bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The genetic contribution to orthodontic root resorption: a retrospective twin study
Authors: Ngan Daniel C. S. , Kharbanda Om P. , Byloff Friedrich K. , Ali Darendeliler M. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background: One of the difficulties in assessing the causes of root resorption is to separate the contribution made by genetic factors from those due to environmental factors, such as treatment.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic contribution to orthodontic root resorption.

Methods: The subjects of this investigation were 16 monozygotic (MZ) and 10 dizygotic (DZ) twins. All twins had zygosity diagnosed using microsatellite analysis. Each twin-pair had same type of malocclusion, were treated with the same type of appliance, and by the same clinician. The lengths of the maxillary incisors, mandibular incisors, and mandibular molars were assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively, on pre- and post-treatment panoramic films. The genetic contribution to external apical root resorption was assessed using concordance and heritability estimates.

Results: Concordance estimates from the qualitatively and quantitatively measured external apical root resorption were 44.9 per cent and 49.2 per cent respectively for the MZ twins, and 24.7 per cent and 28.3 per cent respectively for DZ twins. An overall heritability estimate of 0.34 was obtained.

Conclusions: External apical root resorption was not dependent on the pretreatment root length. Qualitatively and quantitatively determined estimates of concordance indicate a genetic component to root resorption. A larger sample is needed before models of heritability can be used to determine the components contributing to the variance.
Opuntia humifusa (Raf.) Raf. (Cactaceae) in the Bulgarian flora
Authors: Zahariev Dimcho 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Opuntia humifusa (Raf.) Raf. is included in the List of Top 10 of the worst invasive alien plant species in Bulgaria. This is the fastest spreading species of the four species of the Opuntia genus found so far in natural habitats in Bulgaria. In the period 2010-2023, 3 new localities of the species were established in 3 new floristic regions of Bulgaria: Black Sea Coast (North), Stara Planina (East) and Strandzha Mountain. They describe the northernmost and easternmost distribution limits of the species in Bulgaria. The described localities are different in area: from 0.08 ha to 21.11 ha. The characteristics of the abiotic environment are presented such as: slope, exposure, elevation, bedrock, soil, climatic region and subregion. The habitats in which individuals of the species are found are indicated. Accompanying plant species were studied. The spatial structure of O. humifusa populations was studied. The reasons for the appearance and spread of this invasive alien plant species in territories that have not been inhabited by it until now have been examined, considering that these reasons are not natural, but have an anthropogenic character. Our findings support the opinions of other researchers about the key role of nature lovers in the spread of this invasive species. Factors favoring the increase in population size in established localities are indicated. Methods have been proposed to control the spread of the species.
Natural tourist resources in the Stara planina tourist region (Bulgaria)
Authors: Kabakchieva Dora , Vasileva Vanya 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The Stara planina tourist region is one of the most attractive regions for tourism in Bulgaria and one of the few that have almost year-round tourist activities. The outline of the area includes the mountain of the same name, but also the Pre-Balkan. This fact predetermines the exceptional richness and diversity of natural tourist resources. Here are some of the largest broad-leaved forests in the country, waterfalls, bizarre rock formations, etc. The relatively well-preserved natural environment is a prerequisite for the presence of exceptional biodiversity, as well as a significant number of protected areas. The region is specialized mainly in mountain tourism, including recreation, mountain trekking, rural and ecotourism. Due to the scarce tourist infrastructure, ski tourism still lags behind in its development compared to other mountain regions in the country. Very often, the Stara planina Region is primarily identified with its cultural and historical heritage, while its natural features remain in the background. Regardless of this, and as a result of the more intense tourist load, the problem of protecting natural tourist resources from the growing anthropogenic pressure is gaining special relevance. There is also an urgent need to identify and evaluate the prospects for sustainable development of the tourism industry in the region.
