bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization of methanol extract of Artemisia annua leaf and its antifungal activity on clinical isolates of Candida albicans
Authors: Ngwu Maria I. , Emencheta Stephen C. , Agbo Chinazom P. , Ngwu Godwin I. , Agbo Martina C. , Okorie Chibundo N. , Odimegwu Damian C. , Eze Frankline C. , Attama Anthony A. , Ibezim Emmanuel C. 
Published: June 2024

Purpose: To molecularly characterize and determine the antifungal properties of methanol-leaf extract of Artemisia annua (A. annua) on C. albicans isolates collected from three tertiary hospitals within Enugu State, Nigeria.
Methods: Five hundred (500) isolates of Candida albicans were collected from medical microbiology laboratories in Bishop Shanahan Hospital (BSH), University of Nigerian Teaching Hospital (UNTH), and Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH). Anti-fungal sensitivity profiles of different azoles were determined using the disk diffusion technique. Thirty of the collected isolates were evaluated using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which targeted both 18S messenger RNA (rRNA) and Ergosterol II (ERGII) resistance gene sets for C. albicans. Anti-fungal activity of different concentrations (25, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 µg/mL) of the extract of Artemisia annua on resistant isolates was investigated using the agar well diffusion technique.
Results: All the isolates were resistant to azole drugs (ketoconazole (30 µg), miconazole (30 µg), clotrimazole (10 µg), itraconazole (30 µg), voriconazole (1 µg), and fluconazole (25 µg)). The PCR revealed that thirteen isolates (43 %) were positive for 18S rRNA gene and nine (30 %) possessed ERGII-resistant gene. Primers specific for C. albicans genotypes generated a PCR product of approximately 665 bp. Primers specific for ERGII resistant gene generated PCR product of approximately 1.4 kb. Extract of A. annua had antifungal activity against resistant C. albicans isolates with minimum inhibitory concentration ranging from 76.03 to 40.74 µg/mL.
Conclusion: Resistant C. albicans species have been genotypically characterized and the antifungal activity of A. annua has been reported. Methanol extract of A. annua inhibits C. albicans better than azole drugs.
LASER V LÉČBĚ TINNITU V SOUČASNÉ FYZIOTERAPII – RANDOMIZOVANÁ PILOTNÍ STUDIE
Authors: Malá Jitka 
Published: June 2024

Úvod: Článek pojednává o tříměsíční aplikaci nízko i vysokovýkonného laseru za účelem léčby tinnnitu, jakožto civilizační choroby. Jedná se o pilotní studii, zaměřenou na zjištění efektivity možné léčby tinnitu v rámci fyzioterapeutických postupů.
Metodologie: Design studie se opírá o experimentální longitudinální prospektivní pilotní studii s cílem ověřit účinnost nízko a vysokovýkonné laserterapie u pacientů trpících somatosenzorickým typem tinnitu. Dvě skupiny probandů (á 9) byly podrobeny vyšetření neurologem, ORL lékařem, fyzioterapeutem a dále byly testovány pomocí dotazníku TSCHQ a THI. Z dotazníkového šetření byla sledována především kvalita života, kvalita sluchu, vnímání hlasitosti tinnitu, úzkost z tinnitu. Po dobu 3 měsíců byl všem probandům aplikován laser, jedné skupině HILT, druhé LPL, a to v jasně popsaných polohách a parametrech použitých přístrojů. Studie byla sepsána v souladu s checklisem CONSORT.
Výsledky: Porovnání průměrných hodnot dotazníkových šetření pomocí THI i TSCHQ dotazníků před a po intervenci poukazují na pozitivní efekt léčby tinnitu jak pomocí HILT, tak LPL, i přes značnou limitaci práce, kterou je nízký počet probandů.
Závěr: Te-rapeutický přínos HILT i LPL je patrný, avšak spíše hodnotitelný jako terapeutický trend. Statistická analýza poukazuje na pozitivní vliv LPL na zlepšení sluchu a na snížení subjektivně vnímané hlasitosti tinnitu při použití HILT. LPL vliv na snížení vnímané hlasitosti tinnitu neprokázal.
AGGRESSIVE PATIENT IN HEALTHCARE FACILITY – EXPERIENCE OF A SELECTED SAMPLE OF NURSES IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC: DESCRIPTIVE, CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Václavíková Klára , Kopecký Michal , Marková Iva , Hrubá Andrea , Evchev Ilanit 
Published: June 2024

