capacity, which was notably high in raw chickpea flour with 142.06%. Moreover, roasting reduced significantly moister content and exerted a positive effect on Water Absorption Capacity. However, the remaining chemical composition parameters and functional characteristics failed to reveal significant changes following the applied treatments. In texture profile analysis, chickpea cheese analogs exhibited lower values of hardness and cohesiveness in comparison with the commercial cheese. The chickpea cheese analogues received lower scores compared to the commercial cheese based on the sensory evaluation.
Conclusion: Each treatment manifested distinct impacts on the chemical composition and functional properties of raw chickpea flour. Chickpea cheese analogue failed to be well-received by consumers.
Evaluation nutrients of Turkish Snack Bars Based on Labeling and Web Page Information: A Qualitative Research
Authors: Altuncevahir İ. Öztürk , Erdoğan E. Özkul , Yücesoy S. 
Published: July 2024

Background: Snack bars, a globally popular food category, contain a diverse variety of ingredients and appeal to different dietary preferences. Even though snack alternatives are gaining prominence as viable options for promoting healthy dietary patterns, the composition of certain snacks may pose sustainability-related concerns and effects on environment. This study investigates the energy and nutrient composition of fruit-based snack bars, with a focus on sustainable practices, and the significant inclusion of dates and nuts in production.
Methods: Between 10 and 25 July 2023, 49 healthy bars from 12 companies, accessible in five supermarkets, underwent a comprehensive analysis. The researchers visited selected supermarkets, identified the products on the shelves, and collected information on the contents from the labels. The label information was then cross-referenced with the brands' websites. The average values of energy, protein, total fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, fiber, sugar, and salt contents of 100 g samples of the products were assessed. Group proportions were investigated through the Chi-square test. As comparisons involving numerical variables failed to meet the assumption of normal distribution, independent comparisons were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test for more than two groups and Mann-Whitney U test for two groups. The significance level was set at p<0.05.
Results: Dried fruits, particularly date and their derivatives, are the most prominently featured ingredients (87.8%) of the nutritious snacks, followed by other dried fruits containing apple, cherry, and orange. Oily seeds are the most preferred additional ingredient (75.5%), followed by cocoa (57.1%), spices (57.1%), sweeteners, and coconut. Almonds are the most preferred variety among nuts (36.7%). Other ingredients frequently utilized in bars, such as chickpea flour and chicory root fiber. It is noteworthy that, several snack bars were including multiple ingredients simultaneously whereas others lacked certain ingredients entirely. Furthermore, combination of those ingredients were discovered to be prevalent in various snack bars.
Conclusion: In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights for consumers and industry stakeholders, guiding them towards choices aligned with nutritional preferences and supporting environmental and economic sustainability.
ANALYSIS OF DESTRUCTIONS AND STRENGTHENING METHODS OF PRECAST REINFORCED CONCRETE FLOOR PANELS
Authors: Binkevych Kostiantyn , Volodymyrov Anton , Kolchanov Andrii 
Published: July 2024

Currently, there is a high demand in Ukraine for the rapid restoration of buildings destroyed and damaged as a result of Russian armed aggression, as most people, despite active shelling of cities (especially those close to combat zones) and consequent constant danger, want to return to their homes. Due to military aggression to over 160,000 buildings in Ukraine got extensive damage, with nearly 20,000 high-rise residential structures being built using large-panel construction. The challenges of restoration include unpredictable structural failures and the economic feasibility of repair methods.Recent studies on building restoration in Ukraine due to military damage have emerged only in recent years, with a focus on panel buildings being notably absent in international literature. Given the current situation, domestic research primarily addresses the inspection methodologies and classification of war-related damages, offering preliminary assessments but limited restoration recommendations. In this paper, the authors focused on the panel construction of Kharkiv city, as these buildings account for the most destruction among residential buildings. The assessment of damage to panel slabs of multi-story residential buildings focusing on the heavily affected North Saltivka district due to artillery shelling and rocket strikes is discussed. Despite occupying only 9 % of the area, residential buildings in North Saltivka sustained significant damage, with 70 % affected. Construction in the area consists mainly of precast concrete panel buildings of various heights and designs. Damage severity varies, ranging from minor cracks to complete structural failure, influencing repair and reinforcement strategies. The assessment involves on-site inspections and categorizes damage levels to determine the buildings' suitability for repair or replacement. Based on numerous inspections of panel buildings, in which the authors of the article directly participated, it was possible to identify a gradation of the degree of damage to the panels of multi-storey buildings. As a result of summarizing the obtained information, three categories of panels with acceptable damage for restoration were identified. An analysis of existing methods for reinforcing such structures allowed the selection of a prototype for detailed development of a structural solution to restore the load-bearing capacity of such panels. In the future, the authors of the article will focus on improving the described structural solution and developing a step-by-step technology for its implementation.
TRUCK EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS AND FEATURES OF ITS USE IN THE CONDITIONS OF AUTOMATION OF PORT TERMINALS
Authors: Muradian Arsen Olegovich , Demydiakov Oleksiy Viktorovych 
Published: July 2024

