Search

We report the synthesis, isolation, and comprehensive characterization of N-heterocyclic carbene gold xanthate (NHC–Au–X, X – xanthate) complexes. These easily accessible complexes demonstrate significant versatility as photocatalysts, facilitating [2+2]-cycloadditions, and as π-catalysts in the intramolecular hydroxylation of allenes and hydrohydrazination of alkynes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to fill this research gap, the authors undertook an analysis of the problem specified in the title in the context of public elementary schools in Białystok. First, a dogmatic approach was taken, which involved a detailed analysis of selected provisions of educational law. Second, an empirical approach was applied by reviewing documents in the form of statutes from 44 out of 47 elementary schools, focusing on the degree of implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Goal 4a. The research was based on criteria developed by the authors, grounded in the available literature, which focused on four key aspects considered essential for assessing the level of achievement of the stated goal. These criteria include ensuring the physical and psychological safety of students, internal and external aspects of security, safety education, and cooperation of schools with institutions charged with the provision of safety. The analyses partially confirmed the hypothesis that the examined national regulations and the statutes of public elementary schools are only minimally aligned with SDG 4a. These findings shed light on the existing theoretical and practical challenges related to the effective implementation of international educational standards at the local level and may serve as inspiration for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to examine which selected internal factors influence the profitability (ROA) of companies in the energy sector in Poland and how they do so, over the period 2018–2021, taking into account two groups: all types of activities (984 companies) and electricity production (508 companies). This study uses Pearson correlation analysis, Wilcoxon pairwise rank test, descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression to build eight ROA econometric models, four for each group. The research shows that in the energy sector, in particular, variables relating to the capital structure (total equity/total assets, long-term liabilities/total assets, short-term liabilities/total assets and long-term liabilities/short-term liabilities ratios) have a statistically significant impact (positive or negative) on the profitability (ROA). The aforementioned ratios appear in various combinations in all eight ROA models. The use of equity to finance the activities of companies in this sector seems to be particularly beneficial, as the total equity/total assets ratio occurs in as many as seven out of eight models and, moreover, it always has a positive impact on the ROA. The remaining analyzed variables relating to the structure of assets (fixed assets/total assets ratio), financial liquidity (current ratio) and the age of the company appear in the models as statistically significant quite rarely, having a different impact on the ROA (positively or negatively). However, variables such as the fixed assets/current assets and total liabilities/total equity ratios do not have a statistically significant impact on the ROA at all in any of the studied groups of enterprises. The research results suggest that managers, in order to shape profitability (measured by ROA), should pay special attention to the capital structure, i.e., the proportions of the use of equity, long-term liabilities and short-term liabilities to finance the operations of energy companies as these independent variables appear most often in ROA models. Other analyzed factors, such as the assets structure (the share of fixed assets in total assets) or financial liquidity, also have an impact on the return on assets; therefore, their use in energy companies should also be considered. Moreover, the research shows a large diversity of factors shaping ROA in econometric models, the way they affect the dependent variable (positive or negative) and the degree of model fit (R2), both in individual years and in the two groups of companies studied. This proves that it is not possible to clearly and finally determine which factors and how (positive or negative) they affect the profitability. This influence can change over time depending on the circumstances, which indicates the need for the continuous involvement of decision makers in the management process and making decisions based on reliable and appropriate-to-the-situation analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing evidence that the body's energy expenditures constitute a significant risk factor for the development of most deadly diseases, including cancer. Our aim was to investigate the impact of basal metabolic rate (BMR) on the growth and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). To do so, we used a unique model consisting of three lines of laboratory mice (Mus musculus) artificially selected for high (HBMR) and low (LBMR) basal metabolic rate and randomly bred individuals (non-selected, NSBMR). The experimental individuals were implanted with human colorectal cancer cells DLD-1. The variation in BMR between the lines allowed for testing the impact of whole-body metabolism on oxidative and antioxidant parameters in the liver throughout the cancerogenesis process. We investigated the dependence between metabolic values, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-based E3 ligase complexes (Keap1) gene activity in these animals. We found that the HBMR strain had a higher concentration of oxidative enzymes compared to the LBMR and NSBMR. Furthermore, the growth rate of CRC tumors was associated with alterations in the levels of oxidative stress enzymes and Keap1 expression in animals with a high metabolic rate. Our results indicate that a faster growth and development of CRC line DLD-1 is associated with enzymatic redox imbalance in animals with a high BMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: This article aims to present the factors influencing purchasing decisions by Generation Z respondents (from Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary) relating to pro-ecological products from the electrical machinery industry. Additionally, a model was created allowing us to determine whether the pro-environmental approach is associated with other purchase determinants identified in the factor analysis. (2) Methods: Verification of the objective was carried out using, i.a., a survey method, Delphi and factor analysis, econometric modeling, and the Kruskal–Wallis test. (3) Results: The most significant factors declared by respondents from Generation Z of the V4 countries influencing pro-quality and pro-environmental purchasing decisions from this industry were product price (3.959), previous personal experience with the product (3.959), expected product life (durability) (3.809), and individual customer needs (3.615). The least important determinants were the period for which the product was on the market (2.843) then, surprisingly, product packaging (2.902), and ecolabel (2.921). (4) Conclusions: Interpreting the resulting model, it can be concluded that as the assessment of knowledge and experience as well as the assessment of the brand and image increased, the assessment of the importance of pro-ecological factors also increased. Branding and image are more linked to environmental activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the scope of the legislation governing the crime of planning, preparing, starting, or waging an aggressive war (Article 353) and public incitement to start it (Article 354) contained in the 1996 Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. These crimes are discussed according to the statutory characteristics of the acts. As part of the study of this issue, a thesis was formulated, which is a conjecture that criminal liability for the crimes in question is regulated in the 1996 Russian Criminal Code in a casuistic and strict manner, but one that takes international solutions into account. The research methods used in the study were a dogmatic analysis of the 1996 Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and a literature analysis of pertaining to the crimes in question. During the analysis of the two crimes referred to in the title, interpretation problems and shortcomings of the existing solutions (understanding of basic concepts, casuistry of the legislation, and severity of the sanctions) were pointed out. The considerations confirmed the adopted thesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to outline the current problems with the company's documentation workflow process and propose a plan to implement a new automated system to eliminate waste and improve the company's cash flow. Every enterprise is required to accurately record business operations. Accounting is the foundation of an organization, serving not only to meet legal requirements, but also to support management processes. In the case of large enterprises, complex accounting carries the risk of problems with timely and correct accounting, which can lead to delays in payments, reminders, collection procedures and interruptions in deliveries. As a result, it becomes crucial to put processes in place to safeguard liquidity. The study includes an analysis of the company's current documentation workflow process and identification of problems associated with it. A plan is then proposed to implement a new automated system to eliminate waste. The methodology is based on an analysis of the company's internal data and available technological solutions. The main results of the study include the identification of existing problems in the documentation workflow process and a plan for implementing a new system. The findings indicate that improving process efficiency can help increase the company's cash flow. The study introduces a new perspective on records management in enterprises, especially in the context of eliminating waste and improving liquidity. The theoretical value of the work lies in identifying opportunities for effective records management in the context of supporting business processes. The introduction of an automated documentation workflow system can bring practical benefits, such as reducing payment delays, avoiding debt collection procedures and improving the overall efficiency of business operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article raises issues regarding the consumption of energy from both fossil and renewable sources in households. The research was carried out on the basis of data obtained from the Eurostat database, which covered the period from 1995 to 2021 and concerned the European Union countries. Increasing energy consumption and, thus, increasing household expenses affect their standard of living. The purpose of the analysis was to construct two econometric models for electricity consumption. The first model referred to the consumption of energy from fossil