Aim: To identify and describe the experience of a selected sample of nurses with aggressive behaviour by patients and their family members. To describe what nurses rate as the most common causes of aggression and what strategies nurses most commonly use to manage it. To determine whether there is a statistically significant association between the incidence of aggressive behaviour and length of practice in the selected sample of nurses.
Methods: This study included a group of nurses from a selected healthcare facility, totalling 67 nurses. A self-constructed questionnaire was used. The data were processed in STATISTICA 12 software using descriptive statistics and Spearman's correlation coefficient. This study complied with the EQUATOR (STROBE) checklist.
Results: More than 70% of the nurses in our study had experienced aggressive behaviour by a patient. Nurses are most often exposed to verbal aggression, especially swearing and insults. Less frequently, they encounter physical assault. Most often, it is the patients who are aggressive; patients’ families or visitors are rarely aggressive. To manage aggressive behaviour, nurses most often use calm, assertive communication. In the selected sample of nurses, there was no significant association between the incidence of aggressive behaviour and length of nursing experience.
Conclusions: Our results show that most of the nurses in the selected sample have negative experiences with aggressive behaviour. Knowledge of assertive communication can significantly contribute to minimising conflicts associated with aggressive behaviours in patients. The research conducted may serve as a basis for further research.
University students’ attitude, satisfaction, and future preference of online learning: Empirical evidence from an emerging country
Authors: Chetioui Youssef , Lebdaoui Hind , Hammoud Rhizlane , Cherif Imane 
Published: June 2024

Following the COVID-19 outbreak, online learning was only available option to cope with the quarantine policies while continuing education. Still, the debate on the effectiveness of this teaching approach and its potential to strive in the future has been continuing. This debate has nonetheless received relatively less attention in developing countries. Through an integrated conceptual model based on the technology acceptance model and the theory of planned behavior, the current study attempts to investigate attitude, online satisfaction, academic achievement, and future preference of online learning among university students in an emerging country (i.e., Morocco). The proposed conceptual model is assessed using a sample of 588 Moroccan university students, and data is assessed using the partial least square technique. Managerial implications are suggested to universities, educators and policy makers.
(Re-)Discovering the treasure within – The contribution of a Design Your Life Module to Undergraduate Education
Authors: Millar Michelle , Hall Tony , O'Regan Connie 
Published: June 2024

This paper presents a description of a Design Your Life (DYL) module delivered to a multi-disciplinary group of undergraduate students. This approach as developed in Stanford University uses principles of Design Thinking to support students to consider their own agency and development pathways as they journey through university and beyond. The implementation of this programme is underpinned by an active evaluation strategy. As part of which, three focus groups were conducted with 15 students who had participated in the module over the past three semesters. This paper presents an analysis of student feedback on their participation, locating this feedback in the context of an overarching theory of student engagement. In so doing, this paper seeks to contribute to how these approaches can support students in their journey as active learners and, by building their resilience and self-efficacy, facilitate their discovery of the treasure within.
Promoting Efficiency in Education: The Cost-Aware Curriculum Model An Efficient and Purposeful Approach to Curriculum Design
Authors: Demedts Lore , Soogen Goele , Brusselle Helena , Vanacker Dries , Van Puyenbroeck Hilde , Vanderstraeten Nadia 
Published: June 2024