The modern trends in the development of cargo equipment in ports are considered in the article. Modern ports are an important link in global supply chains, and the efficiency of their work directly affects the cost of goods and related services provided during cargo transshipment, storage, and passage through port terminals. Cargo equipment used at various stages of cargo transshipment plays an important role in optimizing port operations.Using universal equipment significantly increases the productivity of the port, reduces the downtime of ships and other types of transport, and allows efficient use of warehouse space and available personnel. The main problem that ports face when choosing equipment is its cost and payback period, which directly affect the efficiency of the port and its competitiveness.Throughout historical development, ports have had both a negative and a positive impact on the regions and communities in which they are located. On the one hand, they contribute to the development of the region, its transport and logistics infrastructure, can stimulate economic productivity and growth, and on the other hand, their activity requires energy, creates negative external effects, worsens the ecological situation in the region.The issue of the development of cargo equipment and the efficiency of its use is relevant and requires further research in connection with the emergence of new trends related to the automation and robotization of these processes, the introduction of elements of artificial intelligence, which significantly increase the problem of ensuring cyber security of the port.Automation of the port industry contributes to the transformation of traditional ports into smart global transport complexes. The effectiveness of their activities is determined primarily by the use of advanced technologies and practices, and the results affect not only the cost of port services, but also the reduction of costs and the improvement of the quality of the entire transport and delivery chain.Like any innovative process, automation has its advantages and disadvantages, which were noted in the work. There are also significant barriers to automation, especially for the modernization of existing ports.Environmental standards and innovative cargo delivery technologies, increasing requirements for the quality of transshipment services and the need to reduce costs in order to maintain competitiveness will force traditional ports to switch to automation of transshipment equipment in order to increase its efficiency.
SCIENTIFIC APPROACH TO REDUCING THE ENERGY OF THE PARKING RETARDER POSITION OF A SORTING DEVICE WITH TARGET GRAVITY BRAKING OF CUTS
Authors: Ohar Oleksandr , Levchenko Anton , Kondratiev Ihor , Kustov Ruben , Zavialov Makar 
Published: July 2024

The main disadvantage of a sorting device with target gravity braking of cuts is the necessity to use a powerful parking retarder position. In order to reduce the energy of this position, it is proposed to install an auxiliary brake position on the descending part of the device to transfer there part of the work on regulating the rolling speed of cuts of a certain mass. For the given operating conditions, the required energy of these positions and the optimal design parameters of the sorting device were determined, and recommendations were developed for braking the cuts at the auxiliary brake position based on the results of simulation modeling of the rolling of the design runners. The structural parameters were optimized using the developed mathematical model, where the height of the sorting device is the optimization criterion. The optimization calculations were performed both for favorable and unfavorable conditions of the runners rolling. The results of the simulation modeling of the rolling of the design runners proved that the maximum braking value at the auxiliary brake position (0.74 m e. h.) for the specified operating conditions is provided when braking the cuts weighing more than 34.8 tons. To simplify the process of braking such cuts at the auxiliary braking position, it is proposed to use low-energy retarders whose rated energy is less than the maximum possible braking value at this position. The reason of it is that when more powerful retarders are used at the auxiliary braking position, not only the degree of braking of each cut should be determined, but also the duration of their braking, which to some extent complicates the process of speed control and may require automation of operation of this position. If low-energy retarders UVSK-11 with the rated energy of 0.6 m e. h. are used at the auxiliary brake position, the required energy of the park brake position is reduced by 0.57 m e. h. At the same time, all cuts weighing more than 30.8 tons should be braked at the auxiliary brake position. Based on the studies, it was concluded that the installation of an auxiliary brake position on the descending part of the sorting device with target gravity braking of cuts would reduce capital investments in construction and mechanization, as well as the costs associated with the operation of this device.
On the history of the connection of the criminal court and the civil court chambers’ in the Russian Empire provinces in the second half of the 1860s (on the example of the Voronezh province)
Authors: Podlesnykh S. N. 
Published: July 2024

Importance. One of the main transitional period issues of reforming the judicial system of Russia in the second half of the 1860s is connecting the chambers issue of the criminal court and the civil court at the provincial level. The purpose of the study is, firstly, to identify the mechanism of connecting the chambers of the criminal court and the civil court in the provinces of Russia in the second half of the 1860s, and secondly, to analyze the main problems faced by judicial officials when connecting the analyzed institutions.Materials and Methods. The main sources of the research are the following materials: archival files from the funds of the State Archive of the Voronezh Region (GAVO); normative legal acts, collections of rules and laws; materials of the periodical press; – statistical and reference publications. The methodological basis of the research was both general and particular methods of scientific cognition: the method of structural analysis; the historical-comparative method; the historicalsystemic method; the formal-logical method; other methods of scientific cognition were also used in the article.Results and Discussion. Archival materials from the funds of the State archive of Voronezh region are analyzed, according to which it is possible to restore the connecting the chambers mechanism of the criminal court and the civil court in the provinces of the Russian Empire. On the basis of the current imperial legislation, the general regulatory rules that judicial officials followed when connecting the judicial institutions in question in the second half of the 1860s are revealed. The main problems faced by judicial officials when connecting the chambers of the criminal court and the civil court in the Voronezh province are identified and considered.Conclusion. The mechanism for connecting the chambers of the criminal court and the civil court in the provinces of the Russian Empire in the second half of the 1860s was not specifically prescribed. From November 26, 1867 to July 1, 1869, the judicial system in Voronezh province was at a transitional stage. During this period, pre-reform judicial institutions still continued to operate, at the same time new courts began to work: Voronezh and Ostrogozhsky District courts. The main problem in the functioning of the Judicial Chambers (including the united Chamber since May 1, 1868) at the transitional stage was the lack of a full-time number of judges.
Problems of war and peace in the context of growing external threats to Russian sovereignty (2012–2022)
Authors: Kazakov M. A. , Kotov M. V. 
Published: July 2024