The purpose of the present study is to valorize the natural tourist resources of the Stara planina tourist region and to provide guidelines for their sustainable use.
The ability to form environmental competence throughout Waste management
Authors: Doychinova Klaida 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Environmental competence is a category related to environmental awareness, environmental culture, environmental ethics and environmental behaviour and is a key competence. An efficient way to build a public awareness of environmental responsibility is to separate waste, a concept that is now widespread across Europe. Project work is an integrative strategy that provides opportunities for cooperation and interaction between students in the team organization of cognitive activity, realizing the connection between theoretical knowledge and practical activity of students, for conducting active training of students and effective socialization of the training, thus increasing the practical focus of the acquired knowledge and competences.
The article presents results following the application of the project method as an opportunity to increase the environmental competence of junior high school students, with regards to sustainable waste management at school and in their households.
Impact of credit use on profitability among cassava smallholder farmers in Southwest, Nigeria
Authors: Adeosun Damilola Richard , Adegbite Dorcas Adetokunbo , Sanusi Rahman Akintayo , Ayansina Simeon Olusola , Oke Folashade Olukemi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Nigeria has large economic potential with high profitability but profitability is not increasing, and agricultural production is poor. This is hinged on the understanding of the impact of credit use on profitability, however, the influence of credit use on cassava production remains poorly understood, consequently affecting the profitability of cassava farmers. Thus, this study assessed the impact of credit use on the profitability of cassava farmers among smallholders in southwest Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 210 smallholder cassava farmers for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the socio-economic characteristics and profitability of cassava farmers. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis, ordinary least squares (OLS), and t-test statistics. Results show that 60.0% of the farmers were male, 81.0% were married, 33.3% had secondary education, 70.5% had no contact with extension agents, 71.9% were members of a cooperative society, 61.9% had savings and 49.5% had access to credit. Furthermore, the mean age, farming experience, farm size, and household size of the sampled cassava farmers were 43 years, 19 years, 3.1 hectares, and 6 persons, respectively.
Budgetary analysis shows that mean revenue per hectare from cassava production was ₦131,917.8 ($369.4)/ha for credit users with gross margin of ₦85,138.7 ($238.4)/ha and return on investment of 1.54, whereas ₦117,602.5 ($329.3)/ha for non-users with gross margin of ₦71,923.4 ($201.4)/ha and return on investment of 1.31, implicating that cassava production is a profitable and viable enterprise and that credit users are more profitable than non-users. Farm size (p < 0.01), membership in cooperative society (p < 0.10), and credit (p < 0.01) significantly influenced the profitability of the cassava farmers. The test of the mean difference in revenue and net farm income was significant at 1%. The study concluded that credit had a positive significant influence on cassava farmers’ profitability. Hence, credits should be made available by relevant stakeholders like government and non-governmental organisations, to cassava farmers in the study area.
Evaluation of parenteral injection skills of medical undergraduates on mannequins in a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India – A cross-sectional study
Authors: James Jerin , Porkodi A , Rani Jamuna , Varadarajan Sathyanarayanan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Appropriate knowledge and expertise of parenteral injection is vital in the medical field. Hence we impart training on mannequins before the students practice on patients. This study was conducted to evaluate the skill exhibited by the students in parenteral injection skills, namely intravenous, intramuscular, intradermal and subcutaneous injections. The students were assessed for step based on the pre-validated check list created for Objective Structured Practical Examination. In this study, 16 % of the students failed to check the prescription order before starting the procedure. The name and the expiry date of the drug was not checked by 22 % of the students. Hundred percent of the students sterilized their hands. Loading of drug was done properly by 80 % of the students and 88 % of the students checked for air bubbles in the syringe and removed them properly. The site for injection was not sterilized by 26 percent of the students. Tourniquet was not applied by 19 percent of the students and 28 % of the students did not hold the bevel up during insertion for intravenous route. The steps where frequent faltering happened needs to be emphasized for them to perform better in a more efficient manner during the summative assessment as well as for future practice.