There is a growing need for efficient and purposeful curriculum design. The Cost-Aware curriculum Model emerges as a transformative approach, optimizing the educational effectiveness.Through comprehensive analysis, we optimize the efficiency, quality and sustainability of educational programs while responsibly managing resources. By considering student dynamics, variations in study programs and staff dynamics, we ensure a curriculum that meets diverse needs. This approach reflects our commitment to excellence and fiscal responsibility. The Cost-Aware Curriculum Model aims to harmonize key parameters enhancing curriculum development efficiency and resource utilization. It seeks to strike a balance between resource efficiency and educational quality, fostering insights for optimal curriculum design. The opportunity of this model is the creation of adaptable, responsive curricula that not only, meet current demands but also anticipate and address future challenges in education. This model serves as a tool for higher education institution management to foster a more cost-conscious mindset and approach in the (re)design of curricula. The opportunity of this model is the creation of adaptable, responsive curricula that not only, meet current demands but also anticipate and address future challenges in education. This model serves as a tool for higher education institution management to foster a more cost-conscious mindset and approach in the (re)design of curricula.
Teacher Education Students’ Visions Shaping Future Generations
Authors: Schreiner Claudia , Bacher Sabrina , Kraler Christian 
Published: June 2024

Teacher education programs shape prospective teachers, and teachers (can) shape future generations. Teachers serve as multipliers for society; their beliefs and visions have a high influence on their teaching, independently from curriculum directives. This paper describes a study in which we reconstructed teacher education students’ (n = 113) visions of the future in general as well as their future visions on learning and teaching. Methodologically, we chose an open, explanatory free-writing approach (micro-articles) to provide room for emotional expression and creativity. The analysis shows a wide variety of themes, approaches, and dispositions. The results indicate that teacher education programs can build awareness on future visions of prospective teachers. Thus, it appears important to allow them room in their training to reflect and further develop their expectations and visions of the future, so they realize their responsibility towards the future in their role as teachers.
Global scenarios of anthropogenic mercury emissions
Authors: Brocza Flora Maria , Rafaj Peter , Sander Robert , Wagner Fabian , Jones Jenny Marie 
Published: June 2024

Abstract. Anthropogenic mercury (Hg) emissions to the atmosphere are a long-lived hazard to human and environmental health. The UN Minamata Convention on Mercury is seeking to lower anthropogenic mercury emissions through a mix of policies from banning certain Hg uses to reducing unintentional Hg release from different activities. In addition to independent Hg policy, strategies to mitigate greenhouse gases, particulate matter (PM) and SO2 may also lower Hg emissions as a co-benefit. This study uses the Greenhouse Gas–Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies (GAINS) model to examine the effect of different clean air and climate policies on future global Hg emissions. The baseline scenario assumes current trends for energy use and Hg emissions as well as current legislation for clean air, mercury and climate policy. In addition, we explore the impact of the Minamata Convention, the co-benefits of climate and stringent air pollution policies, and maximum feasible reduction measures for Hg. Hg emission projections until 2050 show noticeable reductions in combustion sectors for all scenarios due to a decrease in global fossil fuel and traditional biomass use, leading to emission reductions of 33 % at baseline and up to 90 % when combining stringent climate controls and the most efficient Hg controls. Cement and non-ferrous metal emissions increase in all scenarios with current air pollution policy but could be reduced by up to 72 % and 46 %, respectively, in 2050 with stringent Hg-specific measures. Other emissions (including waste) are a significant source of uncertainty in this study, and their projections range between a 22 % increase and a 54 % decrease in 2050, depending on both climate and clean air policy. The largest absolute reduction potential for Hg abatement but also the largest uncertainties regarding absolute emissions lie in small-scale and artisanal gold production, where abatement measures could eliminate annual Hg emissions in the range of 601–1371 t (95 % confidence interval), although the uncertainties in the estimate are so high that they might eclipse reduction efforts in all other sectors. In total, 90 % of Hg emissions are covered by provisions of the Minamata Convention. Overall, the findings emphasize the necessity to implement targeted Hg control policies in addition to stringent climate, PM and SO2 policies to achieve significant reductions in Hg emissions.
A series of climate oscillations around 8.2 ka revealed through multi-proxy speleothem records from North China
Authors: Duan Pengzhen , Li Hanying , Ma Zhibang , Zhao Jingyao , Dong Xiyu , Sinha Ashish , Hu Peng , Zhang Haiwei , Ning Youfeng , Zhu Guangyou , Cheng Hai 
Published: June 2024