Importance. The purpose of the study is to consider the state of problems of war and peace in the dynamics of growing external threats to the sovereignty of the Russian Federation in 2012–2022. Among them, there is a special interest in war as a phenomenon that has once again become a radical tool for conducting interstate relations.Research Methods. The research is based on the principles of historicism, the unity of the objective and the subjective. Along with general scientific methods, such as analysis, dialectical method, case-study, elements of decisional, historical-comparative, retrospective and other methods from interdisciplinary knowledge were used.Results and Discussion. It is noted that the main reason for the escalation of the “hot phase” of the war is the actual refusal of the West to end the Cold War. The difference is given in the peculiarities of understanding modern war and its instruments in the goals and methods of international policy pursued by the United States using the examples of the actions of the administrations of Barack Obama and Donald Trump, the Russian Federation under the leadership of President V.V. Putin. It is shown that the emerging trend towards the rejection of unilateralism, changes in the internal and external environment, was transformed into a radical political course of the United States under Barack Obama. The strengthening of the United States as a state, despite the contradictions between factions of the establishment, and its role as the center of the West, in the presence of acute inter-party discourse, under Trump is an instrument of the struggle for his global hegemony. While categorically rejecting the aggressive actions of Washington and NATO, the Russian leadership does not exclude the possibility of peaceful coexistence with the United States.Conclusion. The period under review was not only a fixation of trends launched by the West, but also seriously transformed Russia’s national security understanding. The concept of “hybrid warfare” seems to be the most productive to describe the current stage. In order to build a more stable international security system in the 21st century, it will be necessary to take into account changes in the nature of a number of international relations fundamental problems related to the war and peace problems.
Blood collection tube and RNA purification method recommendations for extracellular RNA transcriptome profiling: A large-scale pre-analytical variable performance evaluation
Authors: Vandesompele Jo , Anckaert Jasper , Cobos Francisco Avila , De preter Katleen , De Wever Olivier , De Wilde Jilke , Decock Anneleen , Decruyenaere Philippe , Deleu Jill , Dhondt Bert , D'huyvetter Thibaut , Everaert Celine , Fierro Carolina , Hendrix An , Helsmoortel Hetty , Hulstaert Eva , Koster Jan , Kuersten Scott , Mercer Timothy , Mestdagh Pieter , Morlion Annelien , Nijs Nele , Nuytens Justine , Philippron Annouck , Piofczyk Thomas , Poma-Soto Franco , Schoofs Kathleen , Schroth Gary , Thas Olivier , Maerken Tom Van , Paemel Ruben Van , Eynde Eveline Vanden , Verniers Kimberly , Verwilt Jasper , Yigit Nurten 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Using blood-based extracellular RNA (circulating cell-free RNA; exRNA) as a clinical biomarker requires validated procedures for sample collection and processing and RNA quantification. No study to date has systematically tested pre-analytical variables affecting transcriptome-wide exRNA analysis. We evaluated and compared ten blood collection tubes, three time intervals between blood draw and blood processing, and eight RNA purification methods using the supplier-specified minimal and maximal biofluid input volumes. The impact on deep transcriptome profiling of both microRNAs and messenger RNAs in blood plasma or serum was separately assessed for each pre-analytical variable and for interactions among a selected pre-analytical variable set, resulting in 456 complete extracellular transcriptomes. The processing and analysis workflow was controlled using 189 synthetic spike-in RNA molecules. In blood collection tube comparisons, manufacturer-designated preservation tubes did not stabilize exRNA well, causing variations in RNA concentration and number of detected genes over time, together with increased replicate variability. We also document large performance differences in RNA purification methods, affecting detected gene number, replicate variability and observed transcriptome complexity, and demonstrate technical interactions between certain blood collection tubes, purification methods and time intervals. Our results are comprehensively summarized in 11 analytical performance metrics that enable an informed selection of the best sample processing workflow for a given experiment. We provide robust quality control metrics for exRNA quantification methods with validated standard operating procedures (SOPs), and put forward recommendations for both users and manufacturers of RNA purification methods and blood collection tubes, collectively, essential groundwork for future exRNA-based precision medicine applications.