Humoral response after breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Michalski Aleksander , Goralczyk Magdalena , Brzozowski Michal , Dworzanski Jakub , Drop Bartlomiej , Stepien Ewa , Polz-Dacewicz Malgorzata 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains an important public health problem in both developing and developed countries. In addition, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has revealed furthel risks for diabetes patients in terms of symptoms and disease progression. Higher mortality and morbidity are related to the complexity of the pathology of this chronic underlying disease, which negatively affects the immune response to the SARSCoV-2 virus. The humoral response plays an important role in the eradication of the virus; thus, it was analyzed in vaccinated diabetics who underwent COVID-19, as well as in the control group. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and level of IgG antibodies raised against the nucleocapsid protein (NCP), S1 subunit receptor binding domain (RBD) and subunit Spike 2 (S2) subunit of the virus’s S protein using the Microblot Array test. The results demonstrated significantly lower prevalence and titers of anti-SARS antibodies in diabetic patients compared to the control group. In addition, antibody titers were negatively related to the duration of this chronic disease, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities and HbA1c concentration. Further research is needed to develop the best strategy for specific prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in diabetic patients.
Bats of the Ostrava city and their synantropization
Authors: Gajdošík Martin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Based on the published findings (Koštejnová 2013, Slezáková 2014, Gajdošík 2020), unpublished data from museum specimens (2005 – 2013), and data from field surveys (2005 – 2023), a total of 13 bat species were recorded in the urban area of Ostrava in North Moravia. Common species in the area included Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Nyctalus noctula, Eptesicus serotinus, Myotis daubentonii, and Vespertilio murinus. P. pipistrellus was eudominant species (D = 74.41), followed by N. noctula (D = 11.41). E. serotinus was a subdominant species (D = 4.59), followed by M. daubentonii (D = 3.77) and V. murinus (D = 2.45). The occurrence of M. mystacinus/brandtii was recendent (D = 1.33), and the occurrence of M. nattereri (D = 0.51), E. nilssonii (D = 0.51), P. pygmaeus (D = 0.31), Plecotus auritus/austriacus (D = 0.31), Pipistrellus nathusii (D = 0.20), N. leisleri (D = 0.10), M. myotis (D = 0.10) and M. brandtii (D = 0.10) were subrecendent. In the summer season, eudominant species were P. pipistrellus (D = 76.84), followed by the N. noctula (D = 10.63), subdominant E. serotinus (D = 4.74), and M. daubentonii (D = 3.89), with M. mystacinus/brandtii being recendent (D = 1.37). In the winter season, eudominant species were V. murinus (D = 62.50), followed by the N. noctula (D = 34.38) and subdominant P. nathusii (D = 3.13). However, the species composition inside and outside buildings differed significantly. In the summer season, eudominant species inside buildings was P. pipistrellus (D = 99.57), followed by the subrecendent species V. murinus (D = 0.29) and M. daubentonii (D = 0.14). Outside buildings, N. noctula (D = 40.16) were eudominant, followed by E. serotinus (D = 17.72), P. pipistrellus (D = 14.17), and M. daubentonii (D = 14.17), with M. mystacinus/brandtii (D = 5.12) was dominant, and M. nattereri (D = 1.97), E. nilssonii (D = 1.97), P. pygmaeus (D = 1.18), and P. auritus/austriacus (D = 1.18) were recendent species. In the winter season, eudominant species inside buildings were V. murinus (D = 68.75), followed by N. noctula (D = 25.00), and the situation was very similar outside the buildings during this period, with eudominant V. murinus (D = 56.25) and N. noctula (D = 43.75). Two roosts of the maternity colonies P. pipistrellus were recorded in city buildings: in Výškovice, Lumírova 10, in a expansion joint near the balcony on the top floor of a panel residential building; and in Zábřeh, Plzeňská 2617/4 and Plzeňská 2617/6, in expansion joints on the top floors of an old panel building used as a hostel and apartment building.
Plasma Nicotine Pharmacokinetics of Oral Nicotine Pouches Across Varying Flavours and Nicotine Content *
Authors: McEwan Michael , Haswell Linsey Ellen , Baxter-Wright Sarah , Meichanetzidis Filimon , Jin Tao , Hardie George 
Published: December 2023