Abstract. The 8.2 ka event has been extensively investigated as a remarkable single event but rarely considered as a part of multi-centennial climatic evolution. Here, we present absolutely dated speleothem multi-proxy records spanning 9.0–7.9 ka from Beijing in North China, near the northern limit of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) and thus sensitive to climate change, to provide evidence of the intensified multi-decadal climatic oscillations since 8.52 ka. Three extreme excursions characterized by inter-decadal consecutive δ18O excursions exceeding ±1σ are identified from 8.52 ka in our speleothem record. The earlier two are characterized by enriched 18O at ∼8.50 and 8.20 ka, respectively, suggesting a prolonged arid event, which is supported by the positive trend in δ13C values, increased trace element ratios, and lower growth rate. Following the 8.2 ka event, an excessive rebound immediately emerges in our δ18O and trace element records but moderate in the δ13C, probably suggesting pluvial conditions and nonlinear response of the local ecosystem. Following two similar severe droughts at 8.50 and 8.20 ka, the different behavior of δ13C suggests the recovering degree of resilient ecosystem responding to different rebounded rainfall intensity. A comparison with other high-resolution records suggests that the two droughts–one pluvial pattern between 8.52 and 8.0 ka is of global significance instead of being a regional phenomenon, and is causally linked to the slowdown and acceleration of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation that was further dominated by the freshwater injections in the North Atlantic.
A downward-counterfactual analysis of flash floods in Germany
Authors: Voit Paul , Heistermann Maik 
Published: June 2024

Abstract. Counterfactuals are scenarios that describe alternative ways of how an event, in this case an extreme rainfall event, could have unfolded. In this study, we present the results of a counterfactual search for flash flood events in Germany. We used a radar-based precipitation dataset from Germany's national meteorological service (Deutscher Wetterdienst) to identify the 10 most extreme precipitation events in Germany from 2001 to 2022 and then assumed that any of these top 10 events could have happened anywhere in Germany. In other words, the events were shifted around all over Germany. For all resulting positions of the precipitation fields, we simulated the corresponding peak discharge for any affected catchment smaller than 750 km2. From all the realizations of this simulation experiment, the maximum peak discharge was identified for each catchment. In a case study, we first focused on the devastating flood event in July 2021 in western Germany. We found that a moderate shifting of the event in space could change the event peak flow at the Altenahr gauge by a factor of 2. Compared to the peak flow of 1004 m3 s−1 caused by the event in its original position, the worst-case counterfactual of that event led to a peak flow of 1311 m3 s−1. Shifting another event that had occurred just 1 month earlier in eastern Germany over the Ahr River valley even effectuated a simulated peak flow of 1651 m3 s−1. For all analysed subbasins in Germany, we found that, on average, the highest counterfactual peak exceeded the maximum original peak (between 2001 and 2022) by a factor of 5.3. For 98 % of the basins, the factor was higher than 2. We discuss various limitations of our analysis, which are important to be aware of, namely, the quantification and selection of candidate rainfall events, the hydrological model, and the design of the counterfactual search experiment. Still, we think that these results might help to expand the view of what could happen in the case that certain extreme events occurred elsewhere and thereby reduce the element of surprise in disaster risk management.
Machine-learning-based estimate of the wind speed over complex terrain using the long short-term memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network
Authors: Leme Beu Cássia Maria , Landulfo Eduardo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract. Accurate estimation of the wind speed profile is crucial for a range of activities such as wind energy and aviation. The power law and the logarithmic-based profiles have been widely used as universal formulas to extrapolate the wind speed profile. However, these traditional methods have limitations in capturing the complexity of the wind flow, mainly over complex terrain. In recent years, the machine-learning techniques have emerged as a promising tool for estimating the wind speed profiles. In this study, we used the long short-term memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network and observational lidar datasets from three different sites over complex terrain to estimate the wind profile up to 230 m. Our results showed that the LSTM outperformed the power law as the distance from the surface increased. The coefficient of determination (R2) was greater than 90 % up to 100 m for input variables up to a 40 m height only. However, the performance of the model improved when the 60 m wind speed was added to the input dataset. Furthermore, we found that the LSTM model trained on one site with 40 and 60 m observational data and when applied to other sites also outperformed the power law. Our results show that the machine-learning techniques, particularly LSTM, are a promising tool for accurately estimating the wind speed profiles over complex terrain, even for short observational campaigns.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGY FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FUSED ZIRCONIUM DIOXIDE
Authors: Соколов В.А. , Киров С.С. , Гаспарян М.Д. 
Published: June 2024