sources and the second from renewable sources. A forecast of energy consumption in households was also constructed on the basis of estimated models. Econometric modelling methods (multiple regression) and time-series forecasting methods (linear regression method, exponential smoothing models) were applied for the study. Research shows that the main factor that models energy consumption in households, both from fossil and renewable sources, is the final consumption expenditure of households (Euro per capita). The set of indicators for the models varies depending on the type of energy source. The forecast shows that the share of energy consumption obtained from fossil sources will decrease systematically, while the share of energy consumption from renewable sources will continue to increase systematically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics offer a potential new therapeutic approach for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but current results are still controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of single-strain probiotic formulations in adult IBS patients and to compare the effects of Bifidobacterium lactis NORDBIOTIC™ BI040 (DSM 33812/34614) and Bacillus coagulans NORDBIOTIC™ BC300 (DSM 33836) in a prospective three-arm interventional randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. The study included 123 IBS subjects diagnosed according to the Rome IV criteria. The primary outcomes were changes in symptom severity and symptom improvement as assessed using the IBS Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS) after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of intervention and after 4 weeks of follow-up. Secondary outcomes included the assessment of individual IBS symptoms and the occurrence of adverse events. During the 12-week intervention, IBS-SSS scores significantly decreased (p-values < 0.001) in the study groups but differences between the interventional and placebo groups did not reach statistical significance. However, at the 16th week of follow-up, a significant improvement in the total IBS-SSS score in comparison to the placebo group (20.5%) was found in 43.8% and 52.9% of the Bifidobacterium lactis (p = 0.038, OR 3.0, [95% CI 1.1–8.6]) and the Bacillus coagulans (p = 0.005, OR 4.6 [95% CI 1.5–12.2]) groups, respectively. Bifidobacterium lactis had a beneficial effect on the intensity and frequency of pain, whereas Bacillus coagulans decreased the bowel dissatisfaction. Both strains increased the percentage of patients with normal stool consistency, but only Bifidobacterium lactis induced a decrease in the number of patients with constipation after 6 weeks of supplementation. Both probiotic strains were well tolerated, without differences in the occurrence of adverse events between groups. In conclusion, single-strain supplementation was safe and efficient in IBS patients but showed a different range of effects. Bifidobacterium lactis BI040 primarily reduced the frequency and intensity of pain, while Bacillus coagulans BC300 increased bowel satisfaction [ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05064930]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses the crime of rehabilitation of Nazism included in the 1996 Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. It presents the rationale for its introduction into the legislation, the scope of the legal regulation, and its evaluation in terms of content and drafting. For the purpose of the publication, research questions were posed, the answers to which demonstrated the political and populist nature of the regulation and its imprecise casuistic approach, which brings few benefits to Russia's criminal policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] In the study, we aimed to investigate the activity of nanoformulations containing 5-fluorouracil and polymer-magnetic hybrids bearing membrane-penetrating and ligand-receptor-recognizing agents against colorectal cancer cells. The formation and characterization of iron oxide particles covered with polymeric shells comprising lithocholic acid and folic acid moieties are presented. The efficiency of nanoformulations combined by the simple mixing of low doses of 5-fluorouracil with the obtained hybrids was demonstrated against DLD-1 and HT-29 colon cancer cells. The most pronounced cytotoxic potential against HT-29 cells was observed in the cases of particles based on block and randomly arranged copolymers functionalized by FA motifs with depletion of viable cells by approximately 50 % compared to control cells and cells treated by 5-FU applied in free form. In the case of the DLD-1 cell line, the percentage of viable DLD-1 cells decreased by about 30 to 40% after treatment with the block and randomly arranged copolymer decorated by FA-moiety, when compared to 5-FU at the free form and the untreated control. The induction of apoptosis associated with PS-translocation was determined to be the main mechanism of their cytotoxic effects. Moreover, the safety profiles of the nanoformulations were established through hemolysis assay and the analysis of the viability of human colorectal fibroblasts. It was indicated that all tested nanoparticles met the compatibility requirements at the in vitro level. It should be emphasized that in many cases, there was a significant improvement in the compatibility of hybrids with the FA motif compared to non-functionalized hybrids with the addition of 5-FU. These findings suggest that the presence of FA might modulate the toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]