SUMMARY

Background
In recent years several nicotine products have been introduced that aim to offer smokers an alternative to cigarettes. As well as having fewer toxicants than combustible cigarettes, such nicotine products must be able to deliver nicotine efficiently. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the pharmacokinetics of nicotine absorption from nine oral tobacco-free smokeless nicotine pouches with varying nicotine content and flavours.

Methods
In a randomised, open-labelled, controlled, crossover clinical study, nicotine pharmacokinetics and product-liking were compared between nine nicotine pouches (Velo, BAT; 4- or 7-mg nicotine per pouch and in eight flavours). During a 10-day confinement period, 42 healthy adult participants, who were current smokers of combustible cigarettes, used a single study product once each day during a 45-min use period following overnight nicotine abstinence.

Results
Maximum plasma nicotine concentration and area under curve for nicotine concentration versus time 180 min after the start of study product use were significantly greater for the 7-mg than for the 4-mg Velo pouches (p < 0.0001). These values did not differ between flavours among the 7-mg Velo nicotine pouches after adjustment for multiple comparisons (both p > 0.003). The median time to maximum plasma nicotine concentrations and mean product-liking scores were similar regardless of nicotine content and flavour.

Conclusions
Regardless of flavour, nicotine pouches with the same nicotine content and formulation produce similar pharmacokinetic parameters and can deliver nicotine efficiently. Nicotine pouches could be a satisfying alternative for smokers switching from conventional cigarettes. [Contrib. Tob. Nicotine Res. 32 (2023) 130–139]
A Pumping Method for Assessing Airtightness of Packs - Application to Heated Tobacco Products *
Authors: Chen Zhihao , Shi Zhandong , Zhang Pengfei , Ding Li , Zhang Qing , Li Zhigang , Sun Miao , Ye Chao , Wang Hao , Wu Xiaosong , Li Dong 
Published: December 2023

SUMMARY
The airtightness of heated tobacco product (HTP) packs is a very important indicator for the product quality and is also of great importance during the conditioning process. A method for evaluation of the airtightness was developed based on the air pressure difference in a constant pumping configuration. The essential feature of this method is that the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the HTP packs during the deflation process is used to characterize the sealing quality of HTP packs. The detailed setup, the principle as well as the determination procedure are described. The accuracy and the repeatability of the method were assessed, and the effect of airtightness on the conditioning process was also investigated. The developed method is proven to be reliable with a standard deviation less than 0.09 kPa and repeatability less than 0.30 kPa. In addition, it was found that, although the transmission of moisture between HTPs and atmosphere could not be entirely prevented by the packs, airtightness still plays a significant role during the conditioning process, especially if the airtightness was at a relatively low level (e.g., lower than 1.5 kPa under a pumping flow rate of 200 mL/min). The method provides a promising way to assess and monitor the sealing quality of HTP packs, and it is suggested that the airtightness of the pack should not be lower than 2 kPa under a pumping flow rate of 200 mL/min. [Contrib. Tob. Nicotine Res. 32 (2023) 140–145]
Influence of Rheum taxa and harvesting date on the content of L-ascorbic acid and oxalic acid in the climatic conditions of South Moravia (Czech Republic)
Authors: Neugebauerová Jarmila , Hakalová Eliška , Ragasová Lucia Nedorost , Čechová Jana , Raddová Jana , Tekielska Dorota , Pokluda Robert 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
Rhubarb (Rheum L.) is a well-known medicinal and culinary plant. Apart from its rich nutritional value, rhubarb contains a higher concentration of oxalates. In this study, the content of L-ascorbic acid (AA) and oxalic acid (OA) within three rhubarb species (Rheum rhabarbarum, R. rhaponticum and R. palmatum × wittrockii) differentiated to 16 accessions in a gene bank rhubarb collection (Lednice, Czech Republic) in the condition of conventional production in the South Moravia region during the harvesting period was evaluated. While L-ascorbic acid is essential in human nutrition, oxalic acid is considered toxic, and high doses may cause serious health issues. AA and OA content, the morphology evaluation and ISSR (inter simple sequence repeats)-based genetic analysis were performed. The results of this study confirm the significant influence of taxonomy and harvesting time on the content of AA in Rheum accessions. The content of AA was determined from 6 mg · 100 g-1 to 10 g · 100 g-1 fresh weight (FW) at the beginning of the harvesting season (May) up to 25 mg · 100 g-1 FW at the end of the harvesting period. The content of OA strongly varied from 300 mg · 100 g-1 to 1800 mg · 100 g-1 FW. Regarding the antinutrient character of oxalate, the optimal harvest period of this region was estimated to be from May to early June, when the OA content was the lowest. The role of AA as a precursor of oxalate formation in rhubarb was not affirmed by the results of this study.
What’s Next if Reward is Enough? Insights for AGI from Animal Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Rajagopal Shreya 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThere has been considerable recent interest in the “The Reward is Enough” hypothesis, which is the idea that agents can develop general intelligence even with simple reward functions, provided the environment they operate in is sufficiently complex. While this is an interesting framework to approach the AGI problem, it also brings forth new questions - what kind of RL algorithm should the agent use? What should the reward function look like? How can it quickly generalize its learning to new tasks? This paper looks to animal reinforcement learning - both individual and social - to address these questions and more. It evaluates existing computational models and neural substrates of Pavlovian conditioning, reward-based action selection, intrinsic motivation, attention-based task representations, social learning and meta-learning in animals and discusses how insights from these findings can influence the development of animal-level AGI within an RL framework.
Climate change in Poland – the assessment of the conversation with ChatGPT
Authors: Krzyżewska Agnieszka 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
ChatGPT, along with its applications, possibilities, limitations and future development, is currently one of the most often discussed topics worldwide. One of the issues raised in those discussions is its ethically questionable role in science and education.
The goal of this paper is to assess the accuracy and correctness of the responses given by ChatGPT, using climate change in Poland as an example. Eight questions related to this topic were posed to ChatGPT, and each answer was subsequently verified and assigned a grade on a scale of 0–10. The overall grade obtained was 3.8, indicating that only 30–40% of the information provided by ChatGPT was accurate. This poor result can be attributed to fake references, inaccurate data, overgeneralizations and simplification. Nevertheless, with proper training and development, ChatGPT has tremendous potential to serve as a valuable tool for ethically sound applications in the field of science.