Проведен анализ современного состояния производства плавленого диоксида циркония различных типов (моноклинного и стабилизированного). Определена практическая возможность получения стабилизированного диоксида циркония из бадделеитового концентрата в опытной электродуговой печи ЭДП-600. Полученные данные технологических и электрических параметров плавки рекомендованы для использования при производстве плавленого диоксида циркония из синтетического диоксида циркония и бадделеитового концентрата на промышленных электродуговых печах ДСП-1,5 и ОКБ-2126 и др. При карботермическом восстановлении цирконового концентрата в электродуговой печи ЭДП-450 достигнуто снижение кремнезема в 3 раза до содержания 10,9% SiO2 в плавленом продукте. Для реализации завершающего этапа по карботермической технологии получения плавленого диоксида циркония с содержанием не менее 95% ZrO2 рекомендовано создать пилотную электродуговую установку на базе электродуговой печи ДС-05.
Analysis of the current state of fused zirconia production of various types (monoclinic and stabilized). Practical defined possibility of obtaining stabilized zirconia from baddeleite concentrate in experimental electric arc furnace EDP-600. Data obtained process and electrical parameters of smelting are recommended for use in the production of fused zirconia production from synthetic zirconia and baddeleite concentrate on industrial electric arc furnaces DSP-1,5, OKB-2126, etc. At carbothermic reduction of zirconium concentrate in electric arc furnace EDP-450 reduction of silica by 3 times to a content of 10,9% SiO2 in melted product. To implement the final stage for carbothermic technology for obtaining fused zirconia production with a content of at least 95% ZrO2 it is recommended to create a pilot electric arc installation based on the DS-05 electric arc furnace.
On the development of Russian tax treaty case law
Authors: Kilinkarova E. V. 
Published: June 2024

The research subject. This study focuses on recent developments (2021-2023) in Russian tax treaty case law.The purpose of the research. The objective of this research is to analyze the key trends and developments in tax treaty case law in Russia for the last three years.Methodology. The research is based on the analysis of cases where the commercial courtsof circuits and the Supreme court of Russian Federation in 2021-2023 applied Russian double tax treaties (total number – 38 cases).Main results of the research. The analysis of the tax treaty case law allowed to make a general overview of the relevant judicial practice and identify three strategic areas of law enforcement – development of the beneficial owner concept, issues if qualification of income for the purposes of the application of tax treaties and disputes between withholding agents and taxpayers.Conclusion. An analysis of judicial practice allows us to conclude that Russia is quite successful in implementing the task of deoffshorization of the Russian economy – this is noticeable both in the geography of the applied agreements and in the content of the issues under consideration. The tax treaty case law is heterogeneous – it includes both simple issues (for example, with obvious mistakes of a withholding agent) and issues on which judicial practice as a whole has already been established (for example, in relation to the beneficial owner concept), as well as quite extraordinary and sometimes difficult questions. It should be admitted that fundamentally new issues of application of double taxation agreements are sometimes not easy for the courts. An analysis of tax treaty case law puts forward the question of the role and risks of a withholding agent – currently the practice does not seem sufficiently balanced in terms of ensuring a balance of private and public interests. For application of double tax treaties procedural issues remain of great importance. Analysis of judicial practice shows that they are crucial both for the withholding agent and the taxpayer.